A/N: Hi everyone. I'm sorry for the (impromptu) HIATUS to this story. My life has been faced with a lot of challenges and big changes lately, and it's impacted my ability to write, as well as taking time away from it. This chapter was, honestly, pretty much written the last time I was posting, but it wasn't quite finished enough to post. I'll be updating as I can; writing has been pretty difficult for me lately, especially my WIPs. This story is fully outlined, it does have an ending, and I'm trying to get there. Another reason I struggle to keep a writing schedule is because I can't force the words out, even if they're right there. I can really only write when I'm possessed by my creative fervor and the words just pour from me like a hurricane. I've had very few of those moments in the past year, which is also why there's been such a long wait for this chapter.
I hope you're all well, and please enjoy this update.
The Golden Girl With a Golden Heart
Wizarding Britain's very own Hermione Granger, who was pivotal in defeating Voldemort during the Second Wizarding World, has condemned the actions of our Ministry of Magic. After hearing her side, I can't help but support her decision. Notorious Death Eater, Bellatrix Black (formerly Lestrange nee Black), was given the Dementor's Kiss earlier this year. With her sentence carried out, the Golden Girl was able to share why she was not present during the trial.
"I fought it tooth and nail, but at every stage it was rejected," she had said about her testimony during the interview.
The full story of Miss Granger's testimony can be found on page 2. With the startling revelations, it truly makes one wonder why the Wizengamot refused to allow testimony favorable to the Death Eater. Built on a platform of supposed progress, why did the Wizengamot leave out the testimony of one of Britain's most prominent and highly regarded witches? For the moment, we can only speculate, but Miss Granger did have this to say when asked her opinion of the Death Eater's sentence, summarised neatly into one word, "Barbaric." In light of the barred testimony, I find myself agreeing.
R.S.
A photo of Hermione split the body of the text in half so it was centred on the page. She was evenly framed on all sides by the window, the sunlight creating a halo on the top of her hair. Her plait hung over her left shoulder, stray strands escaping to frame her face. She stands perfectly still even as the flash of the camera blinks across the photo. Her mouth is pinched into a severe line and her eyes, while blazing with emotion, are hard. Hermione had to admit it was a great photo. In all her other photos she looked slightly pained or even downright annoyed.
It was then that she realised she hadn't made time to speak to Harry and Ron. She paled, tossing the paper onto the bed, startling Bellatrix awake. She hurriedly changed, nearly tripping as she shoved her feet into her shoes.
"I need to get to the Burrow," she explained to Bellatrix's questioning look, pointing to the newspaper for her to read.
Before the former Death Eater had a chance to respond, Hermione turned on her heel. The wards to the Burrow let her into the house, causing the table's residents to startle. Seeing the untouched paper, she summoned it to her hands before anyone had a chance to read it and held it behind her back.
"I need to tell you all something," she whispered, "I permitted Rita Skeeter to interview me for an hour. She published it this morning. All of you know how strongly I feel about certain...events, and I couldn't tell you why because of a magical gag that was in effect until after Bellatrix received the Dementor's Kiss. I spoke about it in my interview, and you're welcome to read it, but I wanted to give you the opportunity to hear the story from me so you know that what she wrote is factual."
It was the first time Hermione had managed to get through an explanation without being interrupted, but she was beginning to think it was only because they hadn't been expecting her. As her words caught up with them, Molly's face twisted into confusion and anger, Ron's face was a splotchy red, Arthur was staring with his mouth open, and Harry was refusing to look at her. They refused to say anything. Nodding, she tossed the paper onto the table.
"Have at it, then," she mumbled, leaving through the door just so she had the satisfaction of slamming it closed behind her.
She walked to the edge of the wards, giving them time to come to their senses. When none of them did, she turned on her heel, apparating to Ginny's. Not being the most familiar with the redhead's new home, she tripped over the table as she landed.
"Fucking hell!" came Ginny's muffled shout from upstairs.
Hermione stayed on the floor, listening to the footsteps on the floor above her. Disappointment brought the hot sting of tears to her eyes. Hopefully, they would come around, Hermione had appeared out of nowhere and dumped a lot of information on them, but they hadn't even said anything as she left.
"Hermione?" Ginny asked when she reached the bottom of the stairs, "What the fuck? You better not have splinched yourself."
"No, I just tripped," she mumbled, refusing to get up from the floor, "I went to the Burrow because Skeeter published her article and I interrupted their breakfast and took the paper before they could read it and told them they could hear it from me if they wanted to or they could read it and Molly looked so mad and Arthur just stared at me and Ron was furious and Harry wouldn't look at me."
Hermione hiccupped, sobbing onto the rug and continuing her ramble, "I walked to the edge of the wards and I came here and I tripped on the table and why do my friends have to be so- so shitty!"
Ginny sighed, sitting next to Hermione and patting her shoulder. "If they don't pull their heads out of their asses, that's on them, ' them a little time to process and we'll go round together, okay?"
The brunette's response was obscured by the rug, but the youngest Weasley was fairly certain she agreed. She didn't really know what to say to make Hermione feel better, so she just sat on the floor and rubbed her back. This side of Hermione was new to her, and while she was glad her friend was allowing herself to experience emotions in the moment, it was strange to see her normally stoic best friend like this. She opted to keep her company, summoning her copy of the newspaper to her hand to read, giving her companionship while she worked through her emotions.
"Fuck, 'Mi, you look incredible in this photo," she couldn't help the words once her eyes landed on the centre of the front page.
"It's such a good photo," Hermione cried, turning her face to the side to breathe, "Skeeter did a really good job."
"No kidding," Ginny breathed as she skimmed the text, flipping to the second page, "I didn't even know she was capable of doing a good job, but damn. She actually wrote a good piece."
"I thought the same thing," she mumbled quietly, shifting on the rug so she could put her head on Ginny's leg.
Silence settled between them as Ginny finished reading what Rita had written on page 2. Hermione continued to lie there, picking at an errant thread on the younger witch's shirt.
"Andy said Kingsley is trying to get the trial started," the brunette mused aloud, "He wants me off mandated rest."
"Yeah, he's been pressuring her about it," Ginny mumbled, "What did she say?"
"She was conflicted about lifting it. I'm finally taking care of my emotional state and it's going to be difficult to face everything."
"Aww fragile Hermione," the redhead cooed, pinching Hermione's cheeks.
"Fragile Hermione will still kick your arse if you carry on," she threatened, "What do you think I should do?"
She puffed out her cheeks, breathing out forcefully. "I think, and I hate to say it, I really fucking do, that if you're going to go from this trial straight to Bellatrix's you need to be badass Hermione, not sobbing all over my rug Hermione. You're the best at just getting shit done, and the sooner you get this shit done, the sooner you'll be done with the ministry. You won't be needed at Hogwarts until next September, so there will be plenty of time to sort your shit out. Merlin, I feel like such a shit friend saying that."
"I've been thinking it, too. I can hardly stand in front of the Wizengamot and convince them Bellatrix should be free if I'm going to be so fragile. Andy said she's worried that I haven't been getting better the way I should because of the mental strain." Hermione kept her eyes on the ceiling, feeling Ginny's hands in her hair.
"A compromise, then" the younger witch suggested, "While you're still on mandated rest, stay sobbing all over my rug Hermione. Have Andy lift it at the last possible minute and go back to badass Hermione until the trials are resolved. You want everything sorted in time for Christmas, right? How much more research do you need to do?"
"Can you buy me another week? I'm so close," she tilted her head on Ginny's thigh so she could look at her, "I just have to tie everything together. But I'm thinking, Rita wrote a really good article, I would be willing to do interviews if she writes like that and agrees not to publish it before the time is right. It would build such a strong public support base for Bellatrix."
"Fuck, you are devious. This is going to be so fun to watch," Ginny grinned wickedly, "I can buy you that kind of time. You'll need to get in touch with Rita before the trials start and get all your interviews done before the magical gag."
"I'll arrange a meeting tomorrow, Minerva is joining us for tea tonight." Hermione sat up, pushing her hair out of her face. "Merlin, I left in such a rush I barely told Bella where I was going. I should get back and apologise to her."
The redhead wiggled her eyebrows. "I've got a few suggestions for how you could do that."
"Fucking prick," the older witch grumbled, shoving Ginny's head playfully, "Come round tomorrow afternoon?"
"Well when you call me a fucking prick how can I possibly say no?" she teased.
Hermione held her middle finger up at the other witch as she turned on her heel, returning to the bedroom she shared with Bellatrix. The former Death Eater was still in bed, parchment propped on her lap and charcoal in her hand. Her tongue was poking out and her brows were furrowed.
"Bella," the brunette whispered, crawling onto the bed and nuzzling into a pale shoulder, "I'm sorry for rushing away this morning. What are you working on?"
"It's okay, cub," she assured, "When I saw the paper I knew why. You look good in your picture, by the way. I'm trying to get a more even fine line with my charcoal, but I'm still a little out of practice when it comes to the meticulous details."
"You liked my picture?" Hermione felt her cheeks flush as she looked up at the older witch.
"Of course," Bellatrix answered, "Why wouldn't I?"
The brunette shook her head. "I don't know."
"Come here, silly witch," the former Death Eater whispered, setting her parchment and charcoal on the nightstand.
Hermione complied, straddling Bellatrix's lap and leaning in for a soft kiss. When cool hands landed on her waist, her breath hitched, and the older witch took the opportunity to pull Hermione's bottom lip into her mouth. Hermione groaned, one hand tangling in wild curls and the other sliding over Bellatrix's ribs.
"Bella," she whispered when her lip was free, "I don't want to stop."
"Don't," she groaned, ducking her head to kiss along the brunette's jaw.
Hermione slid her hands under the former Death Eater's shirt, swearing when her palms met the soft, warm skin. Bellatrix gasped when the younger witch's hands brushed against her skin, travelling higher until her shirt was being pulled over her head. Soft lips worked their way reverently down a pale neck, lingering on her Azkaban tattoo, across prominent collarbones, and down to her sternum. Pale hands buried themselves in brown hair, pulling Hermione back up to Bellatrix's lips.
"I want to worship you, Bella," she whispered against her lips, pulling the witch's lower lip into her mouth with her teeth.
"Fuck," she breathed when the brunette released her lip, tightening her grip on Hermione's hair, "I want you to."
The younger witch leaned back, pulling her shirt over her head and discarding it on the floor. She tossed her wand onto Bellatrix's nightstand, uncaring as it rolled onto the floor. Her hands ghosted across Bellatrix's chest, closely followed by her lips. When she reached a hardened nipple, she groaned, wasting no time covering it with her mouth.
"Ah," Bellatrix gasped softly, pushing into the brunette's mouth, "Fuck."
Hermione smirked up at her briefly, and the former Death Eater's mind cleared itself of all thoughts except for the growing wetness between her legs and the witch on top of her causing it. She was quickly brought back to reality when Hermione brushed her thumb over her other nipple. With a quiet moan, she squeezed Hermione's hips with her legs, prompting her to continue with her mouth.
"You're so beautiful, Bella," she breathed across the pale expanse of her chest before covering her other nipple with her mouth.
"Hermione," she moaned, her head leaning back to rest against the headboard.
The brunette responded with a pleased hum, letting her hands wander down to Bellatrix's hips. She toyed with the waistband of the older witch's sweatpants, kissing her way down the valley of Bellatrix's breasts, across her ribs, and down her stomach, giving extra attention to the silvery scars she discovered along the way. The former Death Eater had closed her eyes, her breaths coming rapidly and leaving her in quiet gasps and moans. She didn't rush the younger witch, letting her set the slow and loving pace.
"Bella," Hermione whispered, her head resting on her thigh, "Can I take these off?"
"Please," she whimpered, aching for more contact between Hermione and herself.
"Divesto," she whispered, ridding them both of their remaining clothes.
Hermione groaned as her cheek pressed against a warm thigh. She heard Bellatrix's soft gasp above her and she squeezed her hips, peppering kisses across the skin. She couldn't wait to taste her, to have her thighs wrapped around her head and holding her in place. For a moment, she moved closer, inhaling deeply and groaning softly.
"Fuck," Hermione whispered, forcing herself to move to Bellatrix's other thigh and continue showering her in kisses.
"Hermione," Bellatrix whined, pushing her hips upward.
"I will," she promised, "I can't wait to taste you."
The former Death Eater let out a noise mixed between a sigh and a gasp. Hermione exercised all the restraint she possessed to continue down Bellatrix's leg slowly before working her way up the other one. She could hear the older witch's quiet pleas, her voice higher in pitch, her gasps breathy and fast. Hands tightened in her hair, encouraging her to move higher but not forcing her. When she reached the top of Bellatrix's thigh, she looped her arms under pale legs, pulling them over her shoulders.
"I love you, Bella," Hermione whispered, lowering her mouth to the tidy patch of hair between her legs, slick with desire.
"Ah," she gasped, a long slow moan replacing what she was going to say as Hermione's tongue expertly slid between her lower lips.
The brunette groaned, tightening her grip on pale hips. "Fuck, you taste so good."
Bellatrix could only whimper in response as Hermione lightly traced her clit with her tongue. She dug her heels into a strong back and pushed her hips up, bringing Hermione closer. The brunette applied more pressure to Bellatrix's swollen and sensitive clit, occasionally dipping her tongue lower. One hand left her hair to clutch at a hand holding her hip, and she laced their fingers together. Bellatrix squeezed her hand as she circled her clit again, the sounds falling from her mouth slightly muffled by pale thighs. Hermione squeezed back, devoting her mouth to the older witch's clit. She sucked it into her mouth, causing hips to buck into her and moans to rise in pitch.
Hermione continued, ignoring the wetness between her own legs even as it spread to her thighs. She had one goal, one purpose, and that was to show Bellatrix how much she wanted her. Heels dug harder into her back and the thighs wrapped around her head began to stiffen. Hermione continued her ministrations on Bellatrix's clit, massaging it lovingly with her tongue. She glanced up at Bellatrix, her face framed by her breasts from Hermione's perspective. Her head rested against the headboard, eyes closed and mouth open, an endless string of gasps, moans, expletives, and Hermione's name escaping from her lips. Her chest heaved, glistening with the beginnings of sweat.
You're so beautiful, she thought to the older witch, earning a surprised gasp, Come for me, my beautiful Bella. My warrior star.
With a cry, Bellatrix tensed, her back arching away from the headboard. Wetness coated Hermione's chin, and she tenderly dipped her tongue into it, earning another moan. Gently, she coaxed her hand out of Bellatrix's, letting trembling thighs fall off her shoulders. She knelt between the older witch's legs, cupping her face and caressing her cheek with her thumb. A languid smile was plastered on her face as her eyelids fluttered open to look at the brunette witch in front of her.
"I love you, too, Hermione," she rasped, winding an arm around a lithe waist.
The brunette smiled shyly, her flushed face pressing against Bellatrix's shoulder. The former Death Eater ducked her head to kiss along Hermione's shoulder, the scent of her own desire reaching her nose. She groaned softly into the warm skin, feeling a fresh wave of desire rise between her legs. With her teeth, she gently teased the younger witch, delighting in the way her breath hitched and she leaned closer, still kneeling. With her free hand, she dragged her fingers across tan skin, brushing a hard nipple with her thumb. Hermione moaned into her shoulder, arching her back slightly and pushing her hips forward. Bellatrix smiled against her shoulder, nuzzling the skin tenderly.
"I want you to stay just like that, cub," she whispered huskily against her skin, "Can you do that for me? Don't move unless I tell you to."
Hermione's response was a jerky nod, her breath catching in her throat as the words brought fresh wetness to coat her thighs.
"Good girl," Bellatrix whispered, circling Hermione's nipple with her thumb and supporting her with her arm, "Just turn that beautiful brain of yours off and let me take care of everything for a little while."
The brunette whimpered softly against a pale shoulder, the praise from the older witch turning her legs into jelly. The arm around her waist tightened, keeping her upright. Bellatrix turned her attention to her other nipple, gently pinching it and rolling it between her fingers. A moan slipped past Hermione's lips, and she gripped the headboard behind Bellatrix, her knuckles quickly turning white.
"So sensitive," Bellatrix breathed teasingly into her ear, earning a shudder from the younger witch. She slid her hand lower, brushing her fingers lightly over Hermione's quivering abs. "All for me."
Hermione nodded quickly, swallowing hard and moaning softly. She pressed her head harder into Bellatrix's shoulder, willing her hand to move lower, for her to reach the wetness between her legs and feel just what she did to her. Her hand did move lower, but as it reached the top of the patch of hair between her legs, she changed direction, moving to her hip instead.
"Bella," the brunette whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut.
"Soon, cub," the former Death Eater promised, "You're being such a good girl for me."
A moan fell from her lips, her hips pushing forward slightly. Bellatrix took the opportunity to slide her hand to Hermione's arse, grabbing the firm flesh and encouraging her hips further forward.
"Such a good girl," she whispered lowly in Hermione's ear, "I can see you dripping for me, your body is begging for me. I can see how much you want me, but I can't hear you, cub."
The brunette's breath caught in her throat, the hoarse, "Please, Bella," leaving her lips without thought.
Hermione had never begged in bed before. She had always been in control, as she was in every other aspect of her life. It had been what she needed after the war, or so she thought. With Bellatrix in control now, with her brain off at the former Death Eater's request, she realised how wrong she had been. She needed this, she needed someone else to take the mental load for once, to give her space to just enjoy being taken care of. The realisation had made her even wetter, her cheeks flushed as she moved her head so her lips were barely brushing against Bellatrix's ear.
"Please touch me, Bella," she whispered, a shiver running down the older witch's spine, "I need you to touch me, to fill me with your fingers and fuck me until my only thought is you."
The former Death Eater let out a cross between a moan and a growl, sliding her hand along hot skin to the wetness between Hermione's thighs. The brunette gasped at the touch, pushing her hips closer to the fingers gathering the wetness from her thighs.
"Bella," she moaned, lips brushing against the skin of her ear, "Please."
Bellatrix slid her fingers through Hermione's folds, moaning against her shoulder at the warm slickness that awaited her.
"All for me," she cooed, sliding a finger into Hermione slowly, "My good little cub. So good for me."
Hermione gasped, moving her hands from the headboard to Bellatrix's shoulders. The arm around her shifted so the length was along her back, holding her upright. She whimpered needily, prompting the older witch to begin moving her finger, thrusting slowly. Bellatrix added another finger, maintaining a slow but steady pace, drawing continuous moans from the younger witch. Hermione's walls gripped her fingers greedily as she slowly moved in and out of her. Wetness dripped down her fingers, moving down her palm and wrist, more with each thrust. Easily, she added another finger without breaking pace, relishing the gasp from the younger witch. With each thrust, her walls gripped her fingers tighter, keeping them from exiting fully.
"Bella." Her voice cracked, her forehead pressing into the pale shoulder of the older witch.
"Do you want to come for me, Hermione?" she asked against her neck, nuzzling affectionately.
"Please," she whimpered, her breaths coming in quiet pants.
The older witch hummed in content, peppering kisses across the expanse of her shoulder. "Come for me, love."
The whispered command was Hermione's undoing. A long, low moan escaped her lips, lost in pale skin. Her hips pressed as close to Bellatrix's fingers as they could, stilling even as the older witch continued softly thrusting against her fluttering walls. Hermione held her tightly in every aspect; her hands clutched her shoulders tightly, her forehead was pressed firmly into her shoulder, and her walls held Bellatrix's fingers in place. The older witch pulled Hermione to her, sliding her fingers out when her walls relaxed enough. The loss drew a whimper from Hermione, soothed by Bellatrix's gentle kisses. She hooked an arm behind Hermione's legs, pulling the younger witch into her lap, her legs draped over her.
"That's my good girl," she cooed into Hermione's hair, massaging her thighs and knees, "You did so good for me."
With her senses clearing from their orgasmic haze, Hermione began to register the ache in her legs. They shook under Bellatrix's kneading hands. The brunette draped her arms around Bellatrix's neck, keeping her face buried as her breathing returned to normal. The older witch continued to massage her, pressing the occasional kiss to brown hair.
"Are you okay, cub?" Bellatrix asked, reaching a hand up to smooth back damp locks.
Hermione nodded, nuzzling into her neck. "I don't think I've ever felt more okay."
The quiet admission brought a smile to the older witch's face. "We can stay like this for a few minutes but we should get a shower soon."
The brunette nodded again, her capacity for words vastly reduced and still recovering. Bellatrix continued with her task of massaging Hermione, moving from her legs to her back, working the muscles into a relaxed state. It was only when Hermione turned her head that she realised she had been crying, her cheeks damp and salty.
"Is everything okay?" Bellatrix whispered, feeling the dampness on her neck.
Hermione nodded, relaxing into the hand that came up to play with her hair. "I think I just really needed that. I didn't even know. I've always been in control and it's..."
"Exhausting?" the former Death Eater provided when she trailed off.
"Yeah," the brunette sniffled, "It's exhausting. I never knew how it felt to let someone else be in control and do the thinking for me."
Bellatrix kissed the top of her head. "I'm always happy to do it for you. You're so beautiful when you let go. Let's get a shower."
Hermione nodded, allowing the older witch to lead her to the shower. They showered quickly, not having time to linger and get distracted by each other. Once they were out, they dressed in their usual attire, sweatpants and a large tee. It was only Minerva, after all, and Hermione was unconcerned by her own appearance given the states she had been in over the years. Bellatrix was a little more anxious about the visit. Sure, she had been a brilliant student, but that was decades ago and her life had taken many turns since then. She trusted Hermione and knew she wouldn't tell just anyone about her recovery, not that it made much of a difference to her nerves.
"It'll be okay," Hermione promised, placing a gentle kiss against her lips, "She asked to see you."
"It's just been a while since I've interacted with people outside my family. I'm still getting used to Ginny," Bellatrix admitted quietly.
The younger witch chuckled, pulling Bellatrix closer by the hips. "From what I've seen you two get on like a house on fire."
"In small doses," the former Death Eater begrudgingly admitted, "It's just been years since I've properly been part of the world. I'm readjusting."
"You're doing a fantastic job, Bella. And, hey, if you decide you want to be a hermit for the rest of your life, then I'll be a hermit right there with you," Hermione whispered, "Are you ready?"
"Like you wouldn't be bored in the first week," Bellatrix teased with a playful smirk, pressing her hands against Hermione's shoulders and encouraging her to the door.
The brunette rolled her eyes, linking their hands together as they made their way downstairs. Both witches had a smile plastered on their faces when they finally emerged in the dining room. Minerva was already there, sipping her tea patiently as she spoke with Narcissa. Their conversation came to a halt at the arrival of the two, a fond smile curling Minerva's lips into a smile and creasing the corners of her eyes.
"Nice of you two to finally join us," Narcissa deadpanned, though it held no real venom.
"Minerva," Hermione beamed, "Sorry to keep you waiting. It's nice to see you."
"And you, my dear," she greeted, standing so the brunette could throw herself into her arms. With her arms wrapped tightly around her former protégé, Minerva whispered just for her, "I take great joy in seeing you so happy. You deserve it, Hermione."
The younger witch tightened the embrace, squeezing her eyes shut to ease the pressure building in them. "Thank you."
Minerva held Hermione at arm's length, her bright green eyes studying her fondly before landing on the former Death Eater standing uncertainly by the door, looking torn between staying and fleeing. "Bellatrix."
At the sound of her name from the now-headmistress, Bellatrix stiffened, her eyes locking onto Minerva's. "Minerva," she managed, her throat tight.
"It's good to see you. The real you. I'm sorry I didn't do more for you when you were a student," she said, lowering her gaze in shame, "I know it may be too late, but I'd like to rectify that."
"I-" Bellatrix hesitated, her brain unable to provide any coherent words as it struggled to process. Forgiveness? So easily given? More than that, Minerva seemed to think she had done her wrong. That was a new one for her. She had been the one going around making trouble, causing pain. Would she even have accepted help from the Head of Gryffindor? Surely she would have been too stubborn and proud.
"I think we both needed some time to grow first," she finally said, swallowing the lump in her throat, "I'd like to rectify my wrongs, as well. However I can. I'm not sure how long my relative freedom will last, if I'm honest."
Hermione looked between the two, happiness tightly coiled around her heart at the interaction, visible in the smile on her face. "How about we start with tea?"
"That sounds like a great idea," the two said in unison, shock making Bellatrix's eyes widen before her expression softened into a smile.