AN: Well, it was more than a couple of weeks…. but still under my normal amount of time? The chapter not only ended up longer than I expected but I got fixated on my novel and finished that instead. I hope you can forgive me. I'm not even going to guess when the next one, the finale, will be up. It will probably be quite long; I may split it. Anywho, enjoy ?

Summer 2005

Thoughts of Kissara's father slipped further and further into the back of their minds as the months went by. Friendships were slowly healed, and family bonds strengthened. The kittens grew and were given out to Teddy, James, and Fred (or rather, their parents), as well as Draco and Narcissa. Tonks took a second one. And Ash stayed with the Grangers, evidently wanting to stay with Crookshanks but also having grown quite fond of Bellatrix.

Bellatrix was sitting on the couch. Ash hopped up next to her and pawed at the book she was holding. The kneazle had trained the witch well. Bellatrix put her open book face down on the table coffee table and Ash stepped onto her lap, curling up. The witch petted the soft fur absentmindedly.

The quiet didn't last. The front door slammed open. Ash jumped off Bellatrix in a huff as Kissara ran in and tossed her backpack into its spot. That had been the last day of Year 1. The little girl flung her shoes off her feet and threw them towards the backdoor for later. Hermione didn't correct her. The mom was tired and it was a step up from running through the house with her shoes on.

Kissara ran into the living room. 'You, me. Play outside.'

Bellatrix smirked. 'What if I don't want to?'

Kissara reached for the open book on the table.

'What do you think you are doing?'

The girl picked up the book on the table, pretending to close it.

'Menace!' Bellatrix threw her arms around Kiki, dragging her down. Not caring about the book falling to the floor, she'd find her spot later. 'Menace!' Bellatrix kissed the girl's forehead. 'I love you.'

Kiki giggled. Bellatrix let the girl go. Kissara ran out of the room. Bellatrix heard her footsteps move towards the back. Bellatrix got up and walked to Hermione, still standing in the entryway. Bellatrix pecked her on the cheek.

"You, ok?"

"Yeah, just a long day."

Bellatrix wrapped her arms around the younger witch and pulled her close. Hermione gladly accepted the hug, closing her eyes and leaning her head on Bellatrix's shoulder. She took a few deep breaths in. Taking in the smell of pine and wildflowers whilst Bellatrix rubbed her back. Once her eyes stopped burning, she pulled away.

"Thank you."

Bellatrix couldn't help but brush her thumb over Hermione's cheek. She leaned in for a short, sweet, kiss. "Anytime." She whispered.

Hermione smiled then deflated. "I suppose someone's got to keep Kiki occupied and someone's got to make supper."

"I've got Kiki. Don't worry about supper, just get pizza."

A short laugh escaped Hermione. "Never thought I'd hear you say that."

Bellatrix scrunched up her face in mock disgust making Hermione laugh again.

It was Hermione's turn to wrap her arms around the woman who had worked so hard to meet what was asked of her and even surpass it, stealing Hermione's heart in the process. "Thank you." She said, before pulling away to go find the pizza pamphlet with the store's number.

Bellatrix watched her go before turning to go to the backdoor.

She got there just in time to see Taiga jump down from the treehouse to meet Kiki on the ground. Bellatrix leaned back and watched as Kiki squealed and commenced playing tag. She observed the game for a few rounds. They would tackle each other to the ground when they caught the other. Kissara was not gentle, she would hop onto the massive creature. Taiga, on the other hand, would push into Kissara's legs just enough to make her stumble.

Since Kissara seemed completely enthralled with her companion, Bellatrix snuck back inside. She found Hermione on the living room sofa. She sat down next to Hermione and leaned against her. Hermione wrapped an arm around her.

"Where's Kissara?"

"Playing with Taiga outside," Bellatrix felt Hermione stiffen. "I watched them play for a bit. Taiga's gentle."

"Mmm… I still don't like it."

"Well… I can transfigure a lawn chair into a cozy outdoor seat for two. And we can watch them play."

Hermione lifted Bellatrix's hand to her lips, kissed it, and stood, still holding Bellatrix's hand. "Sounds like a plan to me."

Bellatrix smiled. She stood and pulled Hermione into a kiss. "Let's go then."

Bellatrix smiled as she heard Kissara squeal when Hermione splashed her with seawater. Teddy and Kissara immediately ganged up on Hermione, dragging her down to a sitting position, with water up to her neck. She was watching them play from shore. She and her sisters were sitting on lounge chairs, enjoying the sun in their 'beach clothes'. Essentially light dresses that covered nearly every inch of their bodies as they were all prone to becoming lobsters if out too long. Draco and Astoria were sitting a little further down the beach so they could have some privacy. Tonks was away for the day, spending a bit of quality time with her new beau, Bellatrix couldn't remember his name. And the Grangers had gone to town for the day. Bellatrix had felt relief when the Grangers left. They were kind people, but she still felt tense around the parents of her much younger lover.

The trip had been Narcissa's idea. To invite the whole family to the old Black vacation home for a getaway. When the sisters were children, they would spend most of their summers here, yet the house had never been as full of laughter as it had been this past week.

"You're not thinking of marrying the girl?" Andromeda teased; she had noticed Bellatrix staring at the younger witch.

"Of course not!" Bellatrix flopped down onto the sand. "Bellatrix Granger doesn't sound right, does it?"

"But Hermione Black does." Andy teased.

"Andy - She's old enough to be the girl's mother!" Narcissa hissed.

"Ugh, don't remind me!" Bellatrix threw her arms up in the air.

"Oh, who cares at this point. They are already sleeping together."

"Excuse me! You are sleeping with Hermione?" Narcissa turned in her seat to face her eldest sister. "She's a child!"

Bellatrix hopped up. "I know!"

"I quite like Hermione Black actually," Andromeda repeated, seemingly thinking back on the issue with a more serious approach.

"Andromeda Black!" Narcissa growled.

"I'm sorry, what?" Bellatrix also stared at the middle sibling.

"Just a thought." Andromeda leaned back and returned to reading her book. Or at least, pretending to read to get her sisters' gazes off her.

Bellatrix plopped down onto the sand. She kicked at the now offending material. "Things are very…domestic between us."

"In a good way or a bad way?" Andromeda peered over her book.

"In a…way that I would have never expected. It's not a direction I ever saw my life going."

"Are you enjoying it?"

"I miss… Adrenaline… But I suppose those two make it worth it."

"I mean, you can try taking Hermione out on an adrenaline-filled date."

Bellatrix snorted. "I think she's had enough adrenaline to last a lifetime. The woman is smart and resourceful enough to have any job she wants yet instead; she runs a bookstore. Not that that's not difficult, but it isn't exactly high stakes…"

"Then maybe that's your sign to ask her out to do something different. Jumping off a cliff is very different than charging into battle."

Bellatrix laughed as she imagined taking Hermione cliff diving and the safety lecture that would certainly accompany it. Though maybe she would take Kissara when she got older, she might enjoy that. Bellatrix pondered other options. What did Hermione like to do? Other than read of course. What would be exciting for the two of them?

"I'll think of something." She said.

Bellatrix was currently picturing dropping down to the forest floor next to Hermione, exhausted from the day's activity. They would catch their breath and then proceed to make out on the forest floor like a couple of uncontrollable teenagers. She smiled. Though her favorite forest activity, blowing up trees, would also not suit Hermione. The young witch disapproved of randomly damaging the environment. Bellatrix would have to think of something else. Maybe something neither of them had done before. Something to level the playing field.

"I still can't believe you are dating a 25-year-old," Narcissa mumbled, returning Bellatrix's thoughts to the beach they were on. "As long as you are happy, I guess."

"I am."

"How was your date with what's his face?" Bellatrix asked as she picked at the carpet. The family was scattered throughout the vacation home. She could hear the kids stomping around above them.

"Scott. It went well. He's very sweet."

"How long have you been together?"

"Three months now." Tonks chuckled as Bellatrix kept picking at the carpet, not looking up at her at all. "Why are you asking? I didn't think you cared very much."

"Oh, I care. I'm just more of the I'll help you hide the body if he fucks up type."

Tonks laughed. "Fair enough. I'll let you know if it comes to that. What's really on your mind?"

Bellatrix picked a few more strands before answering. "I know it's a ways away, but, I want to throw a party for Hermione's birthday."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I don't think she's had one since she wiped her parent's memories."

"Yeah… She's not really paid attention to her birthday."

"Wouldn't her friends do something for her?"

The strings Bellatrix had been pulling at finally gave way. A clump came up and left a bald spot.

"I do take her out for drinks every year," Tonks tried not to sound defensive, despite her aunt's accusing tone. "She barely acknowledges it even then. I don't know if the Potter's or Weasley's do anything."

Bellatrix finally looked up at her niece, who was sporting blue hair today. A special request from Teddy. "Could you help me organize one this year?"

Tonks smirked. "I'm in."

"We are doing what?"

"We are going axe throwing Friday night, then dinner."

"Really?"

"I mean, if you don't want to go…"

"No! No, it's not that I don't want to go! I'm just surprised." Hermione put her arms around Bellatrix. "And happy that you want to take me out. Axe throwing sounds like fun. I assume we are going to a gym of some sort and not just going to throw axes randomly in a field somewhere?"

Bellatrix snickered at the thought. "No, I didn't think you would be on board for that. Maybe later, when we've got the hang of it."

Hermione laughed and rolled her eyes. "Maybe."

Bellatrix pecked her on the lips. The older witch then moved in for more. Hermione only allowed a short kiss before pulling back.

"And who'll be watching Kiki?"

"Narcissa will be there in time to pick up Kiki from the bus. I think she's bringing Teddy back here too while Tonks goes out with what's his face."

"Scott."

"Right, Scott. Anyway, I don't think Teddy is staying over though."

It was Hermione's turn to peck Bellatrix. "Thank you for organizing everything. I can't wait."

"You don't mind?"

"No. Actually, maybe we should make it a regular thing."

"Axe-throwing?"

Hermione giggled. "No, going out. We don't do enough of it."

Bellatrix smiled; Hermione was right. "Good. I'm glad."

Bellatrix tucked a stray lock of hair that had fallen in front of Hermione's face back behind her ear, only to have it fall right back where it had been. Bellatrix was surprised at how nervous she felt. They had shared so much since this all started, a child, a home, their bodies as well as whispered secrets in the dark. Yet, the only time they had really been together, alone, in public had been in Germany, if she remembered correctly.

Bellatrix felt a lead weight settle in her chest. "You're not worried about being seen on a date with me?"

"That ship has long sailed." Hermione took Bellatrix's face in her hands and kissed her. "I'll happily kiss you anywhere."

And just like that the weight was gone. How was it possible for this witch to have such a hold on her?

"Anywhere?" Bellatrix cheekily replied.

Hermione answered her by taking her then and there on the sofa.

'Good night darling', Aunty Cissy signed and kissed her on the forehead.

Kissara gave her a little wave as she pulled the covers up to her chin and closed her eyes. The girl slowly counted to twenty before opening an eye. The door was shut. Kissara threw the covers off and rolled off her bed onto the floor.

She shifted her weight from knee to knee, uncertain if she really wanted to pull out that scary book again. She finally lay on the floor and reached underneath her bed. The book had gone further under than she had thought. She used her fingertips to nudge the heavy book a little more towards her so she could grab it. She dragged the book out, just enough so that she could turn the pages without hitting the bed.

Kissara flipped through the pages, one by one. Most had but a wall of cursive text, which she found familiar but could not read, then occasionally there would be a full-page picture of – something. They weren't animals, there was too much intelligence behind their eyes. But they seemed….not quite right to be the magical creatures that intermingled with the wizarding world. They were dark, the artist had chosen to depict each and every single one in a threatening pose. They were sometimes standing over a fresh kill, defending it. Sometimes snarling directly at the reader. And some of the more, humanoid, ones brandished weapons. The pictures were done in black and white, save for the red blood which seemed to trickle off the page. They were terrifying.

Kissara's heart beat uncomfortably in her chest, yet she couldn't keep from turning the page to the next picture, and the next. She turned one more page.

A familiar cat-like creature growled at her through the page. Bloody meat hung from its teeth. It felt like Kissara's heart had stopped, her throat closed. The creature's eyes glowed red instead of the yellow she was used to. Yet she had no doubt about what was on the page.

Kissara slammed the book shut and kicked it under the bed. She stood, but before she could dive under her blankets, she caught sight of the yellow eyes that were watching her through the window. She froze in place. A large paw clawed at the window, asking to be let in. Kissara couldn't help it, she cried.

She may not have been able to hear her cries, but they must have been loud as her door opened, her light turned on and her worried aunt walked into the room. Aunt Cissy walked to her before she also spotted the creature behind the window.

Aunt Cissy knelt next to her. 'Is that Taiga?'

Kiki nodded and outstretched her arms to be picked up.

Narcissa obliged. 'I'm going to tell them you aren't feeling well, and you need to go to bed. Is that, ok?'

Kissara nodded and tightened her grip on her aunt. She felt her aunt move, and then her chest vibrated gently as she spoke to Taiga. Whatever she had said had worked. The eyes were gone by the time she looked to the window. Aunt Cissy was just locking it.

'Are you feeling sick?' Her aunt asked before putting her hand on Kissara's forehead.

Kissara rubbed at her eyes. She wasn't sure what she was feeling. Something fluffy was placed in her arms. It was her stuffed Taiga. Kissara threw it on the floor.

'You don't want your little Taiga?'

Kissara didn't answer, she laid her head down on her aunt's shoulder.

Narcissa moved to the stuffed rocking chair in the room. Purchased as a nursing chair, it doubled nicely as a reading area and as somewhere to rock the little one to sleep. Narcissa did just so, rocking a sniffling Kissara until she fell asleep.

Hermione's axe missed the target by about 20cm. It bounced loudly off the wooden barrier behind the target and clattered to the floor. She heard Bellatrix snicker behind her.

"Well, you try and do better."

Bellatrix sauntered past her and threw her axe. It didn't hit the target, but at least it found purchase in the wood behind it. Bellatrix stuck her tongue out at Hermione. The Gryffindor returned the childish gesture before both went to retrieve their axes. They'd gotten an hour of training beforehand, but neither had really grasped accuracy. Hermione was finding it particularly difficult to concentrate as Bella had picked out a revealing dress and kept flaunting herself.

"I don't want to get too warm." She had said.

Bullshit.

She knew it was bullshit because the second time she went to throw her axe Bellatrix had very nearly flashed her. In front of the instructor no less. Thankfully he hadn't seen. And Hermione completely flunked her throw, making Bellatrix giggle.

Hermione brushed it off and concentrated on her posture for her third throw without the instructor. This time she clipped the target. Bellatrix playfully whacked her on the arm.

"Good job!"

"Here I thought you didn't want me to do well."

"Of course not. What makes you say that?"

Hermione's eyes couldn't help but focus on Bella's cleavage before returning back to her face. Bellatrix's smirk had only grown larger. Hermione rolled her eyes and moved to the side to let Bellatrix throw.

They called it about an hour after that. Both had managed to hit the target several times by then, though the accuracy still wasn't great. They went for a quick bite as Bellatrix seemed to have plans. They apparated to a familiar-looking forest.

"Where are we?" Hermione asked.

"Near my shack."

"Why?"

Bellatrix grinned. "Tag! You're it!"

The older witch sprinted off with much more speed than someone who didn't run should have. Hermione ran after her. Bellatrix never let her get close enough to tag her. But years of running meant Hermione had stamina if not speed.

"Tag – g!"

As soon as Hermione touched her Bellatrix dragged her down to the ground. They landed, panting heavily, and Bellatrix rolled them so she was on top. Bellatrix pressed her lips, and hips, against Hermione's.

They exchanged a few more kisses before they were forced to pull away to catch their breath from the run. They looked into each other's eyes as they recovered. Eventually, Bellatrix felt she had recovered enough to press her lips once more to Hermione's. Then she bit lightly at her neck and kissed down her torso. She nipped at Hermione's breasts through her clothes and tugged at her pants.

"Bella…" Hermione's hip bucked.

Bellatrix smirked again. All was going according to plan. She pulled Hermione's pants off and proceeded to pleasure her with her mouth.

We hopped down from the treehouse when we spotted the kitten at the door of the den. We sat and waited patiently for her to get her paw protectors on. The kitten opened the door. She stopped as she locked eyes with us. The kitten's eyes widened. She backed up and slammed the door shut.

She never did come out that day. Or the next… Or really, anytime she spotted us. Though we always kept watch.

AN: Next up, Kissara's father makes a return…