Bellatrix clenched her wand in her fist. For the last three days she had come to the Shrieking Shack in order to see if it would be a safe place to teach Hermione the Dark Arts. She shouldn't be doing this. Hermione was only thirteen and much too young to learn, ignoring the fact that she learned around the same time. But she wanted… no needed Hermione to be able to defend herself and the Dark Arts were the best way to do that.

Which is why she was risking the Headmaster learning about her presence so close to Hogwarts. Every night for the last three days she would apparate to the Shrieking Shack and cast several of the darkest spells she knew. Then she would wait for any clue that the Headmaster knew she was here and using the Dark Arts.

After three days Bellatrix was certain it would be safe to practice here. All that was left for her to do was to upgrade the interior of the shack and then ward it so no one would stumble inside while they practiced. If anyone did see them, they would assume Bellatrix was trying to hurt her. Bellatrix scoffed. Like she would ever hurt her young bonded.

Hermione was growing up to be quite the witch. She was only thirteen but she already knew more spells then most. Granted, most of the spells she knew weren't worth the effort. That's where Bellatrix came in. She would train Hermione to be a fighter, to be a force to be reckoned with. To be just like her.

With the Dark Lord's permission, Bellatrix was taking over Hermione's Dark Arts lessons. Sure, there were things Tom would teach her himself, but overall it would be on Bellatrix to teach her how to duel and the spells needed to win.

The Dark Arts were addictive as Bellatrix had already told Hermione. But it was more than that. It heightened emotions such as anger, rage and lust. It made those that used it bloodthirsty and/or horny. It was why so many of the Death Eater's were so ruthless and why so many disappeared after a good raid to have sex, either with their wives or with each other.

Heightened emotions wasn't the only aspect of Dark Arts addiction. Those that used the Dark Arts craved the power that came with it. The more they used it, the more they craved it. It was possible to overcome the addiction with practice and self-control but it didn't happen often. Bellatrix didn't want Hermione to suffer like she had and the best way to prevent that was to slowly build her tolerance and keep an eye out for any changes.

There was a certain level of intimacy that came with teaching. It was even there when the Dark Lord taught her, despite neither being attracted to the other. The bond would keep her or Hermione from acting on such urges but there was no such protection with the Dark Lord. Not that Bellatrix thought he would do anything. He may be the Dark Lord but he always had a healthy level of respect for his inner circle, and their relationships.

So, here Bellatrix was, setting up a training room. She was confident they could cast spells safely. Now it was time to ward the place so no one could enter, especially not while they were here. She added a very mild notice-me-not to the house. It was subtle enough that no one would suspect a thing when they passed by the house. It would also keep someone from getting curious and deciding to snoop.

Now was time to add the runes. The runes were the most important part. They would keep anyone nearby from noticing the spells being cast, or that there were people inside. It would also keep anyone but herself from apparating directly inside.

Once the shack was deemed safe, Bellatrix moved onto making the shack more livable. With the flick of her wand, the entire shack rebuilt itself. Another flick and the dust was gone. The bed and couch were repaired along with everything else. One last flick and the fireplace was on. She carved one final rune which would allow her to create an illusion of the way the shack was before she entered. She would switch it back and forth when they were here. It was a final layer of protection, not for her but for Hermione.

Bellatrix scanned the room one final time to make sure it met her expectations. She nodded to herself before apparating back to Malfoy Manor. There was one final thing she needed to do before letting Hermione know it was ready and for that, she needed the Dark Lord.

She knocked on his office and waited for him to invite her in. "Bellatrix," he greeted when she stepped inside. "What brings you here so late?"

"I have finished preparing the Shrieking Shack," she informed him. He already knew of her plan to teach Hermione the Dark Arts and how she planned to accomplish it. "I have a slight issue though. I need a way to get Hermione from her dorm to the Shrieking Shack without getting caught. I was originally going to send her an invisibility cloak and have her sneak out but the odds of getting caught are too high."

Tom stroked his chin. "Have you considered a portkey?" he questioned.

"I did," Bellatrix confirmed. "She already has two portkey's. I don't want to add a third but I may not have a choice."

"The portkey you created for her reacts to her magic correct?" Tom asked. Bellatrix nodded. "I imagine you will teach her to duel as well. Will the portkey activate?"

"No," Bellatrix said confidently. "My magic created it. Hermione may not understand the bond but her magic will subconsciously recognize it and know I do not aim to hurt her. If anyone else taught her, the portkey would most likely activate."

"How do you think she will respond to this training?" Tom asked curious. He summoned some tea and biscuits.

Bellatrix served herself some tea. She leaned back in her seat. "She's eager to learn, a Ravenclaw in that respect. I fear that may be her downfall. She wants to learn the Dark Arts but she doesn't fully understand how dangerous they are. I… I worry she'll be like I was, before you saved me."

"That is always a risk," Tom began. "But unlike you, she has someone who loves her to keep her grounded. I may not understand or feel love but I can see the benefits of it… at times."

"She will join you," Bellatrix told him. She debated on whether or not she wanted to say anything. "She's grateful you see value in her and because of that she wishes to help you."

Tom leaned forward. "Help me how?" he asked slowly. It was pleasing to know that she would join him. As much as he hated muggleborns, this one was more valuable to him alive. He wondered if there were others like her, potential hidden behind dirty blood.

"She's decided to spy on Potter and Weasley," Bellatrix answered. "I warned her it was dangerous. But she insists she can do it. She said she wouldn't report on anything she sees or hears. She will simply gather information until the time is right. How long she plans to gather this information, I am unsure."

"This is an interesting development," Tom said. He was surprised and rather pleased that Hermione was taking this initiative. "She'll make an excellent witch for my inner circle."

"My Lord," Bellatrix gasped. It was difficult to get into the inner circle. For most Death Eaters it took years to be considered. She was one of the few that went straight to the inner circle when she joined. The Dark Lord had seen potential in her and she had never failed him. "This is truly an honour for her. One I fear she may not understand."

Tom waved away her concerns. "She will not be brought into the fold until she is of age. I do not mark underage students. I've decided to end your mission to convert her before her seventeenth birthday. It seems you are well on your way to making that happen. She has proven she is more valuable alive then dead, so there will be no reason for me to kill her."

Bellatrix sighed in relief. "Thank you My Lord," she said gratefully. "We will not disappoint you."

"I know you will not," he said. "I believe I have a solution to your problem." He snapped his fingers and a house elf appeared.

"Master Dark Lord is calling for Lucifer," Lucifer said respectfully.

Bellatrix had to stop herself from snorting. It figured that the Dark Lord had a house elf named Lucifer. "You have served me well Lucifer," Tom said. "I have a task for you, one you cannot speak to anyone about except for myself and Bellatrix."

"Of course Master Dark Lord. What are you needing from Lucifer?" Lucifer questioned. His grammar was better than most house elves but it still wasn't perfect.

"Bella," Tom said, gesturing for her to fill in the elf.

"There's a student at Hogwarts, Hermione Granger, she's a second year Gryffindor. Once a week, midnight on Sunday, I need you to bring her to the Shrieking Shack. No one can know she has left her bed. Perhaps an illusion to hide as well as a ward in case anyone wakes up," Bellatrix said thoughtfully.

Lucifer nodded. "Lucifer can be doing that for you."

"Another thing, Hermione cannot know my real name," Bellatrix said firmly.

"Bella," Tom said with a sigh. "Is there a reason to continue this?" He turned to Lucifer. "You are dismissed for now. Bella will call you when you're needed again. You are to follow her instructions unless they conflict with something I have told you."

"I can't tell her Tom," Bellatrix said.

"You're afraid," Tom noted.

"Yes," Bellatrix said looking down. She hated to be so weak. "It's not just her reaction to learning who I am. She wants to side with you, I doubt my identity will sway her. But if I tell her who I am then I have to tell her why I care so much." She ran a hand through her hair. "It's the bond. I… She will fall in love with me. It's only a matter of time. But I want her at least believe she has the choice. I want her to fall in love on her own terms and not just because she knows she will or thinks she has to."

"I don't think you're giving her as much credit as she deserves," Tom said after a moment. "As you said, she is very much a Ravenclaw at heart. Do you really think she won't investigate you and try to determine who you are on her own?"

"I guess a part of me hoped she wouldn't," Bellatrix admitted. "Another part hopes she does. It would make everything easier if she knew." She stood. "I need to go and fill her in on these arrangements. Is there anything you require of me, my Lord?"

"No, your only mission for the foreseeable future is to train Ms. Granger," Tom told her. "Go do what you need to do."

Bellatrix left Tom's office and made her way back to her bedroom. She grabbed her journal and quickly wrote out a message.

Be ready at midnight on Sunday morning. A house elf will transport you to our training site. See you then.

Bellatrix didn't expect a reply since it was well after midnight now. But to her surprise, words started forming on the page.

You found a place then? What are we going to learn?

Is everything alright? You're up rather late. Yes, I found a place. I won't tell you where until I see you. We're going to start with some basics. I haven't decided the exact spells yet.

Exams are coming up soon. I want to be ready for them. Can I suggest some spells? Will you teach me the Unforgivables?

Bellatrix dropped the journal in surprise. The Unforgiveables? She wasn't surprised Hermione knew about them. They were mentioned in almost every book on the Dark Arts. They were considered the darkest spells but in reality they weren't. The only reason they were considered so dark was because of the intent required to cast them. The killing curse required an intent to kill and the cruciatus curse required an intent to cause harm. Other dark curses such as sectumsempra and Dolohov's curse, which he narcissistically named after himself, only required power.

The fact that Hermione appeared to want to learn them at thirteen was concerning. She hadn't started learning until the summer after she turned seventeen, which happened to be the summer before seventh year. She would teach Hermione the Unforgiveables. When, she hadn't decided. The imperious curse would be the first and easiest. Perhaps after her fourth year. The others… would have to wait.

The reason she planned on waiting was simple. Murder damaged the soul. She wanted Hermione to remain innocent for as long as possible. In a way, she was protecting her young bonded. She wouldn't be able to protect her from the horrors of war but this she could protect her from.

I will teach you the Unforgiveables eventually. But it won't be for a few years. We can start on theory however. You will do great on exams Hermione. Don't neglect sleep out of fear. What are your suggestions for spells?

Fiendfyre seems interesting. There are several others but I'm not sure which would be best to learn.

Not fiendfyre. There are very few witches or wizards that can control it and is extremely dangerous. Perhaps when I teach you the Unforgiveables. I'll pick out the curses before we meet. Get some sleep Hermione.

Goodnight Morgana.

Bellatrix stared at the letters on the page. She couldn't wait for the day when Hermione referred to her by her real name. It was her own fault Hermione didn't know the truth but she meant what she said to Tom. She wanted Hermione to fall in love with her on her own terms, with no expectations from the bond or fear from her name. Sometimes she had to remind herself that Hermione was only thirteen and there was plenty of time.

Her little witch never ceased to amaze her. She wanted to go straight to the Unforgiveables and fiendfyre and skip the lesser spells. She could certainly see the appeal. The Unforgiveables were the epitome of dark magic. But this was a great reminder to Bellatrix as to why she could not let Hermione practice on her own. She could easily be lost to the dark arts and Bellatrix would not allow it.

A knock at her door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," Bellatrix called.

It was Narcissa, not that Bellatrix was surprised. Narcissa, and Hermione, were the only ones that really came to her room. "Bella," Narcissa greeted. "You're up late."

"I was talking to Hermione," Bellatrix said gesturing to the journal that was still open on her desk.

"Isn't it a bit late for her to be up as well?" Narcissa questioned.

"She was studying," Bellatrix replied. "I told her she should go to bed. Whether or not she does, it's hard to tell."

Narcissa shook her head. "How is that girl not in Ravenclaw?"

"I believe she asked for Gryffindor," Bellatrix said. She couldn't be sure if it was true but she had a feeling. "I am uncertain if it was because of Potter or Dumbledore, or perhaps even McGonagall, but I'm fairly certain she wanted Gryffindor. I have no doubt that she regrets that decision now."

"I don't think that is true," Narcissa said lightly. She sat on Bellatrix's bed.

"What makes you say that?" Bellatrix asked suspiciously.

"Well, if Hermione wasn't in Gryffindor then the Weasley boy wouldn't have made her cry that Halloween," Narcissa started. "If he didn't make her cry then you wouldn't have felt the bond which made you race off to Hogwarts to go save her. She wouldn't have met you until much later and by then it may have been too late."

"It wouldn't have mattered," Bellatrix said though she didn't sound convinced. "The bond would have activated at some point and you cannot hurt your soulmate."

"True," Narcissa said looking at her nails. "But last year she saw you as her savior and now a mentor. In just a few short years she will see you as more. If she hadn't met you, she would simply see you as Bellatrix Black, a Death Eater."

Narcissa did have a point. Hermione wouldn't have been so close to her or the Dark Lord if Bellatrix hadn't stepped in. But there was something nagging at her. "She's dark to the core," Bellatrix muttered, staring at the flame of the candle beside her. "She would have sided with the light because that's what is expected of a muggleborn, but it would have been wrong. She would have been held back by fear. Now, now she will thrive."

"Yes," Narcissa agreed. "The question is, would you have given her a chance then? Or would it be too late?"

Bellatrix didn't want to think about it. A lot had changed because Bellatrix had saved her life. For one, the Dark Lord returned. If not for Bellatrix, Hermione may not have given him the stone, which would have delayed the Dark Lord's return. Or maybe he would have gotten the stone anyway. It was hard to say.

"Why are you here?" Bellatrix asked warily.

"I wanted to know how the hunt for Lockhart was coming," Narcissa said. She looked up and saw Bellatrix's eyes darken with anger. "It's been a few days since he fled. I half-expected you to already have him in the dungeon."

"I've been looking," Bellatrix said. "There's only so much I can do, with me being unable to go out in public. I don't want to waste Polyjuice on hunting him when there are better things I could use it for."

Narcissa nodded in understanding. She knew Bellatrix was using Polyjuice to go to Diagon Alley and get things for Hermione. She saw it as her responsibility to provide for Hermione, which was true, and took that seriously. "I was not suggesting Polyjuice," Narcissa said. "I was thinking… perhaps I can help you? I have more resources at my disposal. I can find him much quicker than you can."

"What do you want for it?" Bellatrix questioned.

Narcissa looked offended. "I want to help you Bella," she said quietly. "Lockhart deserves to suffer. I imagine by the time you're done with him he'll be joining the Longbottom's in St. Mungo's."

Bellatrix shook her head. "No. When I'm done with him, he'll be begging for death and only then will I allow it."

Narcissa stood. "There's the Bellatrix I remember," she said with a smirk. "I'll put the word out to look for him. With any luck, we'll have him within the week." The left the room without another word.

It was almost midnight on Sunday. Bellatrix was pacing around the Shrieking Shack waiting for the house elf to bring her young bonded. Ever since Hermione had appeared in her room thanks to the portkey their relationship started to shift. It still wasn't romantic but it was certainly heading in that direction. She couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was. It was more than a simple mentor relationship. Whatever it was, it was putting Bellatrix on edge. She wasn't sure how to react around her witch. She couldn't reject her but she couldn't allow the relationship to progress too far until she was older.

At exactly midnight there was a pop and Hermione appeared into the room along with Lucifer. "Thank you Lucifer," Hermione said politely.

Lucifer nodded and turned to Bellatrix. "What time is you wanting Lucifer to return?"

"Come back at two," Bellatrix instructed. Lucifer nodded and popped away.

"So that's the Dark Lord's house elf," Hermione said conversationally. "Fitting his name is Lucifer." She walked over to Bellatrix and wrapped her arms around the older woman.

Bellatrix closed her eyes and held her bonded close for a while. Eventually, she had to let her go. She carefully studied Hermione's face. "You're tired," Bellatrix noted, tracing the dark circles with her fingers. "Have you been sleeping?"

Hermione shook her head. "Not well," Hermione admitted. "I'm not entirely sure why. I mean, I've been staying up late to study but I did that last year too and I didn't struggle as much."

Bellatrix had her suspicions but couldn't say anything. She walked over to a truck, her old school trunk in fact. She opened it and removed several potions. "Invigorating draught, mild pain reliver, calming draught and dreamless sleep," Bellatrix explained when she saw Hermione's curious look. "We shouldn't need the pain relivers for a while but when we start dueling you will need it." She handed over the invigorating draught. "Take this now. It'll last around three hours and will help you get through our training. Take the dreamless sleep potion when you get back to your room. It will give you eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. I want you to keep a few calming draughts in your trunk. If you start to feel antsy, take one. It will give you the chance to take control. If that doesn't work you need to tell me right away, alright?"

Hermione nodded. She took the potion from Bellatrix's hand and downed it. She winced slightly at the taste. "Where are we?" she asked while they waited for the potion to kick in. It wouldn't take long but it allowed them to talk for a few minutes.

"The Shrieking Shack," Bellatrix replied. "It's been abandoned for several decades now. There are wards and runes all over the place to keep anyone from finding us."

"You thought of everything," Hermione noted.

"I had to. If we're caught here together…" Bellatrix didn't want to finish her thought. The only way to keep her out of Azkaban, or from getting the Kiss, would be to tell them about the bond and she didn't want that to come out. She would tell Hermione when the time was right but she didn't want Dumbledore or his followers to know. She had no doubt they would try and force her into joining their little Order.

"I know, it's dangerous," Hermione said putting her hand over Bellatrix's.

"Yes," Bellatrix agreed. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Hermione admitted. "That potion worked wonders."

"Good. Now, I'm not going to teach you just the Dark Arts. I will also be teaching you to duel but in order to do that you need to learn spells. Tonight, I will be teaching you the shield charm and Oscausi. Oscausi is part of the Dark Arts and seals the targets mouth shut. Unlike most dark spells, it can be reversed by a basic finite. Have you heard of that spell?" Bellatrix questioned.

Hermione nodded. "It removes the effects of certain spells," Hermione told her. "It doesn't work for everything though."

"Right," Bellatrix stated. "Most of the Dark Arts cannot be reversed by finite. Oscausi is one of the few since it is a low level curse. The spell for the shield charm is Protego. There is no wand movement. Simply hold your wand in front of you and say the words. Try it out."

"Protego," Hermione cast. A white light flew from Hermione's wand but there was nothing in front of her. She frowned. "Did I do it wrong?"

Bellatrix's hand hovered in front of where the shield was. She was careful not to go too close to it because her hand would go right through the shield. Hermione's magic would recognize her own and wouldn't keep her out.

"No," Bellatrix answered. "The shield is there. It's invisible until spells hit it. If you look closely, you can see it shimmer."

Hermione kept her wand up and moved closer. She did, in fact, see it shimmer. "That's amazing. Why is this a sixth year spell?"

"The strength of the shield is based on the strength of the caster," Bellatrix explained. "I suppose they believe most students below OWL level cannot make a strong enough shield. There are several variations of the shield charm as well. I'll show you some over the summer. Try practicing Protego when you have time. For now, we will move on to Oscausi."

"How exactly does it seal someone's mouth?" Hermione asked curious.

"By removing the mouth altogether," Bellatrix answered. Hermione's eyes widened. "Don't worry. You won't be practicing on me. I will reverse the spell for you." She flicked her wand and a dummy appeared, with a mouth. "Try it now."

Hermione faced the dummy. She raised her wand and pointed it at the dummy. "Oscausi," she said clearly. The mouth of the dummy disappeared.

Bellatrix flicked her wand and said, "finite." She carefully watched Hermione. The average witch or wizard wouldn't know what to look for but she did. "Try it again." She watched closely as Hermione did the spell again. She noticed that familiar gleam in her eyes. The feeling of power and control. She flicked her wand. "Again."

Hermione was excellent at the Dark Arts. There was no denying it. Very few could use a dark spell on the first try. Hermione didn't seem to realize how impressive it was. "Oscausi," Hermione cast for the fourth time.

Bellatrix didn't reset the dummy. It was time to stop the spells before it got too far out of control. "That's it," she announced. But Hermione didn't seem to hear her. She cast a finite on the dummy and kept practicing. "Hermione," Bellatrix called. Her grip tightened on her wand. This was not good. She was starting to lose control. "Hermione," she called again. Hermione didn't appear to hear her. "Hermione!"

Bellatrix didn't know what possessed her to do it. Perhaps she simply didn't want her young bonded to suffer. She lunged forward and tackled Hermione to the bed. She ripped Hermione's wand from her hand and threw it across the room. She pinned Hermione's hands to the bed and straddled the younger witch. Her knees were on either side of Hermione's hips as she fought to hold her bonded in place.

It wasn't going particularly well. Hermione was trashing about trying to break free. Bellatrix's wand was abandoned next to them. Bellatrix worked hard on keeping Hermione from freeing her hands. It wouldn't go well for Hermione to grab her wand and try to curse her. The curse wouldn't work and could be easily explained as Bella's wand not working for her, but she didn't want to deal with that.

"Hermione," Bellatrix called. "You need to snap out of this. You're stronger than the magic." Bellatrix shifted so she could pin both of Hermione's hands with one of hers. She gently stroked Hermione's cheek. She felt Hermione shiver beneath her. "Hermione, come back to me. Show me how strong you are."

She could slowly see Hermione coming back to herself but it wasn't enough. Bellatrix silently prayed to magic herself that this wouldn't backfire. She pulled her hand away from Hermione's face before slapping her cheek with far more force than was necessary.

"Ouch, what the…" Hermione trailed off. She stopped resisting Bellatrix's hold and looked around. She was pinned to the bed but it wasn't painful or even uncomfortable, if she were being completely honest she was a little too comfortable. "B—Morgana?" Hermione questioned. She hoped Bellatrix didn't notice her almost slip.

"Hermione," Bellatrix said relived. She rolled off of Hermione and grabbed her wand. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm… fine, I think," Hermione said. "What happened?"

"What do you remember?" Bellatrix asked. She wanted Hermione's views before she filled in the blank.

"We… I was practicing Oscausi," Hermione said. "I could hear your voice in the back of my head telling me to stop but I couldn't. I had to keep casting the spell. That feeling… the power, the safety. It drew me in."

Bellatrix nodded. "The thrall of the Dark Arts," she explained. "Once it gets ahold of you, it's hard to break. This is why I want to limit how much you practice. Do you understand now?"

Hermione nodded. "I understand. I'm sorry," she said as a tear fell onto her hand.

Bellatrix turned and titled Hermione's head so she would look at her. "It's okay," she said softly. "I've been in your position before. But I didn't have someone looking out for me until it was almost too late. I won't let that happen to you."

"Thank you," Hermione said leaning into Bellatrix's hand. "How did I end up pinned underneath you on this bed?"

Bellatrix blushed. She shouldn't have done it. It wasn't appropriate. But at the time, she couldn't think of anything else. Seeing as the bond didn't punish her, she figured she hadn't done anything wrong. "You weren't responding to me," Bellatrix explained. "I did the only thing I could think of at the time. I tackled you onto the bed and removed your wand." She flicked her wand and Hermione's wand flew across the room. "You were still fighting me so I had to pin you down, so you wouldn't hurt yourself, or me. When you still wouldn't respond, I did the only thing I could, I slapped you."

Bellatrix was surprised, and pleased, that the bond didn't react to her slap. She imagined magic recognized her intention and allowed it to happen. The same way the bond allowed her to pin Hermione underneath her. Although the action itself wasn't inappropriate, the feelings that came with Hermione writhing underneath her were.

"Thank you," Hermione said again. She shifted and leaned against Bellatrix.

"I apologize if I made you uncomfortable," Bellatrix said. She wrapped an arm around Hermione's shoulder.

"You didn't make me uncomfortable," Hermione said quickly. If anything, Hermione was far too comfortable but it wasn't proper. She was now certain she had a crush on the older woman. But it wasn't right. She was Draco's aunt. Yet, sometimes she got this feeling Bellatrix may care for her more than she thought.

"Do you want a calming draught?" Bellatrix asked. Hermione shook her head. Bellatrix flicked her wand and two butterbeers soared across the room. "Here, drink this."

Hermione sipped the butterbeer and sighed. "Will it always be this difficult?"

"No," Bellatrix replied. "The first few times will be the worst. I doubt this will be the only time I have to snap you out of the thrall. The more you practice though, the easier it will get. Eventually, that feeling you get when you cast a spell will go away."

Hermione nodded. "How long?"

Bellatrix flicked her wand again and several chocolate frogs flew over to them. "We will be practicing every week until the term ends and then every couple days at the manor," Bellatrix informed her. "By the time you go to the Weasley's, you should be fine."

Hermione bit off the head of the chocolate frog. "I don't want to go to the Weasley's, you know. I would much rather be at Malfoy Manor with Draco, Lucius and Narcissa… and you."

"I know," Bellatrix responded. She checked the card and snorted. "Here, you should take this one."

Hermione took the card from her and flipped it over. It was Morgan Le Fay. "She looks like you, you know," Hermione commented, staring at the picture of the darkest witch of all time. "The same curly, black hair… is your family related to her?"

"Distantly perhaps but not directly related," Bellatrix replied.

Lucifer popped back into the room. "It's time Miss Hermione," Lucifer said.

Bellatrix summoned the potions and pressed them into Hermione's hands. "Remember, take the dreamless sleep potion before you go to sleep. Write to me if anything out of the ordinary happens."

"I will," Hermione said. She pressed a kiss to Bellatrix's cheek before walking over to Lucifer's side. They disappeared with an audible pop.