Chapter Text
The dark gates didn’t seem so intimidating, Hermione noted, when they were decked out in wreaths and garlands. The house was lit up like it had been on New Year’s Eve two years before and Hermione smiled at the memory. How different things were now.
Bellatrix’s fingers laced with hers.
“Remembering the last time you were here?”
“The first time we kissed, yes.” She turned her head to look at Bellatrix and grinned. “And now we don’t have to sneak off to private rooms to do it.”
“I may still steal you away,” Bellatrix smirked. There was a cough from behind them and Hermione’s face reddened.
“Sorry, mum, dad.” Bellatrix looked mortified and Hermione squeezed her hand. “Come on, let’s get inside. It’s freezing out here.”
“Good idea.” Hermione’s mother chuckled and they walked briskly up the path and to the door, doing their best not to slip in the snow. “How nice for your sister to invite us to spend the holiday with them. I’m looking forward to meeting your family.”
Bellatrix’s hand tightened reflexively but she smiled politely back at Hermione’s parents.
“I believe it was Hermione’s idea,” she murmured. “I’m not sure that I would have thought it possible.”
“Well, Christmas is about spending time with family; blood or chosen,” Hermione’s mother replied as they stopped in front of the door, putting her hand gently on Bellatrix’s arm. “We’re glad to spend it with you both.”
“Thank you,” Bellatrix’s voice was rough with emotion and Hermione squeezed her hand, gave her a peck on the cheek, and then knocked on the door.
Narcissa Malfoy was, as ever, exquisitely put together. She opened the door wearing a fitted black suit, a green, silk shirt tucked into the high-waisted trousers and a thick, silver necklace that looked just like a snake wrapped around her neck; it’s head slithering between her breasts with two emeralds for eyes.
“Bella, Hermione,” she inclined her head, a small smile on her lips, and then her eyes slid to Hermione’s parents. Hermione braced herself; she hadn’t told Bellatrix but she’d been secretly dreading this moment, in case Narcissa had not changed as much as she had appeared to. “Mr and Mrs Granger. You are very welcome to my home.”
“Thank you for inviting us,” Hermione’s mother replied, inclining her head in response, smiling. Hermione had told them a little of the history, but left most of it out, not wanting the meeting to be awkward. She let out a breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding and Bellatrix squeezed her hand momentarily, before releasing her to greet her sister in a tight hug.
“Thank you for hosting, Cissy.”
“Well, I have the most space and it seemed the only way to get you to come home for Christmas.” The slight reprimand didn’t go unnoticed and Hermione watched as Bellatrix stiffened slightly. Narcissa seemed to notice too. “I was happy to do it. I’m just grateful that this is possible, now.”
“As am I.” They shared a look and Hermione lowered her eyes to offer them some privacy, but then it was over and Narcissa turned to her again.
“Come in, come in.”
She stepped back, allowing them to cross the threshold. Hermione glanced back at her parents, checking on them. She knew that this was a little overwhelming for them; this was all very different from The Burrow, where they had been invited for tea once or twice.
The door closed behind them as Draco Malfoy appeared down the stairs.
“Welcome!” He smiled, opening his arms. The way Bellatrix embraced him made Hermione’s heart melt a little and she leaned into her mum, resting her head on her shoulder as she watched. “It’s so good to have you here, Aunt Bella.”
Bellatrix withdrew, glancing around as though slightly overwhelmed and Hermione smiled reassuringly at her.
“Hello Draco.”
“Hermione. Thank you for suggesting this,” Draco smiled. “These must be your parents?”
Hermione introduced her parents, taking the opportunity to rest her hand on Bellatrix’s back and rub soothing circles as her parents shook Draco’s hand.
“Hermione’s told us a lot about you,” Hermione’s mother smiled. Draco’s eyes flicked nervously to Hermione, but he smiled. “No need to be worried.”
“Well…” he chuckled and then stepped back. “I can show you to where you’ll be staying, if you like? I just showed-”
“HERMIONE!”
The thundering of feet on the staircase made the group swivel in time to see Ginny flying down the stairs, followed by Harry, Ron and George. Ginny launched herself at Hermione, who had to move quickly to catch her friend in a hug, bracing herself so that she wasn’t knocked flying.
“Ginny! Hi.”
“I’ve missed you,” she squeezed harder until Hermione had to pat her to release.
“I missed you too,” Hermione smiled, and Ginny hugged her harder. “Gin… can’t… breathe…”
“Whoops, sorry.” She pulled back, grinning, her eyes a little watery. “I’m just… I’m so glad we’re doing this.”
“Me too.” Hermione smiled, before her eyes flicked to Harry, Ron and George. “Hey guys.”
“Hey ‘Mione.” She was engulfed in hugs from all three of them separately as Harry spoke. “We’ve not been here long. Draco just showed us to our rooms.”
“They’re huge,” George supplied, grinning at Draco. “Seriously, I could fit one of Charlie’s dragons in mine.”
“But you’re not going to, are you George?” Mrs Weasley’s voice came from behind them and Hermione saw her descending the last few steps with Mr Weasley, Percy, Charlie, Bill and Fleur.
“Nope, no dragons,” George promised. Hermione eyed him suspiciously and she saw Narcissa’s eyes narrow as well. Ron elbowed him.
“While I am happy to host-” Narcissa began. Mrs Weasley interrupted her and Hermione saw Bellatrix restrain a snort and smirk.
“-And we are very grateful to you for that, Narcissa, and George will therefore not be doing anything dangerous under your roof.”
“I mean-”
“George Weasley, do remember who you’re dealing with,” Bellatrix hummed, her voice low. Hermione bit her lip reflexively, but George’s eyes sparkled.
“You got it, Professor.”
Still, as the conversation moved on, Hermione watched George incline his head to Bellatrix, who returned the gesture. It was small, but Hermione felt the weight of that acknowledgement. She brushed her finger against Bellatrix’s hand softly as she listened to Narcissa inform them of the plan for their stay.
“Draco will show you to your rooms. We thought we would have a light dinner this evening, as tomorrow is likely to be filling.” Narcissa looked at Molly Weasley. “Molly has kindly offered to help in the kitchen, as has Andy.”
“I can offer my services,” Hermione’s dad chimed in. “If you need any help.”
Narcissa momentarily hesitated and then smiled.
“Thank you, Mr Granger. How gracious of you.”
“The more the merrier,” Charlie grinned, throwing his arm around his mother. “Right mum?”
“Of course.” Hermione smiled at Mrs Weasley, knowing she usually preferred the kitchen to herself.
“Well, I’ll show you upstairs,” Draco smiled. “We won’t be eating for another few hours, but apparently that gives us time to engage in a Christmas tradition?”
Hermione eyed the Weasley’s and Harry who were all smirking.
“Do you know what the tradition is, Draco?” She asked.
“I have not yet been informed,” he raised an eyebrow. “But I am getting the sense that I am going to regret agreeing to it.”
“Not if you pick the right side,” Bellatrix hummed. Draco’s eyes widened.
“They’re talking about a snowball fight,” Hermione chuckled.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll all have fun with that,” Narcissa mused, giving them a ‘shoo’ gesture. “Upstairs, Draco, before Andy arrives and my entrance hall gets crowded.”
Draco chuckled and gestured for Hermione, Bellatrix and Hermione’s parents to follow him.
“See you in a bit!” Ginny called after them. “Don’t forget your gloves.”
“And your aim!” Harry added.
Hermione chuckled and glanced at Bellatrix, who was smirking.
“Are we keeping to tradition, or do you want to be on the winning side?”
Bellatrix raised her eyebrow.
“Are you asking me to be on your team so you have a chance of winning?”
“I’m asking if you want to join our team so that you don’t lose to me again,” Hermione replied cheekily.
“Oh, it’s on, darling,” Bellatrix murmured into her ear as she leaned into her, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
Draco cleared his throat.
“Okay, so we put you in here, Mr and Mrs Granger,” he directed them to a door. “Close to the stairs; the house is a little confusing so we thought you’d appreciate the ease.”
“Thank you Draco, how thoughtful,” Hermione’s mum smiled at him and he shifted, giving her a small, embarrassed smile.
“That’s alright. I’ll let you get settled.”
Hermione gave her parents a hug and promised to meet them downstairs before the snowball fight, before they went inside the room.
“They’ll be fine,” Bellatrix murmured.
“Aunt Bella, mum thought that you and Hermione… uh, that you would like to stay in the room that was yours when you were here a few years ago?”
“Thank you, Draco,” Bellatrix smirked, pulling Hermione close. “I know the way.”
Draco blushed and nodded before heading towards the stairs quickly. Bellatrix’s cackle followed him, until Hermione elbowed her.
“Don’t tease him.” Then she hesitated. “Or at least give me a chance.”
“That’s my lynx,” Bellatrix hummed. “Come on, I’ll show you our room.”
Bellatrix led her through the corridors and up another flight of stairs, before opening a door in a quieter part of the house. Hermione smiled as she stepped into what was undoubtedly Bellatrix’s room; it reminded her of her rooms at Hogwarts, but much more lavish and stylish. She imagined this was Narcissa’s version of decorating for Bellatrix.
“I like it.” Her eyes fell to the bed, which was rather large and fitted with black sheets. “A lot.”
“No one else is near this room,” Bellatrix murmured, sliding her arms around Hermione’s waist and letting her breath tickle Hermione’s ear. “Narcissa knows that I like my privacy.”
“Can’t imagine what you’re telling me that for,” Hermione chuckled, leaning back into her.
“Oh , of course not. You’re completely innocent.” Bellatrix’s teeth grazed Hermione’s earlobe, making her inhale and arch her neck, allowing Bellatrix better access to her.
“Mhmm… so… innocent.” Bellatrix’s lips moved down Hermione’s neck, kissing her languidly as her fingers slowly began to unbutton her jeans. “Bella… they’re waiting on us.”
“Mmmm, they can wait a little longer.”
Hermione bit her lip as Bellatrix’s hand slipped under the waistband.
“Do you really want someone coming to hurry us up and finding- oh!”
Bellatrix’s chuckle resonated in her ear as she gently teased her; Hermione’s eyes fluttering closed under her touch.
“I’d hex them.”
“Mmm… well… I…”
“You’re perfect, my lynx.” Hermione’s response didn’t make much sense; more of a moaning hum as her hips pressed into Bellatrix’s hand. “I love you.”
“I love… you… too.”
***
When they both appeared downstairs a little later, Hermione trying to avoid looking sheepish as she wrapped a scarf around her neck and chin, they found Ginny smirking at the bottom of the stairs, arms folded.
“I was going to ask what kept you so long but I’m going to assume I don’t want to know?” She said, and Hermione glanced at Bellatrix, blushing lightly.
“That depends, Miss Weasley.” Bellatrix smirked, wrapping her arm around Hermione. “If you want the details, I can-”
“Nope, no, thank you.” Ginny said, covering her ears. “God I think I preferred it when I was scared of you.”
“You’re still scared of me,” Bellatrix’s smirk widened. “With good reason.”
Hermione laughed as Ginny shifted on her feet and looked at her friend for help.
“Come on, let’s go and win this.” She said to Ginny, slipping out of Bellatrix’s hold. “You know, like we always do.”
“You have never once,” Bellatrix hummed, her eyes mischievous, “beaten me in a snowball fight.”
“You’ve not beaten me either,” Hermione teased.
“I’m feeling lucky,” Bellatrix murmured.
“Alright, are we going to do this or are you two going to spend the whole holiday flirting?” Bellatrix and Hermione grinned at each other, as though considering Ginny’s question seriously. “Oh gross. Come on.”
Bellatrix’s cackle echoed long after they left the entrance hall.
***
Hermione skidded to a stop as the snowball hit her shoulder.
“I thought you had better aim than tha-” The next one hit her in the face and she spluttered, hearing Bellatrix’s cackle from behind the topiary.
“Still got a lot to learn, Granger!”
Hermione wiped her face and tore after her, determined. She rounded the topiary and found the space that Bellatrix had occupied to be empty.
“Damn.”
“Not quick enough!” Bellatrix’s voice sang out teasingly. Hermione stopped, taking a breath and concentrating. This time, she would win. The slightest crunch of snow to her left had her spinning and throwing the snowball in her hand. It shattered against Bellatrix’s head and Hermione let out a cheer of victory. Bellatrix shook out her hair and charged.
“No, don’t-” Hermione squealed before they both went tumbling in the snow, laughing. Bellatrix ended up on her back and Hermione grinned down at her victoriously. “I do believe I won that round.”
“It’s not over yet,” Bellatrix grinned.
“Neither of us will ever win, you know?” Hermione laughed.
“Do you really think beating you in a snowball fight is my goal?” Bellatrix hummed. “I just enjoy seeing you happy.”
Hermione leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips.
“Nice try,” she hummed. Bellatrix laughed and shook her head.
“It wasn’t a lie.”
“I know. But you still want to win.”
“I always want to win.”
“I know, and so do I.”
“I suppose that’s why we are so well matched.” Bellatrix chuckled.
“That and I was just irritatingly persistent in loving you.”
Bellatrix smiled up at her and pulled her down for another kiss.
“Never stop.” The slightest questioning lilt at the end, almost pleading, caught Hermione’s attention. She brushed her nose against Bellatrix’s, feeling the hot breath from her mouth against her chilled skin.
“Never,” she murmured.
Their kisses were soft, comforting, reassuring; Hermione felt Bellatrix smiling into each one as she pressed into her.
A burst of snow showered down on them and Hermione rolled off of Bellatrix as they both looked up and around. Laughter came from their left and they saw Draco and Ginny with their wands out.
“Quit making out and get back to the fight!” Ginny called. They vanished before either woman could retaliate and Bellatrix helped a chuckling Hermione up from the floor.
“Looks like we’re not the only two mixing enemy lines,” Bellatrix hummed. Ginny was on Hermione’s team; Draco on Bellatrix’s.
“I’ll take Draco, you take Ginny?”
“Naturally,” Bellatrix chuckled and they turned to run after their respective targets.
***
“Another snowball fight?”
Andy’s amusement was clear as they tumbled into the hall, laughing and still arguing about who had won. She was standing with Narcissa, who was holding Teddy. Ted was just returning from putting their bags in their room.
“Andy!” Came the chorus of voices, followed by similar shouts for the other two newcomers. They swarmed the Tonks family; Hermione was one of the first to hug Andy before cooing over Teddy, who had grown so much that she was almost taken aback.
“Mum, dad, this is Andy, her husband Ted and this is Teddy.”
“It is so nice to finally meet you,” Andy smiled, welcoming Hermione’s parents with open arms. “You raised an incredible young woman.”
“Thank you,” Hermione’s mum was a little teary when she pulled away. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Andy,” Bellatrix appeared and Andy grabbed her, pulling her into a hug. “Merlin, are you trying to kill me?”
“No more than usual.”
When Bellatrix was released from Andy’s crushing hug and joined Hermione, Teddy shrieked joyfully.
“Auntie Bells!” Bellatrix winced a little and her cheeks reddened, but she grinned at him.
“Hello, little one.” Hermione watched as Teddy’s hair changed slightly, mimicking Bellatrix’s dark curls. He already looked so much like Andy that it was hardly a stretch. “You’ve grown.”
“Am big now.”
“Yes, you are.”
Hermione leaned into Bellatrix with a smile as the older woman ruffled his hair lightly. He chuckled and buried his face into Narcissa’s neck, who smiled at Bellatrix gently and then pressed a kiss to his forehead.
“Dinner is almost ready,” she announced to the group, before handing Teddy back to Andy. “Dry off before you come through; I don’t want snow melting into my floors.”
Bellatrix chuckled and shook her head at her sister, before they followed.
Narcissa’s ‘light’ Christmas Eve dinner was still relatively large, but with the Weasley family there, it seemed to have been a clever, preemptive move. Hermione couldn’t imagine that Narcissa had ever hosted an event quite so boisterous before and she was well aware that Bellatrix was enjoying her sister’s new expression as she watched George and Ron fighting over the last piece of chicken while their mother hissed at them to behave. Every time Narcissa opened her mouth, as though about to say something about the situation, either Mr Weasley, Draco or Harry would distract her. Eventually, Ron lost the fight; George victoriously stuffed the chicken in his mouth and tried not to choke on it as he grinned at Ron.
“Well, I think I may retire for the evening,” Narcissa said, rising stiffly from her chair the moment the food was cleared.
“Cissy,” Andy began, starting to stand, but Narcissa waved her down.
“Don’t worry, I’m just a little tired from the excitement of the day. I’ll see you all in the morning. Goodnight.”
She leaned over, planting a kiss on Draco’s head and then elegantly walked to the door and vanished. The silence hung in the air until Molly Weasley turned and frowned at her sons.
“Tomorrow, boys, you are on clean up duty.”
“But mum-”
“You heard me, Ronald!”
“Really, Mrs Weasley,” Draco said. “I don’t believe that’s necessary. My mother is just tired. It’s quite the change, but I’m sure she’ll get used to it.”
Hermione saw Bellatrix and Andy exchanging looks and, when the group began to split in different directions, Bellatrix squeezed Hermione’s hand before leaving her side and following Andy out of the room. Hermione watched them go with a small smile.
Although the war had done damage, the Black sister’s relationship had grown strong again. Hermione imagined that they were bonded through the traumas of their childhoods, and the trauma of war only served to remind them of that bond. Bellatrix didn’t talk about her childhood much, but what she had shared with Hermione had been fleeting moments of happiness amongst darkness, and all those happy memories revolved around her sisters.
She tore herself from her thoughts and glanced at her parents, who were hovering.
“Hey,” she smiled and padded over to them. “Have you had a good evening?”
“Your friends are boisterous,” Hermione’s mum laughed. “But very entertaining.”
“That they are,” Hermione chuckled.
“I’m afraid not everyone thought so,” Hermione’s father added. “It must be a little overwhelming, having so many people in your house, if she’s not used to it.”
“I think there’s a little more to it than that,” Hermione murmured, glancing at the door that Bellatrix and Andy had followed Narcissa through. “But hopefully things will be easier tomorrow.”
“I’m sure it will be a lovely Christmas,” he replied. Hermione’s mum smiled.
“Yes, but right now I think I need to get in that impressive bed in our room, or else I’ll be falling asleep on Narcissa’s floor.”
Hermione laughed and wished her parents goodnight, giving them both a kiss before they left. She looked around for a moment and then went to join the group following Draco, with offers of more drinks by a fire enticing them. Hermione settled happily in a chair near the fire, watching her friends choosing drinks from a cabinet. Draco seemed to have grown more at ease with them all, laughing with George and asking Charlie about his work with dragons.
The conversation drifted from topic to topic; Ginny told them about training with the Holyhead Harpies, Harry about his work in the Auror department. Draco told them about starting at the Ministry and how Harry had made sure that no one held a grudge against him. Hermione smiled, seeing the mutual respect and friendship between them. Her eyes slid to Ron and she was relieved to see that he didn’t seem jealous.
“How about you Ron?”
He glanced at her and smiled.
“Actually, I’m handing in my notice after Christmas,” he admitted. Some of the others looked at him in surprise, but Harry and George seemed to know what was going on. “I’m actually going to work with George in the shop.”
“Really? But I thought…” Ginny said and then trailed off. Ron shrugged.
“I’m tired of it, Gin. It does more harm than good and I’m just not cut out for it. I was happy when I was helping George out and I think it’ll be good for me.”
“Of course he doesn’t get a fifty-fifty split,” George winked, nudging his brother. “Since I’m the brains.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Ron rolled his eyes, shoving his brother back. “Whatever.”
Hermione chuckled and took a sip of her drink. There was something about the warmth of the fire, the laughter of her friends and the smell of pine from the nearby Christmas tree that made her close her eyes and breathe in deeply.
To think that a few years ago, this had not been possible. A few years ago, they would have been cursed for walking into this house. A few years ago, they had been trapped here, unsure of whether they were about to come face to face with Voldemort, and unsure of Bellatrix and whether they would succeed in their mission.
Hermione opened her eyes. How things had changed.
It was an hour later, when Hermione’s eyes were beginning to droop and the conversation had turned to discussing Christmas day, that Bellatrix returned. Hermione noticed her first, of course, and sat up a little as she watched her slip into the room. Bellatrix’s eyes found her immediately and she leaned against the wall, smiling. Hermione smiled and bit her lip, then finished the rest of her drink in one go.
“I think it’s my time to turn in,” she announced to the group.
“Now? It’s barely…” Ginny glanced at the clock. “Okay, it’s late, but it’s the holidays.”
“I’m exhausted,” Hermione said, which wasn’t untrue. She did feel tired, even if the sight of Bellatrix had roused her from the doze she had been slipping into.
“Alright, grandma, see you tomorrow then,” Ginny teased. Harry chuckled and released Ginny from their current cuddling position so that she could hug Hermione. “Don’t let your girlfriend keep you up too late.”
“Oh, I will,” Bellatrix cackled and Ginny blushed bright red, her head whipping around to look at Bellatrix incredulously. Everyone burst into laughter, including Hermione.
“Damn it,” Ginny turned around and shoved Hermione gently. “You have got to warn me when she’s sneaking around like that.”
“Nope,” Hermione grinned, hugging Ginny and then heading towards Bellatrix, who was still snickering with a smirk on her face. “You’d better learn to be more aware of your surroundings.”
“Don’t worry Weasley,” Bellatrix smirked, throwing her arm around Hermione’s shoulders. “It took her a while to work out when I was ‘sneaking’ too.”
Hermione chuckled and reached up to kiss Bellatrix's cheek, only for the woman to turn her head and capture her lips instead.
“Oh god, aunt Bella, can you not,” Draco groaned. “I mean I’m happy for you both but still… weird.”
Hermione smirked at him.
“Get used to it Draco.”
“Couldn’t have put it better myself,” Bellatrix murmured, squeezing Hermione’s shoulders. With that, the pair said their goodnights again, and headed out. “Have you been having a good evening?”
“Yes, have you?”
“Surprisingly, yes. Although I’m still offended at the idea of sharing my holidays with my students.”
“Former students,” Hermione nudged her, chuckling. “And you’re dating one of them.”
“Well, when you put it that way,” Bellatrix grinned, and suddenly Hermione was pressed against a wall. She gasped and then chuckled, shaking her head.
“Bella, they could come out at any minute.”
“Scandalous. Do you think one of them would faint?” Bellatrix chuckled, pressing a kiss to Hermione’s jaw that made her sigh. She kissed a trail down Hermione’s neck until a groan vibrated up her throat. “Mmm, I love the sounds you make.”
“So take me somewhere where you’re the only one that can hear them.”
Bellatrix withdrew and, with a devilish smirk, she took Hermione’s hand and pulled her towards the door. Hermione was reminded of that New Year’s party, the last time she had been in this house, and her pace quickened to keep up with Bellatrix. She wasn’t sure where they were going, but she vaguely recognised the corridor and then, as Bellatrix opened the door to their left, she realised.
The room was as she remembered it, with a fire dwindling in the grate and books lining the wall. She trailed her fingers over them as she had done two years before and then turned to look at Bellatrix, whose eyes were burning a slow, hot trail over her.
“Her coming was my hope each day, her parting was my pain…” Hermione parroted those words, the ones that Bellatrix had used to finally tell her how she felt. “Can you believe two years have gone by?”
“It seems like a lifetime, and a split second, all at once,” Bellatrix hummed, stepping closer.
“I have loved every moment,” Hermione murmured. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
“I knew then, you know?” Bellatrix pretended to peruse the shelves. “A part of me knew that I loved you then. That you were different. The only one I wanted.”
“Is that why you couldn’t resist kissing me?”
Bellatrix chuckled, her tone throaty, and then she looked up from under dark lashes and Hermione’s heart stuttered.
“Perhaps.”
“What would you have done if there’d been nothing holding us back?” Hermione asked, her eyes lidded as she stepped closer; wanting.
“Do you want me to show you?”
“Yes.”
Bellatrix surged forward and Hermione’s breath was knocked from her as she was pressed against the bookshelf, Bellatrix’s lips claiming hers like fire devours parchment. She moaned into her and tangled her fingers in Bellatrix’s hair to scratch her scalp. Bellatrix’s hips jerked into her and Hermione gasped, allowing Bellatrix’s tongue access to curl into her mouth. Hermione’s brain was barely functioning, but memories of a similar position in the Restricted section flicked through her mind and she felt a chuckle in her mouth. It took her a few seconds to realise that Bellatrix was chuckling too; when the woman pulled back a little to stare into her eyes.
“Are you aware you always drop your barriers when we kiss? It makes the experience quite… heady.” Bellatrix dived back in before Hermione had a chance to respond, kissing her so hard that Hermione’s toes curled. “I remember too… so many close calls. So many times when I wanted nothing more than to take you…”
Hermione gasped, grinding into Bellatrix’s thigh as it slipped between her legs.
“I wanted you too.”
“Oh I know,” Bellatrix chuckled against her and then her tongue was licking the line of Hermione’s throat and leaving marks that would fade quickly with her teeth. “I could feel it. You made it so difficult to resist.”
“We don’t have to anymore,” Hermione moaned, scratching her fingers against Bellatrix’s scalp again until Bellatrix’s hands grabbed her hips and pulled her firmly against her thigh, making Hermione gasp again.
“You’re right, little lynx. We don’t.” Bellatrix’s movements stilled and she locked eyes with Hermione, the softness in them making Hermione’s heart melt. “Would… I would like to share everything with you. Hold nothing back, like you do. If you like.”
Hermione leaned in and placed a slow, languid kiss to Bellatrix’s lips.
“Yes. I would love that.”
Bellatrix claimed her lips again, softly, slowly and as her fingers slipped under Hermione’s waistband, the younger witch gasped.
Flickers of Bellatrix’s thoughts danced at the edge of her mind, like a weak flame in need of oxygen. She opened her mind to her, encouraging her, and Bellatrix’s fingers grazed her wetness as the thoughts grew stronger. She rolled her head back, lips parted with heavy breaths as she closed her eyes and invited her in.
Love… so warm… all mine… beautiful…
Bellatrix’s mind was scattered, shattered, as though the pieces that Hermione got were fragments of a mirror or pieces of a puzzle, yet to be put together. She greedily collected the slivers that Bellatrix allowed her as fingers curled and drew her closer. She clung to her, a tear escaping from her closed eyes and rolling down her cheek as she smiled, realising that Bellatrix was still protecting her, in case she lost control and found thoughts and memories from the Bellatrix she hadn’t really known.
Hermione smiling at her coyly, wearing a mask at the winter ball.
The way Hermione’s nose wrinkled when she frowned down at her work.
The pride on Hermione’s face as she transformed back from her lynx form the first time.
How wild and free she looked when she threw a snowball at Bellatrix, laughing.
The moment that Hermione had told her that she loved Bellatrix.
Hermione’s eyes flew open as Bellatrix’s fingers pushed her over the edge and she cried out, calling Bellatrix’s name over and over as she clung to her; her rock in the storm. Bellatrix’s mind withdrew, but Hermione could still feel the warmth in the way Bellatrix treasured these memories lingering as she quivered in the wake of her orgasm.
Bellatrix kissed her, gently.
“I love you, Hermione.”
"I love you, Bellatrix."
***
Hermione woke with her face buried in Bellatrix’s neck, strands of her hair tickling her nose and making it wrinkle. She hummed happily and buried further into her, shifting the leg tangled with Bellatrix's in the process.
“Mmph,” Bellatrix inhaled and her lips brushed Hermione’s temple. “Good morning.”
“Morning,” Hermione whispered, eyes still closed. She pressed a kiss to Bellatrix’s neck. It’s Christmas.”
“It is,” Bellatrix replied, running her fingers down Hermione’s arm. “Happy Christmas, my darling.”
“Mmm, I love you.”
Bellatrix chuckled sleepily and kissed her head again.
“I love you too, my little lynx.”
When they eventually managed to untangle themselves from each other and the bedding, Hermione slipped on some underwear and pyjamas before turning in time to see Bellatrix pulling on a familiar jumper.
“Is that what I think it is?” She hummed, slipping her arms around Bellatrix’s waist as soon as the woman had freed her hair from the neck of the jumper.
“That depends on what you think it is,” Bellatrix replied roughly, leaning into Hermione.
“I think it’s the jumper that Mrs Weasley knitted for you.”
“It’s warm,” Bellatrix replied with a slight defensiveness in her voice.
“It suits you.”
“Well, of course it does. I can make anything look good,” Bellatrix pursed her lips and Hermione smiled, knowing that she was trying to hide one too. So, instead of teasing her further, Hermione simply slipped her hand into Bellatrix’s and squeezed, gently.
“Let’s go downstairs; I’m starving.”
“I could have helped with that before I got dressed,” Bellatrix teased.
“I’m sure you could,” Hermione chuckled, leaning her head into her shoulder. “But for once, I need real food.”
“Mmm,” Bellatrix hummed, kissing her head. “Alright then, my starving little lynx. Let’s go and face the chaos.”
“I don’t know if it will be chaos…” Hermione trailed off, memories of previous Christmas’ with the Weasleys surfacing. “Okay… maybe a little.”
Bellatrix laughed.
“We shall see. I, for one, am surprised that we didn’t find fireworks under our pillow.”
“George would never pull the same prank twice. Boring.” Hermione laughed. “And I’m sure Narcissa would flay him alive.”
“Perhaps,” Bellatrix murmured.
“Is she okay? You went after her, last night. I didn’t get a chance to ask how that went.”
“Well, we were otherwise engaged,” Bellatrix smirked, but then her smile slipped a little into a soft sadness that Hermione only saw her show when her sisters were involved. “She is still getting used to… this. No matter his faults, she loved Lucius, and with him in Azkaban while she remains free with Draco… Christmas is especially difficult I believe. Seeing such love, such openness from the Weasleys, from Andy… it is so different from our childhoods. It’s so different from how we were brought up.”
“I’m sorry for that.”
“No need to be sorry,” Bellatrix hummed. “You are not the cause.”
“No, but… I’m still sorry.”
“You’re too good.” Bellatrix replied. “Narcissa will be fine. It will do her some good to have a little joy in her life that isn’t based on her son.”
“He’s the reason that she saved Harry,” Hermione murmured. “So… in a way, a mother’s love saved Harry twice.”
Bellatrix blinked at her and then let out a breathy chuckle.
“Just when I think I can’t be any more in love with you, you say something so clever, do something so sweet, that I find myself loving you even more.”
Hermione blushed and didn’t stop until they had walked downstairs for breakfast.
***
Watching Bellatrix discover that there was, in fact, a pile of presents for her, was something that broke Hermione’s heart in the best way. Amongst the chaos of everyone else opening gifts, Bellatrix had swallowed thickly, her fingers twitching nervously as she reached for the first one having confirmed they actually were for her.
“That’s from me, Bella,” Narcissa said from the seat she was sitting in, looking every bit a queen even in green satin pyjamas and a black robe, with her hair less than perfect for the first time in Hermione knowing her. “I hope you like it.”
There was a slight hint of nervousness from the youngest Black sister, something Hermione only picked up on because she was so used to Bellatrix’s own micro-expressions. Narcissa watched carefully as Bellatrix unwrapped the present slowly and held her breath as it was unveiled.
“Cissy…”
“If you don’t like it-”
“I…” Bellatrix lifted the locket from the box and stroked her thumb around the oval before unlocking it. Hermione watched while Bellatrix swallowed and tried to hold onto her rapidly dissolving mask, as tears welled in her eyes, making it practically impossible. Hermione shifted closer, looking at the locket. “It’s beautiful, Cissy.”
Inside the locket were two pictures; one of Bellatrix with her sisters when they were young which looked as though it had been taken at a party. They were glamorous and caught in laughter with their arms wrapped around each other. On the other side, Hermione recognised the picture that Charlie had taken of them last Christmas, cuddling by the fire. They had sent copies to Narcissa, Andy and Hermione’s parents to reassure them that they were safe and well.
“It’s just something I found in Diagon Alley,” Narcissa waved it away as though it were nothing, but anyone watching the exchange could feel the weight of the exchange. Hermione’s heart ached and she gently stroked Bellatrix’s back, comfortingly.
“You’ve always had exquisite taste,” Bellatrix hummed. “Thank you.”
She unclasped it and reached around her neck, fastening it and letting it hang to her chest. Andy reached across and took Narcissa’s hand, giving it a squeeze. She had been watching the whole exchange with a soft smile on her face. Hermione let the three have their moment and reached for another present, handing it to her parents.
“Here you go, Ginny,” Harry said, sliding a small present over to her. She grinned and kissed his cheek before opening it and staring.
“It’s a key.”
“Yes,” Harry said. Hermione, Mrs Weasley and a few of the other Weasleys closest to the couple suddenly became very interested in the exchange. “It’s a key to my place… our place… if you want it to be.”
Hermione’s eyes flicked to Ron, but he didn’t seem surprised. It seemed he and Harry had been having a lot of conversations about big changes, if last night and the current revelation was anything to go by.
Ginny’s mouth hovered open as she stared between Harry and the key for a moment and then she flung herself onto him, sending them both crashing to the floor.
“You idiot!”
“Is that a yes?”
“Of course it’s a yes!”
Hermione laughed and gave them a little round of applause as everyone congratulated them.
“Nice job Ginny,” George said. “And don’t say I never did anything for you.”
“What?” Ginny asked.
“Well, someone had to give Ron a place to live so he didn’t have to listen to you two being a happy couple all the time.”
Ginny threw a cushion at him while Ron gave an indignant ‘hey!’ Narcissa’s blood pressure rose; Bellatrix cackled. Hermione smiled. Her friends were happy and so was she.
The opening of presents was nearing its end when Teddy, having managed to climb onto a chair without anyone noticing, jumped off of it with a screeching ‘wheeeeeeeeee’to dive into the discarded wrapping paper. Bellatrix, faster than even Hermione had ever seen her move, threw herself forward and he landed on her stomach, winding her.
“Again!” Teddy crowed as Andy hurried forward, lifting him from Bellatrix who was coughing and rubbing her stomach.
“Teddy Lupin, you’ll be the death of me!” Andy scolded half-heartedly. “And your Aunt Bella by the looks of it.”
“Sorry Aunt Bells,” Teddy pouted. Bellatrix waved the apology away from the floor and Hermione chuckled as she helped pull her into a seating position.
“Just you wait,” Bellatrix muttered in the direction of Teddy, once he was set down and toddled over to her with outstretched arms. “When you’re older and less breakable, I’ll get you back.”
Hermione laughed as the little boy chortled and threw his arms around her, burying his snotty face in her hair. Bellatrix looked half pleased and half disgusted and soon removed him by tickling his round little stomach where it peeked out from under his pyjama top. When he’d toddled over to Draco, who was busy trying to stop the toy broomstick that he’d bought him from zooming around the room a few inches from the floor, Hermione settled against Bellatrix and wrapped her arms around her, pressing a kiss to her temple.
“You are adorable,” she murmured.
“I am no such thing,” Bellatrix huffed in mock indignation.
“You just threw yourself into present paper to save him and allowed him to snot in your hair.”
Bellatrix shuddered and flicked her wand at her hair, making sure there wasn’t really any snot in the curls.
“I am not adorable,” she muttered.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone,” Hermione chuckled softly into her ear, before hooking a piece of wrapping paper that was attached to Bellatrix’s hair at the back by sticky tape off and away from them.
“You had better not,” Bellatrix smirked, before pressing a kiss to her lips. “Or you’ll never sleep again.”
“Promises, promises,” Hermione chuckled and then unwrapped herself from Bellatrix to reach for another present for her. “This one is from me.”
Bellatrix took the present and opened it carefully. Inside was an intricate hair comb made of silver; the prongs were sharp enough to be used as a weapon and the head was of a wolf framed by Celtic knots. She trailed her fingers over the design reverently and then looked at Hermione.
“It’s exquisite.”
“You like it? I thought because the wolf really started all of this and you always like to have a hidden weapon on you so-”
“I love it,” Bellatrix pulled her in for a kiss that made Hermione’s heart flutter. “Thank you, my little lynx.”
“You two are disgustingly sweet; I hope you know that,” Narcissa’s voice broke through their moment and they both looked over to find her and Andy grinning at them teasingly.
“All this sweetness before breakfast, really,” Andy added. “And when Bellatrix used to be so grumpy before her morning coffee.”
“I can still be grumpy, if you’d prefer,” Bellatrix smirked. “I have no qualms about hexing either of you, Christmas day or not.”
“Oh look, how sweet,” Andy chuckled. “She’s even giving warnings now, instead of just hexing us outright.”
“What an excellent influence Miss Granger is,” Narcissa added. Everyone, including Hermione’s parents, chuckled as Hermione blushed and hid her face in Bellatrix’s hair.
“If it wouldn’t start an all out duel, I’d help you hex them,” she muttered into Bellatrix’s ear, who chuckled.
“Still tempted.”
***
“I have something extra for you,” Bellatrix hummed as they re-entered their room to change for dinner, which Narcissa had insisted that they make some effort for.
“Bella, you didn’t have to-”
“I know,” she murmured, slipping her arms around Hermione’s waist and pulling her close. “I wanted to. This isn’t something I wanted to share with anyone else.”
She leaned in, pressing a kiss to Hermione’s lips and then took her hand and led her to the bed, gesturing for her to sit down.
“Is this the kind of present that’s going to make us late for dinner?” Hermione joked, because she could feel Bellatrix’s nervousness. Bellatrix laughed lightly and shook her head.
“No, darling. It is not that kind of gift. That’s for later.”
Hermione chuckled and watched as Bellatrix reached into her bag and withdrew a small, carefully wrapped present. It was about the size of a book, but thinner, and when Bellatrix hesitantly passed it over, it felt lighter than one too. Bellatrix hovered as Hermione unwrapped it.
“Oh… Bella…”
“It’s no good, I’m out of practice, I should have-”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Oh. I… well, I-”
“Did you draw this?”
Hermione’s fingers traced over the delicate lines that formed her sleeping face; peaceful and with a small smile on her lips. As she did, her charcoal eyes fluttered open and stared sleepily at her, tendrils of hair falling over her face until charcoal-her seemed to laugh and push them out of her face.
“Yes, I did,” Bellatrix hummed.
“I’m not this beautiful.”
“Yes you are.” Bellatrix kneeled down in front of her and cupped her face with one hand. “Especially to me.”
Hermione felt tears welling in her eyes and she placed the framed drawing to the side carefully before leaning into the hand on her cheek and kissing it. Bellatrix brushed her thumb over her cheek and then leaned up to kiss Hermione softly.
“It’s beautiful. I love it, thank you.”
“You’re welcome, my love.”
“I didn’t know you could draw.”
“I wanted you to be surprised. One of the many skills that we were expected to learn as pureblood women, although they never liked my preference for materials.” Bellatrix tucked a stray strand of hair away from Hermione’s face and behind her ear. “It made my fingers dirty.”
“I would love to watch you draw. I don’t care if your fingers get dirty,” Hermione chuckled, pressing another kiss to Bellatrix’s hand and then her wrist.
“I wanted you to know that waking up next to you is… I’m so thankful,” Bellatrix said, her voice thick and eyes welling. “For everything. I don’t… I don’t know how I deserve it but-”
Hermione kissed her.
***
Hermione tangled her fingers in Bellatrix’s and smiled as they walked downstairs.
“You look beautiful.”
Bellatrix grinned. She was dressed in a black velvet dress and Narcissa’s gift lay around her neck, while Hermione’s gift kept half of her wild curls pinned back. Hermione loved the way it exposed her neck and had already spent a few stolen moments kissing it with Bellatrix pressed against the door to their room.
“As do you,” she replied as her eyes trailed over the simple red dress that Hermione had chosen to wear. “Even in Gryffindor red.”
“You like when I wear red.”
“I like you regardless of your clothing,” Bellatrix grinned. “But yes… it does suit you. Very much so.”
It turned out, as they arrived for dinner, that all three Black sisters had coordinated, and Hermione was momentarily distracted by the beauty of them all together, dressed in fitted black dresses with their heads held high. Whatever the world held in store for the future, Hermione doubted if it were ready for the Black sisters, united.
“Hermione, you look beautiful,” her mum embraced her, distracting her from her thoughts.
“Thanks mum, you look so pretty,” Hermione grinned. It had been so long since she’d seen her parents dressed up and as she looked between them, her heart ached with love. “I love you both so much. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.” They both hugged her tight and then Hermione felt her mum loosen her grip.
“Bellatrix, come here?” Bellatrix was standing back, seemingly awkward and out of place as she waited for Hermione to be released. With Hermione’s mother beckoning her close, she stepped forward, nervously and was slowly, gently, brought into the embrace. Hermione’s eyes welled again at the expression of surprise on Bellatrix’s face. “You are part of the family, Bellatrix. I want you to remember that.”
When they released them both, Hermione's mother pulled her father off towards the table, allowing them a moment. Bellatrix’s hand was shaking when Hermione pulled it into hers.
“Are you alright?”
“I will be,” she murmured, staring at a spot on the wall as she swallowed thickly and closed her eyes. “I just need a moment.”
Hermione held onto her hand, until Bellatrix opened her eyes and gave her a watery smile.
“Your family are… I feel…”
“I know,” Hermione hummed, soothing her. “I know.”
***
The fire was dying and Hermione was full and content. She was cuddled up to Bellatrix on the sofa, her head resting on her shoulder, as she played with her fingers, watching with amusement as Draco played the piano and Ginny, Mrs Weasley, Harry, George, Fleur, Ted and Andy all sang Christmas songs.
Narcissa was smiling fondly at her son from her seat, talking to Hermione’s father, with whom she seemed to have struck up an odd bond with while they had been cooking in the kitchen. He seemed to understand her humour and the quiet strength of her and Hermione’s surprise had quickly been overtaken by joy. Narcissa had relaxed more and more as the day had gone on. Hermione’s mum was busy telling Mr Weasley all about dentistry, much to his fascination. Bill and Charlie were debating with Percy over the best course of action for the restructure of the Ministry of Magic, which was still under discussion.
“I’m happy,” she murmured, glancing up at Bellatrix, who was watching their family and friends with a small smile on her lips. “Are you happy?”
“Every moment that I’m with you.” She shifted to look at Hermione and smiled. “But yes. I… it is strange but very happy to have so much…”
“Family?” Hermione gently suggested. Bellatrix blinked, looking around at the people surrounding her and then back to Hermione.
“Family…” she mulled the word over. Hermione stroked her thumb over Bellatrix’s knuckle and didn’t interrupt her thoughts. “Don’t tell the Weasleys, but yes. They are your family and you and my sisters and their families are mine so by extension…”
“You know, you could just admit that you like them really.”
“Never,” Bellatrix chuckled, squeezing her hand. “That’s a step too far.”
“You do,” Hermione laughed, kissing her. “I know you do.”
“Perhaps a little,” Bellatrix hummed, noncommittally. “I couldn’t possibly say.”
“Adorable,” Hermione sang under her breath, earning her a nudge from Bellatrix’s elbow. “Hey!”
“I am not adorable.”
“But you are happy.”
“Yes, my darling little lynx, I am.”
“I love you.” Hermione hummed, nestling into Bellatrix’s embrace again.
“I love you too.”