The Dark Lioness

Chapter 13

“How was the shopping spree?” Bellatrix’s inquisitive voice asked as the group sat around the dining table. When the group had gotten back Bellatrix was fast asleep on one of the library armchairs. It was easy to forget that she was still recovering from Azkaban as she had begun to gain weight and slowly look like a human instead of a skeleton. Hermione smiled at the witch as she claimed a seat opposite her. “It was lovely. I managed to get everyone a present and even got a book about old magic that Fleur suggested to me,” Hermione beamed as she thought about the new book to read. Narcissa laughed at the noticeably excited witch who appeared to be almost vibrating in her seat. “We spent just over half an hour in that shop with Hermione wandering around looking at everything. I managed to get a good book about healing spells. It’s lovely that I have an older sister to test the spells on,” Narcissa smirked from behind her glass filled with red wine. Bellatrix gulped silently as she remembered the last time that Narcissa wanted to ‘test’ old spells on her. A chuckle sounded from Narcissa as she merely patted her sister’s hand “unlike the time I’m sure you're thinking of I am no longer a third-year witch who didn’t have control of her magic.” Bellatrix scoffed as she distinctly remembered a pregnant Narcissa setting the table on fire when she was told there were no more chocolate muffins. Narcissa glared at Bellatrix before she moved her ice blue eyes onto Hermione who was sat eating a bit of her dinner whilst Luna attempted to coil a piece of blue ribbon into the witch's curls. Narcissa never imagined she’d be in a situation like this, surrounded by a supportive and loving circle of people who she was slowly beginning to view as her family. 

After their dinner, the group went into one of the lounges in the west wing of the house. The room was rather large and decorated warmly with a roaring fireplace to ward off the overbearing winter chill that pierced the manor. The group of five sat around the fireplace on luxuriously soft sofas with soft cushions. “Shall we all have a drink?” Bellatrix asked with a mischievous grin as she surveyed her companions. “Although Hermione is of age Luna and Draco are not so they can have non-alcoholic drinks Bellatrix.” Bella turned to look at Hermione who merely shook her head. “I’m not drinking Bella.” 

“You're all no fun” the unruly haired dark witch responded. Hermione merely smirked in response and called for an elf for some tea. “Thank you,” Narcissa and Hermione said in sync as they thanked the elf who delivered their tea. 

“So Hermione, Draco was telling me earlier whilst you Luna and Cissy were off doing merlin knows what, that you had a run-in with Potter,” Bellatrix said sipping her fire whiskey in fake innocence. Hermione placed her cup onto the saucer before turning to face the witch and saying, “I did yes. He and I have agreed to make amends and once me and the blonde duo are back at Hogwarts I’ll be seeing him a lot more than I have this year.” 

“Why on earth would you want to ‘reconnect’ with him? He didn't want you to find Minerva did he?” Bellatrix asked in slowly rising anger. Hermione sighed as she knew where this could lead if she didn't answer right. “Bella, Harry is like a brother to me. He’s part of my family and in the future should we marry he’d be your family too.” 

“You have everyone in this room and Minerva you don't need him at all. Is my family not good enough for you?” Bellatrix sneered as a fire entered her charcoal eyes in a challenge and anger. “Don’t be stupid Bella. Of course, I love your family because they are my family too. I enjoy my time with Luna, Draco and your sisters. Just because I also want to have Harry in my life doesn't mean I’m going to go back into the order or anything. I could care less about the order but I have friends and family that I want in my life. I’m sure once I explain everything to Harry, Ginny and Neville they'd understand. As for Ron... He’ll take a while.” 

“You want to talk to them all about everything? They'd send notice to the Aurors about where I am! Are you mental?! You won’t tell them at all!”