Willing change: revised edition

14

They arrived at the old Black Manor and Hermione looked over to the dining table to see two places made up nicely. Kreature finished plating the food and Hermione smirked. Thinking to herself that he had cooked it too. He walked up to them and bowed to Hermione.

“Enjoy your meal, master Hermione.”

He scurried off and Hermione gave Bellatrix a happy glance.

“He called me something other than mud blood filth.”

Bellatrix let her lips quiet up in a small smile for a bit as she pulled out Hermione's chair.

“That is because he knows what tonight entails.”

Hermione gave her an odd look but took her seat. Bella made sure she was situated and took her seat. They started to eat and instantly, the Gryffindor realized Bellatrix did cook the dinner.

The pasta wasn't quite done and the sauce tasted scorched. Hermione smiled because she had actually put forth the effort to cook like a muggle for her. So even though it tasted bad she kept eating. But then she remembered that they had things to talk about. She glanced up to her.

“Bella… you needed to tell me some things?”

Bellatrix stopped eating and looked at her, sighed and sucked her teeth.

“Pet… the two things I have to tell you are connected and I want you to be open minded.”

“Well that depends on what you have to tell me.”

Bellatrix glared at her, making the stubborn girl freeze.

“Well as much as you are deserving of your opinion, pet... You will have to be open-minded.”

Hermione looked down and nodded. The dark witch let out a slow ragged breath. The Gryffindor attitude had to end toward her. With that aside she began again.

“Pet. After you came to my sister's home for winter break and you received the letter from Chandra, I started to talk to her, as you know. Well after I realized I wanted to go along with the prophecy and try to be with you… I couldn't let you get hurt.”

Hermione put her fork down and leaned back in her chair.

“Where is this going B-”
“I got Daedric to help me blackmail your cousin. Lucius got her started in school. And I brought her here to protect you. AND IF YOU QUESTION ME AGAIN BEFORE IM FINISHED YOU WILL REGRET IT!”

The red tint to the dark witch's face along with her tense muscles made Hermione sink down in her seat. She had never actually been scalded by her before. Maybe she didn't know what she was getting into. She knew Chandra and Dae had called her Hermione's Dom at the hogsmeade meeting but she just thought they meant she was simply in charge. She looked over to her and Bellatrix glared at her, coldly.

“Now, muddy. May I continue?”

The name visibly hurt her but she nodded, trying to finally attempt to play her part.

“Yes ma'am. I am sorry for interrupting.”

Bellatrix sighed and seemed to ease up a bit. She looked at Hermione.

“I offered the idea of a vow to your cousin. You should know that your cousin loves you very much because she instantly took the chance. She accepted and vowed to protect you until our prophecy is fulfilled. She also agreed to follow every order I gave her until then. She later informed me that she wished to be a Deatheater, which yes, I had already learned from you. I accepted but I took my sweet time. She didn't like that. So she sent your old stalker to pester me. When Parkinson didn't sway me she decided to let Tom know that a Goldwing had resurfaced. I was made to accelerate plans. But I showed her I wasn't pleased with what came from her actions.”