Black's House for Little Witches

25

A/N: This chapter was a struggle to write, which is why it took longer than usual to post. Hopefully it makes up for the wait.

Bellatrix and Narcissa are besties with Minerva McGonagall because I said so.

'Mo leanbh' = 'My child', according to a google search

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Hermione barely had time to step out of the Floo with Bellatrix before Narcissa and Andromeda appeared. Andy tripped over herself getting out of the Floo and hit the floor with a harsh thump. Before her sisters could react, she popped up and excitedly hollered, "Aunt Minnie!"

Hermione frowned before she turned as Andromeda ran across the room and straight into Minerva McGonagall. The older witch grunted a bit but managed to stay on her feet. "Ah, lassie, you must be gentle with an old witch such as myself."

"Sorry," Andromeda mumbled, looking chastised.

"It's alright, mo leanbh, but do be careful, yes?" She hugged the girl as Andy nodded in agreement. "Now, I do believe you brought another visitor. But, where is she?"

"My Mione!"

Hermione stepped behind Bellatrix and gripped the back of the woman's shirt in her hand and hid her face against the woman's back. She hadn't quite come up from the Little space she'd dropped into. Was that okay? Would McGonagall be mad that she was Little? Bella had said she wouldn't, but how did she know?

McGonagall released a soft sigh that might have been tinged with disappointment. "I was so looking forward to seeing Hermione, but I can't seem to find her," she mused. "Might you know where she is, Andromeda?"

Andy giggled before she whispered, "My Mione is shy. She's hiding."

"Oh? Is that so? Well, I guess we'll just have to wait for her to come out. Maybe she'll join us in time for Cauldron Cakes after lunch."

Hermione let out a soft gasp. Cauldron Cakes were one of her favorite snacks from Honeydukes.

"I hope Mione stops hiding. We're getting kittens, Aunt Minnie! I don't want her to miss it." Andromeda rambled on excitedly as she followed McGonagall out of the receiving room.

"Bella can show you the way when you're ready, chérie," Narcissa stated softly. She pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Hermione's head before she left to catch up with the other two.

Bellatrix turned and hugged Hermione softly. "I can help you come up from Little space if you want, sweet girl," she said. "But, I need you to know that it's okay to be Little. Minerva truly isn't upset by your classification." She hugged the girl a little tighter and soothingly rubbed her back. "She loves both Andromeda and little Drommie. I don't see why that would be any different for you."

Hermione nodded and released a shaky breath. "Don't want to disappoint," she mumbled into Bellatrix's shirt.

"Oh, my sweet girl, you haven't disappointed anyone," Bellatrix assured. "Molly Weasley and her idiot spawn don't count."

"My parents," Hermione quietly responded.

Bellatrix hummed softly and lightly petted the girl's head. "I suspect they don't know what to be disappointed by," she mused. "As far as Minerva is concerned, you haven't disappointed her, darling." She tenderly pressed a kiss against the girl's temple. "In fact, I bet Minerva would be quite proud to see the growth you've made in your first couple of weeks with us. I think she'd love a demonstration."

Hermione lifted her head, looking up with wide, hopeful eyes. "Really?"

"Mhmm. I've got a spare blanket in Narcissa's bag that we can use. You can show off your transfiguration skills."