Black Family One Shots

by Loislame84

Summary:

This is a companion piece of the Shades of Grey series which takes place between parts three and four.

This work will contain 12 individual one shots to move us from the end of part three to the beginning of part four. The works will range from G-M ratings but I marked it M for the sake of being cautious.

Additional character and tags to be added as more one shots are published.

Chapter 1: Trouble at Tesco

Summary:

Bella is tasked with going to Tesco to retrieve a special muggle gift for Hermione’s birthday.

Minerva Katherine Black came into the family a little over a month and a half ago and Bella almost forgot what sleep actually felt like. Between having a 21 month old rambunctious miniature version of herself and an infant, sleep was a lost cause most days. Luckily the house elves were more than willing to help out and so was Andy when she wasn’t being her usual annoying self. “Are you sure this is what you want?” She just couldn’t wrap her head around what Hermione was requesting for her birthday. “Seriously, pet, money is not a problem. I can get you anything you want.” Bella was now pacing the floor in the new nursery. The nursery looked different than Cass’s. Hermione had insisted on a booked themed room so she could start Minnie on her path to knowledge at an early age. The room was a light gray color with purple accents. There were many bookshelves lined with children’s books, a crib, changing table, two large rocking chairs and the floor was littered with Cass’s toys. Currently, their eldest daughter was playing with a few toys on the carpet while Hermione was breast feeding the baby in one of the rocking chairs.

“I wouldn’t have asked for it if I didn’t really want it,” Hermione spoke in a soothing voice as Minnie was starting to fall asleep. “It’s only one trip to Tesco. You’ve been there a few times.”

“Yes, with you or your parents. I’ve never gone alone before,” Bella looked extremely uncomfortable. “You really want me to go there without a buffer?”

“You asked what I wanted for my birthday and I told you. I want a French Press coffee maker,” Hermione noticed the uncomfortable expression on her wife’s face. “It’s fine. I don’t need it. I can always get my dad to pick it up for me.”

“Let’s not be rash. I’m just trying to understand why you want it. It’s just a fancy coffee maker. Yes?” Hermione nodded. “Twiggy and Winky can make you whatever kind of coffee you want. You don’t have to make it for yourself.”

“I want it for when I go back to work. I have a feeling we won’t be sleeping for at least 6 months. I’m going to need caffeine.”

“Okay,” Bella seemed to consider what she was saying, “there are elves at the ministry, too. I’m sure they are jumping at the chance to get the Minister whatever she wishes.”

“I want the press in my office so that I don’t have to bother anyone when I just want to be left alone. I know the elves are willing to do whatever but the demand of the job on top of not sleeping, it just seems like a good idea. Oh,” she remembered as an afterthought, “there are also a few muggle books I’ve been meaning to pick up but with this hungry little one, I haven’t had a chance to get to Tesco. And those American chocolates.”

Bella sighed, resigning herself to the fate at hand, “guess I’m going to Tesco. Never let it be said that I don’t love you, Hermione.”

“It was never a question. I’m sure if you ask, Andy would go with you.” Bella gave her a look that implied she was out of her mind, “or you can take Cass. She’s a great shopping buddy. Just make sure you push her in the trolley or her little hands will be grabbing everything.”

“So not only am I going to Tesco but I’m also responsible for her,” she pointed to her mini me who just looked at her and blew a raspberry. “Perfect.”

“You do love me,” she watched as Bella scooped Cass up into her arms.

“Semantics,” Bella waved her off, “love has nothing to do with this. It’s your birthday and junior and I are more than capable of conquering Tesco.”

She tickled Cass’s belly, “mummy. No,” but it was followed by a belly laugh so she didn’t actually want her to stop.

“Come on love,” she kissed Cass before bending down and kissing Hermione’s cheek and Minnie’s forehead, “we have to go get something special for mum mum.”

“Mum mum day.”

“That’s right,” she started walking them to Cass’s room. “It’s mum mum’s birthday in a few days. And we both know she’s the most special person and deserves everything the world has to offer her.” Bella had already been to Diagon Alley with Cass a few days ago to pick out a few things for the girls to give to Hermione so Cass knew something was happening but still at 21 months she wasn’t entirely sure. “Let’s get this over with, kitten.”

“Oberr wiff,” Cass repeated and nodded her head.

“Exactly,” Bella carried Cass out of the Manor but had to go back in, “Winky?”

“Yes mistress?” She small elf asked, popping into the room.

“Inky,” Cass started trying to get out of Bella’s arms so she could play with the elf.

“Can you go grab me all of my muggle monies? Just bring everything you can find.” Winky nodded and popped away and Cass let out a little distressed noise, “you can play with Winky when we get home. We need to go get mum a gift.” She explained when the elf came back and handed Bella a muggle looking wallet that was full of bills and coins. “Thank you, Winky.”

“Have fun, Misses and little misses,” she reached up and squeezed Cass’s thigh.

“Now,” she started walking Cass back towards the apparition point, “let’s go.”

Cass and Bella landed around the back of Tesco in a spot that the dark witch knew they wouldn’t be spotted and would be able to slip inside without muggles trying to talk to them. She walked around the front of the building still holding Cass, “now kitten, don’t let any of the muggles touch you. You are awfully cute so I’m sure they will try. I give you permission to bite them if needed.” She settled Cass into the trolley before saying a quick prayer to Salazar for strength and took off into the store. “You have to pray for mummy because I could snap and kill people at a moment's notice. These muggles are like the living dead here.” She pushed the cart far enough into the store where she could stop and take a moment to read the signs. She looked at her daughter, “housewares? What do you reckon that means?” Cass mumbled incoherently and pointed towards the shoppers, “yes, I agree. This way.” She pushed the trolley down the main aisle of the store until they got to the sign that read Housewares. “If you figure out what that means, let me know.” She looked at her daughter’s confused face, “exactly.” She walked past a variety of small appliances from microwaves to waffle makers until she finally got to
the coffee machines. “There are more options than any muggle would ever need.” She parked the trolley in the middle of the coffee makers. “Okay Cass, you pick.” Bella showed her the four French press machines that Tesco had on offer and waited.

Cass looked at the items Bella had pointed too and she looked at her mummy, “this,” she said pointing to the all black one.

“As good a choice as any,” she grabbed one off of the shelf and loaded it in the back. “Perfect,” she reached into one of her extendable pockets and pulled out a sugar quill. “Don’t tell your mother,” she unwrapped the sweetie and handed it to her daughter. “You are such a good girl for mummy. We just need chocolates and books and we can get the hell out of here,” she pushed Cass further into the store. They passed the toy section and the small girl started motioning towards the brightly colored items. “Let me guess, you want mummy to buy you a present, too. Tell you what,” Bella put her finger under Cass’s chin and raised her head up so she was looking at her, “we will take care of Hermione first then I’ll get you and your sister something.” When Bella started pushing the trolley passed the toys, Cass removed the sugar quill and stuck her little lip out. “None of that, kitten. We will go back. Though I will never understand why any child would want to play with a muggle toy but whatever you want.” She continued to push the trolley until they made it to the section with the books. Bella was thankful that no muggles had stopped to talk to Cass during their outing so far. She felt overly confident that she could avoid them all until she had to check out. “Okay,” she stopped right in front of the books. “Which ones do you think Hermionr would like?” Bella was studying the books when she felt a little hand tugging on her skirt.

“Books mummy, books,” Cass started squirming in the trolley, wanting to get down and look at the kids books.

“I don’t know if letting you out is the best idea,” Bella gave her daughter a knowing glance.

“Book mummy?” She fixed her mother with her biggest eyes.

Bella was dead in the water, rolling her eyes and lifting Cass out of the seat, “fine. You can be free. But stay here next to mummy and help me look through the books.”

“Books!” Cass immediately toddled over towards the kids books which were located only a few steps beside her mother. “Books for mummy?” She held up a very happy looking pink book.

“You think mum mum would like that?” Cass nodded aggressively. Bella reached down and grabbed the book Cass was holding out for her. She quickly flipped through it, “yes i think she would like to read this to you and your sister. Let’s put it in the trolley.” She handed it back to her daughter and watched as Cass walked the book over to the back of the shopping cart and threw it inside, seemingly proud of herself. “Good job, kitten. Go pick out some more,” she left her daughter to the task at hand and went back to sorting through the muggle fiction for her wife. She had put a few books into the cart for Hermione and it seemed Cass had snuck quite a few into the cart as well, “I think that’s enough books for mummy. Maybe we should head over to the sweets.” Bella arranged the books into the back of the trolley before she looked up. Her heart dropped, “Cass?” She turned once, twice and a third time. “Cassiopeia?!” The little girl wasn’t in front of the books she had been looking at. “Fuck me. Cassiopeia Bellatrix Black if you can hear me and you are hiding you better listen to your mummy and come out right now.” She waited and listened for Cass’s telltale giggle but didn’t hear anything. “I can’t just picture it now… Listen Hermione. I got everything you wanted and more but I misplaced our daughter. No worries,” she groaned but told herself to keep calm. Worry and panic wouldn’t do anything to help the situation.

Bella walked down a few aisles near where they had just been and still did not see her daughter anywhere, “perfect. This is just perfect. Mother of the year award goes to me,” she let a few more choice cuss words fly before resolving her inner stubbornness and pulled out her hello phone. “Andy, it’s your favorite sister. Listen…”

“Hermione said you went to Tesco. Are you in muggle prison? I told you I wouldn’t bail you out.”

“I haven’t been arrested yet.” Bella cut her sister off. “Hypothetically…”

Andy cackled, “why do I get the feeling that the scenario coming isn’t hypothetical at all?”

“Can you just shut the hell up for a minute so I can explain this entirely hypothetical situation to you?” She heard the line go silent and figured Andy had conceded, “if you were out shopping in this muggle hellscape.”

“Tesco.”

“The muggle hellscape… I was right the first time. So you are shopping and Teddy is next to you also looking at items. You look down and Teddy isn’t there anymore. Would you panic? Where would Teddy have gone? Is it inappropriate to accio the boy back to you at Tesco in front of the muggles?” Andy let a slight gasp escape which caused an involuntary eye roll from the dark witch, “don’t be dramatic Andromeda. If I wanted the gasping I’d have called Cissy. Now, tell me what you would do.”

“First I’m going to pray to Salazar that Hermione doesn’t slit your throat when you come home.”

“Hypothetical, Andromeda. Now, what would you do?”

“Cass couldn’t have gone far. How long ago do you think she took off?”

Bella sighed no longer keeping up with her false pretense, “last time I saw her was about seven to ten minutes ago. We were picking out books for Hermione and when I looked back, she was gone.”

“Did you check the toy aisle?”

“The toy aisles,” Bella rolled her eyes, “of course she wanted to go there and I told her no.” She heard Andy scoff, “okay I didn’t say no. I said we would go there after the books.” Bella nestled her hello phone between her ear and her shoulder and grabbed the trolley. “To the toy section we go.”

“Do you want me to apparate there?”

“No,” Bella sounded more annoyed than she intended. “I can handle this on my own.”

“You just need me for over the phone emotional support while you search for your lost 21 month old daughter?”

“Exactly,” Bella rounded the first toy aisle and didn’t see any sign of Cass. The second aisle was just as pristine as the first one she walked down except there was a muggle woman stocking the shelves. This woman made the mistake of looking at Bella, “what’s the matter? Never see a grown woman shopping for dolls before? Piss off, muggle.”

“Bella!” She heard her sister admonish her.

“What?” She pushed the trolley into the next aisle. “She didn’t know what I was talking about.” Toys were pulled off of the bottom shelf and scattered across the floor, “seems Cassiopeia was here.” Bella chuckled to herself. The toys made a straight line down the aisle, “well she was here. There’s at least a small trail of toys now to follow.”

“That girl is going to be the death of all of us.”

“I’m sure that’s what our parents said about me,” Bella followed the toy trail until it just suddenly seemed to stop in the clothing section. “The toys have grown cold. I’m in the really awful clothing section.”

“You’re going to have to look in the racks of clothing. Teddy likes to hide in there and try to scare me all the time.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Bella let out a groan as she abandoned the trolley and started sifting through the clothes racks. “There’s muggles staring at me.”

“Maybe you could ask security to make an announcement.”

“I would rather chew my own arm off then ask for help from anyone let alone the muggles.” She stood up when she felt someone approaching her space, “what do you want?” She sneered when a young muggle woman approached her.

“Can I help you locate something, maam?”

“Oh no,” Bella heard her sister on the other side of her phone. “Be nice, Bella. I’m not bailing you out of prison.”

“I’m always nice, Andy,” she said to the receiver. “No, little girl I do not need any help locating items. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to your life long aspirations of working at Tesco. Leave.”

“Very nice, Bella. Is she crying?”

Bella stifled her laugh, “there may have been a tear or two.” Bella continued her search through the clothing racks until she came across a few toys under one. “Well, she was here.” She stood up and saw the top of her daughter’s curly head being carried by an older looking woman. “Found her. Some filthy grandmother looking woman has her hands all over my baby.”

“Bella,” Andy warned her. “Just be glad you found her. Now be nice and go get my niece.”

“I’m going to follow this woman. I probably won’t kill her. See you later. Oh,” a smirk took over her features. “If you tell any of this to Hermione I will kill you.”

“Love you, too.”

Bella hung up her phone and shoved it back into her skirts pocket. She retrieved her trolley, not letting her eyes fall away from her daughter again. Her daughter must have sensed she was near because she looked back over the woman’s shoulder and started pointing saying, “mummy! Mummy!” Then she heard the woman say to her daughter, “yes sweetheart. We are looking for your mother.”

“Mummy is right here,” Bella spoke up when she stopped her cart just behind the woman. “Cassiopeia where did you run off too?” Her voice was sickeningly sweet to ward off any unwanted confrontation from the older woman who currently had hold on her daughter.

The little girl’s whole face lit up, “is this your mummy? You do seem rather excited to see her. Still can’t be too careful.”

“Are you blind woman? She looks just like me. Of course she is mine. Almost killed me during labor.”

The woman looked her up and down, “how old are you?”

“Excuse me?”

“You seem a little old to have such a young daughter.”

“I’m younger than you, you old bag now I hand my daughter immediately,” Bella was starting to get pissed off. Cass had been reaching for her mother the entire time the women were conversing.

“I was on my way to take this sweetheart to the security officer at the front of the store and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. You can convince the officer that you are this sweet little thing’s mother,” the older woman turned and started to walk away.

When her back was turned, Bella pulled her wand out just slightly and cast a silent, “obliviate,” causing the woman to stop in her steps. “Thank you so much for watching my daughter while I was in the dressing room. I really appreciate your assistance,” she reached out and grabbed her daughter.

The woman looked thoroughly confused, “it was my pleasure.”

Muggles, Bella thought, scoffing to herself. “Say goodbye to the nice lady, Cass. We need to get home to your sister.” She put her daughter back in their trolley and exited the area. “Look,” Bella pointed to the back of the cart, “while mummy was looking all over for you she put some toys in the car for you and your sister. Cassiopeia you need to not run away from mummy in the store. I know you are still young but I would have never recovered if something happened to you. So you promise you’ll never run away again and I promise to never trust you out of the trolley.” Cass was looking up at her mother nodding when Bella nodded. “Perfect. We have an understanding. Last thing on our list is chocolates for mum mum. Then we will go home and never speak of this again. Hermione finds out nothing. You didn’t get lost and I didn’t obliviate a concerned older muggle woman. Deal?”

Cass looked at her and smiled, “mummy,” she threw her arms around Bella’s waist and hugged her tightly. “Love you.”

“I love you too, kitten.”

*25 minutes later*

Bella walked through the gates of Black Manor with Cass in her arms and their purchases securely shrunk and tucked away in one of her many pockets. “You survived,” the dark witch rolled her eyes when she saw Andy leaning up against the fireplace waiting for her to come inside the house.

“I should’ve expected to see you as soon as we came in. Salazar forbid I have a moment's peace. Aren’t you supposed to be moving out?”

“I’m here for good. Just consider me a part of the house now, sis,” her smirk always has a way of pissing Bella off more. “I just came to make sure my niece made it home safely.”

“Quiet,” Bella hissed through her teeth. “She’s fine and we aren’t going to talk about it.”

“And that muggle grandmother?”

“She’s of no concern.”

Realization dawned on Andromeda, “oh Bella you didn’t.”

Bella shrugged, “I did what I had to do. She’ll be fine.” She put Cass down and the girl immediately took off to hug her aunt’s legs. Pulling out the bags from Tesco, she enlarged them and started looking through until she found what she was looking for, “here. Some chocolates and a few candles. Now, keep your mouth shut or I’m afraid your fate will be much like the old woman.”

“I wasn’t planning on saying anything. It’s never smart to get on Hermione's bad side,” she took the bag and looked in it, “but the bribe helped tremendously.”

Bella held out her hand for her daughter, “come on, Cass. Let’s go take mum mum her presents.”

Andy shook her head and started to retreat back into the manor when she heard her niece giggling and looked back to see the usual sight of Bella using her wand to hover Cass and carry her up the stairs. “Like mother, like daughter.”

When they got to the top of the grand staircase, Bella lowered Cass to the ground and she took off towards her bedroom. “Wait, we need to go give these to mummy.”

“Oh mum mum,” she ran straight for Minnie’s
nursery and opened the door. “Mum,” she ran over to Hermione who looked like she had been taking a nap in the rocking chair.

“There’s my big girl,” she said, opening her arms for Cass to climb up into. She looked up and saw her wife leaning against the door frame. “Minnie finally went down for a nap. She should be good for a few hours.” Bella smiled and nodded her head before leaving the room expecting Hermione to follow with Cass. She led them to Cass’s room. “You guys were gone for a while. I was starting to get worried.”

Bella closed the door, “we just wanted to be thorough with everything we got you so I wouldn’t have to go back there. Hopefully ever,” she chuckled as Hermione put Cass down who automatically ran to her missed toys. Bella sat down on the ground near her daughter, “sit? Or would you rather wait until your actual birthday.”

“I’m too curious to wait. You know that,” she sat facing her wife, leaning in for a kiss hello.

“The girls can give you their presents on your birthday. You can have these now,” she pushed the many bags over to Hermione.

“You found it,” she pulled out the French press first.

“Cass picked it out.”

Hermione gave her a knowing look before she pulled her daughter over to kiss her, “did you get this for mum? It’s perfect.” She kissed her daughter before she wiggled out of her arms and picked up the one book she put in the cart. “Is this for mum too?”

“Book for mum mum,” Cass gave her a big smile and handed her the pink book. “Read?”

“As soon as we are finished,” she snuck another kiss before Cass walked back to her toys. “Seems there are quite a few books and toys here for the girls.”

Bella snatched the bags with the kids presents in them away from her wife, “Cass was a good girl. She convinced me to get her and Minnie some things.”

Hermione smirked, “I’m sure it didn’t take too much convincing. What else is in here?” Hermione sorted through all of the books, candies and candles that Bella got her plus all of the varieties of coffees that she picked for her, “you didn’t have to get all of this.”

“Everyone deserves to be spoiled on their birthday, dove.”

“You always make me very happy, Bella. The gifts are just an extra perk,” she leaned in to kiss her once more when Cass plopped down in her lap with a book. “Guess that kiss will have to wait.”

“Read, mum mum.”

“I’ll add it to my payment list. I’ll be collecting it later tonight after the girls are in bed. Believe that, Mrs. Black,” the look she gave Hermione still ignited her insides after all of their years together.

Hermione opened the book and began reading the story to her daughter when she looked up confused, “Bella, why does our daughter smell like an old grandma?”

Notes:

Welcome to the Black Family One Shots. I hope you all enjoy these as I’m beginning to write part four of the Shades of Grey series. These one shots are just little slice of life stories to take you along until we get to the beginning of Cass’s seventh year of school.

Until the next time… 🖤

Chapter 2: Sorry, Great Kitty

Summary:

The Granger Family Reunion

It was a quick edit so the mistakes will be fixed at some point.

Summer- 2009

Hermione had been busy all morning gathering things around the house to prepare them for the long weekend ahead. Traveling anywhere with the girls always added extra stress to any situation even if it was just to her Great Grandma’s house. The Black family had been invited to the Granger family reunion. They haven’t had one of those in quite a few years and Hermione was excited to go and show her family off to all of her extended relatives. Of course, her wife was less than excited to spend a whole weekend with a bunch of muggles but Grandma Granger had assured them that they would be the only ones staying onsite since they lived “out of town.” The rest of the Grangers were staying in a hotel and just coming to Jean’s house for the event itself. Hermione had talked Bella into doing this with her because she wanted Cass and Minnie to have as much time with their great grandmother as possible since she was in her mid 80s.

Cassiopeia, now three, still had an affinity for dragons, books, toy wands and following her older cousin Teddy around including trying to ride on his broom at any given chance. Hermione made sure to bring up Cass’s inaugural broom ride in infancy to Bella whenever she got a chance. It is a historical event in Cass’s life that Hermione will never let go of. “She was perfectly fine, pet,” Bella always reiterated every time the broom ride was brought up. If little Cass had things her way, she’d always get to “go high.” 

Minnie was about to turn 2 and was a quiet more reserved child. She enjoyed books and learning toys. She wasn’t interested in magic yet or flying. She liked spending time with Crookshanks even though he was getting up there in age himself. Minnie adopted Crooks as her own though the orange menace still preferred to keep to himself. 

Cass and Minnie were inseparable considering their different personalities, they got along as well as expected for a couple of toddlers. The biggest contention between everyone happened a few months earlier. Minnie of course was advanced for her age. She was an observer and when her mummies decided it was time to potty train Cass a few months ago, Minnie ripped off her diaper at 16 months and never looked back. She ended up potty training herself and she seemed rather proud of all the extra praise she was getting from Hermione. Bella felt the extra attention to the youngest daughter was causing Cass to have setbacks with her toilet training so Bella took her under her wing and took it upon herself to sequester them to the third floor of the Manor until they got the issue resolved. Cass was very happy with her big girl underpants and didn’t seem to bat an eye that her sister was also wearing them when they emerged from the third floor. “Everything is a competition in the Black house,” Bella said when she apologized to her wife for her childish behavior during the training. Hermione waved off the apology just content with the fact that they no longer had to buy nappys. “Now we just have to teach them to wipe their own asses and we are golden,” Bella cackled knowing that would still be a while away. 

Hermione walked into the library to find her wife bent over a pile of papers on the desk. “Bella, love,” she waited to see if the older witch would respond. She gave an obligatory grunt of recognition but didn’t look up, “we are leaving for my parents in a few hours then driving over to my grandma’s house. I’ve packed everything we will need and the girl’s car seats are already in my car at my mum’s house. Are you going to be able to manage to get away from work?” Hermione held her breath waiting for the response to come. She didn’t like interrupting Bella when she was in the middle of an assignment. There had been a string of armed robberies occurring in London some unfortunately ending in murder but every crime scene had traces of magic so the DMLE had been called in to help the muggle officers with the investigations. After the successful collaboration of muggle doctors at St. Mungo’s, Hermione took it upon herself to bridge the gap between the magical world and other muggle entities including the local police departments. When Hermione announced the ministry would be joining forces with local police stations, Bella took the news surprisingly well. The dark witch seemed to really enjoy working on the non magical cases. Hermione attributed that to all the Detective DD Warren books Bella had been reading. She was determined to solve the cases the muggle way and come up with the answers before everyone else. Hermione was not about to discourage her wife from playing well with others. “How is the case coming?” She tried changing her tactic to garner a response. 

“I can feel it. I’m so close to solving this puzzle. Something is missing and I don’t know what it is,” Bella tapped her quill on the desk finally looking up at her wife smiling. “It can wait a few days. There’s no way the muggles will solve this without me. I’ve quite the reputation.” 

“I’m well aware of your reputation,” Hermione walked over to Bella’s side of the desk and leaned over to look at her files. 

Bella cast her eyes to Hermione who was inches from her examining the case. She watched her looking at the papers, trailing her eyes down Hermione’s face, landing on her very kissable lips. She leaned up, lips resting on the outer shell of her ear, “those files are confidential, pet.” 

Hermione turned towards her wife, whispering back, “not if you are Minister for Magic.” 

“Someone is feeling cheeky this afternoon,” Bella let her hand trail up the outside of her wife’s thigh, wrapping around to grab at her ass. “I have to say, you pulling out the Minister title always gets me worked up,” she squeezed Hermione’s ass, placing kisses along her jawline. “How long did you say we have?” She used her other hand to wordlessly shut and lock the door. 

Hermione was just about to say fuck it when they were pulled from their moment by a loud crash coming from down the hall, “the girls.” 

“Twiggy can handle it,” Bella pulled her down into her lap. She went back in, placing a series open mouth kisses down the column of Hermione’s throat. Her hand slipped up the front of the brunette’s silk dress shirt, cupping her over her lacy bralette.  “Have I told you how much I love these?” She circled Hermione’s nipple with her thumb. “Sometimes muggles have good inventions.” Hermione’s hands cupped Bella’s cheeks, pulling her into another deep kiss. Library sex did seem like the perfect way to start a holiday weekend. She shifted her legs, straddling Bella’s hips. Hermione took the opportunity to grind down on his wife’s lap, looking for a small amount of relief. There was never a time when their sex life was less than stellar. Bella was an adept lover and never left Hermione wanting. She focused herself on pouring all of her love into the deep kisses she was giving Bella until her wife changed tactics and started sucking on her pulse point. The dark witch was unbuttoning the deep purple shirt when another, louder crash was heard. 

Hermione pulled back, kissing Bella on the tip of her nose, “I don’t think Twiggy has this one.” 

“I suppose we need to go to assess the damage,” Bella sighed. “Tell me again why we thought kids were a good idea?” 

“Because 96% of the time they are well behaved little angels who don’t interfere with our orgasms,” Hermione chuckled, removing herself from her wife’s lap. “Come on now,” she extended her hand, pulling Bella up from her chair. “Let’s go see whose daughter it was this time.” 

“You know it was Cass. I don’t even need to go in there. She’s been nothing but trouble since we got her that toy wand,” she couldn’t help the smile that crept over her features. “She is awfully cute though when she thinks she actually casts something.” 

“It helps that she has a mother who is proficient in wandless, wordless magic who sneaks the spell in behind her,” Hermione nudged her wife’s shoulder as they walked up the stairs towards the playroom. 

When they reached the playroom, Twiggy was backing out of the door, “misses, mistress Andromeda told Twiggy she could leave. That she  would handle the situation in there.” 

“See pet, Andy is handling it. Let’s go back to the library and finish what we started,” Bella tried to pull her wife back down the hall but Hermione wasn’t budging. 

“We should probably get the girls ready to go and Andy just usually instigates things.” 

“But the orgasms,” Bella looked her at wife with the biggest eyes. 

“We got the carriage house to ourselves. Maybe mom and dad will let the girls stay with them.” 

Bella sighed, “Minnie sure but Cass? Doubtful. We could always douse them with a dreamless sleep potion. Guarantees a solid 8 hours.” 

“I’m not drugging our daughters, Bella.” 

“Fine,” she crossed her arms. “But if I don’t have any orgasms this weekend, we are leaving the girls with your parents and taking a holiday just the two of us.” 

Hermione thought it over, “challenge accepted.” 

*

The first day at Grandma Granger’s cottage went by famously. The reunion hadn’t started yet. Jack and Bella had their customary horror movie marathon while Katherine and Hermione took the girls for a walk. Much to her surprise, Jean decided to stay behind and watch movies with them. “This one is ridiculous. It’s just about a boggart,” Bella informed Jean when Jack suggested watching IT again since it had been awhile since they watched it. “A boggart?” was Jean’s fatal question. Bella started pacing, going off on a long winded tangent about boggarts and their likeness to Pennywise in the movie. “Makes perfect sense to me, pick something else, honey,” Jean had told her son after Bella finally settled back onto the couch. They all agreed on something Bella couldn’t remember the name of.

During the movie, her hello phone kept going off with pictures of the girls on their walk. Cass was of course insistent on walking the whole time while Minnie opted for a ride in the pram. Minnie wanted to get out though every time they came across a stray cat. “She keeps calling them all crookshanks,” was the message that came along with the pictures of Minnie sitting on the ground surrounded by the kittens. When Bella showed the picture to her companions, Jack laughed, “like mother like daughter. Hermione would stop to pet every animal we saw on walks.” Bella’s heart always warmed when Hermione’s family told her stories from when she was little. “Where’s Cass?” Jean asked when all the pictures coming in were of Minnie.  Bella cackled and pulled out her phone showing a picture of an angry looking Cass who was covered head to toe in now drying mud, “she fell into a big puddle of mud.” They weren’t sure what Cass was chasing but Katherine and Hermione both saw her trip and land face first in the pile of mud, “she takes after my niece, Dora.” 

The next day the Grangers started slowly trickling in during the late afternoon. Bella was in a particularly good mood because Hermione’s parents did in fact let the girls stay with them the night before and she got the alone time she required with Hermione. Many orgasms were the only solution to making time spent with muggles more enjoyable. She was satiated and ready to mingle to an extent. Jean, Katherine and Hermione had set up in the field that ran adjacent to the cottage which was part of their property. They decorated the space for the family to gather in. Bella didn’t really want to participate in the set up but she did talk Jean into letting her help with magic because things would get done faster. Bella had used magic and arranged a tent and chairs. She also transfigured a fire pit and Hermione insisted that she bring over the sandbox for the kids. “They always have a pound of sand on their persons when we take them inside after,” Bella had tried to dissuade Hermione from the toy. But she insisted with the comment, “you know the girls love when you dangle them upside down to remove the excess sand.” She couldn’t find room to argue. Bella found herself wishing she would’ve invited Andy. It was always nice to have a buffer when the muggles started to arrive but Andy had left that day to go out of town with Teddy and no amount of persuasion worked. Bella decided to set up a makeshift ball pit for her daughters and the other children and spent her time playing with the kids. She had quickly gotten the reputation of child lover from the extended Grangers but let them think that. It was easier than explaining that she just hates people and chooses to be around the ones who can’t talk. The afternoon went well enough. Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves and Jack did grill out his famous burgers that Bella loved so she didn’t really have reason to complain. She was perfectly content to have her fill of burgers and sit with the children for the rest of the evening. That happiness was cut short a little after dusk when Hermione had called her over. Bella soon found herself standing next to one of Hermione’s more colorful extended uncles. Bella couldn’t remember his name or his actual relation to her wife but he was a very animated muggle. “Why are we standing here?” She leaned over and whispered to her wife. 

“I’m not sure,” Hermione confessed. “Uncle Al said he had something he wanted to show you.” 

“Albert. That’s his name,” Bella clicked her fingers together and then remembered that she was summoned. “Me? What could he possibly want me for?” They stood and watched the strange man sorting through a few plastic bins. She leaned back in and whispered, “why do they keep inviting him to these things?” 

Hermione rolled her eyes but whispered back, “stop that. Be nice.” A moment of silence passed, “the same reason we invited Andromeda places because we have to.” 

“Very well,” Bella walked over closer to the confused looking muggle. “What are you looking for Albert? Anything we could help with?” She pulled her wife to stand next to her. 

“Just sorting through the fireworks,” he moved aside so Bella could look in the plastic tote. It was full of massive fireworks. 

“Pet!” Bella sounded a little too excited, “Albert brought the explosives. Finally, this reunion is going in the right direction.” 

“Of course you’d be excited for the fireworks.” 

“Mummy! Mummy!” Cass came running over to Bella, “up!” She held her arms up and waited almost patiently. 

“What’s with the sour face, kitten?” 

“Pap Pap can’t hold me,” she stuck out her lip. 

“Is he busy?” 

Cass shook her head no while Bella and Hermione turned to find the man in question. Jack was holding Minnie, blowing bubbles for the second born. Bella had to suppress a chuckle. Ever since Minnie started walking and talking, she asserted herself in demanding Jack’s attention. The girls absolutely adored their grandfather and he would find himself having to split his time equally so neither one of the girls felt slighted. 

“Is it Minnie’s turn with pap pap?” Hermione tucked a curl behind Cass’s ear. 

“No,” she pouted. “It’s my turn again.” 

“Nana Kitty looks like she could use some company,” Hermione pointed to where her mom was sitting watching Jack blow the bubbles. 

A little scowl formed on Cass’s face before it lightened, “but I want Pap Pap not Kitty.” 

“Well that’s not very nice,” Bella told her daughter. “Kitty loves you very much and I bet if you went over and asked, she’d blow bubbles with you.” They couldn’t recall exactly how or why it had happened but they assume Cass had picked up on Jack calling his wife Katherine while they were visiting. That obviously became Cass’s fixation with calling her by her name but being so young, it came out as Kitty and that stuck as her nickname ever sense. Hermione was trying and failing to turn it into Nana Kitty in hopes of dropping the Kitty part of it but Bella embraced it and only referred to her as Kitty when the girls were around. 

“Kitty wants to play?” Cass looked at her mother with her infamous big brown eyes. 

“You could go over and ask her to blow bubbles.” 

Cass looked from her mummy to Katherine debating what she wanted to do. A little sigh escaped when she looked at her Pap Pap, “okay I ask Kitty.” 

She worked her way out of Bella’s arms, running over to her grandmother demanding to sit in her lap. They could just make out her asking for bubbles and the smile on Katherine’s face as she did so with pleasure. “Poor Kitty,” Bella shook her head. “Your father gives them too damn much and spoils them. That’s why they always want him.” 

“I’ve heard though that my mother is the one who is always there for the snuggles when it’s bedtime and they are sleeping over. She reads the stories with all of the voices like their mummy.” 

“If you don’t do the voices are you really reading the story, pet?” Bella smirked before turning back to the plastic tote. She reached inside and pulled out one of the big fireworks. “Can I light this one?” She asked Albert. 

“You can light as many as you want, Bella.” 

Hermione’s face sunk, “so we really think Bella being in charge of the explosives is the best idea?” 

“I’m proficient in fire. We all know this,” she answered with indignation. “Just ask Hagrid. I’m sure he remembers,” her cackle was cut short when Hermione swatted at her backside. “Pet, not in front of your uncle.” 

“Insufferable,” the brunette rolled her eyes and started to walk away. 

The firework show that Uncle Albert put on was one of the best that Bella had ever seen. She had conjured up a pair of noise canceling earphones for Minnie but Cass wasn’t bothered by the noise. Hermione held Minnie on her lap as they sat and watched the show together. It was truly the perfect summer evening. “This is nice,” she leaned over and whispered to the dark witch. “I love seeing you with my family even if I know the muggles try you sometimes.” 

“They’ve grown on me. And I love the way they love our girls.” They looked down as Cass ran around everyone’s feet as the fireworks were still booming in the distance. “If they can love her, then I can tolerate them.” She reached over and grabbed Hermione’s hand. 

Minnie turned her head to look at Bella, “hi mummy,” she reached out, wanting to switch laps. There often was a game of musical laps when the girls had both mothers around. They demanded equal turns. 

Bella pretended to roll her eyes, “come here, bean.” Minnie didn’t want to sit. She stood on Bella’s lap and snuggled her face into her mother’s neck. She liked to hide in Bella’s curls when she got sleepy. “Only my kids would be lulled to sleep by the sound of explosions.” 

“Where did Cass go?” Hermione asked not yet panicking when the fireworks ended. 

“Running around somewhere,” Bella shrugged with the arm that Minnie wasn’t sleeping on. She would never admit that she loved the physical affection from her daughters as much as she did.

Jack came over, stopping in front of the women holding a sparklier, “oh she’s sleeping. I brought over a sparkler for Minnie. Seems she won’t be using it.” 

“Please tell me you didn’t give one of those to Cass,” Hermione looked at her dad with her most serious Minister eyes. 

“Of course I did.” 

“And you left her unsupervised?” Bella smirked. “My daughter with fire?”  She seemed to find humor in the situation that Hermione did not. 

“Of course not. She is with Kitty. I left them over there,” he nodded towards the patio. 

“Don’t worry so much, pet. I’m sure she’s fine. How much damage could one three year old do with such a tiny sparkler?” 

Hermione stood up, eyes wandering the crowd looking for her daughter. As if on cue, a little blur of curly black hair was spotted running with her stick of fire, laughing just like her mother, “there she is.” 

“See, she hasn’t lit anything on fire yet. Calm down, buttercup,” Jack handed Minnie’s sparkler to Bella. 

“The fireworks were really something,” Bella started to say when they heard a scream coming from the back area vaguely where Cass had been spotted. 

The three of them, well four with a sleeping Minnie in Bella’s arms, took off from where they were and found the small child standing and staring happily at a small fire. “My handbag!” Grandma Granger had screamed before they came over. 

“Mummy,” she pointed to the blazing purse, “I made this.” She looked so proud of herself. “Pretty?” 

Bella knew she shouldn’t smile but she found her daughter's antics to be adorable, “what happened, kitten?” 

“I made more fire. Pap Pap gave me a fire stick.” She turned back to the fire, “look.” 

“I see that, darling,” she passed a sleeping Minnie to Katherine. She squatted down and pulled Cass into her arms, kissing her on the cheek. “I’m not sure Great Grandma wanted her purse lit on fire,” she chuckled before looking around to make sure it was just the immediate family in the viewing range. Wandlessly she cast augamenti and a stream of water put out the fire. “There all better,” she grimaced looking at the burnt and not completely drenched purse. “Well almost all better. I’ll replace whatever was in there,” she looked up at Jean. 

“Not to worry. Nothing important,” Jean gave them a kind smile. 

“Cass,” Hermione squatted down, joining them. “Don’t you think you should apologize to great grandma?” 

“Fire is pretty,” Cass said seriously with a small scowl on her face at the notion of being told to apologize. 

“Kitten,” Bella sat on the ground and pulled her daughter down into her lap. “As Blacks, we inherently love fire but it’s not okay to start setting fires to peoples’ belongings.” 

Cass looked up at her mother, same scowl on her face, “why?” 

“Because that belongs to someone else and there could’ve been something special in there,” she looked at her daughter who still looked confused. “Kitten, what if someone accidentally lit your stuffed dragon on fire.” Immediately her lip stuck out and it started to quiver, “it would make you very sad.” She conjured the stuffed animal to show Cass it was okay. Cass immediately reached for it and gave it a big squeeze. “We need to be more careful with fire. It could lead to a bigger accident or someone getting hurt.” 

Cass nodded, still looking sad clutching her dragon. She stood up and took a few steps over to Grandma Jean, pulling on her pants, “sorry, Great Kitty.” 

“Oh sweetheart,” Jean picked the girl up and kissed her forehead. “It’s okay. I’m just glad you didn’t get hurt.” She whispered something in Cass’s ear that had the girl giggling. “I love you,” she waited for the girl to kiss her cheek before putting her down. 

Cass looked around at everyone staring at her before she saw a glow worm and took off running. “What did you say to her?” Bella asked, standing and stretching out her aching hamstrings. 

“That’s a secret between me and your daughter,” she laughed. 

“Fair enough.” She watched her daughter chase the glow worm around the yard, smiling to herself. 

“She is awfully cute. How hard was it to lecture her about the fire?” 

“Hardest thing I ever had to do, Jean,” Bella laughed. “It’s uncanny how much of me she has in her. I would’ve done the same thing if someone handed me a sparkler at three.” 

“I think you are doing a fine job raising your girls, Bella,” Jean reached over and gave Bella a side hug. 

Jack walked over to join the group, “lesson learned. I will be giving no fire to Cassiopeia for at least a few years still.” 

“Just wait until she can cast a fire spell. We will all be in trouble then.” 

 

Notes:

I feel like this one is supposed to be read as a 90s family tv sitcom. 😂😂 hope you enjoyed it.

Until next time. 🖤

Chapter 3: Accidental Magic

Summary:

Halloween with the family.

Halloween 2010

Bellatrix Black hated the concept of muggle Halloween traditions since she was first roped into going trick or treating with Teddy when he was 5 years old. Her eldest daughter, Cassiopeia, was almost five this Halloween and it didn’t make the thought of going to random muggle houses and begging for sweets any more desirable. However, the holiday had always been really important to Hermione’s parents so she went along every year because they loved to see the kids in their costumes. Draco’s daughter Lyra even joined the trick or treating troupe as the years went on. Hermione had tried to convince Bella every year to dress up and every year her reply remained the same, “I don’t need a costume, pet. I’m scary enough on my own.” She never pressed Bella on the subject so the dark witch never felt the need to comply. Though if Hermione had truly insisted upon it, Bella would never be able to say no. Her wife had her wrapped around her finger especially when the kids were involved.

Everyone was meeting at the Granger’s house as they had every year since the pair had gotten married. This was Teddy’s last year being able to trick or treat with the family because next year he was off to Hogwarts. Bella was already mourning Teddy's last year at home. It just made her nervous and sad for when her daughter would eventually head to Hogwarts. She knew it was a long time away but she was already not looking forward to that. “Come down, Bella,” her wife called to her as she was currently upstairs hiding in Hermione’s old bedroom. She sighed and got up, putting her book back on the shelf. “Your sisters are here!” That didn't make her want to come out any faster. “Mum and dad said they almost have the kids dressed!” Well, that made Bella more inclined to head down to the Granger’s family room. “Emmi and Teddy are here!” was Hermione’s last effort which had Bella moving down the stairs quickly.

She walked over and scooped up Teddy in her arms even though he was almost as tall as her at 10 years old. He was dressed as a muggle superhero that Bella had never heard of before but she could tell he was excited. “Where’s Cass and Minnie?” He asked when she finally ended the embrace and let him down.

“With their grandmother I think,” she turned to look at Hermione who confirmed their location. “They will be out soon.” Teddy nodded and walked straight to the television putting it on and taking his favorite seat on their overstuffed couch.

“There’s Auntie Bella’s little bear cub,” she walked over to Cissy and snatched the little bundle out of her arms. “Cissy,” she nodded at her sister and pointedly walked past Aviya without a greeting.

“It’s been years, Bella,” Aviya rolled her eyes.

“So?” She was smiling at the four month old little baby.

“And that baby is half mine!”

“I’m only smiling at the parts that are Cissy’s.” Bella walked over to the couch and sat the baby on her lap. She was an awfully cute little thing. She had big blue eyes and absolutely no hair. Bella had never seen a cuter cue ball. She would often tease her sister about her niece’s lack of hair and blame Aviya’s inferior genes which would only serve to piss off both her sister and the wife which was a win for Bella. When her sister got married to Ms. Hart, Bella wouldn't exactly say she was thrilled but Aviya truly loved her sister and took care of her in ways that their parents and Lucius never did so while she still gave her a hard time any chance she could, her sister in law was very very slowly growing on her. Plus she had to accept the fact that Aviya wanted to marry her sister when she asked her to make the potion for their second baby.

Cissy had approached exactly a year and a month ago and told her that she was expecting a baby. After Bella burst into laughter, she felt nothing but happiness for her sister. Cissy loved Cass and Minnie more than anything and Bella could see how she longed for another child. If Bella had to bet her vault at Gringotts, she would guess that Aviya fixed the potion so that her sister was the one who got pregnant. Aviya wasn’t the child rearing type and Bella couldn’t blame her. Pregnancy was far from the fairytale experience people made it out to be. Bella was most thrilled that her sister also gave birth to another little girl. Cygnus could go fuck himself for all Bella cared. She was perfectly content with their family of women plus Teddy.

Little Ember Hart Black was born in June and was currently sitting in her aunt’s lap dressed as a little bear. Bella may or may not have provided the outfit for the baby stating that if she was coming she needed to be dressed up as well. “If we are exploiting my children for sweets then this newborn will have to get us even more,” she remembered telling Cissy when she dropped off the costume. She bounced the baby on her knee and smiled when Emmi started cooing at her. “And then we are going to go house to house and beg the unsuspecting muggles for their candies.” The baby had a little dribble falling down her chin as she smiled up at her auntie with big blue eyes. “Yes,” Bella smirked, “the dribble might win you extra sweets.” She conjured a burp cloth and wiped the baby’s chin.

“The muggles will love the dribble,” Andy laughed from her spot on the couch next to her grandson.

“The girls are ready,” Katherine called from their downstairs bedroom. Minnie came out dressed as a little orange cat. She only just turned three but insisted on dressing up as crookshanks which Hermione thought was the sweetest thing in the world. Then Cass came running out of the room and shouted, “boo, mummy!” Stopping right in front of Bella and Emmi.

“And just what exactly are you supposed to be?”
Bella eyed her daughter.

Hermione walked over and sat down next to Bella and fixed her daughter’s curls. “Well, she wanted to dress up like you, love.”

“I be mummy for tricks and treats,” Cass giggled and pulled her little toy wands out from behind her back. “Am I scary like you, mummy?”

Bella smiled down at her eldest, “you look just like me, kitten.”

“Yay,” the little spitfire resorted to jumping up and down, her excitement was starting to eat away at her. She had a lot of energy for a four year old and needed a lot of stimulation throughout the day to keep her busy. She ran over and started jumping on the couch between Teddy and her Aunt Andy.

“Meow,” Minnie came over and crawled up onto the couch between her mothers.

“And you are a very cute kitty, little bean.” Bella leaned down and kissed Minnie on the top of her head.

“May I?” Jack came over and pointed to Emmi. He was such a sucker for babies.

Bella eyed her father in law and looked down at her niece. She wasn’t ready to give up her time with the baby but Jack was the closest thing her nieces had to a full time grandpa. “Oh fine,” Bella held Emmi up to her pseudo grandfather. “Ten minutes then I want her back.” Minnie crawled up into her mother’s lap when the baby was safely in Jack’s arms.

“Of course,” he said as he walked over to share the baby time with Katherine.

“If I didn’t know any better I’d say you love that baby,” Andy whispered in Bella’s ear. How she had time to move so quickly and quietly throughout the living room was a scary thought to the dark witch.

“Absolutely not. That is a ridiculous accusation,” Bella was tickling her daughter, making her belly laugh and squirm in her lap. “I thought you were entertaining my other spawn?”

“Teddy is entertaining Junior,” they watched as he threw a pink ball to his cousin. “Besides, I think you love all the children,” her playful voice eating away at Bella’s resolve.

“I would hate to have to crucio you here in the Granger’s living room on a holiday, Andromeda.”

“I do spells too, mummy!!!” Cass stopped in front of Bella and Hermione and closed her eyes. She held out her fake wand, pointing it out to the side and furrowed her eyebrows seemingly concentrating hard. After a minute, a tiny little ball of fire spurt forth from Cass’s fingers, her eyes flew open and her mouth dropped. “Mummy!!! I did it! I did a spell! Did you see? Did you see it?!” She started running around to everyone in the living room announcing she did a spell. “Teddy! Teddy! I did fire!!!”

“This is your doing,” Hermione looked at Bella.

“She isn’t even five, pet. That was highly impressive.”

“What was that?” Katherine asked, walking over to the living area.

“Accidentally magic,” Hermione shrugged. “The fireball won’t grow or anything.”

“Cass did that?!”

“Well she is a Black,” Bella smirked.

“It was rather impressive,” Andy put Cass down and threw her two cents into the conversation. “I don’t think Teddy’s accidental magic kicked in until last year.”

“A fireball seems advanced for a 4 year old,” Katherine didn’t seem concerned as far as she seemed impressed.

“I’m not surprised,” Bella shrugged. “She takes after her mothers.”

“Still so humble after all of these years,” Andy smirked.

“Being humble is for people who lack talent,” Bella scoffed. “Why are you even here, Andy?”

“Auntie Andy isn’t going to miss any holiday with her nieces plus Teddy loves the Grangers,” she said, bending down to pick up Minnie who was asking to be held. Andy wrapped her arms around her and swung her around eliciting a series of small giggles. She stopped spinning and kissed the little one’s cheek.

“Teddy can stay but you… well we will see,” Bella grumbled while getting up and walking over to where the baby was with the Grangers.

Cissy came around and sat next to Hermione, “so,” she smirked, “any talk of you and my sister having more babies.”

“Oh no,” Hermione shook her head, “two is more than enough for us. We have the perfect little family and I couldn’t be happier. Bella’s baby fixes will just have to be quelled with Emmi. I’m sorry if she commandeers your baby. She has an addiction.”

“I think it’s sweet,” they both watched as Bella started bouncing the baby she stole back from Jack. Aviya walked over and tried to take her baby back and they saw Bella growl at her now sister in law. “Do you think she’ll ever get used to Aviya?”

“Oh she’s used to her and I even feel that she likes her,” Hermione laughed. “She’s just too stubborn to ever admit it to anyone. You know she’s just protective of you and now that Emmi is here, she’ll be even more prickly towards Aviya.”

“When is your other spawn getting here?” Bella shouted across the room to her sister. “Minnie needs to be in bed by 9 at the latest.”

Cissy rolled her eyes, “he’s not coming. Apparently Lyra wasn’t happy with her fairy costume and threw a fit and refused to leave.”

Bella cackled, “little fucking stinker she is.”

“Fucking stinker,” Cass flew by in a flash of black lace, running around the room.

“Bella!!” Hermione groaned and conjured their swear jar which already seemed to be quite full. “We’ve talked about swearing, endlessly.”

Andy grabbed the jar and shook it, “is this all from today? You are going to be one rich woman, Hermione.”

“Cass is just a precocious little girl and she parrots everything Bella does,” Hermione watched as Bella walked over with Emmi and reached into her skirt pocket for a few galleons.

“You just keep loose galleons in your skirt at all times now?!” Cissy looked like she was trying to keep her smile at bay.

“Cass parroting Bella,” Andy shook her head, “Salazar help us all.”
*
“Mummy mummy,” Cass ran back and pulled on Bella’s arm. “Come with me,” she started pulling Bella in the direction of a particularly spooky looking house. The first Halloween that Cass could understand what was going on was when Bella had planned to tell her that she was allergic to the holiday like she had told Teddy but Hermione said if she did that then Bella would be sleeping in one of the many guest rooms for the foreseeable future so as far as Cass was concerned, Mummy could be dragged along. “Can we scare them?”

Hermione caught up to the two of them, “we are not scaring the muggles young lady. Now Pap Pap and Kitty,” she was cut off when Minnie, who was riding on her shoulders, started meowing and pretending to be a cat. “Not that kitty, darling,” she squeezed Minnie’s leg. “Pap Pap and Nana Kitty are letting us trick or treat around their house. We can’t just go scaring away their friends.”

A little scowl fell on Cass’s face, “no fair.”

“Mum is no fair but she’s right,” Bella smirked when the shocked look graced her wife’s face. “We have to be nice to these muggles. Maybe we can scare Auntie Andy later.”

“Yes!” Teddy came running up behind them. “Let’s scare Granny tonight!”

Cass’s frown immediately disappeared and she started pulling Bella towards the house, “how much longer?” She called over her shoulder. Teddy grabbed Bella’s other hand, pulling with equal amounts of vigor.

“Nearly there, love,” Hermione called back, setting Minnie down who rushed to hold her grandma’s hand, joining the other two kids to collect their treats. The brunette turned to look over her shoulder to see her father and Cissy deep in conversation as they walked. It warmed Hermione’s heart that her parents adopted all of the Black sisters as their own. “Hey,” she called as she slowed down to let them catch up. “What are you guys talking about so intently?”

“Oh,” Cissy shrugged, “just how my darling wife and sister are exploiting my baby for their own personal gain.”

Jack laughed, “I used to take Hermione out as a baby. Katherine wasn’t too keen on it being dentists and all but she never fussed. I’d even sneak you some treats when your mother wasn’t looking.”

Hermione gasped, “and all those years of lectures about sweets being bad for me. I feel cheated. All those years of missed sweets,” she looked at her dad with feigned heartache.

“You could steal something from one of the babies,” Jack pointed to Aviya who was coming back with Ember strapped to her chest and Andy.

“All of these muggles are being so generous. I highly underestimated this tricks and treatings.”

“Trick or treat, sweetheart,” Cissy corrected her wife.

“Treat,” she smiled before leaning over and kissing the blonde’s cheek.

Hermione swore she saw a blush on Cissy’s cheeks. Good thing Bella was still at the house with the kids or else she would've been fake gagging for sure.

“Where is my Grandson?” Andy asked, after she was done thoroughly fake gagging in Cissy’s direction.

“Let I saw he was helping Cass pull Bella up to one of the houses. She is really going to miss him next year,” she swore Andy’s face got a little sadder. “We all will.”

“He’s going to love it at Hogwarts though. He is destined to be a hufflepuff like his mother,” she laughed, watching the three return with big smiles

“Mum! Mum!” The happy sounds of her eldest pulled her out of the conversation. She turned to see Cass pulling on her pant leg with an open can of Coke that she was currently taking large drinks out of. Hermione’s head whipped up to give Bella her look, “Bella!” She shouted but her wife maintained her innocent expression.

“What is it, pet?” She asked the innocence dripping from her sickeningly sweet voice.

“You’ve given our daughter coke?!”

“Well that nice muggle couple over there didn’t have candy but they had cans of Coke,” she held up her own can and took a drink. “I never turn down a can of coke.”

“Can I have mine?” Teddy asked Andy with big eyes.

“Of course you may,” she helped him open his can. After his coke was open, Jack started walking him down the street to even more houses.

“See Teddy gets to have his,” Bella shrugged.

“She’s four, Bella.”

“It’s a holiday,” she argued. “Katherine wouldn’t let Minnie have hers. Kind of a buzzkill if you ask me.”

“I was only saving you from your impending death,” Katherine and Minnie caught up with the group.

“She loves me too much to kill me,” Bella seemed overly confident but grimaced slightly when Cass let out a big belch then proceeded to spill the rest of the coke down the front of her.

“I’d divorce you,” Andy spoke through a mouth full of Mars bar.

Hermione rolled her eyes, “mom how could you have let this happen?”

“To be fair,” Katherine smiled, “I was only meant to be looking after Minnie. Bella’s your responsibility, buttercup.”

With a big sigh, Hermione turned her attention to her wife and now caffeine fueled four year old and the sight had any angry feelings cast aside immediately. Bella and Cass were circling each other as they often did when their daughter liked to play duel with her mummy. Cass would pretend to hit her mother with spells and Bella would respond accordingly and pretend to get stung or knocked back. Then Cass would burst into a fit of giggles when Bella would send a silent tickling spell after her daughter. She couldn’t stay mad at her wife when she got playful with the kids. Soon Minnie was in the mix giggling with the others and it turned into a full blown fake duel in the middle of the muggle street. “Mum! Come play! I’m winning!” Her daughter announced and she looked over at her wife who gave her a goofy smile and shrugged.

Bella squatted down and wrestled her two babies into her arms and whispered with a devilish smirk on her face. Bella was talking and the girls were listening intently and nodding their heads. She kissed both of their cheeks which caused the two girls to giggle once more. “Okay,” she heard Bella say before counting down from five. When she got to one, the girls took off and ran after Andy and started trying to tackle her to the ground and of course Andy played along. Little red sparks flew out of Bella’s wand and hit Andy on the ass and the girls started giggling again when Andy said a swear word. Bella walked over and held her hand out expectantly. Andy dropped something into her hand and the eldest Black sister walked back to her wife. “For you,” she dropped the galleon into Hermione’s open palm. “I guess muggle Halloween isn’t so bad.”

“You say that every year,” she sighed when the dark witch wrapped her strong arms around Hermione’s waist and placed a kiss below her jaw.

“Then you already know what to expect for next year,” she whispered into her wife’s ear. “Now, let’s go home and get these girls in bed so I can show you the other costume I bought, Minister Black.”

Notes:

This one was just a fun way to introduce Ember Hart Black into the mix. We are slowly building the characters for part four. All the kids have arrived by now. I hope everyone is enjoying these one shots as we work our way to the next part of the series.

Chapter 4: Goodbye Old Friend

Summary:

No summary just read it

February 2013 

Now at 7 years old Cass was in her first year of primary school. What her mothers had learned so far was that she was smart without having to try. She always made good marks by putting very little effort into school. She wasn’t a social butterfly either but like her older cousin Teddy, she enjoyed spending time with her teachers. She often asked to stay home from school because she would rather be with her sister and the house elves than in class. Cass’s favorite part of school was when the teachers would bring in muggle things for them because it reminded her of her Pap Pap. Minnie was 5 and not yet in school so on the days both Bella and Hermione were at work, the youngest Black got to hang out at the ministry with Luna, Pandora and Ember. Cass had always begged to go to the ministry but half way through the school year, she had gotten more accustomed to going especially when Bella had said, “you have to go to school so you can help Minnie when she comes to school with you next year.” Plus, Bella finally talked Harry into sending James there so Cass was much happier with her buddy at school. “Mummy!!!” Cass came home excited the first day back from the Christmas holiday. “James comes to my school now.” When Hermione cornered Bella later that night and questioned whether she approached Harry about the school or not she brushed it off as nothing, “I just thought James would benefit from a superior education, pet.” Truthfully, Bella would do anything to make her girls happy which is exactly how she got herself in her most recent predicament. She was knee high in puffskeins. Bella knew exactly when this all happened but she didn’t expect it would’ve played out the way it did. 

*two weeks earlier* 

Bella and Hermione were relaxing in their bed. The girls had already been tucked in for the evening so they were just spending time with each other. They often liked to spend their evenings reading, snuggling, having sex, or watching the television that Bella insisted that they put in their room. On this particular night, they were both caught up in reading their own books when there was a knock at the door. “Can’t be one of the girls. They wouldn’t have the courtesy to knock,” Bella chuckled. 

“Neither would Andy,” Hermione put her bookmark back in. “Come in.” 

“Hey,” Andy opened the door slowly. “Are the girls in bed?” 

“Andy, what is with the dramatics?” Bella took her glasses off, placing them on her bedside table. “Are you okay? Is it Teddy? Did something happen at school?” 

“I’m fine, Teddy’s fine. It’s nothing like that.” 

“Okay,” Hermione sat up. “You are scaring me now. What’s wrong?” 

Andy sighed, “everyone is going to be gutted. I went into the kitchens to get a late night snack and I saw Twiggy. She was standing over in the corner and I could tell she was crying. Winky came over and grabbed my hand. She walked me over and I saw why they were upset.” Andy walked over to the bed and sat down on Hermione’s side, reaching down to grab her hand. “I’m so sorry Hermione but it seems that Crookshanks has passed away this evening.” 

“What?” Hermione looked in disbelief from Andy to her wife. “He’s gone?” 

“I said goodnight before we retired for the evening,” Bella said quietly. “Are we sure?” Andy shook her head solemnly. “The girls are going to be heartbroken. Should we wake them up?” 

“Minnie is going to take it the hardest. She loved Crookshanks,” Hermione tried not to let her tears fall for her long time familiar. 

Andy pulled Hermione into a hug, “remember when she dressed up as Crooks for Halloween? Adorable.”

“Crooks make have been a salty asshole most of the time but he loved the girls, too. I will miss him,” Bella switched Andy placed, grabbing Hermione in her arms, comforting the now crying brunette. 

“Let the girls sleep,” Hermione said quietly from her spot in Bella’s neck. “We can tell them over breakfast.”

“I’m glad Cass doesn’t have to go to school tomorrow. That would be hard for her. Should we bury him outside? The muggle way?” 

“That’s a good way for the girls to get closure,” Andy agreed. 

“You can dig the hole,” Bella gave Andy a look to let her know there wasn’t a different option for her. 

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Andy knew it was her time to leave the room. 

Bella spent a good majority of the evening consoling her wife who had just lost her longtime companion. She would never admit that deep down inside she was going to miss him, too. 

In the morning, Bella went straight to Cass’s room to wake her up and bring her into Minnie’s room where Hermione was already sitting on her bed. “Are we having breakfast in Minnie’s bedroom today?” Cass asked, full of excitement seeing her mum already inside. Bella’s heart broke at the tone of her oldest daughter’s voice. 

“Actually sweetheart, mummy and I want to talk to the two of you about something rather important.” 

Cass looked at her sister who just shrugged one shoulder. “But it’s Saturday so that means it is mum makes waffles day.” 

“I’m still going to make everyone waffles after we talk.” 

“Cass, Minnie,” Bella came over and joined everyone on the bed. “What we have to share isn’t the best news. Something very sad happened to the family last night while the two of you were sleeping.” She looked to her wife to see if she was going in the right direction, “should I continue?” Hermione nodded and wrapped her arms around both of the girls bringing them into her chest. “Girls, last night after you went to bed, Crookshanks passed away.” 

Neither of the girls spoke for a few moments seemingly taking everything Bella said into consideration. Cass broke the silence first, “crooks is dead?” 

“Yes, sweetheart. He was very old and lived a long and happy life here with us all.” 

Cass turned to look at Hermione, “did he die alone?” 

Again, Bella felt her heart break when she saw a tear escape not only Hermione’s eye but from both of her daughters, “he was with Twiggy and Winky, Cass. Your mother and I were already in bed. Auntie Andy went to get a snack and found the elves with Crooks. I’m sorry he’s gone, girls. I know how much he meant to everyone.” 

“But I love Crooks,” Minnie started sobbing. 

“I know, darling,” Hermione wrapped her arms even tighter around both of the girls. 

“Did it hurt?” Cass turned back to Bella with her questions. 

“I don’t think he felt any pain, Cass. He was rather old. Still eating fine and loving on your girls everyday. We can ask the elves if you’d like but I think he went peacefully in his sleep.” 

“Can we say goodbye?” 

Bella did not expect this to be as hard as it was, “of course, my love. We are going to bury him out back facing the quidditch pitch since he always fancied watching us play.” 

“But I’m going to miss him,” Minnie kept sobbing, holding onto Hermione’s sleep shirt. 

Minnie required a lot more physical comfort than Cass needed. The eldest daughter just had a bunch of questions about death that Bella handled while Hermione took care of Minnie’s physical needs. They never got around to the waffles because by the time Minnie finally calmed down enough to finish the conversation Andy had come to see if they were ready to lay Crooks to rest. She had pre dug the hole overlooking the quidditch pitch as Bella had said and Twiggy had gone to Diagon early that morning for a little cat sized coffin. Minnie insisted on being carried outside by Hermione while Bella and Cass walked with Andy. When they approached the little coffin, Cass turned to her mummy, “can I see him?” 

Bella looked at Hermione who looked like that was a questionable request while Andy just shrugged knowing she would’ve let Teddy see if he had asked. She knew her daughter could handle it. “Sure, Cass, let’s go over there so your sister doesn’t have to see.” 

Cass reached up and took Bella’s hand, “I’m brave like you, mummy.” 

“He’s going to look like he’s sleeping,” Bella said when they stood in front of the little coffin that was next to the hole. She lifted up the lid revealing the peaceful looking half kneazle. She took a moment to realize that this meant Cass would see the thestrals from her first year at school. That was never something she wished for her daughter. 

“He looks happy,” Cass said while looking into the coffin. She pulled something out from her back pocket and approached him. “Here Crooks. Take this with you so you don’t get lonely.” She placed one of his little stuffed fish toys in his casket by his paw. “I love you,” she whispered before backing up next to Bella. 

“That was very thoughtful, sweetheart,” Bella hugged her daughter who had begun to silently cry. “Crooks loves you, too.” 

“Oh here,” Cass pulled out another little tinsel ball. “Minnie would want Crooks to have this.” 

Bella kissed her daughter on the top of her head. She took the little ball and placed it with Crookshanks before closing the lid. She picked up the coffin and placed it just inside the hole. She felt Hermione’s presence so she knew they had joined the rest of them. “Would anybody like to say something? Isn’t that what usually happens at funerals?” 

Hermione wiped the tears from her eyes. Minnie’s tear stained face was pressed deep into her mum’s neck, “I’d like to say something.” She kissed Minnie on her forehead and whispered in her ear. The youngest Black nodded and let her mum put her down. She quickly grabbed onto her hand for support. Hermione walked them closer to the grave site so she could squat down, picking up a handful of dirt. “Crookshanks, I will never be able to repay you for the years of companionship you gave to me. I was so lonely when I first found you in Diagon. I sensed that you were lonely too. You were always the best listener when my teenage angst got the best of me. Thank you for taking such great care of me for so many years. Thank you for also watching over Bella, Andy, Teddy, Twiggy, Winky, Cass and Minnie. We are all going to miss you so much.” She sprinkled her dirt on top of the coffin. “Minnie?” She turned and watched her daughter pick up a little handful of dirt. 

Minnie sniffled a few times trying to reel in her emotions, “I love you,” was all she got out before her tears flooded and Hermione helped her sprinkle her dirt. 

Andy gave a little speech for her and Teddy who was currently away at school. She sprinkled dirt for the both of them. 

“I’ll miss you, Crooks. I loved when you watched me fly and I like snuggling with you while I read my books at night,” Cass sprinkled her dirt. 

“My turn,” Bella let out a nervous chuckle, kneeling next to the grave. She picked up some dirt and closed her eyes thinking of what she wanted to say. “I will admit, I wasn’t your biggest fan when we first met but you grew on me quickly like a fungus. My favorite memory is from a Valentine’s Day many many years ago. It was the night I planned on proposing to Hermione. I was a nervous wreck. You came into my room and started rubbing up against me. I showed you the engagement ring and you purred louder. To me it was as if you were giving me your blessing. We all know I didn’t end up proposing that night but after that you and I grew closer. I enjoyed watching friends with you. I’m sorry to see you go but I hope you will still watch over our girls from wherever you are.” She sprinkled her dirt on top of the coffin and stood up, immediately being pulled into a big family group hug. 

*

Bella sat down in the grass on the small hill that overlooked the Quidditch pitch. Yes, the same spot where they buried Crookshanks two weeks earlier. She wasn’t sure how she ended up here but she was most certain that it had to do with her girls’ big puppy eyes. Hermione had been at work all day. She was meant to have the day off but there was some dragon crisis in Romania that Hermione had to oversee as Minister for Magic. After Cass had finished school for the day, they had plans to go visit Great Kitty for an extended weekend but from what Bella could see those plans may have to be put on hold. There were at least three dozen animals in her line of vision. She could see puffskeins, mooncalves, kneazles, crup pups, a few nifflers, and she was even sure there were a few giant toads jumping around somewhere. Thankfully, Bella was able to discourage her daughters from any of the birds. She hated birds. With a limited time until Hermione came home, she spent the majority of the afternoon petting a crup pup thinking of excuses and her best most sound plan was to blame the entirety of this mess on Andromeda. It was all her idea to begin with. If she hadn’t made the ridiculous suggestion, Bella wouldn’t be in this mess. 

*earlier that morning* 

After Bella dropped Cass off at school, she had come home to help her youngest daughter pack for the weekend. What she didn’t expect to find was Minnie sitting on her window bench looking out at the field, tears streaming down her face. “What’s wrong, bean?” Bella asked immediately, moving to comfort the girl. Physical affection was always hard for the dark witch but it came naturally to her when her wife or daughters were concerned. Minnie had been extra sensitive since their cat had passed away but Bella thought that she was in a better place today because she was looking forward to the weekend. “I miss Crooks, mummy.” 

“I know, bean. We all do,” she pulled her daughter into her lap. “It might not seem like it now but it’s going to get easier, dove.” 

“It’s sad when Cass leaves. I want to play with my kitty.” 

Bella didn’t really know how to comfort her daughter like this. They never had pets growing up and even if they did, her parents weren’t the epitome of comfort. She would have to seek out Andy for help even if it killed her to do so. “Tell you what,” she kissed Minnie on the top of her head. “I’ll go see if Auntie Andy has any ideas of something fun we can do today. While I’m talking to her,” she conjured up a little suitcase for Minnie, “you start to pack for Great Kitty’s house. Deal?” 

Minnie thought it over. The possibility of doing something fun was enough to peak her curiosity, “okay mummy.” She jumped down from Bella’s lap and walked over to her dresser. “I pack. You go talk to Auntie Andy.” 

Bella chuckled, “my little manipulator. Be right back.” She watched at the door for a minute as Minnie decided between a few different articles of clothing before giving up and shoving five things in the bag. Bella rolled her eyes, promising herself to fix her bag later. She walked down the hallway towards Andy’s room. Not bothering to knock, she let herself in, “Andy we have a problem?” 

“Came here for some sex advice, did you?” 

Bella cackled, “please like I’d ever take any advice from you in regards to pleasing a woman. I mean, we need to do something to cheer Minnie up.” 

“I have noticed she’s been really sad since Crooks died. I have an idea but I don’t think Hermione is going to like it too much.” 

“She’s at work,” Bella shrugged. “What Hermione doesn’t know can’t hurt us, yet. What did you have in mind?” 

“You can be the one to share that logic with your wife if things go south,” Andy rolled her eyes. “It’s been years and I refuse to get on her bad side.” 

“Blame you entirely. Got it,” she waved her sister off. “So what’s the plan? Should I pick up Cass from school?” 

“Yes, she’ll be bummed if she misses out. We can be back in plenty of time for you to pack for Jean’s house.” 

“Perfect.” 

“You aren’t even going to ask what the plan is?” 

Bella shook her head, “no need. I’ll be back in a few minutes with Cass. Remember this will be all your fault if something bad happens. Part of our contract.”  

“I’ll go make sure Minnie hasn’t packed her entire bookshelves for the weekend.” 

Bella managed to pop to the landing point outside of Cass’s school in record time. It was only a little after 11 so they hadn't even sat down for lunch yet. The dark witch walked into the school like she owned the place because over the years with Teddy she had become very comfortable with the building and all of the teachers. She walked up to the secretary and told her she had planned to take Cass out of school early. “Taking Mr. Potter with you today?” She had asked which caught Bella off guard. “I’m on his release form?” She pulled out James’ file and sure enough, she was listed as a person the boy could be released into the custody of. “Why not?” She sent a quick message to Harry to let him know that she was taking James for the afternoon and that someone would drop him off back at home later. She rolled her eyes when all he messaged back was a thumbs up picture. “He can’t even take a second to send a message. Always sending those stupid pictures. I should delete his number,” Bella thanked the secretary for her assistance and waited for her to gather Cass and James for dismissal. 

Not even two minutes later Cass came running down the hallway, launching herself into Bella’s arms, “mummy! What are you doing here?” 

“Auntie Andy and I wanted to take you guys on a little adventure this afternoon.” 

James always seemed a little on edge around Bella, “madam Black you want to take me too?” 

“Now James,” she gave him a soft smile. “What have we said about that Madam Black nonsense? Bella is fine or Auntie Bella if you prefer. If you call me Madam Black then I’m going to be forced to call you Mr. Potter and that’s just unacceptable. I like to only focus on your lovegood qualities.” She pulled him in for a quick hug sensing whatever anxieties he had disappeared. 

“Where are we going, mummy?” Cass asked when the three of them headed out of the door to the apparation point in front of the school. 

“No idea, kitten,” Bella had left the planning up to her sister so she would be just as surprised as the kids. “Auntie Andy had an idea so if this is awful we can all blame her later.” 

James laughed, “you are fun, Auntie Bella.” 

“That’s the spirit, kid,” she took hold of both of the kids and twisted them away from the school back to Black Manor. When they got inside she turned to the kids, “Cass you need to go upstairs and quickly pack a bag for Great Kitty’s house. James, you can go help if you’d like.” Cass and James took off up the stairs in the direction of her bedroom faster than Bella had thought they would. She surely thought Cass would’ve demanded to know what the surprise was before she agreed to pack. Thankfully, Cass seemed to be cooperative today. Andy came down only seconds after the kids ran up the stairs. “Where’s the little one?” 

“She saw the kids running to Cass’s room and went after them. You brought James?” 

“Well I am apparently a responsible caretaker and have permission to take him whenever so I thought fuck it. Let the boy live a little. Is Minnie all packed?” 

“Yes and I even managed to talk her into only five books.” She saw the look on Bella’s face, “she wanted to take 20. I consider five to be more acceptable, do you want to have lunch before we go? I can ask Twiggy to make something.” 

“We could just take them to Leaky for lunch. Might as well treat the poor Potter boy. He probably never gets a nice meal.” 

Andy scoffed, “oh behave. Harry and Luna take good care of their kids and you know it. Though Leaky does sound good. I could go for a fry up. Plus, it’s on the way to the reserve. We can floo from there.” 

“Your big plan is going to the magical creature reserve?” Bella seemed almost disappointed. 

“It’s fun and the kids will love it. Plus, Minnie just wants to be close to animals right now. It’ll be good for all of us. I was going to suggest a muggle animal shelter,” she saw the look of disgust on Bella’s face. “But I figured that would be the face you’d pull but the magical creature reserve seemed more doable. I called ahead and they said we could have the run of the place from 2-4 so there’s plenty of time to grab lunch. Maybe some ice cream.” 

“And time to harass the Weasel at the joke shop. Sounds like a good afternoon. Hermione texted to say she wouldn’t be home until six.”

“Mummy!” Cass ran down the stairs with Minnie and James in tow, “I’m all packed. What’s the surprise?!” 

“We are going to go to Diagon for lunch and pranks then we are going to go somewhere special. You’ll find out soon enough.” 

Cass huffed in frustration, “I hate surprises.” 

“Just like your mother you are,” Bella laughed at her daughter’s antics. “Everybody ready to go?” When everybody nodded excitedly, Bella decided, “I’ll go through with Minnie and Andy, you take the other two?” 

“When do we get to go through the floo alone?” Cass questioned Bella. 

“You can go through the floo alone when I know your mother won’t murder me and hide the body. Now,” she walked over and scooped up her youngest. “Grab the powder, bean.” She bent slightly so Minnie could grab a handful of powder. “Diagon Alley,” Bella enunciated as the little one threw the powder down enveloping them in green flames. 

Lunch was more fun than Bella had ever wanted to admit. If someone had told her she’d have a good time having lunch with her sister, 2 daughters and a spawn of Potter, she’d have laughed in their face but as it turns out, they are pretty good company to keep. Minnie even seemed to be having herself a jolly time. She hadn’t cried once about Crookshanks all afternoon. She even managed to find something in the prank shop that she wanted. As always, Bella bought the kids whatever they wanted as long as they promised not to tell their mother where they got the stuff. “You keep your trap shut too, boy,” was the soft hearted threat she gave James regarding his toys. She had summoned Winky to take the parcels back to the Manor for them as they had additional plans and carrying shopping parcels around wasn’t her idea of a good time. She pulled out her hello phone to check the time and was happy to see it just turned 2, “we should be off. No time to waste around these parts with the less fortunate,” she turned and gave Ron a knowing look. Andy had led them back to Leaky and they took the floo the same way they had earlier in the afternoon. 

Once on the other side, Cass walked over to a wall that had a map on it, “can we read this James?” 

“I dunno,” he said, coming to stand next to his friend. “That word is The,” he pointed to the easiest word on the map. 

“Ma-ji-cal,” Cass tried sounding out the words. 

“Magical!” James announced after Cass had done all the hard work. 

“Well it’s clear to see who the brains are out of the pair of them,” Andy laughed. 

“A Potter and a Lovegood made him. What did you expect?” 

“Mummy?” Cass finally asked, frustration taking over. “Where are we?” 

“This is The,” she looked at James as she pointed out the word on the map. Then she looked at Cass, “magical. Very good sight reading, kitten. And this word is Creatures.” 

“Oh I know!” Cass started jumping up and down. She couldn’t read the last word but she knew where they were. “The magical creatures reserve?!” 

“That’s right,” Bella couldn’t help feeling the excitement as the kids started all screaming for joy. Even Minnie was getting into the spirit of things. “We have the place all to ourselves for a couple of hours to play with all of the animals.” One of the owners of the sanctuary came over and introduced herself to the group before taking them out onto the actual reserve itself. To say Bella was surprised how many animals there were would’ve been an understatement. “You take care of all of these animals?” The owner informed her that she runs the place with a staff of nearly 25 witches and wizards along with a dozen paid house elves. The Ministry is a big supporter of the sanctuary which Bella knew because of all of Hermione’s hard work in the area before and after becoming Minister. It was a lot like that time Hermione took them to the muggle zoo except the girls and James were able to interact with the magical creatures. The owner made sure to have staff members and elves available in each area to answer questions and help facilitate interactions between them and the animals. 

“So do people come here to adopt them?” Andy asked when a particularly friendly niffler found a home for himself in Andy’s jumper. 

“We do have an area with adoptable creatures. Would you like me to take you over there?” 

Bella grimaced, “I don’t know if that’s the best idea. We just lost our very old kneazle mix a few weeks ago and the littlest one has been having a hard go of it.” 

“It doesn’t hurt to look, Bella.” 

Bella knew that tone in Andy’s voice and deep down felt that this was a bad idea but found herself agreeing and being pulled into the area of a sanctuary labeled: Adoptables. 

*present time* 

Bella wasn’t sure what happened but it only took a total of 15 minutes from the time they stepped foot into that adoption center until she found herself agreeing to foster a handful of the animals for an unspecified amount of time. She was sure that Andy was to blame for encouraging the children. Though when Minnie came over holding a baby kneazle crying about Crooks, she couldn’t help but melt. She would give her children anything they wanted. This must be what the muggles refer to as overcompensating. “You can explain this to Hermione when she gets home,” Bella had grumbled to Andy when she watched the workers from the sanctuary enlarge all the travel crates unleashing the animals in the back. “Not bloody likely,” Andy retorted with a smirk that Bella wanted to punch off of her face. There was a 100% chance that today would end in Bella’s murder or divorce. Still, she couldn’t help but smile looking over and seeing her daughters getting attacked by a handful of animals. They were giggling and having the most fun Bella had seen them have in ages. “My impending murder will be worth it.” 

“Sure,” Andy came over with the niffler who grew attached to her. “Keep telling yourself that.” 

“This is the last time I’m ever asking for your help,” Bella was trying to shoo an over eager crup pup away who kept biting at her skirt. 

“I think that one likes you,” Andy pointed to the pup. 

“Nothing but trouble just like you. I’d call her Andy and gladly send her back to the sanctuary,” Bella cackled, trying feverishly to get rid of the puppy. 

“Bellatrix Druella Black,” she cringed when she heard her wife call from somewhere behind her. She whispered to Andy, “do you think she saw me?” 

“Looks like that’s my queue to leave.” 

Bella reached out a hand, stopping her sister and pulling her back down to the ground, “oh no. Do not even think about this. We are burning in this ship together.” She turned over her shoulder, “yes Hermione? Love of my life? Mother of my daughters? The most patient and beautiful woman the world has ever seen?” 

Andy snickered, “laying on there thick, boss.” 

Bella elbowed Andy in her side, “back from work so soon?” She looked at her phone. No texts or calls and it was only nearing 5. 

“I got done early and thought we could get a head start on going to Grandma’s house but Twiggy informed me we now own a zoo.” 

Bella held up her hands, “it was all Andy’s idea.” 

“Brat,” Andy hissed beside her. 

“That would be more convincing if a crup pup wasn’t soothing herself and using your skirt as a pacifier.” 

“This is not mutual affection,” Bella tried to shoo the pup once more. 

“She’s imprinted on your wife. It’s rather adorable,” Andy smirked. 

“So,” Hermione sat down next to her wife and smiled as a baby kneazle made its way over to her, snuggling up in her lap. “Are either of you going to tell me how our house became a zoo?” 

Bella looked at Andy, “well. Funny story. Minnie was crying when I went to help her pack. She’s been really down lately as you know.” 

“I suggested we take her to the animal reserve.” 

Bella cut back in, “then I thought we should take Cass and I found out I was able to take James out of school whenever I please.”

“Ahh I see him,” she laughed when they spotted him dancing with the mooncalves. 

“That’s the Lovegood in him,” Bella shrugged. “So, I picked up the kids and we went out for lunch at Leaky, tortured Inferior then went to see the animals. I was bamboozled into going to see the adoptables. Then Minnie and Cass tag teamed me.” 

“Bella, tell me you didn’t adopt all of these. I love magical creatures more than most but this is an unreasonable amount of animals to raise.” 

“If Cass and Minnie had their way I would’ve adopted them. They only convinced me into bringing them home for the weekend as a, what did the woman say?” She looked over at her sister. 

“A trial run,” Andy laughed. 

“There’s got to be three dozen animals here, Bella.” 

“I know.” 

“And we are meant to be going to Grandma’s house tonight,” Hermione sounded tired. 

“I know, pet,” she looked a little hesitant, “but the girls have been so sad. Especially Minnie. When she told me she missed her kitty when Cass goes to school, I swear my heart broke a little.” 

“Big bad Bellatrix, brought to her knees by a couple of little girls with big eyes,” Andy added her two sickles. 

Hermione put her arm around Bella’s shoulders, “I think it’s sweet the measures you go to to make our daughters happy. I just wish it would’ve been any other weekend.” 

“Has Jean ever seen a mooncalf dance?” Bella gave her wife an innocent look. Then she shrugged, “could be fun. Instead of going over to hers, she can come here. She hasn’t been back since the wedding. And a mooncalf dance is one of the most magical events to witness.” 

Hermione’s entire face lit up at the possibility also knowing her girls would be so excited to show Great Kitty all their animal friends, “maybe I can see if mum and dad can come as well.” She immediately pulled out her phone calling up her grandma telling her what had transpired while she was at work and asked her if the change of plans would be okay. “Perfect. I’ll let Bella know. We will see the three of you around 7? I’ll send Twiggy through the floo for you. Dinner will be waiting.” She hung up the phone, “guess what?” 

“She said no,” Bella laughed. 

Hermione playfully smacked her arm, “mum and dad were there and they were excited about the change of plans. Grandma was also more than excited for an opportunity to come back. They will floo here for dinner. Thank goodness I had Grandma’s fireplace added to the network.” 

“Jean is coming here for the entire weekend? But she hates me,” Andy pouted. 

“Today just keeps getting better and better,” Bella said, bending down to pick up her favorite sleeping puppy into her arms. “And look how happy the girls are.” 

Hermione kissed Bella on the cheek. She did look awfully adorable holding that puppy. The girls were all smiles, running in the open field being chased by a group of baby puffskeins. “I hope you know the chances of us returning all of these animals without tears is next to nothing.” 

Bella sat, looking out at her girls while absentmindedly petting the crup. She was happy when the girls were happy and yes she would do anything for them. “I guess it wouldn’t be so bad to have a couple of baby animals around here. The house is rather quiet when Cass goes to school. Plus, the girls will need familiars eventually. Might as well let them get a head start.” 

“Bellatrix Druella Black,” Hermione rested her head on her wife’s shoulder, “you really are the most amazing mother.” 

“Don’t say that too loud, pet. I have a reputation to uphold after all,” she wrapped her free arm around her witch. 

“Mummy! Mum!” Cass came running over holding Minnie’s hand. “Did you see all of our new friends?” She stopped them right in front of their mothers. The puffskeins hopped into place beside the girls. 

“I did,” Hermione couldn't help but smile at their excitement. “Seems you have a couple of followers.” 

Minnie looked into Hermione’s lap and her eyes first looked sad then grew happy, “a kitty found you mum.” 

“It appears so,” she pet the little gray and white kneazle kitten that was fast asleep.  “Girls,” they looked at Hermione. “We aren’t going to Great Kitty’s house this weekend. I’m sorry.” The girls looked absolutely gutted. “Great Kitty, Kitty and Pap Pap are coming over here this weekend instead. They are so excited for you to teach them all about these animals.” Minnie and Cass both sat down, letting themselves be surrounded by animals, talking a mile a minute. 

The squeals of delight were enough to tell Bella that today was in fact one of the best days she could ever recall. 

Notes:

I really hope everyone is enjoying these slice of life episodes while we work our way to part four of the series. Let me know what y’all thought. Next episode is Bella’s 60th birthday. Lol

Until the next time. 🖤

Chapter 5: Santa’s Associate

Summary:

Christmas Eve/Bella’s 60th Birthday

December 24, 2013- 12:07am 

A witch only turns 60 once in her life and Hermione Black was determined to give Bella a birthday she would remember. With the family and extended family coming over for the holiday later today, she wanted to make sure she gave Bella her personal gift early when their daughters were fast asleep and the excitement of Santa Claus filled the air in the morning. Knowing Cass and Minnie would be up before the sunrise, Hermione had set her phone to go off shortly after midnight so she could be the first person to wish her wife a happy birthday and what better way to celebrate than with birthday sex. 

60 years old wasn’t turning out to be such a bad thing. This reminded her a lot of her 50th birthday when they were staying at Grimmauld Place. She honestly couldn't believe ten years had already passed since then. Bella was certain this was the best way to ever be woken up on a birthday even if she had just fallen asleep less than an hour prior. She currently had her head thrown back on the pillows, her chest was heaving as she looked down and saw her girlfriend staring up at her as she feasted upon her. “Fuck me…that feels amazing, love.” Bella managed to pant out as Hermione sucked her clit into her mouth while entering her with two fingers. Bella’s hand flew into Hermione’s hair pulling slightly while holding her into place. Her other hand started playing with her breasts as she rolled her hips in time with Hermione’s thrusts.

Hermione flattened her tongue and slowly licked at her girlfriend’s sensitive bundle of nerves. “Is this want you want love?”

“What a…” Bella started to say but was cut off as Hermione worked her fingers in a summoning motion within her walls. Bella was sure her moan told her wife everything she needed to know.

“Do you like that?” Hermione sucked her clit harder into her mouth and she increased the pressure with her fingers inside of Bella.

“What a stupid fucking question,” Bella groaned out while grinding her wet heat further into Hermione’s face.

She felt Hermione chuckle against her sending vibrations straight through her core. Hermione felt Bella’s inner walls start to contract around her fingers. She replaced her mouth with her thumb and started to trail kisses back up Bella’s body until she rested atop her, her fingers never stopping. Hermione looked her girlfriend in the eyes and smiled. Bella threw her head back. “Fuck pet… I’m gonna cum.”

Hermione whispered in Bella’s ear, “cum for me my love,” and bit down hard on her collarbone. Bella was a slave to her desires and could do little but obey her wife’s command, hurtling over the edge with Hermione’s name tumbling from her lips. Hermione stayed on top of Bella as she recovered from her first orgasm of the evening.  “Happy Birthday, Bella.” Hermione said as she removed her fingers and snuggled into the dark witch’s neck.

“Hmm” Bella hummed in agreement. “Normally I would be angry if someone woke me up but under these circumstances,” she pulled Hermione in closer, “I think I can make an exception.” 

“I think I’ve utilized all the creative ways to surprise you with sex over the years so I had to go back to a fan favorite,” the brunette kissed along her wife’s jaw. 

Bella knew Hermione was far from finished with her for the evening. A round of pepper up potions would be needed indeed, “does the birthday girl get to have a go?” She kissed the top of her head before pushing Hermione on her back and taking control. She finally got a good look at the lacy little piece of fabric her wife was wearing. Bella toyed with the little bows that held her panties together. “Is this another present for me to unwrap?” Hermione bit her lip and nodded, “words pet.” 

“Do you like it?” Bella’s eyes raked down her wife’s slender body. Sure they were aging together and they both had soft spots but Bella swore her wife didn’t age. She looked as good as the day they met. Hermione smirked, “let me guess… what a stupid fucking question.” 

If she wasn’t already turned on, that would’ve pushed her over the edge. Hermione didn’t swear often and it was usually an occurrence reserved for her during sex. “Precisely,” she pulled both bows simultaneously leaving her bare save for the corset the brunette was wearing. 

Bella ran her hands up the insides of Hermione's thighs, watching her squirm from the soft touches. She was already worked up from bringing Bella over the edge and was ready for her to take her over and over. Hermione wasn’t too proud to beg when the time called for it. “Please.” 

“Please what?” She danced her fingers through wet folds, still purposefully avoiding her clit. She bent forward and licked a circle around her opening. She chuckled when the brunette hissed at the feeling. 

“I need you..” Hermione groaned out as Bella entered her deep and hard with two fingers. She never needed to finish the sentence, her wife always knew exactly what she needed.  “Yes,” she was practically sobbing at the feeling of her wife buried deep inside of her. 

“This is indeed a happy birthday to me,” she let her tongue dance and lap around Hermione’s throbbing clit. Sucking and gently nipping, causing the younger women to whine and writhe against the sheets. Her fingers continuously working inside her front wall, pushing her further towards her climax. 

Hermione’s eyes rolled in the back of her head as her fingers tightened in dark curls to anchor her to the mortal realm. “Oh Bella, yes happy birthday to me too…”

*

Hermione did her best to let Bella sleep in that morning seeing as how it was kind of her fault that they were up until well after 3am. She smirked into her cup of coffee remembering the past few hours. She promptly took a pepper up potion and joined her daughters for breakfast. “Why aren’t we taking mummy breakfast in bed?” Minnie pouted when she reached for some porridge. 

“Mummy needed some extra sleep this morning.” 

“It’s because she’s getting old,” Cass spoke up with a mouthful of eggs. 

“Your mother isn’t old.” 

Cass shrugged, “60 is old.” 

“Don’t let your mother hear you say that. Especially if you are expecting to get presents tomorrow,” Hermione tried to hide her smile. “We can go see her soon.” 

“And take her gifts up?” 

Hermione and the girls went out to Diagon early in the week to pick up some birthday gifts for them to give to Bella. Cass had insisted that she needed to get her something for Christmas too. She said it wasn’t fair that she had to share her birthday with a day that everyone gets presents. “She’ll be very happy, darling.” The girls were chattering on and on about how excited they were for Christmas. Much to Bella dismay, Hermione’s parents insisted on celebrating muggle Christmas traditions with all of the children. So while the majority of the wrapped presents were from the family, every Christmas morning there would be a stocking and a few unwrapped presents sitting by the fireplace from Santa for all of the children. Hermione had told them that they didn’t have to do it for the Potters, Malfoys and Ember but Jack told her nonsense, they were all their grandchildren. 

“When’s Pap Pap and Kitty coming?” 

“Everyone will be along after lunch. We are having dinner for mummy’s birthday then we will start our Christmas Eve traditions.” 

Minnie and Cass looked at each other, “cookies!!!” 

“And the gingerbread house competition,” Hermione hoped when teams were pulled Andy, Bella and Cass wouldn’t be paired together. They were the worst competitors in the entire family. It was best if they were all on separate teams though Hermione felt some cheating was afoot because they always seemed to be paired up together. 

“And the snowball fight?” 

“That’s tomorrow, Cass,” Hermione would also have to make sure they were separated for that as well. It didn’t matter how old Bella got when there was a competition she was just as excited as the children. 

The girls’ two young puffskeins came bouncing into the kitchen. Since that day of the zoo in their backyard, they now played home to a kneazle kitten and the two puffs. “Girls,” Hermione’s mom voice came out. “What have we talked about your puffskeins coming into the kitchen?” 

“Junior!” Cass shouted and the little blue and green beast stopped in her tracks. “Out!” The small animal shifted into a ball and rolled out of the kitchen. “She’s gone, mum.” 

“Well you could’ve been a little nicer to her,” Hermione rolled her eyes when Cass shrugged her indifference. 

Minnie got up from the table and walked her puff back out of the room, “Puff is gone.” 

Cass always laughed at her sister for naming her animal puff. She actually said it was a stupid name and got in trouble for it from Hermione. Bella made the mistake of agreeing with Cass and she also got in trouble. Hermione thought it was cute and figured her daughter would give the animal a second name when she got a little older. 

Breakfast was a quick event with the girls being so excited for Bella’s birthday and of course for Christmas tomorrow. “I’m going to see mummy,” Minnie announced, no longer waiting for permission. 

Hermione looked at her watch. It was just past 9am, “here,” she conjured up a potion vial. “Take her one of these. Maybe two.” She handed Minnie two bottles of pepper up potion. 

“And breakfast! I saved her some sausages,” Cass had a plate full of Bella’s favorites to take up to her. 

“Let’s go wake up mummy,” Hermione had gotten the presents that she had hidden under the counter with the cleaning supplies knowing there would be no chance Bella would ever find them there. 

*

Bella wasn’t thrilled with her second birthday wake up call. 60 may be the age where it’s far too irresponsible to have three hours of sex the night prior to a big family event but there was enough pepper up potion to get her through the day. Plus, her girls were excited that it was her birthday. They even got her a few books and her favorite candies. Hermione even ventured to the muggle mall to get her some of those bath bombs she loved so much even if they didn’t explode as the name suggested they would. Teddy found his way into their bedroom as well. Of course his crup came as well. That little black crup pup that fell in love with Bella from the sanctuary now belonged to her nephew. It didn’t take much convincing to get Andy on board and Teddy fell in love immediately when he came home on break. “What have I told you about Siri being allowed on our bed?” was her halfhearted remark knowing full well Teddy and his dog could do as they pleased. “I still can not believe you convinced him to name his dog after Sirius,” Hermione always found that amusing. “That dog is a little shit just like Siri always was. It seemed fitting.” 

The morning went by quicker than anyone had realized and the guests started arriving for the evening. Of course Jack and Katherine were the first two that came through the floo. They arrived with only an overnight bag and Cass gave them a look. “Where’s our presents?” 

Bella tried to stop her laughter while her other mother set her voice with a firm, “Cassiopeia that is not an appropriate welcome for your grandparents.” 

Minnie ran over welcoming them with open arms, Teddy close on her heels. Cass had a grumpy expression on her face from being told off by Hermione but eventually relented, “sorry pap pap. Sorry kitty.” 

Jack squatted down so he was eye level with the girls, Teddy was taller than him at this height.  “You always were a spunky one, my little Casserole. I've spoken with Santa and he said it’s very likely the three of you are on the nice list this year. We will see about that in the morning.” Teddy looked a little sad, “what’s wrong buddy?” 

“It’s just some of the muggleborn kids at school made fun of me saying Santa isn’t real. They said it was just a tool parents use to keep their kids in line.” 

Bella whispered to Hermione, “see I knew it was all bullshit.” 

“Teddy,” Jack pulled him closer, “I’ll have you know that I am very, very good friends with Santa. I know him personally.” 

“Is it because you are old like him?” 

“Cassiopeia!” 

Jack just laughed and waved off his daughter, “partly.” He winked at his granddaughter, “but Santa has told me that you my boy are at the top of the nice list.” 

“I am?” It was nice to see that Teddy hadn’t lost all of his childlike qualities. 

“I guess we will have to wait and see what’s under the tree tomorrow,” Pap Pap stood up from his squat but not before kissing the three kids on their foreheads. 

As if on cue, Draco, Astoria and Lyra came through the floo next. The kids were happy to see their cousin. “Mummy can we go play upstairs for awhile?” Cass had asked Bella. Despite being a super close knit family, the Malfoys didn’t come by as often as everyone would like so when Lyra came to visit, the girls got extra excited. 

“Go on. Twiggy or Winky will be up when the other kids come.” 

Greetings were exchange among the group before the small white and grey kitten came bounding into the room, taking it upon herself to rub against everyone. 

“You guys got a new kitten?” Astoria scooped up the small animal in her arms. 

“A kitten, 2 puffskeins and a crup is around here somewhere. We live in a zoo,” Bella rolled her eyes. 

Hermione only crossed her arms with a smirk, “and just whose fault is that?” 

“Andromeda‘s fault entirely. She took us to that bloody sanctuary.” Bella would never admit any feelings towards the animals in question. “Astoria, Draco, this little piece of shit and pain in my ass is Penny. She will try to go home with you if you pay her the smallest amount of attention.” 

“So she is just like Aunt Andy,” Draco joked. 

“Bella, that’s not her name.” Hermione’s tone had alluded to the fact that this was not a first time conversation. “Her name is Treacle. We all agreed.” 

Bella cackled, “no you are definitely misremembering. You said let’s name her Treacle and I said what a stupid fucking name for a cat and proceeded to name her Penny.” 

Astoria always felt a little uncomfortable around the pair of them when they were disagreeing but Jack, Katherine and Draco didn’t seem to be bothered. She spoke up, “either name is beautiful for a kitten.” 

“Kiss ass,” Bella cackled again. 

Just as Hermione was opening her mouth to insist on her name choice, Andy came around the corner, “oh good, everyone has met Penny. She’s a little shit ball. Check your suitcase before you leave.” 

Hermione sighed in defeat, “meet Penny,” she threw her hands up turning from the room. 

*

Eventually the rest of the Blacks and the Potters arrived signaling all guests had made it and Bella’s birthday celebration was officially underway. She had asked for a smaller affair as she didn’t want to focus on the fact that she was in fact turning 60 plus she loved Christmas being about the children. The amount of children seemed insurmountable but there were enough adults and two house elves to wrangle the holiday excitement. 7 children and 4 pets seemed improbable to Bella as she stood just inside the playroom door, watching the excited children playing in smaller groups. She smirked seeing Minnie playing with Pandora and Ember. She knew her daughter did not particularly care for the free spirited Potter girl but it still warmed her heart to see her trying. Then she turned and looked at the older children. They were sitting in a circle and it seemed like they were plotting. Cass was doing most of the talking which from her experience as a mother, that wasn’t necessarily a good thing. She cleared her throat causing all the kids to jump, “behaving in here?” 

“Mummy!” Cass ran over to her mother, wrapping her in a hug. “Did you get any more presents?” 

“You and your sister are all the gifts I need,” she winked at her daughter. “What are you kids up to in here?” 

Cass gave her a sweet smile that she knew all too well, “nothing mummy. Just playing games.” 

“Minnie,” Bella waited for her other daughter to look up, “is Cass up to no good?” 

“No, mummy,” Minnie shrugged and went back to her coloring. 

Bella was highly suspicious of her children but decided to leave well enough alone. “Dinner is in 30 minutes then I think your Kitty said something about cookies and making gingerbread houses.” 

“I love making those,” Teddy’s excitement seemed to get the other kids excited. 

“I’m on your team mummy,” Cass quickly called out knowing whatever the competitions was she wanted to win. 

“I’m not sure it’s a team thing but if it is, you got it kitten,” she ruffled her black curls before leaving the kids to it. 

“Okay,” Cass walked back over to her group. She sat down with James, Lyra and Teddy. “Tonight, we capture Santa. If your muggleborn friends think he’s fake, we will prove them wrong. Pap Pap knows him and wouldn’t lie to us.” She unrolled their parchment and they went over the plan again. 

“I’m not sure this is a good idea,” Lyra spoke up. “What if we get in trouble?” 

“You are just like Uncle Draco,” Cass rolled her eyes. “Fine, you don’t have to help. Minnie,” she called over to her sister. “You’ll take Lyra’s place tonight.” 

“Whatever,” her little sister called over her shoulder. 

“What could possibly go wrong?” Cass smirked knowing full well it could blow up in their faces.

*

Much to Cass’s disappointment, she wasn’t put with Bella for the gingerbread house competition. She didn't even get Andy, her second choice. Somehow she found herself partnered with Luna. She was only 8 but knew that something wasn’t quite right with this woman. She sat, looking at their house and could only shake her head. It was very purple. “Aunt Luna, maybe we should’ve stuck to red and green.” She pointed out the two houses that were in close proximity. 

“Oh no. Can’t you see the nargles? They insist that purple is how these tiny people want their house decorated.” 

Cass looked from the house to Luna, “ooooookay.” 

Bella who was sitting across from them would be laughing if she hadn’t been staring at her equally strange house. She was partnered with Pandora who at only five years old was just as free spirited as her mother, “yeah, Cass can’t you see the nargles? Ours have guided us to make this blue house.” 

“Mummy, this looks stupid.” 

Bella obviously agreed with her daughter but if she learned anything in her 60 years of life, it was the importance of playing well with those her wife considered to be a good friend. She tried to hold back her smirk, pushing gently into her daughter's mind to send her a message, “ Cass of course this is dumb. We would’ve made the best gingerbread castle. They know better than to pair up the best of the best.” She saw Cass frowning, “ we have to play well with others. Mum insists we be nice to everyone no matter how stupid it may seem. Now, play nice with your Auntie Luna and there will be extra sweets for you for a week.” She saw her daughter looking skeptical, “ without your sister.” 

Cass smiled, “I really love the purple, Auntie Luna. Should we use these as little plums?” She held up a couple of pieces of candy. 

“Excellent idea, Cassiopeia,” Luna patted a satisfied looking Cass on the top of her head. Cass gave Bella a cheeky grin when her mother winked at her. “Here,” Luna passed Cass the bag of purple icing. “You put the dirigible plums where you feel the call. I will work on the people.” 

 

 

“Works for me,” Cass smirked before taking a big stripe of icing onto her finger, licking it off happily. 

“Hey,” Bella called out trying to get her wife’s attention. “Who is judging this contest anyway?” 

“To make sure the results remain impartial, we pulled a name from a hat.” 

Bella saw Hermione mouth "I'm sorry" before she felt a firm hand grip her shoulder, “looks like I’m the impartial judge this year, sis.” Andy cackled over her sister, reaching for her own lick of icing. 

Bella nudged Pandora, “might as well throw this in the trash now, girl. We will never win this thing.” 

“Don’t say that,” Andy was still smirking. “Everyone has an equal shot of being the grand champion. Even you, birthday girl.” She pinched Bella’s cheek in a condescending manner that would usually leave her with a hex but she knew Bella was on her best behavior. 

“I like the blue,” Jack added. “There’s a great muggle song called Blue Christmas. Reminds me of that.” 

“Any purple Christmas songs, Pap Pap?” Cass looked at him expectantly. 

He grimaced, “fraid not, my dear. But the purple is rather fetching.” 

Cass grumbled under her breath, “that’s what people say about ugly things.” Her scowl not going unnoticed by Bella. 

*

The festivities continued throughout the evening without Bella getting too drunk. She refused to have an apology tour be a consistent thing for her milestone birthdays. The kids were given their stockings from Pap Pap and Kitty and were told to place them wherever they wanted Santa to visit them in the family room with the large kid decorated Christmas tree. There was already a multitude of wrapped presents sitting around the tree. The kids had even left a letter for Santa next to the milk and cookies that had been set out for him. Bella still thought the whole Santa thing was extremely creepy and perverse but she loved seeing the excitement on all of the kids' faces. “Emmi here,” the littlest kid walked over and placed her stocking right next to the cookies while trying to snag another treat for herself. Aviya didn’t try to stop her daughter from eating the additional sweets so close to bedtime which earned her a snack from Narcissa. “I swear it’s like I’m raising two toddlers,” she walked over and took the cookie from her daughter. “Sweetheart, these cookies are for Santa. He would surely be sad if any of them were missing when he got here.” 

Aviya walked over, “it’s Christmas Eve. What’s one extra sweet going to hurt?”

Bella overheard the conversation and scoffed, “never in my life did I think I’d be agreeing with your wife, Cissy. I’ll consider this my Christmas gift to her.” 

“Does this mean you didn’t buy me a present?” 

“See and just when I was giving up hope. She catches on quickly,” Bella cackled. 

Minnie came walking over holding a wrapped gift, “mummy we got Auntie Aviya a gift. Remember it’s a…” 

“Minnie no!” Cass shouted. “We can’t ruin the surprise. Mum said it’s rude to tell people what you got them before they open it.” 

“To Ms. Hart sincerely The Blacks,” Aviya tried to hide her grin. “I can feel the love dripping off of the package.” 

“At least she got you something,” Andy complained. “I’ve been living here for years and I never get a gift.”

“Living here rent free is your gift.” 

“Nu uh mummy. We got Auntie Andy…” Cass  clapped her hand over Minnie’s mouth. 

Bella looked down at her two children, “on second thought, Emmi doesn’t need any more sweets. These monsters have proven your point Cissy.” 

“Come on loves,” Hermione came to break up the conversation. “It’s time to get you kids into bed.” 

“But it’s so early, mummy,” Cass’s scowl came back. 

Bella looked at her watch, “it’s just come 11.” 

“If you don’t get to sleep, Santa won’t be able to land his sleigh,” Jack came over, scooping up both of his granddaughters into his arms. “We can’t keep the man waiting now can we?” 

“Fine,” Cass sighed dramatically. “Is Kitty still going to read us all a bedtime story?”

“Oh course I am, sweethearts. Now, anyone under the age of 14… march. Up the stairs and into Cass’s room.” They had added extra beds for the sleepover. Sometimes being a witch paid off, Bella thought. “Pajamas, a story, cuddles…” 

“Maybe a cookie or two,” Jack pulled out a little baggie that had some cookies in it. 

“Dad. No! No more cookies.” 

He started walking, carrying the girls with all of the kids following behind him, “sorry too far away. I can’t hear you.” 

Cissy rolled her eyes, “you’d think he was Bella’s father.” 

“I like Pap Pap,” Aviya reached down, scooping up Emmi and following the surrogate grandfather out of the room. 

“I think he’s brilliant,” Harry laughed, following his wife and kids behind Jack and Katherine. “James and Pandora will sleep through anything. They can have all the sweets they want.” 

“No need to brag, Potter,” Draco laughed. “Lyra has to be done with sweets before 4pm or else she’s up forever.” 

“Daddy,” Lyra elbowed her dad. “Don’t tell Uncle Harry that.” 

“Don’t worry Lyra,” Harry put his arm around the girl, “I never believe a word your father says.” 

“Why does it feel like I’ve never left school?” Hermione followed everyone else out of the room. “One big happy family.” 

“We put the fun in dysfunctional,” Bella cackled. 

*

Cass and Teddy had gotten up a little after 1:30. Honestly they were both a little too excited to sleep. “Mummy has to have gone to bed by now,” she looked over at her cousin. 

“Are we waking up Lyra?” 

“No way,” Cass got out of her bed, shaking Minnie awake who was peacefully sleeping next to her. “Lyra is such a baby sometimes. We need James.” 

“Yes,” Teddy quickly exited his bed, walking over to the boy. “He’s always down for a good time.” 

“Is it morning?” James asked, clearing the sleep out of his eyes. 

“Not quite, mate. We are going to catch Santa, remember.” 

That got James up and out of bed quickly. It seemed the excitement was contagious because Minnie sprung up too. “Shhh,” Cass was careful not to wake Lyra, Pandora and Emmi. “Let’s leave them here.” Cass opened her bedroom door and peeked out in the hallway. It seemed quiet enough. She could hear some adults talking but it sounded like all of the conversations were coming from the bedrooms. “I think the coast is clear. Come on.” 

“What’s the plan again?” James asked. 

“Teddy has magic. He will freeze Santa. We tie him to a chair. Easy.” 

“And what do we want with him after he’s tied to the chair?” Teddy was starting to doubt their plans. 

“Well you want a picture for your muggleborn friends. And I want to make sure I’m always on the nice list,” Cass said matter of factly. 

“We are going to threaten Santa?” Minnie grabbed her sister's hand. “Mum won’t like that much.” 

“What mum doesn’t know won’t hurt us,” Cass shrugged. 

“I don’t want Auntie Bella getting mad at me,” James always was afraid of her mother. 

“She won’t get mad because we won’t be caught,” Cass rolled her eyes. “Are we doing this or not?”

“Let’s go,” Teddy cast lumos as they moved quickly and quietly through the hallways and down to the room with the stockings. “Shh,” he stopped just outside of the door that was cracked open. “My granny closed this after everyone left. 

“He’s in there. Listen.” Everyone leaned in with Cass and sure enough, there was rustling coming from the tree room. 

“Santa’s in there,” Minnie sounded excited at the prospect. 

Cass let Teddy lead, slowly opening the door with the intention of not making any unnecessary noise. There he was in the red suit and everything standing by one of the stockings. He knew his muggleborn friends were full of it and now he would have the proof. He looked over his shoulder holding his finger up to his lips. He started to sneak closer to Santa, pulling his wand back out. He whispered, “Petrificus Totalus,” and the man immediately fell to the ground. “James, help me with the chair. Minnie, keep a look out. Cass, come on.” 

Cass was standing there looking dumbstruck. She couldn't believe they had actually caught Santa. She started moving towards the boys as they prepared to attempt to hoist Santa up into the chair when she accidentally stepped on Penny’s tail. The kitten immediately screamed and started scratching at Sirius assuming the crup was the one to blame. Sirius started barking and chasing Penny around the room. The kitten took off up the tree causing the two puffskeins to come rolling out into the floor. Sirius was trying desperately to chase Penny for all he knew it was fun and games time. Cass couldn’t do anything but watch as the tree came tumbling down to the ground with a loud crash crushing a few of the gifts. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the puffskeins rolled out of the way and into a candle that had been resting near the fireplace. The flame fell, igniting a few of the gifts nearby. “Teddy! Fix it!” 

“Umm,” he looked at the flames, “Aguamenti!” It took him a few casts before a stream of water blasted away the fire, also drenching the puffskeins in the process and a few more gifts. 

A groan came from the floor by Teddy’s feet, “well this took a turn.” 

All of the children turned to look at the prone Santa on the ground. Cass walked over, knelt and pulled down the beard, “Pap Pap?” 

Minnie came over, “you are Santa?” 

Teddy’s face fell, “Santa isn’t real. The kids were right.” 

“Absolutely not,” Jack insisted even if he couldn’t move while doing so. “I might not be Santa but I am a close associate of his. It’s impossible for Santa to make it to every house every year. Sometimes he needs help from his closest friends. I happen to be one of Santa's close personal friends and he asked me to drop off these gifts for you this year.” 

“Why are you dressed like him?” 

“Good question, Casserole. Santa’s associates have to wear the costume in case any little buggers like the lot of you sneak down to try to spy on Santa. He doesn’t want the magic to be spoiled.” 

“But we found out you aren’t Santa Pap Pap,” Cass crossed her arms. “So how are we supposed to believe he’s real?” 

“I don’t think the big guy was anticipating the lot of you using magic. Teddy,” Jack could only really use his eyes to gesture. “In the sack, there’s a note from Santa.” 

Teddy looked at him suspiciously before walking over to the bag, searching for the letter. He pulled out a rolled piece of parchment tied with a string complete with a wax seal. “The seal reads SC.” He showed the girls and James.  “Should I read it?” 

“Go on, read it out loud.” 

Teddy nodded. He unrolled the parchment and cleared his throat, “Teddy, Cassiopeia, James, Lyra, Minerva, Pandora and Ember, I have heard from my good friend, Jack Granger, that all of you have been exceptionally good this past year. I have left some gifts for your good behavior and I left a few things for your parents, too. They’ve mostly been good. Andromeda always likes to test my limits but I left her some sweeties. Keep up the good work and you’ll all be on the nice list again next year. Teddy, I heard that your friends at school do not believe in me. I have enclosed a picture of me and you from last year that your Pap Pap took of us while you were sleeping. I have signed the back for you to show your friends. I am indeed real and your belief in me keeps me alive for all of the magical and muggle children. I will see you all next year. Yours, Santa.” He looked at the picture and a huge smile overtook his face. 

“Let me see,” Cass grabbed the letter and read it over. Then she looked at the state of the room. She handed the stuff back to her cousin. “We don’t have to tell Santa about this, do we?” 

“Tell Santa about what?” Bella came into the room, turning the overhead lights on. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the fallen tree, the soaked presents and her father in law laying frozen on the floor. “I should’ve stayed in bed.” 

Cass’s heart dropped, “hi mummy. Merry Christmas?” 

“It was all Cass’s idea,” Minnie immediately threw her sister under the bus. 

“Gee, thanks,” Cass pouted. “I’m sorry, mummy. Teddy wanted to see if Santa was real. And well, I just wanted to help. And,” her voice dropped, “to make sure I was on the nice list.” 

“She was going to threaten him,” Minnie announced. 

“Is that how Pap Pap here ended up on the floor?” She was holding back a laugh, “Finite Incantatem,” she waved her hand releasing the elder Granger from his hold. “Up you get, Jack. Can someone other than Minnie explain to me what is going on in here?” 

“Auntie Bella, Cass was telling the truth. My friends were making fun of me at school saying that Santa isn’t real. I just wanted proof that he is so I could tell them politely to stuff it.” He handed Bella the letter and picture from Santa. 

“Then,” James spoke with a meeker tone. 

“Speak up, Potter. We’ve been over this. I’m not going to crucio you without good reason.” 

“So we came in and Teddy used magic to capture Santa. But then…” 

“But I stepped on Penny and she freaked out. Sirius thought they were playing. The puffskeins came rolling out of the tree and it fell over the same time one of the candles fell into those presents,” Cass looked like she was seconds away from crying. “I’m sorry we ruined Christmas, mummy.” 

“Now,” Bella squatted down to her daughter’s height. She used her thumbs to catch her tears. “I’ll have none of these tears on Christmas. After all, it's my birthday for the whole week. I want only happiness. The apology wasn’t necessary. We better not tell you mum though. Remember my 50th Jack?” 

“I will never forget the great Bellatrix Black Apology Tour,” he laughed. “Can you fix all this up with magic?” 

“I can straighten the tree out. I'm sure we can dry out those gifts too. I’ve never been too good at housekeeping magic. Twiggy?” 

The small elf popped into the room and looked nervous, “oh Mistress Bella, whatever happened in here.” 

“It’s best if we don’t get into it. Hermione can’t find out any of this happened. Can I count on you Twiggy?” 

“Of course. Twiggy lives to serve you, miss.” 

“Tell you what,” she reached over and patted Twiggy on the back. “I’ll help you clean this up and then you can start your holiday early.” She conjured up a few of Twiggy’s most favorite sweet treats. 

Cass went over towards the area where the dry presents were, “we got Twiggy and Winky gifts. Don’t even think about it, Minnie.” 

Bella chuckled at her daughters, “they can have them tomorrow when the family opens up presents. Now,” she looked at all of the kids. “To bed with all of you. Be very quiet unless the lot of you want to host your own apology tour. I don’t recommend it.” 

“Thank you mummy. I love you,” Cass threw her arms around Bella’s neck and whispered, “I’m sorry.” 

“I know, kitten. You were just looking out for your cousin. Now, to bed,” she gave the rest of the children quick hugs and sent them on their way but noticed Teddy coming back to talk to Jack. She wasn’t spying but she did happen to overhear the short conversation.

Teddy gave Jack a big hug, “thanks for everything, Pap Pap. For a muggle, you know how to bring the magic.” Bella felt her heart swelling like that stupid muggle Christmas movie about a grump that Hermione made her watch once. “I love you, Pap Pap.” 

Jack never treated Teddy as anything less than his own grandson. Bella wasn’t surprised at the lengths this man would go to make all of the children happy. She watched as her father in law kissed Teddy on the top of his head, “I love you too. Go get some sleep. These presents aren’t going to open themselves.” Teddy gave him one last squeeze before leaving the room to retire for the evening. 

Cass popped back into the room, “Pap Pap…” 

“Yes?”

“You aren’t going to tell Santa about all of this, are you?” 

Jack and Bella started laughing, “Santa will never find out, Cass.” 

Once she was satisfied with the answer, Cass left the room and they got to work setting things straight so the rest of the children and adults could enjoy Christmas as it was intended. “Jack?” Bella stopped him before he left. 

He turned, “hmm?” 

“Thank you.” 

“Whatever for? This is all part of being a grandfather.” 

Bella chuckled, joining him by the door. “I know but you go out of your way every holiday for all of the kids, even the ones without any relation to you. You are a decent man, Jack Granger and I’m lucky to have you as my father in law.” 

Jack wrapped his arm around Bella as they headed out of the family room, “that’s where we disagree. You may think you are the lucky one but I am the luckiest Pap Pap in the whole world.” 

Notes:

I would apologize for being gone for so long but I haven’t really been gone I’ve just been in my Marvel era. My Yelena X Kate story is coming along nicely but I had wanted to get something written for Shades Series. I really missed these guys.

Hope you all enjoyed it. Who knows when I’ll be back to Bellamione.

Until the next time 🖤

Chapter 6: Mummy’s Day

Summary:

Cass wants to get her mummy something special.

I barely edited this. All mistakes may be fixed eventually lol probably not.

March 2015

 

Ever since Cassiopeia was a baby, Bella and Hermione agreed on one thing. They would each get their own Mother’s Day because they both needed to be celebrated. Bella would get the British Mother’s Day and Hermione would take the American holiday. Luckily, they had gotten to know the teachers at their daughters' school really well over the years thanks to Teddy having gone there before them. The teachers were the nicest ladies and just incorporated American Mother’s Day into the curriculum in May. It actually worked out really well considering there were quite a few magical families who conceived with conception potions. So there were other children with more than one mommy. The teachers would let Hermione or Bella know when to come pick up the girls if they had been working on Mother’s Day gifts to keep the surprise from the right mother. Hermione went to pick up the girls from school that particular Friday. All of the grades were together out on the big playground in the back of the school at pick up time so Hermione took a moment to go in and talk to Cass’s teacher to make sure her daughter was behaving.

“Hello Rosie,” Hermione made her presence known as to not scare the teacher.

“Oh hello Minister Black. Did we have an appointment that I forgot about?”

“No nothing like that and I’ve told you, it’s Hermione. I was just checking in to see how Cass has been doing in school. I know she and James can cause quite the commotion during play time so I just wanted to make sure she was doing well in her studies and not causing too much of a ruckus.”

“Cassiopeia is a very spirited little girl but she is doing just fine in class. Top marks on all of her subjects. I can assure you that she’s getting all of her work done. I did move her and Mr. Potter next to each other. They actually behave better when they are together than when I try to seperate them.”

“That is good to hear. I’m glad she hasn’t been causing too much trouble. I know she and James can be quite a handful at times.” She noticed a small furrow of the teacher's brow. “What’s that look for? She’s done something hasn't she? Just tell me.”

“Nothing bad. Nothing bad at all, just a little peculiar,” the teacher led Hermione over towards the children’s presents that were resting in the sun. It looked like the kids had planted some dirigible plums for their mother’s and wrote them poems. “Cassiopeia did not want to participate in the Mother’s Day gift this year. She said her mother would think the plums were stupid and she didn’t want to give her something stupid. She did write a poem about everything she loves about her mother. And she drew this,” the teacher handed Hermione a picture. “She said this is what Bella would really want,” she chuckled.

“Thank you Rosie. And please, do not hesitate to call me if there are ever problems with Cass.”

Hermione took Cass’s drawing out to the playground. She watched for a few minutes as James, Cass, Minnie and Pandora were chasing each other around the swings. Hermione caught Cass’s eye and beckoned her over, crooking her finger. The curly hair girl came running over and wrapped her arms around Hermione’s legs. “Hi mum!”

“Hello my sweet girl,” she squatted down and pulled out the picture, “did you make this for mummy?” Cass’s eyes lit up at the picture she drew of a dagger surrounded by wildflowers. The girl only nodded, waiting to see if she was going to get in trouble about the fruit. Hermione knew her daughter well enough to know what she was doing, “mummy does have enough plum plants doesn’t she?”

Cass rolled her eyes, “ugh Auntie Luna brings one over every month, I swear it!” She looked back at her picture, “I just thought this was pretty and that mummy would like it best. I wish I could make her a real one and not just a picture.”

“Your mummy is going to love the thought and love you put into this. It truly shows how much you love her.”

“Here you better hold it so I don’t get it all crinkly,” she giggled. “When will I be old enough to have one of these?”

“A picture of a dagger?” Hermione hated how much she sounded like Andromeda there. After all those years living together she unfortunately has rubbed off on the brunette.

“No mum,” Cass wasn’t happy with the joke. “An actual real life dagger.”

“You are only nine, darling,” Hermione tried to hide her smirk at Cass’s unclearly unamused state.

“Mummy said she got her first one when she was six.”

Hermione cringed internally. She loved her wife and everything that made her who she was including her childhood traumas but that didn’t mean it made it any easier to hear things like that. “Tell you what, when you are a little older we can revisit this conversation. After all, you don’t even have your wand yet.”

“A trip to Diagon can change that, mum,” she gave her mother the patented Black smirk.

“Go get your sister. We don’t want to keep Mummy waiting for dinner.”

“What’s she after this time?”

Hermione straightened up, “her first dagger.”

Harry laughed, “she really does take after her mother doesn’t she?” He looked over the picture that Hermione shoved into his hands, “it’s a brilliant drawing. Something tells me James was the one to offer up the suggestion this year for the plums.”

“Definitely seems like that could be a possibility. Minnie! Cass! Come on darlings,” she shouted to her kids. James and Pandora spotted their dad and followed the girls over to collect their coats and knapsacks.

“Remember that weaponry guy we spoke with when we were looking for the sword of Gryffindor during our tent days.”

“Why do you always bring up the tent days,” Hermione rolled her eyes. “That was not fun for any of us.”

“No,” Harry shrugged, “I was just suggesting him as a reference if you actually wanted to make Cass’s picture a dagger come to life. He could be a good resource. Plus, you are Minister for Magic. He would have to make it for you.”

Hermione’s smile told Harry he had said the exact right thing, “girls ready to head home? Thank you Harry.”

“Bye James,” Cass punched him on the shoulder and laughed. James looked like he was going to return the punch when Cass ducked out of the way, “I don’t think so.”

Minnie turned to her mum, “children,” she rolled her eyes.

Hermione and the girls said quick goodbyes and thanked Harry for the idea. They got home and the girls ran straight into the kitchen to get a pre dinner snack. The elves always had some fruit and cheese waiting for them when they got home from a hard day at school. Hermione put the Mother’s Day items her daughters made in the cleaning cabinet along with the other gifts they had already gotten for Bella. “Girls, mind the elves. I need to pop out real quick.”

“But mum why can’t we come?” Cass asked with a mouth full of food.

“Ew chew your food, Cassie.”

Cass’s face turned a bright shade of red, “I told you not to call me that Minerva.”

“Cassie. Cassie. Cassie. Cassie.” A piece of strawberry went flying across the table and stuck to her forehead. “Hey!!”

Cass stuck her tongue out, “serves you right. If I had a wand, I’d have cursed you.”

“It’s like looking in a mirror to the past,” Andy came into the kitchen to interrupt the afternoon snack.

“Oh good. Andy, can you watch them and make sure they don’t kill each other? I have to go run an errand and I thought they’d be fine for the elves but,” she shrugged as they watched the glaring contest that was happening across the table.

“I’ll see what I can do. No promises. If I have to hex them I won’t hesitate.”

“Mind you auntie girls. I’ll be back shortly. And if I get a bad report from her, we won’t be going to Diagon on Sunday for ice cream.”

Cass’s mouth fell open, “but that’s mummy’s day. She will be sad if we don’t get ice cream.”

“Guess you little shits better behave then,” Andy sat down as Minnie got up and walked back over with the swear jar. “Worth it,” she put a galleon into the jar. “Now,” she waited until Hermione had left, “who needs to be hexed first?” Both girls turned to look at each other with worried expressions knowing full well she would hex them if it came down to it. “Don’t everybody jump at once,” she smirked, reaching for some of the girls’ snacks.
*
Bella’s only request as it had been every year since giving birth was to let her sleep in on Mother’s Day. Nine years later and her wish has yet to be granted. Hermione tried her hardest and it was getting easier as the girls got a little older but her daughters were always so excited to celebrate their mummy. She had somehow convinced them into helping her make breakfast that particular morning with the help of the elves and without magic. They were fascinated with muggle cooking and often got to help at Pap Pap and Kitty’s house when they would go for visits. After a short fight of who got to mix the batter first, the waffles were coming along perfectly. Hermione tasked the girls with cooking the eggs and they were exceptionally careful not to get any shells in the food. “Get the milk Minnie,” Cass instructed when she turned on their electric muggle stove.

“Kitty says it’s best with milk,” Minnie gave Hermione a smile before walking the milk back over to her sister.

Cass handed Minnie a tablespoon after asking Hermione to help locate one. “Here, we cracked 8 eggs so we need 8 spoons of milk. Mummy likes them like this. Do you think you can not spill or do you want me to do it?”

Minnie furrowed her brow, “I can do it.” She carefully took the lid off the milk carton and much to Hermione's surprise completed the task without spilling a drop. After she put the milk back in the fridge, she came over holding her salt and pepper shakers, “we need these too. I do white. You do black.”

The girls finished up the eggs while Hermione worked on the waffles, sausage and bacon. They would usually take breakfast up to Bella so she could eat in bed but the dark witch surprised them all by showing up a little disheveled in appearance at the far door, “smells delicious, girls.”

“Awww mummy. You’ve ruined the surprise. We were going to bring this up to you!” Cass’s frown was met with an equally disappointed look on her sister’s face.

Bella chuckled, “my nose woke me up. It smelled so good, I was dreaming of breakfast and I woke up starving. I see everybody’s helping out today. Must be a very special day.”

The eggs were ready to be plated, so Cass handed the spatula to Hermione and they took off running into Bella’s open arms. “I love my babies,” she kissed them both before letting them go. Standing she made her way over to her wife who was still plating all of the food. She wrapped her arms around Hermione’s stomach, pressing her nose to her neck just below her jaw, “I love you most of all,” she whispered before leaving a kiss behind her ear.

“Someone is in a very good mood this morning,” Hermione would never tire of the soft side of Bella that only came out around her and the girls. It was moments like this the brunette craved. Bella was still pressing kisses to Hermione's neck when they heard a round of fake gagging coming from the table followed by giggles. “Go on, sit with the girls. Breakfast is ready.” The waffles were already sitting on the table with fruit and creams for toppings. She walked over the plate full of eggs and breakfast meats.

“The two of you spend way too much time with Aunt Andy. She taught you that little fake gag?” Bella sat next to Cass opposite her wife.

“If we tell you she’s going to hex us,” Minnie answered, reaching for the strawberries.

“They will never have to torture that one for information,” Bella laughed.

“She takes after me,” Hermione kissed Minnie on the top of her head.

“You’d have to kill me to get the information,” Cass announced with a mouthful of eggs.

“Oh?” Bella wasn’t surprised but was curious, “and who taught you that one?”

“Some show Pap Pap was watching ” she shrugged unbothered while shoving more food into her mouth.

“Maybe I need to have a discussion with my father about what he watches when the girls are around.”

Bella had shoved a large forkful of eggs into her mouth, “they can watch whatever they want as long as Kitty keeps giving them cooking tips. These eggs are delicious.”

“You like them, mummy?” Minnie looked proud of herself, “I did the milk all by myself and I sprinkled the white.”

Bella looked to Hermione for clarification, “you put in the perfect amount of salt, darling.”

“Oh yes, seasoned beautifully,” Bella was already into seconds. Cass had also made her way through a plate of food already while Hermione and Minnie seemed to be enjoying their breakfast at a leisurely rate.

“You can tell your mother likes them by how fast she eats,” Hermione poked fun at her wife.

“Cass must really like the food then,” Minnie giggled.

“Mmmhmm,” was Cass’s dignified response. She had half of a sausage in her mouth while the other half sat on a fork she had been holding up.

“Just remember to chew, darling,” Hermione watched Bella and her mini me enjoy the food. Oftentimes they eat like someone is waiting to snatch their plates away. Hermione assumed this was a habit Bella picked up in Azkaban and somehow it transferred to their oldest daughter. Narcissa would comment on their eating habits anytime she’d be over for dinner hoping they didn’t rub off on her daughter. Emmi for the most part stayed clear of Bella and Cass’s influence when it came to eating.

“We were good, right mum?” Minnie looked up at Hermione after swallowing her bite of waffle.

“Of course, darling. When did I say otherwise?”

She shrugged and Cass spoke up, “when Auntie Andy threatened to kill us.”

“That’s a bit dramatic,” Hermione suppressed a laugh. “Are you talking about when the two of you were fighting the other day?” Minnie nodded, “you’ve been very good since then, yes.”

“So we can still go to Diagon and get ice cream today?” Minnie perked back up.

“It’s Mummy’s Day and if mummy wants ice cream, that’s where we are going.”

“When have I ever turned down a chocolate and chili cone?” Bella winked at her daughter.

“Ice cream first or presents?”

“You haven’t even finished your breakfast, Cass. You can’t possibly be hungry for ice cream.”

Bella looked at her daughter and they both started laughing, “oh that’s a good one pet. Not hungry for ice cream.”

“Yeah mum. We have dessert stomachs for a reason.”

“Who is teaching her this stuff?” Hermione looked to her wife for answers.

“Fuck if I know, pet.”

Minnie’s jaw dropped then she instantly shut it, “it’s mummy’s day so I’ll let that swear slide.”

“How very gracious of you, my love,” Bella had a big grin on her face. “Unlimited swears all day. Now there’s the gift that keeps on giving.”

“Nu uh mummy. It’s not unlimited,” Minnie giggled.

“We shall see,” Bella took another bite of sausage. “Did someone mention presents?”

Both girls shook their head excitedly, “they are with the cleaners. Mum says you’ll never look there.”

“Seriously I hope there’s never a hostage situation. She’ll give us all away,” Hermione patted her daughter's head and walked over to get the gifts.

Bella was always very happy to receive her handmade gifts from her girls. She remembered being little and her parents turning their noses up when she and her sisters would make something for them. She had vowed to never discourage her children. She also enjoyed the gifts that Hermione had bought her even though she insisted it was never necessary for her to give her things. She was pulled back to the present when Cass spoke up, “I drew this for you mummy.”

“You drew this for me?” She smiled up at her daughter who was standing next to her. She wrapped her arm around Cass’s waist. “It’s perfect. You know me so well.”

“Don’t forget to give her this,” Hermione pushed a small box towards Cass.

She looked at her mum like she was crazy but shrugged and handed it to her mummy, “here you go.” Bella unwrapped the delicately packaged box and slowly lifted the lid. Cass gasped when she got a peek inside. Sitting nestled in the cushion of the box was a sculpted dagger that had wildflowers embedded in the handle, “it’s the dagger, mummy!!”

Bella looked up smiling at her wife who looked very pleased with herself, “it’s gorgeous,” she pulled it out carefully, looking over the craftsmanship of the blade and handle. The flowers looked exactly like the ones Cass had drawn and she wondered how Hermione had acquired such a weapon but didn’t want to spoil the moment.

“I wanted you to have that so bad and look,” she pointed excitedly, “it’s really here. Do you love it, mummy?”

“It’s perfect, kitten,” she hugged her daughter tighter, “thank you.” She swore she never saw her daughter happier than she was at that moment. Hermione never ceased to amaze her. She knew how important that this was to Cass and she went out of her way to make Cass’s dream a reality. Bella always knew that her wife was special but she never took for granted how lucky she was to have her for her partner. She would never take this woman for granted. “This is the best Mummy’s Day yet. Now, who is ready for ice cream?”

Notes:

This was a shorter one-shot but I wanted to get a little Mother’s Day special out there even if both mothers days are already over 😂😂

come back next time for Cass’s first year at Hogwarts. It’ll be a little longer of a one shot.

Also, part four of the Shades series is coming along and everyone is going to hate me.

Until the next time 🖤🖤

Chapter 7: Cass goes to Hogwarts

Summary:

It’s as the title says.
Enjoy 🖤

August 15, 2017 

Cassiopeia Bellatrix Black had been up early every day since the first of August. It had finally been the year she had been waiting 11 long years for. This was finally the year she got to go pick out her wand. Of course she got to go to Hogwarts but that was not her main priority. She wanted her wand so she could cast spells without having to sneak her mummy’s wand behind her back. She was also excited to get to Hogwarts though the Headmistress already told Bella that there would be no exceptions to the Quidditch team rules this year. Cass would not be permitted to play no matter how efficient she was at flying. She was more than a little disappointed when her mum came back with the news. She was also beyond excited that her cousin Teddy was going to be a 7th year student so she had hopes that as Head Boy, he would be able to bend the rules for her and James on occasion.  “Is it here yet?!” She asked running down to breakfast, looking for their owl. 

“I’m afraid not, darling. The owl hasn’t come yet.” 

Cass crossed her arms and flipped into her chair, “it’s not fair. We have the slowest owl on the planet. She must have gotten lost.” 

“Your Uncle Harry said James hasn’t received his letter yet.”

“Nor has Lyra,” Bella came into the room joining the conversation. “It’s only 15 days until you leave. Rue letter has to come today. McGonagall can’t expect us to run to Diagon with all of the commoners when they receive their letters. It’ll be crowded and far too people-y for the Blacks.” 

“Bella,” Hermione’s tone had a sense of warning. “I have it on good authority that the letters are coming today.” 

“I want to get a letter,” Minnie was last to come down for breakfast. “It’s not fair.” 

“Aww bean,” Bella tried to hide her smirk, “you’ll get to go next year. You’ve only just turned ten. Cass has been 11 for almost a year now.” 

“Yeah, I should be the one complaining that I was born in December.” 

“Trust me,” Bella recalled the events of her birth, “that was not the plan.” 

“You’ll be queen of the primary school this year,” Cass tried to make her sister feel better. “It’ll be so cool for you.” 

“But you get to go to Hogwarts,” Minnie wasn’t falling for the bullshit. “It’s not nearly as exciting.” 

“One more year, sweet girl.” Hermione finally took a seat, helping herself to some of the regular breakfast fare that had already been sitting on the table waiting for everyone. Minnie had been trying to convince them all summer that when Cass went to pick out her wand that she should be able to get one too. The answer was always, “you’ll have to wait until you are 11 like your sister did.” She was never thrilled with that answer but like the Quidditch rules, some rules are in place for a reason. 

Breakfast was mostly over when there was a small knock on the window, “the owl! It’s here!” Cass was shouting, running over to open the window. 

“Is that the owl I heard?” Teddy had made his way in for breakfast, late as usual. It was customary for teenagers to sleep the day away. At least that’s what Bella surmised. “Mmm breakfast,” he sat down and made himself a big plate. Granny is working today. If the letters come, can I go with you guys to Diagon? She left me shopping money.” 

“You are always welcome to come with us,” Hermione patted his hand. “And you know what your Auntie Bella is getting ready to say.” 

Bella and Teddy responded at the same time, “your money's no good here.” 

The owl flew over and dropped the mail in front of Bella. The dark witch slowly sorted the mail knowing her daughter was suffering from the wait. “Hmm,” she shuffled the letters around more. 

Teddy winked at his cousin, “I see something familiar in there.” 

“Are they here mummy?!?!?” 

“Seems we have two special letters here for Teddy and Cass.” 

Cass quickly grabbed her letter and began reading, “Dear Ms. Black, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on 1 September.” She flipped the letter over to examine the books and supply list. “Bit of a let down isn’t it?” 

“What do you mean? You’ve been waiting all summer?” 

“Seems like everyone’s letter says the same. Could’ve had a little extra flare for mine,” she rolled her eyes after examining Teddy’s letter seeing the same message. 

“Leave it to your daughter to be disappointed having a generic letter of acceptance,” Bella gave Hermione a knowing look. 

“Don’t look at me. I didn’t even know Hogwarts was a thing. When Minerva came through our fireplace I thought my dad was going to have a stroke. This disappointment is a Black family trait I think,” she laughed. “Let’s have a look at your supplies, sweetheart.” 

“Look mum,” she pointed out, “it says I can bring my own broom for flying. And it’s with stinky old Hooch.” 

“Sweetheart. You can’t call her that to her face.” 

“Yes I can. She’s the one who told McGonagall no first years were allowed to play Quidditch. If she can make stupid rules then I can call her stinky and old because that’s what she is.” 

“Bella?” 

“I'm with her, pet. Stupid rules. Stinky old ladies.” 

“Diagon today, right? I want to go get my wand.” 

Hermione looked at Bella who shrugged, “I suppose I can take the day off work.” Bella had been thinking about working reduced hours in the summer months while the girls were off of school but hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Andy had always taken the summer months off since Teddy was young and it worked out quite nicely. With Teddy leaving next year she would have to rethink her summer work schedule. The dark witch didn’t really fuss over missing work. It’s not like she was getting a paycheck. 

“I can take the girls and Teddy if you need to go into the office.” 

Hermione looked almost offended, “I will not miss my baby’s first Hogwarts shopping trip. Let me just send a message to my secretary and she’ll alert everyone else. Go get ready everyone. We will leave at ten.” 

Cass was nearly jumping with excitement shoving the rest of her breakfast into her mouth, “take your time, kitten. You won’t be going anywhere if you choke to death on bacon.” 

“Sorry, mummy.” 

*

The Black family and Teddy made their way to Diagon at exactly 10 and as was their tradition they started their day at the ice cream parlor. Just because there was shopping to be done didn’t mean they count treat themselves beforehand since they had all finished their breakfast. “I’m going to miss ice cream trips when I go to muggle university next year, Auntie Bella.” 

“Ugh,” her heart broke a little knowing that not only would both of her girls be at Hogwarts then but Teddy was going to go live as a muggle for four years and get a muggle education. “Don’t remind me, kid. I still have a year to enjoy you.” 

“You could always come visit me. I won’t be too far away. It’s not like I’m going to America.” 

“Thank Salazar for that.” 

“Come on Auntie Bella, you could come stay in the dorm room with me.” He saw the look of disgust on Bella's face and kept going, “I think I might try one of those muggle sports. Football maybe. That looks like fun.” 

“Gods help you. That’s the one we watch over at Pap Pap’s where the idiots just run up and down the field chasing after the little ball?” 

“Very small ball, large net. I don’t see how it’s so hard and they only score like once a game.” Teddy laughed, “you’ll come watch a game if I make the team, right?”

Bella was conflicted. She really loved her nephew but the thought of stepping foot onto a muggle university campus and watching a three hour sports game made her want to crucio herself, “are you sure you don’t want to pursue Quidditch? There was talk about some teams wanting to sign you. You are a brilliant beater, Teddy.” 

Teddy shook his head, “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do yet, Auntie Bella but I think the muggle world will help me figure it out.” 

“I should never have let you borrow my DD Warren books,” Bella grumbled. 

“If you are going to miss me you can just say that,” Teddy pried further. 

“Of course I’m going to miss you. I’d be a fool not to. You’ve been living with me since you were a toddler. You helped me want to be a better person, kid. I’ll always love you for that.” 

“So you’ll come visit me?” 

“Fuck. You backed me right into that corner didn’t you. There is still your seventh year to get through. If Cass doesn’t somehow get you expelled by then, we can revisit this conversation,” Bella smirked. “You should get started on your school list. Here,” she handed him a coin purse full of money, “don’t try to argue. Take it and get what you want, not just what you need. I better go make sure Cass hasn’t bought the whole bloody pet store.” 

Bella did in fact find her family inside the pet store but thankfully Cass hadn’t imprinted on any of the animals. She was set on taking her puffskein, Junior, to Hogwarts with her. “She said she wanted to come in and see if anyone jumped out at her,” Hermione explained to Bella when she caught up with them. 

Quick to move them along Bella suggested, “why don’t we go to Olivanders. When I walked by the store didn’t have a line. Now’s your chance, kitten.” Hermione let Bella know that they already got Cass’s cauldron, potion ingredients, textbooks, seeds and plant starters, and school issued first year robes. They still had to go to the wand and quidditch shops. “Of course she wants a new broom. Can’t even play on the team this year but will no doubt show off for Hooch and the rest of the kids.” 

“Let’s go!” Cass immediately grabbed Bella’s hand and started dragging her towards the ancient wand shop. “I’m so excited!” She was almost jumping up and down from her elation. 

“Remember,” Hermione’s mom voice came out in full force, “be kind, be respectful and don’t just start grabbing things in there. Mr. Olivander is too nice to correct anyone. That goes for all three of you,” she eyed both her girls and her wife. 

“Seems a bit harsh,” Bella grumbled and pushed the door open. She turned to see her daughter enter the shop with her mouth hanging open in admiration. She knew this was a big moment for Cass. She had only been begging for a wand for as long as Bella could remember. 

With Bella’s eyes trained on her daughter, she didn’t see where the girl was walking when Hermione’s voice rang out, “Cassiopeia watch where you are stepping,” but it was too late, the girl had already walked face first into a stack of wands, causing them to fall over and then subsequently knocked three more towers of wands down. “Oops, sorry,” Cass looked up embarrassed from the floor. 

“Do not worry,” Mr. Olivander came from the back room. “You would not believe how frequently that happens.” 

“Have you ever thought about just putting everything away?” Minnie asked like it was the most obvious solution. “Clean it up a little in here. Open pathways would really help.” 

Hermione looked mortified, “Minerva,” she whispered, grabbing her daughter pulling her in close. “Let me clean this up,” she pulled her wand out when he stopped her. 

“I will take care of it. Maybe I will move some of these to the back,” he smiled at Minnie before turning to Cass. “You are the lucky one today? Getting your first wand?” 

“Yes sir,” Cass stood up, wiping the dust off of her clothes. 

Olivander beckoned her over to the counter and started the process of trying to locate the wand that called to her, “the daughter of two very powerful witches. Brightest of their respective ages. No doubt passed onto their kin.” He walked to the shelf behind him, “try this one.” 

Cass clutched the wand in her hand and a small fire immediately shot out of the tip, catching many things on fire which was quickly put out by Bella, “the Blacks have a thing for fire.” 

“Right,” he grabbed the wand from Cass. “This probably isn’t the right one.” 

Wand after wand after wand was tested, each one of them ending in sparks, a fire or nothing. Cass was undoubtedly getting frustrated and her little sister wasn’t helping, “maybe she isn’t meant to be a proper witch.” 

Cass turned around, glaring at her, “stuff it Minerva.” 

“Girls,” Hermione warned. 

“We’ve been here for almost an hour and nothing has chosen Cassiopeia yet,” Minnie rolled her eyes. 

“Patience, bean,” Bella gave her a look. 

“Mr. Olivander, isn't there a wand in here for me somewhere?” She started walking around feeling hopeless from the failed ones. She was about to start crying when she heard a humming sound come from the far back corner of the store. Olivander saw her turn her attention and motioned for the family to watch. He smiled at them as they all turned, seeing Cass walking and listening. “Do you guys hear that?” She looked over her shoulder before continuing. There it was on a low shelf in the back of the store. Cass swore the wand was humming to get her attention. “Hello?” She knelt down and whispered to the wand, “are you talking to me?” She carefully reached out, wrapping her fingers tentatively around the handle of the wand. She felt her hand immediately warm and the wand seemed to cast a glow around her. “Mummy, mum, did you see that?” She was still clutching the wand as she walked it slowly back to the counter. 

Olivander took the wand, “see the wand does choose the witch,” he said more to Minnie than Cass. “Let’s see,” he examines the wand, “Elm wood with a dragon heartstring core 12 ¾" and hard flexibility.” 

“Dragon heartstring like you,” she gave her mothers a smile. 

“Elm,” Bella repeated but didn’t have to voice her concern. 

“The unfounded belief that only pure-bloods can produce magic from elm wands was undoubtedly started by some elm wand owner seeking to prove his own blood credentials, for I have known perfect matches of elm wands who are Muggle-borns. The truth is that elm wands prefer owners with presence, magical dexterity and a certain native dignity. Of all wand woods, elm, in my experience, produces the fewest accidents, the least foolish errors, and the most elegant charms and spells; these are sophisticated wands, capable of highly advanced magic in the right hands.” 

“Oh Cass has a lot of accidents,” Minnie laughed. 

“Mummy,” Cass’s cheeks were turning pink from embarrassment. 

“Minerva Katherine Black,” was the only warning Bella gave her and she closed her mouth. 

Hermione walked over to Cass, “the wand is beautifully you, my darling. How does it feel?” 

Cass took the wand back from Olivander, “it feels like it was made just for me.” 

“Then we will take it,” she kissed the top of her black curls and went to settle the cost with Olivander. 

Cass walked over towards Bella and her sister when she saw her mother nudge Minnie, “sorry Cass. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Your wand is very cool.” 

Cass could easily have said something rude but she just smiled and said, “I can’t wait to see which wand chooses you next year.” 

*September 1, 2017*

“It feels different this time,” Cass smiled up at Teddy as they stood on the platform between 9 and 10. 

“Just straight through like always,” Teddy encouraged her. “Nothing special this time.” 

“Causing a bit of a back up love. Best get going,” Bella laughed seeing the line of people behind them including The Potters and The Malfoys. “This group will no doubt run you over without hesitation.” 

“Bella stop,” Hermione smacked her shoulder. “Go on darling.” 

Cass grabbed her cart and pushed it with speed through the pillar with Teddy close behind. Bella and Minnie went followed by Hermione. Andy came through the wall next, “I can’t believe my baby is in his seventh year.” 

“The dramatics have already begun,” Bella scoffed at her sister. 

“Mummy you were crying last night during the movie when you thought nobody was paying attention,” Minnie pointed out. 

“Yeah we all saw the tears Bella,” Andy laughed. 

“The lies and disrespect…” 

“I’m going to miss you too, mummy,” Cass threw her arms around Bella’s waist. She was determined not to cry. Hogwarts was an adventure and Blacks do not cry. At least that’s what Cass had told herself. 

Andy pointed over her shoulder, “at least we are all doing better than Draco. The water works haven’t stopped with that one.” 

“Oh cut him some slack,” Hermione was trying her best to keep the emotions out of her voice. “First times are difficult.” 

“I’m not going to make fun of you if you cry,” Andy smirked, “but I will be taking the piss out of big bad Bella for every tear she sheds today.” 

Bella didn’t look up from her hug with Cass, she just flicked Andy off, “you are going to have so much fun at school, kitten. Just remember that you are a Black and you are better than everybody else.” 

“Bella,” Hermione tried to warn her but gave up and just let her have a moment with her daughter. 

“I’m definitely going to be Slytherin right, mummy?” 

“They won’t even need to put that ruddy old hat on your head,” Bella cackled. “Both of my daughters are Slytherin, through and through.” 

“What about James? I want him to be a Slytherin, too. I…” Cass stopped and looked down. 

“What Cass?”

Cass’s lip trembled but no tears spilled, “I don’t want to be alone, mummy.” 

“My little love,” Bella wrapped her daughter in the tightest hug, “you won’t be alone. The owl will be around as often as you want to send us messages. Junior is going with you.” The small puffskein squeaked from its carrying bag. “Freddy will be there, too. He will look after you. And you can’t forget the most important…” 

Cass’s eyes lit up, “Teddy.” 

“That’s right. Teddy will be just on the other side of the dungeons by the kitchen. If you get in good with the kitchen elves, they might be able to sneak you in to see Teddy.” Bella looked around before bending over to whisper into Cass’s ear, “plus, I still have my old rooms there. If you ever need me just say the word and I’ll be there in a flash.” She pressed a small key into her daughter’s hand.

“Promise?” 

“With all my heart,” Bella kissed the top of Cass’s head. 

Harry was standing 30 or so yards away from them having a similar conversation with his son, “you are going to have the best time at school. There won’t be anyone threatening to kill you and your friends every year.” 

“Dad?”

“What is it, James?” 

“I don’t want to go into Gryffindor. I want to be in Slytherin with Cass. She’s my best mate and I want to be with her, Freddy and Lyra.  Will you be disappointed if I’m not in your house?” 

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be a Slytherin, son. The sorting hat wanted to put me there but let me tell you a little secret.” 

“What?”

Harry started to whisper, “just tell the sorting hat where you want to go. It listens and takes your feelings into consideration.” 

“Really?” James looked hopeful. 

“Indeed,” Harry gave his son a hug. “You are going to have an amazing year. Try to stay out of trouble. I know the temptations are hard to resist but I would rather not be called into McGonagall's office in the first year.” 

“I’ll try, dad.” 

The whistle blew signaling it was five minutes until take off, “better go get your seats,” Harry called out so everyone would hear. 

The kids were frantically saying goodbye to their parents when Teddy came walking back over to his grandma, “last time granny.” 

“Enjoy your year. You’ve made me so proud,” she kissed him on the cheek. “Here,” she pinned his head boy badge to his robes. “Can’t forget this. Head boy.” 

“Do you think mum would’ve been proud of me?” 

“Your mother is absolutely proud of you, Teddy. That is one thing you never have to second guess. She might not be here with us but she is always in here,” she touched his heart. “She’ll be there for every exam, every late night library session, when you sneak into the kitchens, every quidditch game and when you feel lonely? She’s there. I feel her with me everyday.” 

“I feel her grandma. I just wish she were really here,” it wasn’t often Teddy talked about his parents. Andy realized it was just during these big life moments. She wished more than anything that Dora could’ve been there to watch him grow but she knew without a doubt that her daughter was proud of the young man he became. “I better get going. I’ll owl you soon,” he pulled Andy into one final hug before running over and hugging Bella and Hermione. 

Minnie walked over to her sister, “I’m going to miss you.” 

Cass gave her a quick hug, “send me letters. I’ll scope everything out so when you come with me next year, I can show you all the coolest stuff. Don’t worry I’ll pick out the best bed for you this year and make sure nobody touches it.” Minnie threw her arms around Cass’s neck and started to cry. “I’ll miss you, too.” 

Andy came over, sweeping Minnie up into her arms, “be good, Cass,” she winked at her niece, giving her a hug and slipping her some candy for the train. 

“Mums!” Cass ran over and gave both of her mothers big hugs. “I’m going to miss you both so much!” 

The horn blew once more letting off it’s final warning, “best be off now, darling. Don’t want to miss the train. Take care and do try to be on your best behavior. Send us an owl soon. I love you.” Hermione kissed Cass on the cheek. 

“Go on now,” Bella hugged her daughter, slipping a bag full of galleons into her pocket. “Have a wonderful first term. Christmas will be here before you know it. And remember what I said about my old room,” she kissed Cass on the cheek. 

Cass whispered in Bella’s ear, “I’m going to miss you most of all, mummy.” She kissed her, gave her one more hug before she ran off into the train finding a seat next to James. 

Bella stood up, “fucking hell that was brutal.” She was furiously wiping her tears away so Cass wouldn’t see them. 

“You too?” Andy came over with a matching tear stain face. 

The parents stood on the platform waving to the Hogwarts Express as it took off for the start of another year at school. 

*

The train ride was as boring as Cass assumed it would be. Maybe they would let her floo next time. At least they didn’t actually have to row the boats across the sea themselves, “it’s big,” she whispered to James when they docked at the boat house. 

“Kind of scary,” Lyra chimed in. “Isn’t it?” 

“My dad said at least nobody will be trying to kill us,”  James offered and Lyra seemed pleased with that. “Though to be fair from what I heard nobody was trying to kill your dad.” 

“Except your dad.” 

“That’s as one time and if anyone is to blame it was Snape’s bloody old text book.” 

“Kids,” Cass corrected them, “look,” she pointed to the castle. “We are home.” 

“All right first years… follow me,” Hagrid led the group of kids up the pathway towards the doors of the castle that sat just outside of the Great Hall. “Here they are Headmistress as promised. Nobody fell off the boats this year.”

“Well that is reassuring. I was a little worried about those three,” she gave a warm smile to James, Cass and Lyra. “Godric help us all,” she muttered under her breath. She turned to address the students after giving Hagrid his leave to go join the other professors at their table. “We will walk into the front of the hall. I will call each of you one by one and you will be sorted into your houses. Be mindful of your prefects. They are called so for a reason.” 

The kids followed McGonagall through the open doors and Cass’s jaw dropped. It was so big and looked like night time. There were about 60 new students to be sorted and if she were being honest, Cass was beyond bored, “Cassiopeia Black,” she heard her name called. “Finally,” she whispered to James. She walked up on the stage, chin up in the air and plopped down in the seat. McGonagall barely moved the hat over her head and it shouted, “Slytherin!!” Cass cackled, “knew it.” She stopped and patted James' shoulder on the way to her table. “I can’t believe you are a Slytherin,” she slid into the empty seat next to Freddy. 

“Being a Gryffindor sounded so boring. The Slytherin house was practically begging for a Weasley. Plus,” he smirked, “it pissed off Big Red so much. I consider that reason enough.” 

“Respectable,” they looked on as James was called to the seat. “Please be Slytherin. Please be Slytherin,” she chanted to herself. 

“Well now. A Potter I see…” the hat  started going on to talk about James' dad and the wonderful things he did for the Gryffindor house. Then it went on to say that the hat was also conflicted when choosing for Harry. “Could be in Slytherin.” 

“Please be Slytherin. Please be Slytherin,” James was mumbling under his breath. 

“I remember having a similar conversation with your father. So be it, you must be Slytherin!” 

Cass erupted into a loud round of cheering when James walked over, “I knew it!” 

“That was terrifying,” he laughed. “Dad said the hat listens and it did. It almost suggested Gryffindor.” 

“Well we couldn’t have that, could we?” Freddy laughed at the newest recruits. “Oi! Malfoy is up.” 

She seemed to be sitting up in that chair forever.  Cass saw her cousin’s cheek turning pink from whatever the hat was saying to her. After what seemed like ten minutes, the hat called out Slytherin and Lyra hurried over to the table to get the attention off of her. “For Salazar’s sake, the hat was trying to put me in hufflepuff.” 

Cass smirked, “can’t say I blame him. You are a little soft for our house.” 

Lyra looked offended, “don’t tempt me. I’ll owl Aunt Mione and tell her you are making fun of me.” 

Cass cackled, “I’m only messing with you.” McGonagall finished sorting the last students and gave her opening night speech. The students were warned not to go into the forbidden forest, to stick to their dorms after hours, mind their prefects, and basically not to step out of line. The reminder was given that no first years would be given the opportunity to try out for their respective house Quidditch teams in which James and Cass booed loudly. “Let the feast begin,” she announced as the food appeared on the tables in front of the students and professors. 

“This is going to be the best year,” Cass immediately went for the pudding. 

*

September 10, 2017

Mummy and Mum, 

Hogwarts is so cool! I’ve only been here 10 days and I’ve already learned so much! Professor Flitwick seemed so impressed that I could levitate my feather on the first day. He said I remind him of you, mum. In potions, Slughorn said I made the best wiggenweld potion and then said something like he expected nothing less from a Black. He is our head of house. I don’t think he likes me too much but it’s because he already caught me trying to sneak into Jame’s bunk one night because I was bored. And guess what?! James and I were the only two in our flying class who could get our brooms to come to us. It’s like these kids never even flew before. I think I’m at least a second year student by now. I stumbled into a bathroom on the second floor and a ghost was really annoying when I was trying to go to the bathroom. I won’t be going back there. I hope everyone at home is doing well. Lyra almost got put in hufflepuff. That was really funny. I miss you both and Aunt Andy. I guess I miss Minnie, too. She’s going to love the library! I best be off. We have class with Longbottom. He seems scared of me. I like that. Miss you!! 

Love,

Cassiopeia Bellatrix Black 

*

Fall was already fast approaching and that meant the first visit to Hogsmeade was right around the corner. Cass had no intentions of missing out on the venture after James told her that his dad gifted him the cloak of invisibility. They were sitting in the far corner of the library coming up with their plan for the upcoming weekend when Teddy came to join them, “what are you guys up to? Trouble I’m guessing.” 

“Nothing Teddy,” Cass smiled at him. “Just studying for our History of Magic class.” 

“Yeah,” James agreed, “it’s really interesting.” 

“No student that ever attended this school said the History of Hogwarts was interesting,” he laughed. “Well maybe Aunt Mione. That definitely seems like something she would like.” 

“Swear it,” Cass tried to convince her cousin that nothing was going on. 

“Maybe if you tell me what you are attempting to accomplish I might be able to help.” 

“But you are Head Boy,” James wasn’t buying it. “I think you’ll just bust us.” 

“He wouldn’t do that. He’s cool,” Cass gave her cousin a weary look. “Right?” 

“The coolest,” Teddy smiled. “I promise not to turn you in unless there is a possibility of physical harm.” 

Cass and James whispered to each other for a few minutes before coming to the conclusion to trust the older student, “fine. But you have to keep it a secret and if you tell my mums then I’ll tell Aunt Andy that you are the one who set her wardrobe on fire that one summer.” 

Teddy narrowed his eyes, “fine.” 

“James and I are sneaking out to Hogsmeade on Saturday.” 

Teddy shook his head laughing, “and just how are you going to pull that off? McGonagall watches the exits like a hawk.” 

“James brought an old family heirloom.” 

“A family heirloom can sneak you out of the castle?” 

Cass smirked, “it can if it’s a cloak of invisibility.” 

“No way,” Teddy’s jaw dropped. “You have one of the Deathly Hallows?” 

James shook his head, “yep. Dad gave it to me and said to use it well.” 

“Seems like the perfect opportunity to take it for a spin,” Cass’s shit eating grin reminded Teddy so much of his aunt. “What could go wrong?” 

“A lot but I think you are already set on doing this so I have to ask,” Teddy leaned in whispering, “do you have the marauders map?” The two of them nodded, “of course you do. So you know about the one eyed witch passage?” 

“Of course,” Cass rolled her eyes, “we are first years not idiots. Is that the way you would recommend? Sneak through there and when we come out on the other side be under the cloak?” 

“As long as you can get past Filch and Mrs. Norris you should be okay. I can meet you inside and we go from there.” 

“Wait a minute, you are going to help us get to Hogsmeade?”

Teddy shrugged, “it’s my last year and I haven’t gotten in trouble once. Might as well live a little. My mum was Tonks after all. What kind of son would I be if I didn’t cause a little mischief?” 

The plan went off without a hitch. James and Cass had successfully taken the one eyed witch passage to the cellar of Honeydukes where Teddy had been waiting for them like he promised. Cass had taken that bag of galleons Bella had given her before boarding the Hogwarts express and given it to Teddy. Partly as a bribe and also to buy stuff for her and James. Teddy wouldn’t take them to the Shrieking Shack. Cass asked him why but he just got quiet and showed her the scar on his hand and said it would be a story better told by her mothers. Teddy left them in honeydukes and told them he would meet them back at the exit of the passage so he could make sure they made it back undetected. 

“Hogsmeade was amazing,” James still couldn’t believe they got to go. 

“Maybe next time we can take the cloak off more so I don’t have to have you breathing on my shoulder the whole time.” 

“My breathing should be the least of your concerns. We still have to make it to our dorm,” James wasn’t really offended. He and Cass had developed their love language through sarcasm and jokes. “Do you think Teddy will sell us out?” 

“And risk the wrath of Aunt Andy? No way. She’s scarier than Mummy I swear it, it’s always the quiet ones who are the scariest.” 

“I think your mum is pretty terrifying.” 

“Thanks,” Cass smiled, “I hope to be just as scary when I grow up.” They walked the rest of the passage back talking about all of the different shops and how much fun they had. When they got to the exit, Cass opened the door, “I still can’t believe we are getting away with this.” 

Her sentence was cut short when they were met on the other side of the passage by Professor Slughorn, the Headmistress, Filch and Teddy. “Filch saw Mr. Lupin creeping around this statue and alerted me. I had all of the Heads of House do a count of their students seated in the Great Hall and Professor Slughorn was two pupils shy. Before the panic could set in, Miss Malfoy had come forward telling us you snuck off to the village.” 

Cass saw her cousin peeking out from behind the grownups. “Just like her father,” she mumbled under her breath. 

“Now isn’t the time for disparaging remarks, Cassiopeia. To my office, the three of you. Lyra you may rejoin your classmates at dinner.” 

*

Two days later, Bella, Hermione, Andy and Harry all found themselves sitting inside in the headmistress’s office facing punishment for their children. “Why are we even here?” Bella had her arms crossed over her chest. “It’s not like they set anything on fire.” 

“I brought you here to talk about the misguided actions of your children. Now, aside from Bella, is everyone else aware of why they are here today?” 

“Where is Draco? Shouldn’t he be here?” 

“Excellent question Potter, where is my nephew?” 

“Bella, the hostility is going to make this meeting longer and more awkward,” Minerva tried to reason. “Mr. Malfoy isn’t here because his daughter didn’t attend the outing.” 

Bella leaned over Hermione and whispered to Harry, “a pussy just like her father” 

Harry snickered but stopped immediately when Hermione hit them both of their heads, “enough. We would all rather be somewhere else but I’m here to hear what Minerva has to say and we can move on with our days.” 

“Spoken like the minister,” Andy smirked, knowing she wasn’t close enough to be smacked. “Whatever did or did not happen, I think we can all agree that since this was Teddy’s first offense in his whole time at Hogwarts that he should be let off the hook.” 

“He helped two first years into Hogsmeade. We have the rules in place for a reason Andromeda. Third years and up.” 

“So Teddy is responsible?” Bella sat back further in her seat. “Did you already punish the kids? If not, I suggest a little quality time with Sybil. Polish the crystal balls. That’ll straighten them up real fast. At least it’ll straighten Cass up. She won’t make it more than 20 minutes before she’s begging for your forgiveness.” 

“The children have been assigned a punishment of cleaning out the magical creature holding pens.” 

Andy cackled, “so they are cleaning up shit?”

“I still think quality time with Sybil is worse than shit duty,” Bella caught Hermione’s hand before she could smack her and laced their fingers together. “So if they have already been punished, why are we here?” 

“We confiscated two items from Cassiopeia and James and were hoping the four of you might be able to shed some light on the matter,” Minerva pulled out the cloak and Marauder's map, handing the map to Bella and the cloak to Hermione. 

“Never seen those before in my life,” Bella threw the old piece of parchment back onto the desk. “And that cloak isn’t from our house.” She was about to say something else when she saw a guilty looking expression on her wife’s face. “Andy and I might not know what these items are but it seems my ‘always follows the rules’ wife and her buddy here might have an explanation.” 

“You gave these to James?” Hermione looked at Harry like he was crazy. “I didn’t even realize these made it out of the final battle intact.” 

“She did keep a woman for a year as a bug,” Andy smirked. “You never know what you are going to get out of Hermione.” 

“Exactly my point. Seems Andy and I should be on our way. Looks like you’ve found the parents to blame. Set them up with Sybil and we will be seeing you around,” Bella tried to stand up when her wife gripped her hand harder. 

“Nice try. Sit down,” she turned to look at Andy, “both of you.” 

Minerva sat quietly watching the four adults argue back and forth, “I swore I was going to retire when I found out Bella was pregnant.” 

“Your life would be boring without our children in the mix and you know it,” Bella sat back in her seat. 

“Honestly be glad they didn’t rope in little Freddy. Seems likely after all. I suppose Teddy had to clean the shit too?” Minerva nodded. “Do you want me to send him a howler?” 

“I don’t think that will be necessary. He seemed very distraught over the whole ordeal.” 

“I won't send Cass a howler. She’ll just be proud of it and try to find a way to play it over on repeat.” 

“Who did you keep as a bug, dear?” McGonagall wasn’t quite past that point yet. 

“Nobody important, headmistress,” her cheeks turned pink as if she was the student on trial. 

“Just wait. The Black sisters will both be here next year… then a few years later… Cissy’s kid.” 

Andy laughed, “you know Emmi is going to be a handful. She is just like Aviya. Already causing so much trouble. She’s inquisitive and kind of a brat. Maybe you’ll luck out and she’ll be put in Gryffindor.” 

“No niece of mine will be sorted into Gryffindor. I will match my fine ass down here and set that bloody old hat on fire. A Black in Gryffindor. Please.” 

Hermione stared at her wife, “and what is so wrong with being sorted into Gryffindor?” 

“Gryffindor was fine for you, pet. You are the only one this family needs.” 

“Godric help me,” Minerva sighed. 

Harry looked at the headmistress and smiled, “would you like balloons and cake for your retirement party?” 

“Just a lot of fire whiskey, dear.” 

*

October 31, 2017

Dearest Cass, 

Your mother said I probably shouldn’t send you sweets so soon after you got in trouble. But when have I listened to your mother when chocolate is involved? Honestly, I’m a little impressed that you and James were capable of pulling that off but that stays between you and me. Don’t ever tell Minnie I said that. She would lecture me for hours about how you could’ve been expelled your first year. Just like her mother she is. Lyra always did take after her father. Don’t be too hard on her. She can’t help that she received the inferior genes from Lucius. Pap Pap and Kitty gave me a bunch of your favorite sweets to send to you since you won’t be here to go trick or treating this year. Trust me, the Halloween feast in the Great Hall is so much better than muggle Halloween. You’ll see. Do share some of these sweets. I’m also supposed to remind you of your dental hygiene. I won’t be doing that. There are potions to fix your teeth if you rot them out of your head. I've been given a first quarter report on your classes and you have done so well. I am extremely proud of you. Keep up the good work and try not to cause too much trouble. If you do, blame Potter and Weasley and run like hell to get away from them. I included a galleon for that swear word. I miss you everyday, kitten. 

Love,

Mummy 

*

Cass did her best to stay in line and not get into too much trouble the rest of the year. Classes became boring to her rather quickly as it became apparent to her that she had a natural talent for Magic and didn’t have to practice as much as everyone else which meant more time that she got to spend with her friends practicing Quidditch even if she wasn’t allowed to be on the team. Every opportunity she got, she argued with Hooch over the injustice of not letting her play. After months of pestering Hooch, she eventually told her if she kept it up she would be banned from all practices and games. It was an honor to be a first year and be able to practice with the team or so she told Cass. 

Lyra found Cass sitting on her bed twirling her wand around her fingers, “do you want to study for History of Magic with me? It’s so boring.”

Cass pretended to think, letting her wand settle on the bed next to her, “that sounds like no fun at all.

“It’s almost the end of the year and we have exams coming up. We could go check on our dittany leaves or practice some potions.” 

Cass just stared at her cousin, “just wait until Minnie gets here. She’ll do all that boring stuff with you. Do you want to play gobblestones? Or go bother peeves? We can go to the bathroom and talk the piss out of Myrtle. It’s always fun to bother her. Maybe try to sneak into the kitchen for a snack?” 

“I suppose I could go for a snack,” Lyra figured studying wasn’t going to happen. 

“Excellent suggestion. The elves love me. Let’s go tickle the pear and see if we can talk to Pippy.” 

“Why don’t you just summon her?” 

“Where’s the fun in that? Come on. It’s the middle of the day and it’s not like we can get in trouble for going to look at the pear painting,” she rolled her eyes and grabbed her wand. As they were getting ready to leave there was a loud commotion going on in the common room. The cousins looked at each other before taking off towards the source of the noise, “what’s going on?” 

“It’s Freddy. He got hurt during practice,” James ran over to his friend. “He’s in the hospital wing. The captain thinks they are going to have to forfeit the final game against Ravenclaw.”

“Are you kidding me?” 

James shook his head, “they don’t have any reserve players.” 

“This is exactly what happens when they don’t let the first years bench warm. Here,” she handed them each a galleon. “This is fucking ridiculous.” 

“So they are just going to forfeit? Seems a bit rash,” Lyra pocketed her galleon. 

“A bit rash? Excuse me,” she started to leave the common room. 

“Cass, where are you going?” 

“To talk to Hooch. Slytherins don’t forfeit.” 

Cass wouldn’t let the Slytherins give up so easily. Freddy was a great beater but he wasn’t the only one capable of playing that position. She tried to argue with Hooch and McGonagall at the beginning of the year saying first years should warm the bench in case something happened but nobody listened to her and look where it got them, down a beater and ready to quit. “Madam Hooch?” Cass knocked on the flying instructor’s private room door. 

“Cassiopeia, what are you doing here?” 

“May I come in?” 

“Absolutely not,” she stepped into the hallway to continue their conversation.”I assume you are here because you heard about what happened to Freddy.” 

“Yes and it is a ridiculous suggestion to forfeit the game. This is the final match for the Quidditch Cup. It’s insane to think the seventh years are okay with this decision. Imagine if you would’ve been asked to forfeit your chance at the cup in your last year. Would you have been so quick to agree to just let it slip through your fingers? There are plenty of kids in Slytherin who would love to have the chance to play in the final match. Not everyone tried out because they couldn’t or maybe they didn’t think they had what it took to be picked but believe me Professor Hooch, there are players ready for this.” 

“So what is it that you are suggesting Cassiopeia?” 

“Come to our scrimmage tonight,” she grimaced when she saw the disapproval on her Professor’s face. “I know we technically aren’t allowed to scrimmage but it’s fun and we aren’t hurting anyone or getting in trouble. There are far worse things a group of kids could be doing. Just come watch and see who has what it takes to play beater. Don’t let the Slytherins give up their chance.” 

Cass held her breath waiting for the woman to respond, “very well. I’ll come. I expect to see everyone practicing their beater moves. If someone stands out then they will get a chance to play on Saturday. If not, Slytherins forfeit to Ravenclaw.” 

“Fair enough. Thank you Professor.” 

After the scrimmage that evening Cass was in shock and walked straight to Bella’s old chamber. It was only a short distance from the Slytherin house so she snuck in using the key her mom slipped to her before she left. She hadn’t been in the room yet that year because she never felt the need until that night. She walked right over to the floo and made a call. “Mummy? Are you there?” She had floo called before but it seemed weird to be doing it alone. “Mummy? Mum? Aunt Andy? Is anybody home?” 

“Kitten? Are you okay? I’m here,” she relaxed as soon as she heard her mother. “Mum is in the bath. Are you okay?” She asked again. 

“I’m fine mummy. I just, well, something happened today.” 

“Okay,” Bella’s voice remained calm. “What happened?” 

“Freddy broke his arm during practice and they were going to have to forfeit…” She went on to explain everything she had talked with Professor Hooch about and how she convinced her to come to practice. “And then she said that I could play in the game on Saturday. As a beater. Not my first choice but Hooch said I was the best player she has seen in years.” 

“That’s amazing news, kitten. You are the best. Anyone with eyes can see that. I know chaser is your preferred position but see how important learning all positions was no matter how boring it seemed at the time?” 

“I’m so excited mummy! I thought for sure one of the other kids would get picked. I didn’t even suggest it for her to pick me. I just didn’t want us to lose the Quidditch Cup to Ravenclaw. How embarrassing,” she heard her mother laugh. “And there’s something else.” 

“What is it?” 

“I was kind of hoping you could come on Saturday and watch me play? I know parents are always invited but Minnie can’t come because she’s not 11. I know it’s kind of last minute but…” 

Bella cut her off immediately. She knew how important it was to Cass for her to be there. She had played all four years and her parents didn’t bother to show up once. “I will be there, Cass. Front row if you’d like.” 

“Do you think mum will come too?” 

“I’ll make arrangements for Minnie to go to your grandparents this weekend.”

“Why not just have her stay with Aunt Andy?” 

Bella laughed, “when I tell everyone the good news do you really think Aunt Andy will want to miss your Quidditch debut? Absolutely not. Me, your mum and Aunt Andy will be there for you. A group of wild hippogriffs couldn’t keep us away.”

“I am so excited, mummy.” 

“Me too, kitten. Now go get some sleep and your mother would want me to remind you not to forget to study for your exams. I’ll see you on Saturday. Love you.” 

“Love you, mummy!” 

*

“Come on! Hurry up!” Bella was shouting downstairs, pacing back and forth in her jeans and Slytherin Quidditch shirt. She still would never forgive Hermione for getting her hook on muggle jeans. It did help that her wife loved the way her ass looked in the pants. “What is taking everyone so long?!” 

“Don’t get your panties in a bunch,” Andy came down the stairs in a similar outfit but also wearing a Slytherin house scarf. 

“It’s 70 degrees out there and you are wearing a scarf.”

“Not all of us are approaching menopause.” 

Bella flicked her sister off, “I’m not even close to that age. What is taking her so long?” 

“Someone is excited.” 

“It’s my girl’s big day. Why wouldn’t I be excited?! All I ever wanted while I was in school was for one of our parents to come see me play.” 

“Druella and Cygnus at a Quidditch game? Please,” Andy rolled her eyes. “I hardly think they knew where the school was even located. We were better off without them.” 

“I won’t be an absent parent. Every game she plays in, I’ll be there.” 

“Even if they make her a beater permanently?” 

Bella cackled, “she’ll get to try out for other positions next year.” 

“Okay I’m ready,” Hermione came walking down the stairs wearing an old Gryffindor shirt.

“No the fuck you arent,” Bella and Andy stood there looking at her like she was crazy. 

“Come on,” she groaned, “this was the only Quidditch shirt I have.” 

“Luckily for you, I thought this would happen,” she walked over to the fireplace and threw a shirt at Hermione. “It’s Cissy’s and she’s happy to have you not embarrass us today. Put it on, pet.”

“It goes against every fiber of my being to wear Slytherin colors,” Hermione turned her back and switched her shirt. “There,” she spun around, “happy now?” 

“You look good in green,” Andy smirked, “besides that whole bug in a jar thing… you should’ve been a Slytherin.” 

Bella walked over towards her wife, pulling her flush against her body, “the shirt… it’s working for me.” She kissed her below her ear, “if this wasn’t so important I’d say we skip it and spend the afternoon in bed.” 

Hermione laughed, brushing their lips together, “insatiable.” 

“If you two are done eye fucking, my niece is waiting for us…” she walked over to the floo and announced her departure to Bella’s old chambers. 

“Remind me to write up her eviction notice when we get home,” Bella waited for Hermione to travel through the floo first before following behind. 

“Damn you had nice accommodations. When I stayed here they made me room with Aviya,” Andy was looking through Bella’s stuff that she left behind.

“Minerva asked if she could put you in here and I told her you needed some bonding time with Ms. Hart. You are welcome,” Bella cackled. 

Hermione traced her hand along the back of the couch while memories of their first hang out flashed through her mind, “can you believe our 12 year old is about to play in her first Quidditch match at Hogwarts?” 

“The fact that I have both a 12 and 10 year old is enough to shock everyone, pet.” Bella was so excited to get out to the pitch, “let’s go. I want to get a seat next to Flitwick so I can shit talk him all game,” she pulled her wife from the room while Andy traveled behind. They made it quickly to the pitch, realizing they were only a little early. The students and professors were already lining the stadium. “There’s James and Lyra,” she pointed across to the Slytherin stand. They waved to the kids who eagerly waved their flags in return. “It seems they are happy for Cass as well,” she smiled at that thought. Poor Freddy was sitting next to them looking a little bummed that he wouldn’t be playing. His arm was in a bright green cast. “Poor guy,” she saw an open seat behind Flitwick and Slughorn and slid into it. 

“Poor guy,” Andy laughed, “you’d have pushed him off yourself if that meant Cass getting a spot in today's game.” 

“Absolutely not. I’m not a cheater and Quidditch accidents are very serious. Besides, he is one of the only good Weasleys.” She leaned forward a little, “lovely day for a game isn’t it Flitty?”

“Bella,” Hermione slapped her wife on the shoulder, “behave. Hello Professor, lovely to see you.” 

“Hermione, Andromeda, Bellatrix, lovely day for a game.”

“Oh he’s confident in his team,” Bella cackled. “What do you think, Slughorn? What are the odds?” 

“We were at a 70% chance of winning but now with your girl out there, I’d say we are unstoppable,” he pulled out a small pair of binoculars. 

“I had a feeling I would be seeing the three of you here,” Minerva joined them in the stands. “Big day for young Cassiopeia, isn’t it?” 

“She was so excited to floo me the other night,” it was easy to see that Bella was equally excited. 

“Rolanda said she was the best player at that scrimmage. She took to every position and played it with excellence. Any idea which position she’ll try out for next year?” 

All three of them turned to Minerva and said, “chaser.” 

“The chaser gets all the ladies,” Bella added. If Slughorn and Flitwick heard her they didn’t say anything. 

“Here they come,” Andy pointed to the field as the Ravenclaw students were announced first followed by the Slytherins. 

Cass was the smallest one out there by a good few inches but she looked the happiest Bella could ever remember seeing her, “she’s perfect.” 

“Let’s go Cass!!!!!!” Andy magnified her voice through her wand so the girl would know where to find them. 

The smile on Cass’s face was enough to knock the wind out of Bella. She let go of her broom and waved with her bat. “I hope she holds on,” Hermione sounded nervous.

“She’s been flying since she was an infant, pet. She’ll be fine.” 

“Why must you already remind me of that?” 

“Honestly I can’t believe Bella is still alive after that broom ride,” Andy cackled, then shushed everyone when Hooch blew the whistle. 

“You were the one talking,” Hermione rolled her eyes. “Shushing us like we are children.” 

“Shhh,” Bella patted her wife’s leg, not taking her eyes off of the game. She handed her a bag of sweets that she had brought from home. “From your dad…” 

“Pass ‘em here,” Andy reached over, also not taking her eyes off of the field. 

Minerva leaned over to Hermione, “you should have picked a different seat, dear.” 

Cass flew brilliantly the whole game. She was all over the field, it was hard to keep up with her. She never missed a bludger and even managed to knock the quaffle away from their goals a few times. The keeper didn’t seem too upset about it. Cass was a machine and it only made everyone excited to see what she could do in a position she was in love with. “Looks like the Slytherin seeker has spotted the golden snitch,” was heard over the speakers as everyone stood to get a better view of what was going on. The seeker was reaching out for the snitch right as a bludger was coming in from her left side. Cass sprung into action, knocking the bludger away as the seeker grabbed the snitch. “Slytherin wins the Quidditch Cup!!!” Cheers erupted from all over the stadium. All of the players landed and started celebrating their victory. 

Flitwick turned to Slughorn, shaking his hand, “good game, Horace.” 

“Miss Black is going to be hard to beat. I look forward to more time with her on the field and less time with her causing mischief.” 

Bella, Hermione and Andy made their way down from the stands to go and congratulate Cass on her amazing game. It didn’t take them long to find her. She spotted them first and ran at them full speed with open arms. Somehow they managed to catch her in an awkward four person hug without falling over. “Did you see me? It was so amazing. I never had that much fun.” 

“You were amazing, darling,” Hermione kissed her daughter on the top of the head. “Very proud of you. I didn’t know you could play beater so well.”

“Of course she can. She’s a Black after all,” Andy gave her another big squeeze. “Top of the line flying.” Then she leaned in to whisper, “you may be even better than your mother.” 

Cass’s jaw dropped, “you mean that, auntie?” 

Bella looked at Hermione and Andy signaling she wanted a moment alone with her daughter. She looked around and found a quiet area to sit down, “Cass you were absolutely brilliant out there. I am so proud of you. Was it everything you dreamed?” 

Cass’s eyes were sparkling, “mummy it was everything. I felt so free up on that broom. Beater isn’t my strongest position but I think I did a good job.”

“You are a natural beater, Cass. I think they would be lucky to have you in any position. This summer we can do all the practicing you want. I spoke with the department and I’m going to drop down to part time hours when you are home.” She saw Cass give her a big smile, “I guess I missed you while you were here, kitten.” 

“I can’t wait to come home!” 

“Woah, you still have exams and the house cup ceremony. I saw the counters. Looks like it’s neck and neck between Slytherin and Hufflepuff. It would be nice for Teddy to win his final year but I’m rooting for you.” 

Cass laughed, “I'm rooting for us too, mummy.” 

“Here,” Bella reached into her pocket and pulled out a little chain with a pendant on it. “My mother and father never came to a game but when we won the Quidditch cup my fifth year you aunts bought this for me. I want you to have it.” 

Cass opened her palm to find a small silver quaffle pendant. She threw her arms around Bella’s neck, “I love it so much, mummy. Can you put it on me?” Bella did as she was asked. Her heart filled with pride seeing her daughter as excited about the charm as she once was. “I’m glad you came.” 

“I’m glad I came too, love.” 

A few moments went by with them just watching the students slowly leaving the field, “do you want to come see my dorm?” 

“You think you could sneak the three of us in?” 

Cass laughed, “mummy it's me you are talking to. I’ve learned so many of Hogwarts secrets already. I can’t wait to show Minnie everything next year.” 

“So it was a good year?” 

Cass smiled up at her mother, “it was magical.” 

Notes:

I can’t believe how big all the kids are getting already. I’m on chapter seven of part four and I’m sad that the series is wrapping up. That being said I don’t know how many chapter part four will be. We still have five one shots to go until we get there.

I’ll be back eventually. I’ve been hanging out in my other ship recently. But I haven’t abandoned any of my bellamione works. They’ve just been worked on behind the scenes.

Come back next time for a Black Family camping adventure. Lol

Until next time 🖤🖤

Chapter 8: Black Family Camping Holiday

Summary:

The title really says it all.
Enjoy 🖤

Mid-July 2018 

Minerva Katherine Black was sitting in her room reading Cass’s old school books that she had convinced her mothers that she needed to borrow so she could be ahead of the rest of the first years. “But mum, you were the brightest witch of your age and so was mummy. I need to be as well. We already know Cass won’t be.” She was only slightly annoyed that her mother told her she had to be nicer to her sister when she got home from Hogwarts or else she wouldn’t be permitted her school books early. 

The day Cassiopeia came home from school, Minnie wanted to hear all about it. Cass regaled the family with all of her funny memories during her year and Minnie was only slightly confused, “why aren’t you talking about the classes?” 

Cass rolled her eyes, “there are far better things at school than classes, Min,” and she went on throughout the entire dinner talking about the trouble that she, James and their cousin Lyra had gotten into over the past year. Well Lyra was just there. She didn’t get into any trouble. She was too afraid of getting in trouble. That much was true after she had turned on them when they snuck off to Hogsmeade with Teddy. 

Minnie had already conceded to the fact that her classes were more important than any social interactions she could have at school, especially if it meant her actively avoiding Pandora Potter. She wanted nothing to do with that airhead and she counted on her not being sorted into Slytherin. “What if you get sorted in Ravenclaw with Pandora?” Cass said with a devilish smirk on her face. There was no way it would happen. Minnie was destined to carry on the family legacy as part of the Slytherin house so she did the only thing she felt adequate and stuck her tongue out at her older sister. 

Minnie was reading A History of Hogwarts when she heard her mothers squabbling from somewhere in the house, “never a moment of quiet,” she rolled her eyes and pulled out her earphones that Pap Pap Jack had gifted her at Christmas along with an iPod she had filled with her favorite music. 

“No,” Bella shook her head. “Absolutely not.” 

“It’s not an option this time, Bella.” 

“That’s where you are wrong,” Bella crossed the room to stand directly in front of her wife. “Everything is an option and I’m opting out of this family adventure.” 

“But the girls are looking forward to it,” Hermione pouted. 

“Are they?” Bella raised an eyebrow. “I believe if I’m recalling correctly Cass said, ‘I’d rather crucio myself,’ or something to that effect and Minnie well she’s unpredictable and easily bribable so I think you could get her on board. You and Minnie go have fun and Cass and I will stay here at home where the central air and tv lives. Plus, I couldn’t possibly leave Twiggy, Winky, Penny, Junior and Puff. Plus we have to watch Sirius now that Teddy is gone.” 

“That’s bullshit, Bella.” Bella smiled, conjured a rather large jar marked “Curse Words and Curses” and looked expectantly after her wife. Hermione dramatically rolled her eyes, “fine.” She reached into her pocket, pulled out a sickle and tossed it in. “90% of that jar has been filled by you and Andy.” 

“Oh!” Bella snapped the jar away. “Andy! Take Andy with you. She loves muggle stuff.” 

“She’s already left to get Teddy settled into his dorm room. Remember he was starting classes early? Plus, it’s a family trip, Bella including Lyra and Ember. I can’t be responsible for all the children.” Hermione crossed her arms. “And my parents really want you to come.” 

“Hermione,” Bella sighed. “Don’t pull the “my parents are getting older” card.” She turned to leave the room and was stopped in her tracks by Hermione’s last effort. 

“Sex in a tent?” 

Bella won’t lie, that notion gave her pause but it seemed far too messy and uncomfortable. “No sell, pet.” She left Hermione in the hallway and walked the rest of the way to the library, closing the door behind her. 

Minnie was still listening to her music when she heard a knock at her door, “come in,” she shouted as she took out her earphones. “Mum,” the youngest Black smiled at her. “This book is fascinating,” she smiled, showing Hermione what she was reading. 

“A History of Hogwarts was one of my favorite reads before I started school as well,” she chuckled and ruffled her daughter’s hair. It was scary how much she reminded Hermione of herself. “Remember when we were talking about camping?” 

“Pap Pap Jack told me how much fun it is. He said we can make s’mores and look at the stars. Are we still going? Can I bring my books?” 

Hermione smiled at her daughter’s train of thought, “of course you can and yes we are still going.” 

“Why do you sound sad?” 

“Mummy doesn’t want to come with us.”

Minnie gasped, “but she has to come with us. It wouldn’t be a family trip with mummy.” 

“I think maybe she needs to hear that from you, sweet girl,” Hermione chuckled at the bright smile her youngest daughter was giving her. If anyone could guilt Bella it was Minnie. She could convince Bella to walk off a cliff if she asked her with her big eyes. “I think mummy went into the library. Maybe you can go in and tell her how much it’ll mean to you to have a full family vacation before you go off to Hogwarts for the first time.” 

Minnie nodded enthusiastically, “I can do that!” 

“Maybe mention how you want her to show you all the constellations with my special sextant.”

Minnie jumped off of her bed and put her book and earphones away, “you can count on me, mum.” 

Hermione laughed as she watched her daughter run out of her bedroom and turn towards the stairs, “Bella doesn’t stand a chance against that girl.” 

Bella was sitting on the upper balcony of the library, reading one of her horror books and trying to think of ways to get out of camping. She thought her last no was enough to put Hermione off. She actually surprised herself that she turned down the offer of sex in a new locations but she figured it must be her age. “Mummy? Are you here?” She heard her youngest call from downstairs. She loved this time of day when Minnie would come spend time with her reading in the library. “Up here, bean,” she called out to her daughter. She heard footsteps running across the floor and up the spiral stairs. Bella smiled when her daughter came through the double doors, ran up to her and jumped onto her lap. Wrapping her arms around her mum’s shoulders, she squeezed. Bella chuckled at the enthusiasm that she always displayed with her hugs and returned the embrace. “Here to read with mummy?” 

“Mmhmm,” Minnie nodded and let her mum’s neck go, revealing her well worn copy of The Princess Bride that they had been reading together in the afternoons. 

They settled in and took turns reading pages of Minnie’s favorite book, falling into their comfortable activity. The youngest Black got lost in the book book and forgot she had a task at hand. A little smirk crossed her features, “mummy?” 

“Yes, bean?” Bella absentmindedly responded. 

“Can I ask you something?” 

“Anything, love. Let’s have it.” 

“Why don’t you want to go camping with me and mum?” She looked up at her mom with the biggest eyes she could muster. 

Bella knew she was screwed the moment Minnie had looked at her. “Camping doesn’t really sound like my idea of a holiday, love.” 

“But I want you to come. Pap Pap said there would be s’mores and fire. Cass would like the fire,” she saw her mother smirk. “And I really really really,” she was laying it on thick, “want you to show me the constellations with mum’s sextant. She said it’s special and you could show me how to use it.” 

“It is a very special present I got for your mum many years ago,” Bella remembered their first Valentine’s Day fondly. 

“Please, mummy,” she gave Bella her big eyes again. 

“Min,” Bella sighed, “I just don’t think I’d be very much fun out in nature.” 

“But I heard from James and Freddy that wizards and witches can make tents with bathrooms and TVs and kitchens in them.” 

Bella had to admit, her daughter did her research before the guilt trip commenced. “That’s true I suppose but it still doesn’t seem like a vacation that would suit me.” 

Minnie stuck her lip out and pouted which essentially broke down Bella’s last walls. Minnie went in for the kill shot, “but it’s my last summer before I go away to Hogwarts. I just want to spend as much time with you as possible. I’m turning 11 in a few weeks and my letter will be here soon. That’s almost no time at all. I’m going to miss you so much when I leave, mummy.” 

Bella sighed, shook her head and tapped Minnie’s pouty lower lip, “now you put that away, darling. I’m going to miss you very much as well when you go away to school but you are going to love it so much.” She saw the hopeful look in her daughter’s eyes and knew she couldn’t say no. “Fine, mummy will go camping but I will organize the tents. Go tell your mum that her plan to send you in here worked. Oh,” Bella smirked, “I’ll let your sister know. I’m sure she will be thrilled.” 

Minnie threw her arms around Bella’s neck and kissed her cheek, “oh thank you mummy! This is going to be the best trip ever.” 

“We shall see,” she helped Minnie jump down and she swatted her behind, “now off with you. I need to go break the news to Cass.” 

Bella watched her youngest run down the stairs and back out of the library, “mum!!!” She shouted, “it worked. Mummy said yes!” She'd do anything for her family even if it meant she had to be uncomfortable for a few days in the wilderness. Maybe Jack would bring his mini tv thing and they could watch horror movies. She could scare the shit out of everyone at night after they go to sleep. Now, that could be fun. 

Bella chuckled, shook her head and left the library walking until she stopped outside of Cass’s bedroom. Hanging outside of her door hung a sign that read: 

Enter at your own risk.

Trespassers will be crucioed.  -CB

Her daughter was so much like her, it was actually scary at moments. “Oh kitten,” Bella knocked on Cass’s door and said with a song in her voice, “let mummy in, I have horrible news.” 

She heard a grumble coming from the other side of the door and a lock clicked, “oh please come in and share the horrible news, mummy.” 

Bella tried to hide her smirk. Only twelve years old and her daughter was already such a little shit. This kid's going places was the thought often running through her mind. “How’s your summer studies going?” She noticed the open charms textbook on Cass’s bed. 

She shrugged one shoulder, “it’s fine. Kind of boring. I'm ready to start dueling.” 

“Such a Black,” she smiled. “Do you need any help practicing?” 

“Maybe. I'm having trouble with the summoning charm.” 

“The summoning charm?” Bella sounded impressed. “I didn’t think they taught that to the first years.” 

“They don’t,” Cass gave her a smirk. “Minnie isn’t the only smart one in the house.” 

“I never thought she was, kitten. You take after both of your mothers,” she winked at her daughter and walked over to her bed, reaching down and handing Cass her wand. She walked behind her daughter and held onto her wand hand which was extended, “this is the movements for accio. Ready?” Cass nodded and the pair summoned a little dragon stuffed animal from Cass’s book shelf. “That was excellent!” Bella kissed the top of her daughter’s black curls. “Now, you try it in your own. Don’t get frustrated. You can do this,” she sat on Cass’s bed and watched as her daughter started practicing her magic.  

It took about 30 minutes of determined practice when Cass finally summoned her stuffed dragon across the bed and into her hand. “Did you see that mummy?!” She was so excited, jumping up and down. 

“I did,” Bella clapped her hands. “Well done, kitten. I knew you could do it.” She opened her arms at the last second not expecting Cass to rush at her and throw her arms around her neck, squeezing her tightly and laughing. “You really are my Junior,” she kissed Cass’s temple, pride filling her chest. “Let me know which spell you want to work on next.” 

Cass nodded and then pulled away, “what’s the horrible news?” 

“What?” 

“When you knocked you said you had horrible news,” Cass reminded her. 

“Oh yes,” Bella grimaced. “Well, remember when your mum mentioned going camping with your grandparents?” 

“Mummy, no,” she gave her a pleading look. 

“Sorry, kitten. Your mum won this one,” she patted her shoulder and went to stand. 

“But it’s going to be positively atrocious,” Cass whined, flopping down on her bed. 

Bella laughed. While she was her Junior through and through, Hermione snuck out every once in a while. “It’ll be fun,” Bella said through a tight lipped smile. 

“That’s a lie, mummy. We both know sleeping outside isn’t fun” 

“True,” Bella shrugged. “I’m in charge of the tents though so I could make it fun. And I heard from your sister that Pap Pap Jack said there was going to be sweets and fire.” 

“Fire?” Cass perked up. “Can we practice our magic out there?” 

Bella nodded, “of course we can.” 

“And can we have a tv in the tent?” 

“Of course,” she turned to head out the door. 

“And can I start the fire?” 

Bella turned back around cackling, “I love you sweetheart but there’s no way in hell I’m letting you ignite a fire in the middle of a heavily wooded area.” 

Cass sighed, “it was worth a try.” 

“We’ll try to make it fun,” Bella offered a small smile. “Maybe we can give everyone a good scare.” 

“Oh please, mummy. We can scare Lyra and Emmi. They will never see it coming. I’ll look in my joke box,” her eyes lit up at the possibilities. “Let’s do that and they will never invite us camping again.” 

Bella rolled her eyes, “you need to get out of my head, kitten.” 

“Can we scare Pap Pap and Kitty too?” Now Cass was getting excited. Nobody loved scaring people more than her grandfather so if she could scare him, she would be the master scarer. Bella shook her head and Cass pouted, “why not?” 

“Pap Pap and Kitty are a little older, kitten.” 

“You are old and like to be scared.” 

Bella held in her immediate distaste for being called old, “but they are muggles. You are bound to give them a heart attack if you scare them.” 

“I can attack their hearts?” She looked equal parts intrigued and terrified. 

Bella chuckled, “no, love. It’s called a heart attack. It’s a heart condition that muggles can get at any age but it’s more frequent in the elderly.” 

“Oh I don’t want to attack their hearts.” 

“Neither do I. Let’s just stick to your sister and cousins,” she held out her hand and waited for Cass to hand it to seal the deal. 

*two weeks later somewhere in the Cotswolds* 

Bella was helping Hermione set up the tents when she looked at her and said, “you know the Blacks have a cabin in the Cotswolds right? We all could’ve just stayed there.” 

“A cabin? The Blacks? I’m pretty sure it’s the size of a small mansion and that defeats the purpose of camping, Bella.” 

“It may have more than one story and a carriage house out back but it also has air. We love central ac.” 

“We do,” Hermione smiled. “But we are also witches and can use cooling charms plus the tents you constructed are so cute and comfortable. Wait until the girls see them.” 

Minnie, Cass and their cousins were riding up with the Grangers while Bella and Hermione apparated earlier in the day to set up the tents and get everything ready. “Shame we couldn’t talk Cissy and Aviya into coming. Can you imagine Cissy out here?” She cackled. “It would’ve been a dream come true.” 

“I don’t even think the pouting lip of our daughter would’ve been enough to bribe Cissy.” Hermione laughed. “Good thing Ember was excited to spend time with her cousins.” 

“Your parents love all of the kids as if they were their own.” 

“My dad is a sucker for the little ones,” Hermione smiled and walked into the first of the tents. Their tent had two stories. It included a downstairs living room, a kitchen and bathroom. Upstairs was the master bedroom and a seperate room with the bunks for the girls. Hermione’s parents would stay in a similar one story tent next door. 

“Even Lyra and Emmi call him Pap Pap,” Bella laughed. “They all have wrapped around a finger. He would jump off a cliff for them if they asked.” 

“I think you would do the same,” Hermione shrugged, taking a seat on the couch. 

“Awfully bold assumption to assume that I love the children enough for that,” she rolled her eyes and sat down next to her wife. “Hey,” she looked over at the brunette and smiled. It’s been awhile since it had just the two of them alone together. Sure they roped Andy or Cissy into babysitting for them every other weekend but Bella had to admit, this was a pretty nice set up. 

“You are thinking that camping was worth it, hmm?” Hermione questioned with a self satisfied look on her face. 

“Absolutely not,” Bella whispered as she leaned in, placing her hand on her wife’s thigh and captured Hermione’s lips in a kiss that had the brunette’s toes curling. Soft brushes of their lips, barely any pressure. The hand on her leg didn’t move but Bella’s other hand grabbed the younger witch’s chin between her thumb and forefinger, deepening the pressure. She swiped her tongue across Hermione’s lip and was granted access when she moaned. They slowly kissed each other exploring like they hadn’t properly kissed in ages. 

Bella’s hand started to move between her legs and slowly slid up her inner thigh when a small child was heard running into the tent. “Auntie Bella! Auntie Bella!” A small child with curly dirty blonde hair came running up to the two women and threw her arms and Bella’s neck, crawling up into her lap. She had on a little dragon backpack so Bella couldn’t quite give her a proper hug. “I’m so excited” she squealed when she pulled back. 

“Hello my little bear cub,” Bella kissed the girl on her forehead. 

“Auntie Mione!!” The girl squealed and crawled over to her other aunt to give her the same treatment. 

Bella’s kids and Lyra ran in after Ember had already attacked the women then ran off up the stairs to the kid’s room.  Cass and Minnie hugged their mothers and told them how much fun the ride up with Pap Pap and Nana was and how they stopped for sweets and cokes. “It sounds like you had a wonderful trip,” Hermione would have to set a limit on the sweets later. 

Lyra stopped in front of Bella and said hello. “Madam Malfoy,” she offered the platinum blonde a nod. 

Lyra rolled her eye and crossed her arms, “Auntie Bella. Stop.” 

“What?” Bella smirked, she reached out and shook the girl’s hand. “I don’t want to embarrass you in front of all your new wizard friends.” 

When Lyra had come over at Christmas she had told her aunt that it was embarrassing to still be called by her childhood nickname. Bella won’t admit it but she was more than a little hurt at the notion so she decided to only refer to her as Madam Malfoy. Hermione told her she was being childish but it was the first time she had told her that. “Auntie,” Lyra sighed. “This isn’t what I wanted. You can still call me Lyra.”

“That might be too embarrassing,” Bella pretended to think about it. 

Lyra looked around, “I don’t see any of my friends around, do you?” She extended her arms waiting for a hug. 

Bella finally softened, pulling the girl into an embrace, “come here, stinker.” 

Lyra laughed and threw her arms around Bella’s neck. “Okay it isn’t so bad.” 

The rest of the girls ran upstairs to claim their beds when Jack and Katherine walked through the front door, “nice digs,” the eldest Granger put his bags down. 

“Dad, your tent is next door. We thought you and mum might want your own place to sleep. We will keep the girls in line.” 

“We?” Bella looked at her wife. 

“Something tells me that Bella was dragged here against her will,” Katherine laughed. 

“It was more like being coerced by my youngest,” Bella rolled her eyes and stood. “Come on, let me give you a tour of your tent.” 

Hermione got up and went upstairs to find the girls already laying in the beds that they had claimed. There were two bunk beds and it seemed that the older girls had claimed the top bunks so that left Ember and Minnie in the bottom bunks. “Did you girls fairly decide who got to sleep up top?” 

Cass gave her mom the most innocent smile, “of course we did, mum. Very fair. The girls wanted to sleep down there didn’t you?” 

Ember and Minnie nodded enthusiastically but Hermione felt there was some sort of threat holding to that head nod. “I’m not sure if I believe you, love.” 

“It’s true Aunt Mione,” Lyra said. “They wanted to sleep down there.” 

“Minnie?” Hermione looked to her youngest because she knew that she wouldn’t lie. “Is this true?” 

Minnie looked at her mother then up at her sister, “it’s mostly true, mum. It’s fine. Cass said we can hang out up there during the day.” 

Hermione raised her eyebrows and looked at the mini Bella who was smirking but quickly set her face when she saw her mother looking at her. “Of course you can, Min. You too, Emmi!” 

Cass was laying it on thick and Hermione knew better. “I guess I’ll just have to let Pap Pap Jack know of the plan. He will make sure it’s fair.” Cass’s face fell. She knew she couldn’t pull anything over on her grandfather. “You girls want to come out and help set up the grounds? I know Pap Pap will be looking for volunteers to go collect firewood.” 

“Pass,” Cass said without looking up from her book while the other three girls jumped out of their bunks ready to help out. 

“Pardon?” 

“No thank you, mum. I don’t wish to participate in the wilderness experience,” she continued reading. 

These moments tested Hermione’s patience more than she even thought possible. Cass somehow turned out more stubborn than Bella and it baffled Hermione everyday. “Mummy is outside with your grandparents now. Even she is getting into the spirit of things.” 

“No,” Cass said one last time before rolling over and facing the wall. 

Hermione crossed her arms and sighed, “fine. You can skip this but I expect you outside later. You aren’t passing on the whole experience.” 

“We shall see,” was the mumbled reply from her daughter. 

“Come on, let’s go girls,” Hermione ushered the other children out of the room. 

*

Cass didn’t know how long she had been protesting the vacation in her bed but she must have fallen asleep at some point because the next thing she knew she was being woken up by her grandfather. “Casserole. Wake up, sweetheart.” 

“Pap Pap,” she was trying to rub the sleep out of her eyes. “Did I miss the s’mores?” 

Jack laughed because of course his granddaughter would be worried about missing the sweets. “No, it’s only been an hour. All the other girls are out collecting firewood. Your mum told me you didn’t want to come on this holiday.”

“It’s not that,” Cass sat up, stretching her tired muscles. “I’m not too keen on the outside except for quidditch or animals.” 

“Animals you say? I saw some foxes in the woods behind the tents. There’s a bunch of muggle animals around here. We can go animal spotting.” 

“Hmm,” Cass thought about it, “what about scaring? Mummy and I are going to scare the girls tonight. Do you want to help?” 

Jack held back his smile, “tell you what, pumpkin… if you come outside and spend the holiday with us then I will help you plan the scare for later. The girls won’t know what hit them. We can probably also scare your mum.” 

“Not mummy though. She doesn’t get scared.”

“Not Kitty either. She’ll be cross with me if I scare her,” Jack had his serious voice on. 

A little smirk grew in her face, “deal. Let’s go find mummy. First we discuss our scare then I will collect wood.” 

“You drive a hard bargain Cassiopeia but you have a deal,” he held out a little piece of chocolate as a peace offering. “Don’t tell the girls.” 

They walked out of the tent while Cass immediately scanned the area for her mother. She spotted her over by the campfire looking hot and uncomfortable even though she had changed into a tank top and a pair of muggle jean shorts, “psst mummy,” she called to Bella who looked over. She beckoned her mother over with a wave of her hand. 

“So you’ve decided to join the holiday. Good work Pap Pap. I’m guessing a bribe was involved.” 

“Pap Pap said he wants to scare with us.” 

Bella smirked at her father in law, “is that so?” 

Jack put his hand over his heart, “I’m wounded. Of course I want to scare everyone. Nobody loves horror movies more than me. Except maybe the two of you.” 

Bella smiled wickedly, “so here’s what I was thinking…” 

*

Jack had set out to have another one of his world famous Jack Granger cookouts only the twist was cooking on the campfire. He found it rather comforting to have witches with him who could keep the campfire going in case the weather turned or he couldn’t get the fire going. Bella volunteered to start the fire but Jack was determined to start it the old fashioned muggle way with flint and sticks. It only took him 20 minutes to get it going which earned the comment, “20 more minutes than it would’ve taken me,” from his daughter in law. Bella wasn’t too fussed with him using his prehistoric traditions as this meant it was time for him to make burgers. After the burgers and hotdogs were cooked, they all sat around the campfire enjoying their dinner. “Remember your first burger, Bella?” 

“How could I forget? It was such a gateway experience for me,” Bella happily took a bite of a Jack’s original. 

“There was a time when mummy didn’t eat burgers?” Minnie was almost too stunned to speak. 

“That’s right,” Katherine patted her hand. “Your mums came round our house and your Pap Pap insisted on grilling out. I was worried Bella wouldn’t like the food but it turns out she loved the burgers.” 

“Ate three of them at least,” Bella cackled. “It was love at first bite.” 

“The best part of that evening was that’s the night we found out Cass was growing in her belly,” Katherine finished her story with a loving smile. 

“Oh yeah,” Bella finished her first burger. “That was also that night but the burgers were amazing.” 

“Mummy!” “Bella!” Cass and Hermione shared indignant sounding responses. 

“I love you just as much as Pap Pap’s burgers if not a little more,” she winked at her daughter. 

“I can’t be too mad, Pap Pap does make the best burgers. Besides McDonald’s of course.” 

Emmi had already had two hot dogs and was asking for more when Hermione thought to stop her, “sweetheart maybe you should slow down. You don’t want to get a tummy ache from eating too much.” 

“Oh pet, you’ve forgotten she was blessed with the Black appetite plus whatever the hell it is Ms. Hart shoves into her body all day. Have you seen that woman eat? She’s in incredible shape for a woman I’ve seen ingest two large take away pizzas in one sitting.” 

“She’ll let us know when she’s full, won’t you Emmi?” Pap Pap gave her another hot dog and patted her head.

“Yes, Pap Pap,” she smiled up at the older man she had come to love. “It’s so good.” Then she marched over to Kitty for more crisps. “This holiday is so much fun. Can we play in the lake?” 

“You have to let your dinner settle first but I see no reason why that can’t happen,” Katherine kissed her forehead. 

“What about you sweetheart?” Hermione turned towards Lyra. “Would you like anything else to eat?” 

“Oh no thank you, Aunt Mione. One burger is my limit,” she smiled through her proper response. They knew she was less acclimated to muggle food so for her to eat anything was enough for Hermione. “I need to save room for the s’mores.” 

“Smart kid,” Pap Pap nodded at Lyra. “Always save room for s’mores.” 

“That’s what the dessert stomach is for,” Cass helped herself to another burger. “I think I was blessed with at least two regular stomachs and a dessert stomach.” 

“The Black appetite,” Bella laughed, “your sister has it too, just not as extreme as ours.” 

“I think I got the Granger tummy,” Minnie rubbed her full stomach after finishing her second hot dog. “I’m so full.” 

“Jack Granger’s famous cookout strikes again.” 

“Merlin dad,” Hermione laughed at his bad joke. “Bella and I will clean up.” 

“We will?” She asked with a mouth full of food. Hermione gave her a look, “we will.” 

Hermione turned towards the children, “girls you may go change into your swimming costumes but don’t go into the water until we come join you.” 

“Don’t go too far,” Bella shouted after the girls, “I forgot the tracking devices at home.” When she saw the concerned look of her mother in law she added, “joking. Of course.” 

*

It was a little after midnight when Jack left the confines of their tent and made his way over to the other one. He crept inside knowing their plan was to meet downstairs. Of course he was greeted with Cass and Bella sitting on the couch each wearing a devious expression. “Ready to scare?” He whispered as he got closer. 

“Let’s make them cry!” Cass was very excited for this part of the holiday. 

Bella cast a silencing spell to soften their footsteps as they made their way up to the second landing of their tent. Creeping past the room Hermione was sleeping in they stopped just outside of the girls’ room. After a quick round of thumbs up, the three were on the move stepping just inside of the room. Jack and Bella slowly moved into their spots while Cass crept along behind them. There was a buzzing in front of her face and she swatted it away more than once in less than the 15 seconds it took her to walk through the door. She was so distracted by the gods damn horsefly that she didn’t realize she was walking left foot first into the corner of Ember and Lyra’s bed. She didn’t see it and stubbed her toe, tripping with a few curse words flying from her mouth. When she was falling, Cass accidentally grabbed onto Ember’s leg pulling her down with her. The youngest Black family member jolted awake with a blood curdling scream. “Emmi shh it’s just me,” she tried to quiet the girl but it was too late. 

The scream set off a chain reaction. Ember’s terror caused a ball of flames to shoot from her hand and up onto the bed she had previously been occupying. Minnie jumped out of her bed gripping a dagger she had hidden under her pillow. Bella grabbed Jack, pulling him back to watch the shit show unfold. Where did her daughter even get that dagger? She shouldn’t be surprised. Cass was looking at Emmi with wide eyes, “look what she made.” She was just as excited for her baby cousin as everyone was for her that Halloween she made a ball of fire. 

“Bella shouldn’t we put that out?” Jack nudged her shoulder. 

“Right. Right. Sorry,” she cast the counter spell to extinguish the flames and reparo to fix Ember’s blanket. “That was a very impressive fireball for an 8 year old.” Emmi smiled brighhtly at her aunt’s praise. “Your mummys will be very proud.” 

“I think I broke my ankle, mummy,” Cass cringed trying to get up. 

“Did Ember make that fire?” Minnie asked. 

“You sleep with a dagger?” Cass sounded more impressed than anything. 

“Wilderness Cass. Anything could’ve happened out here. Nobody could have predicted this,” she pointed to the group of them on the floor. “Were you trying to scare us?”  

Cass shrugged, “it worked.” 

Bella sat down on the floor to examine her daughter’s swollen ankle, “well I suppose it worked. A small causality. Definitely injured. I don’t think we have any skelegro here so we will have to wait until we get home to fix it.” 

“I have some muggle supplies, we can wrap it nice and tight until then.” 

Just as they were examining Cass’s foot Hermione walked into the room, “what’s all this shouting about?” She stopped and took in the scene before her. “Why is it always you three?” 

Cass gave her a cheeky grin, “Minnie has a dagger.” She took the opportunity to be able to throw her sister under the knight bus for once. 

Hermione pointed to the top bunk, “she slept through all of that?” 

“Mummy would say it’s the inferior Malfoy genes,” Minnie slipped the dagger back underneath her pillow hoping that Hermione wouldn’t see it. 

“She has ear plugs,” Cass rolled her eyes. “She slept with them everyday at Hogwarts. I don't think a stampede of rabid mooncalves wouldn't wake her.” 

“Hermione, little dove, love of my life, the most forgiving person I’ve ever met?”

“Yes, Bella?” She tried to hide her smile. 

“Seems Cass might have broken her ankle. Can you run the diagnostic? I know Pompfrey taught you how to do it.” 

Hermione’s face fell, “oh my baby. Are you okay? Dad, go get the first aid kit. Minnie, go into our bathroom and check the bag with the potions. See if there is any skelegro.” She ran her wand over Cass’s ankle and lower leg. The scan popped up showing an ankle fracture. “Oh dear, it does look like a fracture. I’m sorry, sweetheart.” 

“There was a huge fly that got in my way,” Cass’s cheeks turned red when everybody started laughing. 

“You do take after your cousin, Dora,” Hermione kissed her forehead. 

“No skelegro, mum, but here’s some pain potions,” she handed the vials to Hermione. 

“I got an ace bandage,” Jack came back into the room. He helped his daughter wrap Cass’s foot so it was snug and would remain immobile. 

“Mummy?” 

“What is it, kitten?” 

Cass looked around at everyone in the room and started laughing, “you were right. This holiday was a lot of fun.” 

“You have a broken ankle,” Minnie bent down to examine it. 

“Yes,” Cass shrugged, “but when we get home maybe I can get one of those cool casts I’ve seen kids at Hogwarts have.” 

“Poppy really integrated the muggle medicine,” Bella rolled her eyes, “what’s next they are going to start teaching them how to drive cars?” 

“Only four more years mummy and I’ll be able to drive. You’ll teach me right, Pap Pap?” 

“This seems like a conversation for another night, love,” Hermione handed Cass a full potion bottle and watched as she happily drank it. 

Jack lifted Cass up and deposited her into Minnie’s bed who happily took the top bunk, “bottom bunk you for kiddo.” 

“This has been great,” the potions starting to take effect. She could barely hold her eyes open. 

“Goodnight girls,” Bella tucked Ember back into bed before saying goodnight to Cass and Minnie. “Well,” she closed the door behind them and smirked, “I consider this a successful first night of camping.” 

“Oh? Your daughter broke her ankle,” Hermione tried her best to sound upset though truthfully she was happy that a broken ankle was the worst thing to happen so far.

“In the morning, I’ll tell you about the time Andy and I tried to have Cissy make an unbreakable vow on our family holiday.” 

Notes:

I think they could consider that a very successful holiday. Let me know how you are enjoying these one shots. Next one will feature Ginny’s long awaited return to the story since her departure after part one. Madam Hooch retired… Ginny is the new flying instructor/Quidditch ref.

Until next time 🖤🖤

Chapter 9: Professor Weasley

Summary:

An Adventure in Quidditch…

September 2018 

Bellatrix came walking into the library looking for her wife. The girls had just gone back to school two days prior and she had already got a surprising letter from Minnie after her first day of classes. “Pet?” She had been looking around the house and couldn’t find her. 

“I’m upstairs,” she called from the second floor balcony of the library. “Outside.” 

Bella climbed the stairs and stopped just inside the door. Her wife was lounging on a chair with her feet tucked underneath her reading with a glass of elvish wine next to her, “enjoying ourselves are we?” She let out a low chuckle, walking over to sit down next to Hermione. 

“Listen to that,” Hermione put her bookmark in saving her spot, “silence. It hasn’t been this quiet here since before Andy and Teddy moved in.” 

“Andy is just at work. Her loud ass mouth will be home soon enough.” 

Hermione smiled, “precisely why it’s reading and wine time now. Join me?” 

Bella conjured the book she had kept inside of her bedside table and stole a sip from Hermione’s glass, “of course.” Yes, she definitely could get used to the quiet around the Manor. Still she missed her girls. They had both taken a few days off from work to say goodbye to the girls but also so they could reconnect because it had been quite some time since they had an empty house. There had been plenty of sex over the past two days and the dark witch was pleasantly sore from their activities but nowhere near satiated. 

“You were looking for me… was it anything important?” 

That question pulled her from her internal sexy thoughts. “Oh!” Bella instantly remembered and produced the letter she had in her pocket. “Minnie owled us already. Did you know about any of this?” 

Hermione grabbed the letter and read the contents out loud, “my dear mothers.” She rolled her eyes, “cheeky little shit. She gets that from you.” 

“Oh no. That’s all you. Continue.” 

“Today was absolutely dreadful. The sorting ceremony and everything was fine last night. Slytherin as we expected. I was so looking forward to the first day of class and had even prepared my excuse for how to get out of flying instruction. When we walked onto the training field, madam Hooch was nowhere in sight. The Headmistress was standing there with a red headed woman. She introduced her as Professor Weasley and said she was the new flying instructor but was late due to whatever contract ended yesterday. I really didn’t care about all of that until McGonagall walked away and that woman told us she would be accepting no excuses and everybody had to participate in flying. Rather rude if you ask me. So I asked her if she knew who my mothers were. She said she was close personal friends with the Minister and only slightly scared of mummy. She made me fly for the whole class. Mummy can you please write me an excuse? That class is absolutely dreadful. All my love, Minerva Katherine Black.” 

“She got her love of flying from you, pet. Nothing Black about that except maybe the blatant manipulation and disregard for the rules. I wonder if I could write her an excuse,” Bella began to think of the ways she could threaten Red. 

“You will do nothing of the sort. If I had to suffer through flying lessons then so will Minnie,” she laughed. 

“Did you know Red was coming to teach?” 

“No idea. I can’t believe she didn’t tell me. Maybe it was a last minute thing or she was being held under a NDA with the league and she couldn’t mention her retirement. In either case, I bet Cass is especially happy with the change.” 

“Are you kidding? I know she’s thrilled. She was so mad at Hooch last year for not letting her play more than that one game. With her skills and charm, she’ll have Red exactly where she wants her.” 

Hermione sighed, “maybe I should send Ginny a warning letter.” 

Bella smirked, parroting her words back to her, “you will do nothing of the sort. My daughter is free to act as charming and sleazy as she has to to get ahead in life,” she cackled. “I think Red is spunky enough to put Cass in her place. Cass knows every quidditch player out there. I bet she’s already in love with her. Hopefully she doesn’t do anything embarrassing like fall off of her broom.” 

Hermione swatted Bella’s shoulder with her book, “oh stop. You know Cass is too good of a player for that. Besides we don’t even know if Cass likes girls yet. We can’t assume.” 

“I’ve seen Cass checking out girls at the park when she thinks that she is being discreet. She’s into women.” 

Hermione looked shocked, “no she hasn’t been doing that.”

Bella just shrugged with a smirk on her face, “she takes after me. Plus we are both super gay. How could we think she would be any different. Now Minnie… I’m unsure about her.” 

“She’s 11 Bella.” 

“She still has eyes doesn’t she?” Bella seemed to be losing interest in the conversation about their daughters deciding that relishing the quiet was good for them. Still her book was only so entertaining. She pulled out her stupid hello phone to check the time like a muggle and suppressed a smile. “Say pet…” 

“Hmm?” 

“We still have a couple of hours until Andy gets home.” 

Hermione turned and gave her wife a knowing look, “oh and how do you suggest we pass the time?” 

Bella leaned forward beckoning Hermione to do the same, “well you see… my book has gotten kind of boring and it’s been ages since we had a proper shag in the library. I would really be keen on fucking you up against the bookshelf.” 

Hermione held back a shudder that threatened to rip through her body, “that seems like a good afternoon workout.”  She got up from her lounger and walked inside. 

Bella could tell she was adding an extra sway to her hips the whole way, “and we can leave the books for Andy to clean up so she knows exactly what we got up to this afternoon.” 

*

Cass had been psyching herself up all week for Quidditch tryouts. The prospective Slytherin team members were sitting in the locker room waiting for Professor Weasley to join them. She had been given permission to have oversight of the tryouts and help guide the captains on his or her choices for all the teams to make for an exciting Quiddirch season.  “No worries,” Freddy said to her. “You’ll definitely make the team. You came in clutch last season. James on the other hand,” he smirked. “Should’ve been practicing a little harder, mate.” 

James looked offended, “excuse you. I’m just as good as Cass.” She scoffed, “okay I’m not but I’m also not rubbish like you are implying. My dad and I practice all the time in the backyard.” 

“What position are you going for?” It was an open ended question for both of them. 

“Chaser of course,” Cass smirked. 

“Any position Professor Weasley will let me play,” James answered honestly. 

“Do you think she’ll be biased against you because she dated your father and they ended things?” Cass’s devilish face grew even more sinister. 

“Why should it? That was so long ago. Besides I’m sure Professor Weasley has moved on. Right? She’s your aunt. You should know.” 

“I don’t know,” Freddy smirked, “I’ve seen her wearing an I love Harry Potter tshirt when she’s alone in her room crying.” 

“She does not,” he rolled his eyes. 

“I’m sure you’ll get something,” Cass decided the teasing had gone on long enough. When she was over a subject it was time for everyone to move on. “Honestly can’t believe they lucked out and got the starting chaser from the Harpies to reach here. She’s an amazing player.” 

“Could you not drool over my aunt while I’m standing right here? It’s gross, Cass. She’s all old and stuff.” 

“I’m not drooling over her. I’m just complimenting her for being an amazing player is all.” 

“Talking about me, are you?” Ginny walked up right behind Cass, draping her arm over the shorter girl’s shoulder and squeezing. “You look just like your mum and my initial instinct is to be frightened but you are like an adorable mini version of her.” She pinched Cass’s cheek not noticing the giant blush forming on her cheeks. She let go and clapped her hands together. “All right players, grab your brooms and take to the pitch.” 

Freddy winked at Cass, “yeah definitely not drooling.” 

Ginny stopped Cass, “I heard nothing but good things about your skills from the Headmistress and Hooch, I’m expecting nothing but excellence. Don’t let me down, Black.” 

“Yes ma'am,” she felt as if her face was as red as Ginny’s hair so she quickly grabbed her broom and ran out onto the pitch. 

When she got out onto the pitch with her broom she waved at Minnie who was sitting up in the stands to watch them. Her demeanor shifted when she saw Victoria Weasley in the stands, “what is your cousin even doing here? She can’t play this year.” 

“Oh Little Red was talking smack on you all summer about how when she gets a chance to play she’s going to wipe the floor with you. I told her to stuff it.” 

Cass rolled her eyes, “please as if she could compare her flying abilities to mine. I’d like to see her try it.” She slapped on her fakest pure blood smile and waved at the redhead. “Mummy has nothing good to say about your uncle, you know that?” 

Freddy laughed, “oh I’ve heard her. She likes my dad though and Aunt Ginny so I guess we aren’t all bad.” 

“I believe she thinks of you as the superior breed of Weasley. Little Red up there will definitely be inferior,” she cackled. 

James laughed, “so there’s a Big Red and a Little Red. What's Ginny’s name?” 

Cass shrugged, “I think mummy just calls her Red.” 

Sneaking up on them again, Ginny used her best Professor voice, “and if I ever heard any of you calling me that it’ll be a month’s worth of detention with Trelawney polishing the crystal balls.” 

“I would rather die.” 

“Now you definitely sound like your mother.” 

*

“Pet!” Bella found her wife soaking in a bubble bath that smelled like fresh honey and vanilla. She immediately wanted to jump in but refrained, “we’ve got another owl.” 

“Who is it from this time?” Hermione had her hair pinned up in a bun, resting her head against the porcelain with her eyes closed. 

“I didn’t read it. Would you like me to read it out loud?” Hermione nodded her head but didn’t open her eyes, “you are making it really hard to not just say fuck it and jump in there with you” 

“Maybe after you read the letter.” 

“Vixen,” Bella smirked, “dear mummy and mum but mostly mummy.” 

“It’s from Cass,” Hermione chuckled, not feeling too upset at the header. “Must be about tryouts.” 

“Professor Weasley is so cool. She is a good teacher but also she hangs around the pitch and joins in on our games,” Bella smirked. “Sounds like she has a crush on Red.” 

“Ginny is pretty cool,” Hermione chuckled. 

“Tryouts were great. I was easily the best person flying.” 

“She’s so humble,” Hermione opened her eyes to see the look of pride on Bella’s face. 

“James was fine and Freddy was good as long as that idiot doesn’t break his arm again. Stupid Victoria was at the try outs. I swear she was trying to hex my broom but she’s a terrible excuse for a witch so it didn’t work.” 

“I’ll have to have a talk with Ron about his daughter.” 

Bella shook her head, “you will absolutely not be talking to Inferior. I can threaten him if we need to. A little torture goes a long way, pet and I do enjoy a nice trip to the joke shop.”

“You will not be threatening Ron,” Hermione rolled her eyes. “We can speak with the headmistress if Victoria keeps bothering Cass. Continue reading, please.” 

“Minnie came out to watch. Oh and she wanted me to ask when her flying excuse was coming. She’s tired of pretending she’s sick. She’s rather annoying about it. I don’t want to go to History of Magic but I don’t make excuses. I just do the responsible thing and take a nap.” 

“She is truly your daughter.” 

“Professor Binns is the worst. I would write her an excuse for that class,” Bella shushed her wife and continued reading. “Professor Weasley posted the positions last night and I wrote as soon as I woke up. I made Chaser!! Can you believe it? I’m starting Chaser and I’m only a second year. James is back up for the keeper if our current keeper gets hurt but Professor Weasley said she’d be open to other opportunities for him if the team needs him somewhere else. He’s happy. Freddy is Beater again. I think our team is going to be amazing. Promise me you’ll come to our opening game against hufflepuffs? I’ll be looking for you in the stands. I have to get going. Write back soon, Cassiopeia Bellatrix Black.” 

Hermione looked at the broad smile on Bella’s face, “I’m so happy for her. I know you are too. It’s written all over your face.” 

“She’s mad if she thinks I’ll miss a single one of her games. You’d have to put me in Azkaban to keep me away.” 

“Are you going to write her back?” 

Bella folded Cass’s letter, placing it on the vanity, “in a bit,” she waved her wand and her clothes disappeared. “Right now I’m planning on getting in this warm bath with you, pet.” 

*

Bella walked into the DMLE the next morning with a smile plastered on her face. Partly due to the many orgasms from the previous night but also because she finally got to gloat about her daughter to everyone. “Potter?” Her voice rang sickeningly sweet throughout the office, “are you here?” 

Draco looked up from his cubicle, “he said he’d be back in a few minutes. What up?” 

“Something bitchy,” Kate joined in the conversation, “look at that smile on her face. She never smiles like that at work unless she has something to torture us about.” 

“You know new girl,” Bella leaned against her desk, “you’ve gotten to know me very well over these past how many years has it been now?” 

“Too long,” Kate rolled her eyes. “So what do you have to hang over Harry’s head today?” 

“Funny you should say that,” her smile only grew bigger as Harry walked through the door. “Have you gotten any mail from James?” 

Draco turned to look at Harry and back to his aunt, “something with the kids? Lyra didn’t say anything to me.” 

“Because she’s a Malfoy and doesn’t have an athletic bone in her body,” she crossed her arms. 

“Hey,” Draco was going to defend his daughter when Kate started laughing. 

“She’s right, Malfoy. Your daughter wouldn’t last a minute in a Quidditch game.” 

“Fine,” Draco rolled his eyes, “what’s the news from school?”’

“Congratulations,” Harry tried to let the conversation die before it started. 

“I think we are about to witness some gloating,” Kate whispered to Draco. 

“Red knew who the most proficient players were. At least he got a spot on the bench. Will you be coming to the first game to keep up on his warming skills?” 

Harry tried to look unfazed by her teasing, “just making the team as a second year is a brilliant accomplishment. There’s only so many positions to fill, Bella. I’m sure James will have a chance to play this year.” 

“The keeper is in her sixth year. Right? So maybe he will see the air in a few years.” 

“He was told that he can play pick up for any of the positions that come open. He just fits best with the keeper position,” Harry shrugged. “I’m sure he’ll get to play at least once this year. He’s a strong teammate.” 

“You don’t think James got second string because Ginny is still hung up on you, do you Potter?” 

Bella patted her nephew on the back, “good point Dragon. Maybe Red isn’t over him. Taking it out on little James.” 

“You guys are the worst,” Kate laughed. “Just be happy for your kids and stop acting like the children.” 

“Who are you and what have you done with Kate?” Bella looked concerned. “She has to be under an unforgivable.” 

“She is acting rather strange. Even brought me some coffee this morning,” Draco looked over at his partner. 

“Oh piss off,” Kate grumbled, “just be happy both of your kids made the team. When’s the first game?” 

“This weekend against the Puffs,” Bella responded, feeling properly chastised. “You didn’t have to suck the fun out of the teasing. I’m proud of both of the kids. Let a witch have some fun,” she pushed Kate’s shoulder as she walk into her office slamming the door. 

*

Bella, Hermione and Andy made sure to clear their schedule that Saturday to go watch the first Quidditch match of the season. When they got to the Professors’ stand, Harry, Luna and George were already there waiting for them. “Kate and Draco stay behind to hold down the office,” Bella asked in lieu of a hello. 

“Yes,” Harry answered, “but Kate has a 75 galleon bet on Hufflepuff to win.” 

“Excuse me?” Bella scoffed, “as if any team is going to beat Slytherin. She’s gone mad.” 

“Seems like a bad bet if you ask me. The nargles have predicted the win to Slytherin today,” Luna was dressed in a full snake costume. 

“Luna,” Bella patted her head, “looking amazing as always. Where’s your daughter?” She asked but quickly took it back when she looked across to the ravenclaw stands and saw a similar snake hat on the girl, “never mind. I’ve spotted her.” 

“What do you say, Slughorn?” George’s playful smirk adorned his face. 

“The team is spectacular this year, my boy,” he looked back at everyone seated behind them. “I must say it is rather strange to see you, Mr. Potter and the Minister in Slytherin colors. It is refreshing.” 

“It was only a matter of time before they realized who the winning team was,” Andy laughed. 

“Look,” Hermione pointed over to the Slytherin bleachers. Minnie and Lyra were waving at them. “Do you think she’s upset about not getting an excuse for flying class?” 

“She’ll get over it,” McGonagall finally joined the rest of them in the bleachers. “She’s not the worst flyer this year so she can’t be too upset.”

Bella turned to George, nodding towards the Gryffindor stands. Victoria Weasley as sitting in the stands scowling down at the field, “how does it feel to be related to such inferiority?” 

George laughed, “it’s hard to be at the top alone but I’m managing just fine.” 

“Superiority looks good on you,” Bella joined in his laughter. 

“Shhhh,” Andy practically yelled as the Slytherin team took to the sky. 

Cass immediately started looking through the stands to see who came to the game today. She felt warm all over when she saw not only her sister and cousin but she also saw both of her mothers and her Aunt Andy waving to her. This was all Cass ever wanted. Her mummy had the biggest smile on her face and she was determined to make her proud. Even her Uncle Harry showed up with a massive smile on his face even though James was sitting on the bench. She turned her attention down to her friend. He looked happy but she could feel his embarrassment. There was no time to dwell on that as Ginny blew the whistle and unleashed the pack of balls into the sky. Cass immediately jumped into the game scoring point after point as she zipped through the sky with the quaffle. The two other Chasers kept pitching the ball to her because they quickly realized she never missed. “These guys are good,” she stopped in the air next to Freddy for a moment. He agreed but reminded her that they were the best team. Cass cackled and sped off after the ball again. She lost track of how many of the goals she had made but Slytherin was currently up 160 to 90. She looked back over at the Professors’ stand and saw everyone smiling except the Hufflepuff head of house. She looked down again and saw James still sitting on the bench in his gear ready to jump in at any moment. Cass was feeling happier than she could ever remember and part of her felt bad that her friend couldn’t feel the same joy. Before she could think better of it she shouted down, “Professor Weasley, time out!” 

Ginny blew the whistle, “Slytherin five minute time out.” 

All of the players made it down to their team benches, getting some drinks and taking a short break. “Amazing flying Cass!” James came over and clapped her on the back. “Bloody brilliant game everyone,” he started to talk to the rest of the team. 

“Professor Weasley, can I talk to you for a minute?” Cass motioned to the far side of the Slytherin area. 

Ginny followed the girl a few feet away from the rest of her team and noticed the serious look on her face, “are you okay Cass? Did you get hurt?” 

Cass shook her head, “no nothing like that.” 

“Good because you are playing an excellent game. Everyone up in those stands should be very proud of you.” She saw a look flash across her student’s face. “What is it?” 

“I’m having a great time and this is truly my dream…” Ginny didn’t interrupt waiting to see how her train of thought would play out. “I think James should get a chance to play. Flying and seeing how happy my mummy is made me so happy. He should get the chance to make Uncle Harry happy, too.” 

Ginny could’ve told Cass that Harry would’ve been happy either way and that James was fine to sit on the bench but the consideration she was showing for her teammate made the redhead very proud of her, “what should we say to him?” 

Cass shrugged, “tell him I got a stitch in my side from eating too much breakfast. Everyone will believe that if they saw how many sausages I had this morning. Don’t make it sound like charity. He’s a good player.” 

Ginny leaned down to look directly into her eyes, “you are a good person, Cassiopeia.” 

The girl blushed but ultimately rolled her eyes, “yeah don’t let that get around. I have a reputation.” 

Ginny laughed, “just like your mother. James!” 

“Yes Professor?” 

“Gear up. You are going in for Black.” James looked happy then concerned for his friend, “she’s fine. Too many sausages.” 

He peered around Ginny and saw his friend flashing him a big smile, “give ‘em hell, James.” 

When the whistle blew signaling the end of time out Bella was confused, “what’s going on?” 

“I’m not sure,” Hermione pulled out her cell phone when a message came through. 

“Why is James out there and not Cass?” Bella whispered to herself hoping that her daughtgher hadn’t sustained any sort of injury. Though she was slightly impressed with how Potter’s son was flying. “What was the message?” 

“From Ginny,” she handed Bella the phone, “your daughter has a wonderful heart.” 

Ginny (3:42pm): Cass asked to sit out so James could have a chance to play in front of Harry. The two of you raised an amazing kid. 

Bella smiled at the selflessness of her daughter, “she is pretty amazing, isn’t she? And Potter isn’t so bad. He’s already scored.” 

“What are you doing?” 

“Sending a message to Red before we go over there and see Minnie.” 

Hermione (3:50pm): it’s Bella. How much money to get Minnie out of flying for the rest of the year? Name your price.” 

Ginny (3:53pm): like I told your daughter… Nobody gets out of flying lessons. 

Bella tossed the hello phone back to Hermione, “at least I can tell Minnie that I gave it my best shot.” 

Notes:

What are you waiting for the next chapter is already posted!

Chapter 10: Hagrid’s Hut

Summary:

Minnie and Cass cause a little trouble at school.

November 2020

The Slytherin Common room was dark and quiet. The sound of the crackling fire could be heard filling the empty night. A hooded figure looked out from the girls dormitory, “come on,” the voice hissed as she entered the room. A short girl with wild dark curls took her house robes hood down and looked around the room, “the coast is clear.” She turned around and realized she was talking to herself. “Damn it, Minnie. Get your ass out here. This was all your idea,” the girl rolled her eyes and pulled out a large beige rectangular piece of parchment. 

“My idea?” A taller girl followed her out of the dorm also wearing her house robes. She had mousy brown curls and wore a scared look on her face. “Oh no. When we get in trouble for this, I will be throwing you under the knight bus, Cass.” Minnie walked over to her sister and stood next to her, “seriously let’s just go back to bed and forget this whole thing.” 

“Forget this whole thing,” she said in a mocking tone. “I would be glad to go back to bed if I knew for a fact that I wouldn’t have to hear you whining anymore about the cruelty of the magical creatures and how they shouldn’t be kept in the reserve.” 

“Is it my fault that I have a conscience?” 

“Is it my fault that you are an insufferable little shit?” Cass glared at her sister until a knowing look crept over Minnie’s features. “Don’t tell mum I swore.” 

“I’ll think about it,” Minnie shrugged. “Fine, let’s do this. What’s your plan?” Cass held up the plain bit of parchment and grinned. “An old scrap of parchment. Brilliant. We are definitely going to be expelled.” 

“Can’t you for one minute trust your older and wiser sister?” 

“That sentence gives me a headache,” she rolled her eyes. “What is that?” 

“Got it from James. I found his dad on a chocolate frog card and told him I’d let him have it if he let me use this,” Cass looked proud of herself. Minnie shot her a look, still waiting for an explanation. “Oh right,” she pulled out her wand and touched it to the parchment. “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” They huddled around as the parchment was filled with text and pictures. There were names and footprints of everyone in the castle. She pointed to his footprints that were in the Slytherin boys dorm next to Freddy. “Isn’t it brilliant?” 

“How long have you had this? Why didn’t anyone tell me?” She watched the little footsteps of McGonagall pacing in her office. “This has to be some sort of contraband. We should really turn this over to the headmistress.” 

“I think you just answered your own question,” Cass deadpanned. “Nobody is turning anything in. If this gets confiscated, James will try to fight me and I don’t want to hurt the poor boy. He doesn’t stand a chance.” 

“So your plan is this creepy stalker map?” 

“Well,” she pointed to a pair of footprints, “we have to get past Filch to get to the reserve right? And Mrs. Norris oh and Peeves but Peeves loves me so I don’t think he'd turn us in if he saw us.” 

“I love how you brag about Peeves loving you,” Minnie rolled her eyes. “Oh look!” She pointed to footprints outside by the Quidditch pitch, “there’s Hagrid and Fang. It looks like he’s nowhere near the reserve.” 

“Perfect,” Cass smirked. “We should go this way,” she traced a visibly clear pathway that led them through the greenhouse out towards the reserves. It appeared that Professor Longbottom was not in the greenhouse and everyone knew old Sluggy went to bed before the children. “We should be good as long as we make it past Filch.” 

“Look,” Minnie pointed. “Lyra’s footprints are moving and she is coming this way.” 

Cass looked concerned. “We need to go. She’ll tell her dad and you know he can’t keep anything from Aunt Cissy.” Minnie nodded and they quickly but quietly made their way out of the common room.

“Lumos,” Minnie whispered when they got into the dark hallway of the dungeons. “Okay. We got this,” she whispered to her sister. “Mum would want the same for the animals.” 

“She would but remember that time you tried to set Twiggy and Winky free and mummy freaked out,” Cass cackled, sounding just like her mother. Minnie shushed her and she grimaced, “her face was priceless when she saw you trying to give Twiggy that old sock.” 

“Well mum always said house elves deserve their freedom,” Minnie shrugged. “Plus I was five. She got over it.” 

“Mummy was so mad,” she stopped for a moment to look at the map and saw Mrs. Norris around the next turn. “Quick, this way.” She grabbed Minnie’s arm and pulled her down a different passageway leading directly to the greenhouse. Once they got outside she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding before standing up straighter, “see. I told you we’d make it.” 

Minnie rolled her eyes, “we aren’t even there yet.” 

“Semantics. Mischief Managed,” Cass put the parchment in her robes and she grabbed her sister’s hand. “Lumos,” the tip of her wand lit and the sisters took off running in the direction of the reserve. When they got to the big gate at the edge of the reserve, the girls slowed down and looked at the lock on the gate. She looked over at Minnie and shrugged, “up and over, Min. We don’t have all night.” 

“Alohamora,” Cass heard the lock open and turned to see her sister grinning. 

“Show off,” she rolled her eyes and pushed the gate wide open. “I’ll start in the back. Just open all the gates and let the babies run free.” 

“Meet me back here in ten minutes,” Minnie agreed and they got to work, freeing the animals and feeling like they were out there doing Merlin’s work. 

It took about 30 minutes to open all the gates and shoo the animals out of the reserve. Cass’s favorite part was scaring the animals who refused to leave. A few zaps from her wand and the animals left without question. “We did good work tonight,” Cass said while sitting on the main gate, watching Minnie carry a baby bowtruckle in her arms. “What are you doing with that?” 

“I think I’m going to take her with me. She’s too young to be on her own,” Minnie handed the little creature to Cass. 

She held up the little girl and looked at her. “I guess she’s cute enough,” she handed the bowtruckle back to her sister. “You are your mother’s daughter, aren’t you?” 

Minnie burst out laughing, “oh that’s rich coming from you, Bellatrix Junior.” 

“Highest of compliments, I assure you Min,” she jumped down from the gate. “Come on. We better piss off before anyone can link us to the crime.” 

“Crime?” Minnie’s face paled. 

“We just set hundreds of animals free,” Cass cackled. “Yes I’d say it’s a crime for sure,” she grabbed her arm, “now come on. Let’s go.” 

Cass, Minerva and the bowtruckle, the youngest Black fondly named “Sprig” made their way up to the school, celebrating the fact that they weren’t caught. They were stopped just outside Hagrid’s house so they could pull out the map and get back inside their common room unnoticed. 

“Hey!” A booming voice called out somewhere behind the girls. 

Cass was startled and sparks flew out of her wand causing fire to erupt towards the hut, engulfing it in flames. Her eyes grew wide and Minnie gasped. “My hut,” Hagrid and Fang came running the rest of the way over to where the girls were standing watching the flames. He looked down and saw the small smirk on Cass’s face. “Yer just like yer mother, you are.” He looked on for a second time as his house was overrun with flames caused by one of the Black women. 

“It was an accident!” 

“We are so expelled,” Minnie started to panic, listing all the reasons why she did it and also all simultaneously the reasons she currently hated her sister. 

“Well,” Cass whispered, “they don’t know everything yet.” 

Cass and Minnie were sitting across from the headmistress the next morning, “it’s like you think I don’t know everything that goes on inside and outside of my school.” 

“Headmistress?” Minnie tried to speak up.

“You broke over a dozen school rules that I can think of off the top of my head. You snuck out in the middle of the night, across campus to the magical creatures reserve. You two are aware that you freed dangerous animals last night?” She looked over her half moon shaped glasses at the two young women. 

Minnie gave her sister an incredulous look, “we weren’t supposed to release the dangerous ones.” 

Cass gave her a mischievous grin, “oops. I didn’t know they were dangerous. I never was good at care of magical creatures.” Minnie shot her sister a look that would’ve killed her if it was possible. 

“Girls! Please!” McGonagall shouted over the fighting sisters. “Seeing as how this is going to take Hagrid and Mr. Filch quite some time to retrieve the animals, I’m going to be forced to…” 

“Please don’t expel me. It was all Cass’s idea.” 

“…Suspend you.” 

“Thanks a lot,” Cass crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. 

“Knight bus remember,” Minnie shrugged. 

“You two will be in detention with your head of house until one of your mothers is able to come and escort you home. Go on. And do stay out of trouble.” 

“Let’s just hope it’s mummy,” the headmistress heard Cass say as they were walking away. “She’ll at least think it was funny.” 

Minerva rolled her eyes but she couldn’t be too mad. The maternal love she felt for those girls was almost enough to let them off the hook but since all of the animals were set free and they had to rebuild Hagrid’s hut, she just couldn’t let this one slide. She sighed and sat behind her desk and pulled out her phone. Never in her life did she think she’d have a cell phone, let alone use it to call Bellatrix Black but here she was doing just that. She chose the number in her contacts list that belonged to Bella and pushed the call button. 

*

Meanwhile at Black Manor, Hermione was getting ready to go into the Ministry for the day while Bella was getting ready to bother the piss out of Harry and Draco at work. They were enjoying a quiet breakfast when Bella’s phone rang. “Aren’t you going to answer that?” Hermione asked, putting her tea cup down and looking at her wife expectantly. 

Bella peered over and looked at the phone. She saw the name pop up and shook her head, “nope,” she simply said and took another bite of eggs. 

“It might be important,” Hermione bit her bottom lip. 

“It never is,” Bella shrugged and continued to eat. “I don’t need to hear about what Cass did this time before I’ve finished my morning coffee.” Her phone finally stopped ringing, “see. Not important.” 

Just as Hermione was going to relent and finish her breakfast, her own cell phone rang. “It’s the headmistress. I should get this.” Bella shrugged. “Hello?” Hermione cautiously answered the phone. “Is everything okay?” Hermione listened to Minerva recount everything that had happened the previous evening and her face became more and more grave as the story went on. “Here,” Hermione tried to hand the phone out to Bella to take. “It’s about your daughters.” 

“Oh?” Bella raised an eyebrow. “I thought they were our daughters.” 

“Cass set Hagrid’s house on fire. Sounds like your daughter to me.” 

“Once!” She said a little louder than expected and she could hear Minerva chuckling over the speaker phone. “I did that once. You’d think I would’ve lived it down by now.” 

“Well,” Hermione offered a half smile. “You did jump up and down and celebrate after doing so.” 

“Semantics,” she waved Hermione off. “What’s the issue, Minerva?” She spoke louder than she needed to at the phone that was currently on speaker. 

“The girls have been suspended for a week. I need one of you to come pick them up.” 

Bella smirked, “see it’s not just my daughter this time. Seems your little Angel is just as devilish. Did they do anything besides the fire?”

“Besides the fire?” Minerva scoffed, “yes, they let all of the creatures on the reserve loose.” 

“Oh,” Bella grimaced. “That sounds like a Minnie thing.” 

“I can assure you that it was a joint effort,” Minerva said with a tone Bella knew all too well. “The girls are with professor Slughorn right now but they are suspended for the week so they need to be picked up.” 

“A suspension?” Bella almost whined. “Can’t you just stick them with Crazy Sybil for the week? A week with her and Cass will never wander from the path of righteousness again,” she cackled. 

“Sybil is not a bartering tool for the sisters’ Black,” Minerva sounded like she was starting to lose her patience. 

Hermione shot Bella a look that told her to be nice and to come up with a solution. “Fine,” Bella crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ll come get the little heathens.” She turned to look at Hermione, “tell Potter I won’t be in because your daughter is a problem starter.”

“Our daughters you mean?” 

“I meant what I said. Your daughter is a problem starter and my daughter is a problem finisher,” she chuckled when she saw the small smile play on her wife’s lips. “I’ll be there in like 30 minutes Minerva. I need about six more cups of coffee and some tea first.” 

“Do try to hurry. I worry about Slughorn when he’s left alone with your daughters.” 

They said their goodbyes and hung up with the headmistress. “She got that from you, you know?” 

“Pardon?” Hermione looked genuinely confused. 

“Your passion for magical creatures. It’s one of the many things I admire about you, pet. Selfless when it comes to those who can’t advocate for their own rights. It’s no wonder your daughter acquired that specific trait. I’m glad she did.” 

Hermione blushed at the compliment, even after all these years of marriage, her wife still knew exactly what to say to make her melt. “A lot of good it did her last night. So you think she orchestrated the whole thing?” 

“When I saw Minnie’s time table and saw she was taking Care of Magical Creatures, I wondered why,” she took a sip of her coffee. “Now I know. I have no doubt that this was her brain child. That being said,” she tried to stifle a laugh, “I’m sure my spawn jumped at the chance to coerce her into the chaotic route.” 

“Bella,” Hermione sighed, “they need to be punished.” 

“I suggested Sybil.” 

Hermione set her wife with a look that told her she wasn’t playing around anymore, “I’m serious.” 

“Alright.” She threw her hands up. “I’ll handle it. Just go do Minister things and leave the girls up to me.” 

“A real punishment, Bella. Don’t let Twiggy and Winky have to handle things.” 

“I’ve got it, pet.” Bella set her face so Hermione would believe her. “Now, off to work with you.” She waited for Hemrione to relent, standing and walking over to kiss her wife goodbye. “We will see you at dinner.” Bella watched Hermione as she left the dining room, “love you.” She called after her wife. She waited until she heard her go through the floo. “Fucking children. I knew having kids was a mistake,” she rolled her eyes and drained her cup of coffee, putting her glasses on and finishing the issue of the Quibbler before she made her way to the school. 

*

Bella walked out of the floo followed by her two daughters. Cass had a little smile on her face while her sister looked absolutely petrified about what was to come. “Calm down, mummy came,” Cass hissed her through clenched teeth. 

“Girls,” Bella stopped to look at them. “Go wait in the library. I’ll be in soon.” 

“Yes mummy,” they said in unison while turning to head off to the library. 

“Fuck me,” she groaned and headed down the hall towards a very familiar room. She didn’t bother knocking and went right in, “Andy are you home?”

“Yes dearest sister of mine,” she called from her en-suite bathroom. “You rang?” 

“Get out here,” she gulped and swallowed her pride. “I need some parenting advice.” 

Andy practically ran from the bathroom with a shit eating grin on her face. “I knew you’d be back. The last time when you came for advice and told me to fuck off seemed too hasty.” 

“I regret every decision that had led me to this point in my life,” Bella rolled her eyes and went to sit on the chair in front of Andy’s vanity. “The kids got suspended today.”  

“I see,” Andy smirked. “Both of them?” Bella nodded and Andy cackled, “Min finally let Cass talk her into the bullshit?” 

“I think it was the other way around,” Bella chuckled and scratched behind her ear. 

Andy gasped, “little Minnie finally earning her Black wings?” They both cackled, “So what do you need from me?” 

“Hermione left me in charge of the discipline.” 

“And you don’t think they deserve a punishment?” 

Bella smirked, “it was funny as fuck, Andy. I would buy them gifts if I could get away with it. Honestly, this is some shit me and you would’ve gotten into during school and Albus would’ve just given us extra detention. I think Minerva overreacted a little.” 

“What did they do?” 

“They released all of the magical creatures and set Hagrid’s Hut on fire,” Bella waved off the incident while Andy’s jaw dropped. “Phoenix shit, Andy.” 

Andy closed her mouth and thought for a moment before speaking, “that does sound like us. Why didn’t we ever think of that? Freeing the creatures is bloody brilliant.” 

“Isn’t it?” 

“And you already burned down his hut once.” 

“Once! I did it one time and it’s the only thing that people can seem to recall about me. It’s not like I go to Hogwarts yearly just to burn down his damn house. We need to all agree to let it go!” Bella shouted. 

“It’s a little hard to forget when Junior is out there lighting the hut on fire,” a silence fell over the pair. “Do you think she smiled?” 

“You know that little fucker smiled,” Bella laughed.

“You could just pretend to punish them,” Andy shrugged. “Tell the girls you won’t punish them but tell Hermione you did.” 

“Hermione’s a little too smart for that,” Bella looked at her phone. She had a couple of missed texts from her wife asking for an update. “She’ll be home soon. What should I do?” 

“Channel your inner Druella. I have faith in you, sis.” 

Bella rolled her eyes, “don’t and you are no help.” 

She got up and started to walk over towards the door when Andy shouted after her, “I never claimed to be.” 

Bella flicked her off as she left, closing the door behind her. “Waste of my time. I really need to kick her out,” she sighed and made her way to the library. She walked in and saw her daughters sitting on the couch, reading. Bella wasn’t mad. Kids get into bullshit all the time. Fuck, her and Andy were the absolute worst but the wife wanted them punished so she had to do it. “Girls,” she addressed them, getting their attention. Both of her daughters sat up as she approached and went over to sit on the chair across from them. Cass looked satisfied with herself which caused Bella to roll her eyes. Then she turned to look at Minnie. It was obvious that she had been crying. Her eyes looked puffy and she saw tear stains on her cheeks.  Clearly her daughters had polar opposite personalities but they complimented each other perfectly. 

“I’m sorry, mummy,” Minnie started to sniffle. “I know I shouldn’t have done that. It was wrong and I regret setting the animals free,” she wiped a tear away and thought about that apology. “Actually I’m not sorry I set them free. They deserve to have a happy life and I don’t think that’s going to happen being stuck on a reserve.” 

Bella nodded and then turned to Cass, “and you?” 

“I only went along with Minnie’s idea because I knew it would make her happy,” she was playing with her fingers while looking at her little sister. She shrugged, “I don’t like to see her upset and that class makes her miserable.” 

“Then why did you sign up for it?” 

“I need to get all Outstandings on my Owls, mummy.” 

“Sweetheart,” Bella’s tone softened, “you owls are still two years away.”

“I need to start preparing now,” Minnie argued. She sounded just like her mother. There’s no way Hermione would go through with a punishment. 

“That’s an awful lot of pressure for a 3rd year, my love.” 

“Cass takes as many classes as I do and she’s doing fine.” 

“But I don’t take Care of Magical Creatures. I think Hagrid would have whatever a wizard version of a heart attack is if I took the class,” Cass tried to hide her smirk and she looked up and saw her mom doing the same. 

“So let me get this straight,” Bella said. “You snuck out in the middle of the night, broke into the reserve and set all of the animals free?” The girls nodded, “even the dangerous creatures?” 

“I didn’t know they were dangerous mummy,” Cass tried to sound serious. “I never took the class.” 

“Bullshit,” Bella laughed. “Then when you got away with it you headed back to the castle and just thought, fuck it let’s set this hut on fire.” Minnie’s eyes grew wide and Bella rolled her eyes, “I know I swore. Here,” she reached into her pockets and pulled out some coins, “a few galleons for each of you,” she handed the coins to her girls. “Don’t tell your mother.” 

Cass and Minnie took their coins and looked at each other and shrugged. “Okay,” they both said, sliding their coins into their robes. 

“So the hut…” Bella brought the conversation back around. “What happened there?” 

“We stopped by his hut to get the map out and look to see if anyone was coming,” Cass started playing with her fingers again. 

“What map?” 

Cass’s eyebrows shot up when she realized her mistake, “umm… I can’t say.” 

“Cassiopeia,” Bella warned. “If the two of you want some sort of good grace from me, I’d suggest you tell me everything.” 

“This map,” she sighed and reached into her robe pulling out the parchment. 

“For the love of Merlin,” she rolled her eyes and used her wand to cast the spell and bring the map to life. “I thought Minerva confiscated this after you, James and Teddy got in trouble for sneaking out to Hogsmeade. Don’t tell me she gave it back to Potter expecting him to keep it at home.” 

Cass nodded, “please don’t get James in trouble. He let me borrow it and I don’t want him to get it taken away.” 

“I don’t want the map,” Bella handed it back over. “I have no intention of getting James in trouble. I’m sure he’s quite able to do that all on his own.” 

“So,” Cass bit her lip. “We were looking at the map and Hagrid snuck up on us and scared the bullocks out of me. I accidentally shot flames out of my wand and well… you know what happened after that.” 

Bella sighed and crossed her arms, “so the fire was an accident. The animals were on purpose.” The girls nodded, “you mother wants the two of you to be punished for this.” 

“Mummy,” Minnie looked terrified, “I’m so sorry.” 

“I know sweetheart.” 

Minnie nudged Cass, “erm… I’m sorry, too.” Bella gave her a look, “well it was kind of cool. I’ve never shot flames before.” 

Bella suppressed a little laugh, “look, I don’t want to punish the two of you.” 

“Perfect,” Cass clapped her hands and started to stand. 

“Sit down,” Bella stopped her daughter from leaving. “But your mother will be home in the next couple of hours and I need to make it look like I really gave you girls a hard time or else your mother will give me a hard time and not the sexy kind of way.”

“Ew mummy,” Cass said while Minnie pretended to gag. “So what is our punishment?” 

“Usually your grandfather would just crucio me when I got in trouble,” she watched as their eyes widened. “I wouldn’t do that. Your grandfather was an asshole.” She tapped her finger on her chin, thinking. “I got it. The two of you will volunteer at the Ministry daycare this week. Help Luna out.” 

“With children?” Cass asked, appalled. “Can’t you just beat me?” 

“That seems fair I guess,” Minnie didn’t look happy either. 

“Hey,” Bella shrugged. “Your mother wanted this. She’ll be happy, I’ll be happy, Luna will be happy for the help and the two of you will be miserable. Sounds like everybody wins.” 

Both of the girls rolled their eyes, “can we go to our rooms now?” Cass asked. 

“Yes,” Bella stood up, following them out. “Oh wait,” she held out her hand, “hello phones. You know your mother is going to want them.” 

“But mummy,” Cass whined. “What if James wants to talk?” 

“Then you can talk to him next week when you aren’t suspended. Hand them over,” she waited until both phones were in her hand. “I’ll call you down when your mother gets here.” 

She waited and heard the two of them grumbling as they made their way upstairs. Bella laughed and walked back into the library, pulling out her phone letting Hermione know that everything was taken care of. Hermione messaged back immediately with love hearts. “She’s going to be the death of me one of these days,” Bella laughed and put all three hello phones down on the desk and pulled out a book to pass the time. 

Hermione had texted Bella around noon and told her since she handled the girls’ punishment that she was going to stay until five. There was something important she was working on and she would see them all at dinner. Bella took the girl out to Diagon for lunch after making them promise they wouldn’t tell their mother. 

Like clockwork since before  the girls had been born, Hermione walked through the floo at 5pm. “Girls? I’m home.” 

“We’re in the dining room, pet.”  She heard her wife call from the other room. She knew the girls were sent home for a serious reason but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t looking forward to seeing her girls. 

As soon as Hermione walked into the dining room both girls ran over to her and enveloped her in a big hug, “I’ve missed you my babies.” She kissed Cass and Minnie on their foreheads. 

“We’ve missed you too, mum.” Cass held onto her a second longer which made Hermione happy. She was usually a mummy’s girl but loved when she got any sort of extra love from Cass.

When she finally pulled back Minnie got in another hug, “hi.” 

“Hi, sweetheart,” Hermione couldn’t help but smile at her children and looked over at Bella to see her smiling as well. She nodded towards the table and the girls went to sit down. Hermione walked over and gave Bella a soft kiss hello and sat as well. “While I love having the two of you home, I wish it were under better circumstances.” 

“Trust me mum, me too,” Cass gave Bella a look. “Mummy took our hello phones.” 

Bella smiled internally. She knew Cass was playing it up though Bella let her have her phone when they went to Diagon. She knew her daughter didn’t want any extra punishment from Hermione. She couldn't blame her, she would’ve done the same thing.

“Well,” Hermione smiled at her eldest. “Do you think your actions last night warranted it?”

“Maybe but the fire was an accident and I was only helping Minnie help the creatures. She is already making us volunteer at the daycare. Isn’t the punishment enough?”

“She asked if I could just beat her,” Bella chuckled. “She gets the dramatics from Andy.” 

“Where is Andy?” 

“She’s going to spend the week with Teddy. She’s smart some of the time,” Bella called Twiggy who brought out the dinner. She thanked her loyal elf and told her to take the week off. They could manage with the girls. Twiggy was grateful and left immediately. “I already dismissed Winky for the week earlier,” she filled her wife in. 

“Did you really ride the Abraxan out of the reserve?” Hermione asked Cass who just gave her a cheeky grin. “Never mind, I don’t want to know.” 

“The creatures can be happy now, mum.” Minnie interrupted. “They aren’t meant to live in captivity.” 

“I know my love. And while I don’t agree with how you did it, I do agree with why you did it.” 

“You do?” The girls asked in unison. 

“I do,” Hermione looked over at Bella and smiled. “I was working on this at work today.” She handed copies of a document to everyone. “I was working hard with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magic Creatures and we came up with this order to release, rehabilitate and rehome all magical creatures in captivity. Bearing in mind that all dangerous creatures are to remain in sanctuaries where they can have as much freedom as possible and still be under the watchful eye of the Ministry.” 

“Really?” Minnie’s eyes scanned over the document. “This is amazing!” 

“Like I said… I don’t condone what you girls did last night but the two of you got a lot of people thinking about these creatures today at the Ministry and thanks to you, they will have the freedom they deserve.” 

“Wow,” Bella handed the paper back to Hermione. “This is something, pet.” She winked at her wife, “good work Minister.” 

“I’m sorry, mum,” Minnie tried to hide her smile. 

“No you aren’t,” Cass cackled. “You got exactly what you wanted. This is great mum, really. I’m glad all of that last night meant something.” She saw Hermione give her a look she had earned a lot over the past 14 years. “Okay not the fire thing but it was truly an accident.” 

“I know, sweetheart. Your mother told me.” 

Cass smiled at Bella and walked over to where she was sitting at the head of the table. She threw her arms around her mother and gave her a big hug. Bella returned the sentiment. “All right, all right.” 

Cass kissed her on the cheek before returning to her seat she whispered in her ear, “thanks for believing me, mummy. Not too many people do.” 

Bella whispered back, “love you, kid,” and then spoke up, “let’s all just relax and enjoy this dinner. Shall we?” 

The four sat in comfortable conversation talking about how school had been going so far since classes started back up after summer break and how they were getting on with everyone. Bella looked around the table at her little family and smiled a genuine smile. They were quite the band of misfits but she wouldn’t trade it for a second. She intended to keep this family as long as they wanted her. As if Hermione knew what she was thinking she mouthed, “forever then,” in her direction. Bella chuckled, got up and walked to the kitchen. She returned with a tub of Florean Fortescue’s butterbeer ice cream, bowls and spoons. As everyone was helping themselves, Hermione and Bella noticed a devilish little smirk across Cass’s face. “Mum? Mummy? Since the creatures are now free does that mean we still have to go work at the daycare?” 

Hermione and Bella shared a look before both answering, “yes.” 

Cass handed Minnie a galleon, “well, shit.” 

Notes:

Two one shots in one day. Only two left. Then it’ll be time to start uploading part four of the series. At this point whether people are reading or not… I’m excited with how Part four is going. 😂😂

Until the next one 🖤🖤

Chapter 11: Emotional Support Hufflepuff

Summary:

Cass meets the new girl.

September 1, 2021

“Minnie,” her sister was hitting her as they sat in the Great Hall watching the first years get sorted.

“What? I’m trying to listen to the sorting hat.”

“That ruddy old thing? Why do you want to listen to the sorting ceremony?”

Minnie smacked her sister back and pointed to the front. Their cousin was walking to the chair. The last of them to be sorted. “Ember Hart Black,” McGonagall called out her name.

“About bloody time,” Cass’s eyes still weren’t on her cousin.

“Oi!” Minnie slapped her again. “Pay attention.”

The sorting hat seemed to be having a full blown conversation with the youngest Black. Emmi sat under the hat listening intently, “got an awful lot to say to her. How hard is it to say Slytherin?” Cass rolled her eyes at the thought of a Black going anywhere else.

“Yes, you take after both of your mothers it would seem. The only logical place for a witch like you is in Gryffindor!”

When the sorting hat called out the house, the laugh Cass gave sounded throughout the dining hall. Ember looked at her cousins and quickly took a seat at the Gryffindor table. “Mummy is not going to be happy.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Mummy came down here and set that hat on fire,” Minnie only half listened as McGonagall gave her opening night speech.

“We could help her,” Cass smirked. “It’s still early enough in the year where I don’t have any points racked up against me. Plus, Slughorn loves me.”

Minnie let out a loud laugh causing heads to turn. After a stern look from the headmistress, she turned back to her sister and whispered, “loves? That’s an overstatement. Tolerates you because of your family name is more like it.”

“I’m going to text mummy when we get back to our rooms,” Cass had stashed her phone away for emergencies even though McGonagall had a strict no cellphone policy at Hogwarts.

“Oh so just because you’ve made prefect you think you are immune to the rules?”

“Exactly right, Minnie. Rules are a suggestion. We all know that.”

The food appeared on the table signaling that another year at Hogwarts was now in full swing. Ember looked over at her cousins with sadness in her eyes even though it was clear her housemates were trying to cheer her up. Cass saw Victoria Weasley whispering to one of her stupid little friends. If she does anything to her cousin, Cass would have to kill her. “Hey,” Minnie brought her attention back to the table. “What did you want to ask me when they were getting sorted?”

“Oh,” Cass was talking with a mouth full of food. She pointed at a hufflepuff girl with tanned skin and brown curly hair. She had never seen the girl before, “who is that?”

“Fifth year like you. 16 already. New to Hogwarts. I think she might be muggle born.”

“What’s her name?”

Minnie turned to Lyra because if anyone knew the gossip it was their cousin, “Lyra said her name is Samantha Crusoe.”

“Crusoe? Hmm… sounds like crucio. I like that.”

Minnie just rolled her eyes, “please don’t torture the transfer student. Stick to the first years. Plus you are a prefect. Act like it.”

Cass had no intention of torturing the new girl. She found herself staring though because she wanted to get to know her better and she couldn’t quite explain why. When dinner had ended, Cass immediately regretted being named prefect when she had to lead the kids down to the dungeons. James took half of the students and had already left the great Hall. “Minnie up here with me. I need you.” She turned to address the first years, “all right squibs listen up.”

“Hey you can’t call us that,” one of the smallest boys said.

“I can and I will. You’ve proven nothing to me. Okay squibs. Follow us to the dungeons. My associate prefect in training will give you a run down of the rules. Keep up. I won’t be checking to see if anyone gets lost and if you break any of the rules that Minnie speaks of, I will torture you myself. I don’t give a damn about house points.”

Cass led the group down to the dungeons as Minnie went over all of the school rules including those which will get house points taken away. “You can trust us. We’ve lost many, many house points.”

Minnie also gave them a brief history as they walked around the school which seemed to bore the kids. “Okay enough about the history,” Cass turned and started to walk backwards. “First years aren’t allowed to play quidditch. I thought after Red joined the staff they would change that rule but clearly they haven’t.”

“Cass…”

“Not yet Minerva. Self-sell here,” she continued, “but I encourage everyone to come out and see me kick ass for the Slytherin team. I’m the best chaser this school has ever had. You can ask anyone. They will agree and if they don’t. I’ll torture them.”

“Seriously Cass…”

Cass ignored her sister, too busy tooting her own horn when she backed into something at full force, tripped over whatever it was and landed face first into a bucket of dirty mop water.

“Are you okay?” A soft voice rang in Cass’s ears.

“Fucking hell,” she flipped her head out of the bucket splashing all of the first years and her sister with the water that was in her hair. “What the fuck, Minnie? A little warning.”

“I’m so sorry, are you okay?”

The voice sounded behind her again so she turned to glare when she saw that new girl from the Great Hall, “oh. Hi.” She heard Minnie snicker behind her. “The hufflepuff rooms are that way,” she internally smacked her lame greeting.

“Thanks. I got a bit lost. Forgot to follow the prefect when I saw a cat that I wanted to pet. Are you sure you are okay? That fall looked a little rough.”

“Cass falls all the time, she’s fine. An idiot but fine,” Minnie called from behind her.

The puff looked from Minnie back to the girl she had called Cass, “well I’m sorry about that, Cass. But it was lovely meeting you. My name is Sam by the way. I should really get going. That way, right?” She pointed in the direction Cass had motioned to earlier. Cass slowly nodded, “perfect. Thanks,” and she took off down the hallway.

Cass turned back towards her sister, “I’m going to kill you.”

“Let’s take the squibs to the dungeons first. Then I’ll help you get the mop water out of your hair and then you can decide if you still want to kill me.”

Cass rolled her eyes, “fine. Let’s go kids. Now as I was saying…”
*
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Bella groaned, rolling over to wake up her wife. “Get up we have to go to Hogwarts.”

“What?” Hermione was already awake. She had just been lying there enjoying the silence. “What happened? Are the girls okay?”

“Here read this,” she shoved her hello phone into Hermione’s hands.

“Mummy, Cass fell in a bucket in front of the cute new girl. It was so funny.”

Hermione tried not to laugh, “oh poor darling. Didn’t that happen to you, love?”

“I told that story?”

“It was told during your 50th birthday party.”

Bella sighed, “so many of those details are lost on me. I had a lot of drinks that night. But that’s neither here nor there. Read the message from Cass.”

“Okay,” Hermione turned back to the phone and opened the message from her other daughter, “oh no. Ember was sorted into Gryffindor. A fine house I must say.”

Bella’s jaw dropped knowing this was always a touchy subject between the two of them, “but a Black can not be a Gryffindor, pet. No matter how noble the ideation.”

“Must be from Aviya’s side,” Hermione shrugged and rolled back over to try to get the few remaining minutes of sleep she missed out on.

“This isn’t the time for a lie in. We need to get to the school and sort this out. I may have to burn that ruddy old hat.”

Hermione chuckled, “as much as I love your sense of unwarranted justice for your niece, this doesn’t seem like a problem you need to fix.”

“Ridiculous suggestion, pet. This is exactly the type of problem that needs to be sorted by Auntie Bella. We both know Cissy can’t fight her way out of a wet paper bag. Emmi needs me.”

“I wonder how Ember feels about this?”

“Does it matter? The Black family name is at stake and I can’t let her be there with the sniveling little Weasley brat. She hate our girls so I know she’ll be a problem for my Emmi bear and I won’t have it.”

Hermione tried not to let her feelings speak for her. She thought that Gryffindor was the perfect placement for Ember but knew her wife well enough to keep her thoughts to herself. She was going to approach a different conversation, “did Minnie say anything about the girl Cass likes? Is this her first crush?”

“She’s 15, pet… not dead. I’m sure she’s had plenty of crushes. Though, falling face first in dirty mop water in front of a girl you fancy is like a rite of passage for her,” she laid back down and snuggled up against Hermione’s back. They always spent the first few days after the girls went back to school together at home. It was a nice way to celebrate the quiet. “So we aren’t going to set fire to the sorting hat?”

Hermione chuckled, “maybe we should hold off until Ember owls you for your assistance.”

Bella sighed, “fine.”

“Plus,” she put her hand over Bella’s and started to move it down her body, “I had other plans for this morning.”

All thoughts of Ember and the sorting hat flew out of Bella’s mind when her hand slid beneath the waistband of Hermione’s sleep shorts.

*October*

Cass’s favorite class by far this year was Herbology because she got to be in the same room with the new girl. She didn’t learn much so far but she did get to see this girl talk and laugh with a few hufflepuffs during class.

“Oi. Cass,” James smacked her, “you aren’t really helping me here. We need to pass this for our owls. I don’t think there’s going to be a section on the test to paint a portrait of Sam by memory.”

Cass smacked him back, “say it a little louder I don’t think Lyra heard you back there.”

“I heard him,” she snickered.

“Stuff it. Both of you. When have I ever killed a plant before?” She thought back to her deceased Mandrake from second year, “don’t answer that. Besides, I wasn’t staring. I was listening to Longbottom ramble as usual. Seriously never seen a man so excited over a few plants.”

“My dad did say he was a nerd.”

Cass cackled, “that’s rich coming from your father. Biggest nerd I’ve ever met. Have you heard that man talk about brooms before?”

“Pot meet kettle,” Lyra returned to their potting desk with the materials they needed for the assignment.

“I’m still on the team making my talk of brooms important. Uncle Harry is just a nerd.”

“James, Cassiopeia and Lyra,” Neville called from the front, “anything you want to share with the whole class?”

Cass smirked, “we were just talking about how nerdy James’ dad is. Is it true you banned my cousin from Herbology because Aunt Aviya knocked over a whole row of Mandrakes when she was here?”

Neville let out a sigh knowing he was once again bestest by a spawn of Bella’s, “let’s just get back to the lesson.”

Cass whispered, “Cassiopeia Bellatrix Black,8… Professor Longbottom, 0.”

“So,” James caught up with Cass as they exited the greenhouse when class dismissed, “are you going to ask Sam to come watch the match this Saturday?”

“You mean actually talk to her? Have an actual conversation? No,” she shook her head, “definitely not.”

“Black better start practicing imperio if she wants Sam to notice her,” Victoria called out when the fourth years coming from Care of Magical Creatures caught up to them. Cass’s face turned bright red. “Don’t act like you don’t know the unforgivables. I heard your mother taught them to you by the time you were six.”

“Shut up, Weasley,” Minnie pushed past her, knocking all of her books out of her hand. “You know nothing and don’t act like you do.”

“Oh you are just as bad,” a small crowd was forming. “Everyone knows your mother is a lunatic. She is probably raising you to become the future of the death eaters.”

“Piss off Victoria,” Minnie was getting upset now. She noticed Cass was tapping her wand against her thigh just like their mummy when she got upset. “One more word you’ll regret it.”

“What are you going to do? Crucio me?”

“No,” Minnie made a move to turn and walk away but swung her open hand into a slap, cracking Victoria in the face. “Say one more thing about my family and you’ll get worse than that.” She turned towards Cass and James, “come on. She’s worthless.”

Cass couldn’t help but keep her eyes down when she noticed Sam had been there and witnessed the whole thing. “I’ll catch up with you guys. I need to have a few minutes alone.” She saw her sister didn’t seem too happy about splitting ways because Cass was clearly upset about what happened but Minnie also realized arguing would be a waste. She took off past the dungeons and straight towards Bella's quarters that for some reason McGonagall never filled. She pulled out her mother’s key even though she knew blood magic would get her in. She quickly opened the door letting it close behind her. “Stupid ginger,” she mumbled, “she thinks she’s so clever.” She slumped down on the couch, clutching one of her mother’s throw pillows, letting her frustration come through her tears. If she was going to cry, she at least wanted to do it in private.

What Cass didn’t know was the door didn’t quite latch closed and she was followed from the field, “hello?”

“Fuck off. Private quarters,” Cass mumbled.

“I was only coming to see if you were okay.”

The voice had Cass wiping her tears, sitting up, “new girl. What are you doing here?”

“It’s Sam actually,” she smiled at her. “Can I come in? The door was open and I thought you might need a friend. Victoria was out of line.”

“A friend? Ha,” Cass let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Those come in short supply when your mother is Bellatrix Black.”

“I don’t know anything about your mothers except that your one mum is the minister and your other mum must be beautiful.”

Cass gave her a look, “what makes you say that?”

Sam blushed, “other kids say she looks just like you.”

“Oh,” it was Cass’s turn to blush. “Scary. Bitchy. Sarcastic. Troublesome. Dangerous. Those are usually the terms tossed around for me and mummy. I’m surprised you haven’t heard kids talking.”

Sam shrugged, “oh I’ve heard them. Doesn’t mean I believe them. Most people here are rubbish.”

“But I always see you smiling and laughing with people,” Cass was staring at the girl. “You have so many friends already and you just got here. I have my cousins and my sister. I have a feeling the team just puts up with me because they need me and I scare them. It’s probably because I look like my mummy.”

“Just because I’m friendly doesn’t mean I like everybody. I had it pretty rough at my old school. Nobody ever tells me I look like my mom.”

“Oh?”

“She’s white. American.” If Cass had any reaction to what Sam just said nothing was seen on her face. “My dad's African and they met while mom was overseas for school. They fell in love. Like romance novels. Love at first sight. Apparently it happens.”

“My mums were hate at first sight,” Cass chuckled, “so what happened? You don’t have an accent that I can place.”

“Dad packed everything and moved to America. He said my mom was the best thing to ever come into his life until me, obviously. They are so in love it’s kind of disgusting. He took my mom’s last name and everything. So gross.”

“Ugh,” Cass made a face, “my mums are disgusting too. Ever walk in on your parents snogging? So gross. So how did you get to Hogwarts?” There was no explanation why but Cass needed to find out this girl’s story. She needed every single detail.

“Like I said, my old school was horrible. Maybe it was just the Americans. When I was going to muggle school it wasn’t so bad but imagine everyone’s surprise when I turned out to be a witch. The kids at the school didn’t take kindly to kids with No Maj parents… muggles you call them here.”

“I don’t think everyone at Hogwarts was always as accepting of muggle born students. My mother was included in that list. Had we met 20 some years ago, we probably wouldn’t be speaking,” Cass admitted shamefully.

“Well we should be glad that we were born when we were,” there was a brightness to Sam’s green eyes that Cass couldn’t stop staring at.

“Do you have your mother’s eyes?”

Sam smiled, “I do, actually. Dad has brown eyes like yours. I always wanted brown eyes. They hold so many stories.” She scooted closer to Cass on the couch. “Like you have blue along the outside of your pupils and some green/yellow tones. I bet they change color in the sun.”

Cass looked away, the intense stare making her feel awkward, “I suppose. So the kids were assholes. How did you end up here?”

“Mom and dad saw how miserable I was. Like severe depression. Mom put in for a teaching job at Oxford and here I am. Everyone here besides Victoria has been a treat.”

“She’s a cunt. Don’t tell Minnie I swore,” Cass laughed. “I’ll owe her money.”

“Did you really set all of the magical creatures free?”

Cass’s grin grew wide, “and set Hagrid’s hut on fire.” She lit the fireplace and asked Sam if she wanted some pumpkin juice that they kept in the fridge. “It was one of my shining moments,” she settled back down with their drinks and started regaling Sam with stories from her time at Hogwarts so far.

The girls weren’t sure how much time had passed since they had been talking but Cass’s stomach growled really loud. “Getting hungry? I’m always hungry,” Sam laughed. “Someone said it’s a hufflepuff trait. I think I just have a good appetite. The food here is great.”

Cass pulled out her phone, “we missed dinner. Hold on.” She called one of the elves she befriended and asked her to bring them two plates of food which the little elf did without hesitation. “Dinner is served. Looks like it was roast chicken tonight.” She handed Sam a fork, “eat up.”

“Good conversation and dinner? If I didn’t know any better I’d think this was a date,” Sam took a healthy bite from her plate.

“I mean,” Cass cleared her throat, “I wouldn’t be opposed to going on a date sometime. Though, I’ve never been on a date so I might suck at it.”

“Why do you do that?”

“Do what?” She mumbled putting more food into her mouth.

“Put yourself down. This might not be an official date but I’m quite enjoying my time with you.”

“All right,” Cass felt the Black confidence coming back. She put her fork down, “Friday afternoon is our first Quidditch match. My mums will be here. If we win, mummy will slip me some money. If we lose, she will slip me even more money. Saturday is the first Hogsmeade weekend. I’d love to take you and show you around if you’d like to go.”

“I’d love to go with you. And don’t forget to look for me in the stands. I’ll be cheering for you.”

Cass had told Sam she needed to get back before Minnie had a heart attack with her being gone so long and thanked her for hanging out with her. It was a surreal feeling when Sam told her she had a good time talking with her and gave her a quick hug before heading towards her rooms by the kitchen. Cass never had a friend before that was just hers. She and Minnie shared all their other friends because they were cousins but still Sam was just for Cass right now and she loved that. “Where have you been?” Minnie asked after she slapped Cass on the forehead when she walked into the dorms.

“You’ll never believe me.”

Minnie crossed her arms over her chest, “try me.”

“Well I went to mummy’s room to be alone and Sam followed me. She sat with me the whole time I was gone. We just talked and got to know each other and the elf brought us dinner. Sam is amazing.”

“Salazar help us all,” Minnie grinned, “little Cassiopeia is in love.”
*
Slytherin won the game 270-150. Gryffindor never stood a chance. Cass made sure to lap Victoria a few times to rub it in her face that they came out on top. She even found a few excuses to fly by the Hufflepuff stands during the match to wave to Sam. Okay, so she was showing off a little but she wouldn’t be a Black if she didn’t. She met up with her mums after the game as she had done every game for the past three years. “You flew spectacularly, darling,” Hermione bent slightly to kiss her daughter’s cheek.

“Thanks mum. What did you think mummy?”

Bella scoffed, “like those crappy old lions even stood a chance.”

“I’m going to go say hello to your sister before we head out,” Hermione gave Cass a big hug. “Really excellent game, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.”

“Here,” Bella handed Cass a coin purse full of Galleons. “Don’t tell your mother and share with your sister or else I’ll never hear the end of it from Minnie and the last thing I need is a lecture from her.”

“I’ll think about it,” her smirk was like looking in a mirror for the dark witch.

“How is school?” They took a seat outside of the team changing area.

“Great.”

“Why was Longbottom complaining about you and James being disruptive during class?”

She turned on her best innocent face, “I have no idea mummy. I always love his lectures. I’m unsure what he’s talking about.”

“Mmhmm,” Bella chuckled, “Minnie mentioned an incident with a bucket of mop water.”

“I tripped. I think someone put that bucket there on purpose.”

“It’s a Black tradition,” Bella cackled. “What else has been going on?”

“I made a friend,” Cass blushed a little thinking about Sam.

Bella noticed the color on her daughter’s cheeks but didn’t call her out on it. “Tell me about her.”

“Her name is Sam. She’s new, 5th year like me. Already 16. She’s American. Still pretty cool though. Have you ever been to New York? That’s where she’s from.”

“New York? Well that’s a special place for you,” Bella recalled the honeymoon and how Cass had been conceived there.

“Does that mean I’m American?”

Bella laughed out loud, “no. You were conceived in the States but born right here in London.”

“I’m taking her to Hogsmeade for the first time tomorrow.

“Is it a date?”

Cass shook her head, not ready to admit that to her mother, “just friends. It’s nice, you know?” Bella waited for her daughter to continue her thought. “It’s nice to have someone who is just interested in me. Not Minnie or the team. To have someone take an interest in my life who isn't family. It felt nice.”

Bella knew exactly what Cass was talking about because she felt that way when Hermione finally lost her icy exterior and let her in, “sure does sound special to me.”

“What if she decides she hates me and doesn’t want to be my friend anymore?”

“What?” Bella didn’t like the way this conversation seemed to nose dove. “Why would you even think things like that?”

Cass looked over her shoulder before saying, “I piss a lot of people off mummy. I know I’m not the easiest person to be friends with. Plus, she heard Victoria say that you are probably just raising me to be a new death eater.”

“Enough of that,” Bella would have to take care of that child. “Did she hear that before you became friends?” Cass nodded, “and she still talked to you. Seems to me she has good taste and can make her own decisions about who she wants to be friends with. Don’t worry about Weasel. She’ll get what’s coming to her one day. And if Sam hurts you let me know and I’ll have her taken care of.”
*
Cass paced in the room for over thirty minutes as she counted down the time until they could leave for Hogsmeade, “you are going to burn a hole in the carpet.” Minnie knew what was going on because her sister had come back so excited from that night in her mother’s room. “Why don’t you sit down and relax. When are you meeting her?”

“In like ten minutes…Do I look okay?” Cass finally stopped pacing and looked in the mirror for the tenth time. She was wearing a flowy black skirt kind of like what her mother would wear with black fishnets underneath. Her chunky boots gave her a little height which was excellent because Sam was taller than her. Everyone was taller than her so that was no surprise. She had a black and white long sleeve striped shirt on with a black Weird Sisters shirt over top. Her hair was down but she managed to tame her curls for once. She only wore a little eyeliner and mascara because her mothers always stressed her natural beauty.

“I think you look like a hoodlum.”

Cass shrugged, “perfect. I would hate to give off the wrong impression.”

Minnie smirked, “false advertisement is not suggested for a first date.”

“Nobody said it was a date. I just told her I’d show her around.”

“If it’s not a date, why did you change your shirt five times?”

Cass grimaced, “saw that, did you?”

“You’ll be fine,” Minnie took out her wand and cast a spell that was advanced for her year. “Orchideous,” she whispered and a small bouquet of five black roses appeared. “Give these to Sam. She’ll love them.”

“You need to teach me that. That’s a 6th year spell,” Cass sounded impressed.

“It helps being friends with the headmistress,” she handed the flowers to her sister. “You know they say every slytherin has an emotional support hufflepuff. Do you think Sam is yours?”

“Could be. Who is yours?”

Minnie rolled her eyes, “please. I’m perfectly capable of handling my emotions alone.”

Cass cackled, “slap anyone lately?”

“That was for your benefit. She deserved worse than that. She got lucky if you ask me,” Minnie tried to hide her smile. “I’m going with James and Lyra. I think Pandora is coming too. Ugh,” she tried not to sound too disgusted. “I promised Emmi I’d bring her back some sweets.”

“Remember when we tried to sneak you to Hogsmeade your second year and you refused to go. I bet Emmi would go,” Cass laughed. “She’s going to be trouble.”

“Coming from you… that’s a scary thought.”

“Oh ha. Ha. Minerva,” Cass ducked when Minnie threw a pillow at her. “Okay,” she said more to herself than anyone else. “I’m going to go.”

“Okay. Sounds good.”

“Here I go,” she still didn’t move.

“You actually need to head towards the door, chief.”

Cass glared at her sister, “wait until your first date. I’ll be insufferable. And if I’ve already left I’ll come back just to talk the piss out of you.” She nodded to herself before standing, “okay see here I go.” She grabbed the flowers Minnie had conjured and headed towards the door.

“Just remember to breathe. Nobody wants their date to end up at Mungos,” she heard Minnie calling to her as she left the dorm.

“I’ll kill her later,” she shook her head and headed straight out of their common room towards the kitchen. They were meeting outside of Sam’s house entrance. She only had to wait a few minutes for the girl to appear outside of the big barrel door. “Hi,” she immediately knew she sounded like a moron.

“Hi,” Sam sounded equally stupid so Cass didn’t feel so bad. “You look really pretty.”

“Thank you,” she blushed. Cass took in the other girl’s appearance. She was wearing a pair of light washed jeans and a chunky white knit sweater, a beanie that barely contained her hair and a pair of yellow checkered vans. “So do you.” Hopefully the butterflies in her stomach would go away soon, “here,” she handed her the flowers, “these are for you.”

Sam’s eyes lit up, “thank you. They are beautiful. I’ve never seen black roses before.”

“Well Minnie made them. I don’t know the spell yet but she’s going to teach me.”

“Black roses are my new favorite thing,” she brought them up to her nose and sniffed them.

“We should maybe get going. If we wait too long there won’t be anytime to stop by the lake and talk to the giant squid. She’s really cool.”

Sam moved to catch up and slipped her hand into Cass’s, “you are friends with the squid. I have to meet her. I’ve been practicing different dialects and squid is one of them. I have so many questions for her. Do you speak squid?”

“No,” Cass shrugged the shoulder that wasn’t attached to the hand that was being held by her pretty friend. She was sure her hand was already getting clammy. “I communicate with her through legilimens.”

“You are skilled in legilimency?”

“I don’t know if I’d say skilled but mummy taught us a long time ago. You never know when you’ll need to have a silent conversation. How many creature dialects do you know?”

“4 or 5 currently. How about I teach you to speak with some of the creatures and you teach me legilimency?” Sam sounded genuinely excited about the prospect.

“I think I’d like that very much,” she let Sam pull her out of the castle entrance and across the bridge to Hogsmeade. Cassiopeia Bellatrix Black had in fact fallen in love.

Notes:

That was super fun to write. Sam will be along for part four of the story. One more one shot to go. In it… Bella learns to drive a car. 😂😂 can’t miss that. I hope to start posting part four by November. I’m currently on chapter 10 of 15ish chapters.

Let me know if you enjoyed it!

Until the next time 🖤🖤

Chapter 12: Bella Learns to Drive

Summary:

For my wife because she insisted Bella needs to learn how to drive a muggle death trap.

Quick edit will fix mistakes eventually.

Enjoy 🖤

Summer 2022

“But mummy, I’m going to be 17 this year. I’ll be able to apparate wherever I want to go,” Cassiopeia Bellatrix Black had been following her mother through the various rooms of the manor for the past hour, trying her hardest to convince her that she was ready. 

“Exactly, Kitten. You can apparate. You don’t need to learn how to drive one of those muggle death traps,” Bella finally settled on the library as her holding ground for this all too familiar argument. She walked over, sat down on one of the couches and held out her hand as a book silently flew into it. 

Cass rolled her eyes when her mother started reading, essentially cutting off the conversation she was so desperately trying to have, “it’s a car, mummy,” she sounded frustrated which only added to Bella’s amusement. “Mum said she would get me ready. Mum has been driving forever. It’s not fair.” She had particular interest in the subject because her girlfriend Sam had her drivers license and they spent most of the summer driving around when she was allowed to visit her at the Crusoe household. Bella only recently learned about the girlfriend having her license and responded appropriately when she found out her daughter was riding around in those muggle death traps. She told Cass she wasn’t allowed back in the car with Sam until the girl proved her driving abilities. Surprisingly, Bella found her to be a decent driver. Sam was particularly proud of herself when she got the okay to start driving Cass around again.

“Your mother is an exceptional human being and can do as she pleases. Remember when you begged and begged and begged for that bicycle and we had to rush you to St. Mungos because you decided to jump the double set of stairs and you broke your arm,” Bella smirked, “and your leg.” 

“I was 13!” 

“13, 17,” Bella shrugged, “48… it won’t matter. No means no.” She bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing. She saw her daughter sit back against the couch, crossing her arms over her chest. The girl’s inky black curls falling in front of her face, covering her pout. “What did your mother say?” 

“Does it matter?” 

“Humor me.” 

“She said she was okay with it as long as you agreed,” Cass side eyed Bella but didn’t dare to look at her directly. “Said she she’d even teach me. Aunt Andy also volunteered and Mum said no to that very quickly.” 

“Your mother is a smart woman,” Bella cackled. 

“Please mummy,” she knew she sounded desperate but at this point she didn’t have anything to lose. 

“The answer is still no.” 

“But I want to take Sam on a proper date and it’s really hard when she’s always the one driving,” she pouted. 

“There’s the floo network. She’s 17. Did she pass her apparation test?” 

“You’d trust me to apparate with Sam before you’d trust your own daughter to drive?” 

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” 

Bella went back to reading and didn’t see the familiar smirk cross her eldest daughter’s lips. “I think you are just scared,” if she couldn’t get her mother to agree then she would just have to goad her into it. 

“Scared of what?” She asked, sounding unamused. 

“Scared that your 16 year old daughter will actually be better than you at something and you, Bellatrix Druella Black, heiress to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black can’t have that now, can you?”

“Excuse me?” Bella raised an eyebrow and put her book down, turning to meet the unwavering gaze of her daughter. This girl would be the death of her one day. She was such a little shit and was positive she wasn’t this manipulative as a child but thankfully most of those memories were gone though Cissy and Andy were more than happy to recount every way in which Cass was like her. 

“You are afraid that I’d be a better driver than you.” 

“Ridiculous accusation,” Bella waved her off. “I have no desire to drive a muggle death trap. I can apparate and travel by floo. Plus there are plenty of people who can drive if need be.” 

“Oh,” Cass smiled. “So you are scared. I get it now, mummy. You aren’t afraid of me being better but you are afraid that the muggles are better.” 

“You know that thin ice your Auntie Andy is always skating on?” She watched her daughter nod. “You are on it and from what I recall, you also broke your ankle ice skating. I will say this one last time. Muggle. Things. Aren’t. For. You. Kitten,” she enunciated each word as she spoke. 

“Fine,” Cass got up dramatically. “Be scared.”

*

“You need to teach me to drive,” Bella had announced to her wife when she dropped in on her unexpectedly at work. Hermione’s pen slipped out of her fingers as she looked up at her wife in shock. In all their years together, she would never get used to Bella’s antics. Just when she thought she knew what to expect, the dark witch would come out of left field with another hair brained idea. “Close your mouth, you’ll catch Phoenix shit, pet.” 

She snapped her mouth shut, “pardon me?” 

“I need to learn how to drive, immediately. Do you have time now?” 

“Right now? In the middle of my work day.” 

Bella looked around and shrugged, “you don’t seem all that busy.” 

Hermione shook her head, decidedly not engaging in the argument as to why she was in fact very busy as Minister for Magic, “why do you all of a sudden have an emergent need to drive or operate a muggle vehicle?” 

“Your daughter said…” 

“If you are referring to Cassiopeia, I believe you mean your daughter.” 

“Whatever,” she rolled her eyes. “Look, our daughter basically told me I was afraid of muggles, her and cars. That’s just not happening. It’s unacceptable.” 

“Oh,” realization hit the brunette. “Cass asked if she could learn to drive.” 

“Precisely.” 

“And it didn’t go well?” 

“She threatened me, Hermione. Our daughter threatened me,” she threw her hands up, “Bellatrix Druella Black, threatened by a teenager. Talk about humiliating.” 

“Bella?” She waited until her wife stopped pacing and looked at her. “Sit down.”  

“So,” Bella reached across the desk and took a bite of the soup that had been sitting next to Hermione’s pile of paperwork then cringed when it was cold. She whispered under her breath and steam rose from the cup of soup. “Eat that. The heating spell won’t last forever.” 

Hermione’s heart clenched at the small loving gestures from her wife, “I will.” Bella handed her the spoon and waited expectantly for the minister to take a bite. Hermione conceded knowing arguing wasn’t going to get her anywhere, put the spoon down and picked up the bowl, taking a sip from her now warmed tomato soup. “Thank you, love.” 

“Now,” Bella seemed happy with Hermione eating so she continued on her original train of thought. “When can you teach me to drive? Now? Tonight? Tomorrow? I need to learn.” 

“I don’t think this is the best idea,” Hermione let the words fall out of her mouth before she changed her mind. 

“Why?” 

“Bella,” Hermione put her soup down and reached across to hold her wife’s hand. “I love you. More than anything. I’m a very patient person and you are a very capable woman,” she chuckled when Bella nodded and smirked. “But I don’t think driving a motor vehicle is for you.” 

“Well that’s rude,” she snatched her hand away. 

“You hate riding in cars. You can’t let your daughter get to you like this,” Hermione tried to hide her smile. 

“She called me scared. I’m not scared. You will teach me.” 

“No I won’t,” Hermione wasn’t budging on this one. If she had to think of one of the most unpleasant activities in the world, well the first one was being hit with the sectumsempra with teaching Bella to drive being a close second. 

“Fine,” Bella stood up quickly. “I’ll ask someone else.” 

“Bella, don't be mad at me.” She waited for Bella to remark on her statement but she never did. Hermione noticed a softness in her eyes though and she knew that they would be okay. Pressing her luck seemed like the perfect thing to do, “if you are going to learn to drive, does that mean I can teach Cass?” 

Bella threw her hands up in the air, “betrayal from all sides today.” She stormed out of Hermione's office not looking back to see her wife laughing at her. She walked straight to the lift and rode it down to the fourth floor, entering the DMLE with a slam of the door. 

“Oh,” Kate looked up from her desk. “It’s you. Aren’t you supposed to be retired? Spending time with your children or some bullshit?” 

“What have I told you about speaking to your betters, Kate?” Bella sounded harsh but her smile told Kate everything she needed to know. “I’m here to speak with my nephew.” 

“Draco isn’t here.“ 

“No,” she scoffed. “I’m not here to see Dragon. I’m here to see my other nephew. My capable and devoted nephew. Is he here?” 

“He’s in your office. Remember you told him he could be in charge now which Harry shot down?” 

“Semantics,” she walked past Kate, patting her on the shoulder before making her way to her office. 

“Auntie Bella,” the blue-haired young man looked up from his laptop. Bella contained her eye roll at the use of electronics in her office. “What are you doing here?” 

No matter how old he got, he would always be little Teddy Lupin, the curious two year old who wormed his way into the dark witch’s heart 21 years ago. He practically grew up with her and for most of his life, he did live in her house so she liked to think that she helped raise the boy. She was quite surprised when he graduated from Hogwarts and decided that he wanted to attend a four year muggle university in London. Whatever made the boy happy is what she often told herself. He seemed to like living in the muggle world but as soon as he graduated again, he had shown interest in law enforcement and Bella snatched him up quickly before he could join the Aurors or Salazar forbid a muggle police department. He had been working at the DMLE for just over a year and he was the best rookie in Bella’s opinion. “I came to see you, kid.” He smiled up at her as she walked around and looked at the pictures and music posters he added to her walls. Andy did say how much he took after his mother, she assumed this is what she was talking about. Well that and his penchant for falling. “Love what you’ve done with the place,” she laughed. 

“I think it looks cool in here. Would you like me to change it back?”

“It’s no worry. I actually came here to ask you for a favor,” she smiled at him. Poor kid didn’t know what was coming. 

“Anything for you Auntie. You know that.” 

“I’m glad to hear it,” she smirked and he looked a little worried. 

“Cass isn’t in like legal trouble is she? Did she finally get arrested?” 

“No silly boy,” Bella waved him off. “Nothing like that. Cass is the little shit she’s always been but she’s doing fine. I need a favor for me,” she thought of the best way to broach the subject. “You know when you lived with the muggles?” 

“Yes. I still live in muggle London.” 

“Yes, well. We all make mistakes. Do you still have the car your granny bought you for graduation?” He nodded. “Good because I need you to teach me how to drive it.” 

“What? Me? What?” When Teddy pointed at himself Bella nodded. “Teach you how to drive? A muggle death trap?” 

“I know it sounds mad but I need to learn.” 

“How do I know you aren’t under the imperious curse right now?” He looked suspiciously at his aunt. 

“For a year after Cass was born, you insisted on sleeping with crookshanks so he wouldn’t feel like he was being replaced.”

He cleared his throat. The pink on his cheeks didn’t go unnoticed. “Yes, well.” 

“You sound like me, kid. So what will it be? I’m an excellent student.” 

Teddy was about to speak up when Kate cleared her throat at the door, “I could help overhearing because I was purposefully listening in but I could help you guys out. I can drive. My husband, Mark, you met him numerous times…” 

“Get to the point, Kate.” 

“We have a lot of cars. Well three. We have three cars and I’d be more than happy to let the two of you use one of them.” 

“If…” Bella knew Kate wasn’t doing anything out of the goodness of her heart. 

“I want to be there. I desperately need to see him teach you how to drive. It will be the highlight of my life.” 

“Your world must be really small,” Teddy said before he could stop it from leaving his mouth. 

“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Bella cackled. 

“Tomorrow after work,” Kate rolled her eyes but ultimately let the insult go. “We can use one of Mark’s cars and I’ll just sit quietly in the backseat and watch the magic unfold.” 

“There’s magic involved? Perfect.” 

Teddy gave his aunt a small smile before turning to Kate and giving her a knowing look as if to say what did I get myself into. 

*

That night at dinner Cass hadn’t spoken a word to Bella as the family of four sat at the dinner table with their permanent house guest, Andy. The silence was pointed and Bella was being equally as childish as her 16 year old daughter. 

“What happened between those two?” Andy broke the silence turning to her younger niece, knowing Minnie would spill the beans. 

“Cass is mad because mummy won’t let her learn how to drive and mummy is mad because Cass said she is afraid of muggles and their technology or something like that.” 

“The tea,” Andy cackled. “I agree with Cass,” she shrugged when she saw her older sister glaring at her. “But I also agree with Bella. Do you remember the bike? And the ice skating incident. Oh,” the excitement in her voice was palpable. “Let’s not forget when she fell off of the balcony upstairs because she thought she would try her hand at flying without her broom.” 

“Thank Godric Winky was up there with her,” Hermione chuckled. 

“Why?” Cass looked at her aunt with betrayal in her eyes. 

“Oh toughen up, sugar.” Andy took a sip of her wine. 

“You can learn to drive,” Bella finally spoke up and four heads simultaneously looked at her. “I’ve thought it over and you can learn.” 

“What?” Minnie and Cass asked at the same time. 

“Don’t make me regret my decision. Your mother said she would teach you so let her teach you.” 

“Mum?” Cass turned to Hermione with the biggest smile. 

“We can start this weekend.” 

After a moment, Bella added, “I, too, will be learning to drive.” Andy snorted her wine through her nose and started choking. “Stop with the dramatics, Andromeda. It’s very unbecoming at the dinner table.” 

“I already said no, Bella.” 

“Believe me,” Bella gave her wife a look. “I’m well aware of that. Not to worry. I’ve found someone equally capable to teach me how to drive.” 

“Who?” Hermione sounded almost insulted. 

“Teddy.” 

“My Teddy? My precious little baby boy is going to get in a car with you behind the wheel?!” 

“Yes.” 

“Absolutely not. I will not let this happen,” Andy scoffed. “You won’t put his life in danger like that.” 

“Have a little faith Andromeda. He said he would be happy to teach me. He’s a capable boy.” 

“You’ve threatened him. Cursed him. Tricked him into this,” Andy accused her sister. 

“I simply asked him and he said yes. We are using Mark’s car. Tomorrow evening. Kate will be there: everything will be fine. Don’t worry so much, you’ll go gray.”  

Andy rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, “brilliant so the whole company is involved.” Then she added with a mumble, “I’m not going gray.” 

“Can I come?” Minnie asked trying to hide her laugh. 

“Of course,” Bella smiled at her youngest daughter.

“No,” Hermione spoke up. “I’m not having my daughter die in a car with her mother, cousin and the lovely yet dangerous hufflepuff.” 

“I never get to do anything fun and dangerous.” 

“You can come with us,” Hermione patted her daughter’s hand. “It’ll be a much safer and equally enjoyable experience.” 

“Doubtful,” Minnie rolled her eyes. “Are you going with them?” She looked over at her aunt Andy. 

“Doubtful,” she parroted back with a smirk. “I’d rather not watch my grandson die.” 

“Always with the fucking dramatics,” Bella rolled her eyes. “Nobody is going to die. I’m just going to learn how to drive. Then she added in a whisper, “better than my daughter.” 

“Doubtful,” Cass smirked. 

*

“Why did you bring me to a muggle graveyard? Seems a bit depressing if you ask me,” Bella approached Kate’s car. 

“Teddy and I thought it best for you to start in an area where you can’t kill anyone.” 

“Yeah, Auntie Bella. Everybody here is already dead.” 

“Cheeky,” she sighed, “are we going to do this or not?” 

“Climb on in,” Teddy walked to the passenger side and reluctantly got it. Before Bella arrived he tried to talk Kate into sitting up front instead him. “I’m legally obligated to tell you that if you kill me, my granny will kill you. I sure got an earful from her last night.”

“Your grandmother has been dramatic since the day she was born,” she slid into the driver's side. 

“Buckle up,” Kate called from the backseat as she sat in the middle and buckled herself in with all three backseat buckles. “You too, kid.” 

Bella looked in the rear view mirror at Kate, “you weren’t actually invited, you know? You don’t have to be here. Three seatbelts? Nobody has any fucking faith in me.” 

“It’s my husband’s car. I feel a sense of duty to make sure you don’t crash. Plus, this is way more fun than work.” 

“Whatever,” Bella rolled her eyes, “keep your mouth shut back there or I’ll kill you.” 

“Okay, Auntie Bella, first you want to check all of the mirrors to make sure you can see out of them,” he waited until she adjusted the side mirrors with his help. “Then you’ll want to put your foot on the brake. Yep. That one and then start the car.” 

Bella put her foot in the square brake pedal and turned the key. The car roared to life, “ha! I knew I was as smart as a muggle. Now what?” She heard snickering from the back. “She thinks I won’t kill her.” 

“Ignore her,” Teddy pointed to the column in the middle of the car. “You’ll move this stick until it’s in D which means drive. Then you will slowly take your foot off the brake and give it a little gas.” 

“Here I go,” Bella sat, not making any moves. “Am I doing it?” 

“You actually have to follow his instructions, boss.” 

“Oh,” she looked down at the stick. “I thought I did it. Here I go.” Teddy and Kate shared a look when she still didn’t move. 

Slowly, Bella reached down and shifted the gear to put the car in drive, “just a little gas. Barely touch it.” 

Bella did as she was told and the car lurched forward. She reacted, slamming on the brakes jostling all of them. “This is why I’m wearing three seat belts.” 

“Kate,” Teddy gave her a look, “come on. She’s trying. Plus, everyone sucks when they first learn.” 

“Excuse me. That was not me sucking,” Bella wrinkled her nose at the sentiment. “I made the car go, didn’t I?” 

“Technically, yes.” 

Bella smirked, “then I drove.” 

“Okay,” Teddy was careful when selecting his next few words. “And it was great driving, let’s try it again and see if we can make it to that tombstone down there.” 

*Meanwhile in a shopping center parking lot across town*

Hermione, Minnie and Cass were sitting in her car that she kept at her parents house. “Okay now sweetie…” 

“No need mum. I watched Sam do this a million times,” she didn’t even bother checking the mirrors before throwing the car in drive and stepping on the gas. 

The car immediately stopped when Hermione cast a spell stalling the car, “no. That is not how we are doing this. Minnie, buckle up. Cass, there are rules and laws for proper use of a motor vehicle and I expect you to follow all of them. Plus, you’ll need to know them to pass the driving test with the instructor.” 

“There’s a test?” 

“Two tests actually. A permit test which is knowledge based and a driving test.”

“Can she take the knowledge portion for me?” Cass looked at her sister through the mirror. 

“I’m afraid not, darling.” 

“You’re on your own kid,” Minnie laughed.

“Well this just became significantly less fun.” She turned back to her mother, “you are the minister can’t you just pass me?” 

Hermione laughed, “unfortunately I have no jurisdiction in the muggle world and even if I could I wouldn’t. It’s important to learn the proper rules of the road.” 

“I already started studying the handbook,” Minnie’s smug face came into view in Cass’s mirror. 

“Of course you did, Minerva.” She rolled her eyes, “fine I’ll take the stupid tests but can I still learn while I’m studying? I really want to stick it to mummy.” 

“Right,” Hermione chuckled. “First you want to check your mirrors…” 

She went the same tutorial that Teddy had given to Bella except Hermione’s was longer and it dragged on and on and on. “Okay,” Hermione finally got down with her long winded explanation, “put the car in drive and slowly move your foot from the brake to the gas.” 

*at the cemetery*

Teddy had Bella driving around the cemetery for over an hour and much to everybody’s surprise, she had been doing a decent job. The dark witch was following all of Teddy’s directions. “This is pretty boring for me,” Kate complained from the backseat after unbuckling two of her three seatbelts. “I was expecting a little action. You weren’t actually supposed to be good at this.” 

“Blacks excel at everything,” Teddy answered for his Aunt. After all those years living together, he knew what to expect from her. 

“Couldn’t have said it better myself,” she flipped her signal on and made another left turn, taking them back towards the starting point. “I think I’m ready for a real street with actual living people.” 

“The good stuff,” Kate smirked, reaching for her seatbelts. “Finally.” 

“I can’t believe I was hesitant about driving. Are you sure there isn’t more to this? This is so easy…” she looked up in the rear view to gloat to Kate when Teddy interrupted.

“Auntie Bella look out!!” 

*at the shopping plaza* 

After wrangling Cass into following the rules of driving, Hermione was impressed with how quickly she picked up on the basics. She was maintaining a safe speed in the parking lot and avoiding all of the muggles. “You weren’t supposed to be good at this,” Minnie’s grumbling from the backseat sounded an awful lot like a conversation that had just happened across town. 

“I am not surprised,” Hermione patted Cass’s leg. “She’s always had an affinity for muggle culture. 

“Everybody makes this seem so difficult,” she said as she turned into the next aisle of parked cars. 

“You still have to pass the written test.” 

“If Sam can do it… I can do it,” Cass sounded very sure of herself. 

“Well Sam is significantly smarter than you and spent many years thinking she was a muggle.” 

“Minerva, stop it. Your sister is perfectly capable of passing the test and she is just as smart as Sam. If you keep this up, I’m afraid I’ll have to send you home.”

“Yeah and let go of that stupid grab bar,” Cass was eyeing Minnie through the mirror. “It’s starting to piss me off.” 

“Watch your language sweetheart and eyes on the road.” 

“No problem, mum.” Cass was laughing, “this is so easy…” 

“Cassiopeia look out!!!” 

*later that evening at St. Mungos*  

Minnie and Andy were sitting side by side in a hospital room waiting for the results of their X-rays. Cass and Bella were in the waiting room after being properly chastised by Hermione for their reckless behaviors behind the wheel. “So,” Bella glanced over at her daughter who looked very small, “how did it go?” 

“About the same as you, I’m guessing.” She crossed her arms over her chest sinking further down into the seat. 

Teddy came into the waiting room and took a seat next to his cousin, “granny will be fine. Broken wrist to match Minnie’s. The muggle doctor is in there casting them. Aunt Mione insisted on having the casts instead of just the skelegro potion”  

“What was Andromeda even doing there? She popped in front of the car before I had time to react. It’s not my fault her stupid ass decided to apparate in the most inconvenient location,” Bella threw her hands up in the air. She was watching where she was driving. Being careful, looking all of the ways, and poof Andy jumps in front of the fucking car like a damned lunatic.

“She said she didn’t trust you driving me around and wanted to come supervise.” 

Bella scoffed, “she supervised herself right into a fucking cast, didn’t she?” 

“For what it’s worth, you were doing a really good job, Aunt Bella,” Teddy gave her a small smile. “You picked up on it fast. I was really impressed.” 

“And Kate did say the Andy shaped dent would come out of the hood eventually,” she tried to hold her laughter in. 

“We could use my car next time,” he offered. 

“Oh no,” Bella shook her head. “This one,” she pointed to her daughter, “said there’s a knowledge test. Driving a muggle death trap and learning about them are two different things. I know longer require your services. I do not wish to learn how to drive.” 

“So does that mean I win?” Cass suddenly perked up. 

“Isn’t your sister in that room with a cast on her arm as well?” 

“Semantics,” Cass tried to wave Teddy off. “She was the one grabbing the bar above the seat in a dramatic fashion. I had everything under control. It’s not like that one way sign was there as anything other than a suggestion. And I haven't taken the test yet. I didn’t know what that sign even meant.” 

“So you went down a one way road and then what?” 

“Well I swerved so I wouldn’t hit the old muggle man and I hit into one of those parked cars.” 

Bella was chucking at her daughter, “and you consider that a win? You actually think your mother will let you behind the wheel again?” 

“She obliviated the muggle. Nobody else was around.”

“You crashed her car.” 

“You crashed Mark’s car!!” 

“This is one of the most ridiculous fights I’ve ever witnessed,” Teddy watched the two Black’s glaring at each other. “Seems that whether or not your intentions were to cause harm, there is something inherently dangerous about the Black women operating a muggle vehicle.” 

“When did you become the voice of reason?” Bella stared at her nephew. 

“Living in your house for 18 years… it was bound to happen to one of us. Can’t expect it to be my grandmother,” he laughed. 

“Wise words, kid,” Bella cackled. 

“So,” Cass interrupted, “about that license…” 

“Forget it, love,” Bella wrapped her arm around Cass’s shoulders, “that ship sailed when you wrecked your mother’s car.” She smiled when she felt her daughter sigh dramatically, “face it, kitten. The muggle world isn’t ready for the Blacks.” 

Notes:

We’ve come to the end of our one shots that span 15 years of the story. When we pick up at part 4, we will be entering Cass’s final year at Hogwarts in 2023. Evil Kelly wrote most of that story. It’s almost done… still a few chapters left to write but I’ll start posting it soon.

Until the next time 🖤🖤

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 4 of Shades of Grey