Soul Bound 30

“Hermione Sofia Black get back here right now young lady!”Bellatrix’s voice thundered through the house. Narcissa looked away from her full length mirror where she was fixing her robes just in time to see a very naked three year old Hermione running into her room and hiding behind the arm chair near the window. The toddler was giggling the entire time. Narcissa thought it served Bellatrix right that Hermione was running away from her while she was trying to give her bath because the eldest Black sister constantly encouraged Hermione to act out. They however didn’t have time for Hermione to misbehave. Nymphadora was set to take the train to Hogwarts for the first time and requested the entire family including the Grangers and Hermione to see her off. Everyone agreed and it was Bellatrix’s job to get Hermione ready. Starting with a bath.

“Hermione what are you doing?”Narcissa asked the girl as she rounded the chair and caught the child crouching behind it.

“Hiding from Bella.”Hermione told her.

“I know it’s fun to play tricks on Bella but you really need to take a bath and get ready. Today is an important day for Dora. You don’t want mess it up and make her sad do you?”Narcissa knew that Hermione wouldn’t want to upset anyone.

“No.”Hermione said.

Narcissa reach out her hand.”Then let’s go back to your room so you can take a bath.”

“Ok.”Hermione took the hand and walked with Narcissa back to her room where a very irritated Bellatrix was waiting.

“Hermione you need to take a bath.”Usually Bellatrix would laugh at Hermione’s hijinks but they didn’t have time to waste.

“She knows and she is willingly to cooperate so that she doesn’t mess up Dora’s big day.”Narcissa smiled when Hermione nodded along with what she was saying.

“I’ll be good for Dora.”Hermione told her.

Bellatrix sighed in relief.”Good let’s get you in the tub.”

“I’ll leave you two to it.”Narcissa gave Hermione a kiss on the head and made her way to the kitchen. She noticed Andromeda and Jean were there both already dressed for the day. Narcissa fixed herself a cup of tea and joined the two women at the table.”How are you holding up?”

“I can’t believe she is going to Hogwarts today. It seems like yesterday I was waking up in the middle of the night to give her a bottle.”Andromeda was shocked that her daughter was old enough to go to Hogwarts.

“How is she holding up?”Jean expected to be just as shellshocked as Andromeda was when it was Hermione’s turn to go off to school.

“She is going back and forth between being really excited to somewhat depressed. I’m hoping that she will be to distracted by all the new things she encounters and won’t have time to be homesick.”Andromeda wanted Nymphadora to have fun while she was away. Not be sad and want to come home.

“I think she will likely send a lot of letters home in the beginning but once she gets her footing she will be fine.”Narcissa didn’t think Nymphadora would be sad for long.

“I’m worried about her having to deal with gossip and heaven forbid bullying.”Andromeda had tried to protect her daughter as much as she could over the years but there was no way to protect her when she was living away from home.

“I don’t think anyone will mess with her. If anything people will want to befriend her because she is a Black.”Narcissa had been incredibly pleased when Nymphadora had agreed to change her last name to Black.

“She is going to be going to school with two of Molly’s children though.”Andromeda and her sisters had not stopped getting attacked regularly from Molly and Ted. They had taken to suing them without a lawyer because no-one would take their cases anymore after they continuously lost all the other lawsuits they filed.

“One of them is Arthur’s so I don’t think he will be a problem as Molly has limited visitation with him and the other ones she doesn’t have custody of. As for the oldest Dora knows to stay away from him and will tell us if she is having any problems with him or anyone else.”Narcissa knew Nymphadora wouldn’t hesitate to let them know if she was being targeted.

“The girl can take care of herself as well. You have taught her how to.”Jean didn’t think Nymphadora would have many problems. The Black sisters were well loved in the magical world and nobody would be stupid enough to piss them off. Except for Ted and Molly.

“We are ready.”Bellatrix announced as she carried Hermione into the kitchen.

“She can’t wear that.”Narcissa wasn’t going to let Hermione see Nymphadora off on the train wearing a quidditch uniform.

“Why not?”Bellatrix wanted everyone to see Hermione wearing her jersey.

“Bella we are representing Dora today. That means we all have to dress according to our stations. Hermione included.”Narcissa explained.

Denis chose that moment to walk into the room. Seeing Hermione he smiled.”Well look how cute you are.”

“See Denis approves.”Bellatrix smirked at her sister.

“I think she is fine in her quidditch uniform. She will be forced to wear fancy clothing a lot in the future. Let’s give her a chance to be comfortable when she can.”Jean told them.

“She will not bring wearing that when she boards the train herself.”Narcissa wouldn’t allow it.

“We will see.”Bellatrix was going to have to convince Hermione to wear her jersey at least.

“I’m ready to go.”Nymphadora said as she walked into the room.

Denis looked at his watch.”We should get going then if we want to miss traffic.”

“Andy do you remember where to go?”Narcissa would prefer to ride in the car with the Grangers but since Nymphadora was leaving that day Andromeda earned the right. That meant she got to ride with Hermione as well. 

Andromeda rolled her eyes.”Yes Cissa I know where to go. You have not only told me a hundred times we have driven the route half a dozen times.”

“I just don’t want you getting lost.”Narcissa didn’t want Nymphadora to miss the train.

“Do you have all your stuff?”Bellatrix asked Nymphadora.

“It’s in my pocket and I remember the spell to make it regular size again.”Nymphadora told her.

“Good then let’s get going.”Bellatrix led the group out of the house and waited for Denis to unlock the doors on his car. Once unlocked she opened the door and secured Hermione in her car seat.”We will see you in a few minutes love.”

Hermione reached out her arms.”You stay.”

“Andy is going to be with you. Me and Cissa are going to see you in a few minutes.”Bellatrix felt her heart break seeing Hermione’s frown. She loved that Hermione wanted her near her but hated that it upset her when they were apart.

Andromeda took her seat next to Hermione.”I’m right here sweetheart.”

“I will see you soon.”Bellatrix promised. She gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek and walked away from the car.

“When we see each other again I’ll give you a big hug.”Narcissa told Hermione.

“Bye Cissa.”Hermione said.

“Bye darling.”Narcissa gave Hermione a kiss on the forehead and made her way over to Bellatrix.”Let’s go.”

“After you.”Bellatrix watched Narcissa disappear and pulling on her magic followed after her. When the feeling of being pulled through a tube ended she was standing in a crowded train station.

“It looks like they are going to have a big starting class this year.”Narcissa could see the line of young children that looked to be about her niece’s age waiting to go through the wall.

“I don’t see anyone I know.”Bellatrix didn’t recognize any of the people around her.

“We are already gaining attention.”Narcissa wasn’t happy about the many eyes that were focused on she and her sister.

“It will get worse when the others join us.”Bellatrix expected most of the crowd would be watching their every move.

“The others who are here.”Narcissa perked up when she saw Andromeda walking beside Nymphadora with Jean and Denis following behind them. Jean was holding Hermione.”You made it.”

“Cissa seriously. Of course we made it.”Andromeda didn’t understand why her sister thought she wasn’t capable of getting the group there.

“Cissa.”Hermione called out.

“Come here my darling so I can give you the hug I promised.”Narcissa made her way over to Jean who handed Hermione to Narcissa. The toddler was getting heavy and pretty soon Narcissa was going to have to use a feather light charm to be able to carry her. As soon as Hermione was in her arms Narcissa gave her a hug.

“Are you ready?”Andromeda asked Nymphadora.

Nymphadora nodded.”I’m ready.”

“Everyone get in line then. I’ll take Denis. Andy you take Jean.”Bellatrix and Andromeda had to help the pair through the wall because they didn’t have enough magic to get through.

“You see that wall Hermione?”Narcissa pointed to the wall the people were walking through. Hermione nodded her head.”We are going to walk through it.”

Hermione’s eyes widened.”Really?”

“Really.”Narcissa confirmed.

“Wow.”Hermione said.

“Watch Dora.”Narcissa moved her body so Hermione could see Nymphadora walked through the wall.

“Can we go?”Hermione asked.

“Yes we can go right now. Are you ready?”Narcissa got another head nod in reply. Walking through the wall she smiled hearing Hermione gasp.

“Bella we walked through a wall”Hermione told Bellatrix when she joined the pair. 

“Was it fun?”Bellatrix wished she had been the one to take Hermione through but the girl picked Narcissa.

“Can we go again?”Hermione asked.

“In a little while.”Narcissa assured her.

Bellatrix reached out and fixed Hermione’s uniform. She made it so everyone could see the back clearly.”That’s better.”

“I’m going to miss everyone.”Nymphadora’s eyes were filled with tears.

“Oh sweetheart.”Andromeda pulled her daughter into a hug.”We will miss you too.”

“It’s not going to be the same around the house without you.”Denis enjoyed having Nymphadora living with them and would genuinely miss her.

Nymphadora pulled out of the hug and wiped her eyes.”I’ll make sure I write everyone.”

“We would like that.”Bellatrix wanted to hear all about her niece’s time at Hogwarts.

“I’ll draw pictures for Hermione so she doesn’t feel left out.”Nymphadora told them.

Andromeda smiled. She loved the close relationship her daughter had with Hermione.”I’m sure she will appreciate that.”

“Remember no matter what house picks you we will be incredibly proud. It doesn’t matter if it’s not Slytherin.”Narcissa knew that Nymphadora wasn’t going to be a snake. The girl was to earnest and kind hearted to be a member of that house.

“I just hope it’s not Gryffindor.”Nymphadora grumbled.

Bellatrix laughed.”Make sure you tell the hat you don’t want to be put there. Usually it listens.”

“I will.”Nymphadora said.

The whistle on the train sounded signaling it was time to board. Andromeda took her daughter in her arms again.”Have fun and if you need anything let us know. Especially if someone is giving you trouble.”

“I know.”Nymphadora pulled out of the hug and gave Jean one.

“You are going to do great I just know it.”Jean expected great things from Nymphadora.

Denis opened his arms to get the next hug. Once Nymphadora was hugging him he leaned down and whispered in her ear.”I snuck some of your favorite muggle snacks into your trunk.”

“Thanks Denis.”Nymphadora moved to hug Bellatrix next.

“I want to know at the first sign of trouble.”Bellatrix pulled back from the hug and took a small leather pouch out of her pocket and handed it to Nymphadora.”Here is some gold to get things from the trolley.”

“Don’t eat too much all at once. Save some for later if you need to.”Andromeda was alright with Nymphadora having gold to spend on the trolley because it was something she and her sisters were never allowed by their parents. If it wasn’t for Bellatrix Andromeda and Narcissa wouldn’t have been able to get anything. Andromeda wanted her daughter to have the full Hogwarts experience.

“I won’t.”Nymphadora approached Narcissa and Hermione last.

Narcissa put her unoccupied arm around her niece.”We will be anxiously awaiting your first letter.”

“Bye Cissa, bye Hermione.”Nymphadora smiled at Hermione when the toddler patted her on the head. 

“Bye Dora.”Hermione replied.

“Don’t forget to unshrink your stuff when you get to your room.”Andromeda reminded her.

“I won’t.”Nymphadora said.

“Get going.”Bellatrix told her.

“Bye everyone.”Nymphadora gave them a wave and made her way to the train.

Bellatrix put her arm around Andromeda.”It’s alright Andy. She will be just fine.”

“Andy sad?”Hermione asked.

Andromeda looked over to Hermione and gave her a smile.”I’m fine little one.”

“Hug?”Hermione offered.

“I would love a hug.”Andromeda would never miss the opportunity to give Hermione a hug. She happily took Hermione in her arms when the toddler lunged at her.

Hermione wrapped her small arms around Andromeda.”Better?”

“All better.”Andromeda lied. She was still sad but didn’t want to upset Hermione. The girl was very in tune with their moods and would get upset if they were upset.

“Look there is Arthur.”Bellatrix discreetly pointed to the man who was talking to a red headed boy.

“It’s odd that Molly isn’t here. I would assume she would be bringing her other son to the train. He is going Hogwarts today with everyone else.”Narcissa had been prepared for a Molly incident.

“I’m glad she isn’t. It allowed Dora to have a good experience. I actually thought Ted would show up.”Andromeda expected her ex-husband to come and cause a scene.

“I did to.”Jean thought he would have brought a lawyer with him.

“Well they didn’t so we were able to finally have a positive Hogwarts train experience.”Bellatrix was happy they did.

“I hate that Hermione’s will not be that.”Narcissa knew that a lot more than Molly were going to make a scene when Hermione was getting her send off.

“Hurry up we are late.”A very familiar female voice shouted.

Bellatrix groaned when she caught sight of Molly and Ted rushing out of the wall with a red headed boy.”We are cursed.”

“At least Dora is on the train already.”Andromeda was not pleased that her ex-husband did in fact show up.

“Should we take Hermione and leave?”Denis asked.

“It would break Dora’s heart if she looked out the window and didn’t see you with us.”Andromeda knew her daughter would be extremely upset if the Grangers left.

“I guess we should have expected to meet both Molly and Ted eventually.”Jean hadn’t thought they would ever encounter them.

“Just don’t speak to them at all. Even if they anger you don’t say a word. We will handle them.”Bellatrix wasn’t giving the pair any information on the Grangers or Hermione.

“Not a problem with me.”Denis wouldn’t have said anything anyway.

“I would prefer not speaking to them.”Jean said.

“Good.”Bellatrix also wanted the couple to say nothing because it would anger Molly and Ted when they didn’t get their questions answered. Seeing the pair walk towards them Bellatrix took a step in front of the group.

“Whose child is that?”Molly demanded a she walked up to the sisters and the random man and woman standing with them. Molly didn’t know who they were but based on the high quality robes they wore they were likely wealthy.

Bellatrix ignored the question.”Can we help you Molly?”

“You can help me by telling me whose child you stole. I’ve seen the pictures. You have had her since she was a baby and as she doesn’t look like any of you I know you stole her.”Molly knew the child didn’t belong to the sisters.

Bellatrix ignored her again.“Well if you don’t have anything important to say to us would you kindly leave us alone so that we can wave to Dora when the train leaves?”

“My daughter should be waving to me.”Ted told her.

“Your daughter wants nothing to do with you. So you should just leave before you make a scene.”Andromeda knew he wouldn’t leave but she wanted to say it so the people obviously ease dropping on their conversation knew it was Ted who escalated things not her.

“It’s your fault she wants nothing to do with me. I have begged the courts for custody but you keep paying off all the judges. The same thing with my lawsuits. You bribe everyone to get your way.”Ted knew that Andromeda was the reason nothing went in his favor. She was purposely sabotaging his life.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes.”How do you explain you admitting to lying about all the things you were claiming about us while on the stand?”

“You tampered with the potion.”Ted lied. He figured if he could convince people of it they would support him.

“Andy I’m bored.”Hermione said.

Andromeda laughed with Bellatrix and the Grangers. Even Narcissa had a small smile on her face.”They are very boring aren’t they sweetheart.”

“Can we go through the wall?”Hermione asked.

“We are waiting for the train to leave so we can wave to Dora, darling.”Narcissa explained.

Hermione looked to Bellatrix.“Will you tell me a story Bella?”

“Of course I’ll tell you a story. Let me just get rid of these two.”Bellatrix turned her attention to a stunned looking Molly and Ted.”Now if you would please leave we’ve got better things to do than talk to you.”

“I’m not leaving until you tell me whose child you stole.”Molly had been trying for years to save the little girl from the Black sisters but no one would take her case. Even the aurors refused to get involved.

Bellatrix ignored Molly once again.“What story do you want to hear?”

“When you won the quidditch match.”Hermione told her.

“Of course you would want a quidditch story.”Narcissa wasn’t surprised because Hermione was obsessed with the game. She was obsessed with flying as well and always asked to go.

“You are just mad that she doesn’t want to hear any of your quidditch stories.”Bellatrix knew Narcissa hated when she wasn’t asked to tell Hermione a story.

“Cissa is mad?”Hermione looked at Narcissa.

Narcissa stepped forward and ran her fingers through Hermione’s hair.”I’m not mad little one. Bella was just teasing.”

“Rude.”Hermione said.

“Yes darling she is being very rude.”Narcissa agreed.

“I’m not being rude.”Bellatrix hadn’t even been to Molly and Ted. Who for some reason were still standing there.”Are you two idiots going to stand there staring all day?”

“I’m not leaving until Andy admits that she paid off the judges.”Ted raised his voice so everyone in the crowd could hear him.

Seeing Hermione holding her ears Andromeda became concerned.”What’s wrong with your ears sweetheart?”

“That man’s voice makes them hurt.”Hermione replied causing not only Andromeda to laugh but Bellatrix, the Grangers and random people in the crowd who were listening to the conversation to laugh as well.

“You heard her Ted your voice hurts her ears. That being the case go away so the poor girl doesn’t experience any lasting damage.”Bellatrix was the loving the way Hermione was owning the conversation. 

“Living with the three of you is damaging her.”Molly snarled.

“You’re mean.”Hermione said.

Narcissa let out a soft chuckle before she could stop herself.”You are once again right darling. She is very mean.”

“How dare you poison that child’s mind?!”Molly was outraged the sisters would make the girl hate her.

“The train is leaving.”Andromeda said. She moved around Ted and Molly so that Hermione could see better. Jean and Denis joined her.”Make sure you wave to Dora.”

Bellatrix walked around the pair as well taking a spot next to Andromeda.”Big wave now.”

“That’s a good job.”Narcissa complimented Hermione when she to ignored the pair and stood on the other side of Andromeda.

“There’s Dora.”Hermione pointed to the train in excitement.

“Keep waving.”Bellatrix watched as her niece waved to all them with a bright smile on her face.

Once her daughter was out of sight Andromeda sighed.”I hope she writes us soon.”

“She will because she will want you to know which house she was put in.”Denis figured Dora would write them before she even unpacked.

“Let’s get out of here.”Bellatrix wanted to leave before Molly and Ted regrouped.

“Do you want to go through the wall again?”Andromeda asked Hermione.

“Can we please?”Hermione asked.

“Of course I’ll take you through right now.”Andromeda didn’t pay attention to Molly or Ted as she walked past them to the wall. They didn’t matter to her. Nymphadora got a good experience for her first train ride that’s all that mattered. Even though the pair tried to ruin it. Andromeda would have to have another talk with Nymphadora about Ted. The girl wasn’t old enough to find out the truth but Andromeda wanted to make sure Nymphadora knew what kind of a person he was. Andromeda had never hidden anything about Ted from her daughter but she hadn’t purposely told her about all his flaws. She hadn’t wanted to upset Nymphadora but now that she was going off on her own it was time she knew what kind of man he truly was. Nymphadora did know that if he wrote to her at school that she was to send the letter to her mother. Ted wasn’t allowed to contact Nymphadora directly unless Andromeda gave him permission. Something she would not be doing. Ted was not a good influence on anyone let alone an 11 year old girl and because of that if he tried to speak to Nymphadora Andromeda and her sisters would make him regret the day he was born. It was the least he deserved.