These stress levels are not healthy

I'm waitin' for that call sayin' records are not sellin'

I wonder when this all disappears and they forget me

Will I feel like I found who I was or be more empty?

"My Stress" by NF

Chapter 26
Part One

December 3rd..

Life for Bellatrix and Rodolphus has been moving slow lately. Rodolphus would spend most of the week with Rebecca at the dental clinic, assisting in small procedures and taking as many notes as possible for his dentistry course while making time for his wife and Hermione.

Bellatrix on the other hand was bored out of her mind, even job hunting bored her to tears. When Hermione was not with her, she would spend her time playing either the Nintendo 64, Playstation 1 or 2 and other consoles. Muggle television series lost its charm over her so she did not bother with it unless it was the news. The only time when boredom was defeated is when Hermione or Rodolphus return home.

Family members and friends did try to help Bellatrix find a job that would suit her, even Andromeda recommended becoming a teacher at Hogwarts. Bellatrix tried not to shudder. She had heard from Narcissa a few months ago that Snape was a potion's assistant at Hogwarts so the idea of working near him made her gag.

On top of well meaning suggestions, both Rodolphus and Bellatrix were learning how to drive. While to outsiders the sight of them learning to drive was hilarious, for the couple and Rebecca it was a nightmare.

The two had a problem with speeding and not changing the gears properly, often causing the old car to either stop or slow down.

After almost hitting a tree Rebecca decided to take them to a professional driving instructor in Manchester. Rodolphus and Bellatrix agreed wholeheartedly. Not that Rebecca was bad at teaching, it's just she had the wrong car to teach them in.

Unfortunately driving lessons and boredom was not the only things affecting their lives. Lately nightmares, anxiety and paranoia having being making rounds through Rodolphus, Bellatrix and Hermione.

About an hour ago Hermione had woken up screaming, thinking that Savage Greyback was in the house. It took a while for her to calm down while the house elves changed the bed sheets and laid out new pyjamas. A cup of tea laced with sleeping draught and a children's book eventually calmed her enough to fall asleep.

Both Rodolphus and Bellatrix were lying in bed, hoping that Hermione won't have another nightmare tonight.

Bellatrix stared at the ceiling while her husband tried to get comfortable again.

"Please Gods, let us rest tonight.." She wearily thought herself.

Just one night of actual sleep was what they all needed. Nightmares and stress were feeling more like a chore these days, so a night of actual sleep would be like a vacation for them.

The witch turned to her side and glared at the clock.

"Of course it's three am, Gods forbid we have a normal night.."

Behind her Bellatrix could hear soft snoring from her husband. She curled her lips into a frown; never has she been so jealous of husband's ability to fall straight back to sleep. "Bastard"

Carefully Bellatrix got out of bed and made her way down stairs to their back porch. It was quite chilly outside but she didn't mind, in a weird way it was relaxing for her. She looked up to the cloudy sky and just let her mind wander.

She was too tired to focus on anything particular.

"I wish it wasn't a new moon tonight, it would be nice to see the moon on a night like this. Like a horror novel or something."

She frowned again, thinking of Ashwood, Savage and her family.

Clouds continue to float by, occasionally breaking to reveal small stars. The cold breeze pushed through the trees behind the fence. For a while Bellatrix just sat there, staring at the sky. She didn't realise that she was crying until the wind hit her face.

Bellatrix wiped the tears from her cheeks but she kept crying.

"Why am I so messed up? Why do I have to keep hurting everyone?"

Bellatrix fell against the wooden railing, hitting herself as she sobbed.

"You selfish bitch."

Her fist connected repeatedly against the side of her head but the worst pain she felt was in her chest, her heart trying break through her chest and escape.

She let out cry as she punched the wood railing and just slumped against it, letting out everything. She didn't even notice the warm arms holding her nor even the door opening.

Bellatrix barely registered what her husband was saying.

"I got you"

Rodolphus hugged Bellatrix with gentle arms. There was so much he wanted to say but couldn't string a proper sentence together so he just held her and rocked her gently.

What could a broken person say to another that they haven't heard before?

It was close to sunrise before Bellatrix cried herself to sleep in Rodolphus's arms.

Carefully he carried her back to bed and went in to the kitchen.

He made himself a cup of tea but didn't drink it, he just sat at the table staring into the dark liquid.

Their house elves went to check on Bellatrix and Hermione but left him alone.

Rodolphus wiped any stray tears away from his scarred face.

"Just one night without stress, is that too much to ask?"

His hand stilled for a moment, touching the scar beneath his eye. Rodolphus tried to swallow the lump he felt in his throat.

He brought his hand to the cup once more, his thumb tracing the edge of the lip.

RG*RG*RG*RG*RG

It was a frosty Saturday morning at Malfoy Manor. Hermione, Draco, Pansy and Blaise sat around the fire place, chatting excitedly about what they were going to do today.

Today is the day Hermione will visiting Diagon Alley. Naturally Rodolphus and Bellatrix were nervous, their anxiety conjuring up worst case scenarios of what could happen but every time Hermione looked up at them with that special smile, their minds were eased.

To make this day even more special, Hermione asked for her hair to look like Bellatrix's signature wild pony tail. For all of breakfast Bellatrix looked so smug as the elves styled Hermione's hair. One could imagine the shock when they arrived at Malfoy Manor, especially when Rodolphus wrapped his Slytherin scarf around Hermione.

It was like Hermione was a LeStrange

In some ways it was fortunate that the first conversation between the adults was not of Hermione; it was of the mischief Bellatrix was causing in the Muggle world. Much to Narcissa's dismay, Bellatrix decided to trick the teachers into arguing with each other. An argument about which would be better, flying a broomstick or using magic to teleport around the world.

Now Bellatrix would like to make it clear that neither teacher believes magic is real nor has anyone showed them magic, Mrs Granger can confirm; all Bellatrix did was bring up the topic which led to an hour long aggressive discussion about which would be better.

Narcissa wanted nothing more than for the topic to end.

Mr Parkinson chuckled. "I wish we could have seen what their conclusion was."

"Well, they'ed have to pick flying over apparition right?" Rodolphus suggested, closing his text book.

Parkinson and Zabini gave the French man a funny look.

"No way is flying better than apparating."

Lucius and Narcissa both rolled their eyes, while Mrs Parkinson and Mrs Zabini gave each other a look.

Bellatrix scoffed. "At least flying doesn't leave you disorientated like apparating does."

"Can please finish this silly conversation and get ready for our family day out?" Narcissa groaned. Behind her Lucius muttered something under his breath. Narcissa ignored him.

Perseus, Eugenio, Rodolphus and Bellatrix mumbled their apologies and finished their forgotten cups of tea.

Feeling pleased with herself Narcissa brought here attention to the three children by the fire place. "Are you children ready?"

Three sets of big eyes glowed with excitement.

"Yes!"

Narcissa walked over to the floo fire place while the others followed her.

Bellatrix and Rodolphus grabbed Hermione's hand, albeit tightly. Though one look from Hermione made them loosing their grip.

"I'm so excited!"

They returned her smile.

Narcissa turned to face the group as she took a handful of floo powder. "Remember we are arriving in the small lane across from Gringotts."

From the back of the group Eugenio raised his hand. "What's the lane way called again?"

Lucius, Narcissa and Draco stood in the floo fire place. "Collins Lane, Diagon Alley." With a flick of her wrist, Narcissa threw the powder to the ground. Green flames swallowed the trio, leaving only a faint musty smell.

Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Hermione took their turn, though Hermione was reluctant at first. "It's okay Hermione, just keep holding our hands."

Hermione held on tight as the familiar sensation made her feel sick; she hated it but in an instant it was over.

Smoke and dust welcomed the trio to Collins Lane. The lane way was filled with floo connection points with many people arriving and going. Hermione stared in wonder.

Rodolphus and Bellatrix spotted Narcissa at the end who gave a slight wave.

The French wizard picked up Hermione and followed his wife through the bustling crowds. Many people got out of their way as quick as possible before staring at the young girl in Rodolphus's arms.

"Hi Her-my-o-knee!" Draco chirped as the trio entered Diagon Alley.

Hermione's jaw dropped in awe. The street was filled with all sorts of magic and chatter. It was nothing like what she imagined it would be like; it was far better.

"Wow!"

Behind them they could just hear the Parkinsons' and Zabinis' making their way through the crowd.

"I have to go to Gringotts first, I'll met you at Flourish and Blotts." said Bellatrix, eyeing the bank.

Rodolphus nodded. "Oh, okay," he leaned in closer to her. "We're still going to visit Ollivander's right?"

"Of course dear," she kissed his cheek and then Hermione's. "I'll see you both soon."

Narcissa eyed her sister curiously to which Bellatrix gave a slight nod. They would talk later in private.

The dark haired witch stalked through the crowds to the bank. Witches and wizards ducked out of her way as she approached the heavy oak doors. The doors opened for Bellatrix, almost hitting a patron leaving the bank. She threw a nasty glare at the stranger.

Goblins sat at their tall desks, shifting through many letters as Bellatrix went past.

At the end of the great hall sat the manager. He ushered the two wizards in front of him along, making space for Bellatrix.

He knew better than to keep her waiting.

"Ah, Madame LeStrange, how may I be of service today?"

Bellatrix took out two keys, one belonging to her parents and the other to her.

"I need to check the Black family vault and then my own."

Ricbert inspected the two keys before nodding. "Very well. Griphook, please escort Madame LeStrange down to the vaults.

A well dressed goblin appeared by Bellatrix and bowed. She returned with a courteous nod and followed him to the where the high security platform was.

Well first they had to go through three sets of doors before stepping on to the platform. Each door had a special charm that revealed anything that could harm the bank; mostly thieves. It took five minutes for the process and then ten minutes on the cart before she arrived Cygnus and Druella's vault.

Griphook took the key from Bellatrix and began unlocking all ten locks on the first vault door. "Now I'm sure you are aware that I cannot leave you unattended in your parents vault Madame LeStrange."

The witch rolled her eyes as the first vault door opened. "I have no intention of removing anything from the vault goblin, I'm only interested transactions before my father died."

Griphook looked over his shoulder. "Right."

The second vault door swung open with a thud. Mountains upon mountains of gold filled the gymnasium sized vault. Evens swords and rare cups were scattered amongst the gold coins. Bellatrix spotted her father's favourite cup on a shelf above a pile coins. Apparently it belonged to Helga Hufflepuff.

Bellatrix carefully walked around the piles coins to an oak desk. Behind her Griphook waved his hand and a long sheet of parchment appeared on the desk.

She picked up the parchment and read it carefully.

"Do you know if my father made any private transactions before died or even my mother?"

Griphook studied Bellatrix, not saying anything.

She looked down at the goblin, raising a brow.

"The only thing that was removed from the vault was a black leather diary. That's all I know."

Bellatrix furrowed her brows. "A diary? I never thought writing would be important business."

She handed the parchment Griphook and left the vault.

It took nearly half an hour to get back to the surface after Bellatrix withdrew a couple hundred gold coins from hers and Rodolphus's shared vault.

The cold winter breeze felt amazing as Bellatrix stood in the street. Anything was better than the old rank, musty smell of Gringotts.

"What could be so important about a diary?"

The witch made her way to Flourish and Blotts, sneering at anyone who cut in front of her. One of the shops she walked past however stood a witch with blonde curly hair, a quill and a notebook.

Curious eyes followed Bellatrix.

Snow started falling as Bellatrix entered the quiet bookshop. The smell of books and crackling fire instantly relaxed her.

Familiar footsteps from upstairs caught her attention.

"Ma Cherie" Rodolphus smiled, appearing top of the stair case.

Hermione ran past him down the stair case, jumping straight into Bellatrix's arms. "You're back!"

Her heart swelled. "Hello love, find any good books?"

"We found a lot, maybe even a few for our anniversary." Rodolphus said with cheeky smile.

Bellatrix perked up at that. "Really? I guess have find something even better for you then."

Rolling his eyes, Rodolphus chuckled.

"C'mon, your sister wants us to have lunch at Peregrines."

The trio left Flourish and Blotts, completely unaware of a certain blonde witch following them.

"Mysterious LeStrange child, first seen at the Falcons game, now being show off at Diagon Alley. But is Mr LeStrange the father?" the blonde witch whispered to herself.

A smug look appeared on her face.

"Oh Rita, you are going to be famous."

RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*RG

Time was moving far too slow for Rebecca Granger's liking and it seemed to slow down even more so when she encountered problems. She and Ted Tonks were in Manchester looking for legal help against the Faelyns, unfortunately no one seemed brave enough to go against them.

For the moment, at Ted's insistence, they were taking a break in a small cafe. A blue berry muffin and a cup of tea sat in front of Rebecca. She would take sips from her tea but barely ate the muffin, just picking at it with a fork.

Ted offered a sympathetic smile, preferring not to say anything.

It would have been futile to try cheering the matriarch up. Besides, Rebecca prefers having the cafe atmosphere while she thought up a plan.

She wasn't sure how they could win the custody battle against the Faelyns, especially without a lawyer. Rebecca wouldn't let that stop her from fighting the Faelyns; she will find a way to win somehow.

RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*RG

Lunch with her sister and friends was a bit boring for Bellatrix. Everyone seemed to be interested in Professor Slughorn's retirement announcement and Snape replacing him as Potions Master at Hogwarts. Rodolphus grabbed her hand under the table. She felt a bit relieved he was bored too.

Thankfully though the children seemed more interested in Hermione reading to them from her current favourite book; Hogwarts, A history.

She doubted they understood what Hermione was saying but it was far more entertaining to listen to her than Narcissa.

"Quid-itch captains are allowed to have their broomsticks in the common bedroom but their team must leave theirs in the locker room."

A series of 'ooos' and 'ahhs' erupted from the children. Bellatrix had to smile at that.

Draco looked up his parents with excitement. "I want to be a Quid-itch captain!"

Narcissa smiled broadly at her son, Lucius on the other hand..

"You have to be good at Quidditch to be a captain, they don't just let anyone become captain."

Bellatrix and Rodolphus watched their nephew deflate; their friends, shifting uncomfortably in their seats, started talking amongst themselves.

Draco looked at table, ignoring his friends.

Narcissa threw a glare at Lucius who seemed to be unfazed by Draco's sudden disappointment.

"I'm sure you will make a great captain Draco."

Her son gave a half hearted nod.

Lucius stared at his wife, not noticing the awkward vibe amongst his friends, and huffed. "Excuse me."

He left the table, heading to a private bathroom at the far end of the restaurant.

Bellatrix stared holes into the back of Lucius's head. "Prick.."

"I'll go talk to him." Rodolphus said quietly, already leaving his seat.

Narcissa just nodded. She was more occupied with Draco.

He looked back at his wife, gesturing to Narcissa before following Lucius.

"It's going to be one of those days." Bellatrix sighed internally.

Rodolphus pushed pass the bus boys, unaware of a beetle following him.

He pushed open the bathroom door and closed it behind him, leaving the beetle outside.

"Are you okay Malfoy?"

Lucius was leaning over the sink, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the basin. "How can you be okay with this?"

Rodolphus was taken aback. "Pardon?"

The blond wizard stood upright, his chest puffing out. "Why is that girl here?" He threw his arms up. "This was supposed to be a family day."

Blood rushed up Rodolphus's spine, his muscles tensing. "What are you getting at Malfoy?"

Lucius huffed again. "I mean she's not even your child! Why in Merlin's beard do you bring her everywhere?"

That, for reasons unknown to Rodolphus, cut deep. He tried so hard not to lunge at the man in front of him. All he could do was just stand there, trying to control his breathing.

"It really bothers you that Hermione is a part of our lives, doesn't it?"

The wizard scoffed. "Bothers me?! Merlin's beard, look I do consider you a friend but our time at Hogwarts" Rodolphus curled his hand into firsts. "Both of you were cruel. You and Bellatrix are incapable of being real parents."

The walls seemed to close in on Rodolphus. Everything was going dark.

"What makes you think that you can raise a child?" Lucius finished, his own chest heaving.

Silence filled the room. Rodolphus refused to say anything, wanting the silence to eat away Lucius's confidence. It did. Lucius was almost trembling before Rodolphus spoke.

"I want you to know that if you ever say something as stupid like that or even bring up Hermione again," He took a step towards the shaking blond man. "I will put you in the hospital."

With a sharp pivot he left the bathroom, storming out of the restaurant.

Hermione looked up at Bellatrix. "Is he okay?"

The witch got up from her seat. "Stay here with Cissy."

"But-"

Bellatrix gave a sharp stern look. "Hermione I told you to stay here and you will stay here."

Hermione quickly nodded, watching Bellatrix go after Rodolphus.

Lucius approached the table, clearing his throat he spoke softly to Narcissa. "I'm going back to the office. I'll see you at dinner."

Narcissa gave a tight smile, not looking at husband. "Fine."

He left without another word.

RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*RG

Bellatrix followed Rodolphus, calling out his name.

Her husband ignored her, pushing past anyone who got in his way. It was fortunate in some ways that people found Bellatrix more intimidating than Rodolphus. Witches and wizards got out of her way, allowing her to catch up to Rodolphus and grab him by the arm.

Before he could protest she apparated them both to LeStrange Manor.

Only then did she let go.

Rodolphus looked at her, tears brimming his eyes. She touched his cheek, frowning. "What happened?"

"Lucius doesn't want us near Hermione." He hissed.

Bellatrix growled. "What? Who the hell does he think is?"

Tears leaked down Rodolphus's cheek. He roughly wiped them away before sniffing. "He thinks we're a danger to her."

Bellatrix was fuming. She wasn't even holding her wand when sparks flew from the tip and burnt her dress.

"Excuse me but we are the only ones capable of protecting her. She is safer with us!"

"I know!" Rodolphus shouted.

Bellatrix paced up and down the dining room, trying to reign in her rage.

"He is not taking her from us, no one will ever take her from us." Bellatrix kicked one of the chairs.

She walked right to her husband, cupping his face. "Nothing will keep us from Hermione."

Rodolphus, crying still, nodded stiffly. "D'accord."

A few moments passed as Bellatrix regained her composure. Calmly she wiped her husband's tears away.

"Now we are going to take Hermione home and go to Ollivander's tomorrow. Okay?"

"Oui."

Bellatrix tried to grin. "Good."

Rodolphus cleaned his face and fixed his shirt. He took his wife's hand and she apparated them to outside of the restaurant, scaring a few birds.

They walked back inside and went straight for their table. Hermione jumped from her chair and ran to Rodolphus. The pain eased in his chest as they hugged. He wanted to stay in this moment forever. Bellatrix genuinely grinned at the sweet moment though it soon left as she made eye contact with her sister and friends. She sat down next to her sister, whispering that they would talk later.

"Are you okay? Cissy said that you got sick." Hermione put her hand against his forehead as spoke in rapid succession.

He grinned and kissed her cheek, wanting to put her worries at ease. "I'm okay my sweet, just needed some fresh air. Why don't you tell me more about your book?"

Hermione raised her brow, much like how Bellatrix does when she is skeptical of something but with a reassuring smile Hermione happily discussed how the Quidditch field evolved over the years.

He tried not to think about what Lucius said to him.

RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*RG

It was late in the evening when Hermione was brought back to Rebecca's house. Hermione was happily explaining the 'amazing adventure' she had in Diagon Alley and how much she wanted to go back to the bookstore.

Rebecca listened with rapt attention. Listening to Hermione was far better than reflecting on her own lacklustre day.

Once Hermione was in bed, Rebecca made some tea for the three of them.

Something was off with the couple, she could tell but she didn't press. Instead she let them relax while watching reruns of The Simpsons.

"Would you two be interested in learning about Hanukkah?" Rebecca asked softly.

Both of them gave her a bemused look.

"It's a Jewish holiday, similar to Christmas." Rebecca said, pointing to the Christmas episode on the television.

They looked at each briefly before shrugging. "Anything for Hermione."

"Great! I'll go talk to the Rabbi tomorrow and get an appointment set up for next week."

Knock, knock

Rebecca looked at the clock. "Who the hell bothers people at this time of the night?" Grumbling as she got up to answer the door.

Rodolphus and Bellatrix looked over their shoulders, wanting to see who was at the door.

"Andy, Ted? What brings you here?"

Rugged up in their Hogwarts winter robes, Andromeda and Ted Tonks waved to Rebecca.

"Sorry for the intrusion, we were just wondering if Bellatrix and Rodolphus were here?"

The couple in question appeared behind Rebecca.

"Oh yes," Rebecca turned around to call them but jumped in fright when she saw them behind her. "Jesus, you two.. Here they are."

Rebecca left the four alone, walking to the kitchen to give them privacy.

Andromeda and Ted shifted awkwardly, unsure how to talk to the couple.

"Is everything okay?" Rodolphus asked, eyeing the two suspiciously.

"Ah.. well," Andromeda paused, trying to find the right words. "Narcissa sent an owl, she didn't say much but wanted us to check on you two." The witch rushed as Bellatrix groaned.

Silently Bellatrix cursed her baby sister. She did not want to have a heart to heart with anyone at the moment.

"We'll see you tomorrow Rebecca." Rodolphus called out, ignoring the glares from his wife.

"Goodnight you two!"

Rodolphus closed the door, using his wand to lock it.

The four stood in awkward on the front porch.

"I need a drink." Bellatrix grumbled.

IMPORTANT!

This chapter is the last time I will post on FF. net. If you want to read future chapters, log on to ao3 to read Raising Granger. The story is set to private so you will need to be logged in your account to view it. My ao3 account is Hermione _ LeStrange _ 2018