When she apparated into her silent house she wanted to blast something. This was supposed to be over. Then she let out an undignified snort and turned to the floo. She needed to vent.
"The Rookery." Luna's round kitchen was empty and a quick charm showed no humans in the dwelling. For a moment she considered going to Harry but Astoria should have first call on his time and energy. Hermione was sure that her friends were livid and they hadn't escaped when she did.
Back in her own home she decided to shower and change, then see if anyone was about. While she lathered herself it occurred to her that she had a person. Her own person whose energy and time she should have first call on. That said, it wasn't really something she felt comfortable ranting to him about. They would talk about it she was sure, and she wanted to. But first she wanted to be able to let her frustration out. Decision made she pulled on jeans, applied her hair potion and then braided it quickly. The long heavy tail was wet but she didn't care. Five minutes or so in the cold wouldn't hurt her.
As she crunched down the slightly frozen path she wondered if this wasn't okay. Just coming here without an academic reason. She stopped and after shivering for a moment she cast some warming charms and stuck her hands in her pockets. Leaving now wouldn't solve the problem. Dolohov knew she was here, would have felt the wards. Leaving now would mean questions. A tempus charm showed it was half past eight in the evening. Not an inappropriate time, for these men. Still, they could have guests or something.
Pulling out her coins she sent a message. 'Not important. Can leave.' Then she waited for a moment.
'By all means. Y.' She chuckled slightly at the more flamboyant of the two wizards and began walking. Usually she was thinking about what she would do that day. This time she didn't have that to occupy her thoughts.
They were different than she would have thought before spending so much time with them. They were a unit, in a way unique, in her experience. Their ability to understand a glance or gesture was nearly mythical to her. Watching them was a lesson in friendship. When to push and when to quietly support. It was a shame Yaxley wouldn't get the credit he deserved, officially, for his part in her apprenticeship. Magically Dolohov was her mentor but the other wizard was just as involved in her studies and with her personally. More so in the latter part. Or he was a bridge that allowed more than strictly magical learning and growth.
Remembering why she was here, she smoothed her magic as much as possible. Dolohov didn't deserve her agitation leaking over to him.
Three knocks and Yaxley beckoned her to enter. As was usual when she wasn't expected or something else might have happened, she was scanned minutely when she entered and a mini scan of her magic was given. He would know she wasn't serene but that she wasn't distraught either. Yaxley looked interested once a glance from his companion assured him she was alright.
"What brings you here? Didn't you have dinner plans?" No sarcasm, only his ever present desire to know everything.
"I didn't think before coming and then knew you would know." It wasn't well worded but it was understandable and she thought the slight head shake meant that was of little significance. He gave another slight jerk toward the chair she liked in the corner and she sat in it. Spelling her boots off and curling her legs up. She let out a huff and then started speaking.
"This will definitely qualify as chatter so my apologies. I'm frustrated and angry. I know it was wrong and naive to think that once I wasn't working in the public eye or deliberately being a public figure, that things would be better. For me personally. I don't like it and never have. The way people seem to think what I do or say or even wear is their business. Why do people think they understand my actions or what I think. Even what I feel. It's ridiculous and it seems worse than ever. I try and ignore the papers, don't even read most of the rubbish. Still." She broke off and watched the two exchange another glance and was a bit surprised when Dolohov spoke.
"Nevazhnyy." She nodded her agreement. It was unimportant, of little consequence. Except today it had made a difference.
"That's true but it is more relevant when it affects your actual day to day life. What happened at dinner?" Yaxley asked.
"Dinner was good. An hour and a half of chatter and Ministry gossip. Harry is entertaining us all with his pursuit of Astoria. We were having an after dinner drink when the Malfoys plus Theo of course, and the Warringtons headed in our direction. Draco wasn't bad and I always love to see Theo. Narcissa gave me a look that meant trouble ahead. Warrington told me to leave my friends and eat with them. I told him off as politely as I could. Anyway, I nearly made it to the door and he grabbed my wrist, then after I lifted the silencing spell he disregarded my warning and grabbed my shoulder. Not hard." The last was added in response to the absolutely irate looks on the men's faces.
"I'm fine really. I let my magic zap him and left. Before I did though he called me a bitch and a handful. In public. Loudly. The whole thing will be in the papers. Romilda Vane was there." The last part would have been whined if she was in front of anyone else but she let only some of her hopeless feelings out in front of these two. A dark glance asked a question and Yaxley answered it.
"Stupid vapid reporter for Witch Weekly." Dolohov nodded and still looked unhappy. She hadn't meant to upset him at all. Yaxley looked thoughtful though.
"Aside from removing or altering the young Warrington so you won't have this particular problem again, I am unsure a solution exists." She nodded. There wasn't one and she hadn't been looking for one.
"Let's save that for those that deserve it." They shared a moment of remembrance about what they had done to the wizards trying to ruin Sabrina. Complete with devious and mean smiles. Dolohov made a sound she thought was a scoff
"It was our special moment. Don't be jealous." Hermione didn't laugh but had to stifle the giggle and got a glare for it. Not an angry one though, she could tell.
"I was so frustrated and angry and just needed to talk about it." She was already feeling better.
"You are a handful witch." Yaxley offered and she let her knowledge and exasperation at that truth show.
"If I'm so bad then why chase me?" She put in. Both in spite and as a real question. Both men seemed to take it as a question.
"Unikal'nyy." Unique. She nodded and thought about that. Perhaps it was the nicest thing he had ever said to her. Carefully she masked that thought, if it showed he might bolt or close up.
"You don't need them. Aren't chasing them. As far as they know, as far as I know, you haven't chased a wizard. Nor have you been captured, to their knowledge." He looked as if this was clear to him and she thought it over.
"A prize." She put in. It wasn't a question but she wasn't certain he meant it as it sounded to her.
"A wife. Of course I didn't lose my head, we were busy, the rites and other things were going on then, but our peers were barely functioning in the quest for the best. Some got lucky, like Lucius. Narcissa deciding to choose for herself to escape Rodolphus was his best stroke of luck to date. There were duels, those were entertaining." He seemed as if these were fond remembrances. Hermione was appalled.
"I had always thought he was a millstone holding her down. Lestrange. Merlin." It was unimaginable. She didn't think that Narcissa Black would have done it.
"She'd have killed him first." That thought came out almost by accident and she was a bit surprised by Dolohov's rough chuckle and slight nod of agreement. Yaxley laughed outright.
"Yes. Is the hopeful suitor scenario a common cause of your discomfort?" He asked her. His eyes scanning her, trying to see what they might see. "I'd imagine it is." The last was said in a dry voice. She didn't blush. Probably would have if she thought that more than the very occasional one had any interest in who she was.
"My name maybe." She shrugged. It was true. Harry had the same problem. Others too. Even after the war Draco and Theo had issues with this. He didn't agree with her, not completely and they exchanged a glance.
"You're right. Not relevant anymore." Hermione marvelled again at their ability to seemingly read each other's minds.
"Well since you won't hide, it's just carry on and experience bouts of rage and frustration. I'll think up some discreet spells, ones not common, for you to use in the future on men such as this. I am sorry to say that it is not likely to disappear." She tilted her head and looked her horrified question. "Probably not no. Some will always think you aren't happy or that they will be better for you." He shrugged his inability to change the situation and she nodded glumly.
"I'll look forward to the spells and whatever else you think might make this slightly less like wearing a horsehair coat." Her tone was dry and she put her boots on and stood. Now she blushed a little bit couldn't quell it.
"Thank you. I needed an adult to talk to and you were nearly as good." She teased Yaxley and he smiled softly at her.
"Goodnight. See you tomorrow." She let herself meet Dolohov's eyes and without all of her feelings on show, tried to show him how grateful she was. For him and for all he did for her. A slight nod was her dismissal and she hoped it wasn't naïveté that prompted her to think he understood. Turning to the door she was halfway out when his voice caused her slight pause.
"Ten Malyshka." She turned and smiled back at them then closed the door softly. She began to jog when she was halfway to the apparition point. It had only been about half an hour in there so it was only ten after nine. Maybe her wizard was around. She grinned stupidly at the thought and spun home.
He was here. She could feel his magic and followed it to the kitchen. He was looking out the window and she looked at him for a moment. In her kitchen. Broad shoulders in a tight black t-shirt and comfortable looking pants. In that moment she wanted to hug him from behind and decided to do just that. Since she could. Usually she thought that and then chastised herself for her unattainable wants. Today it wasn't something she couldn't have. He heard the apparition chime surely so knew she was there. Why hadn't he turned. Suddenly she felt much less certain.
Walking slowly toward him she noticed his shoulders tense and frowned. She wanted to use his first name but hadn't yet and didn't want this potentially uncomfortable moment to ruin that for her.
"Everything okay?" She asked quietly. Wrapping her arms around her own chest, she leaned against the counter behind him. Close but not in his personal bubble. Incase he didn't want her there.
"I don't know little witch. Is it?" His voice sounded tired and a bit tight. She frowned and decided this was stupid. She pushed his shoulder until he made room for her to walk around him. So she could see his face. There wasn't much there.
"I'm not exactly sure what you mean." She admitted. Finally his eyes met hers and she couldn't quite sort out what was there.
"Are you okay?" His question surprised her a bit and she nodded. Of course she was.
"Potter seemed to think you wouldn't be and he expected you." He added. She nodded in understanding. They hadn't made a time to meet after her dinner but he must have been here when Harry floo'd looking for her. Presumably after hearing about it from Astoria. She let a small grin leak out and he looked a bit puzzled.
"It's a small world. That you know already. I've only been home an hour or so. I needed to vent and was in a mood so I didn't want to unload on you. Once I remembered that I could do that. Just talk to you because I want to." She let her feelings about that onto her face and enjoyed the softening in his expression. He reached for her hand and she felt herself relax a bit at the contact and his initiation of it.
"The cabin. I wanted an adult. Harry is too close to it and lives the same way. People are more respectful but it's still there. I was livid about Warrington and didn't want to rant about him to you. I'm calm enough to talk about it now, if you want to." She offered. He was looking her over carefully, trying to judge the truth of her words. He nodded then and she could feel his body relax beside her.
"Can you hold me, for a bit?" She felt stupid for just asking for that. He looked surprised and then nodded.
"Where?" He asked and she wasn't sure. A shrug. He raked her with his gaze and then reached up and wrapped her braid around his fist until he had her head in his hand. He groaned lowly and she looked up at him. The heat in his eyes made her knickers wet and her whole body flush with awareness.
"Little witch. Don't look at me like that." He wasn't upset but he was serious. She was a bit surprised. She felt her face heat and he spun her around so her back was to him and buried his face in her neck.
"It's so hard. I'm so hard and want to see you. See your face flush and if your eyes will glow like I've fantasized about. Your little fingers on me and those eyes." He trailed off and she couldn't help the small whimper of sound at his words. He sounded like he meant them too. When she wiggled slightly, wanting to turn around he just held her hips and breathed slowly. His thumb rubbing soothing circles on her hip and she obeyed his request to be still.
"Are you ready for bed?" He asked. Kissing her neck gently and not rubbing his hardness into her, though she could feel it against her lower back. He was so tall and she so short. Her questioning sound must have been decipherable or their minds were in the same place.
"I don't want to rush it. It would be good right now. I don't know how to explain." He sounded a bit frustrated and a bit plaintive, it made her smile.
"Will you kiss me goodnight?" She asked, with a coy tone and he squeezed her against him in response.
"Little witch. You better behave yourself or this will end in a spanking." His tone was teasing but she felt the slight shift as he rocked against her.
"Let's go to bed. You can tell me what the tosser said. That should help the current situation." His voice was a bit dry as she laughed at his obvious predicament. Hers too. It seemed a bit over the top to just want to strip him and beg him to touch her. She turned around and faced him. Letting herself really look at him, she felt herself blush hotly at the thoughts in her mind.
Once they were in bed and she was considering how unwise taking off her shirt would be he spoke.
"Tell me what happened little witch. Then tell me why you didn't come directly to me, instead." He wasn't demanding, just requesting she share. It was a bit surprising to her, his interest.
"I was mostly upset because I stupidly thought that it would get easier after I wasn't the Ministry Darling. They don't have a claim on me, none of them but they keep on. Then Warrington. I don't know what twisted list of qualifications he wants in a wife but he, and his mother, have decided I fit the bill. It was infuriating. He basically chased me out a restaurant and." She stopped mid sentence. Unsure of what to say.
"Say it. Whatever it is. Better you than the bloody papers." He felt tense under her and she felt badly.
"He grabbed my wrist and then after a warning my shoulder. Both times it was to stop me from leaving." Tense did not begin to cover the state his torso was in. His hands on her hips hadn't tightened but they were still and Hermione thought she wouldn't be able to get up if she tried. That was fine as she didn't want to.
"You're not hurt?" His voice was low and contained a bit of gruffness.
"No." With that she looked up at him. Deciding she would tell him why she didn't go directly to him. Quickly she filled him in on her thought process.
"So you wanted to be calmer, when you talked to me. So I wouldn't get so upset?" She thought about his question.
"I don't know. Yes and no. I don't know how you might react to something like this. Unlike others, you seem to know I can take care of myself." She was musing thoughtfully and enjoyed his low laugh and how it rocked her on top of him. Gods his face was handsome.
"I've got a question, about the convoluted world you were born into. Narcissa offered a dinner party when the second Russian was there. Trying to get her to leave me alone. Will it still have to happen?" The thought of being seated at a table and having to put up with him was daunting and uncomfortable.
"Yes. If she knows though, and doesn't want you to be miserable for some reason, she will invite others and seat you separately." He didn't sound happy about this and she just nodded slowly. Then let herself begin kissing his chest through his shirt.
Wiggling up until she could reach the bare skin of his neck and biting gently.
"Can I kiss you now?" Her voice was a bit breathless and she would have been embarrassed if the look in his eyes wasn't as filled with desire as she was sure hers was. His hands clamped on her waist and held her still. His breathing had changed and he was panting slightly.
"Little witch. Hermione. I don't." He groaned as she wriggled and pushed against him. Trying to reach his mouth.
"I won't molest you I promise." She was wheedling and could hardly believe her own words and he laughed again at her choice of terms.
"I want you to. That's the problem." He didn't sound upset but he did sound conflicted. She made herself be still.
"Alright, I won't push anything. I'm not asking for sex either. Just...I want to be close to you." If they were going to give this a shot, and she really wanted it to be a fair chance, then she would have to be honest with him.
"I don't trust myself." He wasn't looking at her but had given an equally honest answer. Thinking about that she wondered what they could do about this. Eventually it wouldn't be a problem.
"Is it that it's been a long time? That's my problem I think. I've waited for what feels like forever to be able to touch you. Even look at you when I want to." Her blush rose but she kept her eyes on his face. Wanting to know what he was thinking and feeling.
"Hermione...Fuck... No sex... I won't... Can I touch you?" His eyes were closed and his hands still weren't moving. She felt a bit concerned about his level of tension. Not wanting to answer until she could see his eyes, she waited.
Eventually he shifted and then opened them. The bright blue met hers and then they were all over her face and the exposed parts of her chest. When they met hers again she gave a nod and then a huff as he flipped them and pinned her hand above her head with one hand.
Then his mouth was on hers and all her thoughts scattered. For minutes she was kissing him and letting him nip at her neck and jaw. She lost her patience and wanted to touch him so she let her magic do it. The push of him against her core was delicious and she couldn't help the moan. It felt so good.
"Little witch, I'm going to make you come. Can I? Fuck." That was in response to her rolling her hips and wrapping her legs around his.
"Will you let me return the favour." She asked, breathless and nearly hoping he would break his own promises.
"Merlin witch. Yes. If I make it." Then his hand was gone from her wrists and he was holding her hip with one hand and her breast in the other. Teasing her nipples and slowly working his way down. By the time his hot breath traced the seam of her knickers on her inner thigh she thought she might combust right then. Never had she felt so much of anything while a man touched her. There was no use of magic just them and her feelings for the wizard between her legs.
"You smell so good." Then he licked her through her knickers and she couldn't keep in the keening sound. He growled in response and then the hand that had been tweaking her nipples moved down her body and she began to pant. Pulling her knickers to the side, he traced a finger down her slit and then touched his tongue to her clit. She bit her lip and tried not to scream.
"Little witch. That's it. Come for me." And then she was climbing the precipice as his fingers and nimble tongue encouraged her. Finding the angle inside her that made her buck and then it was his hand only on her and he was watching her face. It was a bit embarrassing but she didn't really care. When he slid a second finger in and flattened his thumb on her clit, it took two thrusts before she broke on him with a sound close to a sob. He watched her and kept his hands on her. Still, but there and feeling her.
When she opened her eyes, expecting heat and eagerness for her to have a go, she was a bit surprised. His gaze was soft and when he gently pulled his fingers out of her there was no grin. Not any other sign of their usual love of beating the other.
She released her fingers from his hair and laid a palm against his cheek. Wondering why, if he felt all this, it seemed to be more than she had expected, he hadn't acted or something. Why not just tell her that he wanted her. Another time though. She could feel him hard against the skin above her knee and wanted a turn.
"My turn." She let a bit of her eagerness out for him to see and there was his slight grin but the look in his eyes shifted. His jaw hardened and she immediately put on a small pout. No way, she wanted a turn too.
It took a few minutes but when she sat on his thighs and watched his face while she pumped his erection between her hands, she knew it was worth it. His eyes were closed but snapped open when his body tightened and she knew he was going to come. Part of her wanted to wrap her lips around him but knew there would be time for that. As he covered her hands and some got other places she couldn't believe how hot that was. He waved his wand and cleaned them up before pulling her to him and wrapping her smaller form in his larger one. His breathing slowed and so did hers.
"Hermione." She waited a moment but nothing else came. He sounded so relaxed and she felt the same.
"Finn." She murmured and then allowed herself to fall into a comfortable sleep.