** Author's note: This is the next to last chapter of part 2 of the Shades of Grey series. This story will end next chapter and then I'll start posting part 3! thanks for everyone who has taken the time to read this story and follow along. I look forward to seeing you in part 3!**
Bellatrix was currently pacing the waiting room floor as she had been for awhile now. She was certain by the end of the day, there would be permanent pace marks in the hospital. The gang was sitting in the waiting room where they had been since Hermione was wheeled to the operating room,
The doctor told them that the surgery would take around 5 hours to complete barring any major complications. An intern came out twice so far to update everyone on the status of the surgery but everything just went over Bella's head. Katherine had been very warm to her all day offering her ear in case Bella wanted to talk or to provide explanations for all the muggle doctor talk. She wasn't concerned about any of that, she just wanted to see her girlfriend.
Shortly after the five hour mark hit, Dr. Hoffman finally came through the door and she wasn't giving anything away on her face. Hermione could be dead for all the dark witch knew at this point. Bella felt sick to her stomach and for the first time all day, she stopped pacing, took a seat and reached out to hold Katherine's hand.
"The surgery is done and Hermione is in the recovery unit. She'll be back in an hour or two. They need to monitor her closely from the anesthesia. We were able to get all of the infection out of the small area of the brain and it did not spread to any other areas. She's going to be treated with a high dose of antibiotics to stave off any further infections that may occur."
"And the fracture?" Jack asked with a hint of hopefulness in his tone.
"There was no cerebrospinal fluid leaking anywhere from the fracture. Fractures at the base of the skull usually heal themselves. We didn't put a plate or mesh into her skull because the size of the fracture didn't warrant one. Also because certain metals are said to mess with magical cores. We believe that her skull will heal itself on its own. We have to monitor her closely over the next few days as there is always a risk of leaking fluids or brain swelling after surgery and we'd like to monitor the status of her coma. When she wakes up, we have to make sure there was no amnesia associated with the fall and surgery. If her recovery goes as well as I expect it will, she will hopefully make a full recovery when she wakes up pending everything I just talked about." Dr. Hoffman took a breath looking around the room, "do you have any other questions at this time?"
Bella just stared at the doctor processing everything she just heard and didn't comprehend. Of course she had a load of fucking questions but they would have to wait until she could ask Jack. "I think I'm good," was all she could get out. Dr. Hoffman nodded and made her way out of the waiting room while reminding them it would be about two hours before Hermione was brought back to her room. With her mind going a thousand miles per minute, she turned and looked at her future parents-in-law. "Well?" She asked expectantly. "I didn't understand much but from the tone of her voice, I'd say it went relatively well. Yes?"
Katherine nodded in confirmation. "They cleared out the infection. Hermione will need to be on medicine to prevent any further infections."
"Yes, and her skull will most likely heal itself. They didn't have to put in any forgein material to close it up," Jack looked over to his wife who nodded in confirmation.
"So she's fine?" Bella looked over to the group.
"Well…" Andy started to speak when her younger sister reached out and smacked her shoulder. "What!"
"They need to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't have any complications with her brain." Jack reassured her that the doctor was confident that this wouldn't happen.
"And she said something about amnesia? Like she won't remember me?" Bella gulped.
"That's the worst case scenario," Harry said. "We shouldn't worry about anything like that until Hermione wakes herself up."
"So," Bella said, standing and pacing once again, "to sum up. Her brain is no longer infected minus the extra medication she needs for future infections which may or may not happen." She looked up and the group nodded. "Her skull may or may not close itself up over time," again looking up and seeing nods. "She may or may not remember any of us but we won't know until she wakes up." Everyone nodded once more. "So, clear as mud." Her pacing wasn't ceasing and it was clear she was getting more and more frustrated, "I need to get some air." Bella announced, leaving the room and heading outside.
"Who should go after her?" Harry asked, eyeing everyone in the room.
"I'll go," Cissy said standing up.
"Do you want me to come too?" Andy asked, looking at her younger sister.
"No. We will be fine." She reassured her sister though it felt like she was reassuring herself.
Narcissa made her way out of the hospital and saw her oldest sister sitting on a bench outside of the front door looking down at a small box she was clutching onto, her fingers turned white from pressure. Narcissa smirked knowingly. "So," she said, coming to sit on the bench next to her motioning to the box, "it is true then." Her older sister looked at her in disbelief. "You've met your sister. You couldn't possibly think she'd keep it a secret for too long. I'm assuming that's why you went with Miss Lovegood. Wise decision. May I see it?" Bella nodded and handed the box to Narcissa who looked at the ring and smiled, "it will suit her well." Noticing a small, sad smile take over the dark witch's face, she kept talking, "she's really going to fit into the House of Black. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of offspring the two of you produce." That finally earned a cackle from her sister.
"Oh lord. Hopefully they take after Hermione or else we will all be doomed." She reached back over to grab the box and put it back in her pocket. "She's going to be fine, right? I mean she has to be fine."
"Oh love," Cissy reached her arm out and pulled Bella into her side. "I can't pretend to know what's going to happen but I do know your witch is a stubborn little thing and she's going to do her best to come back to you." She kissed Bella on the top of her head, squeezing her shoulder. "Plus, she's going to be a Black. We don't let our kind go without a fight."
"Do you mind if I…" Bella asked, pulling out a half full pack of Sterling cigarettes. "It's been a hell of a year."
"Go on," the blonde witch gave her a knowing smile, "I can't blame you for that. May I?" She asked, holding out her hand for a smoke.
Bellatrix smiled knowing both of her sisters were no strangers to smoking. Andy was a stress smoker like herself while Narcissa was more of a social smoker. "By all means," she held out a cigarette and lit them both with a muggle lighter. Bella inhaled deeply, the hot air filling her lungs in the most delicious and relaxing way. "To a better rest of the year!" She held her cigarette up for her sister to cheer which she did in turn.
"Hear hear!" Cissy exhaled and smiled wickedly, "so… who gets to be maid of honor?"
—-
Another two days had gone by and while Hermione's test results were all coming back clean, she had still not come out of her coma. The doctor had informed Bella that there was no cerebrospinal fluid leaking still and that she was confident that her fracture would close itself. The high dose antibiotic was working intravenously to help fight further infections. It was all up to Hermione now to wake up to assess the rest of any potential damage or side effects. Bella had still refused to go home. She was intent on being there when and if Hermione woke up and bullied the aids into letting her stay every night. She eventually had to go to the ministry, there were a lot of loose ends that needed tied up including what to do with Flowers, her wand, the carelessness of overlooking the shrieking shack and of course her unauthorized use of the killing curse. Kingsley had requested her presence in the ministry shortly after Hermione arrived at the muggle hospital and Bella told Kingsley that he could fuck right off. She would show up after her girlfriend was safe at home. The ministry was on the bottom of Bella's priority list.
The dark witch was sleeping in the chair next to Hermione, her feet propped up on the bed until the nurse would come in and yell at her to put her feet down. She would grumble and wait until she left to return to her resting spot. Bella was startled from her sleep by a knock on the door. She knew it wasn't a nurse because they just barged in without care. "Come in," she called to the person on the other side of the door. A soft smile formed on her lips when she saw who was making their way inside. "Minnie, what are you doing here?" Bella stood up and walked over, pulling the older witch into a tight embrace.
"I would've come earlier but I had only learned of this from Mr. Potter this morning and insisted he bring me here." Minerva grabbed Bella's shoulders and squeezed them. "How are you holding up?"
"Me?" Bella asked, almost shocked, "Hermione is the one you should be asking about. They cut her brain open and she hasn't woken up yet."
"I know, dear." The elder witch offered a small smile, "but she has a whole team of capable doctors and nurses looking after her around the clock. I think someone needs to check in on you. This all can't be easy for you." Minerva brought a chair over next to the one Bella was sitting in. "Here, talk to me."
They sat down and Bella sighed deeply. She hadn't given herself more than a passing thought during this time. She was only concerned with Hermione and her recovery. "It's been awful. I'm angry… all the time. I just want to hurt everyone who comes in the room. Family or not, it doesn't matter. I'm tired. I'm so tired. I just want her to come home and sleep for a week with her. Not getting up once. And mostly," she hung her head, "I'm scared. I'm scared she'll wake up and she won't remember me and the life we've built together." Minerva reached out and patted her on the leg. "And there's still the fact remaining that I could go to prison after all this is over for killing that bitch so…" Bella threw her hands up and shrugged.
"Absolutely not." Minerva scoffed, "you will not be going to prison. That woman got what she deserved. She was a foul human being and you didn't do anything the rest of us wouldn't have done." She patted the dark witch's leg again before turning to look at her sleeping former student. "As for the rest, well I can't pretend to know what's going to happen when she wakes up but just know that you won't be alone and I'll be here every step of the way." Bella nodded but didn't take her eyes away from her girlfriend. "Now, tell me. How are you going to propose?"
Andromeda arrived at the hospital shortly after Minerva left to see if Bella had eaten for the day, but found someone pacing around outside that she would recognize anywhere. "Ginny?"
"Andy, thank Merlin! I've been here for about an hour. Look," Ginny pointed to the revolving doors. "They just keep going. Dad never mentioned those and I wasn't quite sure how to get otherwise."
"So you planned to stay outside until you saw someone you recognized?" Andy smirked.
"I didn't say it was a brilliant plan but yes. That was the general idea." Ginny relaxed into Andy's hug. "It's so good to see you. Ron owled me and told me about Hermione's accident and everything that happened with Umbridge. I had to get here as soon as I could. I know my stupid brother wouldn't make the effort to come so I asked for a short leave from the team. Mione needs to know that I'm still here for her no matter what."
"You don't know?"
"Know what exactly? Ron said Hermione was in recovery but didn't elaborate. I don't think he knew."
"Hermione," Andy gulped, "well Hermione had brain surgery. She's in a coma and we are just waiting for her to come around."
Ginny's face dropped. After moving away, they kept in touch for a while but with life getting in the way, that sort of stopped and Ginny always felt weird about it. Now, finding out she may be too late to tell Hermione that she missed her was too much. "Well," Ginny said, setting her face, "help me through those damn doors so I can go see her."
Andy nodded and grabbed Ginny by the arm and pulled her through the front doors. "Wait until I tell dad about these."
The middle Black sister took the young witch up the elevator to the proper floor. "She's right through here." They stopped outside the darkened hospital room. "Best to knock, Bella's probably sleeping. She's refused to leave her side this entire time except the few times I've strong-armed her into going home to shower." Andy chucked softly, "crazy and in love. What can I say?" She softly knocked and stuck her head in seeing Bella awake and reading a book, "I found someone wandering around outside the hospital who wants to come in and say hello."
"Who the hell did you drag up off of the street?" Bella rolled her eyes and put her book down standing and walking over to the door.
"Just me, Professor Black," Ginny spoke up, entering behind Andromeda.
"Red?" Bella said softly. "Out of all the stragglers that Andy could've brought up from the street, I'm glad it was you. I'm assuming inferior Weasley told you about Hermione. I'm sure he got most of it wrong." She went into a big speech recalling everything she could about the procedures up until now to fill the redhead in. "Now, we wait."
"This is all such a nightmare." Ginny said, walking over to Hermione. "At least that pink toad finally got what was coming to her."
"That's been the general consensus. Minerva just left and said something similar." Bella laughed.
"Can I have a few moments alone with her?" Ginny asked, looking over to the other women. "Please?"
Bella looked a little unsure but felt her sister's arm wrap around her shoulders. "Sure," Andy spoke, "I'll take Bella down to get something to eat."
The dark haired witch rolled her eyes, "the food sucks. Can we go get something next door?" She gave Andy her biggest pleading eyes.
"Fine," she smiled at her big sister. "Will you be fine staying with Hermione until we get back? We will bring you back something to snack on."
"Take your time," Ginny said while taking the seat next to her once best friend. The Black Sisters made their way out of the room after Bella walked back over and kissed her girlfriend on the forehead telling her she would be back in no time. Sighing, the quidditch player looked at the girl laying in the bed. She had tubes and wires coming off of her body and a bandage covering the part of her head where she assumed the surgical site was. Ginny had no idea what half the stuff Bella had said to her actually was but from her tone, she knew it couldn't be good. "Hey Mione. It's me. Ginny. Bellatrix said you could hear me so I'm just going to say what I came here to say." Ginny reached out and grabbed her friend's hand. "My biggest regret is losing touch with you. Even while things were weird with my brother, we remained the best of friends until after graduation. I know life got in the way but that's no excuse. I should've put the effort in to stay connected with you. Owls, patronus, a telephone call… Merlin anything. When I found out you got hurt, I was beside myself. I hope you get better and come out of it with your memories. Since I'll be here for a week, it'd be great if you could go ahead and wake up soon. I miss you." Sighing, she scooted closer so she could relax in the seat while holding Hermione's hand, "plus I need to hear all about you and Professor Black. I bet you have loads of stories…" Ginny laughed, "I'll just do all the talking I guess. So let me catch you up on the past few years…"
—
Another three days had passed. Ginny had come back to see Hermione each day with a different member of the Weasley family except for Ron. He never showed up. Bella wasn't surprised by that, "of course that coward wouldn't have the nerve to show up. Bloody Gryffindor my asshole," she said to his sister one day before she left. George showed up with a bag of goodies for Teddy from the joke shop, Mrs. Weasley came with a ridiculously large amount of baked goods for everyone, the other brothers Bella had never bothered to learn the names of even showed up to give Hermione their best but by far the treat was Mr. Weasley with all of his questions for the muggles. He spent nearly 2 hours down at the revolving doors. "Told you he would be fascinated," Ginny said to Andy.
"I can't believe she's missing all of this," Bella spoke up after Ginny finally dragged Arthur home for the evening. "Hermione would've loved this," she sighed and slumped back into the chair.
Andy pulled out her video camera with a shit eating grin, "good thing I got the whole revolving door thing on film then for her to view when she wakes up." The older sister shook her head but smiled. "You love it. But," Andy shrunk her camera down and put it in her pocket, "I need to head over to Harry's and pick up Teddy. Get him home for dinner and bedtime. I'm assuming you are staying here?"
"There is nowhere else that I need to be," Bella looked at her girlfriend. "Have a good night dear sister." She winked at her sister and wiped off the kiss that Andy placed on her cheek. "Ew get out of here. Text me later?" She held up Hermioen's phone.
"We are getting you a phone, I hope you know there is no escaping it now." Andy laughed.
"Over my dead body." Bella shot at her sister who was cackling down the hallway.
"It's been 9 days my love since I've last heard your voice," she shook her head, "I don't know how much longer I can last. You are like my own personal drug and I'm going to have a serious withdrawal here. I need my fix."
At least the muggle hospital television had the decency to play reruns of Friends every night. This usually kept Bella busy until she fell asleep. This particular evening she was sleeping in her chair, feet up on the bed, television still on when the small brunette finally started to wake.
"Wha…" a small voice was heard and stirred Bella from her slumber enough to turn the television off before settling back down. "What… what happened…" came the soft, horse voice of her girlfriend. Bella immediately snapped awake and peered cautiously at Hermione who was slowly opening her eyes and looking at the machines around her. "Where am I?" She looked over at the other witch with a look of confusion. She stared back at the brunette with a look of desperation. "Bella? Are you okay?"
"9 days in a coma my love and you are asking me if I'm okay?" Bella hurried around the bed and climbed in, pulling Hermione gently into a hug.
"9 days? How? Wait… what?" Hermione's voice was raw from sleep. "Can I have some water?"
"Of course," Bella reached over to the bedside table, poured her a glass, put a straw into it and held it up to Hermione's lips. "Not too much until we call the nurse in," she took a few tentative sips, "that's it, pet." When Hermione had enough, she rested back down against Bella's chest after she discarded the cup on the table, "I've missed you so much. You have no idea. Everyone missed you, you've had quite the turn out of friends."
"I can't remember what happened. How did I get here and why does my head hurt so bad?" Hermione winced at the pain coming from the back of her head.
"Do you remember going to the shrieking shack for Teddy?" Bella quietly asked. When Hermione nodded yes, Bella went into the recap of everything that happened after she hit her head the first time that night. It was all a blur to the younger witch, she didn't remember anything after Teddy untying her ropes. "And I killed her. I never wanted to have to use an unforgivable again but nobody hurts my family and gets away with it." Bella kissed Hermione on the top of the head.
"I've had brain surgery?" The younger woman asked, almost dumbfounded. "I can't believe you are here in a muggle hospital. And that besides Umbridge you haven't killed anyone."
Hermione felt a few chuckle ripple through her girlfriend, "I've been on my best behavior pet. I still have to face those assholes at the ministry so I thought it best to not kill any muggles beforehand." She kissed the untamed brunette hair, "I should get the nurse in here and call your parents. Everybody has been so worried."
Bella went to move out of the bed and Hermione grabbed her tighter, "just ten minutes please. I just want you to hold me, please."
Bella nodded and snuggled back down, holding her girlfriend tight. "I'm glad you remember me, dove."
"Well, I did promise you that you'd have me as long as you wanted. My brain knew what it had to do."
Bella hummed in response, "forever then," she quietly said as she started absentmindedly running her fingers through the other woman's hair before lightly hearing her words "forever then" echoed back as her girlfriend drifted off to sleep.
Hermione was kept in the hospital for an additional three days under observation. Her bone break was healing well but she was having extreme weakness in her left arm and the doctor couldn't be sure if that was due to the fall, the brain surgery or something else. Physical therapy was suggested moving forward to regain any strength that was currently lost. "When can I go home?" She asked the doctor frustrated after a third cat scan.
"We just want to be sure that your fracture is closing properly and that the infection is cleared. I know you are anxious to get back to normal." Dr. Hoffman said coming over to the side of the bed and checking the notes that the other nurses had left for her. "Everything is looking good so if you get cleared by your PT and commit to PT at home and office visits with me, you should be cleared by this afternoon." The doctor noticed the smile on her face, "I may be able to work it out so you'll only have to go as far as St. Mungos for your office visits. I've been meaning to set up an office there," the hospital was attempting the first muggle/wizard hospital collaboration and Hermione made a mental note to promote this if she ran for minister. "Also, you can't engage in any strenuous physical activity for at least three months while you are healing." Hermione blushed and looked at Bella who rolled her eyes. "If you ever notice any slip in your memory or are experiencing extreme discomfort, numbness or a rapid onset fever, you need to contact me immediately and come straight here not to Mungos. Does all of that seem agreeable?"
Hermione shook her head yes while looking over at her girlfriend. "I suppose most of it seems okay," Bella got up and walked over to the hospital bed, "how do I know that you'll be available 24 hours a day? I need reassurance that you'll be there if something happens."
The doctor handed her business card to Bellatrix, "here that's my business number but I wrote my personal cell number on the back. Any time of day. Any questions. Just ask."
Bella raised an eyebrow, "you give this out to all your patients?"
Dr. Hoffman chuckled, "no. I've never done this but yours," she looked at Hermione, "is a special case and I'm determined to see this through until the end." The answer seemed to satisfy the older witch so she continued, "now will there be additional support in the home while you are recovering?" She looked over at Bella who was glaring at her. "Not saying that you aren't a sufficient caregiver Madam Black, Hermione will just need an extra level of care during the first month of recovery."
"My parents will be staying with us and we have a loyal house elf." Hermione spoke up.
"And my sister is moving in. She's a mediwitch." Bella mumbled and cautiously looked at her girlfriend.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Well it seems like there will be plenty of support plus you'll have the PT coming in and we will be sending a house nurse to check on your bandages for your skull and your abdomen." Dr. Hoffman sensed the tense feeling in the air, "well I'm going to go ahead and start the discharge paperwork. I'll be around to see you before you leave and remember, no strenuous activities for at least three months."
When the door clicked behind Bella, she turned and looked at the somewhat exasperated expression of the brunette. "I know I invited Cissy to move in with us before and that really pissed you off and I'm sorry." Bella was pacing, wringing her hands around her wrists. "We've fought about this very thing before but Andy offered to come and help with the recovery. And we've gotten used to each other at Grimmauld Place. It'll only be until you've recovered and Teddy goes back to school. Just this summer. I would've asked first but you were kind of occupied." Bella stopped pacing and turned to look at her girlfriend who was smiling at her. "What?"
"You've started rambling like me." Bella rolled her eyes when the brunette started laughing, "it's fine, Bella. It'll be nice to have your sister with us. She can help look after all of this," she pointed to her bandages on her head and around her abdomen. While the sectumsempra wounds were healing, she was still sore when moving around and they bleed occasionally. It was a hell of a spell and definitely had a long recovery time. "Plus, I'm sure Teddy will love getting to see you everyday."
"Speaking of Teddy," Bella said, coming over and sitting down on the end of the bed, "what you did was really brave and we won't ever be able to thank you enough but promise me," Bella sighed, "never ever do something that ridiculously Gryffindor again."
Bella had made all the appropriate phone calls to let everyone know that Hermione would be discharged and back at the manor early evening. Of course this meant that the other Black Sisters were preparing a welcome home get together for Hermione. Bella tried to talk them out of it stating Hermione needed her rest but it was no use arguing with her sisters. She knew she already lost the argument before she even started it.
Bella had found a good stop out back of the hospital where she could apparate without any concerns from the muggles and the women disapprated to just outside the gates of Black Manor. "I've missed our home," Hermione said, not letting go of Bella's arm after they landed safely. "Twiggy must have missed you terribly while you were at the hospital with me."
"Hey," Bella pulled her girlfriend gently back when she started moving forward, "I'm sure you know my sisters." Hermione turned to look at the dark witch as she spoke, "look they have some sort of get together in there for you and I'm sure everyone showed up. Just promise me you won't over do it. If you feel tired or overwhelmed, tell me and I'll kick everyone out. Your health is more important than my sisters' feelings."
Hermione smiled, "I'll be okay and I promise I'll go lay down if I'm not feeling up to this. Come on, let's get this over with. I'm ready for a nice warm bath followed by a full body cuddle session."
Bella's face lit up with a genuine smile, "that sounds like perfection." When they finally got to the front door, Hermione swayed a little and Bella was about ready to call the whole thing off and put her in bed when her girlfriend reassured her that she just wasn't used to standing up for so long. "You'll sit down the entire time. No arguing." The dark witch said with finality as Twiggy opened the door and greeted them.
"Oh missus, Twiggy is so glad to have you both home. I'll take these," she grabbed the bags, "up to your bedroom immediately. Everyone is in the family room." Twiggy smiled at the women and disappeared with their bags.
The women walked into the family room and Hermione was taken aback by the turn out. Amongst the sea of red heads, she saw Draco and Astoria, Harry and Luna, the Black Sisters, Teddy, and Minerva. The only person missing from this gathering was Ron and Hermione felt a little sadness in her heart. She managed to smile as Bella led her to a seat. "Everybody, she has to sit down. Don't argue and if she tells you to fuck off. You better or else you'll have to answer to me."
"Wow, you really know how to start a party, Bella." Andy laughed.
"Stuff it, Andy. You'll be the first person out of here." Bella rolled her eyes.
"Oh no," Andy said putting her hand on Teddy's shoulder, "you are stuck with us for the summer. He's already all moved in. Can't go back now."
Teddy broke free from Andy's grasp, ran over to Bella and wrapped his arms around her legs, "I'm so happy you are back. I've missed you. Twiggy helped me set up my room."
Bella squatted down to look her nephew in the eyes, "and when we get a chance, we will have races out on the quidditch pitch," she winked at him as he threw his arms around her neck making a soft laugh escape. "Why don't you go give Hermione a hug, softly! She missed you too," pulling back she saw fear in Teddy's eyes. "Just be gentle, she'll be fine," she reassured the young man who nodded and made his way over to the brunette.
"Hi, Mione!" Teddy stood about two feet away from the woman and waved at her. "I missed you."
"You can come closer, love." Hermione smiled at the boy. "I promise it'll be okay. I won't break."
Tentatively, Teddy took a few small steps closer to her and rested a hand on her knee. She reached down and grabbed his hand, squeezing gently trying to relax the boy. "I'm glad you'll be staying with us. I've missed you too."
"Thank you," Teddy reached up on his tiptoes, kissing Hermione on the cheek. "Thank you for saving me. You were very brave. I hope to be brave like you one day."
"Oh sweetie, you were so brave being there for so long. I'm just glad you're okay." Hermione looked down at the scar on the back of the boy's hand. It had faded but it was still prevalent. "I'm sorry you have this," she gently touched the scar.
"It's okay, grandma says that you and I will match." He pointed to her stomach.
Hermione gave him a sad smile, wrapping her non casted arm around her abdomen unconsciously hiding her scars that she knew nobody could see. She leaned down slightly wincing from the tightness of the wounds, "our marks of bravery," she kissed Teddy on the forehead before he ran off after Twiggy. "We really do need more children around here for him. He's always surrounded by grown ups." Hermione spoke when Harry approached her.
"Are you volunteering to have the kids?" Harry laughed.
"Me? No. Definitely not. Not yet." She shook her head, looking around at all the smiling faces in the room.
"One day," Harry said, leaning over and kissing his best friend on the cheek. "Listen, Ron wanted to come, he just didn't know how Bella would react to seeing him."
"He can't keep using Bella as an excuse. It's not like she can't control herself. If he wanted to come, he would've been here." Hermione sighed. "It's fine, I'm happy to see everyone here tonight. Makes me feel an overwhelming amount of love."
"You had a lot of people scared, Mione. And we are all happy things turned out the way that they did." He tapped his pocket and looked around for the dark witch, "if you'll excuse me, I have to go deliver a message to Bella from Kingsley."
"Of course, come back before you leave. As Bella said, I'm not allowed to leave this chair."
They both laughed as he made his way over to his target. "Bella, can I have a minute?" Harry asked also trepidatiously. "In private?" He added nodding at the Grangers.
"What is it, Potter? Can't you see we are celebrating." Bella asked when they made it to the library for privacy.
"I just wanted to give you this," Harry pulled Bella's wand out of his pocket, handing it to the dark witch who didn't immediately reach out to grab it.
"What's the catch? The ministry doesn't do anything out of the kindness of their hearts. Isn't there going to be a trial? Me vs whoever the fuck cared about that woman? No investigation into my sanity? No forced healer meetings? No time in Azkaban?"
Harry gulped, "no. None of that. There's been a lot going on at the ministry in your absence. The wizengamot met about all of this."
"Wait just one fucking minute," Bella's face was turning red. Harry knew she was pissed but had expected this. "The Wizengamot met about the future of my freedom without giving me the courtesy to be there to defend myself?"
"Well, you were busy with Hermione and everyone understood the circumstances…"
"Fuck the circumstances. This is my freedom that we are talking about Potter." Bella shrieked.
"I know that, Bella. That's why I went to trial and spoke for you." Bella's head shot up, looking confused. "I knew you'd want to be there but I also knew you couldn't leave Hermione. So," Harry ran his hand through his thick hair, "I offered to speak for you."
"Why?" Bella simply asked. "Why would you do that for me?"
"Because you are my friend and well because you deserve this." Harry handed her her wand once more. "You've been cleared of any charges that came with Umbridge's death."
"And the aurors who dropped the ball with the shrieking shack?"
"They've been let go." Bella nodded her agreement. "The Wizengamot wanted to give them a warning but I pushed for their dismissal from duty as I knew that's what you would've wanted."
"And what happened to Flowers? Did she get fired? How did Umbridge even get a hold of her? And why was she always so annoyingly happy?"
"Well, I think the happiness is just natural for her and not part of being under the imperius curse. It turns out her name is Jane Davis and she did just come in to interview with the ministry but she was already under Umbridge's control by then. She was on holiday from Ireland when Umbridge knocked her out and cursed her. She was a missing witch in Ireland but Umbridge put a glamour on her and nobody ever knew because everyone at the office thought her name was Mary."
Bella shook her head trying to comprehend the new information. "So you're telling me Flowers is actually Mary who is actually Jane?"
"Precisely. The ministry didn't press charges because she was cursed the entire time she was working for us. They sent her back to Ireland."
"Okay," was all she said.
"Okay? I thought you'd have more to say about the situation."
"Well," Bella shrugged. "I guess I've grown, Potter. And thank you for this," Bella took her wand and started walking towards the door to rejoin the party. "I guess you are my friend too, Potter." Before Harry even had the chance to smile, she quickly turned and pointed her wand at him. "Tell no one."
When they were making their way back to the family room, Bella looked down the hall and saw a few strange potted orange plants on every end table along the way. "What the hell are those?"
"Just a welcome home gift from Luna." Harry smiled brightly at Bella before pushing past her and heading into the family room.
Bella walked over to Luna and tapped her shoulder, "love, what are those plants out in the hallway?"
"Oh the dirigible plums? Harry told me you probably didn't have any here at the house." Luna shrugged. "So I thought you might like a few. They are very helpful with potion making and healing."
"Oh, well that was umm," Bella searched for the correct word for the ugly little orange plants, "thoughtful of you. I will have Twiggy plant them outback. Feel free to visit them anytime." She patted Luna on the head and walked back over to where her sisters were sitting.
Hermione was still sitting in her chair talking with Ginny who pulled up a seat next to her. "I am so glad you are here, Gin. I've missed you terribly."
"Did you hear anything I said while you were asleep?"
"No. I don't think so." Hermione shook her head.
"I just said it was a shame that we lost touch and I don't want it to happen again. I might be abroad for Quidditch but that's no excuse. Maybe you guys can bring Teddy out for a few games. I'm sure he'd love it."
"Oh, I think Bella would love it, too." Hermione smiled at her girlfriend, "though she'd never admit it to anyone." Hermione turned her gaze back to her long lost friend, "so has it been odd seeing Harry with Luna?"
"You've been gagging to ask that since you heard I was in town haven't you?" Ginny smirked at Hermione's blushed cheeks. "Honestly, it seems perfectly normal. Harry and I ended on a good note and we talked a bit. Seems we can still be friendly with each other after all this time and I truly believe those two were meant for each other. Just look at them," they watched as Luna attempted to cleanse Harry's aura in the corner of the room with George standing by laughing at them. "Plus it's not like I currently have time for dating. Though there is a girl on the team who has fancied me for ages… I might be into exploring that." Hermione rolled her eyes and pushed Ginny's shoulder.
"Hey!" Bella shouted across the room, "no rough housing or I'll escort Red out of here."
Ginny held up her hands, "no worries. I'm on my best behavior tonight Professor Black."
Bella rolled her eyes, shook her head and took off in the direction of The Grangers and Minerva. "You must be so relieved, dear." The headmistress said, reaching out to embrace her friend.
"You have no idea," Bella chuckled, returning the embrace. "Well," she looked to Hermione's parents, "I suppose you two have an idea. It couldn't have been easy for you either."
"It was hard for all of us," Katherine said, reaching out of touch Bella on the shoulder. "What is it I always hear you saying thank Merlin? I think it's it. Thank Merlin that our little girl is all right."
"Plus," Jack added with a knowing look, "it gave us the opportunity to spend some quality time with our future daughter in law."
"Oh no," Bella started to back away from the trio, "not now."
Minerva spoke up, "well from all the chatter going on before the two of you arrived, it seems everyone here already knows about your plans." The grangers nodded in agreement, "well everyone except Hermione that is."
"Yes, love." Jack turned to the dark witch. "Seems like now's as good a time as any."
"Are you mad?" Bella cackled. "Do it now? In front of everyone?" The three of them smiled and nodded. "Absolutely not. Do you honestly think I'd give Andy the satisfaction of doing it in front of her? Never."
"Doing what in front of who?" The voice of the brunette broke up the group, all turning to look at her.
"What are you doing up?" Bella asked with a concerned tone.
"I'm getting tired. I know it's only been a little over an hour but do you think your sisters would be okay if we called this evening early?" Hermione walked over and put her head gently down on Bella's shoulder.
"Of course, dove. Why don't you have your mum take you upstairs and I'll get rid of everyone." Bella said, guiding Hermione over to her mom.
"Nicely?"
"Fine," Bella sighed dramatically. "I'll do it nicely."
It took over an hour for everyone to say their goodbyes properly and leave the house. Bella was only slightly frustrated by the time Narcissa finally left. Andy came out of the kitchen holding a tray and approached Bella. "Here, dinner for you and Hermione. Plus, that," she said pointing to the small pill cup, "is the muggle medicine that she needs to take tonight before she goes to bed. And these," she pointed to the potion bottles, "are her potions for the sectumsempra wounds and of course the salve. These," she pointed to the bandages, "are for her abdomen and the smaller ones are for the back of her head. There is ointment for that as well right here," she pointed to the smaller of the two ointments. "Do you need me to come in and help when the time comes? Or I can send Twiggy in."
Bella shook her head, grabbing the tray, "I'll try to do it on my own and if I need help I'll send for Twiggy." Bella looked over all the items on the tray. "Did Cissy leave these potions?"
"Yes, she left enough for a few days but said she'd be back with more before they run out."
Bella's eyes widened. "Should I have extended the offer for her to live here as well? She was really put out with the whole Grimmauld Place thing. Is she mad at me?"
"I don't think she's put out this time. Something tells me she's going to want her privacy these days." Andy smirked.
"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Bella questioned.
"Not my story to tell," Andy cackled and walked away, leaving Bella standing with her tray. "See you in the morning. I'm going to read Teddy a story. Call me if you need help."
"Night," Bella grumbled making her way up the stairs.
Bella noticed the lights in the room were dim so she gently backed into the door, opening it to find Hermione sleeping, snuggled on her mum's chest. It was a strange site to the older witch. She can't ever remember having a bond so close with her mother that she would find comfort in her. Her memories were mostly her sisters falling asleep on her for comfort. Bella smiled at Katherine who held her finger up to her lips, gently scooting out from under her daughter and placing her gently to rest on the pillow. She tiptoed over to where Bella was standing and placed the book down. "The Princess Bride," Katherine whispered, "she hasn't asked me to read to her since she was six. Have a good night. Let us know if you need anything."
Bella nodded and the Granger matriarch left them to retire to her bedroom. Bella walked over and brushed the hair off of her girlfriend's forehead. "Love?" She quietly said, placing a whisper of a kiss on her forehead. "My love? You have to wake up sweetheart. I need you to eat and take your medicine."
"Hmm?" Came the sleepy reply from the brunette, slightly opening one eye before shaking her head and closing her eye again.
"Love, you have to eat. We can snuggle after, I promise. If I don't follow Andy and Cissy's instructions, well, I don't think they will be as nice as me." She chuckled at the tiny growl that came out of her girlfriend. "Feisty. I like that. But first, you have to eat, then we take care of the rest." Bella helped Hermione up into a sitting position and brought over the dining tray with the food and medicine on it. "Andy made pasta. Hope it's good. She's not notoriously known for being the best cook."
Hermione took a fork full and made a yummy noise, "mmm I think Twiggy made it."
"Well," Bella said, picking up her bowl and fork and sitting down on the bed next to her lover, "in that case I'll have some, too." They dined relatively quiet, both of them just enjoying being in the other one's company. "I'm happy to be back home. I've missed our bedroom," Bella sighed as she put another bite of pasta in her mouth.
"It is nice," Hermione confirmed, "quiet. I don't remember it being this quiet."
"Well Grimmauld Place was a zoo the past couple of months. Don't worry I'm sure when Teddy gets comfortable around you again, the quiet won't last forever."
"I had the strangest dream while I was unconscious," Hermione put down her empty bowl and turned to look at her girlfriend.
"And what was that love?" Bella asked, placing her empty bowl back onto the tray.
"I dreamt that you were showing me an engagement ring and talking about children. It was nice. I think on some level, that it brought me back to you," Hermione looked over at Bella who made no facial recognition. "It was the strangest dream," she shrugged and picked up the muggle medicine to take first.
"Yes, that is strange indeed." Bella whispered back, moving to Hermione's side of the bed to help get her bandages changed.