Masquerade: The Veneer of Thalia and Melpomene
The Thirty Sixth Dance: A Shady Conclusion
"One is never afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end."- anonymous
Hermione wanted to take Bellatrix out on a date to this Japanese restaurant she really loved. It was this little hole in the wall where one could order good quality sushi, or a steaming bowl of ramen on a cold blustery day, or have some sake to make warm toasts to. Hermione had only ever been there twice but she loved the feel of it. It was never too crowded and the space was small, making it intimate and private despite how close together the tables and chairs were set.
The first time Hermione had been there, it had been when she was off from Hogwarts, summer of her fifth year. She had been wandering muggle London when she'd come across it. And she'd gone again her sixth year with Ron, though the boy had looked a little green around the gills at trying raw squid. But given the chaos and the battle during her seventh year, she hadn't had time to head back until now. She was hoping to rewrite her memories of Ron in the restaurant with memories of Bellatrix and of the time they would merrily spend there.
"You muggles eat raw uncooked food?" Bellatrix had mumbled in curiosity as she perused the menu in front of her. She was wearing a black turtleneck along with some comfortable pants, the black ink of her curls blending into her top. Neither her or Hermione had bothered to dress up too spectacularly for this date, given as they had no more need to impress each other.
"Not all of us do; it's cultural to others. This is more typical of Japanese cuisine than it is of the British to eat." Hermione explained as she unfolded her napkin across her lap. "I wanted you to try something new, try something that you've been reading about in those books of yours." Hermione had assigned Bellatrix reading on the cultural dishes of nations around the world. Unlike witches, muggles had a variety of cultures that spanned years and a myriad of landscapes. Hermione could count on one hand different 'cultural' sections of magic society whereas with muggle culture new things came to light almost each day.
"I suppose I could try it," and it was a testament to how much progress Bellatrix had made in saturating herself with muggle culture that she only had her lip curled upwards in slight distaste and as protection to her pride; she didn't want to come off as too eager to abate her prickly and hard to convince tendencies.
"I'm glad," Hermione smiled softly and Bellatrix flicked her eyes up from the menu momentarily to soak in the warm smile before her own lips settled down into a smile of her own.
"But I'm not finishing it if I don't like it," she added because there was no way she was going to eat something that tasted disgusting. She had a highly refined taste palate after all.
"I'll still be glad either way," Hermione commented because she really truly would. She wished somebody could come see this, come see the progress Bellatrix had made in just a short seven months. All the negative beliefs (well, most of them as Hermione was sure there was still a lot to cover) had nearly been stamped out without taking anything away from Bellatrix's character. She was still the same sassy and biting but intelligent woman. Just a lot less narrow minded.
The waiter came around and took their orders and as they sat there they talked about anything and everything. "Have you ever been to a tropical place before?" Hermione asked, already making grand designs of going to a beach together with Bellatrix even though she knew it was too soon for such wistful dreams.
"No, only ever dreary England. And a bit of Ireland and Wales," Bellatrix responded with, picking up the chopsticks and eyeing them warily.
"Would you be interested in going somewhere out of the country for a change?"
"Like where?"
Hermione shrugged. "I'm not quite sure yet. The Bahamas would be a nice place to start." Speaking of such things made Hermione feel...domestic for some reason. Like everything in her life was finally settling down, falling into place. The chaos of her return to life could finally be broken and she could do the things she had wanted to without worry of something coming to block her ventures.
"And what's there?" Bellatrix asked, sniffing the soy sauce in the little dish by her side and Hermione had to stifle back a laugh at Bellatrix's sour expression at the smell.
"A lot of beaches and sun, and just relaxation in general. Plus, good drinks."
Bellatrix's lips widened in a grin. "Drinks, you say?" she arched a brow. "I never say no to good drinks."
Hermione felt a thrill of excitement go through her. "So you wouldn't be in opposition if I booked us a trip there?" Maybe her dreams could become true. Maybe she could have that romantic couple's getaway that she always saw advertised.
"Would the ministry allow that?" Bellatrix propped her chin up in her hand, watching as Hermione's face fell.
"Right," Hermione had forgotten momentarily about them. There was no way they would let Bellatrix cross international borders no matter on how much good behavior she had been.
"Don't worry," Bellatrix grasped the back of Hermione's hand. "If we can't go to the beach than we can bring it to us." A mischievous look was on her face and Hermione knew that it could only mean one thing. "Bellatrix, don't tell me you plan on dumping tons of sand in your bedroom and pretending it's the beach."
"I was going to use the bathroom, because it already has a bath which can double perfectly as an ocean, but..." at this Bellatrix rolled her eyes playfully, "if you're going to be so opposed to it..." she shrugged like this did not concern her. "There were going to be drinks and umbrella's and me in a bikini-" now that was a tempting idea; Hermione couldn't stop the flush on her face as she thought of the other woman in a tiny not at all concealing outfit. "-did I mention I can make a mean margarita?"
Willing her flush away so Bellatrix couldn't notice how appealing the idea was to her, Hermione interrupted. "How are you even going to get the sand there. You have no wand."
"But you could take me to one of those muggle stores. What is it called, Wal-mart? You said a person can get anything there, so I was going to buy some sand there."
This time Hermione couldn't hold back her amused chuckle. "Bellatrix, Wal-mart doesn't sell sand; I was over exaggerating when I said that. But it was nice of you to think of doing all that." She turned her hand over so they could lace their fingers together.
"The offer is always on the table if you change your mind," Bellatrix said with a crooked grin. The idea was nice, but it would be such a pain to clean up all the sand.
The waiter finally came over with their food, setting down a plate of shrimp tempura for Hermione and takoyaki for Bellatrix. "What is this?" the older witch asked, nudging the fried dough balls with the ends of her chopstick.
"They're octopus balls."
Bellatrix frowned. "Octopus have balls?"
"No, not those kinds of balls," Hermione shook her head in amusement. "They're just pieces of octopus in the shape of balls."
"Hmm," Bellatrix said, looking slightly put out by her food choice.
"Why don't you try some of mine?" Hermione offered, spearing a piece onto her chopsticks and offering it over to Bellatrix. The older witch hesitated a moment before she leaned over and ate it, humming a moment as she absorbed the flavor. "This is actually good. I think I like your dish more."
"You haven't even tried yours."
Bellatrix looked at the unappealing, in her opinion, dish, picking up one of the octopus arms on the side that had been put for decoration. "It looks weird," she complained childishly, wiggling the tentacle around.
"You want to switch?" Hermione had no issue eating Bellatrix's dish. She's had it before and it's alright to her taste buds. But before she can switch dishes some one calls out her name. "Hermione?"
Hermione turns her head to see none other than Ron standing pale faced and clothes rumpled, looking at her with longing and sadness and shock.
Hermione's jaw drops. "Ron," she breathes out his name, missing the way Bellatrix's shoulders tense as she takes in the appearance of this intruder on her date. "What are you doing here?" What were the odds of seeing one of her best friends and ex-boyfriend here.
"I-I missed you," he said plainly, stuttering slightly. "And I came here, because...we've been here before and I just thought," he rubbed the back of his head not finishing that thought, eyes too ashamed to fully meet Hermione's. And that's when he notices Bellatrix whose back has been turned to him. "Is that-"
Bellatrix turns out, octopus tentacle still in hand and waves it at him in greeting. "Hello there, Wonnie." Her grin is mocking and not at all kind.
His jaw begins to shake. "What is she doing here?" he hisses to Hermione and she suddenly has the strong feeling that things will not be going pleasantly.
"She's here-"
"Are you two on a date?" His hands are clenched so tightly his knuckles turn white.
Hermione pales a little at that. She wasn't ready to tell anyone, not yet at least, and especially not in such a public place. "Ron, no," she insists firmly while Bellatrix sits in her seat, arm casually over the back of it, chewing on the tentacle now like it were popcorn that was brought to a drama scene. "She's here on good behavior. She's here to learn about human culture." Hermione wishes Ron could see Bellatrix's changes and it finally seemed like she had gotten her wish for someone to notice, except it's the wrong person noticing, because he's noted all the wrong things. He is too stubborn to believe one can change for the better.
"Because it looks like a date to me," he speaks like he hasn't heard Hermione at all. People around them are starting to notice and Hermione can't have that. She gets up from her seat, hastily throws some bills on the table to cover her meal and then strides up to where he's standing parked a table away and grabs him by the arm. "Outside, now," she hisses under her breath and leads him outside. Bellatrix cranes her head to watch them go until they disappear out the door before she spears a couple of Hermione's shrimps with her fork and shoves them into her mouth. No point in wasting a good meal. And no point in interrupting yet; it was nicer to let Hermione figure out things with her old lover than to butt in, no matter how much Bellatrix wanted to do that.
"Ron, what is your issue?" Hermione pulled Ron into the nearby alleyway and turned on him, hands on hips, brows furrowed.
"My issue?" His voice went up in pitch, cracking and he looked up at the sky, laughing and shaking his head about something in disbelief.
"Yes, your issue," Hermione stressed. "You come in and disrupt my learning session with Bellatrix-"
"Your date with her, you mean," he turns his eyes back on her and they are furious; gone is the sadness he had had at seeing her prior, at seeing their separation in person.
"For the last time, I'm not on a date-"
"You can't fool me," he spat out, finger wagging in the air. Anger has never looked good on Ron and it certainly doesn't look any better combined with his jealousy. "This was our date spot, Hermione. We went here, and now you're here with her, so it can only mean one thing."
"You're being delusional! You're jumping to conclusions! I happen to like this place, and I've eaten here before we even went on a date here. So it means nothing!" Hermione's own voice was getting louder, in panic at his pinpointed accusations and in retaliation at his choler at her.
"I saw you. I saw you feeding her but I didn't know it was her at the time. Don't tell me that's not something you do on dates," his tone was cold now, calm, confident he had her there.
Hermione floundered for an answer. "I-I, well friends do that all the time! It doesn't mean anything!"
"You're friends now? You fancy yourself friends with a sociopath killer who hated you and your kind for almost all of her life? And what, now that she's rolled over and shown her belly you think she's tame? That she can't bite you?"
"Stop talking about her as if she's an animal! She's not. And people can change Ron, that's why I'm still hopeful you'll change your opinion on her."
He gave a bitter laugh at this. "I'm not going to change what I think of her, ever!" he made a slashing motion, indicating the finality of his statement.
Hermione's heart was beating in her chest and her breath was flaring out through her nostrils as she felt a strong surge of unexplained hatred for Ron, for the man she had once loved, for the man she had once considered to be her closest friend. "Then you're worse than her." Her words came out from a throat too tight and she watched as his jaw swung open.
Bellatrix had gone through half of Hermione's dish, wondering quietly to herself what was taking so long and if Hermione was okay. If that half blood did so much as lay a hand on her-! Well, let's just say Bellatrix wouldn't need a wand to hurt him.
Suddenly she felt a pair of eyes on her. It sent a creeping sensation up her back, made the small hairs on her neck stand up. She turned to face it and nearly dropped her fork to the table. Standing by the back exit of the kitchens was a robed figure. The robe was black, obscuring the stranger's face entirely as well as its hands and feet. Cold seemed to radiate forwards from it, making Bellatrix's teeth rattle even from this distance. She rubbed her arms up and down and looked around swiftly to check if any one else could see it. But no one did, chatting loudly and eating their food. Even the waiter going past it breezed past like nothing.
Bellatrix's eyes narrowed as she looked on at the figure again. How come she could only see it? Who was it? Some sort of magical creature? A dementor? She shivered at the thought of that. She hated those vile beings. Were they here for her soul? But she hadn't done anything!
Compelled by her curiosity and something else, she rose from her chair, gliding over to it. It turned away and slid into the kitchen where Bellatrix followed.
"What did you just say to me?" came out as a gust of air from his slackened lips.
"You heard me," Hermione said venomously. "For all the negativeness you spout on her, at least she has the decency, the want to change and not be who she once was. You don't. You're content to stay narrow minded, to think the worst of others. I know she's not entirely guilt free, I'm not blind to what she's done in the past to me and to others and those we care. And I know she will receive much hate for it, but I thought that you, of all people would at least be more understanding. Would try to see the good in others. I'm not asking you to forgive her, or to ignore what she's done. I'm just asking you to put aside your own prejudice's and then make a judgement on her character." Somewhere along the way Hermione's voice had turned tearful and even though her eyes were dry, her tongue was tripping with emotion, baring her inner most thoughts.
Ron shook his head, slumped and defeated. All the fight seemed to have gone out of him. "I don't understand why you continue to choose her over me. Do you really value her friendship more?"
Now Hermione was the one shaking her head. "Ron, I care for you. I do. We've known each other for years. I've risked my neck for you more times than I can count and you've done the same for me. I'll never stop caring about you no matter how bullheaded you can get. Yet, I also care for her. She and you have so much in common and she's a good person underneath all she has done, I just know it. I just need to find a way to bring it out for the public to see, to help her atone for all she has done wrong. In the afterlife...she took care of me, she protected me just like you had during our school years. She's only been made a monster because of how her circumstances were and-"
Ron raised a hand cutting Hermione off there. "I don't want to hear more about this. Don't compare me to her."
"But don't you see. You both care for me. I'm trying to show you she's not truly a bad person."
"You're the delusional one here, Hermione. She's leading you on, only trying to act good so she can get her freedom back. You are too naive. Too trusting. And it will be your downfall. And because of the way you've pushed me aside, I won't be there this time to protect you." He shoved his hands into his pockets, gaze burning into the ground. "I had some time to think over our break up, and I realized that maybe I wasn't fully grasping the importance of this project for you. Yes, you were spending vile and abhorrent amounts of time with her, but it was because no one else would and you were always noble at heart unlike me. I wanted to get back together with you. Wanted to try again. Wanted to be better." He gave out a heavy sigh and the anger in Hermione's veins faded. She shouldn't be yelling at Ron like this. He had the mindset of the conscientious. The public hated Bellatrix, Hermione was one of the few exceptions that didn't, that saw her as more. He was only acting and thinking how it was socially normal to do so.
"I missed you a lot. My life just...lost color. I did my job with little enthusiasm, wandered from room to room in my house after work. I didn't like talking to anyone. But then one day, I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself. I came here to bolster my resolve. To recall one of the better dates we'd had..." his lips thinned. "But you were here with her. It's like you don't miss me Hermione." He looked up at her with his puppy dog eyes.
"I do miss you," Hermione breathed out, feeling her eyes fill with tears. What had gone wrong in their relationship? Why were they at such odds. "But not the way you miss me." That was the most concise way of telling him she was no longer romantically interested in him. Also, one of the kinder ways.
Ron's face scrunched up like he had swallowed a bitter pill. "I see," was his soft response before he apparated away.
"Ron, wait!" But Hermione was only calling out to the air. She muttered a curse under her breath. She had made things worse; but she didn't want to lose him. She needed to apologize, to clear things up. She was going to follow him when she felt a cold chill run down her back. She turned around and saw a robed figure slowly floating towards her, silhouette almost lost in the dark.
Hermione felt her heart stutter in her chest and her eyes go wide. She recognized it. She had seen it before. Back in Narcissa's house. What was it doing here? Was it plaguing her? And why wasn't it stopping? She reached for her wand, holding it out in front of her. "Stop there," she said in as strong a voice she could muster.
It listened because it stopped a few feet away from her, the only motion now of it's swaying robes. "Perfect." It was a dry and breathy sound and then when Hermione blinked, it was gone.
What-what was all that?
There was a crash from the end of the alleyway and Hermione directed her wand there, worried that the robed figure was causing it when Bellatrix exited through the back door of the restaurant. "You watch where you're going!" she yelled at someone, "and then maybe you won't drop anymore food!" She slammed the door shut and froze when she saw Hermione in the alleyway.
"It's gone," she murmured, glancing around and seeing the robed figure was gone.
"What's gone?"
"This...robed thing..." Bellatrix struggled for words to describe it- she didn't want Hermione thinking she'd gone off the deep end but there really wasn't an easy way to say it. Giving up she put her hands on her hips and focused on something else. "Put the wand away, will you?"
Hermione hastily shoved it back, remembering that some muggles could see it. "You saw it too?"
"So it did come this way. Did it hurt you?" Bellatrix was immediately concerned, approaching Hermione and setting her hands on her shoulders.
"I'm fine."
"And Ron?"
Hermione briefly closed her eyes here. "Less fine with that, but I'll figure that out on my own."
Bellatrix nodded her head, pulling her hands away. Hermione missed them. "We need to get out of here. It could still be around."
"Do you think it's dangerous?" Hermione asked as she apparated them away. They arrived on the stoop of Bellatrix's prison house and went indoors, Hermione spouting a greeting to the aurors on duty there. The two women settled themselves down into the auror free lounge, their date now ended because of new possible revelations.
"I would be wary. It hasn't done anything to us yet but I have no clue of what manner of magical being it is," Bellatrix admitted. Hermione nodded her head along. Both of them were well versed in magical creatures given their studious nature and they had never heard of such a thing as what they had seen. The only thing close to it was- "Dementors. You think its one who has gone rogue?"
Bellatrix dismissed the notion with a wave of her hand as she paced the space thoughtfully while Hermione sat down and conjured herself a cup of strong tea. "No, they are bound by the ministry. They have no way of going rogue. This has to be something else but I do not know what. Maybe it's something related to the judges?"
"But their 'gifts' to us expired. We've dealt with all of them. Why would they send us more?" Ever since Hermione and Bellatrix had unwrapped Dorian's gift than they hadn't heard any of the judges voices in their head which they assumed meant their connection and duty to them had been severed.
Bellatrix shrugged. "I wouldn't be surprised, especially given Dorian's nature."
Hermione mulled over on this before speaking up once more. "The figure said something to me. It said perfect and then it disappeared."
"Well, you are perfect," Bellatrix smiled down at Hermione and stopped behind her so she could loop her arms around her neck. Hermione leaned into the hold, enjoying the sweet moment before Bellatrix took on a more business like tone. "I don't know why it said that word. It almost sounds like it was looking for you, and found you." Possessiveness filtered through Bellatrix's words and it made Hermione warm to hear that. The older witch pulled free of the embrace, wary of being so affectionate with Hermione in this auror filled house. She didn't want bad rumors following her precious Hermione around.
"I've seen it before," Hermione added, knowing the information would rile Bellatrix up, but needing to tell the other witch. Keeping this fact hidden could be dangerous given they were dealing with an unknown entity. Bellatrix predictably bristled at hearing that, eyes going darker. "When was this? Did it hurt you? And why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Hermione set her almost empty cup of tea down so she could get up and walk towards where Bellatrix was now leaning against a cabinet, arms tightly crossed on her chest. "I didn't tell you because I thought it was an one off thing." She tugged Bellatrix's arms free from their hold and wrapped them around her waist. "And I saw it in Narcissa's house when I went to get the book for you. It didn't do anything then, just stared at me."
"Do you think it's been following you ever since then?" Bellatrix asked, tugging Hermione protectively closer.
"This is the only other time I've seen it," Hermione shook her head, curls bouncing.
"Either way I don't like the sound of this. You're going to have to be more careful. I can protect you here, but outside these walls..." Bellatrix's hand looped up to play with one of Hermione's curls as she lowered sad eyes. She didn't want Hermione hurt. She wanted to protect the golden girl.
"I know," Hermione sighed out. "But I'm working on it. First step is getting back your wand, and then freedom from this place." They were silent a moment, Bellatrix fidgeting with Hermione's curls and Hermione just wrapping her arms around the older witch and holding her. "I'm sorry our date was ruined," she blurted out, mind returning to Ron's unpleasant interruption and then the appearance of that mysterious being.
"You know," Bellatrix stated coyly, her eyes half lidding. "The evening can still be salvaged."
Hermione felt a quiver of excitement bolt through her stomach at those words. She wouldn't need to be told twice. "Upstairs, now," she whispered, ducking in quickly to nip Bellatrix under her jaw. Then the brunette pulled free and went up the stairs first. In preparation she cast a silencing spell and then a locking spell on the door so only she and Bellatrix could enter and leave the room.
Bellatrix sure took her time in coming upstairs, leaving Hermione on the edge of her seat, impatient and burning with need the woman had inspired in her with a few choice words. When she finally came up, Hermione nearly jumped up from the sheets but didn't, clutching the bed in hopes to hold her patience.
"Impatient, pet?" she purred, eyeing Hermione's agitated state in satisfaction. She circled around to where Hermione sat, and clasping her cheeks in her hands, leaned down to kiss her.
Bellatrix's lips were gentle and exploring, taking their time in plundering Hermione's mouth. Hermione didn't want things to go slow. She wanted Bellatrix now. Growling in impatience she grabbed the front of Bellatrix's shirt and threw her onto the bed next to her. Bellatrix chuckled at that, amazed at how aggressive Hermione could get in the bed, as Hermione straddled her hips. Her hands went under Bellatrix's black top, seeking warmth, possessively digging into smooth skin. Bellatrix let her own arms ride up to Hermione's back, scratching the skin there, marking it as her territory.
Their lips joined again, kisses sloppy and hasty, tongue and teeth and total anticipation. Their breaths were harsh as their heart rates speed up, as their bodies began to dance a dance that was all too familiar to them. Shirts and pants were discarded until only flesh remained, scantily covered by undergarments turning wet with rising arousal. Hands became searching, hips hungrily canting into each other, as lips continued their assaults. Hermione nipped down the length of Bellatrix's neck, careful not to leave marks. But she wanted to leave one, wanted to openly claim Bellatrix as hers. Yet, she couldn't, given their clandestine situation.
Bellatrix gasped under her, writhing unbearably as her skin felt like it was lit on fire, like she was going to combust. Hermione could sense her need and so she slipped one hand under the older woman's underwear. Eager fingers met eager heat and began to thrust away as Bellatrix rocked her hips upwards and grasped Hermione hard by the shoulders, indenting skin, leaving it littered with her impassioned imprints. Her lips were the ones to attack Hermione's neck now and they did so with teeth barely hidden by lips and a wicked tongue that licked a path up and down the brunette's straining tendon.
Hermione moved faster, urged by Bellatrix's pants of ecstasy, the darker witch's eyes slipping closed, her mouth falling open. She was getting closer and to make her reach the peak faster, Hermione slipped in another finger, corkscrewing them until Bellatrix's back arched up as she came with a low moan that she buried in the inside of Hermione's neck. The release was drawn out and sweet, making Bellatrix's body heavy and only hungry for a taste of Hermione now, whose wetness she could feel pressed up against her thigh.
Hermione placed soft kisses on Bellatrix's forehead to help her softly assuage from her orgasm high before the older woman turned her around and pinned her arms down above her head. "Ready for your turn, pet?" She watched as Hermione's pupils grew until they were lust blown, mouth slipping open to let out a little whimper of want.
"You bet I am," Hermione husked, locking her legs behind Bellatrix's back to draw her closer. "Give me everything you've got."
"With pleasure," Bellatrix licked her lips and bent her head down to kiss Hermione's kiss heavy lips.
They indulged in each other until they could no more, lying spent on top of the covers. Hermione wanted to cuddle up to Bellatrix, to slip her arms around her and just sleep with her, to wake up in the morning with her in her arms. But they couldn't do that. There was no way to without raising any suspicions. So vanquishing her fantasies, Hermione scrounged around the floor for her outfit.
As Hermione buttoned up her shirt she heard a commotion from down below. There sounded to be a lot of yelling and she wondered why that could be. Bellatrix was here, also getting redressed, so it couldn't be something about her. Frowning, Hermione pulled open the door and descended down the stairs, wand up in her sleeve and comforting against her still sex heated flesh. Bellatrix trailed behind her, taking longer to walk since she had more clothes to put on.
"I'm sorry but you cannot enter the building," came the voice of one auror, stern and unyielding.
"And why the bloody not?" came a way more garbled voice, one clearly thick with drink.
"Because you are not authorized here-"
"I'm an auror. I'm one of the Golden Trio!" the drunk roared and as Hermione came to the last step she felt her heart clench in sympathy. "Oh Ron." She shook her head at his state. He was belligerently drunk, clothes askew and face flushed with alcohol. How had he gotten to this point, and why? Was it because of her? Because of what she said? She was sorry for her harsh words but they needed to be said.
"Miss Granger," the other auror standing on guard in the hallway noted her. The two of them were currently faced with a handful of drunk Ron. "Mr. Weasely is here and he..."
She nodded her head at him. "Yes, I can see. Let me talk to him, will you?" She didn't want to throw her friend out. That would be inhumane. She was sure all he needed was a bit of reason thrown his way.
The auror nodded his head and signaled to the other to step back. They understood that Hermione needed some privacy. They left the room.
"Hermione," Ron slurred upon sight of her. He was swaying in his robes, one eye almost entirely shut. "There you are. I need a word with you. I came to tell you something. I have news." He was repeating himself, not even aware of what he was saying.
"Ron, I think what you have to say can wait. You need to go home. How did you get this drunk?" She made to go towards him but he lurched back, almost crashing into the potted plant by the wall. "NO!" he said very loudly and clearly. Hermione felt hurt at his tone of voice and at how quickly he had fled her touch. "I need to tell you that-" his words trailed off when he saw who was standing behind Hermione, on the bottom step of the stairs. She had been there silently, dark eyes following the action but otherwise not intervening.
"You," he growled out, raising his pointer finger. "You bitch."
She arched a brow, amused by his antics but didn't say anything. She no longer felt there was any point to antagonizing the Weasely, not when she had Hermione all to herself.
"'m going to fucking *hick* destroy you," he promised. "You took 'Mione away from me!"
This was all about jealousy and old beliefs stemming up again. Hermione wasn't in the mood for this. "Ron, stop. You are drunk and you are going to go home now." She wished Harry or Ginny owned a phone so she could call them up to take Ron home. She couldn't very well write a letter for an owl right now.
"Destroy me. Don't make me laugh myself into a stupor," Bellatrix cracked out, shaking her head in merriment. He really was something else. As if the bumbling and drunk red head could defeat her, one of the best fighters in the wizarding world.
This only incised him more and he drew out his wand. Hermione was stuck between an armed Ron and a defenseless Bellatrix. She didn't like where this was heading. "Forgive me for this, Ron," she whispered before she slid out her wand and cast a quick stupefy on him. He crumpled to the ground before he could even realize he had been hit with it.
Hermione let out a long shaky sigh, eyes watering at the sight of one of her best friends turned to such ugly vices as drinking and seeking revenge on Bellatrix.
"Are you okay?" Bellatrix murmured, the only comfort she could provide in public were her soft soothing tones.
"I'm fine. I just..." Hermione pressed a hand to her eyes. "Why did things between me and Ron change. Why did they go wrong?"
Bellatrix was silent a moment before she answered, "maybe they were never right to begin with?"
Hermione apparated over to Harry's house, woke the man up apologetically, before informing him of what had transpired.
Harry had quickly gotten dressed and then gone to pick Ron up and take him back to the Burrow where Molly could watch over the red haired man who no doubt would be hungover the next morning.
"Ron," Harry stared at his friend, wondering how he could have not seen this coming, how he could have missed the warning signs that detailed his friend was so distraught. "I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it. I'm sure he's...you know he was never one for dealing with emotions maturely." Harry said this to Hermione who nodded her head. "I know. I know all too well. I just hoped he'd grown out of it."
"I'll talk to him in the morning. See how he's feeling." Harry gave an awkward smile. He was not looking forward to dealing with this tomorrow.
"Good, let me know." Hermione squeezed Harry's upper arm approvingly and then watched him apparate away. She was back in her own apartment, unease tugging in her gut. She didn't want to leave Bellatrix alone after Ron had come in and nearly attacked her, but what choice did she have? She couldn't stay over without it seeming suspicious and so she was forced to leave her aurors on high alert. She'd check in the morning. Everything would be okay then.
Sighing to herself, she undressed for the night before tossing herself face first onto her sheets, knocking out almost immediately. As she slept, spent by the day's events, a dark hooded figure hovered near her bed, watching the way her back rose and fell gently with each breath.
"Soon," it hissed and then disappeared into the black night.
A/N: Quick note on the title of the third act. Melpomene was the name of the muse of tragedy and Thalia was the name of the muse of comedy (the frowning and smiling faces seen in theaters respectively). They both come from Greek history and were big contrasts in theater and literature. I used their names for this act because both are represented on masks, masks being a reoccurring theme in this story in how they can be used to cover up the truth of a matter. Also, Bella matches to the mask of tragedy because of her complicated past and how it ruined her future, and Hermione is the mask of comedy because she refuses to let her circumstances beat her down and has for the most part had a good life.
And additionally, because while the third act might have been lighter in terms of how Bella and Hermione finally realize their feelings, 'tragedy' can never truly evade them.
With that said, act four, the last and final act of this story will be coming up soon.