The sun shone brightly through the open crack between Hermione's curtains. A pained groan came from the bed as the brunette pulled her head out from under the pillow, softly cursing at the offending light source. "I'm never drinking again," she whined as a sharp pain attacked the back of her eyes. "Fucking hell," she sighed, struggling to get comfortable, "it wasn't even two full glasses of wine." Hermione closed her eyes and draped her arm over her face, taking a small amount of comfort in the relief it brought her. She remembered reading her book then taking a bath. She was thinking back over the course of the evening and her eyes shot open, urgently sitting up in bed. Immediately she felt suddenly vulnerable when she realized she wasn't wearing any bottoms. "No, no, no," she silently pleaded when she searched for her phone. "Where is it?" She was feeling around under the covers and found it under the spare pillow. "Oh God," her face turned bright red when she looked over the series of texts from last night and memories of sexting her Professor came rushing back. "I was so fucking desperate sounding," Hermione shook her head, "I can't believe I told her I was finger fucking myself." That was not how the evening was supposed to go for Hermione. She put her phone down and sighed, "how the hell am I ever going to face her again? She's never going to let this go." She got out of bed and walked to the bathroom where she grabbed two aspirin and filled up a cup with tap water. She took her pillows and continued to chastise herself in the mirror, "this is why we don't drink, Hermione." Her reflection stared back at her, "but do you regret it?" She asked the version of her staring back at her from the other side of the mirror. She sighed, "fuck. I don't know anymore." From what she can remember, it was a very enjoyable night so regret didn't seem to cross her mind more than once.
She quickly checked the apartment and found that she was alone, suspecting that Ginny found someone to hook up with last night. She sat on the couch and let herself sink into the comfortable fabric. Hermione just wished she could confide in someone about this. It would be so much easier to talk about things with a friend. Everyone in her circle was too close or closely related to Bella. "Wait a minute," Hermione smiled to herself, "I can talk with Luna about everything." She sent a quick text to her blonde friend to see if she'd be working at the library later and when she said yes, Hermione told her that she needed to tell her something. Luna was friends with everyone but she was the least judgemental person Hermione had ever met. Sure she was a bit eccentric and a little out there but she would keep Hermione's secrets, she was sure of that. Luna was an amazing confidante and she gave surprisingly sound and rational advice. "Fuck," she grabbed her head and wished for her pain killers to kick in. "Here I go. I'm going to get up now," she willed herself off of the couch and made quick work of getting dressed for her shift at the library.
Hermione made it to the library on time and Andy was already there making fun of her for being hung over. "Never could handle your liquor could you, Granger?" She smirked at her after the brunette entered the library wearing dark sunglasses.
"Oh stop," she blushed, "I only had two glasses of wine. I'm not sure what happened." She rolled her eyes but nobody saw because she still did not remove her glasses.
"So," Andy looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "you are just going to wear those your whole shift?" She nodded towards her sunglasses.
"Ugh, not if these aspirin kick in." She slumped down into her chair.
"I'm going to go get you something greasy from the cafe. You and Lovegood hold the library down until I get back. Luna, are you hungry?" She called across to the reference desk and the blonde nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, I'll be back."
Luna watched as the middle Black sister left the library with her bank card before moving her way over to the main desk. "So, you said you wished to speak with me?"
Hermione nodded, "have a seat. This is a sitting type of conversation." Luna took a seat, facing the brunette with a look of intent. "Okay," Hermione started, "I'm not going to look at you while I talk. So I had a one night stand."
"Ginny told me."
"Of course she did. But nobody knows who it was with. I wasn't even aware of her name when we had slept together. We didn't exchange names and I left before she woke up."
"Go on…. You can tell me anything, Hermione. There will be no judgement and everything you say stays between us," the blonde girl coaxed her into comfort.
"Okay," Hermione nodded, "I know that. So," she bit her lip, "do you know who Professor Black is?" Luna's eyes widened but she didn't interrupt. "Yep. It turns out my one night stand was with the new Professor, our boss's sister and my best friend's aunt."
"Was it just a one time thing?" There was no hint of judgement or bias in her tone and it was always something Hermione appreciated.
"I honestly thought it was. I just had an itch that needed scratching and I thought once I got it out of my system that I'd be fine. Be able to move on." She sighed and finally looked at her friend. "Then Bella showed up here. And she liked me and pursued me still after I told her I wasn't interested. And," she bit her lip, "I think I like her too. It's more than just the sex with her which I'll be the first to admit was the best sex I've ever had but then I found out she Madam Rosier." Luna's eyes widened at the name, "I know. I was shocked too. She's smart, funny, talented, great with the students and she's interested in me."
"It's more than just the sex with her isn't it?"
"How are you always so insightful? Well," she continued her story, "I found out she's Madam Rosier and I've been following her career for seven years and have been madly in love with this woman even though I'd never seen a picture of her before. She's brilliant at what she does. And I wanted to tell Bella I knew who she was because I don't think she knows. But," her cheeks turned pink, "the conversation got away from me last night when I was drunk and it led to sloppy phone sexting which I don't know if I regret. The thing is deep down, I have liked Bella for weeks, long before I found out who she was and I don't want her to think that all of a sudden I'm interested in her because she's famous. That's not it at all." Luna smiled and nodded signaling for her to continue, "I want her to know that my interest is in her and not her fame and money. That doesn't matter to me. I think I do want a chance to get to know her better."
Hermione stopped to take a breath and Luna felt that she wasn't done. "So, what's stopping you from telling her this? Or pursuing a relationship with her?"
"I'm afraid that one or both of us will get in trouble with the university. I'm not sure but there has to be a policy somewhere about a teacher entering a romantic relationship with a student. I can't risk that. I'm just starting out."
"Have you mentioned this to Professor Black?"
"Yes and she said that she's here for a good time and not for a long time and that we are both adults. She also said that the Dean invited her here to teach and if she doesn't want her here anymore that's fine too."
"Well," Luna shrugged, "it seems like she's really interested in starting something up with you and if it were against policy, she would take the brunt of the fault though she's not worried about it. I say do whatever your heart tells you. Get out of your head. Don't miss out on a chance at something because you are afraid of what the Dean might say. You are a doctoral student and an adult like Professor Black said. If you think she's worth it, you should go for it."
"I think I need to speak with Bella. She should be back on Monday."
"You could always send her a text," Luna smiled.
"Yeah," Hermione smirked, "that didn't go over so well at night." She looked up at Andy coming back, "thanks for listening and you for the secrecy. I appreciate you as a friend, Luna."
"Anytime, Hermione."
"All right," Andy approached the pair, "I'm back with the vegan burger for Luna and this selection of greasy appetizers for you, a coffee, a water and a soda. Something here should help you with your pathetic two glasses of wine hangover."
"Thanks, Andy," Hermione laughed. "I don't deserve you."
"No," Andy smirked, "you don't. Eat up you two."
On Monday morning Hermione went to class early, she had told Ginny and Draco that she needed to debrief Professor Black about the Art History 1 classes she taught but the truth was she had been dying to talk to Bella since she unloaded on Luna in the library. She didn't dare text her the rest of the weekend, afraid she wouldn't be able to control herself. She was only human after all and Bella was a very persuasive and sexy woman. "Dean McGonagall?" She asked both in surprise and disappointment when she entered the Museums Study class. "Where's Professor Black?"
"I'm sorry to disappoint you dear but Professor Black emailed me late last night to say there was an emergency at the museum and she would be out at least until the exhibit got off the ground. Good news and bad news. Bad news is I'm going to need you to teach the Art History 1 class again this week."
"And the good news?"
"The exhibit launches this Saturday so Professor Black assured me that she would be back to class on Monday. If you are uncomfortable teaching Art History 1 or simply don't want to, that is fine and I can find another substitute Professor for the week."
"No," Hermione shook her head, "I'm fine to teach the class again."
"Good," the Dean smiled at her, "Professor Black said she emailed you more powerpoint slides and the additional lesson plans for this week. It should be an easy week."
"Dean?"
"Yes dear?" The older woman looked up from her computer over her half moon glasses and smiled.
"Do you know what the exhibit she's working on is?"
The Dean smiled and looked a little relieved that the question wasn't class related. "I'm not sure but she is a curator at the London Natural History museum so I suspect you'll be able to see her exhibit this weekend if you really want to go."
"Thank you," Hermione smiled at the Dean and made her way over to her usual seat and took out her laptop, immediately checking her email showing one new message from Bella.
Ms. Granger,
It was my full intention to make it back for class this week. Unfortunately due to an unforeseen complication at the museum, I need to be out of the office for another week. I am hopeful that you will continue to teach our Art History 1 class. The Dean said she can acquire a substitute if you don't want to take on this task again. However, you are the only person I trust to teach the students. Midterms are coming up already and I was hoping that you can help the students prepare. I have included powerpoint slides for you as well as a copy of the midterm to help prepare a study guide for them. Don't let Red talk you into giving her the test questions. Thank you for doing this for me, it won't be forgotten.
Now that the business is out of the way, let's get to the fun stuff. I hope that you didn't wake up Saturday morning only to regret our text conversation from Friday night as I can assure you that it's all I've thought about over the weekend. I truly want to have an in-depth conversation with you about that. Also, I was told by my sister, Narcissa, that Draco said you found out about my Museum alias. I think we also need to speak about that. I'm going to be pretty busy preparing for the opening this weekend and probably won't have any spare time which is unfortunate because I would like a repeat performance of Friday night maybe next time in person or over FaceTime.
I have included a ticket to the exhibit. The event starts at 7:30pm. I would be honored if you'd come as my guest. No, not my date because for some reason, my being is telling me that you'd still reject that for whatever university policies you are still holding onto as your excuse. Come as my guest, neither of us could face any repercussions at the University if we just happen to be at the same Museum event.
If you show up on Saturday evening, I'll take that as a sign that you are interested in pursuing whatever this is further than a professor/student relationship and I do so hope you come that night.
Until then,
Bella
"Well fuck," Hermione sighed. Another wrench in her plans. At this point, she felt that maybe she'd never get the chance to talk to Bella. The older woman was aware that Hermione had found out her identity and from the tone of the email, it didn't seem like that changed anything for her. "Hmm," Hermione's mind was going at warp speed, "I guess I have a week to decide if I'm going or not. Though," her inner monologue continued, "it's a little disappointing that she doesn't want me there as her date," but Hermione understood where the fear of rejection would've been coming from. She did nothing but give reason for Bella to doubt her sincerity in regards to pursuing a relationship. Five days, Hermione could make it. Since there was still a few minutes until class, she took a look over the Art History 1 midterm and started preparing a study guide for the students.
Bella walked through the exhibit hall of the London Natural History Museum checking over the displays as she passed. The week was coming to a close and it was crunch time. The lost pieces for the exhibit were finally located in Italy and we're able to be relocated to London so the crisis was finally over and the regular exhibit opening nerves were able to kick in. She finally got back to London yesterday morning and was able to relax a little bit. She saw her youngest sister at the other end of the exhibit hall and walked over to her. "It's finally coming together," she let out a sigh of relief as they looked out over the employees arranging the displays. "I can't believe it took so fucking long to locate the pieces. Honestly, I wasted so much time waiting for the damn airlines to get their shit together. I swear, sometimes working with museum personnel isn't always working with the cream of the crop."
"Well," her sister smirked, "you do have rather high expectations of everyone."
"I do not," the older sister folded her arms over her chest. "I just expect people to be competent enough to do their jobs properly."
"You've never been this on edge about an exhibit opening before and two weeks away from home would've been a vacation for you," Narcissa looked at her sister, "yet, this time everything with you was different. You almost seemed desperate to come back. I know it wasn't because you missed your family. You loved the come and go life for seven years and I know you better than that. Now, I also know it's not your students because you just took that job as a favor to the Dean. I also don't think you are particularly excited for this exhibit to open. So," she smirked, "why were you so anxious to come back?" Bella rolled her eyes and turned to face the other way but her sister saw the slight pink tinge on her cheeks and gasped. "Bellatrix Black. You've met someone, haven't you?"
"I'm not discussing this with you. We have an exhibit to prepare," she tried to move away but her sister grabbed her arm, holding her still. "Let it go, Cissy."
"Who is she? Do I know her? Are you serious about her? When can I meet her?"
"I'm not telling you because yes the entire family knows her and I wish to keep her identity a secret for now. No, well maybe I don't know if it's serious because I'm still trying to get her to go out with me. And if I had my way you'd never meet her."
"Still trying to get her to go out with you? What in the bloody hell doesn't that mean?"
"It means," she rolled her eyes, "that we had what was supposed to be a one night stand but feelings have started to develop and we are currently working through what that means." She saw her sister open her mouth, "and no I'm not going to elaborate. If she shows up tomorrow, then I guess we will see what happens from there."
"You've invited a woman to attend one of your openings?"
"That's what I said," she examined her nails out of boredom.
"Wow. You must really like this woman." Cissy dropped the conversation for the time being as they went along and helped set up the exhibit hall with the rest of the staff. Everything had come together nicely and it was a beautiful display called: Wildlife Photographer of the Year. It was an exhibit showcasing one person's self discovery journey of the planet via wildlife over the course of one year. "It looks wonderful, Bella." She came over to stand next to her sister at the front of the hall. "Everyone is going to love it."
"I guess we will see," she sighed. "It's only a little nerve racking since it's my first exhibit at this museum but I'm sure it'll be fine."
"I'm bringing Draco and Andy as my guests tomorrow. They are excited to support you and see your efforts here."
Bella's mind immediately wandered to Hermione. How was she going to explain Hermione's presence at the event to her nephew and sisters. Why did the girl she fancied have to be so close with all of the members of her immediate family? "Perfect. I can't wait for them to see it," she simply stated before she made her way out of the exhibit hall.
Saturday evening came around faster than Hermione had been expecting. She thought about the email from Bella all week and finally made up her mind. She stood in front of her full length mirror appraising her dress for the evening. Hermione was wearing a v-neck burgundy high low lace cocktail dress. It had a cinched, tight waist that accentuated her hourglass figure. The midi shirt ended mid thigh while the back of the dress extended a little lower. She had her hair down and tamed into loose curls with a modest makeup look. Her outfit was completed with a pair of black flats since Bella was shorter than her and she didn't want to tower over her. "Good enough." She snapped a picture of herself and saved it for her Instagram account later.
Hermione had made up her mind that she was going to tell Bella that she wanted to give whatever this thing was that had been developing between them a chance. She couldn't explain why but she felt an inherent need to get to know this woman more than just sexually or in the professional student/Professor relationship. She just hoped that she wasn't too late. "You can do this," she gave herself a pep talk while looking herself over in the mirror. "You know she wants you. Now you just have to find out if she likes you." Wanting someone and liking them were two completely different things and Hermione having had time to consider everything wanted to date this woman not just have a bunch of casual amazing sex with her. She was getting ready to head out the door when she heard her phone vibrate. Picking it up off the dresser, she saw a missed call and two text messages from Bella.
6:00pm
Hello Hermione. I don't know if you've decided to come to the event tonight or not and I also wanted to apologize for the lack of communication this past week but it's been quite busy for me. No need to message me back, I want your arrival to be a surprise if you show up. I just thought it only fair to warn you that my other sister had invited Draco and Andy to come tonight.
6:04pm
I hope this doesn't discourage you from coming tonight. I'm very excited to see you in whatever sexy dress you chose for the evening. I'll be the one in the tux. It's been my only hope all week that I'll get to see you tonight and show you just how much I want this.
"Well, shoot," Hermione bit her lip. She wasn't ready for Draco and Andy to find out about the possibility of her and Bella. She wanted Bella and herself to be able to figure things out on their own and take things at their own desired speed without involving her entire family. Though, it wouldn't be a big stretch for Hermione to just show up at the exhibit given her major and obsession with museums.
She took out her phone and quickly dialed Luna's number. "Luna?"
"Hello, Hermione."
"I have a little crisis."
"What's wrong? You seem stressed."
"Bella's exhibit opening is tonight at the museum and she has invited me to come as her guest."
"Oh that's wonderful. I'm sure it'll be an amazing event."
"Yes," Hermione smiled, "but her other sister who also works at the museum has invited Draco and Andy and I'm worried that they will get the impression that there is something going on between me and Bella. I don't even know what's going on between us yet and I'm not ready for anyone else to assert their two cents into things."
"But it's not far-fetched to believe that you would just show up to the opening because of your love of museums," the blonde spoke softly, "I don't think Draco, Andy or Narcissa would immediately come to the conclusion that you are there for Professor Black."
Hermione chuckled, "why are you always so rational? I thought the same thing but it seems more believable coming from you. I've gone to dozens of exhibits at the Natural History Museum. This isn't that big of a deal."
"So," Luna asked, "you've decided to give this thing a chance?"
"I think that I have," Hermione smiled at herself in the mirror.
"I'm happy to hear that. Go," Luna encouraged her. "Go and see Professor Black and don't worry about anyone inferring your intentions. Go tell her everything you've been dying to talk to her about this week."
"Thanks Luna and thanks for covering for me at the library tonight."
"Anytime."
The call ended and Hermione immediately opened her Lyft app and arranged for a ride to the museum. She put her phone in her clutch after she saw the location of the ride and that the driver would be there in five minutes. "Well," she said to herself as she exited the apartment and locked up for the evening, "here goes nothing."