Narcissa stood on Bella's doorstep with her arms crossed and face set when her sister finally opened the door after five minutes of knocking. "You have to be kidding me?"
Bella rolled her eyes but opened the front door wider so her youngest sister could come in. This visit was the last thing Bella needed today. She was meant to be getting ready for her date. "Hello to you too, Cissy. Please come in so you can continue to reprimand me for unknown reasons."
"You know what I'm here to talk about," when she saw the look of confusion in her oldest sister's face she threw her hands up, "Hermione. I'm here about Hermione. She's a student, Bella."
"Oh," Bella rolled her eyes, walking over to the bar, pouring herself a small tumbler of whiskey. This was definitely not what she needed or wanted to talk about today. She held out a glass to her sister but the blond shook her head no. "I'm well aware of how old she is. She just turned 26 if I'm not mistaken."
"A child, Bella. She's one of Draco's best friends."
"26 is hardly a child," Bella dramatically rolled her eyes and walked over to sit down next to her sister. "Aren't you the one who is always telling your ex husband that your son is an adult and old enough to be making his own life decisions," she saw her sister nod, "so by that logic alone, Hermione is also an adult who is capable of making her own life decisions."
"Whether she's an adult or not isn't the point," she sighed.
"What is the point other than besides you coming into my home when I should be getting ready just to pass judgement on me?"
"She's a student. Aren't you afraid of getting in trouble? I'm sure there must be some policy in place that frowns down upon a professor/student relationship."
"Like I told Hermione. I'm here for a good time, not for a long time. I'm not worried about school policies. If there would be repercussions, I'd take the fall and I'd see to it that nothing happened to her," she took a long drink from her glass.
"What about your reputation?"
"Cissy," Bella sighed, put down her glass and pushed her glasses up on the top of her head. "I'm not looking for either one of us to get in trouble. I don't even know if we like each other yet other than the physical attraction. I feel this pull towards her and I want to be able to see if there's something there. It's been a long time since I've felt a need to get to know someone like this and I'll be damned if I let a potential University policy get in the way of me finding happiness. Will that be Hermione? Maybe. But I'll be damned if I don't try to figure it out." She saw her sister's face soften a little bit before she could say anything, Bella continued, "and yes I know I'm going to be 50 this year. It's a big age gap. I get that. Trust me, I know just how big of a gap. But all of that being said, it doesn't seem to bother her so why should I let it bother me?"
"Hermione's a very lovely young woman. She's spent a lot of time at our house after befriending Draco. Our family cares a great deal for her," the blond woman raised an eyebrow when her sister smirked.
"I'm not going to break her heart."
Cissy's face finally fully softened, "see to it that you don't. We like having her around." The sisters sat and talked a while longer about the exhibit and the successful first night. This was the first exhibit that Bella didn't market under Madam Rosier so she was surprised at the turn out. It was the first time in seven years that she used her own name and she was flattered by the response. It was nice to know that her celebrity isn't the only reason people come to her events. "You know," Cissy started and smirked when she saw Bella's eyes roll, "you are going to have to tell Andy." Of course her sister wouldn't let the conversation regarding Hermione go that quickly.
"Eventually," Bella shrugged.
"She is Hermione's boss."
"Semantics," Bella laughed. "Let's just see how the date goes tonight and if we actually like each other enough to pursue whatever this is past our physical attraction then I'll have a sit down with Andromeda. I don't want a motherly lecture from her unless it's warranted."
"You know she's going to be charged," Cissy laughed. "She's taken that girl under her wing for the past four years."
"I didn't even know her name when we slept together. I wouldn't even have been able to guess that this woman was so deeply intertwined in the Black family already. If I had known though, it probably wouldn't have stopped me from bringing her home," she smirked, "oh and just so you know, Cissy. Hermione came on to me at that bar. So honestly you should be giving her her lecture about picking up older women at the lesbian bar. She was out on the prowl for a MILF. Good thing she ran into me. Who knows what undesirable woman could have picked her up?" She took the final drink from her glass. "Honestly, I did the girl a favor by sleeping with her. I am truly a humanitarian."
"Okay," Cissy rolled her eyes, "I'm leaving. Treat the girl well tonight or else you'll have to answer to all of us."
"I assure you," the dark haired woman smirked, "best behavior as always, Cissy."
"Ginny?" Hermione called from her bedroom. She had showered and already fixed her hair and done her makeup but she couldn't decide on an outfit. The last thing she wanted was to involve her roommate but Ginny would see her leave for the date anyways so she might as well get help picking out an outfit. When Ginny yelled back she asked, "can you please come in and help me? I'm having an outfit crisis."
"This seems more up Draco's alley but I'll try my best," she heard her friend saying as she entered the room. "Jesus, Hermione. Did your closet throw up?" She looked at all the various outfits all over the bed and floor. "What is the occasion?"
"I have a date," she said quietly, "and I don't know what to wear."
"Where are you going?" The redhead asked as she started to look through the clothes.
"I'm not sure. She didn't say," Hermione pulled out a couple of sun dresses.
"Okay," she shrugged, "then I'd go casual but dressy casual so it looks like you put effort into the look without actually having to have your roommate help you pick out your clothes."
"Very funny," Hermione rolled her eyes. "I regret asking you for your help."
"Who is the lucky lady?" She quirked her eyebrow.
"I was waiting for that question," Hermione bit her lip. "I want to wait and see if it goes anywhere first before I tell you who it is."
"Oh," Ginny grinned, "so we know her then."
"It's possible but I'm not saying anything." It was clear to Hermione that she wasn't going to drop the subject unless she knew even the tiniest detail so she quickly added, "she was my one night stand before school started."
Ginny's jaw dropped and she turned to face her friend, "the sex goddess made a comeback? And you didn't tell me?"
"Don't sound so offended. I'm telling you now and that's the last I'm going to talk about it until the two of us find out if there is anything between us besides the mind blowing sex," she saw her friend grinning, "now please help me pick out an outfit or leave. I have to be at hers by 5." Ginny helped Hermione settle on a simple black strapless jumpsuit with a tight fitted bodice and wide cut legs. Hermione wore a simple pair of flats so she wouldn't tower over her date and completed the look with a leather jacket. "Well?" She spun around in front of her friend.
"I'd fuck you," Ginny shrugged.
"Well," Hermione rolled her eyes, putting her phone, apartment key, bank card and license in her jacket pocket before zippering it closed. "I guess that's a compliment."
"The highest actually. You know I have very high standards when it comes to women. Now," she laughed walking her friend to the door, "if you don't come home tonight I won't call the police. I'll just assume you are having amazing sex and not murdered in a alley somewhere. A text would be appreciated but not necessary."
"Thanks mom," Hermione hugged her friend before leaving the apartment. She had decided since it was a nice evening and the sun was still out that she would just walk to Bella's house since the location was easy enough to recall. Hermione was nervous for many reasons but mostly she just hoped that her and Bella would have enough things in common to talk about for an entire date. It had been years since she had gone out properly and was determined not to let her anxiety get the best of her. She already knew that she vibed with Bella, she just needed to make sure it was more than just physical. "Here I go," she shook her head clear as she entered the gate and walked up the pathway to Bella's cottage house. It was cuter than she remembered in the light of day when she wasn't fleeing after a great night. Somehow the cottage seemed a little too cutesy for her Professor. She smiled and took a deep breath. "Just knock," she told herself as she knocked swiftly on the door. When the door opened she tried not to gawk at the sight in front of her. "Hi," she gave a small wave. Bella was dressed in tight black leather pants, a flowy white blouse that was cinched at the waist by a dark green lacy corset. She had on an overcoat and heeled boots. She wore dark eye makeup and deep red lipstick. "Sexy pirate," her eyes widened when she realized she said that out loud. "I mean," she tried to save the situation when Bella smirked, "no that's what I meant. You look like a very sexy pirate and I'm here for it."
Bella chuckled, "a pirate. I've been called many things but pirate? That's a first." She caught the blush creeping up her date's neck and took a moment to appraise the other woman's outfit. "You look gorgeous, Hermione."
The use of her name caught Hermione off guard. She was used to either being called Pet or Miss Granger so hearing her name come out of her professor's mouth was intoxicating. Bella walked out of the door, closed it behind her and locked it, putting the keys into one of her overcoat pockets. When she approached Hermione, the younger woman leaned in and kissed her cheek, "I love the way you say my name."
"It's a beautiful name," she smiled and returned the innocent kiss. "Shall we?" When the brunette nodded, she followed her around the back of the cottage to where the older woman's Jeep was parked. She walked straight to the passenger side and opened the door for Hermione who smiled and slid into the seat. "Buckle up, pet," she pointed to the seatbelt and winked before closing the door and making her way around to the drivers side and climbing in. "Are you hungry?" She asked hoping that the answer was yes. She could sense the nerves coming from Hermione and she'd be lying if she said she wasn't nervous as well. When Hermione nodded Bella smiled and started the engine. "Good, my niece owns a restaurant and I asked her to reserve a table for us." Bella backed out of the driveway and the ride to the restaurant was fairly quiet. Hermione would sneak glances over at Bella but her anxiety was starting to kick in. What if they spent the whole night and the vibes just never came. She looked down when she felt a hand on her thigh. "I'm nervous too, pet." For some reason that made Hermione feel instantly better. "It's been many many years since I've planned a date and honestly I'm not sure what I'm doing." She squeezed the younger woman's leg, "I'm just happy to be spending time with you."
"So am I," Hermione took a chance and put her hand on top of Bella's. She immediately turned her hand over so they could lace their fingers together. "I'm sorry I'm a little nervous. It's been awhile for me too. I've never been good at dating. I'm socially awkward as fuck and honestly you being nervous as well makes me feel a little better." She heard the older lady laugh.
"So," Bella started her sentence only stuttering slightly when Hermione started running her thumb over her knuckles, "it's like a 20 minute drive, would you want to talk or listen to some music?"
"How old are you?"
Bella smirked and quickly looked at the girl next to her, "just jumping right in there aren't you?" She chuckled , "well, I'm going to be 50 this year. Though, I don't get too caught up in the numbers. Does my age bother you?"
"No."
"Are you sure? I'm quite literally twice your age."
"I'm aware. No, it doesn't bother me. I prefer mature women," she blushed.
"Mature? I'm not so sure about that. Experienced, yes. Mature… sometimes."
Suddenly feeling nervous again, Hermione quickly asked, "does the age difference bother you?"
"If it bothered me, I wouldn't have approached you again when I saw you in my class after our first night together," she squeezed her hand. "You are very captivating and I refuse to let age be an issue here."
"Well that's settled then," Hermione smiled. "When's your birthday?"
"Christmas Eve."
"Was it the worst when you were a kid?"
Bella nodded, "it was quite literally the worst. Now though it's not so bad. Though when I was away from the museums, I never really celebrated. I suppose I'll have seven years to make up for this year."
"I look forward to it," Hermione smiled, "I have a few months to come up with the perfect present."
That made the older woman smile. She was already hopeful that Hermione would stick around long enough to celebrate her birthday with her and the date had barely begun but she was feeling good about the entirety of the situation. The age difference was her only hang up but since it didn't seem to bother the girl then she didn't need to dwell on it. "Draco said your birthday just passed?"
"Yes, it was September 19th. They made me go to karaoke and I was horrible. Thankfully there's no video footage floating around out there."
"Now that," Bella pulled Hermione's hand up and kissed the back of it, "is something I will need to see at an unspecified time in the future."
"Oh," Hermione shook her head, "I don't think that'll
ever happen."
"Good thing I didn't plan a karaoke night," she laughed.
"So your niece owns a restaurant?" Hermione seemed to be lost in thought, "how have I never met a niece? I thought I knew your whole family."
"I don't think Dora comes around very often. I'm her favorite so honestly without me around, she probably just stayed with her friends on holidays. Andy, her mom, would probably have dragged her home on occasion though so I'm surprised you never met her."
"I knew Andy had a daughter but she's never come around the library or Draco's house when I've been over," Hermione's mouth dropped open.
"Like I said," Bella smirked, bringing their hands up to tap on Hermione's lower lip effectively closing her mouth, "I'm Dora's favorite now that I'm back, she'll come around more."
"So," Hermione smiled, "you are back for good? No more world famous exhibits as Madam Rosier?"
"Well," Bella shrugged, "now there might be something worth sticking around London for," she looked over and smiled at Hermione who was blushing.
The women spent the rest of the drive in easy conversation talking about school, museums, history, and other various topics. It was quite easy to strike up a conversation because the pair quickly found out how much they had in common with each other. When they got to the restaurant, Bella let the valet park her car and she guided Hermione up the stairs and into the restaurant with her hand on the small of her back. They were greeted at the front of the restaurant by a friendly looking hostess, "Miss Black, welcome back," the younger woman who looked to be around Hermione's age smiled and walked them back to their table. Hermione felt a twinge of jealousy spark through her veins the way the hostess said Bella's name but she tried to quell the feeling. Their table was set off in the distance in the far corner of the restaurant surrounded by windows which had an incredible view of the city. "Here are tonight's menus, and your waitress will be along shortly," the hostess stuck her hand on Bella's arm and squeezed, "if there is anything at all you need Miss Black, you know where to find me." Bella dismissed the hostess without taking her eyes off of Hermione so while that did make her relax a little, she was still reeling from the forward nature of the hostess. Hermione was just getting ready to ask Bella a question when a woman approached the table whom she had assumed was their waitress. "Miss Black," she smiled, "welcome back." The woman paid little attention to Hermione other than to offer her name and say she'd be taking care of them. "What can I get you to drink?" Bella ordered two waters for the table and two glasses of what sounded like expensive wine before dismissing the girl.
"A glass won't hurt, right?" Bella smirked at her date.
Hermione bit her lip, "no. As long as you'll be okay to drive." When Bella nodded, Hermione added, "So you come here often then?"
"Well I would try to make it a point to come here a few times each time I came home. I love being able to support my niece in any capacity"
"The girls here all seem to have a thing for you," Hermione said, trying not to sound jealous.
"Oh do they?" Bella smirked. "I haven't noticed anyone besides you, Pet." She moved table settings so she was now in the chair next to Hermione. The younger woman shrugged out of her leather jacket and hung it across the back of her chair and watched Bella's eye darkened as she took in the expanse of her tanned neck and shoulders. Her Professor reached over and trailed a finger from her chin, down her throat, and across the length of her collarbone. "Have I mentioned that I love this outfit?" Her voice sounded huskier than usual.
"I don't think you mentioned it," Hermione shot her a playful look. Bella leaned in and kissed the bare shoulder that was closest to her then kissed her where her collar met her neck and again just below her ear. She breathed deeply, inhaling Hermione like a form of oxygen. The brunette spotted the waitress coming back over with the drinks. "Bella," Hermione tried to get her attention but it was useless, the older woman just kept delivering innocent kisses along Hermione's neck. "Thank you," Hermione cleared her throat when the waitress put their drinks down. "We need a moment to look over the menus." Hermione all but moaned out when Bella hit a particularly sensitive spot at the base of her neck, "fuck Bella. You are going to have to stop if you want to make it through this dinner." She felt the older woman's lips pulled into a smile against her skin as she pulled away, locking eyes with her date. Hermione tried her best to stop the blush from appearing under the gaze of her Professor.
"Sorry," Bella didn't sound sorry at all, "I couldn't help myself. Best behavior the rest of the evening. I assure you," she smiled then looked at the table, "oh when did the wine get here?" Her deep throaty chuckle sent a throbbing sensation straight to Hermione's core. She rubbed her legs together which did not go unnoticed by her Professor though she didn't comment only smirked as she held up her wine glass for a toast. Hermione picked hers up as well and held it, waiting. "To us," she clinked her glass to Hermione's, "to what I hope is the first of many dates." She took a sip from her glass and watched as Hermione did the same. "You smell amazing tonight, pet. Very intoxicating," she leaned back in to inhale, causing a slight shiver to go through her date.
Hermione blushed fiercely, "does it bother you that people might see us? Together? I mean."
"Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?" Bella pulled back to smirk at her.
"No," Hermione reached out and put her hand on Bella's leg, "I'm just not used to all of this physical attention in public. I like the attention, trust me," she lowered her voice, "I really like the attention but what if someone recognizes you."
"Still worried about university policies?" She saw a little grimace on her date's face. "Listen, we are far enough away from University. They only know me here as Dora's aunt. Nobody knows about my alias or my job. I wouldn't have brought you here if I thought there was a chance someone would recognize either of us from work. Just try to relax and have a good time. And," she kissed her date's cheek, "if we want to continue this like I'm hoping we will, we can set up a meeting with the Dean if that'll make you feel better." Hermione's features softened when she breathed out a sigh of relief. "I can't promise the physical affection will stop because you are irresistible but I'll try if that's what you want."
"Thank you," Hermione took a drink from
her water, "and I don't want you to stop." She looked over and saw a devilish grin on the older woman's face, "I like the attention."
"Thank god," Bella smirked, "because this outfit," she looked her up and down, "honestly it's taking every inch of will power not to have you up against this table, screaming for me."
Hermione was going to respond when she saw their waitress coming back, her whole face and neck flaming red. She approached the table and without even looking up she said, "we will have two of the chef's specials and tell Dora it's for her Auntie Bella and that I expect to see her at some point."
"Come right up, Miss Black. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything else," the waitress emphasized all of her words.
"Seriously," Hermione huffed. "I might have to mark my territory here," she squeezed her hand on Bella's thigh. "Apparently these women here are just waiting to jump your bones."
"I only see you, pet." Bella chuckled. "You're the only person I've seen for a while now."
"So," Hermione cleared her throat trying to stifle her stomach butterflies. "What's on the menu here?"
"It's a seafood place. Dora is a renowned chef so the food is always delicious."
"Is this a bad time to tell you I'm allergic to fish?" Hermione delivered the line with a straight face and the panic setting on Bella's was enough to make her feel slightly bad.
"Are you winding me up?" Bella poked her in the side, "cheeky," she rolled her eyes. "You aren't allergic at all."
Hermione smiled brightly, "sorry I couldn't resist. No, I'm not allergic."
Bella raised her eyebrow and leaned in right as she saw a woman wearing a chef's outfit approaching the table and whispered in Hermione's ear, "I'll just have to punish you properly later, little girl." She placed an innocent kiss below her ear and pulled away and stood, opening her arms, "Dora! Did you miss me?"
The chef wrapped her aunt up in a tight hug, "I've missed you so much, auntie." She pulled back and Bella motioned for her to take a seat. "Hi," she looked at Hermione and held out her hand. "I'm Bella's niece, Dora."
"I'm Hermione," she shook her hand.
"Hermione?" Realization shot through her eyes, "the Hermione that works with my mum? I mean it's not a really common name." A shit eating grin took over the pink haired woman's face, "does mum know?" She looked at her aunt.
"Not yet," she gave Dora a stern look, "and we'd appreciate your discretion until we figure out what exactly this," she pointed her finger between her and Hermione, "is before anyone tells Andy."
"No worries," Dora smiled, "I wouldn't spill it. It's good to see you. Are you sticking around for a while this time or heading back to Europe?"
Bella looked at Hermione, "I think I'll be sticking around for a little while at least."
Hermione saw the smile overtake the niece's face before she spoke, "you must be something special. I'm all my 30 years of life, I've never seen Bella put her career on hold for anyone." Hermione blushed again, "I like her. She's very colorful." Dora laughed and Bella joined in. "Okay I have to get back in the kitchen. Your dinners will be out soon. First date?" She asked and when Bella nodded she added, "this one's on me. Enjoy. Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you and please," she looked at her aunt, "call me so we can get together soon."
"I will," she lowered her voice, "I'll venmo you later. Don't argue with me," she hugged her niece goodbye after telling her that she loved her.
"I really need to figure out how to control this blush," she shook her head.
"I think it's sexy," Bella sat back down, winking at her date.
Dinner came and it was the best seafood dish Hermione had ever tasted. Dora had fixed them a Asian style sea bass with scallops, rice and steamed spinach. "That was amazing," she said as she pushed her dish towards the middle of the table. "I honestly don't think I could eat another bite."
"Dora is very good at what she does," Bella wiped her face before putting her napkin up on the table. "I'm glad you enjoyed the food."
"The company was rather enjoyable as well," she looked over at Bella who was slowly working her hand up her thigh. She had to give Bella credit, she had stayed on her best behavior throughout the course of dinner. The conversation easily flowed between the two ladies. They found out they both had a love of literature and had the same taste in movies. When Bella didn't respond, anxiety started to kick in, "don't you think?"
Bella was staring at her with a look of complete devotion, "you are the best company I've ever kept, Hermione." She leaned in closer, her hand resting in the crease of Hermione's thigh where it met her pelvis and she squeezed, "I was on my best behavior. Did you notice?" Hermione nodded, looking down at her hand, then back to her Professor's lips then up to her eyes. "So," Bella's tongue licked her own lips slowly, "did you want to get dessert here or…"
Hermione leaned in and gently pressed her lips to her professor's. Soft brushes of their lips, barely any pressure. The hand on her leg didn't move but Bella's other hand grabbed the younger woman's chin between her thumb and forefinger, deepening the pressure. She swiped her tongue across Hermione's lip and was granted access when she moaned. They slowly kissed each other exploring like they had all the time in the world. Bella's hand slipped between Hermione's legs, cupping her over her jumpsuit. Another moan. The younger woman whimpered and tried to press herself down harder on Bella's hand. "Please," she whispered when Bella pulled away, smirking. Hermione's pupils were blown wide with desire. Her Professor chuckled before going back in for another kiss, sucking her lower lip into her mouth, letting it go with a pop. She pressed her hand against her center once more before moving her hand away, waiting for Hermione to open her eyes. She waited, resting her forehead against the younger woman, willing her to say the next words out of her mouth, "take me home, Professor."