After spending the evening with Hermione celebrating their new relationship, Bella had to leave the next morning and head out of town for a quick two day work trip. She didn't want to leave the bubble of their relationship but she had to go to France to discuss the next exhibit that was coming to the museum. It was still in the early stages of planning and Bella wanted to take Hermione with her but she thought it may have been too soon in their relationship to take a trip together so she begrudgingly left Friday morning with the promise of texting throughout the following days.
Draco came back Saturday and as well as Ginny so the three of them had spent the afternoon together at the apartment catching up on everything that had been going on the past week.
"So you all had dinner together?" Ginny smirked.
"Harry was there too," Hermione added.
"Draco's sexuality and Harry Potter are old news. We are here to hear about you and Draco's hot aunt. Now, the details."
"Not all the details please. I get it. But I don't need to get all of it," Draco rolled his eyes.
"Where is Harry?"
"Oh, he went to visit his Uncle Sirius for a few days. He'll be back tomorrow afternoon."
"Why are we still talking about Harry?" Ginny interrupted. "Don't get me wrong, I was wondering where he was but we are here to talk about the sexy Aunt. Hermione. The tea?"
"The moderately hot tea. Possibly iced cold tea."
"Draco," Ginny shushed him and turned to Hermione.
He rolled his eyes but didn't say anything else. Hermione gave him an apologetic smile, "well after our dinner at Draco's house we went back to Bella's and spent our time doing things." She saw Ginny perk up, "I'm not sharing any details. We spent a few days there until it was time for me to go to work and she actually convinced me to call in sick."
"I heard about that," Draco laughed. "Aunt Andy was pissed when she put two and two together and realized you weren't actually sick. She was over yesterday for lunch and I heard her on the phone giving Aunt Bella an earful about it."
Hermione grimaced, "oh no. Poor Bella."
"Poor Bella? It was her idea," Draco shrugged. "Corruption of youth for almost 50 years now."
"There's been another youth?" Ginny's mouth fell open.
"Don't know. She's very secretive about her personal life. I think if we all hadn't walked in on them snogging at some point, we'd have never found out about the two of you."
"Can we please stop talking about who Bella may or may not have hooked up with in the past?"
"Touchy," Ginny smirked. "Continue with your story then. So you called off work and more mind blowing sex."
"We made brownies together. Well Bella made brownies and I didn't do anything except eat them and it was very cute. And that's it… well until Thursday at work when she brought me coffee. That's the night she told Andy about me. Or us I guess but there wasn't really an us to talk about at that point. After that is when things got a little strange."
Ginny's eyes widened, "what happened?"
"Well your brother was delivering pizza…"
"He mentioned bringing pizza over but didn't say anything else about it."
"Good then the threat worked."
"What threat?" Draco asked, leaning forward, fully embracing the tea.
"Your aunt," she smirked, "is quite the jealous type. Ron came to ask me out. I said no of course. Bella called him champ and son at one point. It was all very amusing until he touched my hand and Bella went feral. Thank the gods Ron has no idea who Bella is so we shouldn't get in trouble for that," she saw the concerned looks on their faces. "She didn't hurt him, just threatened him a little. He doesn't know who she is so it's fine. Anyway, after he left I came inside…"
"She angry fucked you?"
"Ginny," Hermione groaned, "yes. But then she asked me to be her girlfriend. I guess the jealousy made her realize it was stupid not to ask me earlier or maybe it was the conversation with her sisters. I'm not really sure what spurred it on but I'm not complaining. We are officially girlfriends and I'm dead over it."
"I will admit," Draco finally smiled, "you two are very cute together. It's nice to see Auntie Bella with a smile on her face."
"There's one more obstacle."
"What's that?" It dawned on Ginny. "The Dean."
"Yeah."
"So what are you going to do about that?"
"Well, Bella set up a meeting with her on Monday. She said I didn't have to go but we all know I'm going to be there. I just hope there's no hidden university policies or that either of us get in trouble. We are both adults and it's a mutual attraction. I can't really find a problem with this."
"What if the Dean opposes it?" Ginny asked, playing the devil's advocate.
"I guess we break up," Hermione frowned. "We didn't really talk about what would happen after the meeting with the Dean if it goes south. Bella did say she would take full responsibility though so I'm not sure what's going to happen but I'm nervous as hell for Monday. It's after our class," she looked at Ginny. "So if I come back and head straight for the ice cream, you will already know it's not good."
"Well for what it's worth," Draco patted Hermione's shoulder, "I've come to terms with it and am very glad the two of you can make each other's lives a little better."
"Yes. Me too," Ginny paused for only a moment, "now tell us more about that angry jealousy sex. Spare no details."
Hermione woke up Sunday morning and headed to the library to work on a research paper that was due before the Christmas break. There was about a month of classes left before the six week long break. She wasn't stressed about her amount of homework because she was on top of her classes and ahead of schedule but she liked to be prepared. She also decided to work on the final study guide for the Art History 1 class. They did so well on the midterm exam partly due to her study guide so she decided to proactively make another one for her students. She felt accomplished when they had success. Her phone buzzed and she let it go since she was entranced by her work but when it went off a second then third time, she rolled her eyes and picked it up. There were three missed messages from Bella.
Bella(11:35am): good morning.
Bella(11:42am): I just got to my gate. I'll be back in London around 3pm. What are you doing later? I'd like to pick you up around 6pm. Take you out.
Bella(12:10pm): my plane is boarding. I'm going to turn my phone off. Leave me a message if you want to meet up later. I missed you. :(
Hermione frowned and looked at the time. It was half past twelve and she was certain Bella would've had her phone off already. "Damn it." She quickly typed a response for Bella to receive when her plane landed.
Hermione(12:33pm): bella! Hi. :) I'm sorry I missed these messages. I was working on the study guide for Art History 1. Yes. I would love to go out tonight. I'll be ready to go. I hope you had a safe flight even if it is out of your control. See you soon. Missed you too.
Bella(12:36pm): the plane was delayed. I have a couple of extra minutes. So I turned my phone back on in the hopes you messaged me back. Little girl, this spell you have me under is intoxicating.
Hermione(12:38pm): I feel quite the same. I've missed you. I think all our time together during the break has spoiled me.
Bella(12:41pm): my apologies for not being able to talk as much over the last two days. It's been so busy. But I assure you I spent a lot of time thinking about you when I got back to my hotel.
Hermione(12:42pm): and what exactly were you thinking about Professor?
Bella(12:44pm): the way you feel when your pussy is clenching around my fingers. The way you beg me to fuck you harder and faster. The little whimpers and moans that escape you as you are tumbling over the edge.
Hermione(12:47pm): I see…
Bella(12:48pm): so many wonderful memories to visualize as I pleasure myself, wishing it was your tongue instead of my own fingers.
Hermione(12:49 pm): Bella…
Bella(12:51pm): shit. Gotta go pet. I'll pick you up at 6. Can't wait.
Hermione texted her goodbye and put her phone away. She was in a very public space and a little bit beyond turned on at the moment. "She's going to be the death of me," she shook her head and tried to clear the lusty fog from her brain as she turned her attention back to the study guide.
Hermione stood in her room looking into her mirror. There was no indication where the pair would be going tonight but the weather was getting chillier so Hermione opted to wear a pair of light skinny jeans with black tank top and a red flannel over top. She had her hair down and completed her look with a carhartt beanie and a pair of doc martens. When she came out of her room, Ginny laughed. "Really going full lesbian tonight?"
"Oh stop. It's cold outside," she said and she pulled on her leather jacket.
"Oh shit. Not the leather jacket. Will you be driving the uhaul or will she?"
"Ginny. Stop." Hermione looked down at her outfit. "Maybe I should change." She was about to turn back towards her room when there was a knock at the door.
"Too late," Ginny laughed, beating her to the door and looking out the peephole. "She looks gay too. No worries."
Hermione rolled her eyes and opened the door. Bella was standing on the other side holding a bouquet of daisies. She was dressed in a pair of boot cut jeans with a dark green button up shirt and her usual overcoat. "These are for you," she blushed when she handed Hermione the flowers.
"Thank you. They are lovely," she was about to head back inside when Ginny appeared at the door.
"I'll get these into some water. You two go. Have fun. Professor? Have her back by 11. It's a school night."
"Don't wait up Ms. Weasley."
Hermione walked out and shut the door behind her. "I wasn't sure what to wear."
Bella looked her up and down, "you look very sexy."
Hermione blushed, "Ginny said I looked like a lesbian."
Her Professor looked left then right and leaned in to whisper, "I happen to like lesbians very much." She kissed the shell of her ear before pulling back. "Shall we?" She wanted to grab Hermione's hand but with a majority of the students back for class tomorrow she kept her hands to herself until they made it to her car which was parked behind Hermione's apartment complex.
Bella drove them a little ways off campus then pulled off to the side of the road. "Why are we stopping here?" Hermione began to ask but her sentence was cut off when Bella pressed her lips to the brunettes. The older woman slid her hand around, grasping the back of Hermione's neck. Her hands immediately flew to the collar of Bella's jacket, pulling her in closer. The kiss was soft, slow, calculated. Hermione felt a message being delivered with the soft movement of their lips sliding against each other but she wasn't sure what the feeling was. Bella pulled back slightly and whispered, "I missed you," she tilted her head and deepened the kiss. Hermione melted when their tongues touched. She swore she felt an electric shock straight to her core. The feeling of this woman being devoted to her was overwhelming. Bella's touch, taste and smell was invading all of her senses and she was getting lost in the feelings of the kiss until a car drove by and honked. "Whoops," Bella didn't look sorry at all as she pulled back, eyes black with desire. "I just had to kiss you. I make no apologies. If that car hadn't gone by I'd have been tempted to take you right here on the side of the road, pet."
"I would've been okay with that," Hermione was delirious with her own desire. "I've missed you, too." She kissed her cheek then with her lips to Bella's ear she whispered, "I've missed your touches, your smell, and the taste of you on my tongue."
Bella's nostrils flared when Hermione sat back against her seat. Her hand tightening on Hermione's jacket lapel before letting go and turning her attention back to the car. "We will revisit this later," she sounded pained at the fact she couldn't act on her pleasures currently. "We have a date to keep," she put the car in drive and took off, lacing her fingers with Hermione.
"Where are we going?"
"Always so many questions with you," Bella smirked and squeezed her hand. "Dinner. Are you hungry?" Hermione nodded and confirmed that she was starving. "Good. Then after that? Well that's a surprise."
The dinner went smoothly. They ended up back at Dora's restaurant and Hermione was glad that nobody flirted with Bella because now that they were established, she would've been far less likely to let the flirting slide. "Dora is an amazing chef. I really want to get to know her better. She seems a lot like you. Will she be coming over for Christmas as well?" Hermione asked after they got back into the car.
Bella shrugged, "I'm sure she's invited but whether or not she shows up is the real question. She's not too big on the family get-togethers. She always chooses to work. But I think maybe she can be convinced this year. I'll text her. So you'll be coming?"
"Do you want me to be there?"
"Of course."
"Good. There's nowhere I'd rather be," Hermione smiled. "Now, where are we going?"
"Just enjoy the ride. It's not far."
They drove for twenty or so minutes and pulled up out front of the museum. Hermione had been here thousands of times and Bella practically lived here when she wasn't at school or home. "What are we doing here?"
"More questions," Bella playfully rolled her eyes. "Come on," she got out and walked around, opening the door for Hermione, holding her hand.
"It looks closed."
"It is," Bella held up a key. "Unless you are me," she smirked when a smile grew on the younger woman's face.
"Are we going in here alone?"
"Well us and the security guard but i have it on good authority that they don't care that we are here," she pulled Hermione through the front doors and waved at the guard. "I wanted to show you something," Bella led her through the exhibit hall that was now empty since the last exhibit ended. "Back there," she nodded towards the covered pieces in the back of the hall. "Look…"
Hermione walked back and peeled back one of the covers. She was taken aback by the massive gemstone, "is this?"
"The next exhibit," Bella smirked. "These were flown in last night from Paris. There are more coming and I have to go to Asia and Egypt to secure some more pieces but this is the start of it."
"They are magnificent," she was in awe as she helped Bella pull the covers off the rest of the gems. "I've never gotten to be this up close with stuff like this before. They are truly breathtaking," she said as she bent down to get a closer look at the different geodes.
"I thought you might enjoy getting a sneak peak. It's your aspiration to be a museum curator, is it not?"
"Yes but I've never…"
"I know," Bella smiled. "That's why I want you to help me with this. It doesn't go live until the beginning of the new year and I'd like your name to be on the exhibit with mine."
Hermione whipped her head around, "truly?" Bella nodded, "you want me to curate this with you?" A smile and raised eyebrow was all the confirmation she needed, "oh my gods," she squealed and ran at the older woman full speed, tackling her to the ground. "Yes!" She showered her face with a series of playful kisses.
Bella could only smile and join in with the younger woman's excitement. "I want you to be successful. I'm not saying having your name with mine is the way to do that but I'd love to be your stepping stone in the museum world if you'd like."
Hermione kissed her girlfriend, every emotion coming through, "I'd love that." She spent a few more minutes kissing Bella, getting lost in the sensations before sitting up, straddling Bella's hips.
Her Professor cleared her throat, "maybe we should stop. The security guards are cool
but I don't know if they are 'letting us have sex in the museum' cool." Bella sat up and embraced Hermione. "Come on," she stood them up and covered up the gemstone. "Are there any exhibits you've always wanted to view without any other museum patrons around?"
Hermione smiled brightly, "so many." She grabbed Bella's hand and pulled her out into the main museum.
Throughout the course of the day on Monday, Hermione was doing her best to not think about Bella, the museum or the Dean. She was trying her hardest to concentrate on her own coursework then on preparing the study guide during the Art History 1 class. The students were working on their presentations in pairs which meant that Bella and Hermione had time to work on their own stuff at their own desks. She saw her phone vibrate and turned it over.
Bella(3:55pm): 10 minutes, pet.
Hermione(3:56pm): Are you sure this is such a good idea?
Bella(3:58pm): no. But I don't think you fancy sneaking around anymore than I do so I guess telling the Dean is the only option.
Hermione(4:00pm): I could drop out of University and we could run away and join the circus.
Bella looked over and laughed, "tempting." She shook her head, "all right class. Get out of here. See you next time. Continue working on the presentations and Miss Granger will have the study guides ready for the next class." Bella packed up her notes then walked over to Hermione's desk after all the students were gone. "The circus? Do people still run away to the circus?"
"I'm not sure but it might be an option."
"Hmm," Bella thought, "what would I do in the circus?"
"You'd be one of those sexy ladies who swallow the swords or something like that."
Bella smirked, "and you?"
Hermione grimaced, "I don't think I'd be good as a circus performer. Maybe I could sell tickets."
Bella let out a genuine belly laugh before kissing her girlfriend on the forehead, "we should get going. She frowns down on tardiness."
"Wait," Hermione reached out and grabbed Bella's arm. "Kiss me?"
Bella gave her a soft smile and brought her in for a slow, languid kiss, barely any pressure, a promise of more to come. "Let's go."
Hermione sighed and gathered her stuff up quickly before following Bella out of the class and down the hall to the Dean's office. "I feel an impending sense of doom," Hermione gulped when they stood outside the big wooden door.
"Whatever happens is going to happen. Let me do the talking. Minnie and I have known each other for a long time." Bella looked down the hall then leaned in and placed one last kiss to Hermione's lips. "Come on, love. It's not going to get easier."
Hermione nodded and Bella knocked. "Come in," was heard from the other side of the door. "Bella right on time as always," the Dean looked past Bella. "And you brought Ms. Granger? What's this about Professor Black? One hears many rumors around here and I hope that's all they are. Please sit and dispel what I think this is about." Bella looked over and gave Hermione an apologetic smile and raised her eyebrows motioning for her to take a seat. "Professor Black?"
"Let's start with finding out what exactly the rumors you've heard are before I start talking," Bella smirked at the older woman.
"Where shall I start?" The Dean did not look happy, "there are rumors about strange noises coming from the history offices after hours, a professor being seen entering a student apartment complex, rumors of a student being seen getting into a faculty member's car. Should I go on?"
Bella grimaced, "interesting assessment."
"By the deer in the headlights look on Ms. Granger's face, I'm going to assume some if not all of that is related to why you are here."
Bella pushed her glasses up on the top of her head and gave Hermione a look that told her to brace herself, "we are dating."
"Ms. Granger, could you please wait outside?"
"What? Why? I would like to think that since this concerns me as well that I should be involved in this conversation."
"It does but you are a child. A student. Please," the Dean pointed to the door.
"With all due respect, Dean, I'm 26 years old and I am far from a child."
"Hermione," Bella warned.
"Ms. Granger. Go."
Hermione looked back and forth between the two women before nodding her head once, gathering her stuff and leaving the office. The Dean waited until the office door slammed shut, "Bella. You can't be serious."
"As a heart attack."
"You had to know that this was unacceptable."
"Why?" Bella refused to back down. "She's 26. She said so herself. It's not like I coerced her into this. I assure you the feelings are mutual."
"Students and faculty are forbidden to become involved in romantic relationships. The policies are in place for a reason."
"Then I quit," Bella shrugged.
Minerva sighed, "I'm afraid that's also not an option."
"But why? I want out. I take all the blame and I will see myself out of the situation."
"You are under contract until the end of the school year, Bella. If you quit, there will be legal action and then the whole inappropriate relationship will be brought up and Hermione's name will be dragged through the mud before she's even had a chance to take off." Bella closed her eyes and the Dean was sure she saw her wipe a tear away. "Why her, Bella?"
"She's so smart and talented. She keeps me on my toes. She challenges me in so many ways. She's gorgeous. She understands my drive and my passions because she loves all the same things I do. Do I really need to go on?" Another tear was wiped away. "You know I don't fall for people. Ever."
"I do know that."
"Then what am I meant to do here? I can't quit so I can't walk away. Am I meant to just go back to being her Professor and forget about her? Do you know how hard that's going to be? I asked her to curate my next exhibit with me."
"And I think she should. You just can't pursue a romantic relationship with her while she's your student. After your contract is up, if you choose not to renew here then I understand but until that time, it can't happen."
Bella refused to say anything else as the Dean continued to talk to her about her possible scenarios of getting through the next semester. She sat and willed herself not to break down in front of the older woman but it was hard when her heart was breaking into a million pieces. When Minerva finished, Bella took a moment to gather herself before she put her glasses back on and left the office. She saw Hermione pacing in front of the big picture windows and her heart broke all over again. She clutched at her chest for a moment before taking a deep breath and walking over to her.
"Hey," Hermione rushed over when she saw her coming. She reached out to grab her arm but Bella took a step back. "How did it go?"
Bella shook her head no. "As expected I suppose," she gave Hermione a small sad smile.
"Is there anything we can do?" Bella shook her head no. She didn't want this to be Hermione's main concern. Her main focus needed to be her studies. She was young and would bounce back quickly. "So, we just break up?"
"I told her I wanted to leave. Quit teaching. I would rather have pursued this," she pointed between the two of them. "She reminded me that I can't because I'm under contract until the end of the spring semester."
"I can wait," Hermione was sounding desperate.
Bella shook her head no again. "I don't want you to have to wait for me. You are young. You'll be fine."
"You have no right to tell me how I feel about this," Hermione all but yelled. "It's not fair."
"Nothing about this is fair, love."
"So, what happens now?"
"I'm your teacher. You are my student. You'll be reassigned to TA with another professor next semester. I'm sorry. I wish this would've ended differently."
"The exhibit?"
"The invitation is still out there. I would like it if you would curate it with me. I won't need your assistance until after the holidays though." Hermione nodded. "I'm leaving."
The brunette's head whipped up, "what?"
"I'll be gone the rest of the semester which is the only reason the Dean agreed that you can finish out your TA position with Art History 1. I'm leaving as soon as I can get a plane out of here. I had to go collect the rest of the exhibit pieces anyway so I guess I'm just going to start now." Bella saw the moment Hermione's heart broke, tears forming behind her eyes. She reached out and pulled the girl into a hug, the younger woman clinging to her. "I really think I could've loved you, Hermione," she whispered as the girl sobbed. "I'm sorry for all of this." She let go of her student and took a step back, "goodbye, Hermione."
Hermione watched her Professor turn and she was left standing in the hallway alone. She slid down the window, quiet sobs were heard as she struggled to comprehend the situation that just unfolded in front of her, "I've already fallen in love with you, Bella."