A loud knock on the door roused the curly haired woman from her lackluster slumber. "Go away," she yelled back at the door. The knocking had quit and Bella had assumed they got the picture so she rolled back over and started to fall asleep. Her false sense of security was quickly ruined and her door opened and someone jumped into bed with her.
"Oh no, Auntie. If I'm expected to do Christmas morning with the family wearing these damn moose pajamas then so are you," Dora snuggled up against her aunt and put her cold feet against the back of her Aunt's calves.
"Oi fuck off with that," she hissed and pulled her legs up and away from Dora's freezer feet. "Didn't your mother teach you how to respect your elders? Now leave," Bella yawned, "I need my beauty sleep."
"There's presents for you as well."
"Well seeing as how my birthday was yesterday and it was an utter nightmare," she turned to face her niece, "I'd rather skip today. Thanks."
"Oh shit. That's right. 50?" She smirked when Bella nodded. "Why didn't we celebrate yesterday?"
"I've never been big into birthdays and believe me, I don't need another reminder of how old I am. Currently, I'm feeling every part of 50," she sighed and pulled her phone over to look at the time. She saw 10 missed messages from Morgan and nothing from the person she had hoped to hear from.
"She left," Dora said, getting a glimpse of her Aunt's phone.
Bella's head whipped around to look at her niece, "what?"
"Hermione was gone this morning. She left a very cryptic note downstairs but nothing aside from that. Her pajamas were folded on the bed. It was like she was never even here."
"Fuck," Bella threw her phone.
"That'll show her. Violence to your phone," Dora's laughing ended when she saw the dismay on her aunt's face. "I'm sorry. Did something happen after we all went to bed?"
"Is there anything going on between you and Hermione?" Bella asked quietly.
"No. I was just trying to get a rise out of you. It was stupid but I thought I could help you realize your feelings for her if you thought she was off the market. Hermione is hurting and I'm guessing you are too even if you are too stubborn to admit it."
"Well that was only somewhat shitty but message well received," Bella glared at her niece.
"You still like her?"
Bella looked away and responded in a small voice, "how could I not?"
"You could send her a text message, you know. Texting isn't breaking whatever bogus rules the Dean has in place."
"Texting and confessing my feelings sounds like something I definitely won't be doing today."
"Oh come on. Getting Hermione back… talk about a great birthday present."
Bella laughed, "yeah but I can't exactly have her back the way I would want, now can I?"
"What the Dean doesn't know won't hurt her," Dora shrugged.
"You are definitely a Black. Now go on and get out of here. I'll be down in a minute."
Dora got up and headed towards the door before turning back, "I'm not sure what happened with the two of you last night but the pair of you seem utterly miserable. The Dean's rules can't be worth the torture you are putting yourself through. See you down there." She turned and left, closing Bella's bedroom door behind her.
"Fuck," Bella wiped her hand down her face. "She couldn't have just come to me when she wasn't drunk?" She sat up, got out of bed and walked over to make sure she didn't break her phone. Thankfully her phone was okay but it was only 9:30am and Morgan was already texting her. "Fucking woman," she shook her head and put her phone back on the charger. Before she set her phone down she thought about sending a quick message to Hermione. "No," she shook her head and put the phone away.
She made her way down the stairs and saw her whole family sitting around the big tree in the living room. "Here's your ornament, Auntie. You went to bed before we could hang them last night."
"Thank you, Draco." She took the small snake ornament and hung it on the tree. She took a step back to admire her work and make sure it was on the perfect branch. Once satisfied she went over and sat by her sisters. "Don't ask."
"If you didn't want us to ask, you shouldn't have sat right in between us," Andy smirked.
"So," Cissy started. "We all went to bed last night and then something mysterious happened and when we woke up, Hermione was gone and this note and a few gifts were left in her place. Any idea what this is about?" She handed the note to her oldest sister.
Bella read the letter, "no idea."
"Don't bullshit us, Bella." Andy scoffed. "The tension in the house could've been cut with a knife yesterday."
"That bad huh?"
"Bella. You know you can talk to us about anything, right?" Narcissa was looking at her sister, her face serious.
"Yeah I know but it doesn't even matter. Nothing can happen," Bella sounded frustrated.
"Can you at least tell us what happened between you and the Dean?"
"Or what happened last night?"
Cissy nodded in agreement with Andy. "We just want to try to help but we are missing parts of the story. Help us understand."
Bella groaned, "well I guess the lot of you aren't going to let this go anytime soon."
"Finally wise at the age of 50," Andy smirked. "Happy birthday by the way. You ducked out last night before we could have your cake."
"You know I don't give a fuck about my birthdays."
"But we do," Cissy smiled.
"Now, spill the tea or whatever it is the kids are saying these days."
"50 isn't too far off Andromeda. Don't try to act young now," Bella cackled. "I told the Dean that I didn't want to work at the University anymore. That I was done. I wanted to walk because it was more important to me to pursue things with Hermione than keep a teaching job that I don't give two fucks about."
"Was?" Andy raised an eyebrow.
"Don't push your luck," Bella rested her head against the back of the couch. "It still is important to me but I told her she was free to date whomever she wanted and I'd be fine."
"And she said?"
"That she would wait for the school year to be over."
"And you said?"
"No. Then I told her I was leaving to go get the pieces for the exhibit."
"Well what did you go an do a dumb thing like that for?" Andy wanted to smack her sister but refrained.
"Because it was the right thing to do. I can't quit because I'm under contract and if I did there would be legal action taken against me and Hermione would get dragged through it. I'm not going to let her name be put out there with my negative press. She deserves to have a good career and options. I'm not going to take those away from her."
"And if she truly wanted to wait until the end of the semester?"
"Well we didn't actually talk much after I left. I just assumed we were done."
"But?" Cissy leaned forward, getting more invested in the story.
"But then I saw her snuggling up with Dora last night, platonic or not and I was seeing red. Like I wanted to murder my own niece for putting her hands on Hermione."
"There's nothing going on between them. Hermione isn't anywhere near being over you. You know she took a whole week off from her classes. And she hasn't been back to work since?" Andy took a drink from her coffee. "I'm not trying to guilt you here, I'm just stating facts."
"I get it. It's stupid. But," Bella sighed. "She came to my room last night. She was very drunk. She made a pass at me and I asked her to leave and that we could talk about everything in the morning and then she accused me of moving on with Morgan. I was so offended that she would even think that so I told her to leave my room." Bella wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "I guess that's when she left last night. I was going to quit my job to be with her and she just thought I'd move on so quickly."
"Did you explain who Morgan is?"
"What does that matter, Cissy? She's already decided that I've taken on another lover. She thinks very highly of me, it seems."
"You did say she was drunk," Andy shrugged.
"Drunk or not it shows what she thinks of my character."
"So that's it?"
"She told me she didn't want to be part of the exhibit. She questioned my character morality when I was only trying to do what's best before her and she left before we could resolve anything. You tell me," she folded her arms across her chest.
"Hey Auntie? Seems you got something here from Hermione," Dora walked a medium sized package over to her and dropped it in her lap.
"We will give you some privacy," Cissy stood and waited for Andy.
"We will?" She sounded almost disappointed.
"Yes," Cissy dragged her sister over to where Draco and Dora were sitting and watching tv.
Bella looked down at the box and there was a little note attached to the present. She rolled her eyes and took the note out first, opened it and read:
Bella,
I'm not sure what to say. I regret desperately texting and calling you the past few weeks but it was like it was out of my control. I just wanted an explanation. I think I get it but I want to hear it from you.
I saw this in the story and knew I had to get it for you for your birthday. Happy Christmas, Bella. I hope things get unweird between us soon.
Best,
Hermione
"Unweird," Bella laughed and shook her head. She opened up the box and pulled out two separately wrapped gifts. One wrapped for a birthday and the other in Christmas paper. "Cheeky," she smiled. She opened up the Christmas wrapped gift first and inside was an old leather bound journal with distressed pages. Bella brought the journal up to her nose and inhaled. The smell of an old book and the leather was releasing serotonin in the most magical ways. There were also a few quills, ink and an ink pot with the journal. "Covering all her bases," she smiled at the thought of the girl in a store picking everything out. Bella moved onto the birthday present. She opened it and there was a small ornate gold tin that looked worn and aged. She popped the lid open and weathered note cards fell out. The tin was full of handwritten recipes that looked to have some age to them. And of course there was a note tucked in there from Hermione. The note read:
Bella,
I saw this at the antique shop and couldn't help but pick it up for you. I looked through the recipes because you know how my curiosity is. There are several in here that as your girlfriend I insist you make for me.
Happy Birthday,
Hermione
Bella's heart clenched. Hermione must have written that note and stuck it in the box awhile ago. It was a truly thoughtful present. She stood up and started walking to the door with her presents.
"Hey Christmas morning isn't over yet," Dora shouted.
"I'll be right back. I have to take care of something. Mind your own damn business, Dora." Bella laughed and continued up to her room. She quickly went over to her phone and sent a quick message to Hermione.
Bella(9:45am): thank you for the thoughtful presents, Hermione. You know me so well. I want to talk about everything from last night. Please, come to the opening next weekend. I think we both have some things we need to say to each other. Don't text back. I want to be surprised by your arrival or lack thereof. Look for me. I'll be the one in the tux. Happy Christmas, Hermione.
"Ugh," Hermione groaned from her bedroom. "Should I even go tonight?"
"You wouldn't miss an exhibit opening if your head was sewn to the floor," Ginny laughed, resting against Hermione's door frame.
"But," the brunette looked into the mirror holding two cocktail dresses up in front of herself. "It's going to be weird."
"She asked you to come, didn't she?"
"Yes," Hermione sighed. "But I think she might be upset with me about what I said in her bedroom."
"Only one way to find out," Ginny walked over and handed her the black cocktail dress. "Wear this one. Your tits look great in it."
Hermione groaned, "have you been absent for the last month? I don't think my tits looking good is the important factor here tonight."
"What are you going for?"
"To apologize," Hermione changed into a pair of black lacy panties, stockings and pulled the dress down over her head. She raised an eyebrow at Ginny when she nodded. "And to see the exhibit and if she has anything to say to me. Also, I want to find out who the fuck Morgan is and why she was calling Bella on Christmas Eve." She pulled her half of her hair up leaving the rest down in the soft curls she set earlier. "Oh and I have to tell her Happy Birthday because my head was so far up my own ass on Christmas Eve that I forgot."
Ginny hummed, "hmm. Seems like a full agenda. Will you be home tonight in case I forget my keys?"
"What happened to the air tag I got you for christmas?"
Ginny grimaced, "would you believe i misplaced it?"
"Of course you did," Hermione rolled her eye and smiled. "Have fun tonight. Tell Luna I said hi."
"Be safe and text me when you get there so I know the Uber didn't murder you."
Ginny left the apartment while Hermione finished getting ready. She quickly put on some makeup and a pair of flats. Her notification told her that the Uber was waiting downstairs so Hemrione quickly grabbed her keys, wallet and phone and threw them into her peacoat pocket and left the apartment.
The exhibit was already in full swing when walked through the front door of the museum. After sending a quick text to Ginny, she went straight in and started to look around at the gem displays. It was a gorgeous show and she was fully disappointed that she took away her opportunity to be a part of this. Bella told her she still wanted to do this with her but Hermione being the stubborn woman she was, declined and she was regretting that decision. She didn't see her Professor right away so she went down the different aisles trying to see the exhibit prior to having a talk with her ex lover. "Hey. You came," Draco's voice sounded behind her.
"Dejavu," Hermione turned around and hugged her friend. "I'm getting a total flashback to the first exhibit of Bella's that I came to."
"That seems like a lifetime ago," he held his arm out for Hermione to take. They walked around looking at the various displays. "She's outdone herself once again. It's a marvelous collection she's rounded up."
"Did she tell you I was offered to have my name on the exhibit?" Draco nodded yes. "Well stupid me, right?"
"You were hurting. I get it."
"Hey look," Hermione turned to face him, "I'm sorry I left on Christmas without saying goodbye. That was a shitty thing to do."
"Everybody understands. Well we kind of do but believe me when I say that I want the full tea whenever everything settles down."
"I can do that," Hermione smiled.
"Oh there's Auntie Bella," Draco let go of Hermione and pointed towards the back of the gallery. Hermione turned and saw Bella standing in front of the bar with a tall blond woman standing uncomfortably close to her with her arm draped over Bella's shoulder.
"And who is that with her?" Hermione tried not to sound upsetting but she was sure she was failing miserably.
"That's Morgan," Draco rolled her eyes. "None of us like her very much." His phone started ringing. "Oh shoot. I have to take this. Harry is having trouble finding the exhibit hall," he rolled his eyes. "First timer at the museum. I'll be back."
Hermione stared at them for a moment before shaking her head clear and continuing around to the various gem displays. Ever few minutes she would glance over to see if Bella was alone and sure enough that woman was still hanging all over her Professor. One moment she caught Bella alone and she walked over to see her. "Hi," she said, tapping the older woman on the shoulder.
Bella turned around with a broad smile on her face. She was wearing a fitting suit jacket with seemingly nothing on underneath it, form fitted trousers, and high heels. Her hair was pulled up on the top of her head an she was wearing her glasses. "Hi," she parroted back. "I'm glad you came."
"Happy Birthday," Hermione had to shout a little over the crowd.
Bella grabbed Hermione under the elbow and guided her down a row of gems that was less busy. She let go of her arm and scratched behind her ear, "umm yeah about that. I wanted to say thank you for the presents. And for coming tonight."
"It's beautiful. The exhibit is truly amazing."
"Yes, well. Thank you for coming." Bella looked awkward, which was a sight Hermione had never seen before. "How was the rest of your holiday?"
"Pretty shitty," Hermione shrugged. "How about yours?"
"I was busy," she looked over at one of the displays before adding, "but mine was pretty shitty as well." Bella turned back to look at her student, "if I'm being transparent here, I've been pretty shitty the better part of this past month."
A silence fell over the pair as they walked down the aisle of gems, shoulder to shoulder. Hermione was fidgeting with her hands. She hadn't been this nervous to talk to anyone as far back as she could remember. "I'm kicking myself," Hermione blushed.
"Oh?" Bella was curious but kept a respectable distance between them.
"I should never have said I didn't want anything to do with this. I'm so stupid."
Bella reached out and grabbed her hand, the electricity slowly flowed through them both. "You aren't stupid. Just upset and rightfully so. I get it. Though, I would've loved it if your name was on this display with mine. I think you would've enjoyed unpacking all of the pieces and helping with the setup and displays. There may be another opportunity soon."
Hermione was about to ask her about Morgan when the devil herself showed up and threw both of her arms around Bella's neck, leaning in and making a show of whispering in her ear. To Hermione's delight, Bella looked completely uncomfortable with the entirety of the situation. "I have to step away for a moment. Some big museum executive just got here and I have to play hostess. Don't leave please. I still want to talk." Hermione nodded and reassured her she'd stick around but fumed when Morgan looped her arm through Bella's and pulled her away. "Fucking bitch," Hermione whispered to no one. She rolled her eyes and walked over to the bar to order a glass of red. When the waiter said it was on the house, she left a tip and walked to the back of the exhibit.
"Getting drunk? I wouldn't suggest it," Andy came and stood next to Hermione.
She took a sip and scoffed looking over at Andy who was clearly nursing a Jack and Coke. "You are one to talk," she laughed.
"I don't have feelings to confess later or a bunch of bullshit to talk through with a stunning yet stubborn older woman. I can have as many of these as I please. There are only so many times I can walk down these aisles sober," Andy laughed.
"I've barely had a moment alone with Bella."
"Yeah," Andy groaned, "that Morgan is a little cunt isn't she?"
Hermione laughed, "you said it. Not me."
"She's bad news," Andy patted Hermione on her shoulder before pushing off the wall. "Seriously don't get drunk. My sister will bail on the serious conversation," she knocked back the rest of the contents in her glass. "Well this isn't going to refill it."
"Hypocrite!"
"Pussy!" Andy yelled back at the brunette as she walked back over to the bar. The entire time she had been watching the scene unfold in front of her. Bella had taken a step away from Morgan and told her something then took off on the direction of her office. Morgan was standing in the middle of the room looking between the guests and watching Bella leave. Hermione smirked. It was her chance. She took off after Bella out the back entrance to the gallery into the hallway with the offices.
"Stop. You can't be back here," a voice called out stopping Hermione in her tracks.
"And just who are you? Bella's security guard tonight?" Hermione turned around, finally coming face to face with Morgan.
"No." Hermione went to turn and was stopped by a hand around her wrist. "But I know what a desperate little girl you are."
"Let go of me," Hermione was fuming.
"You hurt her, you know?"
"I'm aware. I said let go of me," Hermione tried to pull her arm free but Morgan just grabbed on to it tighter.
"She deserves to be with someone who truly appreciates what an amazing woman she is," Morgan smirked.
"And you think that's you?" Hermione scoffed.
"Well," Morgan looked Hermione up and down, "I don't think it's with a slutty little university student like you, Hermione."
A crack echoed off of the walls and the grip on Hermione's left wrist was loosened as her fist bounced off of Morgan's nose sending her down to the ground screaming. She was bleeding and from
the bruising already forming on her knuckles, she was pretty sure Morgan would be sporting a broken nose. "Bitch," Hermione spit the word out as she stepped closer to Morgan. "Don't fucking talk about things you have no clue about."
"What's going on out here?" Bella came out of her office looking concerned. First she met eyes with Hermione and her face softened until she saw the display on the floor. She stood there for a moment looking between the two women. Hermione shook her head and turned towards the door, "Hermione don't leave," she called after her as she knelt down next to Morgan. "Are you okay?"
"Am I okay? I was viciously attacked for no reason by your ex lover. I'd hardly say I'm okay. I think she broke my nose."
"And I'm sure Hermione wouldn't have attacked you without a reason," Morgan looked insulted. "Look, you were only meant to be my assistant through this exhibit but I don't think it's going to work out. I'll get someone to take you to the hospital but I don't think you should come back after tonight."
"What?"
"You're fired."
Hermione ran as fast as she could out of the museum and walked to the furthest part of the parking lot. Luckily there were Ubers stationed around the museum in preparation for the event. She was back home within 20 minutes and threw herself on the couch, sobbing. "I'm so fucking stupid," she groaned. "Fuck me," she looked down at the purple bruises forming on her knuckles. "Worth it," she shook her first out and walked over to the freezer for an ice pack. Luckily they had plenty stocked up for all of Ginny's soccer injuries. She pulled out one of the soft ones and wrapped it in a towel. She sat down on one of the barstool and carefully laid the cold pack over her injured hand. "I don't think anything is broken," she shrugged but she would need to clean the cuts later.
Draco(9:38pm): hey where did you go and why did I see someone escorting a very bloody Morgan out of here? Are you safe?
Hermione (9:40pm): I'm fine but my fist is not. Lol she got what she had coming to her and I feel no sense of remorse for breaking that bitch's nose.
Draco (9:44pm): we are all very grateful. She was a bitch wasn't she? Text me tomorrow?
Hermione (9:45pm): enjoy the event with Harry. Try to convert him to our ways.
She smiled at her phone and put it away. Just within arms reach was the container of freshly baked cookies from the Weasley house and chocolate seemed like just the thing Hermione needed right now. She reached in and pulled out a double chocolate chunk cookie, moaning at the first bite. She abandoned her ice pack on the counter and walked over to pour herself a glass of milk and just as she was putting the milk away there was a knock at the door. Hermione rolled her eyes and walked over to the front door. "I bought you that airtag for a reason, Ginny," she said as she opened the door, taking a drink of milk.
Ginny wasn't standing on the other side of the door. Bella stood in a cloak with the hood pulled over her head to shield her face looking at the younger woman and smiled at the sight. Hermione was standing there, makeup a mess from crying, hair falling out of her clip, a glass of milk in her hand, and bruises all over her other fist. Her heart clenched, "can I come in?"