Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Three
June 3rd…
Precariously the pencil wobbles wedged into the ceiling, the tip buried deep in the soft, cheap material. Three in a row, she watches impassively as the pencils tremble wondering if one will fall. The ceiling is lined with hundreds of little marks left by previous occupants of the room and herself. Little pencil marks the highest number so far being twenty-seven at one stage.
She's not in the mood to outdo the others, she's just hoping to pass the boredom. The clock ticks slowly, dragging with each second. Her paperwork sits untouched, almost gathering dust, with no motivation today. She had hoped it would be busier than this, had hoped for some chaos, some fun. Not to be sat at her desk going through paperwork. Part of her hoped a pencil might fall in her eye, it would give her a reason to go home.
Snoring, someone is snoring in the neighbouring office. She should go wake them, give them hell, but mercy she's trying to stop herself from falling asleep. She only agreed to the night shift this week in the hopes of some action. Had hoped there would be something of interest, not to suffer boredom.
Never one to stand still, stranded with her thoughts, it makes her reminisce about her life. About every mistake, she has ever made in her life. Today, time is not her friend, no dead bodies, it's as though everyone has gone away. As though the whole criminal world has taken a night off. The only disturbance was a robbery, which ended with half the force on the door, everyone looking for something to do.
Absently, she wonders if Hermione is having fun with her cousin and her childhood friends. A part of her is jealous, almost wishing she had not agreed to the night shift at the weekend. She could have gone out with Hermione, the invitation was there, although the muggle world is her least favourite place. It wouldn't have been too bad with Hermione. The girl somehow manages to make most things fun without even trying.
She even managed to convince Bella to go shopping in the muggle world with jeans on. Although they spent most of their time sitting on the display sofa discussing her divorce with the help of a sales assistant. It wasn't odious, in fact, the food she has grown to enjoy. The world isn't awful, it may be growing on her. Not that she would ever admit this to Hermione, or anyone for that matter.
The only downside of the day out was Hermione bumping into an ex or a past lover. She's not sure, Hermione was cagey on the details. Still, cagey on the details, Hermione had left the restaurant to speak with the woman. Bella convinced the younger witch she would cover the tab, so Hermione could pay her back in the future. Not that she will ever mention it again, but Bella enjoys treating Hermione. She hadn't caught much of the conversation between past lovers, she may have not seen it but she heard the slap. Saw the red mark on Hermione's face.
"No less than I deserve," Hermione comments, rubbing her cheek as she stares after the woman.
Never mentioned again, the conversation dropped, it's as though it never happened. If Bella hadn't been there, she would have never known about it. It's strange, Bella knows she's a private person, not one to advertise her life. Which makes the divorce so much harder, having her life displayed across all gossip columns. Orchestrated by her husband anything to get back at Bella.
Despite spending many nights at Hermione's, spending time with the younger witch. Bella feels as though she knows nothing about the woman. There's a wall, indestructible, barring anyone from getting close to the witch. Sure, Bella knows about Hermione's past, her history at Hogwarts, her scores, her job and her friends. All things she could learn from public record, but there's more to the witch. A deeper part of the witch, that's almost inaccessible. The doubt in their blood created the biggest divide. Hermione wears it like armour, her blood status, unafraid of her upbringing.
Prouder of her lineage than Bella at times, unfazed by random remarks. Bella has heard a few in the ministry, she had spotted Hermione previous. When the witch used to meet up with the doofus, she had always wondered if Weasley had some magical skill in bed to be punching above his weight. She had heard of Granger through the ministry, had heard of her time in the Wizengamot. Pushing for changes, heard the rumours that she could be a future minister. Only for the witch to vanish from the public eye, employed by the Unspeakables, disappearing from the public altogether.
It made Bella wonder what they gave Hermione, to make her change careers. To make her disappear into the depths of the ministry to become a ghost in the old building. Like most Unspeakables, Bella had expected the witch to be stuck up. Strange and aloof, had not expected her to come crashing into her life.
She will never admit it aloud, but the witch became a beacon of light in her increasingly darkeningly world. Rodolphus dragging out the divorce. Making their friends choose, making her life unbearable. The whispering at the Ministry, the gossip columns, it had started to get to her. She had become numb to it all, shutting herself away, hoping the storm would pass. Only to be cornered in the elevator, she had thought the witch had lost her marbles at first. Had considered cursing Hermione in the lift, but there was something there.
Now they're practically glued at the hip, even now, Bella isn't sure who needs who. She's never really had a friend, not someone who had never wanted something from her anyway. They always wanted something, either her surname, her money or just the respect that came from being close to Bella. Hermione cared for none of it, it's refreshing, it's strange it leaves Bella in unknown territory.
"Where's your partner in crime?" The gravelly voice asks dragging his feet into her office, coffee in hand.
"Having more fun than us," Bella comments checking the time, Hermione should be heading home by now.
"Preach," Dolohov comments taking a large sip of his coffee, he groans falling into a chair. "Is it bad I want a dead body?"
"No," Bella mutters, aiming the fourth pencil. "I've been praying all night."
Did Hermione go home alone? Bella wonders glancing at the clock, it's nearly half three in the morning. Hermione should be long home, probably lying on the floor drunk talking to Crookshanks.
"Is Granger out drinking in Diagon alley?" Dolohov asks.
"No, muggle world."
"Ah, that's alright then."
It's unspoken, but Dolohov's mind has gone to the same place as Bella did earlier that night. Granger, a muggle-born, with brown hair, meets part of the criteria. Important job role, she could be a target to the serial killer. It had crossed Bella's mind multiple times. But no, Hermione is safe drinking in the muggle world with her friends.
The thought of Granger taking someone home doesn't settle well, especially a stranger. She knows Hermione can take care of herself, but they could be anyone, she takes home. It takes her mind back to the other night when Hermione had come back from her date. Who did she meet with? Did the date go well? She said they have dessert, but Hermione had finished the evening with Bella.
Maybe it wasn't a date? Not that it matters if it was, Bella would just like to run checks on strangers. A selfish part of her hopes it wasn't a date, she enjoys spending time with Hermione if the witch finds someone then it would mean their time together would become few and far between. The young witch would want to spend time with their new lover not waste time on Bella.
"He still being a prick?" Dolohov asks, throwing a pencil into the ceiling.
"Something like that," Bella replies, aiming for the fifth pencil.
"Want me to rough him up?"
"Please," Bella scoffs, frowning as the pencil bounces off the ceiling landing back on the floor. "I've considered it myself. He just won't sign the blasted thing."
"Did he give you back the lake house?"
"Yes, Hermione mentioned he's probably holding on to it because I have something he wanted."
"And was he?"
"Have you known Hermione to be wrong?"
"No."
"Exactly."
Bella sighs the next pencil snapping in half, she gives up reclining in her chair. Of course, Hermione had been right, offering advice that Rodolphus was only holding on to her lake house because she had his stupid collectables. She hadn't even realised he had stored them in her basement.
"Mrs Lestrange,"
Glaring, Bella turns to the young witch standing in her doorway, oblivious to the slip of the name.
"It's Black," Bella snaps.
"Of course, apologies," She doesn't seem very sorry if anything more put out. "There's a phone call for you."
"A phone call?" Bella questions confused.
"Yes, the muggle…"
"I know what it is, you imbecile." Bella hisses, rising to her feet and making the girl flinch. "Are you sure it's for me?"
"Yes, yes ma'am."
"Very well, Dolohov, excuse me."
"Miss you already," Dolohov mutters.
Rolling her eyes, Bella heads to the muggle phone down the end of the corridor, pausing in front of the receiver lying on its side. Sighing, she lifts the receiver.
"Hello?" Bella demands.
"Ah, Miss Black, you have a call, do you accept?"
"Who is it?"
"They didn't give a name, do you accept?"
"Yes, yes, transfer them through."
She waits as the phone buzzes, listening to the static and watching the janitor as he slowly walks by with his mop. The wheels of his bucket squeaked, but that could just be the old man as he walks by.
"Hello, am I speaking to Miss Black?" An unknown voice echoes down the line.
"Yes, this is she."
Never in her life has she apparated so recklessly, without thought. Not even when Cissy had trouble during labour, not even then. Her feet hit the ground faster than her mind can catch up, she's lucky she hasn't splinched on her way here.
The noise, she struggles to be heard over the noise of the room. Struggles to hear the directions, but she pushes her way past the crowd. Moving at such a pace, that everyone rushes out of her way. Taking the stairs three at a time, she's not even breathless when she reaches the correct floor. Her mind whirling, not even noticing the random stares, she didn't have time to change. Had left Dolohov in charge, grabbing her cloak she can barely remember what she had said to the wizard before she was vanishing on the spot.
"Sorry Ma'am, you can't come in here." A hand prevents her from entering the room, the muggle in police uniform.
"Excuse me?" Bella hisses, making the policeman flinch.
"Ah, miss Black?" A voice interrupts.
She turns to see a middle age man move towards her, nodding her greeting and waving off the police officer.
"My name is Doctor Hawthorn," Hawthorn greets. "We spoke briefly on the phone."
"Yes, yes," Bella answers.
"I didn't expect you to get here so soon, I spoke to you less than seven minutes ago…"
"I was in the area," Bella interrupts. "What happened?"
"Your miss Granger's emergency contact," Doctor Hawthorn comments. "She did ask me not to disturb you, however, since she insists on being discharged, she needs to be under observation for forty-eight hours. Are you, her sister?"
"No,"
"Oh, the partner then, lovely," Doctor Hawthorn continues. "Anyway, follow me."
He moves before she can correct the man heading to the closed door, and the policeman steps aside. The door creaks as they step into the small room, the soft beeping, the gentle breathing. The light buzzing above the noise from the corridor is sensory overload Bella tries to process everything.
"She'll be quite tired; she's had some pain relief. She's suffered a concussion, broken ribs, fractured arm, broken eye socket and a laceration to the side."
"She was stabbed?" Bella questions.
"No, I believe this was sustained from being caught on a metal fence. I do advise she stays here under observation, but she has asked for release forms. Would you be able to convince her to stay?"
"No," Bella shakes her head staring at the sleeping figure.
"She will need to see a doctor in a few…"
"We have a family doctor," Bella lies. "We'll call them."
"Ah, that's fine, please sign here."
She accepts the paperwork, frowning as she holds the pen. Should she leave Hermione in the hospital? No, Hermione will need to go to St Mungo's she will heal much quicker. Faster than they can reasonably explain to the muggle world. She signs the paperwork, handing the clipboard back.
"Any vomiting, coughing of blood, blood in faeces struggle to breathe, bring her straight back. We've done a CT scan it is just a concussion, but do keep a very close eye on her. Slurring of speech, mobility issues, anything brings her back."
"Course."
"I will get the nurse to bring her things," Doctor Hawthorn states.
"What…"
Gone, the door closing behind the doctor. Turning, Bella stares at the immobile Hermione, she has never seen the witch look so small. Swallowing, she steps closer to the bed, hand hesitating above the bruised knuckles. Hermione was meant to be safe, safe in the muggle world. One eye is swollen shut, bruising around the cheek, split lip, and dried blood in her hair. Fragile, Hermione looks fragile lying in a hospital gown, even her breathing slightly ragged. The wince as she sleeps, the pain of the finger slightly moving the arm wrapped the fracture.
"What the fuck happened?" Bella whispers, half hoping the witch will wake up so she can grill her.
"Miss Black?" A voice calls, a woman stepping into the room in a suit. "My name is Detective Sergeant Holland, may I call you Bellatrix?"
"No," Bella replies turning her attention to the woman. "What the hell happened?"
"I can see you're upset," Holland replies with a tight smile. "Be reassured, we have one of the culprits in custody."
"What happened," Bella demands turning her full attention to the woman.
"We have conflicting statements, Miss Granger has yet to give us one, we're waiting to speak with her. However, her cousin stated they were out drinking and heading home when they came across three young men. Who hurled abuse at them, calling them unsavoury words before an altercation took place. Mr Davis, one of the men stated he and his friends were minding their own business when Miss Granger and her friends threw a glass at them. Started to harass them."
"You believe that?" Bella scoffs.
"Eyewitnesses saw Miss Granger throw the first punch," Holland shrugs.
"She's in a hospital bed," Bella grinds out.
"So is Mr Davis, just down the corridor to be precise, with a broken leg. Miss Granger was responsible for breaking his leg and also attacking his brother who is currently receiving surgery."
"His here?" Bella questions. "Can I speak to him?"
"Of course not," Holland shakes her head. "Before you leave, I need to speak to Miss Granger."
"Need or will?"
"She needs to give a statement."
Biting her tongue, Bella waits for the detective to leave before drawing her wand. She casts a disillusionment charm on herself, moving from the room, walking past the detective oblivious to her presence. Heading to the police presence just down the hall, slipping past the two officers at the door, she slips inside.
With a black eye, the young lad remains in his bed chilling, laughing with his friend, eating crisps. Not a care in the world. They both frown as the door opens and closes, blinking in confusion. Bella casts a spell to ensure the world outside won't know.
"Bitch has got a right hand on her, give her that," Davis, the man in the bed chuckles. "Fucking faggots."
"Did you hear the noise the other made when you slapped her arse, man,"
"Yeah, didn't expect the bitch to wallop me though."
"You walloped her back mate,"
Removing the charm, she watches both men jump, the one uninjured, moving to his feet. She sends him hurtling into his chair, rope wrapping around his wrists and binding him to his chair. A scream of fear, Davis struggling to move, her hand lands on his broken leg. She twists, stealing a cry, preventing him from moving.
"Scream boys," Bella whispers darkly. "No one can hear you."
"Who the fuck are you?"
"Your worst nightmare." Bella smiles. "I have some questions. You're going to answer them, or I will finish off what my friend started. Understand?"
"Go to hell you crazy bitch."
"Oh, my dear boy, where do you think I came from? Shall we begin?"
Flicking through the magazine, Bella rests her feet on Hermione's bed, humming to herself, listening to the disturbance outside the door. A groan, distracts her from her doodling, the moustache on the model is half finished she turns to Hermione stirring from her slumber.
"Ow," Hermione grumbles wincing as she stirs awake.
Patient, Bella waits for the younger witch to regain her senses. Finishing the moustache, she waits for hazel eyes to focus, and to turn to Bella. Slowly, blinkingly, the eyes turn, the head lolling to the side, staring at Bella in confusion.
"Hey," Hermione mutters wincing.
"Morning," Bella greets listening absently to the noise outside the door.
"I know I like it rough," Hermione hisses, tongue touching the split lip. "but this is a bit too… rough."
"I'll be softer next time," Bella quips.
A chuckle, followed by a groan.
"Don't make me laugh," Hermione grumbles.
"I'll try not to," Bella replies throwing the magazine down. "I know it's the part of my personality you can't resist."
"That and the tits."
"That'll be the pain relief," Bella smirks.
A giant grin as Hermione smiles at Bella, the smile so bright it lights the room. Swallowing, Bella rises to her feet, coming to stand next to the bed, she observes the bruised knuckles.
"How are you feeling?" Bella asks.
"I don't know what drugs these are," Hermione grins lazily. "But they're great."
"Any pain?"
"Little bit, it's alright, you should see the other guys."
"Ha, I bet." Bella smiles darkly. "I think you need to give a statement before we leave."
"Aww, do you think we can get pizza?"
"It's five am."
"Somewhere will do pizza,"
"I think you're going straight to bed,"
"Will you keep me warm?"
The words send a shiver through Bella the idea of sharing a bed with Hermione. She knows those hands would wander in sleep, she's not sure what would stop them from wandering. No, fuck sake, she's injured, you idiot!
"Where will Crooks sleep?" Bella deflects.
"Oh, yeah," Hermione frowns staring at her lap as though solving the biggest riddle of her life.
The door swings open, making both witches jump turning to see a distressed Detective Holland standing in the doorway. Staring at both witches in confusion, glancing back the way she had just come.
"Everything okay?" Bella asks.
"Fine," Holland replies quickly.
"Ma'am no one's left the room," The officer whispers to the detective.
"Can Hermione give her statement, so we can be on our way?" Bella demands.
"Yes," Holland, nods stepping into the room and pulling a notebook from her pocket.
"You alright giving a statement?" Bella asks.
"It's a bit fuzzy," Hermione mutters pushing herself up in bed. "But if it means I can leave, let's do it."
Silent, Bella waits arms folded as the Detective asks her questions. Hermione answers methodically, detached, her unspeakable training on full show. No emotion as she explains the events of the night, no anger, sadness, nothing. Even as she describes leaving with her cousin, the men following them, surrounding them. Slapping the cousin's arse, pulling at Hermione's hair. She threw the first punch when they refused to let go. Knocking the first man out cold, the fight. Being hit in the face, breaking the other man's leg, the glass to the face. Luckily it didn't break, falling against the sharp metal fence. Her cousin rang the police, the last man running for it as the noise gained attention.
"What happens now?" Hermione asks.
Smirking, Bella watches the detective finish the statement, disturbed by Hermione's lack of emotion. The matter-of-fact description, is unflinching in detail, not rising to any questions. The subtle questions about her mental state were answered simply.
"What is your profession, Miss Granger?" Holland asks. "Therapist?"
"I work in health and safety," Hermione answers. "What happens next, will there be a court hearing?"
"Nothing happens next," Holland answers. "Mr Davis, his associate has admitted to harassing you and your cousin. Have admitted to assaulting you, quite vocally I may add."
"Oh," Hermione frowns, throwing a suspicious glance at Bella who watches impassively. "What of the one I knocked out, is he okay?"
"He will be fine," Holland replies. "If there are any more questions, we will be in touch."
"Excellent, let's go," Bella claps her hands.
"Did either you speak to Mr Davis?" Holland questions.
"Neither of us has left this room," Bella shrugs innocently. "Why do you ask?"
"It's strange how they've changed their statements." Holland answers.
"Perhaps they had a change of heart."
"I've never seen grown men cry so much, until today," Holland replies. "Anyway, I'll let you change."
The door shuts smiling, Bella turns innocent eyes to Hermione who merely shakes her head. Pushing from the bed, she wobbles on her feet, using Bella to keep herself upright.
"Just apparate us home," Hermione pleads.
"You sure…"
"Bella, please, I want to go home."
Nodding, Bella secures her arm around, Hermione's waist, holding her tightly, she apparates them away from the hospital. Disappearing with a crack. The door to the room opens Holland re-entering, nose buried in her notes.
"One more que…" she trails off staring at the empty room in confusion. "What the fuck?"
The wards morph around them as they land in Hermione's flat, allowing Bella access. They arrive with a thud, Bella holding the young witch in her arms tight, feeling the hand wobble. Groaning, Hermione clutches her head, using the sofa as support.
"Here," Bella mutters.
Carefully, she runs her wand along the witch, easing the concussion, healing the fractured eye socket, and watching the beautiful hazel eye squint back at her. Relief as she's able to open her eye fully.
"Thank you," Hermione replies.
"Want me to heal the rest?"
"Tomorrow, I just… my head is pounding."
"Whoa, where are you going?"
"My potions, help take the pain,"
"Fine, but I will get them, come on let's get you to bed."
"Can I not shower first?"
"Not in this state no."
"But I feel gross."
With a flick, Bella throws a quick spell over the witch removing the grime. Not as nice as a hot bath or shower, but better than nothing. Slowly, she helps the witch move to the bedroom, easing her down on the bed. Crookshanks sitting on the bed moves to rub against Hermione, purring.
"Why didn't you use your wand?" Bella asks moving back to the living room.
"I didn't take it," Hermione answers leaning back against her pillows. "I never do, not in the muggle world."
Biting her tongue, Bella chooses not to reply, now is not the time to berate the witch. Instead, she grabs a glass of water along with the potions she moves back into the bedroom, handing the potion over first.
"You, sure I can't take a shower?" Hermione asks grimacing at the taste of the potion.
"You can barely stand, I'll have to shower with you."
"Maybe I'm just trying to get you naked," Hermione flirts.
"Just ask," Bella winks making the witch choke on her water.
"Bella," Hermione states bruised hand coming to rest on Bella's forearm. "What you did…"
"They had it coming," Bella shrugs, thumb running over the bruises gently. "I won't bloody apologise they…"
"Thank you." Hermione interrupts squeezing the arm. "I'm sorry you had to come out, I did ask them not to call."
"No," Bella shakes her head. "No, you always call me, I don't care about the time."
"Huh, any time?"
"Go to sleep, you horny bunny."
"Can… Never mind."
Stay, Hermione wants her to stay, she doesn't want to be left alone. It's obvious. Rising to her feet, Bella notices the look of disappointment flash across Hermione's face quickly hidden away.
"Thank you for coming," Hermione comments shifting into her bed. "It means a lot."
Rolling her eyes, Bella kicks off her shoes, transfiguring her clothes into something more comfortable, she moves back to the double bed. Nudging Hermione with her hand, the look of confusion quickly moved to hope. The witch moves over allowing Bella to climb onto the bed next to her.
"As if I can trust you to be on your own." Bella replies, "Just no wandering hands."
"Can't promise anything," Hermione chuckles, relaxing with Crookshanks on her chest, his purring helping to ease Hermione into a sleep.
Studying the witch, Bella waits for the breathing to even out before drawing her wand again. Slowly, she heals the bruises on the exposed hand, moving to the broken ribs. She won't be able to heal them fully, but it will ease the pain.
Quietly, she shuts the lights off the flat, placing her wand on the side, she listens to the witch snoring quietly. Outside the world is once more coming to life. Puffing the pillow, Bella lies on her side watching Hermione.
Placing her hand on the witch's side, just to reassure herself she is fine. Another day she will ask Hermione why she's her emergency contact. Not today, the younger witch is already worried about disrupting Bella's life. She'll bring it up in a conversation if only Hermione knew, Bella would burn the world to keep her safe.