Warning: Mentions of PTSD, Depression, Self harm, swearing please read responsibly.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Ten
20th November…
"Bella…"
The word dies on her lips, what is there to say? What can she say? Her hand is trembling, her heart pounding so heavy against her chest. The room feels too small, too tight, she wants to run. The knife clatters against the counter as her fingers tremble, what is there to say?
"Don't," Bella hisses. "Don't Bella me, I don't want to hear any fucking lies."
"I never…"
"I said DON'T!"
She flinches at the venom in Bella's voice, swallowing hard. The blood dried on Bella's chin, the split lip, the wand hanging dangerously between agile fingers. Bella a wounded animal pacing the small enclosure, a volcano ready to explode.
"Of all the things," Bella whispers to herself before turning her attention to Hermione.
"Look, it's not what you think," Hermione tries for peace the words sound false against her tongue.
"It's not what I think? Oh, what is it that I think? How long have you been playing me?"
"I never…"
"I haven't finished!"
Hermione hears the movement from the flat below, the shouting is going to draw the neighbour's attention. She draws her wand, wanting to place a silencing spell. Jolting backwards as a wand presses against her throat, Bella's eyes flash dangerously.
"Put it down!" Bella snarls.
"I… I'm not going to hurt you," Hermione stammers.
"Oh, that's rich,"
She flinches at the remark, swallowing the pain as she glances down at the wand pressed against her throat.
"Drop it, NOW!"
"I just want to put a silencing charm in place, I don't think you want the police knocking, do you?" It's the last thing they need.
The wand presses harder, making her flinch, she drops her wand, watching as Bella moves it out of reach. Hands in fists, Hermione releases a breath as Bella withdraws her wand, the flash the only sign of a charm.
"Turn around," Bella orders.
"Excuse me?"
She freezes at the sight of cuffs as Bella draws them from her pocket. She cannot be serious? But the gaze remains hardened and deadly serious.
"And what? You're going to arrest me because of some stupid vendetta about a dead person?"
"Oh, but they're not dead, now, are they?" Bella hisses.
"This is prosperous, you put those cuffs on me the furthest you'll get is through the Auror department doors. After that, you'll be sanctioned and you know it."
"Sanctioned."
"Arresting a ministry employee, arresting an unspeakable without cause, without evidence is a sanction. You know it."
"Who said I didn't have proof?"
"Proof of what?" Hermione snaps throwing her arms up in disbelief. "What have I ever done?"
"I have proof, because the night of that duel, my assailant burnt their back."
"So?"
"So? I thought it odd, you haven't had any conquests lately, normally you prance around here naked. Now you've turned into a grandma."
"Thanks for pointing out my dry spell."
Bang, a fist hits the counter, and a spark erupts from the end of the wand.
"This isn't funny,"
"I didn't realise I was laughing," Hermione hisses.
"I bet the burn mark on your back matches the piece of metal I have on my desk. The same piece of metal responsible for burning the assailant's back."
"Why would you keep that?" Hermione asks in disbelief.
"For this moment," Bella growls. "Turn around."
"No,"
"Fine," The wand lifts.
"Because all they're going to see is a desperate witch clutching at straws. Your furious you were bested in a duel, you're seeing ghosts."
"Don't fucking gaslight me," Bella growls. "Where were you these last few months,"
"Australia."
It hurts lying to the witch, it physically hurts. She sees the impact the word has instantly, those eyes dulling in disbelief, marred with hurt it all vanishes with a blink. Emotionless, Bella stares back, the anger radiating off the witch in waves, the pulse point jumping on her neck.
"We both know that's a lie," Bella states voice void of emotion.
"Do we?"
"Your father died a year ago, a bit late for a funeral."
Bloody Mercy. She could curse the woman, for an unspeakable, Mercy is useless at keeping secrets. How the witch managed to get a job in the department, it's beyond Hermione.
"What do you want me to say?" Hermione asks.
"The truth," Bella demands. "I want the fucking truth because right now, someone who I thought was my friend tried to kill me."
"Well, we both know that can't happen," Hermione shrugs.
"Does this mean nothing to you?" Bella whispers the faintest hint of emotion, those eyes swirling with hurt. "Does our friendship mean so little to you?"
"Our friendship, you're the one throwing accusations,"
"Accusations, you had a knife to my fucking throat."
"You grabbed me,"
"You held a dagger to my fucking throat, my fucking dagger, did you enjoy it? Having your foot on my throat, seeing me struggle to breathe?"
"I…" The words fail her.
"Would you like to re-enact it? Would that help jog your memory?"
"Stop," Hermione shakes her head.
"Why, bringing back good memories?"
"I would never want to think of you like that," Hermione replies shaking her head. "You must have been…"
"Don't you fucking dare," A hand shoves against Hermione's shoulder, and she bumps against the counter. "Don't you dare play the caring friend, you lost that right,"
"I can only imagine the…"
"STOP!" Bella shouts. "You can stand there and play little miss innocent all you like, but it all makes sense. How many people did you hurt in the name of undercover, I've seen the aftermath so don't worry. Let me fill you in, just in case you have amnesia. What about Polo Street, they didn't stand a chance. Did you enjoy listening to their screams? What was the youngest sixteen, did she cry for mercy for her father? Did she beg?"
Shaking her head, Hermione tries to put distance between herself and the witch. Holding back the bile, she can still recall the begging eyes, the screams. They kept her awake at night, they all did, haunting her every waking second.
"Did it make you feel powerful?" Bella presses. "A muggle-born pretending to be something else? Did you enjoy the power rush, running around with the likes of my husband torturing in the name of blood superiority?"
Bella's breath ghosts across her ear, back turned to the witch she cannot face the Auror. Cannot listen to this, her anger burns beneath the surface. She has no idea, what Hermione had to do, and was forced to do. Bella doesn't understand and would never understand.
"Tell me, Granger, which bit did you enjoy the most, besting me in a duel? Or the torture, perhaps it was killing that wizard with my wand. I should throw you in Azkaban."
"Should you?" Hermione snarls pushing the witch away. "I think you should be fucking grovelling."
Confusion flashes across Bella's face, the shift in tempo, but fuck she's angry. She's so angry, it's burning her blood is boiling.
"Get on your knees Black and fucking grovel."
"Wha…"
"No, you're confused? I can see that, what hurt the most? The damaged ego when you had your arse handed to you in a duel? Or the fact the Auror department spent half a year chasing its tail?"
"Listen to me…"
"No, shut your fucking trap," Her voice drops lower, fury burning, fuelling her. Her head thumped painfully. "Without me, you would still be nowhere. Who do you think gave you everything you needed? Did you think it was happenstance? Did you think it's because you're great at your job? No, I fucking fed you, I gave you evidence. Trickle by trickle, do you know how hard it was to make mistakes and not get caught? Do you know what they did to us for making mistakes? Do you have any fucking idea how many Crucios I've taken? How many times, I had to bite my tongue to a point it bled so they didn't hear me scream?"
"Hermione…"
"No, don't back down now Black, you were about to tell me what else I did? Remember? Yes, I bested you in a duel, I had to. What the hell were you thinking, chasing after me? You may have well signed your death warrant."
"Your bleeding!" Bella interrupts.
Blinking, Hermione feels the anger abort her, the taste of iron in her mouth. Swallowing, she wipes her nose, the blood dripping from her fingertips. It's not stopping, the blood pouring from her nose, her vision blurs she clutches the counter as she stumbles. Her chest is tightening, her heart is pounding, her head throbbing she can barely hear anything.
"Fuck, here," Bella grabs a tea towel passing it to Hermione. "Nosebleed?"
Concern, nothing but concern in those dark eyes. All is not lost, she could cry, and she might be crying. Her vision is blurry as she presses the towel to her nose, but it's pointless she knows. It's becoming increasingly difficult to take a breath, somewhere she can hear thunder, but it's more than that. It's cracking, as though something is shattering apart.
"I broke my oath," Hermione whispers.
She collapses in a heap head narrowly hitting her head on the floor as Bella manages to catch her. She can barely breathe, clutching at her tightening throat, clawing begging for air. Her head feels as though it's bursting, there's blood pooling on the ground. Bella's lips are moving, talking but she can't hear anything over the rushing noise.
It's when she sees him, standing to the side, watching impassively. Eyes draw together whether it's disappointment or sorrow Hermione cannot tell. Croaker. Wand held aloft, Bella turns to him, lowering it when she recognises who it is. Talking they're talking, Bella pointing to Hermione most likely urging him to help her. Bella, I'm so sorry…
"This can all stop," Croaker reasons.
NO! No, she cannot allow it, no, she tries to move, but her body feels as though it's being ripped in two. Torn in different directions, ripping at the seams, her hand jerks pointless at her side.
"Take the oath, and this will stop. She will live regardless, a few weeks in St Mungo's her oath isn't completely broken."
"Can't you do something?" Bella orders.
"I am." Croaker replies with a shrug. "Step aside, we will take Hermione to St Mungo's will induce a coma. She will be alright after a few weeks or…"
"I take the oath."
"No…" Hermione mumbles shakily grabbing Bella's ankle and turning concerned eyes back to Hermione. "No…"
"This will stop, she won't need to be in a coma?" Bella demands.
"You have my word."
"Bella… no. Croaker, no." Hermione breathes out.
"Fine, let's do it."
"Bell…" The word dies on her lips as she seizes under the pain. "I can… can take this."
"Do it."
No, no, no Hermione cannot let this happen. Cannot allow Bella to be bound to the oath, not for Hermione. Except the ankle falls from her grip, Bella moves forward to take Croaker's offered hand.
Her view is blinded as two Medi witches loyal to the Unspeakables block her view, kneeling next to her. No! Bella…
5 years ago…
Wrapping her coat around her, Hermione hides from view, glancing over her shoulder. What is she thinking about being here this time of night? Gosh, if anyone sees her, any reputation she may have left will disappear. She had to follow through, all the information she's slowly been gathering led her here. She may no longer have a chance of becoming a Minister of Magic, but it doesn't mean she won't investigate strange behaviour. Won't report the strange behaviour, now she just needs to wait.
The door shuts with a rattle, she hides in the shadow watching the figure leave the shop. Wand in hand, Hermione trails from a distance, trailing the figure, heart hammering. What is she thinking? She should leave this to the Aurors, but they're just as corrupt as anyone.
Now, if she's going to do anything it needs to be. Alone in an alley, Hermione draws her wand, and whistles the figure, watching as they grow still. Face hidden behind a hood, Hermione remains at a distance now daring to let the figure see her. If she's wrong she needs to escape with some dignity.
"Stop," Hermione orders trying to disguise her voice. "Turn around slowly."
Slowly, the figure turns shifting at the sight of the wand. Glancing over her shoulder, Hermione makes sure she wasn't followed, tightening her grip on her wand. She can do this, she can do this.
"Show me what's in your hand." She orders.
"Hermione?"
Silence, Hermione stares at the figure in front of her, heart dropping, the dread slinking away. No, this doesn't make sense.
"Luna?"
Removing the hood, blonde hair appears before silver blue eyes stare at Hermione in confusion. Swallowing, Hermione lowers her hood watching the witch in confusion, well this is a cluster fuck.
"What?" Hermione asks, turning her eyes to the bundle in Luna's arms. "My intel didn't mention you, Luna…"
There's a flash. Over the years, neither witch can recall what happened. One minute they were talking and both were confused to her as to why Hermione was stalking the witch. The next Luna is lying in the alleyway blood pooling from her lips and nose, the bundle she had been holding on display. Withering in pain, any healing spell failed to aid the witch.
"That won't help her," A calm voice interrupts, Hermione's intense healing.
Turning, Hermione struggles to place the face, holding Luna's hand, she stares at the stranger.
"Help me,"
"Miss Granger, Luna will live."
"Send help," Hermione orders.
"I am Croaker, do you know who I am?"
"Yes, yes you're head of the Unspeakables, this isn't time for introductions…"
"Luna is one of mine."
It's as though being splashed with cold water, she turns to the squirming witch on the ground. All the secrecy, the information she had slowly unwrapped, leading to Luna, to some unknown source, of course, it all made sense now. Why Luna? Why would they pick Luna?
"I've heard of what has happened, Miss Granger, with the rumours, the pictures. Your political aspirations are damaged,"
"Forget that, how do we help Luna,"
"Take the oath."
Swallowing, Hermione turns to the pleading eyes of Luna, the slightest shake of the head. Luna begged Hermione not to take the oath, to not agree with Croaker. Forehead creased in pain, the blood pooling, Hermione turns back to Croaker.
"Why?"
"Why you would be an incredible asset Miss Granger, I could very much use someone like you. Don't just take the oath, come work with me, with us."
"So, I can suffer the same as this?" Hermione demands.
"She suffers only because of you," Croaker answers. "If you hadn't meddled, Luna would not be in this predicament."
"Perhaps you should get better at hiding your secrets."
"Perhaps you should help us do so? Times ticking Miss Granger, regardless of your decision, Luna will live."
"Let's do this," Hermione snaps.
"Hermione no," A whisper from the blonde witch.
"Take my hand, Miss Granger, I promise you, I will make this worth your while."
"Just help Luna."
Present day…
It's a groggy reawakening, her head pounding, she groans clutching her forehead. Hoping to ease the pain. Confused, she sits up in her bed, staring around her bedroom, the blanket thrown over her. The last few hours are a blur she massages her head hoping to break the migraine.
She freezes staring at her blood-coated hands. Panic, rushes through her, what has she done? Did she have a flashback, has she hurt someone? Footsteps approaching the bed, Bella appears holding a glass of water a forced smile on her face. Blood on the witch's robes, on her cheek. Did she hurt Bella?
"Bella," Hermione croaks wincing at her sore throat. "Wha… What happened? God, don't tell me, I hurt someone."
"You don't remember?" Bella asks as she offers the glass of water to Hermione.
"I… No, did I have a flashback. Did I hurt you?"
"It's not my blood, it's yours."
Blinking, Hermione presses the glass of water to her lips, the cold water easing the burn of her throat. It all comes rushing back, the party, the argument, Croaker. She jerks from the bed, dropping the glass on the floor. Water spilling at her feet, she stumbles from the movement, the shards of glass scattering around the room.
"What were you thinking?!" Hermione snaps at the witch.
"Fuck, watch your feet," Bella hisses.
"Bella, you took the oath? What were you thinking?"
"Your feet, you'll…"
"Fuck my feet," Hermione argues running a hand through her hair, ignoring the bite of pain from the glass digging into her foot. "You took the oath, why would you do that?"
"You'd rather be in a coma?" Bella remarks folding her arms.
"Yes, I would rather be dead than have you take the oath. Do you know what this means? Any idea what this means? Why would you do this?"
"You were turning purple, clawing at your throat."
"I can take it,"
"Like you took Crucio's?"
"Yes,"
Shaking her head, Bella uses her wand to remove the glass from the floor. Easing Hermione back down to the bed, she plucks a potion from the side unit and offers it to Hermione. Lifting the bleeding foot onto her lap, Bella focuses on healing the limb.
"Bella,"
"Don't," Bella interrupts focusing on the injury. "Just don't. I would take it again if it meant never seeing you go through that."
Closing her eyes, Hermione takes a swig of the potion wincing at the taste she places the empty bottle aside. Watching the witch focus on healing, avoiding eye contact the foot healed. Slowly, Hermione leans forward, cupping the witch's cheek. The dark witch flinches at the touch, but Hermione refuses to release her. Forcing Bella to look Hermione in the eye, her thumb tracing below the split lip.
"I don't understand," Hermione answers honestly. "I would have been fine."
"I know, Croaker said as such," Bella answers staring over Hermione's shoulder.
"I'm sorry," It's a small confession. "I'm so sorry. For everything, but I wish you didn't take the oath. I could have taken the pain."
"I know, but I'm not strong enough to watch you go through it."
"You will never be the same again, they don't tell you that when you take the oath. You will never be able to talk to anyone."
"I'll be able to talk to you?"
Dark eyes capture honey-brown swallowing, and Hermione manages a small smile. The guilt clawing at her heart, the bile in her throat. Knowing, Bella took the oath for Hermione, she wishes she had a time-turner. She could go back and change it all.
"Yeah? With or without handcuffs?" Hermione asks moving her hands to the witch's shoulder.
"I didn't think the oath was real. I mean, I knew it was real I just assumed it was just an excuse. A way for Unspeakables to avoid topics, I thought you were physically restrained from speaking. I never imagined that."
"That was just a warning," Hermione chuckles releasing a breath. "Not even the real thing,"
"What does happen? Happen to those who break the oath?"
"I have no idea. I don't plan on finding out either." Pausing, Hermione pulls her hands away from the witch. "You took the oath? What do you want to know?"
Rising to her feet, Bella rubs her face. Hermione refuses to meet the witch's eyes, hands shaking. What will Bella think? The stuff she had to do undercover, will the witch hate her more than she already does? Fisting her hands she closes her eyes trying to control the anxiety, and the urge to throw up.
Jolting as two hands encase her fists, Hermione forces herself to meet Bella's gaze. Forcing a smile, she tries to put on a brave face.
"Hey," Bella whispers slowly pulling Hermione to her feet. "Shower? Then we should get some sleep."
"But, you want to know…"
"It can wait," Bella sighs. "I can wait. Go shower I'll change the bed."
Frowning, Hermione glances back to the bed with the blood-covered sheets, nodding she heads to the bathroom. Pausing as she hears the door to the flat open. Has Bella left? Was this a distraction so the witch could run for the hills? Hermione doesn't blame her, what is there here for her?
"Ah, Bellatrix!" Luna's voice floats through the flats. "Oh dear, are you injured? Is Hermione okay? What happened?"
"Calm down Lovegood…"
"You took the oath?"
"How?"
"Your different, your aurora it's hard to explain. The oath affects people, affects their magic… Is Hermione okay?"
"She's showering."
"I see,"
Closing the door to the bathroom, Hermione switches the shower, leaving it to warm up, she pauses in front of the mirror. Swallowing at the sight of herself, her clothes soaked red, dried blood, on her arms, her face and in her hair. God, she looks a mess, she could give Stephen King's Carrie a run for her money.
That would explain the blood-replenishing potion. Stripping from her clothes she steps into the shower the scalding water burning the blood from her body. She watches it swirl down the drain automatically moving through the movements of showering.
Please… My father, take me, take me!
The memory makes her jolt, she slips grabbing the shower wall last second and smacking her elbow on the wall. Cursing, she falls to her knees clutching her arm. Closing her eyes against the noise, the memories rushed through her mind. Tears streaming down her face, she crawls under the shower the noise blocking the memories. She focuses on her breathing, listening to the water rushing around her. Eyes closed, she pulls her knees to her chest, trying to control her breathing.
A hand touches her knee, and jerking backwards, she turns startled to Bella kneeling under the spray of the shower. Hair drenched, wearing one of Hermione's t-shirts and comfy trousers.
"You okay?" Bella asks.
"You should go," Hermione mutters. "I'm fine, just tired, we could talk tomorrow?"
"Not a chance."
"I'll still be here, Bella, I'm not leaving the flat."
"Neither am I,"
"You have work."
"I called in sick."
"Sick? You, have you ever been sick?"
"Not once, I don't get sick."
Snorting, Hermione smiles remembering the conversation with Mercy.
"Is this the same as Nightmare's dream of you?" Hermione probes.
"Mercy told you that?"
"The thing about Mercy is she tells everyone everything."
"She's really bad at keeping secrets, how did she get a job?"
"Bribery, I bet."
Smiling, Bella reaches for the shower turns it off, and moves away pulling out the towel. Holding it aloft for Hermione to take. Smiling, Hermione grabs the towel wrapping it around her body, hands still shaking. Whether from blood loss or anxiety, she's not even sure anymore.
She freezes as her hand touches her back pausing over the burn on display. Biting her lip, she forces her eyes downwards staring at her feet. Bella must hate her, not only did the witch pour her heart out to Hermione, about the duel. But to learn it was Hermione all along, the witch must hate her.
"I'm sorry," Bella murmurs hand pressed against a burn.
Spinning so fast, Hermione loses her balance only remaining upright because Bella manages to grab her.
"You have nothing to apologise for," Hermione states firmly. "Nothing, do you understand?"
"I did that," Bella refutes.
"It's the least I deserve."
"No, you don't deserve that," Bella snaps furiously. "Stop saying such shit."
"You don't know what I've done."
"I don't care, because the guilt is all over your face."
"Guilt doesn't spare me from my actions."
"Did you enjoy it?"
"What?"
"Did you enjoy anything of what you feel guilty about? Did you enjoy any of it?"
"No of course not, but…"
"But nothing."
"You don't understand…"
"Perhaps not, but I know you. I know you. For the last month, you've been held up in your apartment racked with guilt, PTSD, flashbacks, and being babied over by Lovegood. The actions of someone struggling…"
"Bella, I hurt people, I tortured, I fucking nearly killed you," Tears stream down her face, and she wipes at them blindly. "I put you in St Mungo's,"
"I put you in bed for a week. I'd say we're even. Besides I only had a concussion."
"I had a dagger to your throat."
Her hand presses against the swan-like neck, and the vision of holding a dagger, repeats every day. The guilt, every time she looks at the witch, all she can see is the dagger. The anger in those black eyes. So lost in her role, she hadn't realised what she was doing until it was nearly too late.
Gently, Bella moves the hand, swallowing, Hermione tries not to flinch. Does she have no right to touch the witch what was she thinking? She frowns as the witch presses Hermione's hand to Bella's chest, just above the heart. The thudding of the heart a reassuring. Slowly, Bella moves closer leaving Hermione's hand resting above the heart as her hands cup the shorter witch's cheek.
"I'm here," Bella reassures. "You didn't hurt me, other than a bruised ego."
"I… I am sorry," Hermione whispers. "For everything for lying,"
"Shush," Bella orders smiling. "We'll talk okay? I think we both could do with some sleep. Don't you?"
Nodding, Hermione allows the witch to pull her into a hug. Clutching Bella close, the fear of losing the witch overwhelmed me. How she managed to find someone, how she got so lucky, she will never know. She feels the tight squeeze from the witch as they hold one another tight.
Wearing some fluffy pyjamas, Hermione moves towards her freshly made bed. As though the previous night never happened the room is spotless. She knows the rest of the flat will be the same. It all feels tainted now, once happy memories, now it feels tainted.
Taking a seat on the bed, she feels the other side of the bed dip turning confused as Bella clambers into the bed. Puffing up her pillow, oblivious to Hermione's stare.
"You're sleeping with me?" Hermione asks.
"Don't get any ideas," Bella warns with a smirk. "Besides you don't want cuddles from me?"
"I'm not complaining," Hermione replies.
Lying down, Hermione rolls over watching as Bella shifts in the bed getting comfy. A huff from the witch as she rolls over to face Hermione.
"If I knew I had to beat you in a duel to get you in my bed," Hermione quips gently. "I would have approached you differently in the elevator… Too soon?"
"What can I say," Bella smiles reaching for Hermione's hand and linking their fingers together. "Perhaps this is a cunning plan to distract you in the next duel."
"There's going to be a next one?"
"Most definitely."
"You do know the odds were stacked against you. I would never beat you in a normal duel."
"That was a normal duel."
"No, it wasn't. You entered a duel without knowing your opponent, I wore baggy clothes which means you couldn't predict my movements. I silenced myself so you couldn't hear my spells. Whereas I know you, I've seen you duel."
"Now you're just trying to make me feel better," Bella retorts.
"No, I'm not," Hermione answers inching closer. "Honestly, in a fair fight, you would win hands down."
"I think you underestimate yourself," Bella replies honestly. "And yes, I would love to duel again. I want to. Not because of my ego, not in the hopes to beat you, but because I want to learn. There is always going to be someone better than you. I need to watch you duel."
"You enjoy it?"
"I love it," Bella grins madness dancing in the depths of her dark eyes. "It's the moment of mortality, a live chess game. One wrong move could spell disaster. It's unpredictable, even against a weaker opponent, they can always win. Should the environment be in their favour, there are so many variables. I would like to duel you again when you're better."
"I hate duelling,"
"I can make you love it."
How did she get so lucky? Hermione wonders staring at the witch in her bed. Her heart pounding beneath her ribcage.
"What do you mean?" Bella asks.
Oh, she spoke it aloud, swallowing, Hermione blushes under the scrutinising gaze. She wasn't meant to say it aloud.
"How did I get so lucky meeting you," Hermione clarifies with a blush.
"I wouldn't say it's lucky."
"You're incredible,"
Stunned, Bella stares back at Hermione, disbelief shining in her eyes. The witch doesn't believe Hermione. Perhaps she will blame it on the blood loss and claim Hermione is delusional.
"You don't believe me?" Hermione questions.
"I think you're tired."
"You are one of the most incredible, thoughtful, intelligent, and caring witches I have ever met."
"Don't forget sexy," Bella jokes brushing her hair out of her face.
She moves on instinct capturing those red lips. Heat rushes through her, feeling the witch so close. The warmth, the plump lips pressing against her, the electricity shooting through her body.
Lips parting, tongues press together, gentle, uncertain. Exploring new territory, she feels as though she's caressing a goddess. A deep moan, the hands clutching her hips pulling her closer, pressing her flush against the witch below her. It's fire, tongues moving, tracing, teeth grazing soft lips.
Butterflies burst free, her heart pounding ridiculously loud with the press of Bella. It's heaven, it's as though tasting forbidden fruits. The tongue turns dominant, losing instantly to the witch as the hands drag deeper into the kiss.
A gasp as they break apart, eyes impossibly dark staring at Hermione in confusion. The shock of her actions forces Hermione to jolt backwards, what was she thinking?
"Fuck," Hermione mutters handshaking.
Lips bruised, chest heaving Bella is staring back at her. Swallowing, Hermione shakes her head, fuck. What was she thinking?
"I am so sorry," Hermione stutters throat dry. "I… I…"
What? What Hermione, lost control? Bloody hell, she's destroyed their friendship now. Rubbing her eyes, she pushes up, ready to bolt from the bed.
"Stop," Bella breathes. "It's okay,"
"Is it? Fuck I'm sorry I don't know what came over me."
"Well, how could you resist?" Bella smirks doubt lingering in the witch's eyes. "It's fine."
"I'm determined to destroy our friendship," Hermione groans rubbing her eyes. "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me."
"Dry spell," Bella nods sitting up. "Does things to us,"
"I'll go sleep on the sofa."
"You'll do no such thing," Bella orders firmly. "Relax Hermione, I'm a big girl, I can take a snog."
"It's the blood loss," Hermione reassures.
Snorting, Bella lies back down, a smile on her lips. Slowly, Hermione eases herself back down, shame on her face.
"Honestly, it's a compliment, you can go back to the listing of my great qualities if you like?" Bella smirks.
"I was thinking of doing your worst ones next."
"Hmm, shamefully hot, should be top of the list."
"You're enjoying this."
"It's like the lift all over again."
Groaning, Hermione rolls away from the witch organising her pillow. She stares off into the distance, listening to the clock ticking away. Shivering as she feels hands slowly wrap around her. Bella moves closer pulling Hermione into a snuggling position Bella's breath brush against Hermione's neck.
"Are you trying to drive me insane?" Hermione mumbles.
"Is it working?"
"What would you tell Tom?"
"I'd say we argued, but I might miss out on the kiss and make-up."
Chuckling, Hermione relaxes against the witch feeling safe and secure in the witch's embrace. The slightest tightening of the hands.
"Can I ask why?" Hermione asks quietly.
"Why I'm snuggling?"
"Yes."
"I… I thought you were dying. For a split second when you were convulsing on the floor, the argument, everything seemed pointless. Honestly, thought you were going to die."
"Bella," Hermione murmurs rolling over to face the witch. "I'm here."
"I know."
"I wish you didn't take the oath," Hermione murmurs.
"I'm not."
"Why?"
"Because for the first time in months, we can have an actual conversation."
"Anything I tell you cannot be used, you know that. You can't use it as an Auror."
"Hermione, I'm more than just an Auror. I have an amazing friend who I know nearly nothing about. Now, we can talk properly."
"Maybe there's nothing after the mystery."
A gentle smile, a hand caressing Hermione's cheek.
"I don't believe that."
"I'm rolling over now."
A snort from the witch as Hermione rolls back the other way forcing the urge to kiss the witch. A chin presses on her shoulder as Bella snuggles close holding Hermione close as though she's about to disappear.
"Horcrux." The word bounces around in the dark room.
"Sorry?"
"It's why I was sent undercover, there was information of someone trying to create a Horcrux. I was sent to infiltrate and investigate. To report my findings back, Luna my handler, Croaker overseeing the operation. Should I make contact with someone creating a Horcrux then we were to extract the individual? I wasn't meant to do anything else. Not meant to get involved in politics as Croaker put it. The longer I was undercover, the more I saw, I had to do something. So I leaked intel, I knew you'd pick up on it, I knew you'd do the rest."
A/n: There will be a delay in the next update, I am on holiday. Thank you everyone for your reviews and favourites, all your support means a lot to me.