Hermione was certain that she and Bella had enjoyed each other on every available surface in Bella's flat. Her body ached in the most fabulous way. It had been the most sexually satisfying experience Hermione had ever had. There hadn't been a whole lot of time to think about anything else and Hermione was certainly not complaining. She was starting to get a little concerned that she didn't know a whole lot about Bella's private life but she was happy to unveil things in Bella's slow and steady way. Hermione liked Bella and was ready to commit to whatever was going on between them. The morning and early afternoon flew by with a mix of sex and bullshitting but it was getting closer and closer to the time they had to leave their bubble and head over to Hermione's. Bella was just finishing up in the shower so Hermione thought it best to finally text Ginny back.

2:46pm

hey Ginny.

2:48pm

she's alive! Thank God. I thought we were going to have to investigate. Either she did take you to a field to murder you or it was death by too much shagging.

2:49pm

? always so over dramatic. We had a lovely time at the fair last night. Met a goat named Rufus. He was rather cute. I thought Bella might try to leave with him. Happy to report there are no goats in her studio at the moment.

2:52pm

yeah… yeah but did you shag her?

2:53pm

you know I'm not going to answer that.

2:53pm

so it's a yes. Got it. You are still coming to the party tonight right? It would be ridiculous to have a roommate get together with a third of the roommates.

2:54pm

yes I'll be there. Bella is going to come. ️

2:55pm

ooooo what did you have to do to convince her to come?

2:55pm

just know if you could see me right now, I'm rolling my eyes at you. I think I'm going to invite her niece to come as well. It might be less awkward for Bella if she knows someone other than me. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

2:57pm

sounds good. See you later. Luna and I are going shopping for some food for tonight. You can venmo me later. Have fun.

Bella came out of the shower, clean and dried but complete naked. Hermione's eyes widened as she took in the other woman. "See something you like?"

Hermione swallowed, "yes, I see quite a few things I like actually. You should probably get dressed though if we are going round to mine soon. Looking at you looking like that isn't going to motivate me to leave." She bit her lip.

Bella chuckled and walked over to the dresser. She pulled on a pair of tight black skinny jeans, ripped up the thighs, a loose fitting long dark green T-shirt which also had rips in it. Hermione was starting to think ripped was just her normal style. She smiled as she watched her lover pull on a pair of socks and her doc martens. Bella walked over to the vanity and sat down. She was putting some dark eye makeup on which made her porcelain skin glow a vibrant white. "I'd put some lipstick on but we both know I won't be capable of not kissing you all evening. It would just be a waste," she winked at Hermione through the mirror.

Looking back in the mirror Bella started to pull all her hair up on the top of her head when Hermione's face blanched. She noticed a series of bruises that she left on her lover's neck the previous evening. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather wear your hair down tonight?"

Bella smirked. "Ashamed of the marks you've given me, pet?" She finished tying up her mass of curls and pinned up a few strays that kept falling down. "I wear my marks with pride whether they are tattoos or love bites from my overzealous lover." She swiveled in her seat and leaned forehead to place a kiss on Hermione's cheek.

Hermione turned a slight shade of pink but decided since Bella already broached the subject of her tattoos that it wouldn't hurt to ask again. "So, when do I get to learn the story behind some of these tattoos?" Hermione asked, reaching out to trace some of the line work exposed on her skin.

"Always so full of questions," Bella smiled. "Here," she said, standing up and pulling her shirt up revealing three constellations on her left rib cage. "These are my family's constellations." Hermione stood up next to her, bending down to get a closer look. Bella reached down and grabbed her hand. "This is Andromeda, this is Bellatrix and this one is for my nephew, Draco. Somehow our baby sister avoided the weird naming system our parents had," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Bellatrix," Hermione said, running the back of her index finger over Bella's tattoo, "it's a beautiful name." She leaned forward and kissed the Bellatrix tattoo. She felt the older woman shiver in response. She took another moment to look closely at the three tattoos before leaning back, looking at the old woman and asked, "what else?"

Bella chuckled, "one story seems enough for now pet. Can't give away all my secrets at once, now can I?" Bella said pulling her shirt back down and side stepping her girlfriend to go grab her phone, wallet and keys. "Ready?"

Hermione was taken back by the sudden change of demeanor from Bella. She was slightly put off by Bella's refusal to discuss her tattoos further but just shrugged and shook her head. "Oh before we leave, I wanted to text Tonks and invite her to come over later. I thought it might be easier for you if there was someone else you knew there besides me."

"I don't need a buffer, pet. I'm a big girl. I can handle myself around a group of twenty somethings," she saw Hermione frown and quickly added, "but it would be nice to have another friendly face. Go ahead and message Dora but don't make it seem like a big deal."

3:15pm

hey tonks! What are you up to tonight?

3:17pm

as I live and breathe. Not only am I delighted with a text from THE Hermione Granger but she is inquiring of my evening plans.

3:17pm

I can feel the sarcasm dripping through the phone. God what is it with you Black woman and the hot and cold treatment?

3:18pm

woah woah. *waves white flag* I surrender. I wasn't meaning to be an ass. Really I'm glad you texted and to answer your question, I'm doing fuck all tonight. Why? What's going on?

3:19pm

my flatmates and I are having a party/ get together thing and I thought maybe you'd like to come round later.

3:22pm

will there be eligible women at said get together?

3:22pm

I thought you had a girlfriend.

3:23pm

no. Not a girlfriend. A girl who is a friend. I'm working on the girlfriend bit but she seems keen on snogging other people so I like to keep options open.

3:33pm

if i say there's a possibility of available women tonight will you say yes?

3:33pm

yes.

3:33pm

okay then yes the flat will be littered with available horny women for you to take your pick of.

3:34pm

that's all you had to say, love. Text me the time and address and I'll see you later.

Hermione put her phone in her pocket and changed out of Bella's comfy outfit leaving it by the bed for her next sleepover. She put her sundress back on from yesterday and joined Bella out in the living area. "All right she said she'd come. Had to bribe her with the promise of sex."

Bella's head whipped around and her eyebrows angered. "Pet, we already talked about how I don't share. Especially with my niece of all people."

"No, not sex with me," Hermione said smiling slightly to see that Bella was capable of being jealous. "Sex with lots of random strangers at my flat later."

"Okay then. Shall we? While I love smelling all of our various activities on you, you might want to take a shower and change before your guests start to arrive."

Hermione flushed a bright red as the pair exited the studio and made their way down the back steps.

Hermione and Bella walked back to her flat in hand in hand. There was a comfortable silence that had fallen over the pair during the walk. Every so often one of them would point out a tree, an animal or a funny looking cloud. At one point , Bella stopped to pick a daisy and put it behind Hermione's ear. When they got back to the house, it was empty as expected. Ginny and Luna were out shopping. Hermione gave Bella a tour around the small place then took her into her bedroom. "Feel free to explore around here or the rest of the house, I'm going to take a shower." Hermione said, making her way into the bathroom across the hall.

Bella did a little snooping around Hermione's room before she gave up and just plopped down on her bed, relaxing against the headboard. She inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of her lover. "Mm I could get used to this," she thought out loud. Bella heard the shower water running and closed her eyes. Relaxing and listening to the water while smelling Hermione's unique smell of vanilla and lavender was a treat to Bella's senses. Just as Bella was starting to doze off, she felt her phone ring. "Fuck me," Bella pulled out her phone and saw Narcissa's picture. "Hello, Cissy? What do I owe the pleasure of this lovely little phone call?"

"Can't a sister call to check in?"

"No, absolutely not. We aren't sisters that do that. We text. Or we see each other at work. Or you come round my house. We certainly don't chat." Bella sighed. "So, I ask again. What do you want?"

"I just wanted to see how your date went with Miss Granger. Dora told Andy that Hermione invited her over later for some get-together. I'm assuming you are going to be there as well?"

"God news travels fast among you lot. Yes, I'm at Hermione's now. She's just in the shower so I can't talk long. We spent the night yesterday and things went well. I'm sure you've been gagging to ask me that all morning. We slept together and I think I asked her to be my girlfriend. I can't be sure without further confirmation. It was in a post sex haze."

"You can't be sure if you've made it official?"

"That's correct. I need further clarification and I'm not sure how to ask for it."

"That's the most you think I've ever heard you say. It's not like you've never been in a relationship before Bella."

"Yes I know that. But we can both agree it wasn't at the pinnacle of my sanity."

"Oh hush. You know how to love a girl and you very much know how to have a relationship."

"Yes, I know that. But Hermione is different. I can't risk it."

"Risk what, Bella?"

"I can't risk her getting hurt as well. She's too special."

By this point in the phone conversation, Hermione had finished her shower and dressed. She heard Bella on the phone and knew it was wrong to listen to it but she was doing exactly that from the hallway. She could only hear Bella's side of the conversation but it seemed she approached at the right time.

"Cissy, I'm not getting into this now. We both know I don't want to talk about Lily. It was a fucked up time. Yes. I loved her. I loved her more than anything. What happened to her? I can't talk about it. At least not here and now. I did my time for it. We both know that."

Bella sighed loudly and Hermione excused herself back into the bathroom. She had so many questions. First things first, was she dating Bella? Bella didn't even know. Who was Lily and what happened to her? And what the fuck did she mean that she did her time?

Hermione made a big show about turning off the water in the shower again and making a lot of noise.

"Cissy I got to go. She's done in the shower. I don't want her to overhear any of this. I'll call you tomorrow. Okay. Love you."

Bella hung up the phone right as Hermione was re-entering the room. She was wearing a pair of short blue jean shorts and a maroon tank top. She had her wet piled on top of her head. Bella smirked when she saw the dark bruises on her lover's neck and collar bone. "I like that look on you, love. Wear them with pride." She got up and moved behind Hermione pressing her front up against the taller woman's back. She started nibbling on the back of Hermione's neck. "I think I have time to add a few more colorful spots before this get together."

Hermione turned in Bella's arms to face her. "Oh no. I'm covered and will have to face Ginny's stupid smirk all night. She doesn't need any more ammunition." Hermione leaned down slightly and lightly brushed her lips against Bella's. She felt the older witch tighten her grip on her hips. "Did you do any snooping while I was in the shower?"

"Hmm," Bella hummed and she started placing a line of kisses along Hermione's jawline and down the column of her throat. "I did a bit of snooping. A bit of relaxing. Smelled your pillows a little. Got in touch with my stalker side." She said in between sucking on different spots of her neck.

Hermione was already a little turned on but there was no time because Ginny and Luna would be home any minute. "Bella," Hermione whined. "We've got to top. My flatmates are due back any second."

Bella pulled back slightly and whispered against her lips. "Such a good little girl you are, pet." She kissed her four times before pulling away completely. Bella sat back down on the edge of Hermione's bed as Hermione went to get her a cardigan to put over her top. "Okay, hot librarian is my new favorite look on you, pet." Bella looked away for a minute before saying quietly. "So, last night. I know we had just had a load of steamy sex but I wasn't lying when I said I was hoping that you'd be my girlfriend." Bella's cheeks blushed slightly.

Hermione bit her bottom lip. Bella looked so fucking adorable and vulnerable at that moment and if her friends weren't on their way back, she would have Bella tied to her headboard. "Yes, I would love to be your girlfriend."

Just as Hermione was coming over to sit on Bella's lap the front door flew open and Ginny announced her presence by shouting "everybody's titties better be away in there."

Bella and Hermione helped Luna and Ginny prepare the food for the evening. They were just having a load of appetizers and drinks. Hermione insisted they order some pizza so that their guests didn't get too drunk and insisted on sleeping over. Ginny and Luna excused themselves to get ready and Bella handed Hermione her phone. She had the dominos app pulled up. "Here, order as many as you want. It's on me."

"Oh Bella, no. I can't ask you to pay. This is our thing. We can take care of it." Hermione said, trying to hand Bella's phone back.

"I know you can't take care of it but I'm offering to pay. Money isn't an issue for me, love. I know it's your thing with your flatmates. But we are a thing now so your thing is kind of like our thing." Bella said, smiling at Hermione. "You don't have to say anything to them." She said pointing towards Ginny and Luna's room. "It'll be our little secret." She leaned over and kissed Hermione's cheek.

"Well, all right. But I'm going to find a way to pay you back." Hermione said firmly.

"I wouldn't expect anything less, pet. I can come up with a list. None of my repayment options will include clothes of course."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Hermione blushed as the thoughts of what could be on Bella's list kept running through her head.

The guests arrived in intervals throughout the evening. Bella found herself sitting on the couch being grilled by Ginny praying for a way out of the conversation. "We went to the fair last night."

"Yes I heard. You've still never told me what your intentions with her are." Ginny said, sipping from her drink.

"I plan to murder her, chop her body into tiny little pieces and bake her into pies." Bella said, looking at Ginny who was staring at her with her mouth open. "You'll catch bird shit like that, Red. I'm kidding. I just want to take things slow with Hermione and see where they go. I enjoy her company."

"Her last girlfriend was a real piece of work. Hermione did everything for that girl just to find Julie in bed shagging a man on their anniversary." Ginny's eyes went wide. "I probably shouldn't have told you all that."

"No, it's fine really. I just now have two people to add to my kill list." Bella smirked at the redhead. "Well Red, it's been fun but I think I need to go find my girlfriend. Yes I said girlfriend." She winked and got up off the couch. Just then she saw her niece walk through the door. "Dora! You came. Just in time. Red over there was grilling me for 30 minutes about my intentions. These 20 year olds are a trip."

"I'm one of these 20 year olds Aunty."

"Yeah, but you are a Black. You are inherently cooler than everyone here. Except maybe my girlfriend."

"Well fuck me, it's official?" Tonks asked and Bella nodded with a stupid grin. "Finally Aunty. I'm glad to see you so happy. It's been years since Lily… I didn't think I'd live to see you move on."

"Shh. Not here Dora." Bella said in a hushed tone. "Keep your voice down about those things."

"Hermione doesn't know? Anything?" Dora asked. "Like anything at all? No personal information. But you've slept with her. And you've asked her out. Don't you think she deserves to know?"

"Of course she deserves to know. I just don't know how to talk to Hermione about all of that."

"About all of what?" Hermione said, coming up behind Bella and linking their arms.

"Oh nothing to worry about now, pet. I was just going to help Dora locate the drinks."

Hermione pointed to the kitchen island. "Ahh well. What do you know? Looks like I can find my own way. I will be back for you to point out all those eligible horny ladies though." Tonks winked and made her way over to the drinks.

"Would you like a drink, Bella?" Hermione asked, wrapping her arms around Bella's neck, coming to stand in front of her.

"Me? No thanks, love. I don't drink anymore." She answers honestly,

"Hmm. Sounds like a story there. Which I'm sure you won't tell me about. You are such a mystery. I hope one day you feel comfortable enough to share things with me. I mean I am your girlfriend after all." The booze helped with Hermione's bravery at the moment. "I'm sorry. No pressure."

"You are drunk dear. Maybe let's get you some pizza. Soak up some of that," Bella leaned in and sniffed, "vodka you've been drinking, love."

"That sounds like an amazing plan."

The party went on for a few more hours. Everyone was enjoying the company, the food and of course the booze. Bella had the joy of people watching these 20 year olds try to navigate around each other in a drunken stupor. At one point she saw her niece making out with some girl in a dark corner. When Tonks came up for air she flashed her Aunt a big smile while Bella made a show of rolling her eyes and giving her a thumbs up. Tonks laughed before turning her attention back to the girl. Bella hadn't seen Hermione for a half hour or so as she was playing hostess. The biggest shock of the night came when her nephew entered the house. He looked just as shocked to see his aunt there.

"Aunt Bella?"

"Draco! What the hell are you doing at this party?"

"Me? These are my classmates. What are you doing here?" He cheeked back at her.

"Well Draco," she said, pulling him aside looking around the room until she spotted her brunette sitting on the couch next to Ginny. "I'm shagging that one over there on the couch."

"Granger? You are here with Granger? No offense meant Aunty but why?"

"Just so you know Draco, when you say 'no offense' it doesn't actually make the sentence any less offensive. And to answer your question, I like her. She's my girlfriend so it would do you well to remember that and watch your tongue. Got it?"

"Yes, Aunty. My apologies. Now, you still don't drink I'm assuming."

"That is a correct assumption."

"Care to come with me so I don't get hounded by everyone until I've had at least one drink."

Bella rolled her eyes but followed Draco over to the makeshift bar. She managed to shake him about ten minutes after his first drink. Hermione had a little too much to drink over the course of the party when she had finally made her way back over to Bella who was leaning against the wall next to the hallway that led to Hermione's bedroom. Hermione stumbled a little right in front of Bella, "hey! Here you are. I've been looking all over for you."

Bella reached around Hermione's waist bringing her flush against her body. "I've been right here most of the night, pet."

"You didn't have any fun, did you?" Hermione pouted.

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't need to. I can see it on your face. And you're standing over here not socializing. I'm a bad hostess." Hermione stuck her bottom lip out.

Bella tapped her lip. "Put that away, pet. I did have a decent time. There's just a lot to observe here. 20 somethings in their natural environment." She chucked against Hermione's ear. "And I did too socialize. I socialized with you, Dora, Ginny and Draco."

"Okay but I'm your girlfriend and two of those people are related to you."

"It's still socializing. Plus there were two or three random guys that came up and hit on me. Quite flattering if they weren't men."

Hermione's eyes narrowed, "which boys. Tell me right now so I can go give them a piece of my mind. Nobody flirts with my girlfriend." Hermione started to stumble away with her fists clenched.

Bella laughed out loud. "Woah. Hang on there killer. Save those fists for another day. I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to punch people at work. Let's not bother with a couple of drunk prats here." She pulled Hermione back close to her body. "Why don't we get you settled into bed? The guests are leaving and it seems like you've had a very successful evening. Come." She said, pulling Hermione down the hall. She sat Hermione on the edge of the bed and rustled through her dresser until she found a pair of sleep shorts and a tank top. "Here," Bella said, coming back to help Hermione get changed. "There now, all comfy. Go on and climb into bed. I'm going to the loo to get you a glass of water and some aspirin. You'll thank me tomorrow." She winked and left as Hermione made her way into the bed.

Upon reentering, she handed the water and pills to Hermione who took it with a small goofy smile. "Thank you. You'll stay tonight?" She demanded more than asked which earned her a chuckle from the old woman. "There's some more pajamas in the dresser if you'd like." Bella went around and scrounged for a big oversized T-shirt, forgoing the pants.

She climbed into bed and settled down next to her girlfriend. Hermione scooted closer, throwing a leg over Bella's stomach and started to assault her with open mouth kisses on her jaw. "Hold on there love." Bella said, backing away slightly from Hermione's lips so she could look at her. "Trust me, there's nothing I'd want more than to have my way with you again tonight."

"Then what's stopping you?" Hermione asked, kissing her lips. She pressed her lips against Bella's and they moved together slowly. Hermione cupped Bella's cheek and ran her tongue across the fullness of Bell'a lips. A small whimper escaped the older woman but she managed her turn away and Hermione's kiss landed on her cheek.

"What's stopping me is you are drunk, Hermione. I can't take advantage of you like this."

"But I'm consenting. Believe me. I want this." Hermione said before sucking on Bella's pulse point and sliding her hand across her stomach and up to cup Bella's generous breast.

"Oh I know you do. Trust me I do too, but I made it a rule long ago not to sleep with anyone who is drunk. Sorry love but it's not going to happen tonight." She removed Hermione's hand and shifted them in the bed so Hermione was facing away from her. Bella pressed up against her back, holding her in the little spoon position. "Plus, there will be plenty of time for more sex. I'd like for you to remember every delicious thing that I intend to do to you." Hermione gasped but just snuggled in closer. "That's my good girl." Bella said, kissing the back of Hermione's head. "Get some rest, love."

Hermione's breathing started to even out but she spoke up. "Bella?" She started quietly, "one day will you tell me more about yourself? I really want to know what you and Tonks were talking about earlier. I want to know all of you."

Bella tensed at first then sighed, "one day… I will tell you everything."