Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Four
July 3rd…
Knuckles white, she cradles her glass smiling at a passing couple, holding back the urge to sigh loudly. God, she wants to escape, hates being dragged to the stupid annual summer ball. A celebration from the ministry, regardless, it's her role to be here, as is Mercy her colleague, who is currently dancing with Kate, her wife.
Joy radiates from the couple, it tinges in the depths of Hermione's soul, and fear chases away the flourish of hope. Will that be her one day? With the love of her life, dancing away as though they are the only people in the room. Eyes only for one another, Hermione had attended the wedding when Mercy used to be Adam. Was there the day Adam had told Hermione he wanted to become Mercy? Was there the day their firstborn was welcomed into the world, she became godmother for some unknown reason, Mercy trusted Hermione with a small human.
Even when she held her godchild, staring down into such innocent eyes, she felt fear, unlike anything she has ever felt before. Not so young anymore, started the first day of school, a brilliant reader, Jenny will go far in life. Hermione will help with her homework when she goes to Hogwarts, Mercy will help cause chaos.
Cradling her whiskey, Hermione chases the thoughts away the burn of the liquor as it slides down her throat. She's not designed for family and is not inclined to have her own children. There is no maternal instinct in her, she will die an old maiden with several cats. Working until her last breath, she's sure her boss is betting on it, hoping she never has children.
A snort of a laugh, she would recognise Ron's laugh anywhere, chatting with some witches. It's why they could never work, Ron wants a family he wants children. Hermione doesn't crave a house of children. Another world maybe, but not in this one, it's why they broke up. She couldn't hold him back from being the father she knows he is capable of being.
"Hey," A deep husky voice, Hermione can feel the familiar tug of magic.
"Alright?" Hermione greets the older witch her eyes automatically trailing over Bella's shoulder to shadow in the background.
"You going to dance?" Bella quips her dark eyes moving to the dance floor.
"You asking?" Hermione chuckles ignoring the pointed glare. "I'd rather jump off the balcony."
"Let's not shall we," Bella chuckles, but her eyes deepen in concern.
Like most things, Hermione ignores the incident a few weeks back, the magic had mended her broken bones. She was back to good as new within a few days. It was as if the attack never happened, she even went out again a few days ago with her cousin. She knows though, knows Bella wants an answer. Not happy that the incident remains unspoken about. Bella wants to know why she's Hermione's emergency contact, why not Ron, and why not her family. It's not something Hermione is willing to discuss, and probably never will discuss. It's caused a divide, in their little friendship, Hermione can feel it turning to sand in her hand, knowing she is the reason for this. Knows, she is intentionally pushing Bella away, because it's too much, she's getting too close.
"How's Tom?" Hermione asks watching the tall wizard over Bella's shoulder. "I don't scare him, do I?"
"No," Bella smirks glancing back to Tom the centre of a group, even from where they are standing, they can hear the chatter of politics. "He's networking."
Of course, he is, he's ambitious. Tom Riddle, if rumours were to be believed will be the next Minister of Magic. Hermione had crossed paths with the wizard before she moved to the unspeakable unit. She had not expected the recently divorced Bellatrix to meet Tom, had not expected them to start dating.
If she were honest with herself, the whole idea makes her feel sick. She hates the idea and tries not to show it when his hand rests on Bella's back. Nor the adoring look Bella shares with the man. Sand, it's trickling, pouring at her feet, the crack in the hourglass, time is ticking down.
She's been here before, Bella's divorce has gone through, Rodolphus signed, whether that had anything to do with Hermione, Bella will never know. But he signed, rather abruptly, the ink dried, Bella happy. A free bird away from the cages of society, Hermione likes to watch Bella spread her wings. She never expected Tom to sweep in, the mysterious missionary from abroad. Back to make a change, and who better to have on his arm than a Black?
"Another please," Hermione requests raising her glass to the barman.
"Where's your date?" Bella asks.
"Oh, somewhere," Hermione shrugs.
"Maybe you should slow down?" Bella murmurs as Hermione plucks her drink from the bar.
"Alright mother," Hermione jibes.
"Hermione, we're worried."
"We?" Hermione scoffs glancing back at Tom. "It's 'we' now?"
"Don't be like that," Bella shakes her head frustrated. "You're drinking more."
She bites her tongue, there's a multitude of things she could say, but it will destroy whatever is left of their friendship. She's not sure she's ready to let go just yet, not yet. She needs Bella, even if it's small little interactions, she needs the witch.
"Here I thought you'd come for a catch-up," Hermione rolls her eyes, draining the contents of her drink.
"Maybe you should talk to someone,"
"About what?"
"That night, what happened… Tom knows some…"
"You told Riddle what happened?" Hermione snaps pushing from the bar.
"I didn't know it was a secret," Bella replies sharply.
"Right, now the whole ministry will know, I thought Blacks were good at keeping their gobs shut."
"Hey, he noticed the bruises, he was worried."
"Was he? Well, isn't that darling." Hermione spits.
She places her glass down on the bar, hating the idea of Bella talking about her to Riddle of all people. It doesn't sit well with her; she hates people knowing her business.
"Where are you going?" Bella asks as Hermione moves away.
"Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but it's not often I'm called an alcoholic, so I'm going to find my date."
"That's not what I meant," Bella replies frustrated.
"Whatever Black,"
Moving through the crowd, Hermione doesn't bother in finding her date, Jane is probably trying to find her ex. She moves to the outdoors, hands clasping the metal bars, anger pulsing through her mind. She would tell Bella, that she has not drunk in over a week, she never drinks alone. Not at home, unless she's been very stressed at work. Since Bella hasn't bothered with her, she's barely had a drop of alcohol until tonight.
We. The word bounces around Hermione's head, she knows, knows Bella is not interested in the same sex. She understood this, she just didn't expect the witch to bounce so quickly into a relationship so soon after the divorce. She supposes it was a loveless marriage so it shouldn't be a surprise. Abandoned, it's a word she hates, the word her therapist helps her understand. The little-known fact all Unspeakables have therapists must have weekly meetings with a therapist. They have to, otherwise, they'd go mad.
Rubbing her eyes, she wills the headache to leave, she should have never gotten involved with Bellatrix, she knew it'd cause heartbreak. With a brush of the shoulder, she feels Mercy saddle up next to her against the railing. Can always tell when it's Mercy, the perfume, the presence, it's as though a warmth. Mercy radiates so much hope, so much joy, it's impossible to be pulled into it.
"Wifey," Mercy whispers offering a cigarette.
"No thanks,"
"Suit yourself,"
"That's going to kill you one day."
"But it makes me look hot."
Smiling, Hermione rests her head on the exposed shoulder. A warm hand encases hers, a small squeeze, reassurance they spend so much time together. It's effortless, a sister she never had.
"Trouble in paradise?"
"Something like that," Hermione retorts.
"Told you, don't fall for a straight girl."
"Rule one."
"Right," A nudge to the shoulder. "Come on let's head back in it's freezing out here."
"It's nice."
"You're wearing a tux, I'm in a dress, it's freezing."
"Want my jacket?"
"You know I'm married,"
"I wouldn't upset Kate," Hermione responds. "She scares me."
"She scares me too," Mercy smiles. "I've got to shoot, pick princess up from grandparents before they feed her too much sugar. You going to be alright?"
"Yeah, I'm just going to find my date and head home, I've had enough for the night."
A kiss to the cheek, the warmth vanishes as Mercy disappears back inside, leaving Hermione with her thoughts. Releasing a breath Hermione pushes away from the railings. She shouldn't be so angry at Bella; the witch is just worried about her. There are compromises in friendships aren't there?
Slipping back inside, Hermione heads in search of her date, trailing along the first-floor glancing amongst the throes of attendees. Searching for Jane, she doesn't expect the witch to come home with her, but she wants to make sure she's okay before she heads home.
No sign on the dance floor, she heads down the darkened corridor, spotting a figure lurking in the shadows. With the small light bleeding from a barely opened door, Hermione moves with silence, barely making a noise.
"Taking up voyeurism these days?" Hermione whispers making the shadow jump.
"Fuck," Bella hisses. "You trying to give me a heart attack?"
Snorting, the moans are unmistakable as Hermione watches the two witches moving against each other. The brunette is on her knees head buried beneath Jane's dress. Well at least, Hermione found her date.
"I thought…" Bella trails off.
Frowning, realisation dawns, Bella thought it was Hermione on her knees licking Jane out. How far has Hermione fallen in Bella's graces for the witch to assume she would do something so stupid in a work environment?
It's time to leave, she's not sure she can be near Bella right now. Wordlessly, Hermione moves on heading to the exit, she has work in the morning. The cold air is a relief as she exits the building, she draws her wand just as a hand grabs her.
"Hey," Bella snaps pulling Hermione to a stop. "you're just going to head home without saying goodbye?"
"Bella, I'm tired, I just want to go home."
"I'm worried about you."
"Me?" Hermione shakes her head. "Because I'm an alcoholic or because you think I'm willing to risk my career to frig someone off?"
A couple, pause as they go past, giving both Bella and Hermione a strange look. Cursing, Bella grabs Hermione's elbow dragging her away from the front of the building and away from prying ears.
"Are you fucking mad?" Bella hisses glancing over her shoulder at the patrons leaving.
"Apparently,"
"What are you so mad at me about?"
"Oh, let me think. Bella, you're here lecturing me when your fucking swanning around with Tom, you don't even know the guy. You don't know anything about him."
"I didn't know shit about you."
"I'm not shagging you." Hermine snaps. "Nor am I a politician."
"What is your problem… are you jealous?"
"Eww no, he's a slimeball," Hermione retorts.
"Not like that,"
Stunned, Hermione stares at the woman in front of her. She looks phenomenal tonight, absolutely stunning. When she arrived on Tom's arm, she had taken Hermione's breath away. Sighing, Hermione ruffles her hair springing it free from its restraints.
"Yes, I suppose I am," Hermione admits as Bella sucks in a breath. "I'm trying not to be, I am, but…"
"But?" Bella whispers, automatically taking a step back.
"I want you to be happy, I do, but I miss our friendship."
"Friendship?"
"Yes, I'm jealous, because you're spending all your time with him and I miss our stupid takeaways, I haven't even seen the latest episode of the thin blue line. Because it's our show and it sounds so stupid when I say it aloud." Sighing, Hermione puts her hands in her pockets.
"It hasn't been that long," Bella replies rubbing the back of her neck. "I saw you…"
Trailing off, Bella glances off to the distance trying to remember the last time they had spent some time together. It's not a surprise, dating is always exciting, and will always take priority over a friendship.
"Look, I'm just worried about you," Hermione parrots the word back to Bella. "I don't want to see you hurt, but I understand. I'm just being selfish."
"No, we're going out shopping remember,"
"Thursday."
"Exactly!"
"Thursday that has just gone," Hermione replies with a smile.
"What?"
"We were going shopping for the ball,"
"You went anyway… I was meant to meet you at Henry's. How long were you waiting?"
"It doesn't matter." An hour.
"I'll make it up to you, what about tomorrow night, we can have a takeaway?"
"I can't I'm working."
"Monday."
"I'm doing nights all week."
"Saturday."
"I have a work conference up in Edinburgh for the weekend, then I'm in Paris for a few days."
Annoyance flashes across Bella's face in a flash. Frustrated at her lack of timekeeping, for letting another down. It hurts, to know Hermione has become something forgettable in a matter of weeks. She wonders what exactly Tom has that Hermione doesn't. Charisma perhaps, but the man is just Hermione on edge. That would be the jealousy though.
Stepping forward, Hermione takes the witch's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, she ignores the hammering of her chest. The painful thump, thump of her heart, she's taken on more shifts at work for a reason. Her flat feels so empty since Bella stopped visiting.
"You look beautiful," Hermione states giving the hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll drop you a letter to organise drinks."
"A letter?" Bella replies in disgust.
Just under four weeks ago Hermione had run from the basement of the ministry to Bella's office because the witch has messaged saying it was urgent. Hermione had thought they'd caught the killer, but it was the divorce. It was finalised. Bella was free, they had gone out the following night to celebrate. A few days later Hermione had caught Bella talking to Tom in the halls of the ministry. The cracks had started, the sand seeping free Bella slipping from her fingers.
"Enjoy the rest of your night," It's a forced smile.
"I can blow Tom off just tell me a time," Bella reassures.
"Don't you dare," Hermione retorts. "I haven't seen you smile like this in a long time. He makes you happy and I'm not going anywhere."
The smile on Bella's lip is earth-shattering, it hurts as much as it brings joy. There's a glint back in the witch's eyes, no longer troubled by her divorce. The whispers have stopped the gossip columns now focused on her dating Tom. The complete reverse. God, Hermione would burn the world if Bella ever lost her smile.
With a kiss on cold knuckles, Hermione releases the witch.
"See you around Black,"
"Her…"
She disappears with a crack, apparating so fast she's scorched the earth. Landing heavily, she leans against the wall of her flat, the tears threatening to break free. I need a distraction. Wiping blindly, she moves to the scroll to send a letter.
July 6th…
Stubborn, Bella is stubborn and has always been since she was a child. Their friendship is crumbling she can feel it slipping day by day, can almost feel Hermione pulling away. But Bella isn't ready to let it go just yet. She may have said some mistakable things at the ball, but she's frustrated. Fed up of dancing around topics, fed up being pushed away. It's as though she's hit an invisible barrier, Hermione refusing to let her in.
Granted she's only got herself to blame, she has known Tom for many years. Back before he went on missionary work, always had a crush on the wizard. She hadn't expected him to turn back up in her life out of nowhere. To have his attention fully focused on her was nice. To be reminded, to be chased, to have someone so fully focused on her.
She didn't mean to neglect her friendship with Hermione, it just slipped. Seeing the witch last night in her tux last night had been a wake-up call. How had she forgotten about Hermione? She was angry at the witch, why hadn't she messaged, pressed for them to do stuff, instead Hermione had stood back.
It also didn't help that every other person was staring at the witch the night of the ball, despite wearing a tux, she was fucking stunning. Arriving with a tart on her arm, a friend or something, Hermione had stolen the glances of the room. Imposing in her tux, almost untouchable, those hazel eyes had burnt all night reflecting the light of the room. Like a goddess watching the room judging the mortals as they went about their day.
She regrets speaking to Tom about Hermione's attack, she had just been so frustrated. Annoyed, the wizard had enquired about Bella's distressed state. Her concern for Hermione refusing to speak to someone, refusing to acknowledge the night. Healed she had bounced back to work with a few bruises as though it never happened. Never answering a damn question, why is Bella her emergency contact? She'd be lying if Bella didn't do some more research on Hermione, but the witch's information was none existence. Other than her time at Hogwarts and the ministry, Hermione is a ghost. She knows that it is down to Hermione being unspeakable, but it infuriated Bella more.
Then Tom had seen Hermione out drinking the other night and raised a concern, she hadn't thought more of it until she saw Hermione drinking at the ball. Had watched from afar as the witch knocked the drinks back with ease. Perhaps she should have dealt with it differently, but what's done is done.
She'll be damned if she'll let their friendship fall apart. It's why she's carrying brunch, Hermione may be working nights, but it doesn't mean they can't see one another during the day. She doesn't bother to knock just uses the key to enter the flat.
It's nostalgic, returning to the flat, a warmth, comforting. Crooks jumps from sleeping rushing to greet her at the door meowing. Hermione isn't the only one that had missed her. A thump from the bedroom, the padding of feet.
"That was quick," The words freeze Bella.
Is Hermione expecting someone else, should she leave quickly, pretend she was never here… Oh.
"Bella?"
Naked, Hermione is naked. Standing in the doorway, flushed, confused and most certainly naked bar the one restraint hanging from her wrist. Lips bruised, hickey on her neck, chest flushed.
"Ah," Bella mutters unable to break the eye contact.
"Were we meant to be meeting up?" Hermione asks concerned moving through the flat towards her calendar.
Scratches, they line the witch's back Bella cannot help but stare. Is Hermione the top or the bottom? She could just imagine the witch withering, begging tied to her bed, would she scream?
"Bella," fingers click in front of her face snapping Bella from her thoughts.
"Sorry, I… I thought I'd bring breakfast since you are working nights… I didn't think… I didn't know you were dating."
"Oh, I'm not," Hermione shrugs. "Just a friend."
"A friend?"
The queer look she receives makes her shiver, makes her feel ancient. Of course, modern age, not everyone has to date. Who is the witch? Has Hermione done a background check on her, or is it someone she's picked up on a night out? Her eyes fall to the empty bottles of wine.
"This is lovely of you," Hermione states staring at the food with sympathy. "It's…"
"I'm back!" The voice makes them jump. "I had to go supermarket for strawberries. Oh, hello."
"Hello," Bella manages to rasp out staring at the blonde.
"Fleur, Bella, Bella Fleur."
"Your friend?" Bella repeats forcing a smile on the blonde.
"I didn't know we were inviting others. How exciting." Fleur grins.
"No, I'm not staying."
"Oh, that's a shame,"
"Fleur, I'll be in a minute."
"Don't take too long, the ice cream will melt."
"Fleur?"
"You're not having her last name to do a check on her." Hermione comments folding her arms, the restraint hanging above the belly button. "Fleur works in foreign affairs, we've known each other since school. I'm sorry I would invite you to stay, but I doubt you'd want to join in."
"I may." Bella retorts hotly.
"Oh, my sweet summer child, I would ruin you." Hermione grins devilishly.
Swallowing, Bella could believe that. Sighing, she offers the food to Hermione who takes it with a small smile. It's not as though Hermione ever has any food in, she can consider it a care package.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you," Bella states glancing at the closed door.
"Welcome to stay," Hermione shrugs with a smile, walking to the front door.
"I'll pass," Bella smiles.
They stand awkwardly in the entrance, Hermione unfazed that she's stark naked in the hallway. A shout from Fleur breaks the awkward moment.
"I'll see you soon, yeah?" Hermione asks.
"Course, have fun."
"Always."
The door shuts softly, as Hermione shoos Crooks back into the flat. Groaning, Bella releases a breath as she heads back the way she just come.