A/N: So as of right now, this story is very open in terms of planning so if there's anything you'd like me to do with this story in terms of events either leave it in a review or pm me and I'll work it into the story however I can. I hope you're all doing well.
Enjoy!
It was late afternoon when Hermione woke, covered in a sheen of sweat. She shivered, her rational mind-what was left of it-chasing the remaining fragments of her dream. Her pants were visible in the air, and as the last remnants of sleep left her, she realized it had snowed while she was asleep. The tendrils of sunlight reflected brightly off the still-clean snow, prompting her to close the curtains with a flick of her wrist. She groaned, dragging a hand over her face. Salt was caked to her cheeks from her dried tears, the only reminder that she had broken down. Again. It didn't happen as frequently as it used to, but it wasn't often she came home after drinking, even if she only had one. She wasn't a lightweight by any means, she could usually outdrink Ty, but even one drink was enough to lower that wall if she was alone.
Swinging her legs over the edge of her futon, she surveyed the room, not sure what she was expecting. Her feet touched the cold tile, and her body reacted but she didn't really feel it. She trudged toward the shower, following her usual routine but this time staring at her reflection for a little longer than usual. She scowled, anger coiling tightly in her belly and she lashed out, throwing her fist at the mirror. Her brain registered the cracking of the glass and the sight of blood trailing down the mirror, but she couldn't feel it. That was what she wanted. She wanted to feel. Anything was better than this. Hermione pulled her hand away, examining her knuckles. They were cut, with shards of glass embedded in the skin, and would likely bruise. Picking the glass out of her hand, she barely paid attention to the clink they made as they landed in the sink.
Blood dripped into the sink, dark red before becoming lighter as it was diluted by water. Hermione didn't bother rinsing her hand since she was about to shower. She paid no mind to the small droplets hitting the floor and getting onto her shower curtain. None of it mattered, anyway. She had been hoping the water would sting, but her brain wouldn't register any of it. She bathed with one hand, causing her to take longer. Memories drifted through her mind and she shut her eyes tightly, clenching her jaw in an attempt to make them go away. She didn't want to think about Harry and Ron and Ginny and whoever else. She had left for a reason.
Cradling her injured hand to her chest, Hermione dried herself magically but left her hand as it was in the hopes that she would feel it. Rummaging through the bathroom, she looked for the few first aid supplies she owned. Upon finding it, she moved back to the sink, opening the bottle of disinfectant and pouring it over her hand. She flexed her fingers as she did, still not feeling the pain. She let her hand air dry, placing gauze on her knuckles and wrapping a bandage securely around them. She wiggled her fingers, making sure it wasn't too tight or too loose. Satisfied, she left the bathroom, leaving it as it was. She took her time dressing, pulling her clothes on slowly. As she fastened her cloak, she was reminded of the job she was supposed to be doing as she felt the pendant in her pocket.
She pulled it out, letting it dangle from the chain held in her injured hand. It spun, the emeralds glinting as they caught the light. Hermione frowned, tucking it back into her pocket and ignoring it for the time being. Hermione stalked out of her apartment, purposely slamming the door behind her. Ty's bar wasn't open yet, but she didn't want to go there, anyway. Tonight, she was content with the company of a stranger, if she could find one. There were plenty of clubs within walking distance, but she wasn't in the mood for the chill air. As she finished her descent down the stairs, she turned on her heel, Apparating into an alley on the opposite side of town. The clubs were nicer here and more people would be in and out. She walked past the bouncer completely unnoticed, making her way straight to the bar.
The bass resonated through her entire body, some trashy song she didn't care about blasting more than loud enough to drown out her thoughts. She took a seat at the bar, signaling to the bartender that she was ready. She finished serving a round of beers to two college boys before making her way over to Hermione. She let her eyes linger, admiring the figure behind the bar.
"What'll it be?" She asked placing her arms on the bar and leaning forward.
"That depends," Hermione said, quiet enough that the bartender had to lean closer, "What's your specialty?"
"I make a mean Amaretto Sour, not that any of these college kids drink anything but beer," She responded.
"I'll take two," Hermione said, leaning back slightly. The bartender nodded, watching as Hermione eyed her.
"Can I ask you something?" She questioned, sliding the drinks to Hermione.
"I won't guarantee an answer." Hermione took a sip, humming as the taste of cherries and lemon juice bloomed on her tongue, followed by a hint of pineapple.
"What happened to your hand?" She had to speak loudly to be heard over the music, gesturing to Hermione's hand.
"Would you believe me if I said I was bashing in the window of the last person who made me an Amaretto Sour?" Hermione asked, a smile gracing her lips.
"That depends," the bartender replied, her eyes flicking over Hermione.
"Yours is better by a long shot," Hermione husked, not lying.
The bartender laughed, a sound Hermione found herself enjoying. She took another swig of her drink, watching as the bartender took a sip from the other. She set her glass down, turning to a customer struggling for her attention. She looked at Hermione, rolling her blue eyes with a smile before refilling his beer. She glanced over at Hermione as she served the drink, earning a raised eyebrow in return.
"You know, most people coming here come to dance," she said upon her return.
"Not me. I come for the drinks and gorgeous bartender," Hermione said, raising her glass in a toast.
"Not big on the club scene, then?" she asked, clinking her drink against Hermione's.
"Definitely not. My usual haunts grow boring, so sometimes I venture out to bigger places."
"So, what brings you here tonight?" The bartender took a sip of her drink, looking at Hermione through her lashes.
"I'm looking for something," Hermione answered, setting her now empty glass down.
"Well, if that something happens to be just a few blocks from here, I'm off at ten," She husked, reaching forward to grab Hermione's glass, letting their fingers brush against each other.
"That sounds like exactly what I was looking for," Hermione whispered, catching the glass sent sliding her way. Her empty glass was placed in the sink and she was now on the second one. She sipped it slowly, hoping to make it last until ten. She knew it wouldn't.
"You're supposed to be doing a job," Bellatrix said, suddenly appearing beside her.
Hermione ignored her, not wanting to listen to her tonight.
"You can't ignore me, Hermione. I am you," Bellatrix continued when Hermione continued to ignore her.
Hermione gave no indication she had heard the dark witch, taking another sip of her drink and focusing on the noise of the club instead.
"We both know what you're doing. You can't drown me out forever," Bellatrix hissed, disappearing.
Hermione set her glass down, wondering why she never bothered to wear a watch. There wasn't a clock anywhere she could see, but for the sake of her remaining sanity, she hoped it was nearing ten. Bellatrix paid her more visits through the night, but Hermione continued to ignore her, finishing her second drink faster than she intended to. Luckily, the bartender noticed before too long, sliding her another drink and taking the empty glass. Hermione took it gratefully, sipping it while she watched the bartender. Every now and then, she would pause her work to look over, smiling when she saw Hermione watching. Bellatrix was getting harder to ignore, being unusually persistent. Hermione continued to ignore her, hoping that it would be ten soon.
"Hey," the bartender greeted, this time on the customer side of the bar.
Hermione offered the rest of her drink, watching as she downed the glass in one swallow.
"What do you say we get out of here?" the bartender whispered against Hermione's ear.
"I'd say you can call me 'Mione. Just so you know who's name to be calling out," Hermione whispered back, placing her hand on the bartender's waist.
"In that case, you can call me Sarah," she replied.
"Well then, Sarah, lead the way." Hermione's eyes landed on Bellatrix, lingering before she forced them back to Sarah.
"Everything alright?" She asked.
"Yeah, just thought I saw someone I know," Hermione said.
"All the more reason to get out of here," Sarah said over the music, pulling Hermione by the arm. She navigated them through the club expertly, the pair emerging on the street before too long. Once they were out of the club, Sarah slid her hand down to Hermione's, interlocking their fingers as she led them to her apartment. The air pricked at their skin, and the once clean snow was now dirty. They paid it no mind, entering Sarah's apartment before the warmth of the drinks wore off. Hermione ignored the glimpses of Bellatrix, focusing on the woman leading her. As the door closed behind them, Hermione found herself against the door, Sarah's body holding her there as lips met her own. The taste of Hermione's drink lingered on their lips, mixing with the taste of Sarah's mango chapstick. Hermione's hands found Sarah's scarf, pulling it off while Sarah undid the clasp to Hermione's cloak. They parted for air, Hermione taking the opportunity to push off the door and get them moving toward the bedroom. Hermione undid the buttons on Sarah's coat, sliding it off her shoulders and peppering her neck with kisses. Sarah fumbled with the button of Hermione's pants, pulling her closer by the waistband. Pulling her shirt over her head, Sarah forced Hermione to break the kisses, leading her closer to the bedroom as she backstepped. Hermione followed suit, discarding her shoes and shirt where she stood, eager to feel Sarah's tan skin against her own.
Sarah placed a hand on Hermione's sternum, spinning them so Hermione had her back against the wall, capturing the other woman's lips again and letting her hands roam over Hermione's torso. Hermione arched into the hands roaming her body, moaning against Sarah's lips. She slid her hands up a toned back, undoing Sarah's bra before burying her hands in brown hair. She scraped her fingernails against Sarah's scalp, taking pleasure in how she pushed closer to Hermione. Hermione hooked her leg around Sarah's waist, pulling her completely against her. Sarah broke the kiss, traveling down Hermione's neck and along her collarbone. Hermione moaned, feeling her core tingling at the action. A hand slid into her pants, teasing her clit through her underwear. Hermione ground into the hand, leaning her head back against the wall and letting her mouth fall open with a moan. Sarah smirked against Hermione's skin, gently nipping the soft flesh of her shoulder. Small scars peppered her chest, and Sarah traced them with her free hand.
Hermione's breath came in pants, the alcohol and pleasure coursing through her system like fire. She moved her hands to Sarah's waist, cupping the firm ass and pushing her closer. Sarah slid her hand out of Hermione's pants, pulling Hermione toward the bedroom as she shrugged off her bra. She kicked off her shoes as she walked, carelessly discarding them. Hermione's eyes traced her companion's back, admiring the way the muscles shifted with each step Sarah took. She licked her lips, eyes traveling lower when Sarah finally stopped and turned around. Slowly, teasingly, she unbuttoned her pants, sliding them-and her underwear-off. She closed the distance between them, hands in the process of removing Hermione's own pants. As she did so, Hermione trailed her hands along Sarah's curves, moving slowly to her hips. She leaned forward, capturing a pink nipple with her mouth and circling it with her tongue. Sarah pushed into her, and Hermione slid her hands down to Sarah's bare ass, squeezing before lifting her with ease. Strong legs wrapped around her waist and hands tangled in her hair as Hermione made her way to the bed. A moan met her ears as she registered Sarah grinding into her. Hermione tightened her hold, pulling Sarah into her as she trailed kisses to her other nipple to give it the same attention.
Wetness pooled between Hermione's thighs as Sarah continued to grind against her, the heat and wetness of the other woman spreading along Hermione's hips. Sarah's hands disentangled from her hair, moving to her shoulders to steer Hermione. Sarah turned her around, backing her up until Hermione's calves hit the edge of the bed. Expertly shifting her weight, Sarah forced Hermione down onto the bed, moving between her legs to finish removing her pants. As soon as she had been freed of her pants, Sarah began trailing kisses from the inside of her knee to the top of her thigh, stopping just before her center. Hermione shivered as Sarah's breath ghosted over her skin, reaching down to tangle her hands in Sarah's hair and guiding her head where she wanted it. Sarah denied her, making a trail of hot kisses up to Hermione's chest, stopping when her hips were pressed against Hermione's. Inhaling sharply, Hermione wrapped her legs around Sarah's waist, pulling their bodies closer together. Sarah's lips met hers again, the heat growing between them as Sarah's tongue slid against Hermione's.
Taking control of the kiss, Hermione reversed their position, sliding her hand between them to brush against Sarah's clit. Sarah gasped, breaking the kiss and digging her nails into Hermione's back. Hermione hummed in pleasure, nipping along Sarah's jawline and down to her collarbones. Hermione stopped, urging Sarah completely onto the bed before she continued, dragging her teeth down Sarah's torso, stopping at the apex of her thighs.
"Please," Sarah begged with a gasp, pushing her hips closer to Hermione's lips.
She obliged, dragging her tongue languidly through Sarah's lips before wrapping her tongue around the other woman's clit. Hermione slid her hands underneath Sarah, pushing her further into her mouth. Sarah wrapped her legs around Hermione's shoulders, grinding against the tongue putting pressure on her clit. Carefully, Hermione removed a hand, sliding her fingers along soaked lips. A coarse moan was ripped from Sarah's throat at the teasing, and she pushed her hips closer in an attempt to get what she wanted. Hermione kept her fingers just out of reach of where Sarah wanted them, teasing her soft lips.
"'Mione," Sarah whimpered, pushing her hips forward uselessly as her head fell back.
Hermione stopped abruptly, earning a dissatisfied sound as she moved Sarah's legs and slid along the length of her body. She replaced her mouth with her thigh, pressing it firmly against Sarah's clit while straddling the other woman's thigh, giving herself the pressure she was craving. Sarah tangled one hand in Hermione's hair, the other sliding between them, seeking Hermione's clit. Finding it, she urged a moan from Hermione as she circled it, dipping her fingers lower to wet them before returning. Hermione ground against Sarah's hand, moving her own between them to tease Sarah's lips, sliding a finger where she so desperately wanted it. Sarah's hand in her hair tightened, a moan pouring out of her throat as Hermione slowly slid a second finger inside of her. Hermione pressed her palm against Sarah's clit, letting the woman grind into her hand at the pace she wanted. Stiffening, Hermione felt pleasure coursing through her veins, her orgasm quickly approaching. She could tell by Sarah's moans that she was close too, and she gently thrust her fingers in time with Sarah's hips, drawing her to orgasm. Thick wetness gushed around her fingers, Sarah's walls contracting around her fingers as the other woman climaxed, her fingers stilling against Hermione's clit just as she reached her own orgasm. Both women were panting, sticky with sweat and cum.
"Obliviate," Hermione whispered, drawing herself away from the other woman and grabbing her clothes. She did this to everyone but Ty, erasing herself but leaving the memory of the sensations.
The fewer people that remembered her, the better. It made her harder to track down, even though she wasn't sure if anyone was looking for her. If they had ever looked for her. Hermione took no chances with the strangers that she used to keep her company. By now, her drinks had worn off, and Bellatrix never bothered to show up after she was in someone else's bed. Hermione cast a cleaning charm on herself, securing her cloak and stepping out into the night, lighting a cigarette as she did so. Exhaling the acrid smoke, she pulled the necklace out of her pocket, letting it dangle from her injured hand as she spelled it to point the way to its owner. She wasn't sure if she was successful, had never even heard of magic like what she was attempting, but she had a feeling she was on the right track. Muggles were different when it came to magic, as she had quickly discovered. For all she knew, the charm would cause the necklace to lead her to the creator. It wasn't an exact thing, but it was a good enough start.