Hey guys! First of all, I would like to apologize to all of my dedicated readers. The vacation I went on ran overtime and took me away longer than I initially planned. Although, I am now posting this from my tablet, writing was a bit difficult, among other things and so it might reflect in this chapter. I promise to be better next time. So please, don't let me hold you, remember to comment and stuff, i enjoy hearing from you all. Enjoy this chapter! Another will be up soon. I've also started drafting another Bellamione so that should be up in the coming weeks as well. Right around the time this one ends.
"Alright, so who's going to explain to me, exactly why Bella was crying earlier?" It was after hours. The day was coming to a close and the three Black sisters had gathered in Bellatrix's hotel suite to lounge for the night. Narcissa was on edge all day, wanting to know what Andy and Bella discussed during brunch. She was also terribly curious over Hermione's departure but decided to leave that up to her son. Bella was more important, right now. After all, the last time Narcissa can ever remember seeing her sister this emotional was a few years ago and even then she didn't know what made the usually, reserved and cool Black, such a wreck. Heaving a sigh, Bellatrix sat down on the couch as Andromeda fetched them each something to drink.
Bellatrix's suite was grande, for a lack of a better word. She had the top floor, Penthouse suite, after all. She was a Black, why would she settle for anything less? The suite came with three bedrooms, a kitchen, dining area, living area, 4 bathrooms, and an outdoor roof terrace that offered an amazing view of the Vegas strip. The women were currently in the living area which contained a couple of couches all facing the ceiling to floor windows that overlook the city below, a bar, piano, and a bookcase filled with today's bestsellers and newspaper copies. It was spacious but cosy enough. The hotel staff knew how Bellatrix liked her suite, she only stayed there every other couple of months throughout the past year and a half. Her business ventures brought her to the States often, alternating between New York, Las Vegas, and soon, California. Once the wedding was over, Bellatrix was thinking of moving to New York permanently as well. However, she never accounted for her interactions with Hermione. Now that she has decided to actively and publicly pursue her, the business woman was unsure of what to do with the future.
Sipping her whiskey, Bellatrix took to staring out the window of her suite, out into the Las Vegas night. Her confession to Andy was easy. Andromeda was always the more open minded of the three and gave great advice, she was easy to talk to, and willing to help no matter what. Narcissa on the other hand, amazing as she is, had her faults at times. Bellatrix knew that it would be complicated explaining things with her baby sister. "I cried for many things during that talk, what specifically do you want know about it, Cissy?" A pair of pink lips straighten into thin lines. Narcissa wasn't in the mood for Bella's daftness. Hitting her softly on the shoulder, Narcissa took the glass of Whiskey from Bellatrix and stood up. She was on her third drink, clearly something major happened and Narcissa wanted to know everything.
"I want the entire discussion, Bellatrix Black. Don't think I haven't noticed your sour mood all day since, or that my mention of the conversation didn't drive you to drink more." Placing her empty wine glass on the island across from Bellatrix, Narcissa looked to Andy, silently hoping for help, before approaching Bella. "Bella, I'm worried for you. I want to help, you know. I haven't seen you cry in a long while. We always told each other everything, why is this different? I'm not here to judge you or anything either. Once a Black, always a Black. We're sisters for a reason, so please, tell me" Placing a hand on her older sister's now saddened face, Narcissa whispered "What happened, Bella?"
Bellatrix felt torn. She wanted to tell Narcissa everything, same as she did with Andy, but it was so hard. She knows how much Cissy cares for Hermione, this could possibly ruin so much. Chuckling lightly to herself, Bellatrix swallowed the sudden rise of bile down her throat. It was moments like these, Hermione wanted to avoid when they were together, and it's funny how they're in this exact situation without even being on proper talking terms. Man, Bella hated life, sometimes.
"I'm..." Drawing all the strength she had in her, Bella looked Narcissa in the eyes and said "I'm in love, Cissy." A gasp was heard from both Bella and Narcissa. Andy placed a hand on Bellatrix's shoulder as she watched her big sister fall apart all over again. To say Narcissa was shocked, would be the understatement of the year. She sat there, eyes wide, taking in her sister's sobbing form, not really knowing how to help her. Of all the things she could have guessed, this was not one of them. In love? Narcissa didn't even know Bella was seeing anyone, so how could she possibly be in love? And who was the person? "Who is it, Bella?" Narcissa whispered as she gathered her sister in a hug. Sniffling, Bellatrix said "Hermione Granger"
Narcissa tensed. Did she hear correctly? That wasn't possible, right? Not trusting her voice or her feelings, Narcissa asked in her most neutral voice possible, "Who, Bella? I don't think I heard you clearly. Could have sworn you said-"
"Hermione Granger" Bellatrix's clear voice was the only thing heard throughout the room as the other two sisters tensed. Narcissa couldn't think, she didn't know what to think. Hermione? Her Draco's best friend Hermione Granger?! When? How? Why? Questions, so many questions ran through the Malfoy matriarch's mind. She didn't notice when she released Bellatrix from the hug, or when she walked over to the liquor cabinet and got herself a stronger drink. Her mind was on autopilot. She was missing something, it didn't make any sense. Does Draco know?
"Does Draco know?" Narcissa was just standing there. She no longer knew what to do with herself in that moment. Her blood was boiling, but she was also confused and still very concerned for her sister. Andy was now holding Bellatrix as she attempted to calm down. The mention of Draco, however, seemed to have unleashed even more tears.
"We're the only ones who know Cissy. From what she's told me, Hermione wanted it to be a secret because she was afraid that it would tear her and Draco apart." At Andy's response, the gears seemed to have started clicking in Narcissa's mind as things started making sense. "Wait, how long has this little-" Abnormal to Narcissa's style and composure, the blonde woman gestures wildly about in emphasis as she attempts to articulate whatever was happening between her sister and the young woman. "THING! This thing between you and Hermione, how long?"
"She said it's been a couple years, during Hermione's beginning years at Law school. Hermione ended things when she was preparing for her licensing examinations." Andy was talking for Bella. Although her sobs were no longer audible, the sniffles told Andy that she wasn't all yet put together to rejoin the conversation. They both knew Bellatrix would have to talk eventually. This was only the easy part, she'd need all the strength she can get once Narcissa starts interrogating her further.
"This past weekend was the first time they saw each other since the split. They-" Andy hesitated, unsure on whether she should tell Narcissa that Bella and Hermione slept with each other recently. Deciding that she was over crying, Bellatrix sat up, still holding onto Andy, and continued her statement. "We slept together the other night when they went clubbing. I saw her there and after Draco and Ginny left, we hung out for the rest of the night. One thing lead to another and..." Bellatrix's voice faded out. Their argument still fresh in her mind, the sound of slamming distracted her as both her and Andy looked in Narcissa's direction.
The often calm and collected blonde woman was boiling with anger. She'd did the math while Andy spoke, she'd recalled the memories and dates. It all made sense now and the youngest Black was furious. "What the FUCK Bella?! She's half your bloody age! Don't you have any shame?! She was a child! Best friend to your beloved nephew and you fucking screwed her!" Narcissa's voice rose exponentially. She just couldn't believe what she was hearing. Actually, no. She could believe it, really. It was Bellatrix afterall. What Narcissa truly couldn't believe was how she had missed all the telltale signs at the time. The banter between both women was always brushed aside and taken for friendly jest and amusement in her mind. Never would she have assumed that they were sexually or moreso, romantically involved. She assumed that they only ever saw each other during her family dinners and even then, Bellatrix didn't attend all nor did Hermione. In Narcissa's eyes, the two women seldom saw each other, much less spoke.
Bellatrix and Andromeda both jumped at Narcissa's exclamations. The eldest sister expected anger from the baby, but never this much. Everyone, except Andy by chance, were running on high emotions. With Narcissa's anger and Bellatrix's fragile state, things couldn't possibly end well. Andy stood up once she felt Bella's hands ball up where they laid in her lap. She needed to deescalate the situation, fast. Placing her hands palms up, Andy approached Narcissa like she was an animal prone to lashing out violently any moment; in a way, she was. In a calm and steady voice Andy said "Alright, Cissy. Let's just all calm down and talk about this reasonably. I understand you care deeply for Hermione. Like a mother would, but you have to understand that she wasn't a child when this happened." Narcissa stood still, trying to calm her racing heart as Andy came close and rested her hands on her shoulders. Not taking her eyes away from Bella, Narcissa nodded her head at Andy's words. They will definitely talk about this.
—-
"Mione!" Draco and the other's were currently outside of Hermione's hotel suite. After her sudden departure from the restaurant earlier in the afternoon, the group of friends wanted to know what was wrong with their friend. At first, Draco wanted to immediately chase after her but a suggestion from Harry and the agreement of the Weasley siblings had him leave the young woman to her own devices until later. It was indeed later, now and Draco was losing his battle with keeping calm. He'd been worried all day. Seeing her that morning before they left the hotel was still bothering him as well. He hadn't seen the girl days prior and with her abrupt departure, the Malfoy heir was over waiting for her to open up about what the issue was.
They'd been pacing in the hallway for exactly five minutes before the sound of a clicking signaled Hermione unlocking her door. Not even taking time to process anything, the group of friends barreled into the young woman's room, crowding her with faces of concern and questions. These few days showed them an alarmingly different Hermione and everyone was determined to figure her out. Ginny was the closest and went straight for the girl. The only one to have taken notice of her pale frame seemed to have been Harry. Patting Draco on the back and shoving Ron away from approaching her, he said "Guys, let's just... let's just all get inside and settle before we start firing questions at her." Hermione's face twitched in a weak attempt of smiling. She was grateful Harry was here. He'd be able to keep the group under control, especially Draco, if things came down to it. Collapsing into the couch, Hermione watched as Ginny sat to her left, Harry and Draco decided to share a love seat across from her and Ron was somewhere in the mini kitchen searching for beer. Boy, did that red head lack the ability to read a mood. He probably just thought she was sick or something. Complex thought wasn't really his strong suit.
Refusing a beer offered, Hermione steeled herself for the inevitable and spoke "What's up guys?" Her voice was small. Soft, as if the young woman thought she'd break if she attempted anything more. Ginny, being the closest placed a gentle hand on her distressed friend and gave her a sympathetic smile, "What's been up with you, Mione? We all know you aren't well." Looking from Ginny to the boys, Hermione noted the looks of concern, worry and fleeting confusion before gulping down the slight taste of bile. Maybe she should've taken that beer Ron offered or something stronger. This probably would've been easier. "We're your friends, Hermione. We're worried about you." Draco said, he huffed when Harry yanked him back into his seat. The boy had stood up while speaking and didn't realise how that move drove Hermione further into herself. "What my tone deaf fiancé is trying to say is that, we love you Hermione and we want to see you happy. But we can't do that if you don't let us in."
Was it getting hot in here or was Hermione just overreacting? The young woman could feel the beginnings of an anxiety attack coming on. In. Out. In. Out. Her chest felt fuzzy. 'This shouldn't be so hard', she thought. The group of friends were watching their friend patiently waiting for her to speak. Hermione didn't know where to start. How did it come to this? Her walls. The tall, strong walls she'd carefully crafted after that night so many years ago; destroyed in the span of a week. She couldn't do this. She wasn't ready. By now, the young woman's chest was moving at an unhealthy pace. Her breaths were labored. Looking from face to face, Hermione was starting to lose focus. The room was slowly spinning. Too many things were happening all at once. Ever the over thinker, the young woman questioned everyone's possible reactions to what she was about to tell them. She jumped from Ron and Ginny's judgment to Harry and Draco's disgust. It was too much. She needed air. She had to get out of there. Clenching her fists, Hermione pushed herself up from the couch only to bump into Harry. 'When did he get up?' She thought, slightly dazed. Strong arms wrapped around her shaking form. "Breathe with me, Hermione. I promise it will be okay. Just, breathe" On Harry's count they started. "Inhale" Crack. She'd stopped breathing. What was this feeling? "Exhale" Crack. It's heavy. Is this really what Harry means when he says breathe with him? "Inhale" Crack. She's choking now. It's too much and she's exhausted. She can't hold them back anymore. "Exhale, Mione" A sob breaks its way out from the deep corners of her heart and takes over her body. If Harry wasn't holding her, Hermione imagined she would've collapsed.
Aren't we being a bit dramatic, Hermione?
Clutching onto her friend a bit tighter, the over emotional young woman gathered the nerves to get this over with. Smiling as a thank you for helping her out, Hermione stepped away from Harry and wiped her wet face. Chuckling softly at the thought of how she must look, she sat back down on the couch and spoke the words she's been holding onto for years. "I'm in love with Bellatrix Black". She didn't look at anyone in particular after speaking those words. Although, clear and firm, Hermione was still very unsure about how her confession would be taken. She didn't want to lose anyone of her friends for something she couldn't control.
A chuckle from Ron caused the young lawyer to jump. She'd been drifting into her mind again, thinking up the worst scenario since no one made any move to talk. Looking at the ginger young man ready to lash out, a giggle to her left from Ginny caused confusion to shine on her face. She didn't get what was so funny, did they not believe her? Before she could even voice her ire with this situation, a deep belly laugh from Draco cause her heat to quicken. This was it, they in fact didn't believe her. Sensing the misunderstanding and reading her as well as before Harry suddenly spoke up, amusement clear in his voice, "Mione, We already know that." The group of friends were still laughing about the entire episode. Leave it to Hermione, to be all over dramatic about a love confession. She really needed to take a break from work more often. "Ho-ho-how'd you guys know?" Hermione couldn't think clearly. How could they have possibly known?! Her and Bellatrix were careful. A scoff from the gingers pulled the over thinker back into the present, "You guys weren't very subtle, you know."
"My usually nit wit of a brother is right, Mione. You guys were always flirting whenever y'all saw each other. I knew you both enjoyed literature, but who knew you can make innuendoes while discussing literary theory." Ginny said after flinging an arm carelessly around the now flustered brunette. Hermione giggled as Ginny stuck her tongue out in response to Ron throwing a napkin at her for the 'nit wit' comment. "Exactly, Mione. I won't lie, at first, when it all clicked to me, I was a bit weirded out." Draco chuckled. This was it. The moment Hermione was dreading. "I mean, that's my aunt and she's like 20 years older than you. But then I saw the way you guys looked at each other during my mother's New Years Ball." His voice softened out as he gazed at his fiancé and smiling. Grasping Harry's hand in a loving embrace, entangling their fingers, Draco commented "That was the night I knew you to were happy and I didn't want to ruin that."
Without even noticing it, tears were streaming down her face again. She was overwhelmed with so much emotion at Draco's words. A sense of relief, happiness, and regret. Relief that he wasn't upset with her being together with Bellatrix. Happiness that she wouldn't lose a really dear friend to her and a strong bout of regret. Regret for keeping this a secret for so long. Regret for allowing her fears to ruin the greatest thing she ever had. Regret at hurting the only woman she'll ever love. Another sob shook her body as the memory of Bella's words flashed through her mind. Their time together those nights ago, rushing back with a vengeance. She needed to apologize.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not trusting you guys with this. I let my fears take over. I didn't think my relationship with Bellatrix would survive. I didn't want it to tear apart our friendship, Draco. At first, it wasn't supposed to be anything but friendly interactions. But—- but after a while it became comfortable. When I was stressed out with school or had a really difficult paper, Bella was always there with a helping or comforting hand." Chuckling as she wiped her eyes again, man was she tired of crying, she continued "That night you mentioned, dragon—the night of the New Years party all those years ago— it was actually the very first night we decided to take that step into our relationship." With an exhausted sigh, Hermione concluded "It was amazing. Loving her and being loved in return. I never spoke the words— out of fear— perhaps, or because I didn't want to risk even more damage when I inevitably broke it off with her. I was just so stressed and the thought that I was betraying you guys by sneaking around with her was making things worse. I thought it'd be better if we went our separate ways. It's been some years now and so I didn't expect this to happen when I saw her again that night at the club." A thought struck the bushy haired woman and she flung her couch pillow with all the force she could muster at Draco. With a grunt of pain, the boy managed to not topple over in his seat. "That's for not mentioning it was her club we went to, Dragon."
After listening intently, it seemed Harry and Ginny were able to connect most of the dots and now knew why their friend's behavior was off for the past week. "So, I'm guessing you guys slept together than night you didn't return to the hotel and something happened the following morning that put you in such a terrible mood?" Hermione was grateful for the female Weasley, the girl was very skilled in solving puzzles and the young lawyer didn't feel for explaining in great detail. Nodding her head she leaned back and stared at the ceiling. "We argued and she confessed her feelings and I got scared — again— and ran. Seeing her earlier didn't help. I just—-
I can't not love her. But I fucked us up and now I don't know how to fix it. Or if she'd want me to fix it."
—
The Black sisters were piss drunk, for a lack of a better descriptor. They were all red in the face from laughing over some terrible sex pun Andromeda made. They were currently discussing their partners and had pushed Narcissa into sending a very embarrassing sext to one particular French assistant. It was, gods only knew, whatever time it was. The day had been terribly long for all three women.
That talk they'd agreed to evolved into insults being exchanged, which then turned into Bellatrix nursing a red cheek. The imprint of Narcissa's hand visible, after the Malfoy matriarch reacted upon hearing how Bella would defile the young lawyer in her home. Bellatrix, for one, took the abuse in stride and just laughed it off. Somehow, Andromeda had found it wise to introduce even stronger alcohol into this mix and thus, here we are. Three sisters, cuddled on the bed of the eldest sister's hotel suite, cherished the time they were having. With life and their individual schedules, nights like these were once in a blue moon.
"So, Bella. What are you gonna do?" The youngest sister asked. Confused, Bellatrix turned her hooded eyes onto the blonde with a questioning glare. "About Hermione , you idiot." with an uncharacteristic eye roll "and they say you're smart. Tuh." A giggle from Andy caused Bella's already muddled mind to drift further. Sleep was calling her name. The woman was emotionally exhausted. The last thing any of the women hear was a soft "Hermione..." until soft snores trailed behind. Kissing her sister on the cheek, Cissy and Andy smirked to each other. It was time to make sure their big sis had her happy ending as well. Seeming to understand each other with just a look Andy exclaimed softy, "So, tomorrow we'll start operation Bellamione." Surrendering to the blissful comfort of sleep Narcissa snorted softly and replied "Really, Andy?! Did you just give them a ship name?" The sounds of laughter was the last thing heard as all three women went to sleep.
Tomorrow was a new day and the Black sisters were ready to help the two women they care for be happy.
So, next chapter will be a flashback to the night of the Party! Are you guys excited?! I am!