A week flew by for Hermione as she slept most of her Sunday away besides getting her paperwork sorted, and at the beginning of the week Fleur, Harry, and Ron had joined her on another large raid dealing with some rising Death Eaters. That along with a copious amount of paperwork, left them all busy until Friday. That night found them all at the Leaky Cauldron sharing well deserved drinks.
"Thank Merlin this week is over!" Ron roared after his third…or maybe fourth ale. Hermione hadn't really kept track after her third drink. "I dunno if I coulda filled out another report before my hands fell off." Fleur and Harry laughed as Ron started to shake his hands in the air animatedly. The clock chimed ten o'clock and everyone was well onto their drinks as the door opened, drawing Hermione's attention.
"Miss Granger." A voice like velvet found its way into the brunette's ears. She turned her head to see Jade standing there, smiling gently at her. The three people with her all turned to look at the half lycan. Ron glared at her mercilessly as he set his drink down with a thud.
"O-oh," Hermione stuttered as she set her glass down. "Hello, Jade."
"What in the blazes are you doing here?." Ron spat at the tall woman, irritation clinging to his tone.
"Nice to see you too, Ginger." The half lycan mused as she turned her attention back to the brunette and the red head seethed. "Miss Granger, may I have a word?" Hermione was baffled, Jade had come in out of nowhere and here she was asking to speak with the younger witch. "It will only take a moment."
"I suppose." The hunter stood and followed Jade to a secluded corner of the pub. Jade sat down in a booth and Hermione slid in next to her. They were unnaturally close as the half lycan ordered a fire whiskey.
"First, I'd like to apologize for what happened last week." Her voice was smooth and enjoyable to Hermione's ears as she spoke. Probably a bit more enjoyable now that she was slightly inebriated. "I know you could've gotten in a bit of trouble, but the matter is dealt with. You won't be seeing Cunningham anymore." Hermione fiddled with a napkin as Jade spoke and suddenly felt a warm hand on her knee. "Are you all right?"
Hermione couldn't stand the tension anymore. She wanted things to go back to the way they had been. To kiss the lips she desired so badly. To run her fingers through the silk strands of black hair that draped so perfectly on Jade's shoulders. Without hesitation the brunette leaned forward and captured Jade's lips in a searing kiss. She felt Jade tense momentarily before relaxing again, her hand resting on the small of the brunette's back.
Everything around Hermione faded away, she didn't even know where she was at the moment, but she knew it was perfection having her lover's lips against hers again. They felt so soft and familiar knowing exactly how to move against her own. Passions ran wild as Hermione sighed quietly when Jade's lips found the spot on her neck she liked so much. Slowly lips found her ear and the hunter sighed again
"Hermione." Jade's voice was a low, want filled whisper. "You need to wake up."
"What?"
Hermione's eyes flew open as the sun shone through her window and onto her face. Her body was covered with sweat and her breathing was ragged as her mind reeled from the dream and the drinks she had consumed the previous night. The night at the pub had been real, but the situation with Jade was only a dream that made Hermione want to sleep once more. She had felt every sensation and every kiss as if it had actually happened.
Fingertips brushed against her lips as a tear slowly made its way down her cheek. How much longer was this torture going to go on? Hermione wiped the tear away as she swung her legs over her bed and made her way to the bathroom. Steam erupted from the shower as she turned it on as hot as it would go and stepped in. The burning distracted her from the dream as she took her time showering. Thank gods it was Saturday, so she took her time with her morning routine before owling Fleur. Hopefully a day out would take her mind off of her predicament.
x—x
Jade pushed the door open to their temporary home in London with Jayce and Aiden, as well as another raven haired, middle aged woman. She was rather irritated with the way they three traveling companions had been arguing like children the past week. It was raining again the day they returned which didn't improve the beta's mood much.
"Aiden and Talma," Jade said finally setting her bag down in a huff. "Gather supplies that you need and get back to the Manchester camp as quickly as possible. You're the liaisons between my father and I now. I can't have a blasted hawk flying in with a bunch of owls."
Cunningham and the woman nodded and pulled their hoods on before leaving hastily. Jayce adjourned to his room and slammed the door for good measure. Jade knew he was upset with having Aiden join them, but he was strong ally to have no matter the pissing contest the two males were having whenever around each other. The lycan flopped down on the couch and sighed heavily running her hand through her hair as she closed her eyes. She was much over do for a shower, but her body argued for her to stay stationary for a moment longer. After a badly needed power nap, she finally arose and showered before heading back into town to eat. As she walked past the Ministry building she saw a familiar blonde running towards her.
"Jade!" Rayna sprinted down the steps and quickly wrapped her arms around the shocked woman's neck. "I've missed you! How's everything going?"
"Uhm…Rayna." Jade stuttered for a moment as the shorter girl released her grip. "What are you doing here?" The blonde smiled and kissed the taller girl on the cheek.
"Well," She slipped her arm around Jade's and they started walking again. "Thrash gave me permission to come visit you for a day since my end of the mission is going so well. He mentioned yours was too, but not much more detail than that." Jade nodded absentmindedly, she thought she'd be happy to see her closest friend, but that wasn't the case. She blamed the past couple days, and the weather, on her mood.
"I see," She answered finally as they entered a small diner and sat at an empty table. "So France is going well?" The conversation went on a bit longer as they sipped coffee and Rayna told her about the lycans she had met and recruited.
There were only there for about twenty minutes when the bell to the entrance of the diner rang and Jade noticed a tall blonde and a shorter brunette enter. She smiled to herself as she realized who it was. She watched as the women sat down kitty corner from them in a booth. Hermione hadn't noticed that she was there and she wasn't about to bring it to her attention. Rayna must've noticed Jade's eyes staying on Hermione's figure.
"Something you find interesting?" The blonde lycan said a bit of agitation in her voice. "A bit plain if you ask me, but who am I to tell you what your type is." Jade could tell she was jealous and it didn't really bug her much. Rayna wanted to be with her in a more serious and intimate way, but Jade just couldn't take the relationship past friends with slight benefits.
"I don't think she's plain at all." Jade spoke finally as she stirred her coffee. As a matter of fact the half lycan thought the young witch was intriguing. Something about her drew Jade in slowly and it made her want to get to know the woman more. "I'm actually thinking about asking her out." That made Rayna's jaw drop and stare at the woman in front of her.
"You can't be serious." The blonde looked over her shoulder and glanced at the brunette who finally looked up to see Jade smiling gently at her and the other girl sneering. "She's no good for you. You deserve someone who's as strong as you and as attractive. A witch would never understand our plights."
"Rayna, you're too dramatic sometimes." The dark haired lycan said as she turned her gaze back to her drink. "I think I should be the one to decide what I deserve and what is good for me. Besides we have mates, and we know when we find them." Rayna scowled again as she took a long gulp of her coffee.
They had had the talk before about being a couple and Jade tried to let her down gently, but Rayna made it almost impossible. Being stubborn as well, she pursued it and eventually gave into the arrangement they had now. Jade took the last sip of her coffee before getting up and walking over to Hermione as Fleur had left momentarily.
"Jade, what are you doing?" Rayna hissed as she walked past her. Jade just smiled innocently and continued on her way. Hermione saw the woman coming towards her with a small smile on her face and she tried hard to hide the blush that was creeping into her cheeks. The dark haired girl sat down next to her and smiled softly.
"Hello, Miss Granger." Her voice was just as velvety as it was in her dream. "I hope I haven't fallen out of your good graces." Hermione couldn't control her breathing as Jade's gold eyes fell on her softly. Even though they weren't blue anymore, the gold was just as soft and gentle, but still unsettling to the brunette.
"You did push the limits a bit." Hermione answered finally turning her eyes away from the other woman. "But no, you're not on my bad side…yet." Jade chuckled softly and ran a hand through her hair.
"Well I'm glad to hear it." She could feel Rayna's green eyes on her, watching closely. "I was actually hoping that you could join me for dinner tonight, if you're available." Hermione tensed slightly as she poked at her salad. Jade noticed and smiled brightly at the faltering brunette next to her.
"I suppose, that could be a possibility." Hermione wanted to scream yes, but she had to maintain herself so she wouldn't come off a giddy school girl. "I believe I'm free tonight. Where were you thinking?"
"There's a Thai joint across town." Jade answered as she brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "If you enjoy that sort of food, if not I'm sure we could find something, or somewhere else rather, to eat." The hunter smiled and looking into gold eyes that were trained onto her brown ones.
"I love Thai food." The brunette replied. Fleur was headed back in their direction and Jade stood before nodding her head at the young witch.
"I'll meet you at the Leaky Cauldron at seven then?" The half lycan asked as Fleur sat down. Hermione nodded and Jade flashed a smirk and walked back to her table.
"That was a bit bold, don't you think?" Rayna spat as Jade sat back down. "You barely know that girl and you're taking her to dinner?"
"If you must know, I asked her out the first day I saw her." Jade's voice was casual as Rayna gasped and slammed her mug on the table.
"You're impossible!" Rayna stood suddenly and stormed her way out of the diner. The beta couldn't help the sigh that escaped and the smirk that adorned her lips as she left some money on the table. She looked in Hermione's direction once more before following her angered friend.
x—x
Hermione was still rather stunned after the dinner invitation from Jade and had to double check that she wasn't dreaming again. After a few pinches, she was satisfied that she was truly awake. Fleur had teased her for at least an hour before they parted ways later that afternoon and the French woman kissed her on the cheek for good luck. The brunette was now back at her flat sitting on her bed just thinking of what the evening would bring.
What should she wear? She knew the restaurant where they were going and it wasn't fancy by any means, but she wanted to make an impression on the girl. It was a date after all and she didn't want to disappoint.
After rummaging through her closet for about an hour she settled on wearing a simple black dress. It was form fitting, but not too tight or short, and very comfortable. It was only five thirty in the evening now, Hermione had a lot of time to prepare, but her nerves were starting to get to her. The brunette started to primp herself in the bathroom, sleeking her hair and adding what little make up she wore.
"Is it too much to hope that her memory returns?" Hermione asked as she glanced down at Crookshanks and Zeph. "She loved me…loves me, hopefully." The brunette sighed and stared at herself in the mirror. Zephyr hooted softly before flitting up to rest on her shoulder and started gently preening her hair. Hermione chuckled before gently shooing the owl away.
x—x
"You're going out on a date?" Jayce asked disbelieving. "I thought Rayna was here to visit?"
"Please, do rumors spread as fast as fleas between you pups?" The beta jabbed at the young man. "Just because we have this…situation, doesn't mean we are together like that." Jayce scratched his head in confusion while he ate his dinner.
"Then why did you come back, Jade?" The boy asked again, obviously the stories that were flying around the pack were far from true. "Rayna said it was for her."
"I came back, because my uncle lied to me." Jade sighed. She truly was tired of telling the story over and over again. "He told me that my parents were dead, but my father ended up being alive and coming for me at school in my last year. That's why I came back, to reconnect with my father really. In turn I learned about our blood heritage and whatnot. Rayna really had nothing to do with it."
"Don't tell her that." Jayce quipped as she reclined in the chair. "She's pretty infatuated with you, y'know?"
Oh she knew, Rayna never tried to hide her feelings towards Jade to anyone. As the girl prepared for the date, she dressed in dark jeans and a grey, button up shirt. She checked the clock in the living room that read six thirty.
"Don't stay up too late, kid." Jade smirked as she shut the door and heard a thud as Jayce tried to throw something at her. The pup wasn't so bad when it was just them. Bring another male lycan around and it was only normal for them to assert their position in the pack.
Jade smiled as she thought about how eager she was to please her father when she was younger. She knew that was all Jayce wanted at the end of the day. As she rounded the corner she saw the sign above the Leaky Cauldron and waited outside the door patiently in the warm evening sun. She didn't have to wait long before she saw the young witch walking (rather hastily) towards her with her eyes on the ground.
"Good even, Miss Granger." Jade greeted as she tilted her head a bit, amused at Hermione's absentmindedness.
"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed as she wasn't expecting Jade to be outside. "Jade." She could feel heat on her cheeks and she cursed herself for being so easily riled by the dark haired woman. "I wasn't expecting you out here."
"Well it's such a nice evening." The half lycan said as she looked at the setting sun. "I haven't really gotten to experience such pleasant weather since I've arrived. Are you ready to go?" Hermione nodded and was surprised as Jade held out her arm for the hunter to take, which she did and felt the warmth that came with lycan blood.
They only had to walk a few blocks, making small talk as they did so. Hermione had a hard time controlling her gaze being so close to her former love. She listened intently as Jade spoke about school years and California. They neared the restaurant and Jade opened the door for the young witch. Jade hadn't lost any part of her personality. She was still proud and respectful, but still would tease the brunette if the chance came up.
"I've only been here once." Hermione said as she removed her cloak and hung it on the back of her chair. She noticed Jade's eyes floating over her figure before she sat down. The brunette smiled to herself knowing that she had attracted some of the lycan's attention. "So I can't really give a decent opinion on the food."
"I've never eaten Thai food that wasn't good." Jade answered as she looked around the establishment taking in the décor and smells coming from the kitchen. "You look great by the way." A smile spread across the lycan's lips and then she noticed the scar on the hunter's shoulder before eyeing it carefully. "I guess in both of our professions we can't escape without some reminders of the job, hm?" Hermione tensed slightly and ran her fingers over the pale mark slowly.
"Harpies." She whispered as she gave Jade a weak smile. "One of the first jobs I ever did and Fleur actually ended up transforming into her Veela. Definitely a magical creature I wouldn't want to run into again." Jade pushed her hair behind her right ear to better show her four inch scar.
"This was from a new blood werewolf." Jade turned her head slightly so the brunette could see the full extent. There was another scar that dragged behind her ear down her neck. "Kind of the same situation as yours, one of my first real operations I was sent on and well, I almost lost my ear." She flashed a toothy smile at Hermione who giggle slightly as the waitress came and took their drink orders. "So tell me, Miss Granger,"
"Hermione," The witch said finally. "You can call me Hermione." Jade smiled warmly at her as their drinks were brought and they ordered their food.
"Ok, Hermione," Jade sipped on her rum and soda and eyed the girl quietly. "What made you get into the hunting business?"
"Well," Hermione tensed slightly as she set her glass down. "I-I'm looking for someone."
"Someone?" Jade's voice gave away her curiosity as she leaned forward on her elbows. "A creature or a hunter?"
"A lo-…a friend, actually." The brunette spoke softly when their food arrived and the conversation continued. "She was…lost, a few years back and I've been looking for her. That's why I took the job." Jade took a bite of her chicken and smirked playfully at the brunette.
"She must be very special to you then." Again her eyes locked on the witch as she ate. "Are you sure it's ok that you're out with me?" Hermione couldn't stop the smile on her lips or the chuckle that came from her throat.
"I'm sure she won't mind." The brunette took a bite from her meal and thought back on their first date so long ago. "She would actually approve I think."
"I'm flattered." The dark haired girl wiped her mouth with her napkin before sipping her drink. "Although I must say, I don't know if I can live up to the expectations of someone who has been with you. They must be rather dense to ever leave." Hermione laughed cheerily and her brown eyes found gold as she smiled.
"She can be dense sometimes." The witch set her plate to the side of the table and grinned again. "But she's kind and intelligent, and always worrying about others."
"It sounds like she was made for you."
"I think she was." Hermione answered softly. "That's why I haven't stopped looking for her." Suddenly the brunette watched Jade's face blank slightly.
I will find you again.
A high pitched ring reverberated in Jade's ears and she grabbed her head gently as the words echoed. What was happening? As fast as the pain over took her head it was gone and she saw concern in brown eyes that were watching her closely.
"Are you all right?" The brunette's voice was quiet as her hand found Jade's arm.
"I'm fine." Jade lied slightly as she smiled before taking a drink of the water that was next to her other glass. "Just a small headache, but it should pass soon." Honestly the girl didn't know if it was going to pass.
Nothing had ever happened like that before and she was rather confused on the voice that echoed moments ago in her ears. But Hermione seemed satisfied with the answer and pulled her hand away to Jade's disappointment. As the meal ended, Jade left some money on the table and offered her hand to Hermione who took it gratefully after she pulled her cloak around her.
"Thank you for tonight." Hermione took a deep breath as the cool air surrounded her. "I haven't been on a date in almost two years."
"Oh?" Jade said surprised. "No one has asked you out in two years?"
"They have." The brunette said as they walked along the river. "I just haven't accepted until now. So consider yourself lucky." Jade chuckled and shook her head as they rounded a corner into down town London.
"Would you like me to walk you home?" The half lycan asked as they reached the Leaky Cauldron again. There were patrons shifting in and out shouting merrily from the alcohol. "You shouldn't walk home alone at night." Hermione smiled to herself, always the chivalrous knight, Jade was. She nodded and slipped her arm back into Jade's as the hunter led the way to her flat.
The night air was cool, but not frigid as the pair walked the streets of London quietly, just enjoying the other's company. As they neared a small building with a white door, Hermione led the half lycan up the steps and stopped turning to gaze into golden eyes.
"Thank you for walking me home." The brunette smiled gently at the tall dark haired woman who was standing in front of her. Jade leaned down and softly kissed the witch on the cheek which caused Hermione's breath to catch in her lungs.
"I'm glad you agreed to come out with me." Jade whispered in the girl's ear softly. Hermione's body tensed and her eyes fluttered shut feeling the heat of the lycan's breath. Jade leaned back slightly and barely brushed her lips against Hermione's. As she did so, another shot of pain, another flash of light and more words floating in her mind, this time accompanied with a vision.
I'm glad I could be the first. Jade was standing with the brunette. There were no scars, she was wearing school robes and they were both soaked. More words were exchanged and Jade leaned down and kissed the brunette.
Jade awoke from the flash and grabbed her head again taking a step back from the young witch. Hermione was looking at her with worry in her eyes again. Her hands were on Jade's arms as she tried to steady the half lycan. Gold eyes were confused and glowing as she stared at Hermione. She had known this girl in the past. Liked her…loved her, maybe. Why didn't she recall any of these random memories?
"I…I'm sorry, Hermione." Jade said backing down the stairs still holding her head. "I have to go." Without waiting for a response Jade ran down the street towards her own flat. Hermione had called her name, but she ignored it and kept running.
Something was wrong, something in her life had gone horribly wrong and she couldn't pin point it. Had Hermione been that important at one time or another? And if she had been, why wasn't she in her life now? She had so many questions that she didn't know would ever get answered as she reached the door to the flat and opened, hastily slipping into the bathroom without acknowledging Jayce.
Ripping off her cloak and shirt, she turned the faucet on and ran the cold water. Several splashes of water later, the pain finally subsided and the words finally left her mind. Gold eyes found her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was disheveled; her eyes were dark and confused. Frantic fingers ran through her hair as she took a steadying breath and closed her eyes. She needed to find out what was going on.
x—x
A large eagle flew into Thrash's window to his cabin, a letter attached to his as he landed gracefully in front of the alpha wolf. The man detached the paper and tossed the eagle a piece of meat which it took eagerly. Unfolding the paper his eyes scanned it slowly.
We have a problem.
-Rayna
The alpha wolf replied and tied his response to the eagle before sending it out the window again. He couldn't imagine a problem, but since the message was from Rayna, he had an idea. Jade had always obeyed orders and always carried out what she thought was best for the pack. He paced slowly in his study trying to come up with an idea of what could be going wrong with his daughter.
Red eyes slowly kept glancing to the window, at the sun shining through the trees. The last letter he had gotten from his beta was promising, she had gained many supporters and even a few to join their cause. Rayna had asked to visit the girl a few days ago and Thrash reluctantly gave her permission. He knew that girl was pining for his daughter and although he approved, lycan's were touchy with whom they chose as mates.
They had only one and if they are with someone who isn't, the relationship is doomed to fail. In a way, he felt sorry for the young woman, but knew he wasn't going to push Jade to be with anyone but her mate. A few hours later the eagle returned, seemingly out of breath and the alpha rushed to detach the letter. He read it fervently and scowled at what was written.
"Lucas." The alpha called out loudly and soon a large burly man walked into his study.
"Yes sir?"
"I need you to do something for me." Thrash gave him a sideways glance and narrowed his eyes before crumpling the piece of paper in his hand that had a name written on it.