AN: Sorry for the delay everyone! Adulting really wears you down, enjoy the next chapter :3
Hermione awoke the next morning, Jade's hand still in hers, to a mostly empty tent. She assumed the others were out hunting or gathering food since there was none in the tent. Jade was still sleeping peacefully next to her as a small owl flew in the tent and dropped a letter on Hermione's lap. A note from Fleur making sure she was safe. She wrote a fast reply and sent it back with the little black bird who hooted contentedly before swooping out again.
"Hermione?" The brunette looked down to see eyes staring at her. Blue eyes.
"Jade…" Her voice was a whisper when she spoke. "Y-your eyes, they're blue." The half lycan smiled softly at her before leaning up and capturing the hunter's lips with her own.
Hermione tensed slightly before kissing her back zealously, trying to take advantage of the kiss in case it was taken away from her again. Her fingers tangled into black locks and combed through them, desperate for something to hold on to. The kiss only lasted a moment, but it was almost surreal when they finally separated.
The brunette hummed contentedly and in turn, she felt Jade smile as she kissed her quickly once again. This was what the brunette had been waiting for, for four years and specifically the past month, she had been waiting to have the lycan's lips on hers again. To feel the warmth she emitted when they were so close to one another. The hunter was in heaven and had no intention of coming back to earth, but reluctantly Jade pulled away just enough so she could look into Hermione's brown eyes.
"They've always been blue, I thought." Jade answered playfully. She knew damn well her eyes were gold as of the past four years, but they were supposed to be, and born to be blue. Hermione couldn't take her eyes off of the blue orbs in front of her. She had missed them so much and gold just couldn't compare to the bright azure hue that they were now. The witch couldn't take it anymore and launched herself at her lost love.
"I've missed you." She whispered as her arms wrapped around the older woman's neck. "You have no idea how much I've missed you and longed for this." Tears started to roll down Hermione's cheeks as she hugged the half lycan tightly. She felt Jade's strong arms wrap around her waist and pull her down so they were both lying together.
"I'm so sorry, 'Mione." The dark haired girl whispered nuzzling her face against the brown locks of hair. "For what you've gone through, I can't apologize enough, but I'm grateful that you kept looking for me…that you didn't forget me."
"How could I ever forget you?" Hermione chuckled softly against Jade's neck. "I love you, I love you so, so much I almost couldn't stand not finding you right away and telling you about what had happened. It took all I had to leave America and go back to my life." They laid there for a moment just holding each other and leeching off their comfort. "I never would've forgotten about you."
"I love you too, Hermione Granger." Jade pulled away and softly kissed the brunette's lips again. "I'm sorry that it took me so long to remember everything, but when I sort of kissed you on that date, it all started to come back and the more I was around you the more intense they got. It was like my heart was trying to get us back together and my mind was tired of holding back my memories."
The women laid there for a moment just taking in the feel of each other after four years of absence. Hermione nuzzled her face against Jade's neck softly spreading kisses along it as arms pulled her closer and a soft kiss was placed on the brunette's forehead.
"Things are going to get difficult though," Hermione looked up to stare into blue eyes which narrowed slightly in thought. "Aren't they?"
"I believe so." Jade sighed as she sat up and stretched her arms. "I don't know what is going to happen when my father figures out I'm not under his control anymore."
Hermione sat up and swung her legs over the cot. Her body screamed from sleeping on the uncomfortable, make shift bed, but that soon slipped out of her mind as Jade's arms wrapped around her waist from behind and she pressed her lips against the nape of the brunette's neck.
"We will figure it out." Jade whispered reassuringly. At that moment Talma walked into the tent with a basket full of fruit and herbs, setting them carefully on the table.
"Good morning." She greeted cheerily. "Glad to see that you're better, Jade. Aiden and Jayce should be back soon, they just took down a large deer."
Jade smiled and removed her arms from the young witch. Even though the past four years she wasn't aware of her past, the past month hadn't been too bad. She wondered if she should contact her father and confront him about what she had remembered, or play along with his plan a little longer. To keep Hermione safe, she might have to do just that. Jade stood and walked outside into the fresh air as the brunette followed.
"I'm going to keep playing along with my father." Her black hair danced in the breeze as she took a deep breath and turned her gaze to the brunette. "It's the only way I can keep you safe for now. I don't think he would try anything as long as I'm still doing what he wants."
"You don't have to." Hermione said as she slipped her hand into Jade's. "We can figure something out. I don't want you to have to do anything you don't want to anymore." Jayce and Aiden came walking from afar with a large buck on both of their shoulders. As they neared the camp, the boys tied the deer up by the hind feet and hung it in a tree to begin processing.
"Well, I see some things have happened." Aiden smirked and winked as he passed. Jayce smiled and clapped Jade on the back.
"I guess Rayna won't be too happy?" Why did he have to go and say that? Hermione looked up at Jade with inquisitive eyes.
"It wasn't anything." Jade answered the brunette's question before she could ask it. "She tried, I won't lie about that, but it never happened."
"I wouldn't blame you if you did." Hermione whispered as her eyes found something interesting on the ground. "I…I tried to date at some point, but no one could compare to you." Jade scooped up the girl and hugged her tight.
"You were meant for me, Hermione." The half lycan whispered as she pulled the shorter girl flush to her own body. "I can't love anyone other than you even if I tried, you're my mate." The brunette's eyes widened as she pulled away and looked into blue eyes that were so comforting.
"M-mate?" The words fumbled over the words as they left her lips. "You mean that, I'm the only one you'll ever love?"
"For the rest of my life." Jade answered as a bright smile spread across her face. "That's why you're so drawn to me and from the moment I first saw you I was pulled toward you. That's why I have such a strong urge to protect you. That's why my memories came back. All because I can't resist you." The brunette just stared for a moment into the distance as she processed the information Jade had just explained. "You don't have to love me or stay with me, but you should know you will be the only person in this world I will ever love."
"Jade, I love you more than anything." Hermione said as she turned her brown eyes to the half lycan. "It is just, a lot to take in after not being with you for a few years. There's nothing more that I want than to be with you forever. I just never thought you'd choose me over the other millions of people." Jade smiled before gently catching Hermione's lips with her own. Any thought Hermione had at that point was washed away as her eyes fluttered shut at the feather light touch of the half lycan's lips. As they parted Talma walked out and cleared her throat.
"If you two don't mind," She started as she held her hands behind her back. "I think Miss Granger and I should be headed back to the Ministry to see about Aria. And so she can get back to work as well."
"Of course." Jade looked down at the brunette and smiled. "Do you mind showing her around the Ministry and the right office to go to?"
"My pleasure." Hermione walked over to the older woman and smiled after kissing Jade quickly on the cheek. "I will see you soon I hope." Another smile before she disapparated with Talma. Jade smiled calmly as she turned back to tent and went to help the boys prepare the buck.
x—x
"Are you all right, Hermione?" Fleur asked as they walked to their department together. Earlier Hermione had pointed Talma in the direction of the agency where Aria would be staying. The brunette just nodded as they entered the office. "Did anything happen?" Hermione started to tell her fellow hunter what had happened last night and how Jade had regained her memories of the past four years. Fleur's eyes sparkled and she smiled widely. "I'm so relieved for you, my friend."
"Thank you, Fleur." As they walked into their office, Hermione smiled brightly even though her day was spent filing paper work on the incident with Aria, which went into extraneous detail for the foster services that she was staying with. After her report to Amos, she and Fleur met Harry and Ron and they started to head home. At the entrance to the Ministry building, Hermione saw Jade standing there with her back to them. She turned to face the brunette and smiled brightly.
"Good evening, Hermione." The witch couldn't help the content sigh that escaped as she fell into the lycan's arms. Thankful to still see her eyes were bright blue and smiling at her. "I didn't think you'd miss me after just a few hours."
"I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a dream." Hermione hugged Jade tight as she heard Ron scoff loudly. Jade just chuckled as she kissed the top of the brunette's head and pulled away slightly after hearing Fleur clear her throat.
"I hear that Aria found a new family?" She eyes the dark haired girl who just shrugged. "I assume she will be well taken care of?"
"Talma is a good mother." Jade answered softly as she slipped her hand into Hermione's. "I don't think you'll be hearing of anymore problems with her once she gets her shifting under control."
"We were about to go to dinner," Harry chimed in as Luna walked out of the Ministry building followed by Draco, whose eyes widened at the sight of Jade.
"Jade!" The blonde witch exclaimed as she ran towards the girl and gave her a hug. "I haven't seen you in ages. How have you been?" She pulled away as Draco was soon at her side smiling.
"It's been awhile, McHale." Draco extended his hand and Jade shook it firmly. "You sure had Granger on her last string of sanity y'know." Jade looked down at Hermione who scrunched her face at the platinum haired boy. Harry laughed quietly as well as he slapped Draco on the back.
"Been awhile, Malfoy." The auror smiled and pushed his glasses up on his nose. "I was just about to ask Jade here to join us for dinner, would you and Luna like to join as well? We're going to the pub down the street."
Luna nodded furiously in agreement as she turned her attention back to Jade, asking her questions before the half lycan could even answer. Hermione just smiled and leaned against the taller girl to make sure she wasn't going to disappear. They all walked together in the warm spring evening chatting like the old friends they were.
Harry and Ron kept prodding Draco for what was going on in the Department of Mysteries, while Luna continued to ask about Jade's life and how she and Hermione had gotten back together. As they reached the pub they all filed in and pushed a couple tables together so they could all fit. Hermione sat between Jade and Ron, to her irritation, who had tried to stay as close as possible.
"I'm pleased you have your memories back." Luna said who was sitting across from Jade, with Draco to her right, and Harry on her left. "I don't know what I'd do if Draco ever lost his memories of me." The blonde boy blushed slightly as Luna kissed him on the cheek.
The lycan stifled a chuckle at the color in Draco's cheeks as he narrowed his eyes at her. After ordering a round of butter beer, Bill showed up and joined the group, taking a seat next to Fleur accordingly. It felt good to Jade to be in the presence of her friends again, besides Ron of course. Although she did feel a slight pang of guilt with not being with her own companions, she had left Jayce in charge which had caused a disagreement with Aiden who thought he should've been next in command.
"All right, Jade?" Luna asked quietly as she noticed the thoughtful look on her face. Jade's blue eyes connected with another pair of lighter blue as she snapped out of her thoughts.
"I'm fine, Luna." Jade smiled and sipped on her beer. "Just thinking a bit too hard I guess." She felt Hermione's hand on hers suddenly and turned to see warm brown eyes smiling at her. The lycan couldn't resist the urge to lean forward and plant a soft kiss on the brunette's lips.
"Please," Ron spat sarcastically taking a long drink from his mug. "Save it for a more private occasion, wouldja? We are going to be eating here." Hermione rolled her eyes before turning to shoot a death glare at Ron who just sneered back at her.
As their food arrived, conversation died down slightly except for Luna asking Jade random questions and Draco speaking with Hermione about Ministry matters. After a few drinks the conversations began again animatedly. Harry was flushed and speaking loudly with Bill as Luna had surprisingly quieted down and started to giggle at almost anything. Jade felt a strange fluctuation as she turned and saw Ron quietly seething after finishing his fifth beer. She wanted to switch seats with Hermione, but chose to wait and see what happened.
"So, Ron," Bill started loudly turning towards his younger brother. "How are you and Romilda doing? Peachy I assume?" Ron downed a swig of his beer as he addressed his brother.
"Very well, Bill, thank you for asking." He glanced sideways at Hermione before continuing. "Hasn't up and left me for four years if that's what you mean."
"Actually that's not what…" Bill started before Ron cut him off and Hermione's eyes glared at the red headed man.
"Nor has she shown up out of nowhere and fooled me into thinking everything could be how it was." Jade was staying rather calm through the whole ordeal, but she could feel Hermione's body tensing as she grasped her hand a bit tighter. "And she hasn't harmed anyone-"
"Now hold on just a moment." Hermione interjected forcefully as she turned towards Ron and the rest of the table went silent. "She hasn't done anything like that! Even though she's been doing her father's bidding doesn't mean she's been done harm to anyone!" Hermione suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder as Jade spoke.
"Hermione," She started quietly. The brunette looked into blue eyes that seemed clouded. "I've done…more than questionable things the past four years. You don't have to defend me to him."
"Told you." Ron spat as he drank the rest of his beer. "Probably killed loads of people for that man, without even thinking twice about it."
"That's enough, Ron." Harry said trying to get his friend to stop before making things worse. "Let Jade be, she wasn't herself during that time."
"And that matters?!" The red head stood abruptly causing his chair to topple over. "She's a monster! What if she plans to try and kill you, Harry? Or Hermione?" Jade sat calmly and stared at the inebriated man causing the scene.
"Why on earth would I want to kill Harry or Hermione?" Jade asked flatly. "I didn't even remember them. And for your information, I didn't plan on coming here, I was sent here. Obviously my father underestimated the probability of running into Hermione." Ron turned and took a stride forward. Even though Jade was sitting and Ron towered over her, her stare was almost crippling as her eyes narrowed dangerously at the man.
"Who knows why you'd kill anyone." Venom was dripping from Ron's words as he spoke. "Just for the kicks, I would imagine. That's what monsters do right? Kill for fun."
The last part must've struck a nerve as he saw Jade's eyes widen and a golden spark erupted behind them. Before anyone could see what had happened Ron was on the ground and Jade's hand was gripped on the collar of his shirt. Her teeth were bared and the brunette watched as her fangs began to elongate while her eyes became a bluish green.
"I seem to find you in the position a lot, Weasley." The lycan spat as she tightened her grip. "You think you know of monsters? Why don't I snow you what a real monster looks like." Suddenly, Jade felt a hand on her arm and pulled her away. If she hadn't recognized the touch of her beloved, she would've fought back, but she allowed Hermione to ease her grip on the man's collar and pull her back on her feet.
"Jade, your eyes." Her voice was a whisper as she cupped the dark haired girls face and turned it towards her. "They're green, are you ok?"
Jade closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, feeling the wolf submit back into its hold. She looked back at Hermione and the girl relaxed as she was looking back into eyes that were the color of the ocean. The hunter leaned up and pressed her forehead against Jade's gently.
"I don't care what you've done. I know it wasn't you and I still love you." Her whispers reverberated through Jade's head. She had yet to tell Hermione all the horrific things she had done at her father's bidding. Though guilt ran in her veins, Jade had done her best to try and reason with the man and make sure any deaths at her hands were unavoidable or un-negotiable. Still, the lycan had never gotten used to killing and every one she made lived deep inside her and weighed her heart.
"I'm sorry." Her voice was hoarse as she seemed to struggle to speak. "I guess…the venom is still working its way out of my system." It must've taken its toll on the girl's body as she suddenly felt fatigued and weighed down. Hermione helped her sit as Ron rose to his feet scowling.
"I think you've had enough to drink, mate." Harry said ushering Ron towards the door. "Let's get you home." Ron didn't argue as his friend walked him out and Bill followed with Fleur, who gave Hermione a small smile and bid the others farewell. The young hunter pushed a glass of water in front of Jade and the dark haired wolf drank it hastily before taking a deep breath.
"Weasley still hasn't gotten over you, huh, Granger?" Draco quipped as he sat back down now that the excitement was over. "He'd best get his priorities straight if he doesn't want to end up minced by Jade." Jade chuckled at her friend as he shot her a smirk. She and Draco had always gotten along since they met, mainly due to their similar senses of humor and sarcasm.
"Honestly," Hermione sighed as she hung her head in her hands and took a sip of her beer. "You'd think that he would give up since he's with Romilda and that I've been denying him for the past three years!" She sighed heavily again and Luna giggled as Draco took the last of Luna's beer away from her.
"He just wants what he can't have, Hermione." The blonde girl quipped as her boyfriend handed her a glass of water. "Must be a thing with Weasleys, I imagine. And what is that muggle saying? You don't know what you have until it's gone? I think Ron is feeling the full extent of that quote now."
"He's been pursuing you ever since I left?" Jade asked, shocked frankly, at the knowledge that Ron had continued to press his luck with the brunette and glamorously failed each time. "Blimey, I almost feel bad for the guy." Hermione laughed out loud and looked at the American girl sitting next to her.
"Since when do you speak English?" She smirked as Jade rolled her eyes slightly.
"Well being here for little over a month, you can't help but pick up a little on the language, oy?" Jade chuckled and winked at the laughing brunette. "Besides, I assume I'll be here a while longer, moight as well troy and fit in a li'le." Draco was almost crying from laughing at Jade's exaggerated British accent and Hermione lightly smacked the lycan on the shoulder as Luna fell into a giggling fit.
"I think we are done drinking for the night." Draco said finally after getting his laughter under control. "One more attempt at British from Jade and poor Luney might die of laughter."
"Oh, Draco," Hermione sighed as she rolled her eyes. "Don't you think she's getting a bit old for that nick name?" Draco slipped his arm around Luna's shoulder and kissed her cheek.
"For your information, Granger." Draco said playfully as he pulled his girlfriend closer. "I'm the only one that is allowed to call her that now. So make sure to watch your tongue." Hermione laughed again as he kissed Luna softly on the lips.
Hermione quickly explained the nick name to Jade who was completely lost. As the four friends shared a round of water they all split around nine o'clock. They bid farewell as the blonde couple walked in the opposite direction as Jade, who was walking Hermione home.
Though Jade's lycan metabolism made it very hard for her to get intoxicated, she was feeling rather happy as she walked Hermione down the street, her arm wrapped around the brunette's waist possessively. The young hunter was sobering up slowly as they reached the white door of her flat. She unlocked it and before she could reach the doorknob Jade had pulled her close and pressed her lips against the brunette's. The heat built quickly as Hermione's arms wrapped around the lycan's neck and pulled her down to her.
"Do you want to stay the night?" Hermione's voice was quiet as she pulled away slightly to look into blue eyes glowing faintly. The sight still had a strong effect on the hunter's hormones as she felt a rush of heat build in her body. Jade nodded without saying a word and picked the shorter woman up and walked into the flat shutting the door with her foot.
Hermione's legs wrapped around Jade's waist as they resumed their heated kisses. Jade wasted no time finding a flat surface to set Hermione down on and moved her hands to the hunter's hips. Although the kitchen counter wasn't ideal for the situation, neither of the women seemed to mind as Hermione tore off Jade's cloak after peeling off her own.
Warm hands fervently slipped under the brunette's shirt and massaged her back gently as Jade pulled the younger woman flush against her body, her hips fitting perfectly against Hermione's core where all her heat seemed to be gathering. A soft moan sang in the lycan's heightened hearing and caused the taller girl's hips to roll forward, eliciting a louder moan from the brunette. Agile hands easily undid the buttons to Hermione's shirt and slipped it off her shoulders without the girl even noticing.
"Should we move to the bedroom?" Jade whispered softly as she nipped the sensitive skin on Hermione's neck. The brunette smirked as she released a low chuckle. She pulled away before taking Jade's lower lip between her teeth, being awarded a deep sigh from her lover.
"Down the hall, on the right." The hunter whispered as she wrapped her legs around Jade again, feeling strong hands travel to her thighs and lifting her easily.
After a few detours involving Hermione being pinned against the wall and more articles of clothing being torn off, they finally reached the bedroom. Jade didn't hesitate to fall forward pinning the brunette down on the bed. Their lips never disconnected as the dark haired girl quickly undid the brunette's jeans and slid the zipper down slowly.
Hermione unwrapped her legs and helped her lycan slide them down, as well as the barrier that kept Jade from her main focus. The younger witch sighed as her fingers undid Jade's bra and felt heated skin against her own. It had been a long time since Hermione had felt Jade in this way. As her hands ran over her body she paused slightly when she found four large scars on her lover's back, starting at her left shoulder blade and running down to her side. She pulled away slightly as she found another similar scar on her lower back straight across her spine.
As the brown eyes adjusted to the dark and the moon shining bright into the window, she saw another large scar on Jade's right shoulder. Hermione recognized the scar easily as Thrash's bite mark from those years ago when he claimed his daughter. Another bite mark on Jade's left bicep and another on her right hip below the scar from Rayna. Pained brown eyes searched Jade's as she pleaded for an explanation.
"I thought women liked scars." The half lycan said softly with a chuckle as she closed her eyes. A heavy sigh escaped before she spoke again. "I haven't done the most innocent things in the past, I have gotten in a lot of close calls, as you can see." She looked down at her scars and Hermione continued to trace the ones on her back. "They are reminders of what I've done." The brunette cupped her lover's face and pulled it down into a soft, passionate kiss.
"No matter what you've done, Jade," She whispered softly as she pressed her forehead against hers and black tresses cascaded down the half lycan's left shoulder. "I forgive you, I love you. You did what you had to and I don't think any less of you for doing so." Jade gave the brunette a small smile and sighed as the hunter gently massaged her shoulders.
Blue eyes fluttered shut as she captured Hermione's lips again softly, but soon it became hungry and wanting as her hands slipped down the younger woman's torso to her hips and lifted them slightly into her own. Jade moaned as the girl below her rolled her hips harder and parted her lips allowing Jade's tongue entrance. Hermione's breathing became ragged as lips moved slowly down her neck to her collarbone as Jade fit her hips between the brunette's legs and wrapped one around her hips before pressing them firmly against Hermione's core.
Somehow the brunette managed to remove the rest of Jade's clothing without much trouble and she released a loud moan as Jade's hands ran down her stomach and in between her legs to the heat and pressure that was building rapidly, making it hard for the brunette to sit still. She threw her head back and gripped the comforter of her bed as Jade's fingers tantalizingly rubbed the entrance of the younger woman's center. Another moan as a finger slipped in easily and Hermione's hips began to roll on their own.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Jade asked huskily as she looked into Hermione's brown eyes which were glazed over with lust.
"You don't know how long I've wanted to do this." The brunette answered before crashing her lips into the half lycan's forcefully, gently nipping at her lower lip as Jade's finger started thrusting slowly.
Any thoughts that were in Jade's mind were gone and all she could think about was making sure her lover's moans got louder. Hermione's arms wrapped around the dark haired girl's shoulders tightly and the lycan felt the pleasing pain of nails digging into her skin. Jade moaned deeply as she slipped another finger into Hermione which caused the brunette to arch her back and whimper as her grip got tighter. The brunette's hips rolled harder and the experienced hand began to thrust faster.
The pressure in her body began to spill over the edge as the hunter closed her eyes, arched her back and moaned as her release took over. Her body trembling and nails raked Jade's shoulders as the last of her orgasm ran through every last nerve. Jade's shoulders relaxed as she gently removed her fingers and pressed her forehead against Hermione's gently, as they both tried to catch their breath.
Hermione was exhausted as she strained to keep her eyes on the glowing blue in front of her own. Jade smiled and laid next to her lover. She wrapped her arm around the brunette's slim waist and pulled her close as she closed her eyes and flicked her wrist to pull the covers over their bodies. A soft kiss was placed on Hermione's temple and she whimpered her approval as the hunter rolled towards the kiss. Her face was buried in Jade's neck as they both drifted off to sleep peacefully tangled in each other's arms.