Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Eighteen
February 25th…
Stumbling down the stairs, Hermione rushes towards the front door the insistent knocking rattles the glass. A glance at her clock it's only just gone past three am. Wand in hand she flicks the switch, turning on a single light it casts an ominous glow throughout the shop.
The new blinds she had installed prevents her from seeing the person on the other side of the door. She pauses, what if it's Tom drunk once more? Or someone else? The fire was still fresh in her mind, has something else started?
The knocking continues worried the noise will wake her neighbours she ignores her instinct to keep the door locked and bolted. Hand hesitating above the handle, she sneaks a peek through the blind. Frowning at the familiar person on the other side of the door, she swings it open.
A hand pushes her aside a flutter of robes as they push past bringing with them the cold night air. Shutting the door, Hermione turns to her guest, the knocking had startled her awake. She had thought for a moment it was Bellatrix, but the witch had a key. Failing that, she's almost certain Bellatrix would just smash the window to get herself in rather than wake Hermione.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione demands wrapping her dressing gown around herself.
"It's good to see you too," the snappy response pale blue eyes swept around the shop. "Are we alone?"
"What?"
"Is there anyone here? A lover? A certain friend?"
"Amelia, why are you here? It's three am." Hermione replies exasperated.
"Is that any way to greet an old friend?"
"I would greet anyone this way at three in the morning," Hermione snaps folding her arms. "What are you doing here?"
"You need to call your hound off."
"What are you on about?" Hermione questions leaning against her desk.
"Your friend, Black, you need to call her off."
Frowning, Hermione swallows, the conversation from a few nights ago. She had told Bellatrix who she had been pictured with, the witch had promised to keep it quiet. Bellatrix had different ideas.
"She's snooping around, call her off," Amelia demands.
"I have no control over Bellatrix," Hermione shrugs.
"That's not what I hear,"
"Yeah, we shouldn't believe what we hear should we?" Hermione jibes. "Look, if Bellatrix is investigating something, then that's on you. She has a job to do."
"I can handle the investigation, but the snide comments need to stop. People are becoming suspicious." A furious shake of the head. "The fact you told her, what were you thinking?"
"She was looking into it," Hermione replies.
"So, I covered my tracks," Amelia replies harshly.
Swallowing, Hermione wonders for the hundredth time why she covered for the witch. Since the rumours and the pictures, Amelia had become hostile towards her. Hermione hadn't expected a thank you, but she had not expected the anger.
"Bellatrix is a bloodhound, there's no covering your tracks," Hermione snaps pushing from the table. "Now, would you rather Bellatrix track you down? Because the only reason she's being snarky is simple. She promised not to say anything if she had her way. Your reputation would be splashed across the ministry, your life ruined. So, instead of standing here, sprouting shit, you should be thanking me."
Silent, Amelia stares back her face unreadable due to the shadows that linger in the room. Annoyed, Hermione releases a deep breath, she's frustrated at Bellatrix, but she's annoyed at Amelia more. Daring to come to her bookshop, demanding she put a collar on Bellatrix as if Hermione had the control to do so.
"For a moment," Amelia sighs. "I thought you lost your fire."
Gently, a hand cups Hermione's elbow, pulling them closer together. It takes her back to when they used to work together. When they would head back to Amelia's office after holding court. Hermione was a bulldog, relentless, she was formidable in the court. The sex was hot, raw and insatiable.
"When I heard you left the Unspeakables to buy a bookshop," A scoff eyes turning to survey the shop. "I thought you'd lost your fire, but no, here you are. I've missed you."
A cold hand presses against her cheek, and her hands fall to Amelia's waist. Cold. Hermione feels cold, having the witch in her arms. The spark that was once there distinguished. The disdain in Amelia's voice as she observes the shop, Hermione's paradise.
No, the witch was only interested in Hermione when she was up and coming, the brightest star in the ministry. No longer interested the moment she came crashing to earth. The whole memory brings back a sour taste in Hermione's mouth, the history passed.
"It's good to see you," Amelia whispers.
"I wish I could say the same." Hermione replies feeling the witch grow rigid. "You need to leave."
"There's someone else," Amelia replies stepping away she gathers herself.
"No, there's no one."
Hope it sparks in those cold emotionless eyes, a fire that ignites. Hermione has no qualms about snubbing it out, she has no interest in journeying down this road again. She's burnt too many times, she has no wish to be engulfed a second time.
"What would your husband think," Hermione asks to move towards the door.
"He doesn't need to know."
"Leave, don't come back,"
"Hermione."
"If I see you around here again, I will pay your husband a visit myself."
"Careful now," Amelia hisses. "You don't know who you're talking to."
"Amelia," Hermione smiles her hand cradling rosy cheeks. "My patience is running thin, get the fuck out."
Bristling from the words, Amelia steps through the doorway, lifting her hood. She turns back to regard Hermione, bristling in anger.
"I see you here again," Hermione smiles. "It will be more than your career I destroy."
"Are you threatening me?" Amelia scoffs.
"No, do I need to mention the Scarbour incident?" The blood drains from the witch's face. "That's what I thought."
"That's classified."
"Goodbye, don't grace my doorway again, I have a reputation to uphold."
Bang. She slams the door in the witch's face, satisfied as it rattles with the force. Locking the door she wipes the blood from her nose. It's worth breaking a small oath just to see the witch's face. She heads to bed.
February 26th…
The reopening of the store after the fire, she had expected the traffic to be slow but was happily surprised to find the shop buzzing with customers. Perhaps it was people being nosey coming to look at the remains of the burnt-out building. Popping in for a drink and to browse, she wasn't going to argue.
Her midnight caller had left her in a foul mood, the memory constantly on repeat it didn't help that Bellatrix had failed to visit. She had yet to speak to the witch and she wasn't going to send a letter reprimanding Bellatrix for her remarks to Amelia. Lest the letter falls into the wrong hands.
Ginny had commentated on her attitude but had brushed it off to do with the fire. Regardless, Hermione had tried to show her thanks to Ginny trying to ease her attitude. Grateful for the witch to come in last second to help with the shop, the flow of customers never slowing. A conspiracy group had gathered near the coffee shop, shooting ideas of who started the fire and why.
"'Ere we are," A voice snaps her from her daze. "Keys to your new basement."
"Thank you," Hermione replies accepting the key gratefully.
She watches the construction workers gather their equipment signing the last piece of paperwork, the supervisor hands it to her to sign. She scans through the document, double-checking before scribbling her signature.
"Thanks," Hermione repeats.
"No problem, any issues just let us know." He replies grabbing the paperwork. "You have yourself a nice day."
"You too," Hermione answers.
Folding her copy of the paperwork, she slips it into her pocket to file later. Adding the key to the inside pocket of her blazer, she zips it for safety. The awkward shuffling gains her attention, ruffled brown hair, brown eyes and a cheeky smile greet her. One of the construction workers standing in front of her desk.
"Did you need something?" Hermione questions politely.
"I… ugh… Look, this may be unprofessional or whatnot, but I was wondering if perhaps we could go for a drink one day?" He asks nervously.
"A drink?"
"Yeah, like a date."
Ah, she forces a smile, thankfully no one has heard the conversation. She doesn't want to hurt the wizard's feelings in front of a crowd. Watching him twist his cap, makes her pause.
A warm arm slips around her waist, a chin landing on her shoulder. She instantly relaxes in the embrace she knows Bellatrix has appeared out of nowhere. She smiles at the witch over her shoulder completely forgetting about the young wizard.
"Where have you been?" Hermione asks the witch.
"Working," Bella grins. "Who's this?"
"Ah…" Hermione turns her attention back to the wizard.
"Carl, ma'am." He replies with a tight-lipped smile. "We've just finished, I hope you have a nice day Hermione."
"You too." Hermione repeats.
Groaning she watches the wizard scarper from the shop, she moves from Bella's embrace. Leaning against the desk she rubs her eyes, wincing she hadn't wanted to hurt the lad's feelings. Bellatrix remains watching the wizard leave, her dark eyes trailing after him.
"Ginny," Hermione states pushing from the table. "You watch the store for a minute."
"Sure."
"Cheers, going to check out the new basement."
"Ohh, fancy, can we put a pool table in?"
"Maybe," Hermione replies slipping past Bellatrix.
She ignores the pointed look from the Auror, heading to the basement, and she slips in the key. The door swings open effortlessly, she feels the charms press against her, recognising her they let her through. She wonders what they would do to those who trespass. She never questions Croaker when he insisted on installing the security, nor will she question it.
No longer smelling of mould or dampness, the basement is large, spacious and comforting. The lights cast a warm glow it reminds her of the office she had at the unspeakable unit. The fake plant on the wall makes her laugh, she had gifted Croaker a real one similar a long time ago.
Her workbench is full of everything she needs, in a few days paperwork will start to arrive and she will be able to make a start. It's exciting, for a moment she forgets about everything.
"You're ignoring me," Bella states leaning against the wall near the stairs.
Croaker had allowed Bellatrix to enter through security, interesting. Hermione files the information away for future knowledge wondering what the wizard has in mind for the future.
"Look at this space," Hermione replies opening her arms to the room. "Isn't it amazing,"
"Now you're deflecting." Bella pouts. "Is this because of the other night?"
"Bella, I'm not in the mood," Hermione answers.
"No? You said it was just a kiss," Bella continues ignoring Hermione's response. "Said nothing to worry about,"
"It was just a kiss, it doesn't mean anything." It's true, it doesn't mean anything… To Bellatrix, it meant everything to Hermione.
"Then why are you being weird?"
"I'm not being weird."
"Yes, you are."
"How do you know, you've just turned up."
"And you're ignoring me."
"No, I distinctly remember greeting you, before your cock blocked me."
"Oh, so you wanted to date the idiot."
"So, you admit it?" Hermione scoffs.
"You looked awkward, besides, he took it the wrong way, that's on him." "
"Bella, who's going to argue with you?"
"Anyone with balls," Bella shrugs. "Did you want to date him?"
"Maybe?" Hermione replies vaguely. "Heaven knows this dry spell is painful."
"You can do better."
"You don't know him," Hermione snaps.
"What is this about? Honestly, it's not about the contractor, so what's it about?"
"You," Hermione replies harshly. "I told you something in confidence and now you're blurting it around."
"I haven't said shit to anyone."
"No, then why have I got Amelia Bones knocking on my door in the middle of the night, telling me to call you off."
Rolling her eyes, Bella moves hands ghosting across a table, her nails drumming on the back of a seat. Annoyance flicks through her dark eyes as she turns back to regard Hermione.
"There's an investigation going on, she's being pissy that's all."
"So, you're not making snarky comments?"
"I may have made the odd one or two."
"I told you something in confidence not for you to use in an investigation."
"I'm not using it, I just making my thoughts known on the matter."
"It's in the past."
"Then why is she knocking on your door?" Bella demands.
"Because she has a family, she doesn't need this dragging up, stops. Please."
"Fine, fine. I will stop with the comments, I can't do much about the investigation."
Nodding, Hermione crosses her arms, annoyance it vibrates inside. She knows, heavens she knows this is her fault. She shouldn't have kissed Bella that night, because all it's done is confuse her emotions even more. Bellatrix has no feelings past friendship, Hermione needs to accept this and move on. Lord knows she needs to get laid, her dry spell is growing embarrassingly long.
"Please just leave it be."
"I will," Bella groans in frustration. "I'll behave."
"Thank you," Hermione replies. "I could do without an ex making a pass at me."
"She made a pass at you?" The nails tighten, digging into the new chair.
"Don't," Hermione mutters rubbing her temple. "The last thing I need is for that train wreck to happen again."
"She has a husband." Bella retorts hotly.
"Right, I need to start dating again, preferably someone who isn't married."
"I'm sorry I scared the kid off."
"It's fine, I wasn't interested," Hermione answers. "I… it's been a while that's all."
"What about Fleur?" Bella asks.
"No, we… she's back on with her partner. I think I'm tired of sleeping around," Hermione sighs leaning against the desk. "I know it's cliché, but I think I want something serious."
"Serious?"
"Yep,"
She needs to start dating again, stop fixating on Bellatrix and return to the dating scene. Maybe look for something else, instead of a fling she should focus on a healthy relationship.
"My therapist would be proud," Hermione quips as she heads for the exit. "You coming?"
"No, I'm going to be nosey," Bella mumbles looking around the room.
"Okay." Sighing, Hermione pauses at the bottom of the stairs. "I'm sorry, for snapping at you."
"It's fine," Bella shrugs.
"No, it's not. I just saw Amelia again, it dug it all back up you know."
"Sorry," Bella replies sheepishly.
"No, I would have done the same roles reversed. What are best friends for?"
"Right," Bella nods. "What are best friends for,"
"Are you okay?"
"Fine, just tired, long shift."
"Flats free if you want to crash."
"No, I'll be up in a minute, we've got the rest of the blinds to put up."
"I told you I can do it."
"You'd poke your eye out with the drill, I'm doing it," Bella replies rolling her eyes.
"You know we're going gay scene one night."
"Why?" Bella asks pulling a face.
"Because I need to get laid and the moment I tell everyone you know how to use power tools they'll be all over you."
"That's disturbing."
Chuckling, Hermione heads up the stairs, she could just imagine taking Bellatrix to a gay scene. She would draw the attention of everyone it would rile Hermione up, but it would be an injustice if she kept Bellatrix to herself.
Slipping behind the desk, Hermione sinks into her seat, watching Ginny show a customer where to find the latest Harper Storm novel. She focuses on work, ignoring the sinking feeling in her gut.
Dating sounds so foreign, she doesn't want to date, the only person she wants is currently in her basement admiring the latest renovation. Completely oblivious to Hermione's feelings. She kissed the witch, but short of admitting her feelings for Bellatrix and potentially ruining their friendship there is little else for her to do.
Bella is straight. It's simple, a fact, it would be wrong of Hermione to expect her to change. She just needs to accept the witch and move on. Sighing, she drops her quill, perhaps she should put distance between herself and Bellatrix. Things are becoming murky, it doesn't help Bellatrix has no idea of personal space.
She needs to stop before one of them breaks, she can't risk losing Bellatrix altogether. Hermione needs Bella in her life, and if that means just being friends, she is willing to do that.
"Hermione," Looking up she greets the middle Black sister with a smile.
"Andy," Hermione greets rising to her feet.
"You are looking well," Andy replies.
"Thanks, you too. How did the spell go?" Hermione asks politely.
"It worked, thank you."
"I'm glad to hear it," Hermione smiles relieved, wondering for the hundredth time how Croaker knew.
"This is my husband, Ted," Andy states introducing Hermione to the wizard standing behind her.
Hermione turns her attention to Ted, a fair-haired, big-bellied wizard with a comforting smile. The appearance of the man takes her by surprise, she tries not to judge people on their appearance, but she had not expected the husband of Andromeda Tonks to look like this.
"Hermione," His voice is mellow and calm a hand extends. "It's lovely to meet you, Andy has told me much about you."
Smiling, Hermione accepts the handshake, it's firm, not crushing nor weak. The dynamic is interesting, she has seen Narcissa Malfoy and Lucius Malfoy, snobs, tall imposing, cold and smelling of money. Bellatrix walks with the air of a woman untouched by society, Rod, was similar in fashion. Haughty, arrogant and obvious with the disdain he showed to those he deemed below him. She disliked Rod the most, perhaps because she wants Bellatrix to herself.
"Is there anything I can help with?" Hermione asks turning her thoughts outward.
"No, thank you, I just wanted to browse," Andy answers.
"Umm…" Hermione pauses, glancing at the door leading to the back of the house. "Bellatrix is here."
"I'm a big girl Hermione," Andy states with a soft smile. "I promise not to cause a scene. Ted, could you hold my bags."
"Of course, we could always come back." He whispers the last part helping to remove the shopping bags from Andy's hands a comforting hand on her arm.
"No, it's fine, it's only Bellatrix."
"Very well," He nods. "Shall we look for this book then?"
"We shall."
Slinking into her chair, Hermione watches the pair move through the bookshop, Andy focused on the shelves. Ted distracted by the coffee shop, a few murmured words to his wife before he heads to order.
Ted is calm, patient and unfazed he watches the conspiracy group with an amused smile. Hermione has the feeling the man is extremely laid back even as someone cuts him up in the queue he barely reacts. An absent part of Hermione strives to be as calm and patient as the wizard currently juggling two coffees and a Danish.
"Here," Bella's rough voice announces, placing down a letter on the table.
"What's this?"
"Just arrived by owl," Bella answers stripped from her usual robes, she's dressed in a casual shirt and black trousers.
"Croaker," Hermione summarises looking at the stamp.
Opening the envelope, Hermione hears the chair next to her creek as Bella takes a seat sorting through her toolbox. Muttering to herself about screws, Hermione ignores the witch reading the letter. She's to expect the first case to arrive on Monday, disappointed Hermione throws the letter into her draw. She had hoped she would be able to start this week, but it looks as though she will have to wait.
"Bad news?" Bella mumbles as she searches for something in the box.
"Work starts Monday,"
"So good news?"
"Not for me," Hermione huffs.
A flicker of a smile on Bella's lips as she glances at Hermione. Two workaholics, Bella understands Hermione's need to be busy, the need to work. Pulling out a tape measure, Bella sets it aside.
"You know it can wait." Her hand ghosts across Bella's shoulder. "It's not urgent for the blinds."
"You had someone peeping in, I think you need blinds."
"I think we overreacted," Hermione reassures the witch. "Bella, you've been working all day, you should rest. Take some time."
"You don't want me here?" Bella asks placing the items aside as she sits up.
"No," Hermione stutters the sole focus of dark eyes. "That's not what I meant, I just don't want to overwork you."
"Or is this because Andromeda is in the shop?"
Glancing, Hermione spots the middle sister pretending to flick through a book indiscreetly stealing looks at Bellatrix.
"No, I'm not worried about that," Hermione answers. "Just about your health, that's all."
"Good, I'm fine. Besides, it's this or I go home to an empty house and drink."
"You can stay here, the flat is free."
"And what play with string with Crooks?"
"He'd be very appreciative,"
"He would." Bella chuckles, her warm hand encasing Hermione's. "Thank you, but I'm fine. I enjoy being busy."
"Fine, but we should have a spa day."
"Never had a massage," Bella replies eyes flicking to her sister in the shop. "She does know, she has the book upside down."
Snorting, Hermione holds back the laugh, squeezing the hand resting on her thigh. She feels for Andromeda, the witch trying her best to not engage in looking at her sister, but doing poorly in her attempts to act inconspicuously.
"Now I know where Nymph gets it from." Hermione quips.
"Well it's not from that fat oaf is it." Bella jibes, eyes fixing on Ted.
"He seems nice."
"Hmm,"
"Also, how have you never had a massage?"
"I don't enjoy people touching me."
"I massaged your feet."
"Let me rephrase, I don't enjoy strangers touching me,"
"Well, I'll have to give you one then." Hermione offers.
"Suppose."
Swallowing, the thoughts dawn on Hermione too late. Why did she offer that? No, that's an extremely bad idea, why on earth did she just offer to massage Bellatrix?
"We'll see," Bella replies moving from her feet swiftly.
Confused, Hermione watches the witch walk away heading to the other side of the shop with items in hand. Did Bella read Hermione's thoughts? Did she drop her shields by accident? The smell of pine makes her turn to find Ted standing next to her desk, his eyes focused on Bellatrix.
A shake of the head a sad sigh from the wizard as he places the bags down next to the desk. Watching Bellatrix prepare to install the last few blinds, purposely ignoring the wizard.
"Hey," Hermione greets. "Did Andy find what she was looking for?"
"She did," Ted nods with a soft smile. "Thank you."
Hermione can't help when her eyes are drawn back to the Bellatrix in the corner, Ginny pestering the witch. The banter is not hostile, but both witches enjoy riling the other up. The wave of the hand from Bellatrix ordered Ginny to move away, to leave her alone.
"Does Bellatrix help out a lot?" Ted asks.
"She does, yes," Hermione agrees. "She struggles to sit still."
"Family trait I believe." Ted chuckles looking at his wife.
Blood running cold, Hermione watches Andy approach Bellatrix, the tension in Bella's shoulders as Andy corners her. Ginny sensing the atmosphere disappears instantly, throwing a questioning look at Hermione. With a shrug of the shoulders, Hermione considers interfering but she trusts Andy not to cause a scene. The same cannot be said for Bellatrix, whose hand is hovering dangerously close to her wand.
Don't curse her. Don't curse her. There are too many witnesses. The words repeat in Hermione's mind like a mantra. She doesn't need to be close to the sisters to know the words spoken are not of kindness. Both sisters are spitting words with enough venom they are leaving visible wounds. Two hissing cats in the corner.
"It's a shame," Ted sighs with a shake of his head. "A pity they act like this."
"It is." Hermione agrees. "Especially when some grudges are misplaced."
The blood drains from the wizard's face, his dark eyes glancing at Hermione. Arms folded, Hermione's attention remains on the sisters in the corner. Ready to intervene should things begin to escalate.
"I'm not sure to what you refer," Ted replies cautiously.
"Don't you?" Hermione asks turning to the wizard. "It's one thing to make mistakes, it's another to place the blame elsewhere. Don't you think?"
Shuffling, his eyes drift to his wife before returning to Hermione.
"I won't say anything, I made a promise," Hermione states. "Nevertheless, I'm sure you're tired of carrying this."
"I'm not sure what you're referring to." Ted smiles politely.
"Guilt, it's a heavy burden especially when it interferes with another healing. Would you like me to ring these books up for you?"
"I have work," He declares suddenly. "I just remembered, could you let Andy know, I have to go. Nice meeting you Miss Granger."
"Same." She watches the wizard exits the shop.
Coward. Rolling her eyes, she turns her attention to the approaching Andy. The look of concern on her face as she stares at the shop door. Hermione's attention is focused more on Bellatrix in the corner. The witch distracting herself with work, but Hermione can feel the anger from where she's standing.
"Ted had work," Hermione states collecting the books from Andy's outstretched hands. "That's what he said, he asked me to tell you."
"I see," Andy replies suspiciously eyeing Hermione.
"Is there anything else you need?" Hermione asks innocently.
"No, that's all. Thank you."
"Any time."
Collecting her bags, Andy throws one last glance to Bellatrix in the corner, a sigh escaping pale lips as she heads to the door. The gentle jingle from the bell, the slightest twitch from Bellatrix as she registers her sister leaving.
Moving from behind her desk, she helps herself to a coffee and a cake before heading to join Bellatrix. Her hand landed between tense shoulders, a furious glance melting into a soft smile.
"Here, I stole these for you," Hermione whispers handing the goods to Bellatrix.
"I'd have to arrest you," Bella replies anger slowly fading, she takes a bite out of the cake.
"I like handcuffs." Hermione winks heading back to the desk.
The cough from Bellatrix as she chokes on the cake. Smirking, Hermione heads to register, ignoring the dark eyes burning into her back.