"Good morning Princess, you need to wake up."
Kisses landed on her neck and strong arms wrapped tightly around her middle.
"Bells?"
"Who else would it be?"
"Ginny... I'm glad it's you, Bells."
"Red calls you princess?"
"Sometimes but she doesn't kiss my neck. Enough about Ginny, I was promised something better than sleep this morning."
"That you were baby girl. How's the bum?"
"Really tender...but I think that was the point wasn't it?"
"It was, shall we have a look at your bruises?"
"Yep, just let me run the loo first."
Hermione got out of bed and stretched out her muscles, they were complaining and she was sure her bum and thighs were just one black bruise. After brushing her teeth and going the loo she came back to the bedroom.
Bella had made them both a cup of tea and was the height of domesticated, just sat in bed in a fluffy dressing gown drinking a mug of tea.
"Now this I could get used to." She said as she picked her tea off the bedside table and sat down.
"It's the fluffy dressing gown that does it for you isn't it? I've debated all term about wearing it to class." She joked.
"I won't allow it, I am the only person who gets to see you in this. The same way I'm the only one who gets cuddles and love."
Hermione put her cuppa down and rested her head on Bella's knee, who in turn started stroking the fluffy hair presented to her.
"I never thought I would get my epic love, it had been so long I think I had actually given up hope but in these moments with you, not when we're fucking although obviously I greatly enjoy that; just moments like this when we just spend time together, they are some of my favourite moments of my life. I really do love you Hermione."
"You've gone all soppy since we made it official, not that I'm complaining, it's nice. I like that you trust me enough to tell me what you're thinking."
Bella put her mug down "Come on I want to see those bruises."
Hermione climbed off the bed and took off her PJ shorts.
"You took that like a champ Pet, these bruised are no joke. Want to see?"
Hermione nodded, soon Bella had caused the mirrors from her vanity to fly over to them, one floated behind her and the other in front of her face which meant she could see the bruises. They were mostly purple and red but there was a few black spots and even the imprint of the straight edge of the paddle in one spot. They would definitely last a few days and Hermione was really proud of her bruises. Bella started softly massaging her bum, causing a small hiss to leave the girls mouth.
"The good thing about these marks Pet, is that you don't have to glamour them, no one will be able to see them. Just remember to glamour your neck. You really are just my walking canvas now aren't you? Bruised bootie, hickeys all over your neck and chest, bite marks on your shoulders and my initials on your arm. It's very sexy."
"I like it too Bells, it makes me feel owned."
Bella pulled until Hermione was straddling her.
"That's because you are Pet, you are mine." She was running her hands over hermione's back and thighs. "You are mine, forever."
Hermione dipped her head into a kiss, anchoring her hands into Bella's hair.
"Make love to me Bella, please."
"All you need do is ask my little one."
Bella pulled Hermione top over her head so Hermione was sat on her without a stitch of clothes on.
"You are so beautiful my Little Witch, and you don't hide from me anymore, that makes me so happy. You really are so incredibly sexy, you shouldn't always hide under those big hoodies of yours."
She slipped her hand between their bodies and began to circle Hermione's clit, the girl started to roll her hips against her fingers.
"You look so beautiful when you give yourself over to your pleasure." Hermione let her head fall back and Bella slipped two fingers inside her. "When you close your eyes and just ride through what your feeling, like now. Your cheeks take on the most exquisite pink tone, your chest flushes and you bite down on that pretty lip of yours."
Ironically it was this moment that Hermione bit down on her lip as she let out a moan. She was now riding Bella's hand, being spurred on by Bella's words.
"To know that I am the only person to have ever seen you like this, so overwhelmed by pleasure, so free ...it makes me feel like the most important person in the world. I will thank whoever is listening every single day that they brought you to me and that you have given me the gift of your love and submission. I love to know that I am your undoing."
Hermione was grinding down harder and faster against Bella's hand, her moans getting louder.
"Let go my love, Cum for me."
Hermione let out a silent scream as she screwed up her eyes, she came hard, with a flood of juices pouring over Bella. Bella held onto Hermione tightly and lay back so Hermione was resting on her chest. Hermione's breathing soon evened out as she came back to the land of the living.
"Hey my beautiful girl, welcome back."
"I love you Bells."
"I love you too. I do however have to get up and ready for class soon though. You need to get washed before Red comes over, you're welcome to use my bath if you want?"
"I'll take you up on that. I'm going to invite the others to mine tonight to let them know what's going on if that's ok? I'm going to write letters for Andy, Harry and reluctantly Ron today as well. Might as well get it over with."
"Rather you than me, guess I've only got Cissy to cover really and as she was behind this in the first place I've got the easy way out. Although tell Draco and Neville if either of them wants to discuss the matter with me that they can come over. Just remind them that they can't tell anyone."
"The only one I'm not 100% convinced on would be Draco and I'm sure you trust him. Ron may be a sour arse right now but he wouldn't tell anyone, he's like a brother and he wouldn't hurt me even if he's angry with me."
"Then we will be fine, Draco wouldn't risk hurting his family in fact he might even be in on all of this. Right I'm going to jump in your shower, don't have time for a bath this morning. I'd say join me but we really don't have time for that. I'll see you in a little while."
"I love you Bells."
"I love you too."
Hermione then sat at Bella's desk to begin her letters.
She started with Harry and Ron, whose letters whilst essential saying the same thing couldn't be any more different. It took a few drafts but finally she had what she felt was appropriate letters.
Dear Harry,
I know you will be here on Saturday for my birthday but I am hoping you will be able to meet me in Hogsmead Friday night, I have something I wish to discuss with you. It is good news and I am very happy right now but it is also complicated and so I wish to tell you and Ronald in person.
All I ask is that you come with an open mind and I promise you I have never been happier which I hope will comfort you.
Ginny is good, I've kept her out of trouble but she misses you terribly. I am looking forward to spending our evening in the Three Broomsticks like we used to, although now Madam Rosmerta has to serve us Firewhiskey.
All my love,
Hermione
Dear Ronald,
I know we haven't spoken since we broke up at the Burrow and I would like to apologize for the way I ended things. I was overstressed and so worried about hurting you that I ended up snapping and hurting you anyway.
I know Ginny has invited you to spend my birthday with us in Hogsmead and I am hoping you will agree. I have asked Harry to meet me Friday evening as well and I hope you will join us as I have some news to share which I want to do in person.
All I ask is that you come with an open mind and I promise you I am happy which I hope will comfort you.
Hermione.
She read them one final time and then rolled them up ready to send later then got in the bath. Bella shouted her goodbye and Hermione settled down to wash her hair.
Ginny was banging on the door early this morning, so early that Hermione had only just made it back to her own room, she let her in quickly whilst hiding behind the door so no one saw her in just a towel with a towel turban on her head.
"I take it you've not been expelled then?"
"Good morning to you too Gin. No I've not been expelled. In fact Minnie fully supported the idea and has apparently been planning for this with Narcissa Malfoy since Malfoy Manor. Seems me and Bella were the last to cotton on. Well except Neville... "
Hermione had taken herself to her bedroom with Ginny on her heels, the girls were all used to changing in front of each other after years in the dorms so Hermione just got straight on with getting ready.
"HOLY SHIT HERMIONE!!!"
Hermione turned to look at Ginny, now stood in just her underwear.
"What? What's wrong?"
"Your covered in bruises, like absolutely covered!"
A smile spread over her face "I know, great isn't it. Guess I forgot to put my glamour on this morning."
"And how long have you been wearing a daily glamour?"
"About as long as I've been with Bella."
"Well colour me impressed Granger, I never actually expected you to be into that SBMD... DMSB... MSDB... kinky stuff or if you were onto it I thought you were exaggerating. You really let her beat you black and blue...or Purple and a weird yellow green I guess..."
"She does and I really do love it, I promise Gin I want this. Now have you finished gauping at my bruises or do I have to stand around in my underwear all day?"
Ginny laughed "Oh put your clothes on Prissy pants!...So your staying? With permission to sleep with your professor?"
"Yep... Apparently being the golden girl, saving the wizarding world and being legally an adult in the wizarding and muggle world has its perks. I mean I'm about to turn 19 although with the time turner I probably already am, I should have been graduated by now and if I had already graduated no one would say anything."
"Appart from her being a Death Eater who tortured you... I want some of these golden girl perks..."
"Minnie let you out to Hogsmead to fuck Harry not even a month ago..."
"Touché. Speaking of birthdays, have you told the rest of the golden trio yet? And what's the eventually plan with you and Black then?"
"We are keeping it hush hush for now, only telling Neville, Draco, Harry and Ron but after the summer we'll be safe. I've just finished writing letters to Harry and Ron which I need to drop at the owlery but I'll explain everything that was said in the meeting when we're all together because I can't be bothered doing it three times. Tonight after dinner I'm inviting everyone here, well not Harry and Ron obviously."
"I don't know if I can wait that long but it'll try! I'm just glad you're not leaving me. Also give me the letters, I'll drop them on my way back tonight the owlery is on my way back from yours."
"If you could post them that really would help and you're stuck with me till the end of school and beyond. Hey if I marry Bella I'd be your... second cousin-in-law twice removed...I think. So we would be legally family which is the only reason you wanted me to stay with Ron. Not quite a sister but it would still make me related to you.." She handed over the two scrolls.
"How the hell did you figure that relationship out in your head?"
"Oh someone mentioned once about your mum and Bella being related and I had to go and find out how. Then just add an extra removed because it's your mum and an in law because it's me. There is also a link via your dad too but that's a lot of generations back. There's even marriages between Potters and Longbottoms in the Black family tree if you go back far enough. The 28 really do tend to keep to their own."
"This is far too taxing for this early. Are you nearly ready coz I'm starving?"
"Ye just need to grab my shoes...which are at Bella's..." she said dismayed.
"Why did you come back here without shoes on?"
"I had a bath at hers and didn't put my shoes on to walk back."
"You walked through the hallway in just a towel?"
"No...but I physically can't tell you how because there is a Fidelius charm, which I'm hoping will give you enough to figure it out. Anyway you stay in here I'll just nip into Bella's and get my shoes."
"Now I'm intrigued..."
When Hermione came back with her dirty clothes and shoes Ginny was sat at the desk in her room practically vibrating.
"There's a door or a portal or a secret hatch between your rooms because your front door didn't go I was listening."
"Whilst I can't confirm... your logic is sound."
"So that's a yes but I'm magically prevented from telling you." She looked rather smug.
"Right come on breakfast." Hermione rolled her eyes.
Their group had now permanently swelled to include Draco and Hermione was really happy to be getting to know him. When they asked about her meeting she explained that all went well and invited them all to her room after dinner to explain fully. Everyone, including Draco accepted.
Herbology didn't leave a lot of time to talk today as they were collecting both the teeth and juice from a Venomous Tentacula which non but Neville was excited for. The Venomous Tentacula's bite was highly venomous, it shot spikes and expelled venom from its shoots. They needed their wits about them, although they had great fun coming up with inventive swearwords when it tried to eat them. The winner of the day was from Ginny, of course.
"Listen here you slack jawed cockwomble I swear to Merlin's saggy ball sack, I will smite you where you stand."
Even Bella commented that she would be using that if she were even in a battle again.
Lunch was strange, Hermione was glad to have her friends around her but was terrified of her first class with Bella after everything. She really hoped she wouldn't slip up and mess it all up before it even began. Ginny and Luna knew that it was going to be difficult for her so had luckily kept the focus of the conversation away from Hermione.
-Hi love, I know we said no talking in class but as we're not in class yet I just wanted to say I love you and we can do this. So long as we don't try and rile each other up like we have been doing, it should be easy. Plus I'm sure we can have one hell of a duel nowadays.
- Ye we didn't make it easy for ourselves last week did we. I can't wait to see their faces. Winner gets to pick our next new thing to try?
- You're going to regret that you know Pet?
- Possibly...but still it'll be fun.
- The duel or your demise?
- Both. Now get out of my head Professor. It's difficult enough forgetting about you when every time I sit down it hurts, I'm not meant to be wet in your class remember?
- We both know you will be, no matter what I say or do.
- Definitely, bye Bells
- Bye my love
Ginny saw her contented smile and silently raised an eyebrow at her, Hermione just pulled tongues back.
It was Luna who chivvied them to class today stating "Hermione may not have said it out loud but she wants her front row seat." and everyone else grumbling that Luna was correct. Draco headed off to his own class with the promise to meet them for dinner.
As usual they were the first people in and grabbed the front desk, Hermione sat directly in front of Bella's desk of course, then Ginny, Luna and as far from the danger zone as possible Neville. The rest of the class slowly filled up.
Just in time for the bell Bella came in, robes billowing behind her like smoke. She had taken pity on Hermione today in the hopes of making it easier for them both. She had on black trousers, a white shirt which was buttoned to the neck with a black ribbon as a tie with a Victorian style cameo brooch, black waistcoat and her robes. She looked incredible as always but lucky for Hermione there was no cleavage or thigh to torture her.
"Ok class we are back to your physical strength again today. You now all have a basic shield and stunner but I want to see how you react under the pressure of a duel. You know how a spell is supposed to be cast, the foot work, the intention but will that abandon you when you've got someone firing spells at you.
I am aware many of you have fought in a war and survived I even fought some of you myself " She nodded to the group on the front table. "But I know I managed to catch you with spells I shouldn't have been able to if your technique had been perfect. So I will be giving a duel demonstration, we will go until three spells hit, dissarmed or surrender. Then you will duel in pairs, two pairs at a time and the class will watch and note what they could improve upon."
Someone at the back of the class put their hand up and Bella motioned for them to speak "Who will you be duelling Professor Black?"
"I will be duelling the only person who has not only blocked my spells but broken through my shield. Miss Granger."
"Professor Black?" Hermione had to at least pretend she wasn't expecting it after all.
"Surly after your displays in class last week you don't have an issue with duelling me?"
"No problem at all Professor."
"Brilliant. Up here then, Pet." Hermione made her way to the front whilst Bella addressed the class "I will be putting a barrier around us for your protection but whilst we're duelling can you collectively come up with at least three corrections for Miss Granger. If by some miracle you can't come up with three she gets 50 points for Gryffindor."
"And what if they can come up with three corrections for you... Professor?" Hermione shot at her.
"Then I will give 100 points to whoever is brave enough to say it to my face. As I said we will be going for three spell hits, disarmed or a surrender. Class do you understand?"
There were nods and various "Yes, Professor." "Yes Miss." From the class.
"Ready Granger?"
"As I'll ever be."
Bella cast the bubble around the front area of the class and then turned to face Hermione.
"Winner gets to pick the next new thing we try but loser doesn't cum for two days."
"Oh it's really on now Bells. Unfortunately I don't think I can go that long. Plus I'm excited to see how much my powers have grown."
"Then we bow and begin."
As they both bent low Hermione was ready with a non verbal Protego so as soon as she stood she was protected. She had been working in her limited free time on maintaining her Protego whilst simultaneously sending spells and luckily she was getting quite good at it even after only a week of practice. It probably had a lot to do with their combined power but she wasn't complaining.
Bella had still to cast a spell and Hermione was sure she was just waiting for her to decide to attack first and drop her shield.
Instead Hermione maintained her Protego and sent a weak stupify towards her teacher who side stepped to avoid it, just as Bella was opening her mouth to make a snide comment Hermione shot a second more powerful stunning to where Bella was now stood.
Bella had to lift her own shield this time and she clearly realised in that moment that she would have to actually work at this. As soon as the spell rebounded she dropped her shield again.
"This might actually be fun, Pet, I've clearly fucked some skill into you." Bella sent a Confringo which bounced harmlessly off Hermione's shield.
"Ah yes it's that and not the hours of practice I've put in. Incarcerous."
Bella span away from that spell but she was clearly having fun now. They both shot standard duelling curses at each other for a few minutes with neither gaining much ground, they were very evenly matched now.
The duel had become creativity Vs agility; Hermione had always been creative with her spell use and so she had multiple options available to her, but was a fairly static dueller. Bella on the other hand was slightly limited as she couldn't use Dark magic and she had always overpowered her opponent before but Bella was still much more agile so was able to dodge easier.
For the next few minutes Hermione cast a variety of unusual spell combinations which Bella dodged seamlessly, whilst Bella shot more standard curses but Hermione had to maintain her shield.
As it finally looked like Hermione was running out of juice she cast Avis which summoned a flock of birds to appear.
"Damn it!" she shouted, that wasn't what she had intended to cast and her shield faltered and fizzled out.
Bella paused in amusement and lowered her wand "You didn't seriously just conjure birds pet?"
Hermione muttered under her breath "Oppugno" the birds shot towards Bella who only just had time to raise her shield, when the birds had finally gone she once again dropped her shield. Hermione was already casting Aquimenta which she didn't bother to block and so it drenched Bella, then as the water was still falling followed it up with a non verbal Expeliamus.
Bella's wand sailed through the air and landed in Hermione's hand. Bella was soaking wet and just lost to not only her girlfriend but a student, she was a little in shock.
Hermione walked back over to her. "Never underestimate your knowledge of your opponent and some good creative spells. Enjoy the next 48 hours." She handed Bella her wand, cast a wordless drying charm and walked towards the bubble.
The students on the other side were in shock, Hermione had just kicked Bella's ass (although she was sure she couldn't do it again, that trick would only work once). Bella lowered the bubble and tried to regain control.
"So three things Granger did wrong?"
Neville appeared to be the class spokesman and he said "We only came up with two. She was almost too quick with her Protego when she could have got an early hit in as you didn't instantly attack. And she needs to move more."
"Very well, 50 points to Granger. So we will split into..."
Neville interrupted "Excuse me Professor, but the class did manage to find some faults with your duelling."
Bella looked affronted but she had promised house points if they were brave enough.
"Very well."
"If you had maintained your shield charm, even occasionally, you wouldn't have been so predictable for her to catch you with Aquimenta. You trusted your opponent was being truthful when she feigned casting the wrong spell and you let being wet and angry distract you and you lost focus, which enabled her to disarm you."
Ginny with a big smile added "Also you cast most of your spells in a very conventional way, clearly on this occasion creativity won."
"Oh whatever, 100 points to Longbottom and Red. See if I care."
- I'm very angry at you for showing me up Pet, you are going to pay for that. But I'm also very proud of you.
- No head chat! But thanks. Plus you're sexy when you're angry.
Bella waved her wand and once again the desks and chairs moved. This time the desks stacked themselves at the back of the room and the chairs (with the students still sat behind them) whooshed to the edges of the room, leaving a large clear area in the middle.
"On your feet, pair up. Seeing as Granger is our champion she will also be offering advice on your duelling."
They spent the rest of the lesson watching the pairs Duel, two pairs at once would duel for 3 minutes each and then receive feedback. Bella and Hermione were a brilliant pair, their advice flowed together and between them they gave near perfect advice. If Bella was too harsh then Hermione would follow it up with praise for something that had been missed. Where Bella was focused on agility and power, Hermione focused on technique and creativity and many students came away from the class feeling much more confident in their ability.
By the end the whole class was sweating and more than ready for their dinner but they all agreed it was one of the most productive DADA classes they had ever had.
"Right all of you get lost, I want a foot of parchment with suggestions of creative uses of non duelling spells plus your opinion on the debate between a constant shield which drains your power Vs strategic shield that leaves you at risk of being hit. Granger, wait behind for a moment."
Ginny said "We'll see you at dinner. Come on guys."
Once the room was empty Bella closed the door.
"You got them to write homework on my strategy?" Hermione was a little awestruck.
"Why not? It was a successful strategy, if I fell for it you can bet 90% of the Death Eaters would too. Whilst I'm absolutely furious with you...I also couldn't be prouder. On a level playing field power wise but with less experience you kicked my ass. That bird, water, disarm combo was genius. And pretending you'd cast the wrong spell... Well it wouldn't work in a war but in a duelling championship you'd probably get away with it. I want to continue our private Duelling. I think there is a lot we can learn from each other and I would rather learn it somewhere other than in front of my class."
"You want me to teach you how I duel?"
"Why not? You beat me fair and square. That doesn't happen often. Normally I would never speak to you again but unfortunately for me I'm in love with you or something so I had to come up with a different tactic. Anyway I just wanted to say well done, and good luck for later."
"Thanks Bells. I might be in love with you too...or something. Honestly I'm dreading it but I begged Winky to get sticky toffee pudding put on at dinner so I'm using it as a pre-truth reward."
"I think that's called a bribe pet. You're bribing yourself. Anyway as I said if Longbottom or Draco want to talk I'll be in my room and once they've all left I will be coming to get in your bed because we slept in mine last night."
"Deal. You don't know how much I want to kiss you..."
"I do...but we can't slip in the classroom or we're asking for trouble. So run along and eat your sticky toffee pudding so you can reveal our deepest secret and then I can have my cuddles."
"Yes ma'am." Hermione gave Bella a solute and then left towards the great hall.