A/n: It's been a while, a lot has happened since the last update, life mostly. I want to promise regular updates, my muse has returned, I also have started the sequel to Paint it, Black. I can't keep that promise so much is going on, but I will try. Thank you to everyone that has been prompting me. I also hope every had a good holiday. I won't lie, this is perhaps one of the hardest stories I have written, I even hate it at times. It's so out of my comfort zone, I don't do romance stories, it's been a test and it continues to test me. I have several ways this story will go and I think to really push my limits I will go down the story line that's been in my head the longest. Which will be great news for all of you, but, it will push my limits even more.
Anyway, I wish you all a Happy New Year. Please take this chapter as a gift and hopefully a promise of more to come.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Eleven
December 1st…
"I did something,"
The dagger slicing through the apple pauses, the juice leaking through dextrous fingers. An inaudible sigh escapes red lips, a quirk of the brow. Fidgeting, takeaway coffee in hand, Hermione taps the side of the cup.
"Do I want to know?" Bella asks resuming the slicing of her apple.
"Um, depends…" Hermione answers lifting her feet onto Bella's desk. "Good news or the bad news first?"
"Is it legal?" the fingers tap the Head Auror sign on Bella's desk.
Rolling her eyes, Hermione glances to the window her reflection staring back dressed in a hoodie and jeans. This is the most relaxed she has felt in months. Almost years, the stress of work, of hiding every single activity of her day. Not being able to trust anyone her shoulders no longer tense, so she went for a spa day with Ginny. A lovely massage, it was worth every penny.
"Earth to Hermione," Bellatrix's voice snaps her from her memory.
"Sorry I was thinking of my masseuse," Hermione reminisces. "Do you think dating one for free massages is a bad idea?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"I need a morale compass, I could ask Ron, but he would want to join in."
"That's an image I won't get rid of. Besides your stalling, spit it out. What have you done?"
"Well, I met your sister in town the other day."
"Oh, I'm sure that was joyful."
"Andromeda."
"Ah, shit."
Wincing, Hermione watches the blotch of blood trickle onto the desk, the knife flashing red. Cursing, Bella reaches for a tissue mumbling under her breath as she tends to her wounds.
3 days ago…
"Bella!"
She didn't think, she just threw her arms around the witch, she hadn't seen Bella for a few days. The Auror has been busy with work Hermione didn't expect to bump into the witch outside an old bookshop. A nice surprise, she hugged the woman before she could even look up from her shopping receipt.
The moment she engulfed the witch in a hug, she knew it wasn't Bella. Could tell by the grip, the rigidness, and the slight height difference. The smell of peppermint, Bella hates peppermint. Instantly she pulls from the hug, forcing a smile onto her lips, the bewildered brown eyes staring back.
The hair was long but tame, the wrinkles around the eyes. The pale lips, the tanned skin, this wasn't Bellatrix. A look alike, but not the same witch.
"Sorry, love, but I think you have me mistaken for another," The voice soothing, mellow.
"Andromeda." It's a statement, realisation dawning. "I'm sorry, I thought you were Bella."
"Yes, well it happens from time to time," Andromeda replies tilting her head curious cradling her purchases. "Do you often hug my sister?"
"Well… depends on her mood, but I try to make it a habit. Her discomfort provides me much entertainment."
A ghost of a smile on proud lips, the questions swimming in brown eyes. The curiosity of a sister long since cast from the family. Hermione had heard the rumours, some confirmed by Harry's godfather of the rift between the sisters. Andromeda was thrown from the family for loving a muggleborn. A question Hermione has yet to ask Bellatrix about what happened to the three Black sisters.
"I'm being rude, Hermione," Hermione smiles offering her hand to the witch.
A bewildered gaze turns to the outstretched hand, slowly a soft hand engulfs Hermione's.
"It's lovely to finally meet you," Hermione acknowledges withdrawing her hand.
"Is it?"
"Shouldn't it be?"
"Your friends with my sister, I doubt she has anything nice to say regarding me,"
"She doesn't mention you at all if I'm honest."
"I appreciate your candour."
"It seems to be the best approach for your family. Can I buy you a coffee?"
Absently Hermione indicates the coffee shop just in reach, the crowd milling around them. The crease of the eyebrows, curiosity fighting with the urge to leave.
"I'll take that as a yes," Hermione nods pulling the witch along.
It's a strange thing dealing with Black sisters, Hermione has come to realise. Hesitant creatures, fickle in temperament, short on attention and very quick to anger. Too fast could startle them and cause their flight response. Too slow will cause their fight response, a happy medium. The direct approach, no dilly-dallying, straight to the point, stay elusive to attract their attention, to keep them focussed.
In a blink Hermione has found them a table, near the back of the room, enough space for Andromeda to walk out should she feel trapped. The perfect spot for her to watch everyone walking by, to keep her wits about her. Shredding out of her hat and scarf Hermione browses through the menu. The essence of indifference, no threat to the perplexed witch who sits stiffly on her stool.
"Do you think it's strange to have an iced coffee in this weather?" Hermione asks absently.
"I'm sorry, what's happening?" Andromeda asks placing her bags down. "Who are you?"
"Hermione, I know your daughter,"
"You do?"
"Yes, she was a few years ahead of me in Hogwarts, she works with my best friend Harry."
"Potter?"
"That's the one. Hi yes, could I get a flat white over ice please with a shot of vanilla?"
"Of course, and you ma'am?" The server turns to Andromeda.
"Ugh, just decaf tea please,"
"Very good."
"Sorry, do you do shortbread,"
"We do,"
"Could I get a shortbread please, do you want anything else?"
"No, thank you."
"Cheers, here keep the change." Hermione hands the coins to the server with a smile.
With a smile, the servant retreats to the counter. Placing the menu down, Hermione shuffles her coat, smiling at a passing patron.
"I'm sorry," Andromeda starts with a frown. "Why are we here? If this is some hope of trying to bridge the gap between me and my sister, you are very mistaken."
"Oh, I have no interest in getting involved with family drama I have enough of my own. This is just an apology for barging into you earlier."
"It was a simple misunderstanding; a drink is hardly needed."
"Then by all means you can ask for your drink to go."
Inhaling, Andromeda glances to the door of the coffee shop, the crowds of shoppers outside. The tick of the lip, a subtle sigh before she sheds her cloak folding it to the side, she relaxes more. Folding her hands on the table, she waits as the server places their drinks down.
"I can see how you are friends with my sister," Andromeda states pouring her tea into the cup.
"Oh, no that was far more awkward."
"Oh?"
"I asked about her divorce, propositioned her subtly all the while stuck in a lift," Hermione admits, picking at her shortbread. "Honestly, I think she was torn between cursing me or admitting me to St Mungo's."
"I can only imagine," A small chuckle. "She will not be happy to find we're talking."
"She'll get over herself."
"You're an intriguing young lady, Miss…"
"Granger."
"Granger… I don't recognise the name, so if I were to guess, muggleborn?"
"You'd guess correctly."
"And your friends with my sister?"
"With persistence."
"Strange."
"No caffeine"?
"That's your question?" Andromeda asks.
"First of many."
"I will make this very clear, any delusion you have in your mind about mending the rift between me and my sister. Please discard it. I have no interest in them or any olive branch. It's done it's in the past, there is nothing to discuss. Nor will I discuss what happened, is that understood?"
"Understood, shortbread?"
"No thank you,"
Frowning, Andromeda studies Hermione as she sips her tea. Brushing crumbs from her lap, Hermione wipes her fingers on the napkin. Smiling innocently, she has no interest in fixing any rifts, but it doesn't mean she won't hunt out information.
"How is she? Bellatrix, I mean… I heard about the divorce." A whisper of a question.
"She's fine now, it wasn't an easy divorce, but she's fine."
"No, I'd imagined Rod did everything in his power to make it painful."
"He tried,"
Absently, Hermione remembers the day she got involved with the divorce proceedings. Mercy and Hermione visited the Lestrange brothers, the smile on Bella's face was worth every moment.
"He had a change of heart in the end."
"I see," Andromeda nods. "It's good to have friends during troubling times."
"It is. How's Nymph these days, I haven't seen her in ages."
"She's good, dating a man called Lupin, I've yet to meet him."
Present day…
"She seems nice," Hermione admits, the conversation with Andromeda playing in her mind.
They had talked for an hour, aimlessly talking, Andromeda working in potions, her husband working at the ministry. Their recent holiday to Spain, the probing subtle questions and the not-so-subtle questions about Bellatrix.
"Why… How did you meet with her?" Bellatrix asks quietly.
"I thought she was you, awkwardness ensued," Hermione shrugs. "She asked after you,"
"Truly?" Bellatrix scoffs.
"Yep, I said you'd turned lesbian and were running a brothel."
"What?"
"Joking," Hermione grins. "I said you were fine. Then We started talking about Nymph."
"Her daughter?"
"You declined her application for Auror."'
"I remember." Bellatrix retorts placing the knife and apple down. "Moody drew a council and overruled me if I remember correctly. Foolish. I'm sure she had much to say about that and my interference with her daughter's career."
"We didn't get into it."
"No?"
"No."
"Well, don't give a shit, the girl is clumsy, too headstrong. Should never become an Auror, a liability, bloody Moody will get her killed."
"Bella,"
"What."
"We didn't talk about it," Hermione reassures.
"So, what's the bad news? Invite her to dinner and con me into coming. Well, you can shove that idea, I don't have any interest in rekindling some dead sisterly shit."
"Bella."
"What?"
"Shut up," Hermione sighs. "That's not even the news."
Blinking, Bella bites her tongue turning to her drink she takes a big sip before simmering in silent anger. Tapping her nails on the desk, Bella focuses on her drink indicating for Hermione to continue.
"So, I quit my job."
Flinching, the splutter of coffee narrowly misses Hermione, as Bella chokes on her drink. Wincing, Hermione withdraws her feet from the table, wiping the spittle from her jeans. Groaning, Bella dabs at her robes with a tissue glaring at Hermione.
"What?"
"I quit,"
"No, no I heard you. You quit your job?"
"Yes."
Confused, the witch rubs her eyes turning her full attention to Hermione.
"Let me explain."
"Please, enlighten me."
"I'm moving to Australia."
Drip, drip, the coffee drops against the hard floor, those dark eyes closing off emotions hidden away. Still, as a statue, Bella stares back confused, anger growing in the depths.
"Joke."
"Fuck sake," Bella grinds out hand smacking against the desk. "Stop saying such shit, as though you'd quit your job."
"Oh no, I did quit," Hermione answers.
"WHAT!"
"What? Technically, due to being injured in the field, I have taken early retirement." Hermione grins.
"I'm so confused."
"Also, you know I brought that house,"
"Yes,"
"I didn't sign the contract and withdrew."
"You handed your notice to your landlord; they have a new tenant moving in a couple of weeks."
"Yes."
"Hermione, for the sake of my patience, spit it out."
"I brought a shop… a bookshop."
"What?"
"I know!" Hermione shouts back. "I was walking through town, minding my own business bumped into you, but wasn't you? Had a chat with an estranged sister, and then I saw the shop and it was up for sale. I went in to buy books and I brought… I brought the shop. Then I came to see you, and I had such dread take over. I just wanted to run away, I bumped into Croaker. Who wanted to talk about me returning to work and I just shouted it out? I quit. Merlin… I quit my job."
Blinking, Bella returns the bewildered stare. She quit her job. The job that has controlled her life for so long. Job she has worked so hard to get is to become an integral member of the team. She wanted to be Minister and was happy to settle to become Croaker's replacement. She could make a change by being Unspeakable. She just never did, so much red tape became so wrapped up in the job. Her life passed by, and her happiness dwindled.
"I quit my job."
"You quit your job." Bella agrees quietly.
"I brought a shop."
Releasing a breath, Bella reclines in her chair staring at Hermione in disbelief. Luna had told her to take it slow, to readjust to life. To not make sudden changes, buying a house was one thing. Now she had quit her job, left the ministry and brought a shop.
"Right," Bella nods. "Please tell me you signed a contract."
"Kind of,"
"Kind of?"
"It was all quite quick," Hermione groans rubbing her face.
"Okay, I will get my solicitor to check the contract, nothing is set in stone just yet…When does the shop become yours?"
Slowly, Hermione withdraws the keys from her pocket holding them up. She has the keys; she has everything in the shop. The only thing currently missing is her sanity.
"Well, fuck." Laughing, Bella rises from her chair.
Sliding into her cloak, she turns to Hermione with a raised eyebrow.
"What?" Hermione mumbles.
"Let's go see what you brought."
"Don't you have work?"
"Oh no, I don't want to miss this."
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Just a bit," Bella admits.
Groaning, Hermione leads the way to the exit, throwing a wave at Ron as they pass through the office. A smirking Bellatrix her only companion as they head towards the exit of the ministry.
Heading away from the brightness of Diagon Alley, Hermione heads through the back street, past the little coffee shop that she stopped off at with Andromeda. Noticing the closing down sign in the window of the coffee shop. She had missed that the other day so wrapped up in talking with Andromeda she hadn't noticed.
Pausing outside the run-down shop, Hermione manages a smile, fishing in her pocket for the key. The windows are stained yellow, and piles of books are crammed on the shelf. The sign hangs off its hinges swinging in the gentle breeze. The skeleton key jingles in the door, the clunk of the lock as it turns. Twisting the handle Hermione presses against the door, it rattles but doesn't move. Groaning she gives it another shove, the door refusing to budge.
A hand on her shoulder moves her out the way as Bellatrix steps in front of the door. A sharp shove of her shoulder the door swings open a bluster of dust sweeps out making them both wince.
Stepping aside, Bellatrix allows Hermione to enter first, the key still held in her hands as she moves into the shop. Staring around at the dust gathered on shelves and books spewed around. An old register with a cash drawer open, the fireplace boarded up, dried wax on the old wooden floor. When she visited the other day, the shop had looked brighter, and more alive, today it feels as though no one has been there for years.
A thump makes her jump as Bellatrix shifts through books thrown aside. Moving towards the back of the shop, Hermione nudges the door open. A storeroom, a small toilet and a sink. A door to a tiny courtyard, and stairs leading upwards. The steps creak under her feet as she heads up, stopping at the shut door. Opening the door, she finds the studio apartment. An out-of-date kitchen an old range cooker long since disused an empty open planned living room. Three steps lead to the bedroom and en-suite bathroom. A crack in the window letting in a gust of wind the creaking of the sign outside.
"Nice," Bellatrix states coming to a stop behind Hermione.
"Yeah," Hermione smiles.
"Are you doing this?"
"I signed the contract."
"I can get you out of it, you know that" Bellatrix reassures.
Stepping into the room Hermione stares at the high ceiling, despite the amount of work the shop requires. Despite the slightly dodgy location, she couldn't be happier with the outcome.
"It's mine." Hermione breathes. "I may have used pretty much all my savings. But it's mine."
"Looks like I've got some busy nights ahead."
"Oh?" Hermione asks turning to the witch.
"Hmm, I've seen you paint, that's my nights sorted."
"You're going to help?"
"Wouldn't miss it." Bella grins. "I don't want to put a damper on this, but do you have a backup plan if this doesn't work out?"
"Umm, not sure."
"Tell you what, I'll get my solicitor to have a look into the local neighbourhood to see what's happening."
"That be great, where do you think we should start?"
"We? Oh no, I have work."
"You just said…"
"Painting, I'll be back with food, wine and paint later, this, this is all you."
Clash. Hermione flinches, as Bellatrix draws her wand swirling around, she leads the way back down the stairs. Wand drawn; Hermione follows behind heading to the shop. Groaning at the ceiling collapses the leaking pipe.
"I'd start with finding the water shut off," Bella advises.
"Do you know a plumber?"
"Nope."
"Where are you going?"
"Back to work see you tonight."
"Bella!"
"Bye."
Thud. The door rattles as Bella heads out, shutting the door behind her. Staring, Hermione watches the water spilling from the burst pipe. What was she thinking about buying this place? Drip. Drip. Groaning, she draws her wand, transfiguring a bucket she suspends it under the dripping water heading in search of the water shut off.
December 10th…
The fire is roaring to life, the gentle glimmering of the candles suspended above. It's a gentle heat, warm, embracing any who enters the shop. A comfy leather seat, armchairs surround the fire, and blankets in baskets waiting to be used. She had cleared space to add extra chairs, a small serving desk, and a few tables. The smell of gingerbread, the cakes sitting behind glass coffee brewing quietly in the back.
The tainted windows, decorated by a young artist. Hermione didn't have enough money to change the windows, so she had scrubbed them clean. Found a local artist willing to work for free in return for advertisements. The latest fantasy book characters splashed across one window. The big bay window was a silhouette of Hogwarts. When the sun hits it, it casts a shadow of the school over the restored wooden floors.
They had painstakingly pulled all the books from the shelves and worked through each one. Until they had sorted, cleaned and ordered new books and restocked the shelves. A secret meeting with McGonagall who gave a tip about Hogwart's upcoming studies next year. The new books line the shelves, waiting for students to rush through the doors.
Decorations hang from the ceiling, a tribute to Hogwarts, Diagon alley, and a touch of a muggle. The gentle sound of music in the background the radio playing through speakers. In the depths of the shop, muggle literature, she was unsure at first of adding the section. Her worry was for nothing, it had become the best-selling section of the store. Curious youngsters wanting to learn about the muggle world, muggleborns and half-bloods with no time to visit the Muggle world. Order their books through Hermione now, she sends them via owl, or they collect them. If they collect, they get a free hot drink, which usually leads to the purchase of a cake. This usually leads to them staying and buying another book.
"Well, I'll be damned," Bellatrix states arms folded watching the customers mull around the shop.
Smiling, Hermione sits on her chair behind the till, jotting down some notes, and future purchases. Smiling, she throws a grin to Bella who's not long entered the store bringing a chill with her. The small chatter in the distance, Sheryl the girl who used to work at the coffee shop down the road, now working for Hermione. Happily chatting with customers, some loyal customers who had followed her from the coffee shop.
"Chatty one isn't she," Bella remarks placing her gloves on the desk.
"Be nice," Hermione warns throwing a concerned glance at her assistant. "She does the baking, without her, I'm screwed. Plus, she knows how to work the coffee machine."
"I'll be on my best behaviour, I'll even smile."
"Nice, not scare her."
"Screw you."
Chuckling, Hermione releases a breath, it had been a push, trying to get the store open this early. She needed to open before Christmas, it would be her biggest money earner. The storage still needs work, and she hasn't got anywhere with her flat, currently sleeping on an inflatable mattress in the middle of the living room floor with a sleeping bag.
"Painting still needs doing?"
"Bella, you don't have to, you can just chill out."
"No, I don't mind."
"Honestly, you've been helping out none stop."
"And? I enjoy it. I'll be upstairs, shout me when you've closed shop we'll head to the pub."
"That sounds like a plan."
Watching the witch disappear into the back of the shop, Hermione's eyes move to the flash of ginger. Crookshanks moves from his bed near the fire tail flicking as he heads to the tables. Searching the floor for any food dropped. Not too impressed with the move originally, the new place has grown on him. Especially for all the current attention, he receives from the customers.
"Afternoon," The voice startles Hermione from her thoughts.
"Mrs Tonks?" Hermione greets eyes darting to the door Bellatrix had just left through hoping the witch doesn't reappear.
"Andromeda, please," Andromeda replies staring around the shop. "I love what you've done with the place."
"Thank you," Hermione smiles.
"Miss Granger, I'd like to apologise for my behaviour the other day…"
"No, nothing to apologise for and it's Hermione,"
"Well then. I'm doing some research on potions, I was wondering if you had this book in?"
Turning her attention to the slip of paper, Hermione frowns. She has the book, but it's not the best book to recommend.
"I do but let me show you another," Hermione states pushing from her chair. "This one isn't the best,"
Smiling, Andromeda follows Hermione further into the shop, pausing below the shelf. Hermione had recently purchased the potions book. Written by the Half-blood Prince, a pompous name, but the information held within is very intriguing.
"I've finished," Sheryl's voice startles her from her workings out.
"Sorry," Hermione replies looking up from her paperwork.
Night has fallen, Andromeda had left hours ago with the book she originally came for and the book recommended. A coffee in hand the middle sister had wandered off, eyes lingering on the latest Henderson book due to hit the shelves in three days time. Hermione had made a mental note to keep a book back should the witch return to purchase one. Grateful, Bellatrix had not ventured down from upstairs. She had absently wondered how the witch would have felt to know her sister was only a few feet away.
"I've finished, I've shut everything off. Back Monday?" Sheryl continues sliding into her coat.
"Yes, please."
"It's just Harriet left to leave, but she's just finishing her pasty, do you want me to wait?"
"No, no don't worry. Head home, thank you so much for today."
"Don't worry about it," Sheryl grins. "I'm enjoying it. There are a few bits left but I thought your friend might finish them off. Also, I'm thinking of doing mince pies what do you think?"
"I think that'll be great," Hermione smiles. "Thanks, Sheryl have a good weekend."
Turning the sign on the door to closed, Hermione waves goodbye to Harriet with a sigh. The witch is a lovely old lady, but blimey she's slow. Wincing Hermione watches the witch huddle away, wondering if she should go out there and help. Shaking her head, she locks the door grabbing the remaining goodies that would go out of date by today she heads upstairs.
Munching on the leftover biscuits, she realises she's going to be fat before she sees the new year in. Nudging the door to her flat open, she hears the purring from Crooks before she sees him. Rolling around on the floor trying to gain Bellatrix's attention, swatting the witch's foot for good measure.
"Hey, I've got leftover goodies… What's that?" Hermione asks before trailing off.
"I… I leant against the shelf, and it broke." Bellatrix remarks absently waving her hand towards the broken shelf that had held Hermione's financial documents. Those dark eyes remain fixed on the paperwork.
"Okay, why are you still reading it?"
"This is your financials, yes?"
"Yes, so it's private."
"Hermione."
"Bella, pushing a very thin line right now," Hermione warns.
"This is your financial expectation for the next few months."
"Yes…"
"Within six months you're going to be eyes deep in debt."
"It's not important," Hermione snaps snatching up the papers.
"Not important," Bella retorts pushing to her feet. "In six months, this place could be repossessed by the bank."
"Bella, leave it, please. I'm working on it."
"Your retirement from the ministry is only covering so much."
"Bella."
"Listen to me,"
"What, tell me Bella what do you want me to say? That this place is a money pit? That I'm an idiot for buying this place. But I can't, this is the happiest I've been in years. For once I'm enjoying getting up and in six months, I'm going to be handing the keys back to the bank and crawling back to Croaker with a tail between my legs. I'll probably have to move in with Ron until I get back on my feet."
Sighing, Hermione throws the paperwork down on the side, falling onto her makeshift box used as a chair. Her old flat had come partially furnished, and the little furniture she did have is currently in storage until her new flat is finished. By the time she finishes the flat, the house will be reposed or if she somehow manages to introduce a cash flow, she will be able to sell it.
"I don't know why I brought this place," Hermione admits looking around the room, the half-painted wall in the kitchen. "I know it's a stupid idea, but I'll ride it out until the end. I've managed to organise a signing with a quidditch star, and that'll be just before Christmas. It's busier than I anticipated it would be the café has increased my takings by twenty per cent. With Christmas around the corner, it should have an influx, but January will be a pitfall. Plus, they're planning to do some construction work on the old shops they've shut down, so the flow of traffic will stop. They're planning on turning it into apartments. Luckily the guy at the pub is looking for some extra help, so I might work there a few nights a week."
The squeak of the floorboards as Bellatrix moves closer, shifting until she takes a seat in front of Hermione. Sitting on an overturned bucket, a pensive look on the witch's face. She can only imagine what the witch must be thinking. What Bellatrix must be thinking about Hermione's predicament. Probably worrying about her mental state, it wasn't that long ago she was having a panic attack thinking about leaving her flat. Now she brought a bookshop and slowly growing in debt. The repairs had left her short, the structure of the building needing more work than she anticipated. No wonder the old bookkeeper did a runner.
"You need a silent investor," Bella states casually.
Snorting, Hermione throws the witch a disbelieving look. Glancing at the paperwork the scribbles on the paperwork. A silent investor would be a hell Mary, but it would work. She knows, there's potential for the bookshop to take off, the increase in traffic the last few days has told her that. If only she could find someone who would invest and not interfere. Highly unlikely, she will just have to take up some extra work hope to pay the bills.
"Sure, if you know anyone." Hermione jokes rubbing her eyes.
She'd be lying if she hadn't been staying awake worrying about money. Fearing if she will have enough to pay the latest bill, holding her breath at any creak wondering if something else has broken. Crying herself to sleep for her stupidity only to smile at the customers as they enter the shop.
Bellatrix coughs as she wiggles her eyebrows making Hermione frown. Confused as to what Bellatrix is insinuating. Rolling her eyes, Bella nods to the paperwork once more before tilting her head.
"You?" Hermione mutters confused.
"I thought you'd never ask. You'll be back in the Black before Christmas." Bellatrix declares sweeping to her feet with a grin.
"No," Hermione starts jumping to her feet stumbling on the bucket.
"No?"
"Bella, no,"
"Why?"
"Because…"
For once she cannot think of an answer, other than her pride. She has no reason to reject the offer, but she doesn't want handouts. She's not looking to be saved, she's happy to go down with her sinking ship.
"I'm not a charity."
"Well, that's a good thing, I'm looking to invest, I help enough charities."
"No."
"You keep saying that word, but I've yet to hear a good answer."
"Why would you want to? You wouldn't invest if you didn't know me. I appreciate the offer, but I can do this. I know I can do this. If it doesn't work then that's on me, I can't let you risk your money in my mistake."
"Oh, because that will make me destitute." That is the sarcastic reply.
"No, Bella, I won't let you."
"Tough,"
"Excuse me?"
"Pet, I could buy this place and sweep you out in a blink of an eye. I could invest and you would never know, I could send someone in and pretend you have a first-edition copy and give you such an influx of money you wouldn't need my investment. I could get my solicitor involved, sue both the bank and the old bookkeeper, get your money back and nice payment that could see you retire for life."
Swallowing, Hermione steps back from the witch, she forgets at times, just what Bellatrix is. Not just the head Auror for the ministry, not just a friend, but the head of the Black family. Infinite connections, endless flow of money and enough stubbiness to outrival most. She knows Bella had enough power that she could have wiped the floor with Rod during their divorce, but she took pity on him. She knows the witch had enough sway that she could have had her niece removed from the Auror program regardless of the council verdict, but she didn't. Mercy, Bellatrix takes mercy on people.
The power is daunting, to know the witch could have something accomplished with a click of her finger if she wanted to. Instead, she chooses to play along with society, and wander through playing at Auror, because she enjoys the challenge.
"But I won't," Bella says softly, bridging the gap. "Another time I would have just got involved, discreetly, you would be none the wiser. I won't and I will respect your decision if you reject my proposal, but before you do, please think about it. I'm not doing this out of pity, nor is it charity. Honestly, I'm impressed with the place, I know you are smart enough you could have turned to the bank and sued them for breach of contract. I know this because I've seen the notes on the lease, the notes you have on the mortgage. You've already considered these options. I want to invest because it's you. If it were anyone else, I wouldn't be interested because I know they don't have an inch of your stubbiness. When you put your mind to it, you invest a hundred per cent. I know this place will be a hit, it's only been open a few days and you've already had an increase in customers."
Smiling, Bella pauses considering her words she looks around the flat that needs so much work.
"Merlin's beard you're sleeping on a bag of air."
"It's an inflatable…" Hermione corrects quietly.
"Whatever, this place was a dump you turned it around in eight days. How I don't know, besides I've been thinking about investing in something for a while. Call it fate."
"I won't be able to pay you back," Hermione whispers angrily wiping a tear away.
"Yet," Bella reassures. "You will eventually,"
"You hope."
"You will, I know it."
"If I don't, you'll just buy the place I suppose."
"I won't short change you," Bella promises. "Come on, let me invest."
"Won't you want a say in it?"
"Only if you sell, other than that, nope. Not interested, unless you paint something pink, then we'll have issues." Bella shivers at the idea. "Go on, I'll be the quietest investor ever."
"I doubt that" Hermione retorts ignoring the pout. "Fine, but they'll be terms."
"Brilliant," Bella grins, reaching into her pocket. "We can drink to it, while you read these over."
"What is it?"
"The terms and conditions, I had them drawn up the other day."
"What?"
"What?"
"Bella, you were already planning this?"
"After I saw how much it changed, I saw an opportunity," Bella shrugs with a smirk. "What? Don't act surprised, the moment you brought this place I was interested."
"Why?"
"Potential," Bella winks. "So much potential."