A/n: Hello, I thought I would treat you all to another chapter since I neglected this story for so long. So enjoy and until next time.

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.

Enjoy...

Chapter Twelve

December 31st…

Releasing her earing, she pauses lipstick hovering just inches from her lips, her eyes drawn to the figure in the mirror. Pursing her lips, she applies the last touch, before placing the makeup aside. Checking her dress once more, she tightens her bracelet turning her attention to Tom lingering in the background.

"You're not dressed," Bella states observing his lack of a suit.

"No," Is the short response.

"So, you're not coming?" A tilt of the head the only response releasing a breath, she turns her attention to the wizard. "You were invited."

"To a New Year's Eve party at a bookshop." The disdain is obvious.

"Too good for you?"

"We turned down Parkinson's NewYears' ball for a party at a bookshop?"

"Correction, I turned down the invite, there's no reason you cannot attend." Bella reminds.

"How would I explain that?"

"Explain what Tom? Explain how we keep our obligations to our friends?"

"You'd rather spend time in a rundown bookshop than…"

"A dreary masked ball, most certainly." Bella interrupts. "I told you from the start, I have no interest in that."

"That? You mean tradition?" Tom retorts.

Shaking her head, Bella heads from the bedroom, heels clicking on the wooden stairs. The soft steps follow behind as she heads towards the cloak closet. Mumbling to herself as she tries to choose the best coat for the dress. Why didn't she prepare earlier, she's going to be late. Of course, she is, she always manages to be late to parties.

"Your sister will be there," Tom continues.

"Even more reason to avoid the party," Bella comments absently checking a coat.

"Honestly, traditions are important."

"You forget yourself, Tom," Bella chides. "These are my traditions, my family's traditions, the Black family. I don't recall you ever being there before, do you?"

She can feel his grey eyes burning into her back. She's tired of this constant bickering, she has no interest in the Parkinson's New Year's Eve ball, and she hates them. She'd much rather go to the small bookshop and cheer in the new year with Hermione and her friends.

Bella knew the moment Parkinson's invited her, a fight would ensue. Of course, Tom would want to go, everyone who could influence his career would be there. The promise of finding more supporters, the lucrative investments in his political campaign. She knows he won't go without her, he has little standing in the circle. Sure he could charm his way around, but there would be the talk of her absence.

"It could become our tradition." He whispers his hand ghosting across her shoulder. "Our first new year together, I would love to celebrate it with you."

"You can," Bella reassures. "Come to the party I'm going to, now which one this or this coat?"

She holds the coats up turning to the wizard, comparing each one against her dress. Annoyance flashes across his face, the charm slipping, his hand tightening in anger. She swishes the coats, urging a response from him.

"That one," He remarks.

"Good choice," Bella praises. "Now are you coming to this party or not?"

"No."

Rolling her eyes at the child-like response, she slips into the coat, folding a scarf around her neck. Hands sliding into gloves, she usually despises gloves but this winter has been especially cold, despite the use of charms. She struggles to warm her fingers.

"Tell me," Tom starts following her towards the hallway. "Are you going to this party as a friend? Or to check your investment?"

Slowly, she draws to a stop back growing rigid, shoulders tense, her fingers itch for the wood of her wand. She hadn't told Tom about the investment in Hermione's bookshop. Not for any reason other than, it had nothing to do with him what she invested her money in. Which meant, he had been snooping around. Anger coils in the pit of her stomach, turning to regard the wizard.

"Excuse me?" Bella grinds out, slipping her gloves off.

"You invested correctly? In that shithole of a bookshop, mercy Bella, that girl has you wrapped around your finger."

"Watch your tone." '

"My tone, your too blind to see," Tom snaps.

"Is this why you've been throwing a hissy fit?"

"A hissy fit? That girl has you at her beck and call. Merlin, it's embarrassing. Think of your reputation Bella, when this gets out. Granger's failed career in politics, we all heard the rumours. It wasn't so bad when she worked for the Unspeakables, however, she no longer works there. Taken early 'retirement' we all know what that means. Means she probably got caught shagging someone again."

"Watch your fucking mouth!" Bella hisses stepping closer to the wizard.

"It's laughable! Wake up Bella, she's using you, the mud…" He trails off, biting his tongue.

"Finish that sentence!" Bella growls. "I fucking dare you."

"I'm just trying to look out for you."

"Oh, that's just laughable," Bella spits stopping in front of the wizard her heels giving her the extra height on the wizard. "This has nothing to do with Hermione and everything to do with me not giving you money for your political career."

"That has nothing…"

"That has everything to do with it. I won't publicly nor privately back your campaign and you throwing a fit over me making a business investment." Bella sneers. "It's pathetic."

Turning away, she flinches when a hand wraps around her forearm, unrelenting. The fingers bruising her pale skin, she barely flinches turning her unimpressed eyes back to the wizard. His normal calm eyes are a raging fire of hostility, nostrils flaring as his grip tightens.

"Think carefully," Bella warns eyes turning to the hand restraining her.

"You'd rather give a mudblood money than support me. Me? What are we Bella if you can't even support my political career? If you won't give us a chance?"

"Tell me, Tom, if I didn't have so much money or connections would you even be here?"

"How dare you, I love you."

"Yet, your fingers bruise my arm, and your hand cradles your wand?"

Blinking, he reacts instantly by releasing her arm, the wand rolling between fingers. She has yet to see him duel, she had heard he was good, and she was very willing to enter a duel with him. Would love to test the wizard's ability, but she's not stupid. The publicity if anyone found out they had duelled in rage if one of them ended up being injured. It could mean the end of her career, could mean him being jailed.

"I'm sorry," He states softly, pocketing his wand. "I… I care so much for you Bella, I don't want to see anything happen to you."

"I think you should go," Bella replies coldly.

"Bella,"

"Out."

With a swift nod, he steps past her heading towards the door, he pauses removing the key from his pocket he places it down on the side. The clink as it hits the bowl.

"I only want the best for you," He says calmly. "I worry that Granger has a hold on you, and is using you. Please understand that,"

Refusing to look at the wizard, she waits for the click of the door, the lock barring him from returning, the key resting on the side. Releasing a deep breath, she exhales, hands clutching the side table, taking deep breaths. Hands shaking she fights the urge to throw the glass vase.

He could be right… She could be using us, working with Andromeda to get back at us. No, no, Hermione wouldn't. Would she? She lied, all that time she lied. She attacked us, can we trust her? Used her dead father as an excuse. No.

Hand clutching her chest, she struggles to catch her breath, her body feels as though it's been doused in ice. The bruises on her arm are a stark contrast to the pale skin, in horror, she watches a tear splash against the cold surface of the wooden floor. Panic attack.

Wiping away the wayward tears, she catches her breath. Using magic to correct her makeup, she considers turning back to her room. Shedding out of her clothes, running back to her bed. Forget the new year, she wants to forget the whole thing. No, no she won't she made a promise.

The front door slams behind her, leaving the safety of her home, she pauses at the top of the concrete stairs, she could turn back. Normally the night brings her comfort, but tonight it feels oppressive, it makes her want to turn back. Grasping her wand, she apparates away from the manor heading to the party.

She lands a street away, hoping the walk will give her time to clear her mind. Her heels click on the cobbled steps, can hear the music from nearby venues, the loud voices. The crowds waiting to welcome the new year. She narrowly misses bumping into a bunch of girls stumbling to the next club.

The thumping of music grabs her attention first, Hermione had somehow managed to get a live band for the night. Someone owing her a favour from her past job, Bella knew better than to ask. The orange glow from the lights streaming on the street, the laughter and loud talking from within.

Is this all some ploy? After all this time?

The little bell above the door jingles at the entrance as the warmth of the shop instantly greets her. Shedding her coat, she throws it on one of the hooks, the mess of bodies moving around the shop. Hermione removed the shelves and books to make room for a dance floor. The little café turned into a makeshift bar, with several people serving. She recognises some faces in the crowd. I should leave. She doesn't feel right tonight.

"Bella!"

"Oof,"

She stumbles from the force of the hug, arms thrown around her shoulders. Their height is even more obvious as her arms slide around the waist. Inhaling the vanilla body soap, the soft body pressing against her. The vibration from the chuckle, flushed cheeks come into view, hazy eyes and a broad grin.

"You look fucking beautiful," Hermione whispers.

Bella cannot help but blush when those hazel eyes stare at Bella as though she were a priceless artefact. A deep blush forms on Hermione's face when their eyes connect ashamed at being caught for admiring the Auror so obviously. A lazy grin formed on pale pink lips, the slightest smudge of mascara.

The noise of the room seems to vanish along with her concerns, the fight with Tom all forgotten for that brief moment. Captivated by those hazel eyes, reality returns when a glass smashes, a cheer from the crowd. A flash of annoyance from the witch in her arms turned to the source of the accident.

Only just realising she's still holding the witch, hands resting on Hermione's waist. The warm hands pressed against Bella's shoulders, her attention on the crowd.

"That's the fifth glass," Hermione whispers. "God, I knew this would be a bad idea."

"Isn't this why you dragged me to that maze, to buy cheap glasses."

"Ikea," Hermione corrects.

"Maze of furniture, with good meatballs though."

"Right," Hermione agrees. "I told you, you'd enjoy them."

"You did," Bella confirms.

She had dreaded going around the maze, it felt so claustrophobic as they meandered around the shop. No windows, only fake ones Hermione pushed a trolley, stopping ever so often to sit on a sofa or to touch a rug. Bella refused to admit she was having a panic attack in the shop, and that she wanted to escape. Only to find out, they didn't need to go around the showroom, they could have gone straight to the shop and got what they needed. Punishment was pure torture.

Slowly, Bella removes her hands from the witch's waist, Hermione realising she was still holding on to the witch blushes even more.

"I thought you changed your mind," Hermione remarks. "I was going to send a search party."

"Oh, weren't coming to get me yourself?" Bella teases accepting a drink from Hermione.

"Someone took my wand,"

"Your wand?"

"Yeah, I started having second doubts before the party started, was going to cancel. So Ginny supplied me with shots, I think Ron hid my wand so I didn't do anything stupid."

"Oh, there's me hoping you were going to come and throw me over your shoulder." Bella teases.

"I don't think I could,"

"You calling me fat?"

"No your bony, you'll just dig your elbows in."

"Rude." Smiling, Bella takes a sip from her glass as she admires Hermione in her cocktail glass. "You look stunning by the way."

"Thank you, this was all Ginny."

Chuckling, Bella sips at her drink wincing at the strength of the alcohol. Someone was being generous with the servings. Hermione's dress is cute, hugging the younger witch in all the right places, showing a bit too much skin for Bella's comfort.

"Hermione!" A voice shouts from the crowd. "Come here!"

Waving at the shouting wizard, Hermione turns back to Bella.

"Go, you're being summoned."

"Are you sure, you just got here?"

"Don't worry I won't run away. I'm going to speak with Luna."

"Okay."

A hand grazes Bella's arm as Hermione slinks past to disappear into the crowd. Smiling, Bella moves through the crowd heading to the smiling blonde witch.

Thirty minutes till midnight, Bella takes a deep breath she hasn't seen Hermione since she was called away. Bella spent time mingling with co-workers and associates, it's been a rather pleasant evening. Emotionally drained she slips through the crowd heading towards the small courtyard, whiskey in hand, she had stolen it from behind the bar. The door propped open, and she steps outside, taking a big lungful of the cold night's air, the heat from the party suffocating. The whiff of cigarette smoke catches her attention she turns to the witch chilling just out of sight.

Head resting against the brick wall, eyes closed, half-burnt cigarette in hand, enjoying the solitude of the outside world. Stepping over a small wall, Bella takes a seat near the witch, an eyelid cracking open. A flash of fear at being caught smoking, the choke on the latest inhale.

"Hey…" They cough leaning forward.

"Smoking huh?" Bella teases.

"It's not mine, I'm holding it for someone," Hermione lies.

"I'm sure," Bella chuckles, plucking the cigarette from the witch she stumps out. "They're bad for you."

"Aren't most things?"

"True," Bella concedes.

"Did you steal that?"

"No proof," Bella shrugs sipping from the bottle.

"Well at least share."

"No."

"No honour amongst thieves."

Smiling, Bella pours some of the liquid into Hermione's glass, a smile on her lips. A murmured thank you as she sips the dark liquid wincing at the burn.

"Why you out here?"

"I needed five minutes," Hermione answers.

"You have a flat."

"Yeah, there's a couple in my bed having sex… so I'm out here."

"Ew," Bella winces. "On the airbag?"

"Inflatable…" Hermione murmurs.

Smirking into her drink, Bella knows it's called an inflatable mattress, and also knows the shop she was dragged to is called Ikea. She just takes great enjoyment in winding the witch up.

"Oh, my new bed frame arrives on the fourth," Hermione informs her.

"Best get that room painted then,"

"Right."

It's difficult, sitting in the courtyard, over a month ago they had screamed at each other like banshees. Drawn blood, she had watched Hermione convulsing on the ground for breaking her oath. Had taken the oath to save the witch, watched anxiously as Hermione slowly began to piece her life back together. Plagued by nightmares, Bella had woken up to the witch screaming in her sleep. The guilt that lingers in those hazel eyes, the slight twitch at loud noises.

She's not healed, perhaps will never be healed, but she's getting better. In all honesty, Bella thought Hermione had finally lost her marbles when she declared she'd bought a bookshop. Her conversation with Mercy about Hermione needing to work for the Unspeakable unit, needing to remain with her career. It worried Bella, the strange turn of events, knowing the witch had put all her money into an old bookshop. She had prepared her solicitor for war and almost got them involved. Especially after seeing the state of the shop, especially after the burst water main.

Watching Hermione focus on the project, to create a new haven for herself. The shop becoming something much more than a bookshop. It gave her purpose where working for the Ministry had stripped her bare. Bella had discussed the turn of events with Luna, but the witch seemed happy with Hermione's progress.

"Did Tom not want to come?" Hermione asks swirling the contents around in her glass.

Tensing, Bella bites her tongue her mind drifting back to the wizard. Their argument, his words regarding Hermione. For a while they'd been fighting, Tom angry over Hermione receiving all the attention. The fight was the last straw, she was done with the wizard and she had no intentions of spending any more time with him.

"No," Bella answers. "We argued."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"We were invited to the Parkinson annual ball, but I refused to go. He was upset."

"You could have gone you know."

"I promised I'd come here."

"He's your boyfriend, I would have understood."

"Not anymore," Bella bites out taking a long sip.

"I'm sorry," Hermione repeats sadly, turning her full attention to Bella. "You should have gone, it's probably much fancier than here."

"It is," Bella nods, glancing back to the old building. "Much stuffier, hardly as much fun."

"Bella…"

"Besides, it's not the party that we argued about, it's the investment."

"Oh no, I'm so sorry, I told you, you shouldn't have invested." Hermione shakes her head in annoyance. "I shouldn't have let you, something bad was bound to come from it."

"Hermione, stop apologising, you've done nothing wrong." Bella retorts. "He's upset because I funded you rather than his political campaign."

"You can't," Is the sharp answer. "I mean you can, it's your money, but with your family's history. It would sway the votes too much, it would cause internal issues within the Wizamagot, those rallying behind the house of Black and those who defy it. It would cause a political nightmare. He'd win the race, obviously, with that kind of backing, but it would at the same time be damaging."

"Exactly," Bella declares. "Someone who gets it! The Black family hasn't gotten involved since the late eighteen hundreds in any politics. Not since the Warleggan revolt of 1878."

No Black family member has publicly supported any political leader, not for a very long time. Some have held office jobs and worked in the ministry, but it was an unwritten rule in the Black family. Never to hold a vote, never to interfere in the ministry.

"So he didn't take it very well," Hermione summarises.

"Threw his dolly out the pram," Bella confides, topping up Hermione's glass.

"What's that?"

Frowning, Bella follows Hermione's line of sight, towards the bruises on her forearm. The touch of cold fingertips, grazing across the four bruises, the gentlest touch, concern on the younger witch's face. A frown deepens on the brunette's face as she puts the pieces together.

"He did this?" She breathes anger lacing her words.

"It's cute when you become protective."

"Don't brush this off," Hermione seethes. "Where's my wand."

"Woah, Woah!" Bella grabs the witch preventing her from charging off, pulling her down onto the wall next to her. "Calm ya tits, you're not going anywhere."

"I'll teach him to touch…"

"Alright," Bella interrupts with a chuckle.

"Why are you laughing at this?"

"It's cute."

"This isn't cute."

"Not that," Bella argues rolling her eyes. "You being so protective, I can handle myself, I'm a big girl."

"Should have hexed him."

"I should have, shouldn't I?" Bella teases, cradling the smaller hands in hers.

"I could if you want?"

"Ah, but you are not protected by the Ministry anymore. So where will that get you?"

"Satisfied,"

Smiling, Bella squeezes the hand held in hers, cute of the witch to be so protective. Although, she has seen the witch duel, the idea of Hermione duelling Tom makes her shiver. She wouldn't want anything to happen to the witch, but she also dreads what Hermione could do to Tom if he angered her enough.

"You still owe me a duel, come to think of it," Bella murmurs.

"Soon," Hermione promises. "Not just yet, I don't think I'm ready."

"No?"

"No," A shadow of a smile. "I think I'm lying to myself half the time trying to pretend everything is okay when it's not."

"A lot of people do that."

"Do you?"

"Me? Why would I, I'm perfect."

Snorting, Hermione leans her head against Bella's bare shoulder, her brown hair tickling the witch's chin. Swallowing, Bella watches their hands lace together, the warmth of the witch. Inhaling, the witches perfume, god's she could sit like this for eternity.

"I'm so glad I met you," the softest murmur.

"I am amazing,"

"Yes, you are." A gentle squeeze of the hand. "I am sorry about your relationship. I want to lie and say I hope you rekindle your connection. But you don't deserve to be treated that way, Bella."

Absently, Hermione runs her thumb across the bruised arm, almost willing the pain away. Smiling, Bella knows her future with Tom is done, perhaps in another world they could have been a power couple. But she has no interest in politics, she'd be lying to herself if she pretended.

"Five minutes people!" A voice shouts from the house.

Five minutes till the new year. Bella has never known the fascination with celebrating the new year, it'll just bring the same shit as usual. Although this year had taken a very unexpected turn, namely the witch in her arms. She had planned on ridding herself of Rod, she had not planned on Hermione barging into her life.

Stretching, Hermione moves from Bella, rising to her feet, she grins at the older witch. Offering her hand she pulls Bella to her feet. Watching the witch adjust her dress, Bella can't help her eyes wander across the bare legs. The laced heels, she's seen what's under the dress, many times. Tonight though, she wants to see it in a different light. Merlin, I've only just broken up with Tom and I'm drooling over Hermione.

"Shall we go join the countdown?" Hermione asks.

"Be rude not to,"

It would be rude, but she wants to remain in the courtyard just those two. The moment they step back inside, Hermione will be dragged off by someone. Heaven knows, she spends most of her time with the witch, but she just wants to spend this night with Hermione. It's bad enough that they missed Christmas. Bella was dragged to the Malfoy family as per tradition she dares not miss it. Hermione was dragged to the Weasley family dinner, although she doubts the witch hated it as much as Bella hated her time at her sisters.

"Bella, I…"

"Bellatrix!" The voice interrupts Hermione causing both witches to turn to Dolohov standing in the doorway. "There you are."

"Antonin, what are you doing here?" Bella asks releasing Hermione's hand.

"I need you to come in. Hi Hermione, you look lovely."

"Thanks," Hermione smiles.

"You too boss,"

"Antonin, I'm off duty, I've had way too many…"

"We have a lead in Silver."

"Silver?" Bella whispers.

"Silver, they're at the station."

"Grab my coat, I'll be right with you."

With a swift nod, Dolohov vanishes back inside the shop, the door swinging shut behind him. Silver, a code word for their biggest case, had they managed to capture the leader? Had her trap worked?

Those hazel eyes have sunken, dimmed, the smile is gone, disappointment so very evident on the witch's face. Hermione remains staring at the doorway, in a blink sad look is gone a smile forced, as though Bella had imagined it all.

"You should go," Hermione reassures. "It sounds important."

"It is," Bella acknowledges, all the while ignoring the pain in her chest.

"Go," Hermione smiles. "It's just a countdown."

"You were saying something,"

"I was going to ask if you wanted one of my special cocktails, but Dolohov saved you."

It's a lie, a very weak lie, Hermione was going to say something completely different. Torn, Bella knows who she could have sitting in an interrogation room, it could change everything. Knowing the disappointment she's causing Hermione, it's gut-wrenching.

Arms engulf her in a hug, a kiss on the cheek, a smile on pale lips. As though nothing had happened, as though Hermione isn't hurt by Bella leaving. Perhaps she had imagined the hurt, maybe it was the trick of the poor light. She forgets sometimes how much of a good actress Hermione truly could be, especially when it came to hiding emotions.

The bell jingles on her exit, the crowd waiting for the countdown as she slips on her coat. Hermione grabbed by Ginny as they re-entered the shop. Sucked in with her friends, Bella had only managed to catch her eye as she left the shop. A smile on her face a small wave, perfectly happy.

"I'm sorry I interrupted boss," Dolohov comments as they head from the party.

"No, it's fine." The words are flat.

Bella doesn't want to go to work, she wants to return to the party, to do the stupid tradition and count in the new year. She doesn't want to be responsible for causing upset or disappointment on Hermione's face. Forcing her feet forward, she wants to turn back to return to the party.

Her wand slips into her hand just as the fireworks explode into the night sky, a cheer from the neighbouring pubs. One last look towards the bookshop, what is she hoping? That Hermione would have chased after her? Get a grip, let's go do our job.