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

Enjoy...

Chapter Fourteen

January 9th…

The little bell rattles at her entrance the door juddering, the rain has warped the wood. She will have to take a look at that when she gets five minutes she will need to sand it down. She folds the information away for later pausing in front of the till.

The redhead is too distracted to notice Bella entrance, the witch too engrossed in a book, mouth moving along with the words. A look of disbelief on her face. Rolling her eyes, Bella looks around the room, Sheryl is working the café, and the shop is quiet. The fire slowly dying down, it's nearly closing time.

"Bloody hell," the redhead shouts grasping her chest in shock. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Too long," Bella retorts. "Where's Granger?"

"Date."

Swallowing, Bella glances back at the front door, wondering if she should leave. She wasn't meant to be visiting today, she just wanted to swing by to check on Hermione. Ever since they arrested Snape, Bella's been inundated with raids, arrests and paperwork. She's had hardly any time to spend with the younger witch.

"A date?" Bella replies glancing towards the flat above.

"With her bed and her pit of despair," Red chuckles.

"Come on Red, I'm too tired for riddles."

"No, you just dumped his arse." Red grins.

"Ha. Ha. Funny." Bella remarks.

"It's Ginny by the way,"

"I know."

"Right," Ginny frowns reclining in the chair. "She's in bed, she's got a raging cold. Infected, I'd stay away."

"She left you in charge?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Smirking, Bella fails to reply heading to the back area, ignoring the mutters from Ginny. The stairs creak as she heads to the flat above using her key to enter, she wonders if Hermione ever realised Bella took a key. Probably has figured it out by now.

The meowing of Crooks as he comes running to greet her, rubbing between her legs, she tickles his chin. Noticing the light from the bedroom, she sheds her wet cloak throwing it to the side. Grabbing a glass, she pours herself a drink before heading to greet the witch.

"Ginny," The croaky voice calls from the bedroom. "I told you, I don't want any soup. Please."

"Good job," Bella comments stepping into the room. "I only bring myself."

"Bella," A flash of grin interrupted by a coughing fit. "I didn't know you were coming."

Nudging a box closer to the bed, Bella takes a seat, her feet aching. She has been on her feet all night and day with interrogations and interviews. She jolts as Crooks jumps onto her lap purring and padding, rolling her eyes she places her glass down. Stroking the cat as he rolls around on her lap playfully attacking her hand.

"Turncoat," Hermione mumbles watching the interaction. "She's here to see me."

"Ha, sorry love, he's cuter."

"I can't argue with that, if I purr will scratch my belly." Hermione quips.

"I'll see," Smiling, Bella watches as Hermione flicks through the book on her bed. "Shouldn't you be sleeping?"

"All I've done is sleep, I'm bored." Hermione sneezes as reaches for her tissues.

"Bless you,"

"Cheers. Ugh, I hate being ill."

"I don't get ill."

"Let me guess, illnesses are too scared of you?"

"Exactly."

"Merlin, you get cheesier with each visit." Hermione chuckles before breaking into a coughing fit. "Ugh. Did you want anything?"

"Food," Bella smiles poking Crooks on the nose. "Preferably something greasy."

"I think I'll be sick."

"Lightweight."

"I threw up my coffee this morning."

"Ew."

"It was devastating."

"Ha, I bet." Stretching her legs, Bella shoos Crooks off her lap before rising to her feet. "I'll leave you to rest, need anything?"

"For this cold to go away."

"Can't do that, sorry."

"You can't scare it away?"

"Even I'm not that good."

"Let down." Groaning she collapses back on the bed, pale-faced, muggle tablets and potions lining the bedside tables. "Sorry, I'm not a good host tonight."

"It's alright, I'll go pester Dolohov, I think he's on a date, I might go crash it."

"Leave him alone."

"If he didn't want me there, he shouldn't have told me where he was going. Get better, need anything let me know, and I'll bring it to you."

"My hero."

"You know it. Also, can't you hire someone other than red."

"Her name is Ginny,"

"She's annoying."

"I think the feeling is mutual. Besides she works for free."

"That's just rude, I'm a fucking delight. Ta, ta."

"Bye Bella."

Coat slipped on, she exits the shop, Sheryl slipping her a pastry for the journey home. The look of annoyance from Ginny at not receiving a free gift, the middle finger in return for laughing at the redhead. She leaves the warmth of the shop, the sun setting in the distance, and she tightens her coat to brace against the cold.

Apparating home, she appears at the gates of the manor opening the front door her heels click on the cold floor. Shedding her coat she hangs it up, the candles coming to life. The clatter from the kitchens as the elfs prepare for dinner notified the moment she arrived home.

Sighing, she rubs her hands together, moving to the living room, she rests her hands on the back of the chaise lounge. The fire springs to life chasing the cold from the house. Staring around the living room, she reminisces about growing up here, spent many nights under this house, and inherited upon her father's passing. Her mother preferred the summer house playing bridge with her friends in the small village in Scotland. Away from the rush of the city, away from the cold empty house. After her father passed, her mother found it difficult to remain, Bella was happy for her mother to remain in the manor. She had her own house in the city, but no, her mother wanted to be away, too many memories.

Releasing a breath she wonders not for the first time what to do. Too tired to focus on work, to wound up to sleep. She heads to her tumblers, pours herself a glass, she rests near the fire. Silence, no sound from the house, just the cold that sweeps past the doors. The silence lingers, the fire cracking. God, she hates this house.

January 18th…

Chewing on mint, Hermione goes about stocking the shelves. Reorganising the nonfiction, partially in boredom, but also because she has a customer who enjoys flicking through every book and fails to put them back in the same place. Coughing, she winces at the burn in her throat, the cold had knocked her off her feet.

Ginny offered to watch the shop while she rested. Hermione knew the reason, Harper Strong's latest novel will be released at the end of the month. The witch wants a copy. She also noticed how Ginny is no longer drinking caffeine.

"Hot chocolate?" Sheryl calls, the steam escaping her coffee machine.

"Please," Hermione replies, throwing a smile over her shoulder.

Arms full, she wanders back to the till, placing the books down, and flicking through the titles. She needs to have a clear out, should she place them on discount? Or store them in the back. Clink. A smile from Sheryl as she places the hot chocolate down, on the desk. A murmured thank you from Hermione. The smell of orange, oh she loves the special hot chocolate they serve.

The bell jingles as the door to the shop open. Focusing on the task at hand, Hermione checks her ledger to see which books she has coming in soon. The new herbology book about to be released, she may place the fourth addition on sale. Clear it from the shelves. Absently, she reaches for her drink, sipping, she winces as it burns her tongue. Grumbling she places it down.

"Good afternoon," The warm voice breaks her concentration.

"Mrs Tonks," Hermione greets the older witch. "Good afternoon, much better weather today isn't it."

"Much," Mrs Tonks agrees as glances at the sun beaming in through the windows. "You don't need to call me Mrs Tonks, please. It reminds me of my mother-in-law. Andy is fine."

"Of course, Andy." Hermione smiles, turning to the book in the witch's hand. "If I may enquire, are you creating a new spell?"

"A new spell?" Andy asks glancing at the books in her hands.

"The books you've been buying, at first I thought it was a new potion, but the latest books, runes, charms, make me think you're developing a new spell. I don't mean to pry, I just find it fascinating."

"I… Yes, simply put, yes we are trying to develop a new spell for healing purposes."

"Fascinating, well I'll wish you all the best."

"Do you have five minutes? It's not urgent my dear, I could just do with picking your brains over a few things."

"Of course, I'd love to. Sheryl, I'm just popping out for lunch, will you be okay?"

"Course, no worries."

Smiling, Andromeda hands Hermione the coins for the book waiting for the younger witch to run up the sale. Grabbing her coat, Hermione drinks her hot chocolate in one go, not wanting to leave the drink for fear of upsetting Sheryl. It burns on the way down, but she refuses to show it as she heads to the exit.

They head to the nearby pub, slipping into a booth just to the side. Near the fire, Hermione orders a small glass of wine and smiles as Andy orders a pint of beer. Curious, Hermione waits for the witch to explain the upcoming project.

"Would you like to order anything?" The waitress asks, placing their drinks down.

"Cheeseburger please," Andy requests. "No onions please."

"Just chips for me please."

Taking a sip of her wine, Hermione hides her smile. Bella hates onions as well. If only the sisters knew how similar they were, but she's not here to mend anything, she's just here to help.

"So, it's a bit complicated," Andy warns reaching into a bag before pulling out a folder.

"Can I just ask, why are you asking me for help?" Hermione questions.

"Your knowledge in the shop, your friendship with my sister, it made me curious. I confess I may have done some research into you. You used to be an Unspeakable, retired now, correct?"

"Yes." Hermione answers uneasily.

"I know you're bound by secrecy, but I was hoping some research could be used for this. I'm struggling with it, and I could just really do with some ears."

"Let's see."

Two glasses of wine later, Hermione realises the time, cursing under her breath, she hadn't realised how late it had gotten. So lost in helping Andy, she had lost track of time.

"I need to return to the shop." Hermione states gathering her notes.

"Goodness, is that the time?" Andy replies glancing at the clock. "I am so sorry."

"No, it's fine, I just need to get back so Sheryl can go pick her son up. If you come back to the shop we can continue there."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, absolutely, after all, I'm sure, the reason it's not working is due to the technique more than the spell. Only thing, Bella may come around, she's not due today, but she might still visit."

"I'm a big girl, Hermione, I won't cause a scene. Don't worry."

"Good."

Despite being gone for two hours instead of thirty minutes, Sheryl doesn't bat an eyelid merely smiles as she gathers her coat. Hermione offered for the witch to finish early the following day in return.

Between serving customers, Hermione focuses on the spell, jotting notes down. Andy is lost in the back of the shop, moving through books, wandering around as she makes notes, and talking to herself. She's occupied one of the tables near the fire, scribbling manically, deep in focus.

Flipping the sign around on the door, Hermione falls back into the seat coughing into a tissue. She rubs her chest, the ache remains from the cold. Popping a mint into her mouth, she flicks through the pages of her notes.

"I think I have it," Andy announces coming to a stop in front of the desk. "With your notes, I think I may have it. Take a look."

"That, that could work. Do you want to try it?"

"Oh, no." Andy shakes her head. "I have a controlled room in which we test spells, just in case. You're more than welcome to come along."

"I'm okay, you can just show me when you've got it working."

"If this works, it'll be a massive help. I will credit you in the details."

"I didn't do anything," Hermione smiles. "I just pieced together your workings, honestly, I just enjoy the research."

"Well thank you," Andy replies grabbing her papers she stuffs them into her bag. "I'm sorry for taking up your whole day."

"It was a nice change," Hermione answers, emptying the draw to the cash register. "Honestly, I enjoyed myself, I hope it works."

"So do I, months, we've been trying to get this to work." Andy sighs. "First a potion, but that didn't work, now a spell."

"if not, you might have to combine the two." Hermione replies absently, counting the cash register.

"What?"

"A spell and a potion, it's not the first, it could work. Especially in cases such as medicine always worth a thought. Could you pass me that calculator, thank you?"

"I never considered the idea," Andy whispers.

Nodding, Hermione gathers the coins and pushes the empty tray back into the cash register. She moves to the stock room to the hidden safe. Spinning the dial, she nearly trips as Crooks appears between her legs. Feeding time. Placing the money inside, she swings the safe shut, collecting Crooks as she heads back to the shop. Andy writing a few notes down in her journal.

"Did you want to stay for tea?" Hermione asks, wincing as a claw digs into her palm.

"No, no thank you, I should get back, Ted will be wondering where I've got to. It's enchilada night, Dora should be round. You're welcome to join us."

"No, thank you, I'm going to eat soup Mrs Weasley brought by and go to bed I think."

"Of course," Pausing, Andy bites her lip glancing at the door. "If I may, I don't wish to get involved and nor do I wish to stir the pot. But, if I could impart some information,"

"Sure," Hermione nods watching Crooks chase a leaf under the sofa. "What's up?"
"I… I noticed my sister's seal, I would know my family's lawyer's seal anywhere. She's invested in the shop, hasn't she… I know, it's none of my business. I just wish you to be cautious,"

"Bella has invested, it's no secret," Hermione nods, folding her arms she leans against the desk.

"She did similar to my husband's business."

"I didn't know he had a business."

"He doesn't anymore. Bellatrix invested, and it wasn't long after I became pregnant with Dora, for a while, there was no issue. Not long after Dora was born, we lost the restaurant to Bella. Ted was devastated. A few months' worth of money that's all he was given. The solicitors Bella uses, well, we didn't have the kind of money for a legal suit. Ted took a job at the ministry,"

"Why would she do that?" Hermione questions.

"She invested because she wanted to be in control. I was no longer part of her life, we were flourishing, and she brought shares in the business under the pseudonym company. Bella is the very same as our father, charismatic, fearless, but cunning. She doesn't know how to show emotion, and neither of them has the capability of feeling emotions especially love. So, they control, I refused her entry to Dora while she was a baby, I didn't want my family involved not after everything. If you let one in, they all seep in. I didn't need them. Not long later, Ted lost the restaurant. I don't know why she did what she did, but I just want to warn you. Protect yourself, get yourself a solicitor."

Taking a deep breath, Hermione watches the witch slide into her coat. Heart pounding beneath her ribcage, Hermione considers the witch's words. Is it true? Did Bella do this to have some control over Hermione?

"Thank you, Andy,"

"I just wanted you to be aware."

"I understand, I also hope you understand what I am about to say has no reflection on you. But, I don't think Bella is capable of that. The Bella I know would never do something like that, not to me. I believe that wholeheartedly, and what happened to you is unforgivable but that is your history with your sister. I won't hold Bellatrix accountable for that. After everything with been through. No, I'm sorry, I have no concerns about Bella investing."

"I see."

Tightening her scarf Andy collects her bag, brown eyes slipping along Hermione. The relaxed posture tightened an invisible barrier appearing. Andy not liking Hermione's comment.

"I hope the spell works," Hermione states politely moving to the door.

"Thank you, have a good evening."

"You too,"

Click, and the door swings shut, locking easily. Bella had spent the weekend sanding the door down, ensuring it locks easily. They had argued, Hermione bundled in a blanket watching Bella work. The older witch insisted the door needs looking at a fire hazard the witch moaned as she hacked at the door.

Meow.

Looking down Hermione smiles at her cat rubbing against her leg.

"Come on, let's go eat."

January 31st…

"I had to climb over the sodding wall," Bellatrix complains feet resting on the desk.

Ignoring the witch Hermione staples the decorative design on the bookshelf, stepping back to admire her handy work. Satisfied she starts stapling the rest of the decoration as Ginny continues to load the shelves with the latest novel.

"They're camping outside," Bellatrix continues. "It's freezing out there."

"I'm pretty sure Luna is out there," Hermione replies absently.

"Why?"

"It's Harper Storm," Ginny answers, shuffling the books on the shelf.

"Who?"

"You've never heard of Harper Storm?" Ginny asks gobsmacked.

"Bella was neglected as a child." Hermione jibes.

"That explains so much," Ginny grins ignoring the middle finger from Bellatrix.

"The latest novel by Harper Storm, it goes on sale tomorrow," Hermione informs the older witch. "I offered to give Luna a copy, but she insisted on camping it's something to do with the experience. I've kept a copy back just in case. Anyway, the author hasn't released a book in ages."

"Three years!" Ginny exclaims. "Left on a cliffhanger, we don't know who Amelia chooses to save. Felix or Argo. Felix is a warlock and the other is a master criminal. Both are facing the death penalty and she has to give evidence."

"Wow? Really?" Bellatrix remarks. "She has to choose?"

"Right, she has to choose. She loves them both, but if she chooses one then the other dies… You're being sarcastic."

Laughing, Bella sips at her wine ignoring Ginny as she flushes pink before turning back to the stand. Smiling, Hermione places the stapler down, admiring the display, it's a bit primitive, but once the fans get in any display case will be trashed.

"They're singing," Bellatrix remarks listening to the fans outside the shop. "They're not right in the head."

"It's called having fun, you should try it sometime." Ginny comments.

"Don't these people have jobs?" Bellatrix asks ignoring Ginny.

"Some people have lives." Ginny retorts.

"If sitting out in the cold is having a life, then I am quite content."

"I doubt you'd queue anyway, you'd probably just send a servant to collect a book," Ginny comments.

"I prefer minions," Bella jibes flicking flint from her blouse. "Besides, why queue when I own… have someone who runs a bookshop?"

The slip of the tongue makes Hermione pause momentarily, but Ginny remains oblivious. Bellatrix has already gotten under the witch's skin. Ginny is too easy to wind up, Hermione had confirmed her suspicions earlier, the witch is pregnant. She had seen Ginny admiring her stomach in the bathroom earlier. This means, Harry, is going to be a Dad, and Ron will be an uncle. She would have been an aunt if she stayed with Ron.

Sheepish, Bella clears her throat realising her slip of the tongue, not meeting Hermione's eye. Brushing down her trousers, Hermione tries to ignore the comment, but it's easier said than done. Andy's words have been haunting her, making her doubt everything.

"Hermione, back me up," Ginny demands snapping Hermione from her thoughts.

"Sorry, what?"

"You weren't listening? 'Mione,"

"Honestly, I have better things to do than listen to you two bicker." Hermione remarks, collecting the rubbish from the floor.

"Alright," Ginny grumbles. "Back your friend up here though."

"Yeah, 'mione. Back your friend up," Bella mimics.

Ever since meeting Bella has refused to refer to Hermione as 'Mione she hates the nickname. Hermione has grown used to the name ever since Hogwarts she's always been referred to her by her nickname she never thought anything else of it. A part of her is grateful the older witch doesn't use her nickname, it wouldn't sound right coming from Bellatrix.

"Why do you have to be such a bitch."

The argument continues, and Hermione is completely lost as to what they are fighting about. Or if it's just Bella doing her utmost to wind the redhead up.

"Oh, calm ya tits." Bella comments. "High blood pressure isn't good for the little one."

Silence, Hermione stills halfway to the bin, looking back to Ginny who stares open-mouthed. A raise of an eyebrow from the dark witch, the smirk on red lips, if she wasn't being so insufferable, Hermione would happily cross the room to kiss the Auror. Her blouse is partially unbuttoned, revealing her cleavage, and her legs resting on the desk. Hair slightly messy from the wind, Bellatrix could have easily just walked off the catwalk.

"You told her?" Ginny hisses at Hermione.

"Me? I wasn't even sure myself," Hermione remarks.

"I told you at New Year!" Ginny argues.

"Did you?"
"After the countdown, you asked why I wasn't drinking… You don't remember."

"I'm so sorry Ginny, I don't remember, I had a lot to drink."

"Merlin's beard. Your bloody useless."

"Sorry, but yay!" Hermione forces a grin, ignoring the disbelieving look levelled at her.

"So, what is it? Boy or girl? Do you know the father?" Bella questions.

"I'm going to kill you…"
"Whoa, whoa," Hermione interrupts, grabbing Ginny by the elbow. "Let's not shall we."

"How do you tolerate her? Honestly."

"Granger isn't as easy to wind up as you."

"Bella, please."

"It's the hormones, Cissy was unbearable." Bella chats flicking through a magazine.

"Best not get pregnant then," Ginny shoots back. "They might lock you in an asylum."

"Ginny,"

"Oh, look at that, she has got claws." Bellatrix chuckles. "Trust me kitten, there's nowhere strong enough to hold me."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione guides Ginny away from Bellatrix. Trying to ignore the word kitten, the way Bellatrix had purred the word. The way it had sent shivers down Hermione's spine.

"Do I have to go over the wall?" Ginny asks slipping into her coat.

"No, just use the gate, like normal people."

"Boring!" Bella shouts from the front of the shop.

"Honestly Ginny, I'm so happy for you," Hermione says dragging the redhead into a hug. "How's Harry taking it?"

"You know Harry, he always wanted a family."

"Are you not excited?"

"I am, I am. I just. I'm not allowed to fly, I can't exactly win matches in this condition. So, I just feel a bit of a loss."

"Why don't you do some freelance writing, commentating on Quidditch? You still get to see the matches, but it's not as involved."

"That's a good idea, but I have no idea where to start."

"Oh please, your essays were brilliant in school, just get involved and start sending some pieces off. Go from there."

"Suppose. Are you still coming to Sunday lunch?"

"I will see," Hermione states. "I'll let you know."

"Okay, speak soon."

"Bye, darling!" Bella shouts. "Try not to get mugged by fans."

"I'm going to curse her."

"Ignore her, oh and here, hide it though,"

"The latest novel?" Ginny whispers holding the book. "How much do I owe you."

"Nothing, it's the least I could do, you've been helping out lately."

"You're the best."

Kissing Ginny on the cheek, Hermione watches the redhead head out the back door. Unlatching the wooden gate she disappears down the alleyway. Smirking, Hermione notices an overturned plant pot most likely knocked over by Bellatrix as she scaled the wall.

Shaking her head, Hermione locks the back door, heading back to the front of the shop, she dulls some of the lights. The display case is ready, tomorrow will be manic she doubts she will get any sleep tonight.

Acting indifferent, Bella continues to browse through a magazine peeping occasionally to watch Hermione move back into the room. Sighing, Hermione hops onto the desk, placing her foot on the chair next to Bella's thigh to stop herself from falling off.

"Anything interesting?" Hermione asks watching the fingers flick to the next page.

"Some things."

"Hmm," Nodding, Hermione picks up the witch's wine taking a sip. "I didn't know you were into astrology."

Blinking, Bella turns to the front page before chuckling to herself, she throws the magazine to the side. Snatching her glass back from Hermione she reclines in the seat observing the younger witch.

"What?" Bella asks narrowing her eyes. "You've got that face."

"This is my normal face." Hermione remarks.

"No, that's the face that says I have a question."

Biting her lip, Hermione shifts, leaning on her hands, she glances towards the door imagining the fans camping outside. The conversation with Andy playing on her mind, and she doesn't know how to breach the topic. She doesn't want Bella to think ill of Hermione, but at the same time, she needs to know. How can she ask without prying, without making the witch think Hermione doesn't trusts her?

A foot nudges her thigh, Bella nudging her, forcing her focus back to the room. Sighing Hermione rests her elbows on her thighs, smiling at the older witch. She picks up the nearest foot noticing the witch grow tense under the touch. Oblivious, Hermione begins to rub the foot, needing to distract herself. A sigh escapes red lips Bella shivering from the touch.

"I saw Andy the other day," Hermione starts focusing on the foot on her lap.

"She seems to be a regular," Bella remarks cautiously.

"She asked for help with some research. A spell to be more precise,"

"That sounds like Andy, always innovating."

"She noticed the crest on some documents, noticed you invested."

The foot grows tense Hermione can feel the calf clench. She's seen Bella take someone down twice the size her, if she wanted to break free she could easily break the grip. Could easily turn the tables.

"I see," Bella nods sipping her drink.

"She wanted to warn me."

"Oh?"

"About you."

Switching legs, Hermione rotates, Bella's right foot onto her lap, ignoring the way her leg slips between the witch's leg. Strangely intimate, the witch is unfazed instead those dark eyes focus on Hermione. A nail tapping against the glass, the slightest muscle twitch. If Hermione didn't know the witch better she would have thought Bella was considering what to have for tea. Not discussing a very delicate subject.

"I told her I had no such qualms, that there was nothing to worry about." Hermione continues. "But she told me about the restaurant, about…"

"Ted."

The word slips from proud lips, a tired sign. With the slightest shake of the head, the foot tense, Hermione presses on. Massaging the feet, wanting to keep her hands busy, needing to focus. She can barely focus on the sound of her heart hammering loudly. She doesn't want a fight with Bellatrix, not tonight, but she wants to be honest.

"And what is it you want to know?" Bella questions. "Am I the big bad wolf?"

"No, I just wanted to tell you. I… don't want any secrets anymore. I felt like I needed to tell you. You can tell me if you want, but that's not why I brought it up. I just needed to clear the air."

"Well, Andy should keep her nose out of my business."

"I don't think she'll be mentioning it again." Hermione remarks patting the leg.

"Oh, don't stop," Bella grumbles, removing her foot from Hermione's lap. "Now why won't my dear sister be mentioning it again."

"Simple," Hermione smiles swallowing as Bella places her feet on the floor, leaning forward.

Don't look, don't look. Hermione absently wonders if Bella knows she is unconsciously flashing everything. Hermione marvels at her own restraint focusing her gaze above Bella's neck, Mercy would be proud of her. Mercy would have probably copped a feel by now.

So close, Bella is so close, Hermione feet resting between the woman's thighs. Inches from one another, those impossibly dark eyes are studying her. God, she could drown in those eyes.

"Did you curse her?" Bella murmurs.

"No, I just explained the truth."

"Which is?"

"That she should be concerned about you," The flicker of caution in those black eyes. "That I intended to marry you for your money."

"Ah, I see."

"Hmm."

"How's that going."

"Odiously long, you don't get hints very well."
"If we marry, then what?"

"Well, I'll bump you off and inherit everything."

"Oh?" With a grin on her red lips, Bella rises from her seat, hands resting beside Hermione's thighs. Abort mission. "Who says you'd be in my will?"

"You'd leave your dear wife without a penny, that's cruel."

"True, but who says you're the only one in my will?"

"Well, how many more are we talking about? How many accidents do I need to make happen?"

"At least three,"

Grinning, Hermione rests her arms on the witch's shoulder, accurately aware of how close they are. The smell of Bella's perfume, the blouse doing wonders for the witch's physique. Also aware that Hermione is in her baggy cardigan, merlin's beard she needs to start taking some pride in her appearance.

"I can handle three."

"I have no doubt."

Smiling, Hermione flattens the blouse down, removing the wrinkles any excuse to feel the strength of the witch's shoulder. Merlin, she wishes she could just bridge the gap and take those red lips with her own. She could imagine Bella pinning her against the desk, the witch's hands buried deep, teeth biting at her neck. Nope. Abort.

"I'm hungry," Hermione declares using the witch as leverage to pull herself up from the desk.

Blinking, Bella steps back unfazed by Hermione using her as a climbing frame. Hands slipping to the younger witch's waist to stabiliser her.

"You want to stir fry?" Hermione asks.

"Ah, can't we get takeaway?" Bella groans.

"Nope, I know you can defend yourself against hordes of bad guys, the very worse, but I've seen those fans in action."

"Aww, are you concerned about me?" Bella chuckles following behind Hermione.

"If something happens to you? Who's going to be my security tomorrow."

"Bloody hell,"

Hermione swoons into the witch's arms, Bella managing to catch her last second,

cursing as she does so.

"My hero," Hermione murmurs.

Grinning, Hermione pats the witch on the arm, before taking the steps two at a time.

"Come on Grandma. I'm starving."

"What am I?" Bella calls after Hermione trudging up the stairs, "Hero or grandma?"
"Can't you be both?"

Narrowly dodging the hex, Hermione winces as the witch flicks her ear on passing. Grinning, she pulls the chopping board out as she goes about making dinner.

"No onions," Bella reminds me as she grabs the wok.

"Yes, I know." Hermione comments slicing the mushrooms.

"look at my future wife cooking me dinner, like a good little wench."

"When food tastes this bad, how will you know if it's poison or my cooking?"

"Ha!" Grinning, Bella throws the chicken into the wok. "Mercy would be jealous."

"We might have to find a compromise."

As Bella sets the table, Hermione dishes up ignoring the pestering cat she manages to place the plates on the table without tripping. Falling into the chair, she takes a long sip from her beer.

"Not too bad," Bella remarks taking a bite of food.

"You have servants right, they can cook?"

"Maybe."

Shaking her head, Hermione rests her elbows on the table, digging into her food. It still makes her laugh as she watches Bella eat, despite the way the witch acts. She has proper etiquette when it comes to eating at a table.

Bang.

Stunned, Hermione remains blinking in confusion fork in one hand and beer in the other. Staring down at the collapsed table food strewn all across the floor. Laughter from Bellatrix she howls in delight, cackling at the sight before them.

"Don't worry about poisoning me," Bella breathes between laughs. "Just put my furniture together."

"My table," Hermione mutters.

The laughter returns. Dropping her fork, Hermione joins in with the laughter, watching Crooks scurry to the chicken. Her poor table is now in bits on the floor. It's the last time she puts any furniture together.

"Fish and chips?" Bella asks.

"Please, I'll clean this up."

Nodding, Bella steps over the chaos on the floor, heading to the back door.

"Use the sodding gate!"

"Nag, nag."