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

Enjoy...

Chapter Fifteen

February 10th…

Panting, Hermione comes to a stop outside the bookshop, music blasting in her ears. She doubles over trying to draw in a breath, sweat trickling down her back. Checking her watch, she's managed to run the circuit twenty seconds faster than when she started.

Smiling, she nudges the door to the bookshop open, it's barely seven am, but Sheryl's assistant is in preparing coffee for the regulars. The bookshop doesn't open for another hour or so, but the coffee shop has started to open earlier.

A smoothie waits on the desk for her, and a wave from Gem as she returns to her regulars waiting on their morning fix of coffee. Smiling, Hermione collects the smoothie, berry blast, oh she loves it.

"Morning," A croaky voice greets her, feet resting on her desk.

"Bella, did you shit the bed?"

"Ha, ha," Bella replies huddled under her robe. "Cissy visited me this morning, I made an excuse. I had to be at work."

"Your sister can't be that bad." Hermione remarks stretching her arms.

"You've met one of them, some consider her the nice one."

"Oh,"

Hermione had yet to be fully introduced to Narcissa, the name alone has put her off from meeting the witch officially. Andromeda can be cold at times, distant, and even Bella can be off-putting, a force of nature. Hermione isn't sure if she could cope with three distant sisters. Family reunions must be fun.

"Why have you been running each morning?" Bella asks groggily.

"You been stalking me?"

"Don't flatter yourself, Gem told me."

"I've been complacent since I brought this place, was time to get back into shape."

"Oh, because you've let yourself go so much," Bella remarks sarcastically. "Where are you going?"

"To change,"

Sipping her drink, Hermione doesn't check to see if Bella is following. She needs to shower, change and prep for the rest of the day. She hears Bella following the sigh, the boots on the stairs following her as she heads to her flat.

"Election soon." Hermione states casually.

Absently, Hermione wonders who is going to win office, whether it'll be Kingsley or Riddle. She hopes it will be Kingsley, she had worked with him previously, and he always seemed a level-headed wizard.

"What did your sister want?" Hermione asks stepping past her new assembly table.

"Something to do with Draco's birthday," Bella replies. "In Cissy fashion, she's throwing a party, and insists I be there."

"Sounds fun."

"It sounds like a stuffy event." Bella continues.

Stripping from her running gear, Hermione rubs her neck, heading to the bathroom. Throwing the clothes onto her washing pile she makes a mental note to do some laundry later. Switching on the shower, she pauses swigging the rest of her drink. Noticing Bellatrix has followed her through cradling Crooks in her arms.

Stripped bare in her bra and boxers, Hermione snorts. Bellatrix is completely oblivious fussing with the cat in her arms as Hermione goes about getting ready to shower. Shedding the rest of her clothes, Hermione steps into the hot shower listening to the creak of the bed as Bella takes a seat.

The heat of the shower helps ease her muscles since running despite the early mornings she's already started to feel better. The exercise always allowed her to blow off steam and run things through her mind.

"So, what did you think of the book?" Hermione calls over the shower.

"What book?" comes the muffled reply.

"The new Harper Storm book,"

Smiling, Hermione waits for the response, she noticed one of the books from the shop had moved. Had caught Bella discreetly reading the book when no one was watching.

"It's not awful."

Repressing the laugh, Hermione rinses the conditioner from her hair before she steps from the shower wrapping her fluffy towel around herself. She leans against the doorway, Bella sprawled on Hermione's bed, playing with a piece of string and Crooks.

"You coming round later?" Hermione asks heading to her closet.

"Maybe, I have court, depends on how long it takes."

"Fun."

Gay, Hermione is feeling extra gay today, she pulls her flannel shirt from the cupboard. Slipping on some boxers, she slides into baggy cargo pants and a white vest top. The silver pirate chain Luna had brought her from one of the muggle shops she visited.

"What?" Hermione asks noticing the witch staring.

"Nothing," Bella replies quickly turning back to the cat on the bed.

"I like wearing boxers."

"I didn't say anything."

"They're comfy," Hermione grumbles digging out her doc martin boots from the back of the cupboard.

Slipping into her flannel shirt she leaves it unbuttoned while tying the laces of her boots. Yep, she's going extra gay today. She hasn't gotten this dressed up in ages, it feels good to be getting back into some routine.

"Well I've got to open up, you staying or going?"

"Ugh, I'm going," Bella grumbles. "Someone needs to wind Dolohov up today."

"How did his date go?"

"Don't know, I decided to go home."

"Oh,"

"Why?"

"Just curious."

"You interested in Antonin?"

"No!" Hermione laughs throwing her washing into the machine. "I just hope he finds someone, his a good guy."

Loading the tray with detergent, Hermione hits on the button for the machine to start. Turning back to Bella leaning against the flat door with a pensive look. No, Dolohov is handsome in a rugged kind of way, but Hermione has no interest in the wizard. If only Bella knew Hermione's attention was focused on one person in particular.

Bella however remains unconvinced, eyes clouded watching Hermione. Smiling, Hermione pats the witch on the arm.

"It's cute when you get defensive."

"I am not cute." Bella snaps. "And I'm not defensive."

"He's your friend, it's natural."

"If you want to date Dolohov it's none of my business."

"Oh, lord please forget I said anything. I'm not interested, I just might know someone I could introduce him to."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, now move, you're in the way."

February 15th…

Election day, it's all Hermione has been hearing about, tonight the results will be announced and they will have a new Minister of Magic. Doodling on her notebook, the shop is slow for the day. The rain has arrived, chasing away any potential shoppers, the middle of the month. It always goes quiet. Sheryl has gone home for the day, closing the coffee shop early, and leaving Hermione and Bella with the leftovers.

Bella currently sitting in a chair next to Hermione writing in a notebook, chewing on a pen lid. Deep in thought, Hermione continues to doodle her stick figures, chewing on her sandwich.

"This is boring," Bella announces placing the pad down with a huff.

"Yep."

"Ugh, want me to organise the fiction?"

"Did it this morning."

"Sort out new stock."

"Did that too,"

"There's got to be something."

Shrugging, Hermione focuses on her random drawing, pausing as someone runs past the window chasing their umbrella. The rain hits the pane of glass, almost hammering for entrance.

"Can't believe Ginny is going to be a mum," Hermione sighs, throwing the paper to the side. "A mum."
"It's a scary thought," Bella remarks reclining in her chair staring at the ceiling narrowly avoiding Hermione's slap to the arm.

"She'll be great, Harry will be a great dad." Hermione sighs.

"Why do you sound so sad?"

"I don't know, I just… If I were still with Ron, I'd be an aunty to the little one." Chewing her lip, Hermione picks at the thread of her trousers. "It's one of the reasons we broke up you know, he wanted a family. I didn't."

"And now?"

"I don't know," Hermione shrugs. "I don't know if I want kids or not."

"Do you miss him?"

"Who Ron?"

A nod.

"No, not like that, it's just thought some nights. What if."

"Ah what if," Bella repeats.

"Do you ever want kids?"

"Never crossed my mind."
"Never?"

"No," a shake of the head. "Much to my mother's disappointment."

Pursing her lips, Hermione tries to imagine Bella as a mother, the child would never go without anything. She could imagine the witch chasing a small younger Bella around the house. Could imagine Bella and her child causing mischief. The child would be a handle full, and Bella would be a unbearable.

"What are you smiling at?" Bella questions.

"Imagining you as a mum."

"Ha," Bella snorts at the idea. "I'll pass ta."

"You'd be a great mum."

Bella waves the comment off, returning to staring at the ceiling, listening to the rain hit the window. The wind has started to pick up, howling down the alleyway. Hermione isn't sure what sort of mum she would be. Would she be a good one? Would she be distant? Overbearing? She has never really imagined herself as a mother, too focused on her career. Too focused on herself, she's never really given it much thought.

"It would be less lonely." The murmur from the witch besides her.

"What would?" Hermione asks.

"It's nothing… just the manor can be quiet at times. Just me knocking around the place, it's as though I'm haunting it rather than living there."

"That sounds incredibly lonely."
"It's home."

"You'll just have to move in here." Hermione quips. "The sofa pulls out you know."

"What about your bed?"

"Where would I sleep?"

"We can't share?"

"I can't promise my hands won't wander."

A snort from Bellatrix the idea of sharing the tiny flat with Bella, Hermione won't lie, the idea excites her. She would love to have the witch here full-time. It's a dream, a fantasy, one day Bella will meet someone else. Perhaps she'll start a family, maybe she won't but eventually… she'll spend less time here. In this little bookshop.

"You know, the other day when you mentioned owning a bookshop." Hermione starts.

"I know, it's a slip of a tongue. Won't mention it again."
"No, that's not what I was going to say. I don't mind. Bella this place is as much as yours as it is mine."

"I only invested…"

"Bella, you've single handily painted every wall of this shop, you've repaired everything yourself. I don't mind."

"Well, that tube of yours was helpful."

"Youtube."

"It's handy," Bella acknowledges. "Did you know muggles have this fascinating cocktail they call Molotov?"

"That's not a drink."

"Oh, I know, it's a bomb of sorts. I tried it in my garden, it's very effective."

"That… That's concerning."

The bell rings above the door, but Hermione is too focussed on Bella to notice. She's trying to decide if the witch is telling the truth or pulling her leg. The manic grin on Bella's face though makes her realise, the witch is telling the truth.

"Is this a bad time?"

Jolting from the desk, Hermione manages to make Bella jump at the sudden movements. Rising to her feet, Hermione turns her attention to the wizard poised by the desk, hands clasped behind his back.

"Croaker, sir." Hermione greets her old boss.

"Granger, I like what you've done with the shop," Croaker comments eyes wandering around the shop. "Much better than when Mr Williams owned it."
Ignoring the comment, Hermione had long since given up wondering how Unspeakables gathered knowledge. It feels strange having her former boss standing in front of her almost an invasion of privacy. Her hands clench automatically, her back tensing, her toes curling inside her shoes.

"Thank you," Hermione replies politely.

"Miss Black, lovely to see you again."

"I'm sure," Bella replies not rising from her chair.

"Hermione, I was wondering if we could talk," Croaker states.

"Of course, how can I help."

His eyes glide to Bella sitting in her seat, watching Croaker with distrust. An obvious attempt to move Bella along, not wishing to discuss business in front of the Auror.

"We can discuss it in front of Bella," Hermione reassures the wizard.

"Very well," He nods, reaching into his coat for a folder. "I heard you helped Andromeda Tonks with a recent spell."

Hermione feels the witch next to her tense, her jaw setting. Nodding, Hermione hopes Croaker isn't here to berate Hermione for helping Andromeda. Hopes that Andromeda hasn't gotten herself into some kind of trouble.

"I did yes, she asked for my assistance."

"It was good work, I understand the spell works congratulations."

"Andy has yet to inform me."

"I can assure you it's working."

"How can I help?" Hermione decides it's best to get straight to the point.

"Research," Croaker states lifting a book on herbology from the desk. "Research."

"Sir?"

"I understand you are busy with your new endeavour, but when you assisted with Mrs Tonks spell, it gained our attention, my attention. You're an asset, Miss Granger."

Sucking in a breath, Hermione leans against the desk, using it to brace herself. Too scared her legs would give out. When she first left the Unspeakable unit, before she had managed to turn the shop around, she had dreamed. Almost wished, Croaker would come for her. Wanting the wizard to personally overrule the verdict that she was unfit for work. It was a dream, to be needed, to be wanted.

Now though, she doesn't want Croaker here, she wants her little bookshop with her regulars, random chats and pointless discussions about the weather.

"That's very kind," Hermione replies politically.

"The truth is neither kind nor nasty, it is simply the truth. I have a proposition for you, I would like you to research for us."

"Research?"

The chair next to her creaks, boots thumping against the ground, Bella agitated. She can feel the witch glaring at Hermione, one wrong word could cause the witch to blow.

"Yes, your basement remains unused does it not?"

Creepy. Hermione nods glancing at the door, how does Croaker know that basement remains unused? Hermione is pretty sure it's probably flooded today due to the rain. It's a big job, not something neither she nor Bella will be able to do. She has potential contractors lined up, but they need the weather to change.

"The research would be simple, perhaps mundane, but your insight would help. I would be willing to sort the repairs for the basement and it would be a paid position."

"Part-time?"

"That's correct."

Crash, Hermione flinches as Bella's chair hits the wall, the witch storming from the room. The slam of the door shakes the house. The bemused look on Croaker's face as he stares after Bellatrix.

She shuts the shop as soon as Croaker leaves, she knows Bella is still here. Can practically feel the witch in the shop the anger. Hermione sighs, pressing her head against the shop door, she had not expected that to happen. She had told Croaker she would consider the opportunity, but first, she needs to speak to Bella.

Pushing from the door, she nearly trips over her foot as she comes to an immediate stop. Bella leaning against the doorway, face like thunder, arms crossed, eyebrow raised.

"Bella," Hermione greets the witch.

"Don't, I'm not in the mood to play coy."

"Bella, I don't know why you're mad,"

"Why? Oh, I don't know. Croaker turns back up out of the blue and you jump at the chance."

"That's not what…"

"So your going back as an Unspeakable, after everything you've built here. Fuck sake, that job nearly killed you. And you go running back."

"That's not what's happening!" Hermione snaps. "He offered me to do research part-time here."

"Oh, just research, I'm sure."

"Your paranoid, fuck sake, Bella it's just research. I'll just be looking at relics that's it. Just part-time. The money would be useful."

"The money, you're in the black, your making money."

"The shop is making money, a little extra would go a long way."

"If you need extra,"

"Don't!" Hermione snaps. "I am not your charity case, investing is one thing treating me like charity is something else entirely."

"No, you'd rather just throw everything away,"

"I'm not throwing anything away! Where are you going?"

"I'm not staying here before I say something I regret." Bella hisses.

"Bella, Bella!"

Bang, the back door slams shut. Rubbing her shoulder, Hermione stares at the back door. Despite the fire burning she feels cold, and the shop that is so normally inviting and welcoming, has turned chilly. She feels a stranger, the rain pelting the window, the wind howling. Croaker had brought the storm into the shop and left devastation in its wake.

Cold, and wet, Hermione holds the umbrella bum going numb. Bella hadn't returned to the shop, so she shut up early. Too chicken to visit the witch at work if that's where she went, she decided to visit Bella's house. Not surprised to find the manor in the dark, she's not sure where else to go.

Sitting on the top step, she has the key in her pocket for emergencies, but she's not sure if this counts. The rain has slowed to a drizzle, the wind easing, perhaps it's the giant trees that protect the manor from the storm. Perhaps it's the imposing sight of the building that makes even mother nature think twice about visiting.

If Bella doesn't return home, she'll have to go back to the bookshop. She doesn't want a fight, she had come to apologise. The idea of doing research fills her with excitement, she used to enjoy research. She's not willing to lose her friendship with Bella, not over something so trivial.

They haven't argued in so long, it almost feels foreign, and it brings back the memories of that night. When Bella had confronted her, the night Croaker paid a visit. When everything changed. She remains feeling sick, the idea that Bella might not return, that this could be the last straw.

The Auror is angry, the idea of Hermione becoming Unspeakable again after everything. Well, it leaves a bad taste in Hermione's mouth. She can only imagine the emotions Bellatrix must be feeling. The betrayal, the lies it would all come rushing back at that moment.

With the splashing of footsteps, Bella could sneak up on a wolf, the witch intentionally making her presence known. Sweeping across the grounds towards Hermione pausing at the top of the steps. The hood hides the witch's features, a sigh leaving proud lips. The bump of her shoulder as Bella takes a seat next to Hermione on the top step.

"Hey," Hermione whispers, lifting the umbrella over both of them.

"Hey," The soft response, the anger is long since gone. "I went to the bookstore, but you weren't there. I waited."

"I've been here."

"I waited three hours."

"I've been here." Hermione sighs.

"How long?"

"Long enough,"

The shuffle, the hood being removed as dark eyes survey the land. Hermione could not imagine growing up in such a house, with grounds so vast it almost seems unreal. A fairy tale, she wasn't poor growing up, but this is something of royalty.

"You have a key," Bella states.

"For emergencies."

"Is this not an emergency."

"No," Hermione smiles.

"I'm sorry,"

"I'm sorry."

They blurt it out at the same time, a tired smile forming on Hermione's lips as she hangs her head. The pressure as Bella leans more against her, the warmth from the witch.

"I shouldn't have reacted like that, I had no right. You don't need my permission, if you want to work for Croaker again, it's none of my business."

"Thank you," Hermione reaches out seeking Bella's hand. "You know I can never return as an Unspeakable, right? Not that I would want to, I never passed my physical. Even if I got into shape, my therapist's words are forever imprinted on the file. Even Croaker can't overrule them. I'm too much of a risk to myself and others, they recommended leave, retirement."

"I didn't know."

"It's embarrassing," Hermione whispers wiping a tear away. "Honestly, I was too embarrassed to admit it to myself let alone anyone else. Mentally unstable, no one would touch me not for a career."

A cold hand wraps around hers, the slightest squeeze. Even now, it's hard to admit, she will never be able to return to the field. The damage is done, she wipes the tears from her face, she's cried enough over this.

"I don't plan on giving up the shop, I love it. It's mundane and easy, but I love it. What Croaker is offering, is just research. In exchange, he'll fix my basement, and pay me an hourly wage which means I can hire someone to do a few hours at the shop. I can get a bit of freedom and I get to do research."

"I don't trust Croaker."

"You don't trust anyone."

"True," A stiff chuckle. "But I especially don't trust Croaker. If this is what you want to do…"

"How about we make a deal, if I get too involved, you can slap me."

"Just slap?"

"Well, I'd say more, but I'd probably enjoy it."

"Masochist," Bella mumbles.

An arm snakes across Hermione's shoulder, pulling the younger witch into a hug. Resting her head on Bella's shoulder, she holds the hand tighter, enjoying the warmth. The idea of losing Bella terrifies her more than it should.

"You can help me though," Hermione prompts hopefully. "You took the oath, so you'll be able to help me."

"That's true."

"If you want to."

"I always want to."

February 19th…

Smiling, Hermione discreetly watches Sheryl flirting with one of the workers currently renovating the basement. She had gone through the contract Bella checked it once more before giving the go-ahead. There was a strict mention Hermione could not be in the field and was only to advise on inactive cases.

It didn't matter she still got to be involved in something interesting. The first piece arrived a day before the builders. Bella took one look before groaning and leaving for the night. A new rock had been discovered with fascinating diagrams, runes most likely. Hermione had spent the night researching and dating the rock back to Pagans 1340 AD.

Croaker was quick to organise builders, and the security increased in the shop. Nothing Hermione would be handling would include state secrets but it mattered little to Croaker. A new front and back door would be installed soon. A safe would be added to the basement along with a different door.

Collecting the earnings for the day, Hermione waves Sheryl off as she leaves with the builder giggling. The sign on the door turning to close, Hermione carries the money through to the back room. Opening the safe she stores it away. The front door jingles, frowning she's not expecting Bella for another hour yet. She had convinced the witch to go theatre with her.

"We're closed," Hermione calls closing the safe.

Heading back to the shop, she sets aside her notebook, the earnings jotted down. The sale ledger for the day. A wizard standing by the desk hands in pockets, hat on, she sighs.

"I'm sorry, we're closed." Hermione repeats coming to stand near the desk. "You can come back tomorrow… Tom."

Bags under his eyes, his suit messy, and she can smell the alcohol on him. He had lost the election, Kingsley had won by a landslide, and it had surprised most people. Hermione thought it would be close to the finish line, but Kingsley had surprised everyone.

Lost, Tom seems almost lost standing in the bookshop staring around, eyes blotchy, hand clenching. She considers pouring him a cup of tea, to help him settle his nerves.

"Tom, are you okay?" Hermione asks.

A twitch, the click of his neck as grey eyes turn to Hermione, soulless. Lost, the fire he had seemed dimmed put out, she hasn't seen him like this in a very long time.

"Would you like me to call someone?" Hermione offers.

"Who? Who would you call?" He demands.

"I… don't know."

"No, there's no one to call." He slurs his words, pulling at his collar. "You made sure of that."

"I'm sorry."

"Bellatrix." He hisses the name.

"Because of you, I lost the election, I lost Bellatrix."

"I think you should go," Hermione advises moving towards the door.

A hand grasps her bicep, nails biting into her flesh, she gasps at the pain. Her back hits the desk as Tom forces her back away from the door. Nostrils flaring, eyes glazed, the smell of alcohol, she swallows.

"I lost everything, because of you!" He growls.

"Tom."

She shrinks her free hand feeling around on the desk for something to use. Tom bridges the gap, hand tightening like a vice grip on her bicep. The anger pours off his waves, it's suffocating the smell of booze, the body odour, the sweat, the clothes dirty. As though he hasn't washed in days.

"Let go, please." She asks nicely, her hand landing on a stapler.

"Everything." He repeats.

"Tom."