A/n: I may have another story in the works, not the sequel to Paint it, Black that story will go ahead. Another story not as deep as the Paint it, Black series. It's similar in aspects to Not Strong Enough I'm hoping to follow up with that story after this finishes. I also don't want to let anyone down who are excited for the sequel to Paint It, Black, please let me know your thoughts.
I know the Bellamione community has kind of died on fanfiction, however I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has followed this story, left reviews, favourited. As you know this story has been quite a challenge for me to write, but the support I've received has been overwhelming.
Also each chapter is literally hot of the press, I write them the night they get posted.
I'm also very sorry. Please grab tissues.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Nineteen
Let's raise a glass or two
To all the things I've lost on you, oh-oh
Tell me are they lost on you? Oh-oh
Just that you could cut me loose, oh-oh
After everything I've lost on you
Is that lost on you?
(LP - Lost on You)
March 2nd…
7:15 PM
Jostling her drink, Hermione navigates through the growing crowd, the noise of the pub increasing with each passing minute. She's grateful they arrived early to nab a booth, the seasons are changing. The night is drawing out, the pub gardens reopening, spring is coming and summer will be chasing its tail.
With the pints in her hands, she narrowly avoids tripping over a wizard as she slips through the crowd. Hands sticky, she wipes them on her jeans after she places the drinks down on the safety of the table. Eager hands slip forward, dextrous fingers curling around the pint as though a snake.
Red lips broaden in a smile, the sigh after the first sip, shoulders relaxing as Bella gazes lovingly at the beverage. Smiling, Hermione slides into the booth, gathering her drink close, she surveys the crowd. She's eyeing the cocktail list in excitement, planning her next drink. It feels like a lifetime since she's had a night out. The sun is only starting to set and it brings a spark of excitement for the later nights.
"Ah, I needed that," Bella exclaims removing the white foam moustache.
"You work too much," Hermione comments relaxing into the seat, she enjoys watching the crowd, people watching a favourite pastime.
"Pot calling kettle black, no?" Bella retorts.
"I think I might have a cocktail next," Hermione comments studying the board for the hundredth time.
"Oh sure, get the expensive drink on my round," Bella scoffs in jest.
"This round was on Ron, so still my round." Hermione supplies spying on the ginger-haired wizard by the bar.
"Weasley?" Bella questions scowling at her drink.
"He didn't pour it," Hermione jokes rolling her eyes at the witch's behaviour.
"You two spending a lot of time together,"
"Yeah, he was concerned about the fire," Hermione replies noticing the frown on the witch's face. "What?"
"Nothing," Bella shrugs dark eyes trailing through the crowd. "Why doesn't he join us?"
"He's on a date," Hermione whispers.
"Oh,"
"Yeah, he wanted to show off by buying his boss a drink." Hermione chuckles. "I don't think he thought it through, especially when she realises Ron and I dated."
"Buying his ex a drink, red flag."
"I did try to warn him."
She may not have actively tried to warn him, she's never one to turn down a free drink. Hermione had stayed quiet when Ron bragged about buying his boss a round of drinks, to be honest, the girl did seem slightly impressed.
In all honesty, she stopped getting involved in Ron's relationships, she much preferred to watch from the sidelines. She always wishes the best for the wizard, but he somehow always managed to put his foot wrong at some stage. She was there to enjoy the show, what are friends for.
"So the Sunset Killer is still active?" Hermione states turning her attention to Bellatrix.
"Weasley shouldn't have told you that," Bella mutters.
"It's in the papers,"
"Ah, I'll let him off."
"He's restarted?"
"I don't think he ever stopped," Bella answers. "I think he stopped leaving bodies behind, how else to hide kidnappings than with a crazy cult running around."
"How many?"
"I don't know," Bella replies finger tapping against the glass. "I'm not investigating."
"You think it's someone in the ministry, you think it's an Auror or…"
"Shush," Bella hisses her foot kicking Hermione's shin.
"Ow."
"Shush." Bella snaps glancing nervously at the crowd. "Tell everyone why don't you."
"That's why your investigating Bones…" Hermione whispers leaning over the table.
"Stop, no, stop getting involved."
"You do, is it someone on her team?"
"Hermione," Bella growls in a warning. "Stop. I can't discuss it."
"Oh. That's not fair." Hermione pouts.
"Oh, don't give me that look, you know the rules."
Groaning, Hermione falls back against the cushions glaring at Bellatrix over her pint. The conspiracy group that had set up camp in Hermione's shop had discussed the ongoing investigation. Granted some of the stuff they were talking about was beyond the realms of possibilities, but it did make Hermione think. Made her question everything, Bella working late nights, and the pressure from the Aurors on the Magical Law Enforcement. It all made sense, no wonder Amelia was acting cagey.
Someone in the ministry was responsible for the killings or they were leaking information. It's the only reason Aurors would be looking into it. Which means the Unspeakables are also circling. Vultures, Unspeakables always hover near disasters, it's in their blood.
"I could you know, ask around," Hermione suggest sipping her drink.
"No," Bella warns with a pointed look. "You're retired."
"It's just questioning."
"No."
"Answer me this, is Mercy lingering in the ministry."
"Mercy is always at the ministry."
"Which floor?"
"What?"
"Which floor is she currently lingering on?"
"Wizamengot."
"They know something," Hermione concludes. "Croaker will be getting a warrant shortly,"
"Then why is Mercy there?"
"Leverage, Mercy will be sniffing for discrepancies,"
"Blackmail?" Bella deadpans.
"You said it not me."
Sighing, Bella studies her drink as though it contains the answers. The music has changed to something more upbeat, and Hermione can feel the vibration through the floor. She hums along with the tune, foot tapping. Mind drifting away from the topic, a part of her itches to know. To find out what is happening behind the scenes, but no, she gave up that life. Kind of, she still has some part of it. On Monday she will start on old cases, de-active cases nothing new.
"You miss it?" Bella asks swirling the contents in her glass. "Being an Unspeakable?"
"Every day," Hermione answers honestly.
Smiling, Bella nudges Hermione with her foot, a soft smile on the Auror's face. Bella would understand, the job may have driven Hermione mad, and may have cost her more than she can imagine. But she loved it, every part of it.
"Is this a bad time?"
The smile slips from Bella's face eyes darkening at the witch standing at the end of their table. Swallowing, Hermione cradles her pint, watching the altercation. She considers her exits should a fight break out, maybe smashing a window, jumping over the tables and running for the exit.
"Yes it is," Bellatrix retorts. "Find another table."
"I would like to talk," A soft reply even as the hand curls into a fist. "Please."
"I can go," Hermione offers.
"No, Andromeda can go, we're having a nice evening, why are you here to ruin it?" Bellatrix demands.
"It's about the restaurant," Andy explains. "How you saved my family from poverty."
"You told her?" Bella hisses at Hermione.
"No." Hermione denies.
"Miss Granger has not told me anything, although I am surprised to learn she knows."
"I can go," Hermione offers again.
"My husband told me the truth the other night, I would like to talk, Bella. Please."
"I'm going to go," Hermione states sliding out of the booth.
"Hermione," Bella protests.
"This is important, talk to one another, I'm going."
7:57 PM
Clenching her jaw, Bella watches Hermione slip from the booth, the reassuring look from the witch before she bolts into the crowd. Grinding her teeth, Bella watches as Andy takes a seat opposite her.
Hands folded, perfectly composed, her sister would make their mother proud with how she was acting. It's a shame Bella wants to curse, throw hexes randomly and smash everything in sight. Trust Ted to open his big fat mouth, why couldn't he just stay quiet?
With a flash of chestnut curls, Hermione reappears grinning sheepishly she grabs her pint glass.
"Forgot my drink," Hermione mutters. "Bye."
Smirking, Bella watches the witch once more disappear into the crowd heading towards the bar. She can't help the frown when she watches Hermione head towards Weasley. Are they back together? Is there something going on? They've been spending more time together recently, she had caught Weasley at the bookshop on his lunch breaks.
Hermione had considered having a family, and Ginny being pregnant had changed something in the witch. Now, the younger witch is looking for a serious relationship, was she considering going back to Weasley? Starting a family? The thought makes her nauseous, it floods her veins with anger. The idea of Weasley touching her, and the idea of Hermione having anything to do with Ron brings bile to her mouth.
"Bellatrix," Andy clicks her fingers forcing Bella to focus.
"What do you want?" Bella demands gripping her drink to stop her hands from wrapping around Andy's throat.
"To talk… I didn't mean to interrupt your evening."
"Yet you still did,"
"I did, yes," Andy replies her eyes trailing to Hermione at the bar. "She's nice."
"Who?"
"Hermione, she's a very smart witch."
"You didn't come here to compliment Hermione, if you did, you should have done so to her face instead of taking her space." Hostile, every inch of her feels hostile.
It's bad enough Andy had cornered her at the bookshop to talk but to track her down at a bar. Interrupting her evening, the anger is burning, growing. She swigs at her drink.
"You have until I finish this drink to get to the point," Bella warns tapping her glass. "Afterwards, I want you gone."
"I came to apologise."
"Ha, pull the other one." Bella snorts taking another sip of her drink.
"Why? Why on earth did you let me paint you as a monster all these years?" Andy demands a hand hitting the table.
There it is, the real Andy, not this fake composed witch with her life together. No, she wants the fury, the fight that burns in the witch. The witch threw everything away for an oaf of a man. Who stood toe to toe with their father in a shouting match. The witch broke out of her room in the middle of the night and jumped from her window to freedom.
"All these years I blamed you for our situation, I blamed you for ruining my husband's career. For destroying our future, I watched my husband turn into a shell of a man for years, working a mundane job. Just to provide for his family I walked past the restaurant that was once ours now in the hand of another. I watched your career take off, and your accomplishments plastered across the papers as we struggled from month to month. I hated you. Hated. You. Loathed you, for what you did. And it was all a lie."
"Glad you got off your chest, can I go?" Bella questions with a sigh. "I'm not the bad guy, woo-hoo let's move on."
"Listen to me you damn harpy," Andy hisses fist hitting the table she flips off a nosey punter who blushes before turning away. "Why would you do that? You saved us from ruin, my husband's mistakes… the money we owed the debts they would have buried us. You paid them all off, for what? Why would you do that? After everything we said to one another, let me believe that you were the one to blame. Bella, I don't understand."
Chewing the inside of her cheek, Bella stares at her younger sister eyes wide desperate. Despite the years that have passed, she still sees her baby sister that followed her around. Her sister she would read to her at night when her father drank too much. The one she snuck out of the house to watch the stars. Then Cissy came along, the three of them, she kept them safe. No one bothered them at school, no one. She made sure that, no one would ever harm them.
"You're my sister," Bella answers with a shrug of the shoulders. "Despite everything, I would never see you destitute."
"You could have told me," Andy whispers wiping a tear from her face. "Why let me hate you."
"You had left the family, I respected that. You broke free, and chose your path, Ted isn't a bad man. A poor businessman perhaps, but not a bad man. He made poor choices the other option was to let you fall into ruin. I couldn't allow you to go crawling back to father, it wouldn't be worth it."
"But to hate you?"
"You were newly married, you only had each other, and a united front is what you needed. Besides, it's not as though I didn't make money from it, now is it?" She downs the last of her drink eyes searching the crowd for Hermione.
"Please," Andy pleads hand landing on Bella's arm. "Can we talk, just for a few minutes? Please."
Sighing, Bella gives a short nod nodding to the drink a groan from Andy as she realises Bella's silent demand.
"You dare run? I will curse you." Andy threatens.
"Oh please," Bella rolls her eyes.
"Fine should you run you'll leave me with Hermione, who knows what would happen."
Grinding her teeth, Bella huffs as she folds her arms nodding her understanding she watches as Andy moves through the crowd heading to the bar. Her dark eyes connect with concerned hazel, Hermione observing from the bar. Bella manages a small smile for the witch, even from here she can see Hermione visibly relax before turning back to talking with Weasley.
8:32 PM
It's strange watching the witches talking, Andy ordering Bella a drink, the comforting smile from Bella, forced it maybe be but reassuring. The conversation she had with Ted was brief she hadn't expected it to have such an impact on the wizard. She's grateful though the wizard had come clean, the ring is still on Andy's hand, so that's something.
A cocktail slides in front of her, and she smiles her thanks to the barmaid, turning back to Ron who is sipping longingly at his pint. She pats his arm in comfort, she had come at the wrong time. His date had stormed off not long after Hermione had joined them, she is still not sure what had caused the drama.
"Such an idiot," Ron groans.
"What did I miss, I thought you were getting on?" Hermione states stirring her cocktail with the little straw.
"Yeah…" He trails off cheeks flushing red.
"Ronald," Hermione warns.
"I may have dated her sister," He admits sheepishly.
Snorting, Hermione barely contains her laughter, forcing a straight face last minute.
"You didn't realise?" Hermione questions.
"No,"
"How many dates with the sister."
"Two… maybe four."
"Ron!" Hermione smacks his arms.
"I forgot."
"Did you have sex?"
"Maybe."
"Oh lord, just be glad she didn't slap you."
"It's an easy mistake," He defends.
"It's one thing to forget your date it's another to forget the sex."
"Ugh, I know." He groans reaching for his crisps. "Hey, you want to have sex in the bathroom for old-time's sake?"
"Really?"
"What?"
"You might forget," Hermione teases.
"I'd never forget you." He winks.
"And that's a no for me," Hermione chuckles sipping her drink.
"Who's the chick talking to Bellatrix anyway?" Ron asks spying on the witches whispering in the booth.
"Are you blind?" Hermione questions waving her hands in front of his face.
"No, why?"
"They're sisters, they're practically identical."
"Oh, I suppose."
Rubbing her eyes, Hermione shakes her head in disbelief, there is no hope for the wizard. Perhaps they will go to the same retirement home, both childless and lonely. Playing card games and judging others.
"I'm going to die lonely," Ron mutters.
"You and me both."
"You've got Bellatrix."
"She's straight."
"Ah, yeah." He sighs resting his hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, we can be lonely together."
"Hmm, perhaps we should pick out retirement homes now," Hermione jests.
"I'm not sharing a room."
"Fine," Hermione shrugs. "You can have your own room."
"I will."
They grin at one another a lifeline she couldn't do without. So grateful that their friendship didn't fall apart after their relationship ended. Somehow it seems to have made it stronger.
"Perhaps I should find you, someone," Hermione suggests.
"You could introduce me to Fleur," He wiggles his eyebrows.
"I think she's dating your brother."
"Ah damn. Which one?"
"I don't know, I lose track of them."
"Ha, ha." He grumbles eyes drawn to something over her shoulder. "Bloody hell,"
Turning, Hermione is greeted by the strong smell of perfume, the hand slipping from her shoulder. Swallowing, Hermione smiles at the witch who has stepped into their little circle a smile on her face. She's beautiful, and all the eyes of the room are drawn to the witch.
Hermione has seen her before, if her memory serves her right the witch is an ex-famous quidditch player and current model. Several books to her name, expeditions, discovered new magic and excellent duellist. Sapphire Gnash, long flowing hair, the latest fashion her presence is spellbinding.
"Hello," Hermione greets flicking a confused look to Ron.
Perhaps this was the wizard's lucky day, maybe he attracted the Sapphire Gnash with his boyish looks. That will mean Hermione will be at the retirement home alone.
"Granger? Yes?" Her voice is like honey, warm and inviting.
"Umm, yes," Hermione replies hesitantly ignoring the nudge from Ron. "Can I help?"
"Oh, where are my manners? My name is Sapphire Gnash," The witch introduces herself.
"I, I know who you are." Hermione states sweetly. "It's lovely to meet you, how. How do you know me?"
"Well through Bellatrix of course," Sapphire beams.
"You know Bellatrix?"
"Yes, we went to school together for some time, before I moved to Beauxbatons Academy for my final year."
"Oh," Hermione replies she didn't know that she will have words with Bellatrix about this later. How could she keep knowing Sapphire Gnash quiet?
"She didn't mention me, did she?" A smile, glistening white teeth. "That's okay, I just wanted to say hello. A friend of Trix's is a friend of mine."
"Trix?" Hermione repeats.
A giggle, perfectly manicured hand covers cherry pink lips, stepping forward Sapphire brings them closer together throwing a concerned look over her shoulder. The perfume is intoxicating the presence of the woman is radioactive.
"Shush, she'll hate me for spilling the pet name…" Sapphire whispers. "I know your good friends, she mentioned as much."
"You have pet names." Hermione summarises ignoring the pang.
"Used to, it's been so long. Things were a little different back then if you get my meaning."
"You used to date?"
"Shush, don't tell everyone, but yes for a short time. Anyway, she'll kill me for telling you. Oh, it's so good to finally meet you!"
It's an uncomfortable hug, the height difference Hermione manages to just hug the witch, her head inches above the boobs. The envious looks she receives would usually make her chuckle but she feels a child pulled into a hug with a relative.
"We should all meet for drinks, maybe somewhere less… well somewhere else? I'll speak to Trix about it. Keep in touch, Hermione,"
The business card sits between her numb fingers red lipstick on the front. A wave from the exotic witch as she moves through the crowd that parts like the red sea.
"Wow," Ron mumbles drooling after the witch.
Sick, she feels sick her heart is stuttering as though trying to restart. It's painful, the thump, thump of its beat, echoing in her ears. The fun of the night has dwindled, she's cold a stranger in the sea of bodies.
"Hey, this is good," Ron grins nudging Hermione once more.
"How?" Hermione asks placing her cocktail down, she doesn't feel like drinking anymore.
"Bella is potentially bi, which is great, you can finally tell her how you feel."
"Ron…" she breathes the words.
"Ah, this is great Hermione. You can make a move."
"No, Ron. This is worse."
"How?"
"Because before Bella was just a straight girl. Now… Now she's potentially bi. Which means she's not interested in me as anything but a friend, not because she's straight but because she just doesn't feel the same."
"You don't know that," Ron reassures. "Just kiss her, make move…"
"I have," Hermione admits. "A few times. Now I know she's not interested."
"Oh," Ron whispers.
"I'm gonna go, I'm tired."
"Hey, no, don't let this get you down, 'Mione come on."
"Ron, I just want to go home."
"Want me to walk you back?"
"No, the cool air will do me good. Thanks."
"'Mione, she might feel the same." Ron reasons.
"Ron, I can't compare to that," Hermione snaps pointing towards the exit Sapphire had just gone. "Merlin… it doesn't matter. I'll see you later."
Bellatrix is still deep in conversation with her sister, which allows Hermione the chance to exit the bar unnoticed. Her chest is burning, a hollowness that's growing consuming. Her throat tight, she heads home, not able to face anyone tonight. The first tear strikes the ground as she heads down the empty alleyways.
9:22 PM
Raising her hands, Bella waits expectantly for Andy to say something to ask any further questions. Nothing, silence Andy contemplating everything, the evening has turned sour. She had spotted Sapphire earlier grateful the witch didn't interrupt her chat with Andy. She could do without the witch, not interested in conversation with that train wreck.
She just wants to get back to having a nice evening, to catching up with Hermione. She had lost sight of the witch and Weasley, the idea not sitting well with her. Wondering if they've snuck away somewhere.
"She loves you, you know." Andy breaks the silence.
"Yes, I'm aware," Bella comments watching Sapphire exit the pub. "Bloody psycho."
"Not Gnash," Andy replies. "Hermione."
"Oh," Scowling after Sapphire, Bella turns her focus to her sister. "Yes, I know Hermione does, she tells me all the time."
Often in fact, it's cute, although Bella reckons Hermione took a knock to the head during their duel. A thought reoccurs she needs to duel the witch itching to have a rematch. She yearns for a decent fight and needs to see Hermione in all her greatness, it'll be a duel to remember.
"No, Bella," Two warm hands in circle Bella's. "Hermione is in love with you."
Scoffing, Bella rolls her eyes her sister has a screw loose, why on earth would Hermione be in love with Bella? Merlin the witch could do better, hell, Bella wouldn't even know how to please the younger woman. She had played around at school but never had a serious relationship. Only with men, whom she fulfilled her purpose for…
"Bella, I'm being serious. It's obvious."
"Andy, you're losing it," Bella shakes her head.
"No, I'm not." Andy sighs patting her sister's hand. "Don't pretend you didn't cock block her the other day."
"I don't know what you're on about."
"Please I saw you interrupt the chat with the young contractor. I see the way she looks at you and defends you. You've been sitting here looking for her in the crowd any chance you got."
"So, you interrupted our evening." Bella bites back.
"Bella, I'm not doing this to upset you, but you must realise where this is going."
"Nowhere, we're friends." Denial, she'll stick to denial.
"Friends," Andy repeats sadly. "That girl is head over heels for you, she worships the ground you walk on."
"Andy…"
"No, let me finish. I know it's not my place to say anything, I know that. Nevertheless, she's a lovely witch, she wears her feelings on her sleeve and you're too blind to see it. But eventually, you're going to have to address it. Because if you don't feel the same way, you're going to need to tell her, before one of you get hurts."
"We're just friends," Bella repeats folding her arms.
"Lying to yourself is easy," Andy advises rising from her seat. "Do something, you don't want to hurt her feelings, do you?"
With those words, Andy gathers her coat and a soft smile before she turns heading for the exit leaving her sister stunned. It's preposterous, Hermione may fancy her, but there's a big difference between love and fancying someone. Sure, the witch has kissed Bella a few times, but it's chemical, they're attracted to one another. That's all.
Shaking her head, she curses her sister internally as she moves from the booth she needs a drink. She needs to laugh this off with Hermione because it's foolish. Her sister is playing matchmaker when it's all in her head. Isn't she?
Pushing through the crowd, she places her hand on the sticky surface surveying the bar for Hermione. There's no sign until she sees a flash of ginger exiting the bathroom. Her heart sinks, Hermione mentioned a long time ago that the ex-couple had sex in a bar toilet. The idea had revolted her then, but now watching the wizard wander back to the bar tucking his shirt in.
She wants to grab him by the throat, draw her dagger and cut his balls off. She wants to vomit, but she forces the urge for violence down. A smile on Ron's face as he recognises Bellatrix standing by the bar.
"You want anything love?" The barmaid asks.
"Where's Hermione," Bella demands ignoring the barmaid.
"Oh, she left," Ron answers. "I'll have another please."
"She left?" Bella questions jabbing the wizard forcing him to focus. "What do you mean left?"
"She met your ex, then left."
"Tom was here?" Bella hisses, did they fight, no she would have seen that.
"No, not him."
"Rod's in jail." Bella retorts releasing a breath.
"No, the other one. The fit one. Sapphire, bloody hell boss, you kept that a secret."
"Sapphire?" Confused, Bella glances around the crowd.
"Yeah, said you dated back in school, Trix." He winks at the nickname.
"She stalked me at school," Bella hisses smacking the wizard around the head. "I hear that nickname again, I will gut you. Understood?"
"Oh," He frowns. "Sorry boss, I thought you two were lovers."
"Why did Hermione leave?"
"Well, she thought you were straight you see, ah thanks." He accepts the beer with a smile.
"What does me, being straight have to do with anything?" Bella demands annoyed at the wizard's lack of focus.
"Well, you being straight just means you weren't into Hermione because you know you're straight. Now she thinks your bi and you just don't feel the same."
"Feel the same?" she hates how weak her voice sounds.
"She loves you, boss, come on, you've got to know that?"
"So, she left?"
"Yeah,"
"And you let her with a killer on the loose?"
"No offence boss, but she needed to be alone."
Shaking her head Bella pushes through the crowd shoving the stumbling idiots out of the way. How could Weasley let Hermione walk home after everything that's been happening? God's if she could strangle the idiot.
Feelings? The air greets her with a smack to the face as she exits the pub. With the urge to throw up, her hands grasp the wall for support. Is it true? All this time she was oblivious to Hermione and her feelings. No, no. It's not true.
10:43 Pm
Clutching the blanket to her chest she sits on the stairs to her apartment the cold from the open back door makes her shiver. The tears have dried her make-up has run and left black streams down her face.
Pathetic. She feels useless right now, alone, she wants to curl up in a ball and hide from the world. She needs time to gather her thoughts the noise is loud, the cracking of glass. The mutterings, the moving, the thumping of feet.
Violated. Her sanctuary is no more, the small little bookshop her flat no longer the warmth she needed. The thumping of boots, she wouldn't mistake that sound for anything, Bellatrix is here. Normally she would be so excited to see the witch, but not tonight. She feels too vulnerable to be around Bellatrix she has no defence left.
"Hermione," She closes her eyes at the voice.
If she imagines enough, Bellatrix may disappear and this could all be a bad nightmare. That they are still in the pub and she's fallen asleep at the table raging drunk. She never met Sapphire and the pain in her chest is just a result of heartburn.
"Hermione," A hand on her knee.
No. Not a nightmare. Just a living one.
"Hey," Hermione greets with a tired smile forcing herself to meet the witch's gaze.
"What the hell happened?" Bella demands looking around.
"My flat was broken into." Hermione answers. "They asked me to wait out here while they dusted for prints and stuff."
It was the last thing she needed to return to, her home turned upside down. Ransacked, now law enforcement is currently searching her flat for clues. The back door window smashed, it's how they gained entrance.
They tried to get into the safe but were unsuccessful a small blessing. The door to her flat is broken hanging off its hinges and her items litter the floor. Picture frames smashed, paperwork spewed everywhere, they even went through her knicker draw.
"He's gone," Hermione whispers forcing back tears. "Crooks, he was spooked and got out."
She's cradling his blanket, arriving on the scene she had called law enforcement had spotted Crooks hiding. The noise of the law enforcement arriving had spooked him and he ran through the open door. Her hands are still cold standing out in the street and calling his name.
"He'll come back," Bella reassures.
"You don't know that," Hermione whispers.
"Wait here, I'll see how long they're going to take."
Silent, Bella steps past Hermione heading to speak to the officers currently combing through her flat. It's several minutes later when feet thunder past her an officer promising to be in touch.
"You shouldn't stay here tonight ma'am," He comments. "It's not safe."
"I'll stay with a friend," Hermione answers.
"Can you make us a list of anything you think is missing?"
"Of course,"
"Can you think of anyone who could do this? An ex-lover? An angry customer?"
"No, I can't think of anyone."
She hears the huff from Bellatrix at the top of the stairs, she knows the witch is probably thinking Tom or Amelia did this. It doesn't make sense though, there's no reason for Tom to break into her flat.
Accepting the business card, Hermione mutters her thanks as she heads up the stairs to survey her flat. Sucking in a deep breath she tries to understand the devastation left. She doesn't understand there's nothing of any worth in her flat.
"You should pack a bag," Bella suggests staring around at the destruction.
"What about Crooks?"
"Leave some food out for him,"
"What if he comes back."
"Hermione, you can't stay here tonight."
"I know."
Nodding, Bella starts collecting strewn items from the floor picking the damaged pictures up first. Carefully putting them to the side as she makes a start tidying. Grateful, Hermione heads to her room, grabbing a bag she stuffs some clothes inside not paying much attention.
"Anything missing?" Bella asks as Hermione re-enters the room.
"Not that I can see," Hermione answers bag over her shoulder. "I've sent a message to Ron, he should be here soon."
"What?" startled Bella looks up from the papers and pictures in her hands. "Why?"
"I'll stop at his tonight,"
"Not mine?"
Biting her lip, Hermione fails to meet the dark gaze, she's too vulnerable to be around Bella. Not right now, she wants the witch to comfort her, but it hurts too much. She knew this would lead to disaster, she just hadn't expected it to hurt so much.
"I think it's better to be at Ron's." It's the honest answer.
"Is this because of Sapphire?" Bella questions.
"It doesn't matter Bella,"
"It does, the witch is a psycho, a stalker we never dated at school."
The words should soothe the pain, but it doesn't it just reminds her that this was always going to be the answer. Regardless of Bella's relationship with Sapphire, it mattered little, they were forever going to end up in the same place. Friends. She had lied to herself that it didn't matter they could be friends, but why does it need to hurt so much? She had convinced herself that perhaps there was hope, but now the hope has turned to splinters on the floor.
"Andy said…" Bella trails off throwing the items down on the side. "Said you were in love with me, had feelings for me. Is it true?"
Gosh, Bella's timing was something to marvel at.
"The fact you have to ask says everything." Hermione's voice cracks at the words.
"Is this why you won't stay at mine?"
"I need space," It's the most honest she can be. "I don't expect anything from you, I just need space right now."
"That doesn't seem fair," Bella whispers shaking her head. "You'll be safe at mine, can't you just stay there for the time being."
"Bella, it hurts to be near you right now." Her heart cracks just as much as her voice. "I know it's not fair, it's not your fault, but… I can't, I just need some space. A few days."
"How will I know you're safe?"
"I'll be fine."
"With Ron."
"He'll protect me."
"Right."
Pressing her hand to her chest, Hermione tries to keep her heart from splitting from her chest. Bella is protective, overly so, she needs to see Hermione to know that she is safe. The bag on her shoulder feels heavy, a reminder that her home is no longer safe.
Sharp nail land on a picture on the table, Bella frowning as she plucks it free. Studying the picture in detail, Hermione wonders which one she's staring at. She wonders how long until Ron gets here.
"When was this taken?" Bella asks turning the picture around.
Confused, Hermione studies the picture, it's an office Christmas party when she used to work at the Ministry. Gosh, she looks so young in the picture, so carefree, that Hermione didn't know in a few days her career would blow up.
"Years ago, when I was at the ministry."
"Tom's in this picture," Bella comments.
"Yes, you know we worked together."
"Was this the night those other pictures were taken, is that Adam in the background?"
Frowning, Hermione squints, she hadn't seen it before, but yes, Adam was lurking in the background. The reflection caught in the glass of a window.
"Yes this is the night," Hermione answers tightening her grip on her bag, the picture reflecting how close she was to Amelia. Rubbing shoulders grinning broadly at the camera. "Why are you asking?"
"You said Tom wasn't there that night?"
"We've been through this," Hermione sighs. "Mercy took the pictures, there's you're evidence."
"No, was Tom there?"
"Yes, but he was removed later into the night,"
"Because he can't handle his alcohol."
"Bella, is this the time?"
"Why was he removed from the party?" Bella demands clutching the picture. "Hermione, why?"
"Because he made a pass at me," Just saying the words makes her feel queasy. "He was hammered, he made a pass at me. I rejected him, and hurt his feelings, so he starts abusing me verbally. Calling me these names, Amelia had him removed from the party."
"December the 11th." The date is printed on the back of the photo.
"Yes," the shrug of the shoulders.
"Hermione!" Ron's voice calls up from the shop.
"I'm coming," Hermione shouts back.
Shaking her head, Hermione moves past Bella leaving her to study the picture, she's not sure why the witch is obsessing over a photo. She wants Bella to grab her arm, pull her close, to whisper sweet nothing in her ear. Take her home and keep her safe, but it won't happen.
Ron greets her at the bottom of the stairs with a big hug, her hands clutch to his back. Feeling safe in his strong grip.
"We'll catch the bastard that did this," Ron states angrily.
"Crooks got out,"
"Ah, he'll come back, he knows where his bread is buttered." He pauses. "How about when we walk to mine we shake some biscuits?"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, he'll return."
Nodding, she collects a packet of cat biscuits perhaps she will see Crooks on her way to Ron's. She knows she has more important things to worry about, but she can't lose her cat, Crooks has been with her forever.
What happens if he gets cold or injured? Clutching the biscuits she passes one of the Law enforcement who has camped out in the shop. Remaining the night to make sure no one returns. She smiles her thanks at the officer as Ron chats about random things to keep her mind busy.
"Be careful," The rough voice of Bella startles her, she hadn't heard the witch follow them. "Both of you."
"Will do boss, don't worry, Hermione will protect me." Ron declares.
The words make Hermione smile, despite the frown on Bella's face. Ron falls into old habits, using jokes to keep her mood lifted. It's one of the reasons they fell out, his inability to take anything seriously. But right now, she's very grateful.
"We'll be fine," Hermione reassures the witch, accurately aware Bella couldn't care less if anything happened to Ron.
The witch seems so lonely standing in the dark hidden in the shadows of the street light. Stepping forward she pulls Bella into a hug, wrapping her arms around the witch's shoulders. Hesitant hands return the hug, uncomfortable at the display of affection in front of Ron.
"Be careful," Hermione whispers into the black mane of hair. "We'll talk soon, okay."
Pulling from the hug, she holds Bella's warm hands, marvelling at the witch's ability to stay warm despite the freezing weather. Noticing the picture held in Bella's hand, she chooses not to ask.
Hooking her arm through Ron's she allows the wizard to guide her away, annoyed at herself for allowing it all to get this far. Angry at Bellatrix for ignoring the conversation and focusing on something unimportant. She hears the crack of the apparition as Bella vanishes from the street with the force of a hurricane, the wind kicked up. The sky splits apart in anger as she vanishes from the spot.
"What to get some greasy food?" Ron asks as they walk arm in arm the wizard shaking the packet of biscuits. "Crooks you stupid cat!"
"Yes please," Hermione smiles leaning her head on his arm. "Crooks!"
"I have wine and ice cream we can bitch about useless women as well."
"Sounds perfect."