A/n: This chapter turned out different to how I imagined.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Twenty-One
March 3rd…
02:15 PM
Sucking in a breath, Bella nods as Dolohov heads back to the ministry, she re-enters the shop. Closing the door behind her, two concerned witches stare waiting for answers. What is she meant to say to them? No news is good news, except when you work for the law, then no news is usually bad.
"Well?" Ginny demands.
"They found a girl locked up," Bella repeats the information Dolohov had shared with her.
"At Riddle's?"
"One of the properties he's associated with,"
"Is it Hermione? Is it?"
"We don't know," Bella shrugs falling into the nearest chair.
"How do we not know?"
"Body is burnt beyond recognition."
"Oh god."
It can't be Hermione, the body would still be hot, Dolohov would have said. This means Hermione is still missing and as each second passes, the bodies are beginning to pile up.
"What about Riddle? Did he say anything?" Sheryl asks.
"He's undergoing surgery."
"So what, we wait?" Ginny demands.
"We wait," Bella confirms.
03:57 PM
Feet pound the pavement rushing down the alleyway, heading towards the small bookshop. The wind has picked up an item bundled in their arms they rush with urgency. The door bangs open startling the occupancy of the shop, no bell though. Perplexed eyes glance to the space where the bell once jingled. The shop is closed to customers which makes them frown as they nudge the door shut behind them.
"I found him!" Triumph, she holds the cat high in the air. "I found him."
Breathless, she cuddles the cat once more, glad to have the small bundle of fluff home. Crooks was content to sit in her arms, she had spent most of her day trying to coax the cat out of someone's property.
"Found him," She reassures the concerned faces.
"Hermione," Moving from the sofa, Bella's voice is low, barely a murmur.
"Bella," Hermione could smack herself she had forgotten about going to Bella's. So distracted in trying to find Crooks she got side tracked. "I'm sorry, god's I was meant to meet you ages ago."
"You've been chasing Crooks for over three hours?" Bella questions in disbelief.
"Okay, when you say it like that, it sounds crazy." Hermione reasons for releasing Crooks. "I was on my way to yours when I heard meowing. I chased Crooks then he got stuck and I may have broken into someone's property… I'm sorry, I lost track of time."
She may have broken a window to gain entrance to someone's workshop and may have also vandalised some items to reach Crooks who had managed to get stuck. She had intended to go to Bella's but she had heard Crooks Meowing. Was so close to grabbing him when some kid screaming made him jump and run for cover. She had chased him and lost track of time.
All three witches are staring at her, subconsciously she brushes the dirt from her jacket. She may sound a little crazy chasing Crooks through London.
"Sorry," Hermione repeats wincing. "I lost track of time… Where's the bell gone anyway? Why's the shop shut?"
The silence is heavy she's missed something. Sheryl looks as though she's about to cry, Ginny seems confused and Bella looks as though she's about to collapse from exhaustion. What did she miss?
"What happened?" Hermione asks reading the room.
"We thought you were dead," Ginny sniffs releasing a deep breath.
"Bit dramatic," Hermione laughs sliding out of her coat. "I was gone a few hours… What's happened? Bella?"
"Amelia Bones is dead," Bella states.
The coat falls from her grip hitting the floor with a thud, she stumbles grabbing the nearest item to stabilise herself. Clutching the coat stand she stares at Bella confused, willing the witch to elaborate more.
"No…" Hermione whispers.
In a flurry of movement, Ginny grabs her in a hug, holding so tight she loses the ability to breathe. Rubbing her forehead, Bella releases a breath staring at the ceiling searching for strength.
"I thought you were dead," Ginny whimpers.
"I'm fine," Hermione reassures, stroking the witch's back. "What happened."
"Riddle."
The word is a blow to her heart, no, Riddle wouldn't hurt Bones, he wouldn't. Why on earth would he hurt Bones? They barely knew one another.
"Tell me." Hermione orders breaking free from Ginny.
"I need to let Dolohov know you're safe," Bella states moving to the door.
She grabs the witch's wrist, preventing Bella from leaving. She can feel the heartbeat through her pulse, it's bouncing erratically. There's fury in the witch's eyes, something else something Hermione fails to understand.
"Bella," Hermione begs. "What happened…"
"The letter you received was a fake, sent by Riddle. He sent similar to Bones, he attacked her at my house."
"Oh lord," Hermione releases the witch.
"I need to let Dolohov know."
"Don't leave," She doesn't care how pathetic she sounds, she needs Bella right now.
"I'll just be a minute."
Sheryl grabs her in a hug, holding her tight, she reassures both witches she's fine. Nothing to worry about. Deciding to send them both home, she needs time to be alone. She hears Bella outside, talking with Ginny as Hermione heads upstairs to her flat. She needs to feed Crooks, she takes the stairs automatically.
The flat is still in disarray, she had cleaned some of it up but had received the letter from Bella. It sounded urgent, begging Hermione to meet, but it also sounded wrong. Bella hates letters, she couldn't understand why she would ask Hermione to come to her house. Is that why she allowed Crooks to distract her?
Crooks weaves between her legs as she scoops the wet cat food into his bowl. Handshaking she places it on the floor collecting his dry food bowl to refill.
Amelia is dead. Her ex-lover, mentor and someone she once admired. Dead, by Riddle's hands, it didn't make sense. She feels sick, how did she die? Did she suffer? Is Riddle still out there, did they catch him?
Smash.
She jolts, staring at the smashed bowl of cat biscuits on the floor, cursing as she drops to her knees. Scooping the broken porcelain up, she winces as the smallest piece nips at her finger, causing it to bleed.
Throwing the broken pieces into the sink, she hugs herself stepping away. It doesn't make sense.
"Tell me," Hermione demands knowing Bella has arrived. "Tell me how she died."
"You don't need to know that," Bella replies.
"Bella…" She trails off. "Was it quick?"
"I don't know," Is the soft answer. "I'm not allowed on the case."
"Oh god, he killed her in your house. Why? Oh no, please don't tell me this is to do with that night all those years ago. Please,"
"Sit down," Bella instructs.
"Bella, is this my fault? Is this because I rejected him?"
"None of this is your fault," Bella insists.
Two hands clutch her arms, holding her in place as dark eyes meet hazel. Tired, Bella looks so very tired. She presses her hand against the witch's chest, feeling the strong heartbeat.
In a blur, Bella is pulling her into a hug, strong arms wrapping around her, pulling her tight. Secure, safe, she holds the witch, burying her face in the crook of the neck.
"I thought it was you." A soft murmur.
Swallowing, Hermione holds the witch tight.
"When they said there was a body… I thought it was you."
Hermione couldn't imagine her reaction if she had thought Bella had died. Perhaps she would lose her mind once and for all. The idea of losing Bella strikes differently it leaves her breathless. Leaves her clutching the Auror tighter.
"I'm here," Hermione promises.
She wants to get her hands on Riddle, hell she wants to make the wizard pay, why would he kill Amelia? It didn't make sense.
"Why?" Hermione asks as she breaks from the grip. "Tell me what you know, please."
"You need to give Dolohov a statement," Bella instructs putting space between them. "From December 11th."
"So this is about that night?" Hermione questions. "Let me talk to Riddle."
"Absolutely not!" Bella thunders. "You are going nowhere near that s… killer."
"Killer." She shakes her head, serial killer. That's what Bella was going to say. "He's the Sunset Killer."
Closing her eyes, Hermione steps backwards clutching her chest, all this time. He was the one killing muggleborns.
"This is because of me? Isn't it."
"No."
"Bella, don't lie to me. When was his first kill?"
"It doesn't matter."
"Don't bullshit me!" Hermione snaps. "When?"
"December 12th. There's no evidence it was him, it's just conjecture."
"Oh god,"
She had rejected him that night and had him thrown out of the Ministry. She had seen the fury on his face, but she was so smug. Beaten him in court, rejected his advances she was promised a bright future. He was sinking in her shadow as each day she advanced he went backwards unable to get ahead of her.
A knock interrupts them as Dolohov appears in the doorway smiling sadly at Hermione. She waves him in.
"This a bad time?" He asks.
"Is there a good time?" Hermione wonders.
"Good point, I need a statement, but it can wait."
"No," Hermione interrupts. "Now is fine."
"I'll give you the room."
She watches Bella leave shutting the flat door behind them. She wants to ask the witch to stay she needs the witch to stay.
"She won't leave," Dolohov reassures. "Trust me, she's not leaving your side."
"Is this my fault?" Hermione asks wiping a tear away.
"No, this is all Riddle's doing. Now take me back to December 11th, the night of the party."
"We had just won a big case…" Hermione starts after taking a deep breath.
07:28 PM
Stirring the pasta, Hermione stares at the wall in front of her. Dolohov took her statement straight to the Ministry, Riddle is currently out of surgery and in recovery. He's already asked for a lawyer meaning no one can question him further.
Bella mooches around in the background, deep in thought, the Auror has barely said a thing. It's disconcerting having Bella so quiet. Snapping from her daze Hermione drains the pasta, neither witch in the mood for anything fancy nor wanting strangers near the flat. Hermione threw pasta on, something quick and simple.
Crooks is curled up on the sofa as though he hadn't been missing for hours. As though he hadn't accidentally saved Hermione's life by distracting her. Bella had promised to buy Crooks chicken for the rest of his life.
Hermione knows it must be killing the Auror not being able to do anything. Unable to assist with the investigation, unable to return home left in the dark. She had given her statement to Moody while Hermione was talking to Dolohov. She could hear them arguing at one stage a reassurance from Dolohov it was a natural occurrence.
"Grubs ready," Hermione announces placing the bowls down on the messy table. "You want any wine?"
Sighing, Bella's hands rest on the back of the chair staring at the plate of pasta. Leaving Hermione to guess if she wants wine or not, she pours both of them a glass. She'll drink it if Bella doesn't.
"I can't do this," Bella announces as Hermione sets the drinks down.
"You don't want pasta?" Hermione stares at the bland food, she doesn't blame Bella she hadn't done anything with the pasta no spices she's not even sure she put salt or pepper on the food.
"No, this," The witch gestures between them. "Playing house."
"Oh," Holding back the hurt, Hermione forces a smile, of course, it would be weird she had announced her feeling for the witch. "Shall I go stay at Ron's?"
"NO!" The word bounces off the walls startling Crooks awake. "No, I don't want you to stay with Ron."
"Then what?" Hermione stresses, confused. "What do you want?"
"I don't fucking know!"
A boot kicks a pile of paperwork sending it spilling across the floor as the witch begins to pace. Collecting her plate, Hermione stuffs pasta into her mouth watching Bella storm around the room.
"Are you eating right now?" The sharp response.
"It's stress eating," Hermione states between chewing. "I don't know what you want me to say?"
"You've said more than enough," Bites Bellatrix. "Don't you think?"
Lying the plate down, Hermione chews the last piece of pasta thoughtfully, considering her next words carefully.
"Fuck you." Eloquent. Really?
"Me? You're the one who started sprouting love!" Bella shouts.
"You asked!"
"You could have lied!"
"I've done enough of that," Frustrated Hermione rubs the back of her neck. "What do you want? Do you want me to lie now? Fine, I have no feelings for you. Happy?"
"No, because I know you're lying."
"Bella what do you want!" Shaking her head she grabs her purse. "Fuck this, I'm going to Ron's."
"Don't you dare!" Bella announces standing between Hermione and the door.
"We've had this fight before, you can't win this." Hermione threatens.
"Oh, try me," Bella growls prodding the witch. "You think you'll beat me in a duel?"
"I already have," The confident reply but her mind rejects the idea.
"Please," Bella scoffs eyes igniting. "Do you know how many Aurors stood between me and Riddle?"
It's a vortex, the fury raging from Bella, igniting the flat, scorching the ground between them. Heart pounding, Hermione refuses to back down, frustrated, annoyed she wants to shove the witch.
"Trying to stop me from getting my hands Riddle, I thought he had you, did something to you. I would make him squeal like a baby. The whole Auror unit stood between me and him." Bella has barely contained fury. "Even that wouldn't have been enough. So no you don't stand there and pretend you could take me in a duel."
"You don't want to duel," Her back presses against the kitchen cabinet as her hands gently rest on Bella's shoulders. "Tell me what you want,"
Fear flickers through dark eyes, the anger stutters arms coming to rest on either side of Hermione holding her in place. Not that she would ever run from this. She sees the internal struggle, the fight inside Bella.
Her thumb grazes along Bella's chin, trailing a path to her cheek until she cups the Auror's face. Dark eyes closing at the sensation, she wants to kiss red lips, but she doesn't want to push Bella too far.
"Bella," A whisper. "I'm here, I'm not going anywhere."
"I thought you were dead,"
Bella rests her forehead against Hermione's. Resting her arms on Bella's shoulders, Hermione closes her eyes allowing the witch to guide this moment. Heart thundering in her chest, she tries to ignore Bella's hand resting on her hip.
"I don't know what I'm doing," Bella whispers. "I'm not built for this…"
"You don't have to do anything," Hermione reassures. "I'm not going anywhere."
"No? When you tire of this, you'll move on."
"This? You mean you," Hermione clarifies opening her eyes, she swallows at the piercing eyes. The vulnerability in those depths. "I won't tire of you."
"You can't promise that," The smallest chuckle. "You'll fall in love with another."
"Is that what you fear?" Hermione asks pushing the witch back. "I'm not going anywhere… Look, I don't need you to be with me because you're scared I'm going to move on. We're still friends."
Gently, she slips from the witch's grip, head pounding, she needs to lie down. The idea that Bella would just be with her to stop her from leaving, sends a chill down her. She doesn't want to be a possession, because the witch is scared of being alone.
A hand grabs her arm, pulling her back, making her stumble back into the witch's embrace. Eyes wild, Bella bites her lip trying to consider her words.
"That's not what I want," Bella insists. "It's…"
"Bella, you don't need to give me anything. I'm going to bed, you okay on the sofa?"
"We should talk."
"We should sleep."
She slips from the grip, heading to her room, leaving Bella to her thoughts. Hopping onto the bed she curls up into a ball, back turned to the door. She hears Bella follow pause outside her door before retreating further into the living room.
Heart yearning, she clutches a pillow to her chest muffling her tears into the fabric. Wishing the pain in her chest would stop.
March 4th….
02:39
The clunk wakes her from her slumber she wakes with a dry throat. The room is dark, she shuffles to look at the clock. Sighing, she slides from the bed still dressed in her clothes from yesterday. Throwing the clothes in the wash she slips into some pyjamas and heads to the kitchen.
Quietly she slinks through the apartment heading to get a drink the lump on the sofa Crooks curled on top of Bella. Not wanting to stir the witch, Hermione searches the cupboard for some juice. Grabbing the orange juice, she collects a glass, the pasta she made is no longer in sight, Bella must have put it away.
"Fuck!" A scream erupts from her lips, making both she and Bella jump.
Bella winces at the scream, grabbing the juice before Hermione spills it across the floor. Clutching her chest, Hermione leans against the side for support. How on Earth Bella moves so quietly is beyond her.
"Boo?" Bella quips offering the juice to Hermione.
"You still got my bell?"
"From the front door?" Bella questions confused. "Yes, why."
"I'm going to tie it around your neck." Hermione threatens.
Pulling a chair out Hermione collapses heart thundering in her chest she tries to control her pacing heart. Stretching, Crooks wanders into the kitchen back leg flexing as he strolls to his bowl. Collecting her glass, Bella takes a seat opposite Hermione helping herself to the juice.
"Sorry," Bella offers with a tired smile. "I didn't mean to startle you."
"Did I wake you?"
"No, I wasn't sleeping."
"You need to sleep." Hermione states. "Is it the sofa, do you want the bed…"
"Stop," Bella sighs rubbing her eyes.
"You probably miss your home."
It must be torture for the witch not able to return home knowing Aurors are trespassing in out. Aurors looking through Bella's personal belongings and her house under scrutiny.
"I can't sleep because I want to talk." Bella insists. "Look, I'm not very good at this kind of thing."
"We don't need…"
"Shut up," Bella orders. "Just let me… I don't know how to love, I never have had a relationship or a marriage that resembles any type of love. It's not in my nature, my family we don't do love. We don't do emotions, we have a duty. It's not the same. I'm scared that you're in love with this idea of me. But I'm not good at relationships, I'm selfish, a workaholic and emotionally unavailable."
Sighing Bella seeks strength, as she wraps her hands together, tightening until the knuckles turn white. Shifting forward, Hermione places her hand on top of the Aurors. She never wanted to cause any internal torment to Bella, she just spoke the truth. Her heart is jackhammering against her chest, terrified of Bella's words and excited all the same.
"You know I don't expect anything," Hermione promises. "We can go back to ignorant bliss."
"No we can't," Bella shakes her head. "Because I can't pretend you don't have feelings."
"I will respect your decision Bella, our friendship doesn't have to suffer."
"So we just stay friends?"
"It can happen," Hermione nods ignoring the crack of her voice.
"So I'm going to sit by and watch someone swan in, watch you fall in love with another? Watch you marry or have kids or both."
"You can't be with me, because you don't want anyone else to have me." Hermione sighs withdrawing her hand.
"The idea of anyone touching you makes me sick," Bella hisses.
"That's possessive."
"Exactly, that's what I'm trying to tell you. My kind of love isn't braiding your hair or listening to your day. I won't be spilling my emotions and declaring my love. I'm possessive, protective and honestly very poor at relationships. I don't kiss you on the lips before work, I'll shove you against the wall until one or both of us is screaming a name."
"You need to stop talking," Hermione orders rising to her feet.
"I want you to understand," Bella retorts pushing to her feet. "I need you to understand."
"Look, if you keep talking, I'm going to push you down on that chair and kiss you senseless. You're not gay, I get it. Let's leave it at that,"
"No," Bella grumbles.
God, it's one thing to be rejected but she knows Bella isn't flowers and chocolates. She knows the witch isn't going to sweep her off her feet and take her on a date. Bella is protective, and overbearing, and shows her love through her actions. It's an insult for Bella to act as though Hermione doesn't know this.
A hand grabs Hermione's arm pulling her back once more before she can enter her room. She refuses to meet the dark gaze, not wanting the witch to see the hurt. It's not Bella's fault, it's her fault she fell in love with a straight girl.
"I'm not being clear," Bella hisses frustrated.
"Bella honestly…"
"I want you."
Frozen, she feels the grip on her arm tighten, Bella not wanting Hermione to bolt. The words turns Hermione's brain to mush, her heart leaping for joy, but she shushes it.
"I want you, I don't want anyone to touch you." Bella continues. "I know, how that sounds. Your… Fuck I'm shit at this. You are my last thought every day, my first thought in the morning. When I'm not able to talk to you or see you. It hurts, physically hurts, the moment you left with Weasley last night. Not being able to talk to you, to know if you were safe. It drove me mad."
"We're friends," Hermione whispers.
"I know that!" Bella growls. "I know, but it still hurt. I want to be the one you turn to when you're upset, even if I'm the one that causes it."
"This is because you thought I'm dead, it's a natural reaction," Hermione reassures not willing to let her heart get its hopes up.
"Do you have any idea what I would have done if Tom had hurt you? Any idea?"
"A general idea…"
"I would have tortured him, left him a babbling mess." Warm hands encase Hermione's cheeks forcing her to look Bella in the eye. "The idea he could have hurt you. No one would have gotten in my way, I was willing to cut down my men, to hurt them. To get him talking. I would do anything for you. Anything."
"Bella," Hermione whispers grabbing the witch's top. "Don't give me hope. You could change your mind by morning."
"I want you." Bella retorts determined. "That scares me senseless."
"You're straight."
"That's just a label," Bella shrugs smiling softly. "I know it's a lot you…"
Rushing forward, Hermione presses her lips against Bella's feeling the gasp, the hands slipping to her waist. It's like a shot of adrenaline spiking through her system, the witch kissing her back, hands dragging her closer.
They stumble backwards, falling onto the sofa a gasp from Hermione. A tongue sweeping across her lip Bella takes control. Tongues battle for dominance as Hermione straddles Bella, sharp nails digging through her pyjamas. Hands pulling her down onto the witch a groan from Bella's mouth.
They break for air, Hermione moving pressing kisses across Bella's chin, trailing down the witch's neck. Sucking gently, the soft moan, the hand slipping into Hermione's curls holding her there.
Tugging Hermione's hair, Bella forces her mouth upwards until their mouths clash. It's hot and fiery, Hermione's hands slipping across the Auror's shoulder slipping lower. A gentle squeeze through Bella's shirt, the smallest taste of the witch's breast. She sucks Bella's lip into her mouth and a gasp from the witch. Her hands slip underneath the shirt the soft contact of skin, her nails trace a path along the toned stomach.
Pupils are blown Bella's eyes are pure black as the depths of an abyss. It's mesmerising, the way the witch grinds Hermione against her leg. Red lips latch to her skin, laying kisses as Bella trails a hot path downwards two hands slipping beneath her top. The heat of her hands makes her arch, eyes rolling she feels the witch worshipping her neck.
"Stop," Hermione whispers breaking the contact.
"What, what?" Bella repeats stopping instantly. "You don't want this?"
"You have no idea, how much I want this," Hermione pants beaming at the witch as she cups Bella's chin. "No idea."
"We should take it slow." Bella reasons slowly pulling her hands from Hermione's skin.
"We should." Hermione nods.
Taking a deep breath Hermione tries to calm her racing heart, she doesn't want this to be a night of passion. She doesn't want them to regret it in the morning. She wants to do this right, wants to ease Bella into it.
"Your hand is on my boob," Bella comments with a smirk.
"Yes, it is," Hermione nods studying her hand on Bella's boob through the shirt.
"Your other hand might get lonely."
"Taking it slow."
"You're the one with hands on my tits."
"Just imagine where else they want to be."
Swallowing, Bella slowly pulls Hermione's hand out from under her shirt drawing the younger witch in for another kiss. Slower this time, Bella drags their lips together, tongue slipping across Hermione's. It's slow and tantalising, as though they have all the time in the world. Bella sucks on her tongue, teeth grazing causing Hermione to buck in the witch's lap.
"Okay," Hermione states breaking the kiss she jumps to her feet.
"Okay?" Bella quirks raising an eyebrow suggestively.
"We take this slow." Hermione orders.
"Fine with me," Cocky, Bella leans back against the sofa.
"Behave," Hermione orders cheeks flushed, she tidies her top.
"Or what?"
"Or I teach you how to use your tongue."
"I don't need teaching."
"I meant your other lips."
She winks at the dark witch ignoring the way her core throbs with the idea. Ignoring how Bella leans forward expectantly. Head held high Hermione heads to her room, forcing her breathing under control.
"Tell me," Bella whispers pressing against her back, hot breath ghosting across her neck. "Will this be with you chained to the bed or a willing participant?"
Leaning back into the witch, Hermione melts as Bella's hands slide around her nails gliding across the hem of her pyjama bottoms. Nuzzling her neck, Bella presses a kiss to her racing pulse.
"I don't want to get this wrong." Hermione murmurs lacing her hands with Bella's.
"I know," Bella reassures burrowing her face into Hermione's neck. "Don't banish me to the sofa. I need to feel you."
"That's dangerous."
"I'll behave," Bella promises.
"I wasn't worried about you." Smiling, Hermione turns into the witch's arms.
"I can restrain you." Bella offers a glint in her eye.
"It won't hold," Hermione promises darkly.
Smiling, Bella presses a kiss to Hermione's jaw, resting their foreheads together. It feels surreal, as though it's all a dream. That she'll wake up in the morning at it was all in her head.
A yelp leaves her lips she jolts, Bella pinching her side.
"Ow!"
"Not a dream," Bella chuckles.
"Ow," Hermione grumbles rubbing her side. "No need."
"I'm not going anywhere, you know that don't you."
"Promises, promises," Hermione smiles, not quite believing the witch.
"Hermione," Bella warns dragging Hermione close. "Now I have you, you should know there's no way I'm letting you go."
Under any normal circumstance, the words would be disturbing, but her heart hums at the idea that Bella will never let her go. They have so much to discuss, but she doesn't argue as Bella pulls her towards the bed. Curling around her, Bella cocoons the younger witch as though her presence alone is enough to protect her from the world.
"Will you go on a date with me?" The shyness in Bella's voice is strange, it makes Hermione's heart yearn.
"Most definitely."