Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Twenty-Two
March 4th
5:45 am
The glass is smeared previous handprints stain her view, her fingers curling into fists. He can't see her, she cannot be here, but she knows he can feel her watching. His grey eyes flicking occasionally to the glass, he knows. She wants him to know.
Perhaps if they just let him out, on bail. I can do the rest, he would never see me coming. I'd show him how to use a dagger, it'll be his blood on her floor this time. No. She shakes the thoughts from her mind, tired, and groggy, the cheap coffee isn't doing anything for her mental state. She left the warmth of Hermione's bed to be here, to see this.
"You shouldn't be here." A calm voice of reason interrupts her swirling thoughts.
"I know," Bella responds eyes never straying from Riddle.
"You're going to be called as a witness if this goes to trial,"
"If?" Bella spits the word, there's no if involved in this.
"When." He clarifies coming to a stop next to her. "You can't be here Bella,"
"Then call security," Bella offers. "Let them try to remove me."
A sigh, annoyance and acceptance, mingled into one hand pressing against the window. He straightens his collar, the bags under his eyes, she knows she doesn't look any better. But she's sure she got more sleep than he has. I left Hermione in bed for this? The thought doesn't make sense to her, but she needs to make sure Riddle is secured in jail. She cannot have him walk free and not be aware.
"Just stay out of sight." Antonin orders.
"I'll be as quiet as a mouse."
With a snort, shaking his head he exits the room the door creaking shut behind him. Arms folded, Bella watches the door open to the interrogation room. Riddle bruised, holding his side, looking the perfect victim. She'd reward him for his acting if only to smash the trophy over his head.
"Mr Riddle," Dolohov greets moving to one of the empty seats. "You are?"
"Mr Joseph Arlington, I am Mr Riddle's representative." The grey-haired wizard greets hands clasped together on the table, suit immaculate. He must have cost Riddle an arm and a leg to hire.
"Very good," Dolohov continues opening his folder. "Now, Mr Riddle, Tom?"
"Riddle," Riddle grinds out.
"Very well," the amusement clear. "You've been read your rights, correct?"
"My client has been informed of his rights during his transfer to the Hospital after he was attacked," Arlington interjects.
"Excellent, let's get down to it. For the record we are being recorded, assistant head of Auror Department Antonin Dolohov will be leading this interview, with Mr Riddle and his representative Mr Arlington." Dolohov starts turning his attention to Riddle. "Tell me what happened yesterday."
A look between lawyer and client, a sharp nod of Arlington's head. An assurance to inform Dolohov of the lie he has managed to concoct.
"On March 3rd I received a letter," Riddle's voice is calm, self-assured, with no flicker of uncertainty. "From Bella inviting me to her house…"
"What time did you receive the letter?" Dolohov interrupts making notes a flash of annoyance in grey eyes at being interrupted.
"It arrived around 9:30 am." Riddle answers.
"Do you have the letter?"
"Yes, it's in my coat pocket, the one I was stripped from, it must be in evidence." A reasonable answer. "As I was saying I received a letter from Head Auror Bellatrix Black, requesting me to meet her at the house and as such I arrived at Bellatrix's just after 10 am."
"What is your relationship with Auror Black?"
"We dated for several months and I broke up with Miss Black on New Year's eve."
Bella holds back the urge to laugh at the audacity of the lie. Of course, Tom would pretend he was the one who ended their relationship. Anything to save his reputation.
"If you are no longer seeing Miss Black, why did you go to her place?" Dolohov questions.
"The letter sounded urgent?"
"Was the break up amicable?"
"On my part yes."
"Please continue," Dolohov requests as he makes notes.
"I arrived at Bellatrix's not long after 10 am on knocking the door no one answered. I tried the handle, it wouldn't be the first time Bellatrix had left the door unlocked for me. The door was open I went inside and called out for Bellatrix, I found it suspicious that the house was in darkness. I thought perhaps I had misread the letter when the door opened. Mrs Bones arrived she was visibly distressed and surprised to see me. She also had a letter, she asked where Bellatrix was, and I explained that I had not seen her. Mrs Bones then began to search the house, I felt uncomfortable at the time. I could hear Mrs Bones muttering to herself, she was visibly angry."
"Angry about what?" Dolohov questions.
"She didn't say, I could just hear her muttering to herself, something about her husband, giving a statement about how it was all coming out. I wasn't sure what she meant," A deep sigh conflicted, Riddle reaches for his cup of water. "I decided Bellatrix wasn't going to show, so thought it best to leave. That's when Mrs Bones attacked me."
"She attacked you?" Dolohov repeats, quill pausing. "Why did she attack you?"
"She seemed deranged, unstable." Riddle answers shaking his head. "She had a knife, she must have collected it from Bella's kitchen. She was just shouting, blaming me, saying it was all my fault. That it was all Bellatrix's fault, I wasn't sure what was upsetting her."
"How did she attack you?"
"She tried to stab me with the knife when I had my back turned. I managed to move out of the way she caught my hand with the knife. She wouldn't stop, I couldn't get her to stop. It was terrifying."
"You stabbed Mrs Bones twice?" Dolohov retorts.
"I tried to grab the knife, we wrestled it went into her side I think. I was shocked I dropped the knife and was going to call for help when she stabbed me. I didn't think I managed to get free from her grip, the knife was still at my side. I grabbed Mrs Bones in a chokehold. I had been shown before by one law enforcement how to subdue someone without hurting them. She pulled the knife out, we scrambled for it, and we were fighting. She was trying to stab me I was trying to get the knife free…"
Trailing off, he takes a deep breath staring at the table, deep in thought. Clearing his throat he takes a sip of water, hand shaking he places the cup down.
"I stabbed her. It was purely an accident, I had tried to get the knife free from her grip when she stopped fighting. It went straight into her chest. Just a horrible accident, she must have been on something, perhaps drugged?"
"Why didn't you call for help?" Dolohov asked.
"I had lost too much blood, I could barely think, let alone breath."
Scribbling, Dolohov makes notes as the door to the interrogation room opens. A familiar face slipping into the room notes in hand the wizard takes the seat next to Dolohov. The narrowing of Riddle's eyes as he recognises the wizard.
"Just entering the room, Auror Ron Weasley," Dolohov notes for the record sliding his notes to Weasley to read.
Leaning close to Arlington, Riddle whispers to the wizard. A frown crosses the lawyer's face as he turns his attention to Weasley. Curious, Bella moves closer to the glass, she bee furious as she listens to the lies spewed by Riddle, but Weasley's presence made her curious.
"Mr Riddle, you are a remarkably talented dueller, why didn't you just disarm Head Enforcer Bones?" Dolohov questions.
"There was no time, it all happened in a matter of seconds, minutes." Riddle answers eyes straying to Weasley.
"Or is it because there is a higher penalty served to those who use magic to harm others?"
"To what are you referring?" Riddle questions.
"Simple, if you used the killing curse of Mrs Bones you would have been sent straight to Azkaban. No questions."
"My client here on his own accord," Arlington interrupts. "He will not tolerate these questions."
"Your client is under arrest and this is an interrogation."
"A biased case, where is your proof my client intentionally went to Miss Black's house to harm another, he received a letter just like Mrs Bones. If anyone should be investigated it is his ex, Auror Black. She must have orchestrated all of this." Arlington retorts.
"Perhaps that is the reason Mrs Bones attacked me with a knife. To avoid this penalty you speak off," Riddle reasons.
"Tom be quiet," Arlington orders.
"Another received a letter that both you and Mrs Bones supposedly received," Dolohov continues ignoring the outburst.
"Well have you interviewed them?" Arlington demands. "It's suspicious they weren't at the house at the time of all of this."
"We have interviewed them," Dolohov nods. "They were distracted from going to Auror Black's house."
"How suspicious." Arlington scoffs.
"Mr Riddle, do you know a Miss Granger?"
"I do," Riddle answers. "I have worked with her previously and she is friends with Bellatrix."
"Have you ever been to Miss Granger's bookshop?" Dolohov questions.
"What is the point of this?" Arlington asks.
"Have you Mr Riddle?"
"Perhaps once or twice,"
"You ever been to her flat on the premises?"
"No, I do not believe I have." Riddle replies. "What is the point of this?"
"Miss Granger's flat was broken into on March 2nd, where were you?"
"My client has answered these questions, why would he break into Miss Granger's house and what proof do you have?" Arlington questions. "Why are we even going down this road of questioning."
"Miss Granger received a letter much like your client. Tell me, Mr Riddle, what were your movements that night?"
"I would have to check, I have a busy calendar."
"it was just two nights ago?"
"And I was attacked less than twenty-four hours ago, forgive my lack of memory."
"I'll remind you," Dolohov retorts sliding pictures across the table. "You were breaking into Miss Granger's flat."
"I have never been in Miss Granger's flat," Riddle hisses.
"No? We have your fingerprints inside the flat."
"My client said his ex is friends, with Miss Granger, perhaps he visited Miss Granger's flat."
"Yes, I have when she was renovating her flat, you just reminded me. I helped carry something to her flat I simply forgot."
"And your blood in Miss Granger's underwear draw?"
Growing still, Riddle leans back in his chair his cold eyes sweeping across the Aurors. The blood was photographed lying in front of him on the table, Hermione's underwear on display.
"I cannot answer that." Riddle retorts.
"Nor the blood found by the smashed window, the window the intruder used to gain entrance to the flat?" Dolohov questions.
"Planted," Riddle retorts. "This must be Auror Black's way of getting back at me for breaking up with her. She must have planted my blood at the scene,"
"Mr Riddle, were you aware Miss Granger still worked part-time for the Unspeakable unit?" Weasley questions.
"I was not."
"Due to her work with the Unspeakable's Miss Granger's house was upgraded with security, after you assaulted Miss Granger on February 19th." Weasley continues.
"I did no such thing," Riddle scoffs.
"No? Miss Granger filed a report with the Auror apartment,"
"She's lying,"
"Does that mean Auror Black is lying as well? She had to throw you out of the bookshop," Weasley presses drawing the reports from his folder.
"This is defamation against my client's character by both Miss Granger and Miss Black. Both of whom have something to gain from this." Arlington argues.
"On Head Unspeakable Croaker orders, Miss Granger's house was fitted with security elements after the attack Miss Granger received on February 19th. Tell me, Mr Riddle is this you on this recording?"
Frowning, Bella presses against the glass trying to see the recording being played. She wasn't aware that Croaker had installed recording devices in Hermione's home. Was the witch aware?
"It's a person in black, you cannot see their face, I don't recognise them." Riddle replies shaking his head.
Regardless, Weasley just stares at Riddle allowing the video to play. The smashing of the back door window, a figure climbing into the house. The creaking of the stairs above, the video just recording the hallway. The shout from above the cursing, a flash of orange as Crookshanks rushes down the stairs skidding past the door to the basement. A figure dressed in black flashes past the camera chasing after the ginger cat. Cursing, the figure returns to the back door clutching a piece of paper and holding his wrist. The hood has slipped, revealing Riddle's face. Bella struggles to hold the laugh in.
"That's you is it not?" Weasley questions.
"Muggle technology is easily influenced." Riddle comments folding his arms.
"Muggle technology is not allowed in wizarding court," Arlington argues. "This proves nothing."
"That's okay," Weasley shrugs. "It doesn't need to. Five years ago you used to work in the same office as Mrs Bones and Miss Granger, isn't that correct?"
"Yes, that's correct." Riddle answers slowly eyes narrowing. "What does this have to do with anything."
"It's okay, everything will all make sense shortly," Weasley reassures placing the recording away. "December 11th there was a Christmas party, do you remember?"
"I'd take your word for it," Riddle shrugs.
"No need, here's a picture, the date for your reference," Weasley informs Riddle sliding the picture in front of the wizard. "During this party did you make a pass at Miss Granger?"
"Really?" Arlington shouts, fist-hitting the table. "The audacity of this boy. A conflict of interest he used to date Miss Granger, he should not be involved in this…"
"I never made a pass at Miss Granger!" Riddle snaps at the same time as his solicitor.
"You made a pass at Miss Granger, when she rejected your advances you resulted in calling Miss Granger derogative terms and slandering her character. I quote 'Mr Riddle became irritable, angry and threatening. He was shouting at Miss Granger referring to her as a stupid Mudblood, I had to call security.'"
"This is preposterous," Riddle replies shaking his head. "It's lies, whoever wrote that was lying."
"This was written by Head Enforcer Amelia Bones," Weasley reveals causing Riddle to grow quiet. "Mrs Bones's statement shows you were thrown out of the party."
"Well, she's lying." Riddle retorts.
"Everyone is lying but you, so it would appear," Weasley replies.
"That's correct."
"Well, you were thrown out of the party minutes to midnight on December 11th. December 12th at 2:08 am a female body was found deceased a street from the party."
"That has nothing to do with my clie…"
"She was stabbed once in the side and strangled." Weasley continues drawing two pictures. "This picture is one of Miss Granger from that night, this picture is of the girl found deceased. There's strikingly similar aren't they?"
Silent, Riddle stares at the pictures lockjawed refusing to speak. Arms folded he remains undisturbed by the pictures. Shivering, Bella struggled when she found the picture of the girl, realising how similar she was to Hermione. It was mind-numbing, how similar all the Sunset Killers victims were compared to Hermione.
"Does this picture seem similar?" Weasley asks showing the two naked witches, the picture that had destroyed Hermione's career. "Mr Riddle?"
"Yes," Riddle bites out. "It was everywhere when I returned to work, it's Miss Granger with another."
"Actually," Weasley counters. "Never been proven it was Miss Grangers, but the rumour mill believed it was."
"She lost her job over that picture, I'd say it's Miss Granger, speaks to her character, wouldn't you say?" Riddle snaps.
"No, I wouldn't, Miss Granger didn't lose her job because of this picture. She was poached by Mr Croaker for the Unspeakable unit, they had been discussing the change of job and it was poor timing."
"Bullshit."
"I have her contract," Weasley flashes a grin pulling out a contract. "Signed and dated by Croaker four days before this picture was released. But it doesn't matter, you recognised Mrs Bones in this picture didn't you?"
"That's preposterous," Riddle retorts. "How could I possibly know?"
"You figured out it was Mrs Bones in this picture, you had placed a complaint with the Ministry months before this picture became public. Claiming Mrs Bones was acting unprofessionally and having an office affair. This is your signature on the date, it was ignored the investigation found no misconduct. When this picture came out, you didn't bother this time going to the Ministry, you took things into your own hands. You blackmailed Mrs Bones, did you not?"
"On what grounds do you dare accuse my client!" Arlington cries.
"You were trying to get the Ministry act Owing 231 passed, Mrs Bones was your biggest critic. Two days after this picture came out, Mrs Bones did not object to the passing of this bill."
"Circumstantial." Arlington tuts. "Dolohov control your subordinate. This line of questioning is foolish, without foundation…"
"You weren't the top pick for the missionary trip Miss Granger was originally meant to go on. Shacklebot and Andrew Pierce were the next choices. But, Mrs Bones picked you for the role."
"I had no say in that,"
"No, why did the missionary work end a year earlier than planned?" Weasley questions.
"I decided to run for Minister so that I could do more good leading from the top."
"Not because of the sexual assault allegations?"
Arlington pauses, glancing at his client before reaching for the paperwork Weasley places on the table. Eyes skirting across the information. Hands itching, Bella wishes she could also read the paperwork. Where was Weasley getting this information from? None of this had turned up in Bella's investigation.
"They were false claims." Riddle replies coldly.
"I'm sure they were, so you returned to England to run for Minister. The problem with that is running for office requires quite a bit of money. Do you know Bathilda Bagshot?" Weasley questions.
"Yes, Bagshot is one of my supporters. She donates to my campaign generously."
"Mrs Bones was being blackmailed, we found the letter in her office. The money Mrs Bones paid to her blackmail was traced to Bagshots bank account. Could you explain that?"
"I can't speak on behalf of Bagshot, you would have to ask her."
"Oh, we did." Weasley nodded. "Bathilda Bagshot's body was found in her home, she had been dead for a few years. Yet, someone had been going to the bank to put money into your account, religiously."
Silence.
"No, no need to answer that, okay let's move on." Weasley resumes. "Do you often go to the Green Goblin club to drink?"
"I have visited on occasion." Riddle begrudgingly admits.
"I have a statement here from someone who works at the Green Goblin, testifying that he heard you discussing your political career."
"Nothing wrong with that," Riddle argues.
"No, but it was mentioned that you were going to need more to help your career. I quote, 'You need a bank on your arm, I heard Black is divorcing. She will have enough to bank role your career and more.'"
"This is hardly evidence, my client has nothing to be charged for," Arlington argues sweat wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.
"Oh, Mr Riddle is being charged today, for the murder of Amelia Bones, fraud, assault, blackmail and the murders of these women."
"These are the Sunset Killers victims," Arlington announces staring at the list on the table.
"That's correct," Weasley announces rising to his feet. "Mr Riddle we have found several bones in the back garden of your Heights House property."
"That property is rented out, I have no business other than ownership."
"Yes, rented out to a Mr Jones." Weasley nods. "Except there is no record of Mr Jones, but he also pays a substantial amount into your bank account. The same amount is missing from Maisy Gwen's account who is also a registered missing person. We have found a woman matching her description at the back of your property. Mr Riddle, you were rejected by Miss Granger at the staff party a muggleborn. Someone who you deem below you, publicly embarrassed, you left the party and killed Jenna Taylor on December 12th. Stabbed and strangled. You went away, and a man matching your description was seen near the area, so you decided to get away. Blackmailed Bones into sending you on the missionary work. Work you had deemed to several employees was beneath you. While abroad your reputation grew, and sexual assault allegations were starting to taint your career. Then Miss Ivanov went missing another missionary representative who was working abroad. Last seen with you. You fled back to England where you resumed blackmailing Amelia Bones. But it wasn't enough, you killed again, again and again. Each one of these women had family, friends, and loved ones but you killed them. When the investigation grew closer you inserted yourself in the picture and started to date Head Auror Black. Instead of leaving these women and discarding them like rubbish on the street, you kidnapped them. Tortured them, subjected them to inhumane acts and then burnt or buried them in your garden. Mr Riddle, you will be imprisoned until your hearing for bail. Please stand."
Moving around the table, Dolohov locks the cuffs on Riddle's wrists the wizard standing emotionless. Arlington orders the wizard to remain quiet and not speak without a representative so that he can have the case thrown out before it even gets to court.
"You'll be looking at the kiss," Weasley informs the wizard. "Personally, that sounds too kind."
Quiet, Bellatrix watches the wizard being led from the room, Arlington hot on the tail of the wizards leading Riddle from the building. Ensuring the coast is clear, Bella steps out of the room Weasley turns to her surprised.
"Boss," Weasley greets flushing red. "You shouldn't be here."
"I know," Bellatrix replies tiredly. "How did you get all that?"
"Ugh," He scratches his neck glancing away awkwardly. "Hermione told me years ago after the party what Riddle did, she doesn't remember she was very drunk. After everything that happened, it seemed fishy, I started investigating, and have been ever since."
With a shrug of the shoulders, Bella stares at the wizard all this time, she had thought the wizard to be an idiot. A fool, but all this time he had seen through Riddle's lies, and investigated him.
"You investigated me, didn't you." Bellatrix comments.
"When Hermione mentioned she was spending time with you, I was worried I knew you had connections to Riddle."
"What did you find?"
"Nothing," Ron murmurs blushing red.
Stepping forward the wizard winces, as Bellatrix's hand flies out of her pocket. Blinking, the wizard stares at the offered hand, Bellatrix's open hand. A clammy hand meets hers, bewildered eyes turning to meet Bella's gaze.
"Thank you," Bella states ignoring Dolohov's shocked face. "You act the fool Weasley, but you should be very proud of yourself. Keep this up and you'll be running for my job."
"Thanks, boss, and can we keep this from Hermione, she'll kill me if she thinks I investigated you."
"You can go toe to toe with a killer but you're scared of Hermione?" Bella scoffs.
"You haven't seen Hermione angry, she's the scariest person I know."
Smiling, Bella heads towards the floo network head spinning with the information. Riddle played her from the start, if Weasley is correct then she was played like a fool.
"Hey mama," A familiar voice makes her pause.
"Mercy," Bella whispers turning to the witch. "Looking for intel?"
"Huh, Hermione told you what I do then?" Mercy smirks arms folded she's leaning against the floo networks in all her unassuming glory. "Thought she might."
"I don't have anything for you," Bella retorts.
"Good job Crooks meowed when he did," The words cause Bella to stop, powder in her hands. "Hate to imagine what could have happened."
"You knew didn't you, all this time who Riddle was?" Bella hisses turning to the witch.
"People always assume knowing something is the same as truth." A shrug of the shoulders.
"You took Crooks?"
"Didn't touch the cat, he hates me." A smile a glint in the witch's eyes. Bella isn't sure if she's lying or not.
"I don't have time for this."
"You're taking Hermione on a date… I can give you ideas if you're interested."
Bugger.
11:32 am
Angry, Hermione is angry with her as soon as she enters the shop, she knows the witch is angry. Perhaps it's the avoidance of the eyes, but most telling is the slam of a book the witch was reading. The bookshop open once more as though the last few days haven't happened.
The concerned look from Ginny as Bella follows the fuming Hermione from the room, gently closing the flat door behind them. Furiously stirring a cup of tea, Bella winces as the spoon hits the side of the mug with a thump each time. If only the witch would use the anger for something else, like sex. What would it be like to have her trapped beneath us, raging, as we fuck her to oblivion?
Not the time, Bella forces the thoughts from her mind as her core ignites with the thought. Not the time, not when the witch is so visibly pissed off. She needs to tread carefully and broach the subject gently. Subtle, she needs to be subtle.
"Your angry," Bella states mentally smacking herself.
"No shit," Hermione bites out. "One sugar or two?"
"One?"
Splosh, the sugar forcibly thrown into the mug making the tea splash everywhere. A sigh of annoyance as Bella grabs the tea towel offering it to the witch.
"I get it," Hermione whispers pushing away from the counter she releases a deep breath. "I do, I get it. You're not great at relationships, we're not even in a formal relationship, and you don't owe me an explanation. But please, for my anxiety, please instead of sneaking out while I'm sleeping and disappearing. Please leave a fucking note."
Ah, Bella winces now she understood. So eager to get to the Ministry, Bella knew they'd be interviewing Riddle first thing. Anything to avoid the attention of the press, not wanting to drag Riddle through a full Ministry. The news would break soon enough, but the Auror unit needed the time to build the case first. The morning's headline would be Amelia Bones, but the person responsible will be kept secret.
"I went to the Ministry, to watch the interrogation," Bella explains.
"I know, I guessed that," Hermione murmurs. "After I woke up and thought you'd changed your mind. When I found the flat empty."
"No, no," Bella rushes forward engulfing the witch, cursing herself for her stupidity. "No, I don't regret a thing, didn't you listen you're not getting rid of me."
"I know," A deep sigh, a hand pressing against Bella's shoulder the warmth of the touch. "After I calmed down, I thought to myself. What would Bella be doing right now, what would make her force herself out of bed so early? Then I realised, Riddle."
The word makes Bella tense, hazel eyes searching dark depths looking for answers, concern weighing heavily in the air. The gentlest touch to Bella's face.
"Just leave a note next time." Hermione requests.
"I promise," Bella whispers pressing a kiss to the witch's mouth.
She drowns in the kiss, the insecurities slip away as their lips touch. Her hands slide down the witch's body, the need to touch to feel Hermione. Arms wrap around Bella's neck, pulling her closer, and deepening the kiss. A groan escapes her lips as teeth nip at her tongue when her stomach grumbles loudly.
Breaking from the kiss, Hermione releases a laugh kissing Bella's cheek.
"You hungry?"
"Yes," Bella murmurs trying to initiate the kiss. "Not for food."
"You're stomach says differently," Hermione smiles. "I'll go get some food from Sheryl, then you can tell me about the interrogation."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"We need to," Hermione reasons. "We'll talk about it, then it will be the last time we discuss Riddle."
"Until trial."
"Until then, but I don't want to waste another second on him."
"Good, I have an idea for a date."
"You do?"
"Why do you sound surprised?" Bella asks suspiciously.
"Not surprised," Hermione argues with a squeak in her voice. "Just intrigued."
"Liar," Bella chuckles.
"When, where?" Hermione asks flashing a dazzling smile.
"Tomorrow night,"
"Oh, not tonight?"
"No, I'd love to, but I haven't slept properly in so long. I plan on using your bed for twenty hours."
"Can I join?"
Bella shivers at the purr in the witch's voice, the innocent smile directed at her.
"If you behave," Bella warns.
"No promises."
With a dark chuckle, Bella watches the witch leave the thumping of the stairs as Hermione heads to get them food. Falling onto the sofa, Bella releases a deep groan, head foggy, she tries to process all the information she's learnt. Grateful Hermione wants to discuss it, she needs to offload. She needs the time to process. She feels like crying feels like screaming raging, curling into a ball. She wants revenge, she wants to hurt Riddle to Crucio him into oblivion. Would it be worth the punishment seeing him cry, and beg for mercy, it would be worth the punishment, wouldn't it?
The door opens, and Hermione enters juggling food and butterbeer. The younger witch waves Bella away ordering her silently to remain put on the sofa. The clinking of plates as Hermione organises their lunch humming to herself. Happy, the witch is happy. I caused that, I make her happy. The idea is foreign, the smile she receives from Hermione as she hands Bella the food is breathtaking.
No, punishing Riddle may give her small satisfaction, but not if it means losing Hermione. She couldn't risk losing the witch from her life, not being able to see Hermione or touch the witch. The idea fills Bella with dread. Plopping onto the sofa opposite, Hermione pops open her food container completely oblivious to the observations.
Smiling, Bella digs into her food, she will do everything in her power to keep Hermione safe. To never let anything happen to the younger witch ever again.
A/n: This is bit of a heavy chapter with lots of information, but it's needed to move the story along. Next chapter will be fluffy. Let's hear the guesses for Bella's plan for a date.