A/n: Thank you for all the kind words, I'm not confident in writing smut so it's been a learning curve.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this. None of the charities mentioned in the story are real or based on any current charities that are active.
Enjoy...
Chapter Twenty-Five
March 12th…
"It's good to see you too! I'm fine thanks for asking. No don't worry about knocking just walk in…" Sarcasm drips from each word.
Groaning, Hermione folds her arms leaning against the doorway and staring at one of her best friends as he rants to himself. Green eyes turn back to Hermione, waiting, most likely waiting for an apology. It's not her fault Ginny had said Harry was home and invited Hermione to use their floo network. It's not her fault he screamed as loud as Ron did in his second year at Hogwarts when he found the giant spiders.
How could she help but laugh at his reaction, tears streaming down her face as she tried to catch her breath? Harry clutched his chest red-faced for screaming the house down. Now they're standing in his kitchen, Harry ranting to himself as he plods around the house in his slippers, the kettle boiling.
"You give me more grief than my ex's." Hermione interrupts causing Harry to blush even more.
"You could knock." Harry summarises.
"Ginny said to use the floo."
"Of course, she did,"
"She probably didn't think you'd be asleep on the sofa," Hermione chuckles the moment Harry had tried to jump to his feet wand in hand but fallen tangled in blankets. "Aren't you meant to be painting?"
"You can't tell her," Harry instructs pouring the hot water into the two cups.
"Oh, I will." Hermione grins. "I might even share the memory, so we can relive it together."
"Great, I was meant to paint the nursery last week, but I forgot."
"Forgot?"
"Couldn't be bothered."
Smiling, Hermione accepts the coffee, pure black, just like the witch she left in her flat. She inhales the coffee the smell easing her muscles, she can already feel the caffeine kicking in. She wonders if Bella has got up yet or if she's still in bed. It was late at night, and the marks on her back are evident.
Warmth spreads through her, the ache between her legs growing, the memory of Bellatrix shoving against the desk last night after locking up. Not giving Hermione time to do the till. Fingers slipping deep, a silent spell had shed any clothes. The witch had pinned her against the desk, the door still unlocked. Anyone could have walked in. A part of her wonders if that's what Bellatrix had wanted.
She didn't realise Bellatrix has such a high sex drive, Bella hadn't mentioned it in previous relationships. Then again, Bella rarely spared such details not that Hermione wanted to pry.
"Are you listening?" Harry asks.
"Huh?" Hermione turns to the wizard blinking she had completely zoned out.
"Should I give you and the coffee some time alone?"
"It's not the coffee." A smile breaks across her face.
"Ginny mentioned you and Black," Sitting against the wooden table, he rests his feet on the chair, eyebrow raised. "Quite a surprise."
"Not really, we've been friends for a while."
"I know but Ron mentioned you were worried Black was straight."
"Bloody Ron, he's a bigger gossip than his sister."
"Preach," Harry raises his cup in agreement. "Honestly, I can't tell Ginny anything without her family finding out."
Smiling, Hermione hops up onto the side, leaning against the cupboard. It's strange being in Harry's house, it feels so grown up. She remembers him buying not long after he started with the Auror unit. His parents had given him the money. She and Ron had spent many a night around Harry's. It was a run-down house, needing major renovation it took Harry years to fix up. Between working and doing the house he had hardly any spare time. It helped though, as Harry was not able to sit around, he always needs to keep busy.
Now it's a modern decorated three-bed house, but she still remembers those first nights. With the kitchen being ripped out they had lived off takeaways. Hermione rented with Ron they never invested, and neither of them had the money. Not until recently, now she has a business and a flat.
"It's strange," Hermione murmurs staring off into the distance. "You're about to be a dad, I've got my little shop, Ron receiving a promotion."
"Feels very adult."
"Right," Hermione chuckles. "You know the worse thing is, when things go wrong I look to find 'adults' someone older. Now, I'm becoming the oldest in the room half the time, I'm the adult."
"Makes you realise, our parents had no clue what they were doing."
"Right," They share a laugh. "I always thought my parents knew what they were doing. They had a house and good jobs. Now I realise they were just winging it hoping for the best."
"The good thing is I know how to brew a draught of the living dead. I know how to care for mandrake root, I even know how to duel a dark wizard. However, I don't know half of what my bills are charging me for nor do I know anything about my upcoming changes to my mortgage nor how to successfully change a nappy." Harry motions to the letter at the table.
"It's okay though," Hermione reassures. "You know how to cast Tarantallegra successfully, at least you can dance your way to baby classes."
Chuckling, Harry takes a sip of his tea placing it aside he regards Hermione with a warm gaze. She does feel bad, she hasn't seen Harry in ages potentially months. They are always busy, both workaholics even now, she distracts herself with running the bookshop. Harry takes extra shifts at the Auror unit because he enjoys his work, and enjoys keeping busy. It's in both their natures.
With Ron, their friendship is different she needs to see him monthly at least. Otherwise, his self-doubt will start to play, he will begin to worry that she's ignoring him. She understands where his anxiety, his fear came from, and she understands Ron, so she nurtures his friendship differently.
Harry and her relationship have always been different, they know the other is there, and will always be there. When they meet up it's as though no time has passed at all, as though it hasn't been months but just a couple of days. They fall into old habits.
"I'm going to be a dad," Harry whispers.
"You'll be brilliant," Hermione reassures.
"You think?"
"I know." A lazy smile returned. "Besides that child won't just have parents, they have an army raising it."
"True." He nods. "Mum is overjoyed."
She can imagine Lily making plans with Molly, preparing schedules and ensuring each set of grandparents can have the little one equally. It will be doted on, loved, and will never be alone.
"Sirius has brought a broom already," Harry grins.
"I can only imagine."
"Dad has Gryffindor clothes brought, also boys' clothes."
"Do you know the sex?"
"No."
She laughs, she can imagine James and Sirius planning to spend their time teaching the child to fly. Gosh, the child will grow up with Quidditch shoved down its throat. With Ginny as its mother, she wouldn't be surprised if the child will fly before it can walk.
"Black looking after you?" Harry questions.
"If she wasn't, what would you do?" Hermione smiles.
"I'd have to pay her a visit." The statement is light, but the tone remains.
Harry may be a sweet man, a calm man, and he may have the habit of finding trouble, but no one would claim him to be violent. Hermione knows though, deep down there's a fighter in Harry, something else. A phenomenal duellist, she used to envy him at school. She worked hard, and tirelessly to learn about magic, to become brilliant at magic, and to get the scores she did. Harry just waltzed through, magic was natural to him, duelling natural.
She is also keenly aware that if Bellatrix or any of her lovers upset her, harmed her. They would receive a visit from both Ron and Harry, who knows that despite Bellatrix's unbeaten duelling record, Ron and Harry would give her a run for her money.
"That's why I'm here." Hermione replies. "Oh, no nothing to worry about."
She sees him visibly relax collecting his cup of tea, he waits for her to continue, intrigued by her visit. Normally they only see each other at family get-togethers when they would both sneak away. Neither used enjoying being surrounded by large groups they normally escaped. To chat in private, eventually, Ron would catch up with them, the three hiding from family, events enjoying the evening in solitude.
"I need some refresh training, in duelling." Hermione states.
A frown, green eyes narrowing over his cup of tea, studying Hermione.
"This isn't some fetish, is it?" Harry asks placing his drink aside.
"A fetish?" Hermione repeats confused.
"Not a sex thing you're doing with Black?"
"No," She laughs at the idea. "It is to do with Black but not what you're thinking."
She elaborates, filling Harry in on her new side project. Catching the wizard up with the latest ongoings with her life.
"You always have to do it, don't you." Harry laughs.
"Do what?"
"It's not enough owning a business you're also a philanthropist,"
"Someone has to do something for them," Hermione argues.
"Why not ask Ron?" Harry enquires tapping his finger against the table.
"Ron is a great dueller, but he's a strategist, I can't go to battle against Bellatrix with a strategy. I need the best."
"I'm flattered," Harry comments although his tone reflects no flattery at all. "You're pissed off at Ron."
"Both statements are true."
"This about Riddle?"
Sighing, Hermione takes a drink from her coffee, reorganising her thoughts. She had planned to speak to Harry quickly and head back, but of course, Harry had to play counsellor. They always could read each other nothing has changed, even now. It's true though, she's angry at Ron, and she shouldn't be. Ron is the reason Riddle is truly behind bars, but a part of her remains annoyed at the wizard.
"I know, I shouldn't be," Hermione voices her thoughts. "But I feel violated, it's foolish, his heart was in the right place. He had read between the lines and seen things that everyone had overlooked. The fact remains though, he investigated my friend, Bellatrix, his boss, my friend at the time. Thinking she had something to do with Riddle. I had told him something in confidence while drunk and he had started an investigation that lasted years. What happens if he had been wrong and all this time he would have looked nothing less than a stalker?"
"He wasn't wrong, he did this out of concern for you. There was no malice." Calm, Harry is the reason. "I'm annoyed too though."
"Really?"
"He's my best mate, we're the dynamic trio, he went headlong into this investigation, and didn't even tell me. Didn't warn you that Riddle was potentially dangerous. I'm annoyed he didn't trust me enough to tell me."
"It's not trusted, it's doubt. Ron would need proof or he'd just look mad, Riddle didn't give him proof until it was too late. If he pounced too soon, Riddle could have been done for a small misdemeanour that he'd get away with… I see what you doing…"
Acting innocent Harry shrugs as Hermione trails off to defend Ron. She understands Ron's motives, regardless she has a right to be angry, and annoyed.
"Will you help with duelling?" Hermione asks turning back to the reason for her visit.
"Do you need help?" Harry asks sceptically.
"It's been a while." Hermione answers vaguely.
"You didn't just buy a shop, did you." Harry probes.
"I was injured in the field," Hermione replies hesitantly. "That's all I can say, my confidence hasn't been the same since."
"I'm sorry, I guessed there was more to you leaving the Unspeakable. Do you miss it?"
"Yes and no."
"Of course, I'll be happy to duel,"
"Good," Hermione grins. "Now, do you think you could pull some strings?"
"With who?"
"Bellatrix and I aren't the only ones duelling."
There's a repetitive tapping as she ascends the stairs, a grin on her face as she takes the steps two at a time. The laughter left her feeling weightless, she had just relieved the memory with Ginny. The memory of Harry screaming, both witches having a good laugh at Harry's expense.
Nudging the door open, Hermione places the shopping bags down, frowning at the witch huddled in the corner. The kitchen table moved to the window in the living room, her old typewriter left to her by her nan. The keys stamp against the paper, thumping each letter home, dextrous fingers hitting them with masterful precision.
Curious, Hermione breaks off a piece of celery as she moves across the room nibbling on the vegetable. She wanders close to the focused witch, Crooks curled up on the table fast asleep on discarded paper.
"What's this?" Hermione asks staring at the pile of paper.
Blinking, Bellatrix snaps from her work turning to regard Hermione in slight confusion. Dark eyes drift to the clock in the room smacking Hermione's hand as it drifts to the paper.
"Nosey," Bellatrix remarks. "Back already? What did Potter say?"
"Yes," Hermione smiles.
"I still don't know why you won't let me train with you?" Bellatrix pouts.
"Because I want it to be a fair fight." Hermione grins easing herself down onto the witch's lap. "Which means both of us may have a chance,"
"Fine,"
Hands caress Hermione's thighs, she can feel the nails beneath the fabric of her jeans. Running her hands through Bella's hair she drags the witch into a scorching kiss, a groan escaping Bella's lips.
"You're distracting me," Bella murmurs.
"From what?"
"Writing."
"Ohh," Snapping away Hermione looks to the paper. "What are you writing?"
"Really," Bella groans slipping Hermione off her lap.
Shuffling the paper, Hermione reads the crossed-out headlines, glancing to the first page. She barely gets a glimpse before Bella snatches them back gently nudging Hermione away from the table.
"Oh come on," Hermione groans. "Are you writing a fictional book?"
"No," Bella replies placing the paperwork down. "It's nothing I'm just working on some thoughts."
"Bella, I'd love to read it. When you're ready."
"You don't even know what it is," Bella argues folding her arms.
"It's part of you, I don't care."
The words put the witch at ease the shoulders relaxing hands tugging at her sleeve, discomfort. The actions pull at Hermione's heartstrings, she's extremely curious to see what the witch has written about, but she will respect her wishes. Hermione will not peak, she will fight the urge to read the papers. The headline alone gathered her attention The Devil Beside Me.
"It's a true crime book, based on a case I worked on years ago," Bellatrix admits.
"Oh,"
"It's just something to pass the time."
"That's a lot of pages to pass the time, how long have you been writing this?"
"One hundred and twelve pages to be precise," Bellatrix admits running a hand through her hair. "I've been toying with the idea for a long time. I noticed your typewriter and thought I'd give it a go, wonder if my muse was still here or not."
"Is the muse still there?"
"Yep,"
"I'll make you some tea and something to eat."
"Don't we need to plan?"
"Bella, I'll send the letters, you write."
"Hermione," The word stops her halfway to the kitchen. "Thank you."
The creaking of the floorboards causes her to stir, she can hear Bellatrix moving around in the living room. She had left the witch writing, locking the shop up ages ago. Heading to bed to read the sharp edges of the book's cover digging into her back. Wincing, she pulls the book away placing it aside, she stretches.
"Hermione," A whisper in the dark, the creak of the door. "You still awake?"
"No," Hermione answers groggily. "This is her voicemail."
A snort from Bellatrix as she shuffles into the room she watches the witch move through the darkness. The top pulled free bleary, Hermione curls in the bed, waiting for the witch to crawl in. When Bellatrix started living with her full time she doesn't know, but she dreads the day, Bella announces she's going home.
The bed dips as Bella climbs on, hands slipping beneath the sheets. Absently, Hermione wonders what time it is, Bellatrix was so absorbed in her writing Hermione chose to leave the witch to it.
A shiver runs through her as warm hands whisper beneath the sheets, curling around Hermione. Dragging her towards the warmth of the witch, the naked witch. Eyes snapping fully open, Hermione searches to touch the exposed skin.
"What the fuck is that!" The screech leaves Hermione's mouth as she jolts back in the bed.
Cackling, Bellatrix collapses onto her side clutching her stomach as she howls in laughter. Shocked, Hermione throws the duvet aside ignoring the cold night air she stares at the witch bewildered.
"Bella, what the fuck?" Hermione breathes. "Why do you have…"
"A dick?" Bella probes casually lying on her side running her fingers along the bed.
"What?" Hermione repeats staring at the appendage between Bella's legs.
"It's a spell," Bella reassures. "Don't worry it's not permanent."
"A spell?"
"Yep, I was researching something in a book when I stumbled across this little charm,"
"I wouldn't say it's little," Hermione mutters prodding the erection. "Is it safe?"
"Safe?" Bella repeats confused.
"Well, I doubt anyone would just make a spell for the sake of pleasure, it won't make me pregnant?"
"Oh, no. It can make you pregnant, but you have to take a potion as well. Can you stop poking it?"
"Sorry," Hermione chuckles. "Oh, did you send a letter to your sister?"
"Really?" Bella replies. "You're prodding my dick and you're asking about my sister?"
"I forgot to ask earlier."
"Yes, I did. Now, I don't want to be crude we doing this or not? Because this is getting quite uncomfortable."
"How could I resist when you ask so nicely." Hermione chuckles.
"What can I say… oh fuck…"
A groan escapes red lips, eyes rolling back Bellatrix collapses against the bed. Tongue swirling around the base of the cock, Hermione licks and sucks watching the witch writhing beneath her.
A whisper of a moan as Bellatrix comes seconds later, Hermione wincing as the witch ejaculates. Curious, Hermione prods the limp cock.
"Well, that's embarrassing… are you studying it?" Bella asks leaning on her elbows and watching Hermione nudging her cock.
"I'm just curious." Hermione shrugs with a grin. "Oh look, it's coming back."
"You'll have to try it, it's intense. No wonder guys don't last."
"They don't come back this quick either."
"Magic," Bella grins.
The kiss is earth-shattering, Bellatrix grabs Hermione by her chin drawing her in for a deep kiss. Tongue dominating, hand trailing a path south. A groan from Hermione as the witch plunders her mouth. Teeth nipping her lip a hand slipping between her thighs. A finger rolled a sensitive bud, making her groan.
Throwing her head back as two fingers slip inside, she winces at the intrusion. The fast pace, the kisses to her neck, the bite left on her collarbone. Bellatrix a witch possessed, as red lips slip around her erect nipple dragging it into a hot mouth.
"Bella,"
She flutters around the fingers as they pump in and out, struggling to catch her breath. She breaks apart, Bella not taking any prisoners tonight. Two hands grab her waist, pulling her onto the witch's lap. Pale lips seeking red Hermione drags her tongue across the witch's mouth. Begging entrance, tasting strawberries, Bella must have found Hermione's sweets.
"Ready?" Dark eyes search hazel.
Nodding, Hermione reaches between her legs, coating the cock with her juices, she lifts herself onto the waiting appendage. Slowly, lowering herself down, a loud moan from Bellatrix. Hands tightening on Hermione's hips. Fuck, she's big. She groans at the intrusion pulling Bella back into a kiss.
"God's," Bella whispers against her lips. "You feel fucking divine."
The pace is slow, Hermione resting her hand on the witch's chest as she begins to ride each thrust slipping deeper. A finger toys with her clit, making her shudder. Oh, how haven't they done this before?
The hands snake to her waist, a murmur leaving Bella's lips a hex hurling across Hermione's body. She groans, the sting, the hands moving, shifting her, lifting her, Bella driving deep.
She clutches the witch beneath her for support, her lips sinking into large breasts sucking the nipple into her mouth she swirls her tongue around the nub. The mutter from Bellatrix.
They're rolling, Bellatrix pulling out Hermione groaning at the loss. She lands on her knees, her hands digging into the bed. Two hands slipped to her thighs parting them. There's no warning, Bella thrusts back in, the angle making her moan. A hand fisting in her hair, Bella pulls her back.
"Okay?" Bella breathes against her neck lips kissing her skin.
"Don't stop."
A grin, feral, a shove she lands face down in the bed, a smack to her exposed butt cheeks. She groans into the sheets, fisting her hands. The bed creaks with each thrust, the nails digging down her back.
"Fuck you're beautiful." Bella moans.
"I'm so close," Hermione moans.
They're moving again, this time Bella doesn't pull out, moving Hermione onto her back. Wrapping her legs around the witch's waist, Hermione groans as their bodies touch. Bella never losses rhythm, the kiss pressed to her lips.
"I love you," A whisper against her ear. "Come for me, Hermione."
A bite to her shoulder, the sting, the finger moving against her clit, she screams as she comes. Bellatrix growing still above her a wanton moan against Hermione's flushed body as she comes in the witch.
Panting, Hermione tries to catch her breath holding Bella against her skin. Deep breaths as Bella pushes to her elbows pressing a gentle kiss to Hermione's lips.
"Love, you need to relax," Bella whispers nuzzling her neck. "I can't pull out."
"Sorry," Hermione chuckles forcing herself to relax.
Gently, Bella pulls free collapsing onto the bed with a groan. Chest heaving, breasts moving with each movement. Rolling onto her side, Hermione trails her hand along the beautiful witch tracing random patterns. She watches amused as the cock erects once more.
"Fuck sake." Bella groans, reaching over to the bed for her wand.
Mumbling under her breath she casts a spell at the cock between her thighs. Nothing. Worry etches itself on Bella's face as the spell doesn't do anything. The bliss of sex is eradicated by worry, sitting up, Bella points her wand again.
"Bella," Hermione whispers rubbing the witch's arm. "Slow and loud."
Taking a deep breath, Bella casts the spell once more, louder, more precise. Seconds later the appendage starts to shrink, Bella morphing back to normal once more. Grinning, Hermione watches Bella collapse against the bed relieved.
"Stop laughing," Bella orders as throws her wand to the side.
"Could you imagine if it didn't go down?"
"Shut up." Bella chuckles.
"As fun as that was, I'm glad your back to normal."
"Oh?"
Leaning forward, Hermione draws them into a long, searing kiss. A gasp leaves the witch beneath her, the kiss slow, deep.
"I love you too," Hermione whispers. "Let me show you."
She slinks down the body, Bella watching with eager anticipation as she slips between the witch's thighs.
March 15th
Hermione watched the posters rise in the centre of Diagon Alley promoting the upcoming duelling event.
March 20th
THE DUEL EVENT OF THE CENTURY
Limited tickets are available.
Fundraising event for the Giving Tree
Hogwarts Best
Headmistress Minerva McGonagall v Professor Remus Lupin
Ministry Officials
Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt v James Potter
Brightest Witches of the Ages
Head Auror Bellatrix Black v Hermione Granger