Chapter Three:
Hermione and Bill had been living together and working together for two months. They had finished up the last expedition the previous team had been struggling with, sending a lot of treasures back to the goblins and increasing their own vaults exponentially. Hermione she and Bill worked well as a team, and she found her dislike for Marshall only grew.
It was this that convinced them to get an office. Hermione didn't want Marshall in her home any more than necessary, and Bill agreed. They found a small office that had two separate offices and a conference room, as well as a larger office. Hermione and Bill had gotten used to working together, so they both set up in the large office, with their relevant books settled onto a bookshelf. Bill made sure to tell Marshall where their new offices were located, and Marshall seemed disappointed he would no longer grace their flat.
Hermione was completely focused on a translation when someone entered the office. She didn't even look up as Bill led whoever it was into the room. "Same old Hermione," Harry said. She looked up and squealed.
"Harry," she said throwing her arms around him in a hug. "Ron," she said. "I've missed you both. How long are you for? Did Bill set this up?"
"Woah," Harry said laughing. "One question at a time. Yes, Bill set this up. He knew you missed us and he said your work has been invaluable."
"We're only here for a couple of days. Bill suggested we get a room as your flat is extremely tiny," Ron added. Hermione silently thanked Bill that they wouldn't have to explain their living arrangements.
"It really is," Hermione said. "It's barely big enough for the two of us. We're looking for a bigger flat, but nothing is available."
"Are you enjoying the work," Harry asked. Hermione beamed at him.
"Yes, most of it is translating and it's extremely satisfying to get something right. I've translated roughly three documents since we've been here. That's not easy. We're not taught Egyptian Ancient Runes, which is what is used here. I'm essentially learning a new language…"
"Breathe, Hermione," Harry said with a laugh. Hermione smiled sheepishly and turned her back on her research. She looked at Bill with a raised eyebrow.
"We're a week ahead," Bill explained. "The team hasn't caught up to us, so I thought we could take a couple days to focus on Harry and Ron."
Just then, Marshall walked in. He saw Hermione with her arms around Harry and Ron and stopped short. He turned to Bill. "I thought you said she was yours," he asked accusatorily. Harry and Ron exchanged curious looks. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"They're her best friends," Bill explained. Hermione walked over to him and he wrapped his arms around her. "She is mine. Do you want to challenge me on that?"
"No," Marshall said after a moment. "I just wanted to let you know we believe we've found the chamber."
"It's about damn time," Bill said under his breath. "Fine, make sure. We'll be by to check in a couple of days. Until then, focus on your work. You have another location to scrounge through."
"Yes, sir," Marshall said. He turned to move towards the door, but stopped and turned back to him. "You were a lot more fun when you weren't my boss," Marshall said.
"I was allowed to be more fun when I wasn't your boss. If I don't show results, I lose my job. That's more important to me than your feelings towards me." Marshall nodded sharply and left. Bill finally released Hermione, only to spin her around. "Are you okay?"
Hermione sighed. "He's awful," she said shivering.
"What was that about," Ron asked slowly.
"Marshall has made several passes at Hermione that she has made clear she doesn't reciprocate. So, when Marshall's around, we pretend to date because he won't leave her alone otherwise," Bill explained. He was finally satisfied that Hermione was, indeed, okay. "Let's get out of here," he said.
They left to the shopping center that they usually walked through. Bill stopped and bought Hermione several things she indicated she liked, and Hermione did the same. Harry and Ron each bought things for themselves, exchanging glances at the strange behavior between the two.
For dinner, they walked to the café that Bill had brought Hermione on their first night here. They had dined here several more times and had grown friendly with the staff. They grabbed a larger table, and Bill ordered for Hermione before turning to the boys to see what they wanted. When the waiter left, Ron looked at Bill and Hermione. "Do you two want to come clean about your relationship now," he asked.
Both Hermione and Bill looked surprised. "What are you talking about," Hermione asked.
"You've only been out here for two weeks, yet you act like you've been dating forever."
"We're not dating," Bill assured the two. He looked at Hermione, who nodded. "We've had a bit of trouble since we moved here. The hotel room we got only had one bed, when it was supposed to have two," he explained.
"The only flat we could find only has one room, and it's not big enough for two beds," Hermione told him.
"When you consistently share a bed together, and spend every moment together, you tend to become close," Bill explained.
"So you're dating," Harry said. "Only without having discussed it first."
"Have you had sex," Ron asked suddenly. He didn't look concerned or even worried. He looked amused.
"No," Bill sputtered. "We're not dating."
"You're dating," the boys said together. Hermione rolled her eyes, but didn't respond. They weren't dating. They would know if they were dating.
The rest of the visit was wonderful. Hermione enjoyed getting to spend time with her friends, but was almost relieved when they went back home. It was a bit irritating to continuously hear them assert that Bill and Hermione were dating.
Hermione and Bill continued to work together seamlessly. They were extremely successful and they both enjoyed the work, partly because they enjoyed each other's company. Hermione had left their flat to get something for their dinner and when she returned, she was surprised to see Fleur in the flat.
She tentatively peeked her head in and saw Bill looking irritated. "Is everything okay," she asked. Fleur looked at him smugly.
"You are sleeping with this child," Fleur insisted. Bill rolled his eyes. Hermione set the bags down on the counter and approached Fleur.
"He is not sleeping with me," Hermione said. "Even if he was, I'm an adult. You are divorced and have no right being in our flat. Leave," Hermione ordered. Fleur raised an eyebrow at her before turning to Bill, ignoring her.
"Are you going to let her talk to me that way," she asked.
"You heard her," he said. "Leave," Bill turned his back on Fleur, who growled in frustration.
"Fleur, I don't know how you found our flat, nor do I care. Don't come back here. You're not welcome here." Fleur stomped out the door and Hermione put up the groceries as if nothing happened. "How did she find us," Hermione asked curiously.
"Marshall," Bill answered. "He fucking told her because he's assuming I'll go back to her and leave you available for him." Hermione wrinkled her nose. She would never choose Marshall, even if Bill went back to Fleur.
"That's an issue," Hermione said. "I don't like that Marshall knows where we live, let alone Fleur."
"I know," Bill agreed. "Both of them make me uncomfortable." Bill sighed. Hermione agreed and started cooking their dinner.
