II

The new day dawned bright and full of promise for both women. As Hermione prepared herself with her morning ablations, she mentally reviewed how she would broach the subject of getting to know Bellatrix outside of the castle. How does one engage in small talk? She supposed she could inquire about her favorite beverage or meal. Although trite, she had to start somewhere. Leading with "learn any good spells lately?" just doesn't quite hit the mark. No, she needed something else, something more creative. Something just as unique as the very witch in question…

Bellatrix Black awoke with a start, the dream, she had had the dream again. Just as in dreams before, Professor Granger looked deeply into her eyes, begging not with words but with lingering looks at her mouth to be kissed, passionately as they passed one another in the Great Hall. Only in her dreams did both women allowed themselves the leisurely pleasure of openly gazing at one another with pure desire. All occurring in a matter of seconds. Each time Bella awoke, was with chocolate brown eyes gazing into her own, begging to be kissed to be held up from buckling knees, from throbbing pulses. Now, as she sat up in bed, she reached for her glass of water and gulped audibly. Today had to be the day, years, and weeks were long enough. If the soft flush in Hermione Granger's cheeks were any indication of her feelings being returned, Bella reasoned her chances were beyond good.

The Great Hall teemed with activity as the day had approached for the first Quidditch match of the new term. As Hermione passed the Gryffindor house table she smiled remembering the excitement Harry and the other players experienced beforehand and had a rush of nostalgia, it was comforting to know that not much had changed in five years. Making her way to her seat at the table among the other professors, she nodded in greeting to headmaster McGonagall who was engaged in a discussion with professor Sprout. She discretely noticed that Professor Black had not yet arrived. She took her seat and felt a sliver of disappointment at not seeing the dark-haired witch. She remined herself that patience was a virtue and began pouring her coffee.

Bellatrix Black walked toward the Great Hall at a faster than usual pace. On this morning, the passionate dream had deterred her morning routine. She was quite beside herself at being tardy for breakfast. She secretly adored being already seated so she could observe professor Granger enter and see her glowing face in the morning light. Now, she may have already missed seeing the witch or she herself would be the one on the other side of observation at first light. No matter, to be on the receiving end of the browned eyed witches gaze was a delight in more ways than one.

As the heavy doors closed behind her she looked upon the professor's dais and noticed the witch in question preparing her morning beverage. Brown eyes lifted to the sound of the closing doors and locked with rich black. Here it was, the moment that both witches held their breaths for. Each gazed at the other, trying to communicate silently all that was building inside.

Time seemed to stand still as Bellatrix remembered to place one foot in front of the other, she held Hermione's gaze a moment longer and smiled softly.

Hermione sighed internally as she let her gaze sweep leisurely over Bellatrix. Throwing caution to the wind, she let herself simply feel all that she saw in her black eyes. She saw passionate, pain, unrestrained sexual tension, and other emotions that she could not name. As the professor approached the table, Hermione offered a welcoming smile. "Good Morning Professor Black" she said, "Professor Granger, a very good morning to you as well" Bellatrix replied in turn.

Sensing a subtle shift in their rapport, Hermione responded in kind, "Would you care to join me?"

Hermione surprised herself with her request and briefly questioned her forwardness. She didn't know where this boldness came from, but she felt that going against it wouldn't be wise.

"I'd love to," Bellatrix responded with a smile.

As Bellatrix settled herself beside her, she suddenly felt at a loss for words. She never expected that her courage would arrive so quickly, therefore she didn't think this through. She hoped as they enjoyed their meal together that conversation would flow naturally.

Bellatrix smiled internally, being invited to have breakfast with Hermione was an unexpected delight. She was surprised to feel the flutter of butterflies in her stomach as she accepted the invitation. She began preparing her tea to her liking and wondered about how to approach the witch about possibly having drinks in Hogsmeade at the Feathered Broomstick on witch's night the following Saturday.

Hermione stirred her coffee and subtly observed Bellatrix in her peripheral vision. It was now or never…

Both witches began at the same time,

"I was wondering if- "

"Would you happen to be free on- "

Laughing, Bellatrix gestured for Hermione to go first. "I was wondering if you were free this upcoming Saturday night, I would very much enjoy taking you out for a drink?"

Bellatrix blushed as she replied, "I was going to ask you the same, yes, I'd love to."

Sighing internally, Hermione visually relaxed. "I'm so glad to hear that, I can't tell you how nervous I've been trying to find the courage to simply speak to you…"

Bellatrix furrowed her brows in confusion, "Why? you don't strike me as someone lacking in confidence."

"Oh, it isn't that at all! It's just, well, it's…you," Hermione replied. Once again, she was amazed at her boldness, however, she had no intention of shying away when she'd come this far.

"Me…," Bellatrix replied with one eyebrowed slightly raised sipping her tea. "Do I make you nervous Professor Granger?" she responded.

Hermione was sure her blood pressure raised in the microseconds it took for Bellatrix to simultaneously responded to her statement, and for her to convey all the mutual desire between them with those eyes and that coquettish smile. Her cheeks flushed, and she felt goose bumps raise on her chest and arms. Her robes, and the Great Hall seemed suddenly too warm.

"Yes, but only in the most pleasant of ways," she challenged, also bringing her cup to her lips with a smile.

Nodding in approval at Hermione's play on words, Bellatrix smiled and looked down at her plate briefly then back into her eyes.

"I was hoping to see this side of you appear… I quite enjoy it"

Blushing at the small praise, Hermione relaxed and smiled easier knowing that at least the ice was broken, and the harder part was over. Now, all she had to worry about was Saturday night…

A/N-Thank you all again for viewing and following!