V

After all the plates and food were taken away all that was left to do was wonder and wait. They had shared so much about themselves over the course of the evening that it seemed as if words were becoming just that, words. Only raw desire was left now, it was time to act.

Bellatrix gazed at Hermione, what she saw reflected at her was lust, pure and simple.

"Should we go?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, we should"

Hermione insisted on handling the check, promising that Bella could pay the next time. Although they hadn't decided on another date, Bellatrix somehow knew it was an unspoken guarantee that there would indeed be a "next time."

As they left the bar, a light rain began to fall. Hermione reached for her wand to cast a waterproofing spell. Just as she removed her wand from her sleeve, she noticed she no longer felt the rain lightly peppering her skin. She looked up and noticed that a protective shield had already been cast above them. Looking at Bellatrix she smiled, the dark-haired witch had a smirk upon her full lips. Hermione traced the movement of that smirk upon the red lips with her eyes, she longed to feel their softness. Longed to taste the sweetness.

"You paid for dinner, this was the least I could do in return" Bella replied.

They strolled along the main street in Hogsmeade without a care in the world. They were shielded from the now steady stream of rain so there was no need to rush. They could enjoy one another's company at their leisure.

"I had a wonderful time tonight" Bellatrix said.

"As did I, I've wanted to spend time with you for such a long time. I'm glad I finally found the courage to invite you out." Hermione replied, not as shyly as she would have a few days ago.

"I too admit to being shy about approaching you. With my family's reputation of a darker nature, I worried I would intimidated you. I felt the need to protect you. I know you've handled more than your share of the dark side of our world."

Hermione slowed her step and turned to look into Bellatrix's eyes.

"I'm very flattered that you feel that way, thank you. Hermione blushed and began walking again.

"There is no need to thank me. You mean a great deal to me even though we've not voiced our mutual feelings for one another until this night."

Hermione's pulse quickened as her heart raced. If there were any lingering doubts about what they felt for one another, Bellatrix's words banished them all. Although Hermione was more than positive about her feelings for Bellatrix, the old doubts and fears were still there. This night felt like a dream, she wasn't sure she'd believe it was real until the morning.

Bellatrix moved closer to Hermione their shoulders brushing ever so often. They continued to walk in silence close together, each enjoying the small amount of heat they felt from each other's body. As they neared the road that would lead to the castle entrance, Bellatrix suddenly stopped her with a touch to Hermione's arm.

"I can't wait another moment, I've waited long enough…"

Bellatrix grabbed Hermione by the wrist and pulled her towards her. Relinquishing her wrist, she cupped her face with both hands. She tenderly pressed her lips against hers. Hermione grasped Bella's hips reveling in the softness of her lips. She tasted of the crème brulee they had for desert, and something else that was just Bellatrix. Hermione opened her mouth, tentatively exploring her. Bellatrix took her bottom lip into her mouth and sucked gently.

Hermione moaned, she was lost in her. Her scent, and the heat from her soft mouth. Their kiss is slow, exploring, gently probing one another, seeking, and wanting more.

They ended the kiss and gently pulled apart.

"I'm not sorry for doing that, I should be, but I'm not, I had to kiss you. Freely, before we reached the castle and are reminded of our responsibilities. Of who we are. Out here, I can kiss you how I want, and not worry about being seen by the students or our colleagues."

"Never apologize for wanting to kiss me, I assure you, the feeling is mutual" Hermione breathed dazed, her mind spinning from the kiss.

"Shall we continue to walk to the castle or would you prefer to reach our destination faster through apparition?" Bellatrix asked coyly. Her tone no doubt suggesting what Hermione already knew and hoped was to come.

Rather than reply, Hermione stepped closer to Bellatrix. She wrapped her arms around her capturing her mouth in another heated kiss. In a flash they were gone, leaving behind only the fluttering of leaves and the falling rain.

They reappeared inside Hermione's rooms.

"Excellent choice" Bellatrix murmured as they ended the kiss. Hermione waved her wand and the lights in the outer bedroom were extinguished. The soft glow of candlelight casting shadows around the room.

"May I take your cloak?" Hermione asked.

Bellatrix turned her back and reached up to unclasp her cloak. Hermione stepped behind her and lightly trailed her hands up Bellatrix's arms breathing in the scent of her hair and neck. She nuzzled the area where Bella's neck met her shoulder trailing the tip of her nose lightly over the soft skin. Bella shivered beneath her. She removed the cloak from her shoulders and banished it to her closet, along with her own.

"Proper form-," Hermione began, each word punctuated with a kiss to her neck. "dictates that we should wait until at least the third date before we go this far." Hermione trailed her tongue up to Bella's ear. She gave the lobe a small lick nipping it with her teeth. "I don't know about you, (lick) but I could care less about form at the moment," drawing the entire lobe into her mouth she sucked gently but firmly.

Bella gasped, her thighs began to tremble slightly under Hermione's ministrations. She reached up to cup Hermione's face. Leaning into Bella's touch she took her warm fingers into her mouth sucking gently. Then, something occurred to Hermione. Less than twenty-four hours ago they were flirting like school girls. Now their very thoughts were manifested into flesh.

A small voice reminded Hermione that things were moving very fast between them physically. Common sense dictates they should test the chemistry between them with time. Time was the best indicator of a real future together. Not moments such as these…if what she truly felt for Bellatrix was something real. She should stop this now. Give it time to grow, become so much more than one night of passion.

Hermione turned Bellatrix around facing her.

"This evening has been more than I could hope for. Rather than give into the desire to make love to you right now, I'd like to get to know you better. I want to know you." She caressed the hip under her hands. Looking into Bella's eyes, hoping to convey all she said physically as well as verbally. She wanted her to know that even though she wanted her right now more than words could say, they could wait.

For a moment all Bellatrix could do was stare back at Hermione in silence. She'd knew how they would end the night, and it certainly wasn't like this.

"I won't lie to you, I am VERY disappointed that I won't be tasting you tonight." Running the back of her index finger across Hermione's cheek. She kissed her top lip and her bottom lip as she moved away she ghosted her breath across her lips one last time. If Hermione wanted to slow things down tonight she was all for it. Drawing out the wonderful inevitable would only make their first time more intense. That moment was worth waiting for.

Bellatrix stepped into Hermione's space taking both hands in hers.

"We should say goodnight then." She kissed the hands in hers.

"Yes, we should." Hermione replied, her passion slightly dulled…momentarily.

Hermione leaned into Bellatrix and capturing her lips once more. Why did she want to wait again? Oh yes, common sense. Sucking on Bella's tongue, she moaned.

"You should go, before I change my mind." Hermione breathed.

Bellatrix smirked and took a step back. She wiggled her fingers in a wave goodbye. In a flash, she was gone.

Making her way to the bedroom Hermione knew she wouldn't sleep peacefully this night.

A/N- I'd like to know what you think. I know I said the next and last chapter would be the love scene, but the story took me someplace else and I want to explore that. Thank you! Another chapter soon!