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When Hermione saw Bellatrix Black sitting in the corner of the witch's café, she almost laughed. She approached with a smile on her face, and when Bellatrix saw her, she scowled.
“Don’t say a word,” said Bellatrix, adjusting the pointy witch’s hat on her head. It was green with a mistletoe design embroidered on the front with red thread. It was far from something she would normally wear. While still frowning, she picked up the coffee in front of her and took a sip.
Hermione sat down across from her, the smile still tugging on her lips. “It’s fine, Bella. I’m happy to see you showing some Christmas spirit.”
“Cissy gave it to me, so I may as well wear it,” Bella retorted. “But anyway, why did you keep me waiting for so long? You’re several minutes late.”
“I had to deal with so much paperwork at the ministry and wasn’t able to leave soon enough,” Hermione said with a sigh. While working, she had been thinking about her upcoming date the entire time. They weren’t always able to see one another, so she cherished what time they did actually get to spend together.
“Well, just sitting here was almost driving me mad.” Bella reached over and placed her hand on top of Hermione’s. Her face went warm at the touch. It was still difficult to believe what their relationship had become – that they’d be sitting in a café holding hands.
But there was still something that Hermione was curious about. “Have you told your sister about me, or anyone in your family, for that matter?”
Bella looked slightly annoyed by the question. “No, of course I haven’t. We’ve been over this.”
This was the answer she always gave. The reasoning had been explained before. Something about family legacy, bloodlines, and that sort of thing. Bellatrix did come from a very important family. Hermione glanced around at the few people who sat in the café. “But aren’t you worried that they may see us out and about one day? You know, by chance.”
Bella shook her head. “None of my family comes to this area of town, I know that for certain. I don’t particularly enjoy sneaking around and hiding a relationship like I’m some teenager, but that’s just how things are.” She squeezed Hermione’s hand. “So, just enjoy what we have here.”
A light smile returned to Hermione’s face. “I suppose you’re right, I haven’t said anything to my family either. You aren’t exactly the take-home-to-mum type yourself.”
“Ha! Is that so?”
For several moments, they sat at the table looking into each other’s eyes, before Bella said, “Do you want to leave and go for a walk? Before it starts to get crowded in here.”
“Of course.” Hermione stood up and moved behind her. “I’ll help you put on your coat.” She grabbed Bella's coat from the back of the chair and held it up.
She saw a small smile on her face as she stood up and turned around. Hermione helped her slip her arms into the sleeves. When she looked at the green hat again, she started giggling. The green didn’t match the rest of her dark clothes at all. “Sorry, the hat is a tad bit distracting.”
“Hmph,” Bella said. She frowned, but it was obvious she was amused. “Why don’t you give it a go?” She then removed the pointy hat, placing it atop Hermione’s bushy brown hair.
“Adorable.” Bella grabbed Hermione’s hand before she could protest, then started pulling her out of the café. Once outside, they were hit by the cold winter breeze.
Hermione caught sight of her reflection in the shop window. The hat didn’t look any better on her, she couldn’t help but cringe. “I think you should wear this, Bella,” she said, as she took it off and quickly set it on her head.
With a sigh, Bella squeezed her hand tight. “Let’s go this way.” They walked away together, with Hermione leaning against her. At first, they were able to ignore the cold and barely noticed their surroundings. Eventually, a light snow would start to fall.
“Not getting too cold, are you?” said Bella, stopping on the pavement.
Hermione faced her. “Hmmm, a little.” She wrapped her arms around Bella’s waist, looking up at her. “But this helps.”
It was rare to see Bella vulnerable, even after knowing each other for a significant amount of time. But there was genuine happiness on her face right then, and it was an amazing sight. She could almost tell exactly what the woman was thinking...
***
As Bellatrix looked into Hermione’s eyes, she briefly wondered if they were becoming too reckless. She imagined how her family would react seeing her in an embrace with this young woman. A young woman whom they would deem inferior. She knew it was unlikely for them to see her, but it was still somewhat risky. Perhaps, she was acting foolishly – but she wouldn’t dwell on it too much.
Instead, she leaned in and kissed Hermione on her soft lips as they wrapped their arms around one another. Despite the cold, her body started to feel hot. This was why she liked the girl. She was almost like an escape from all the troubles in the world.
Bella held her tightly, only pulling away when they were hit with a cold wind. They shivered as the snowflakes hit their faces.
“Well, looks like it’s getting pretty bad out here,” said Hermione. “Maybe we should find somewhere warm to –”
Another gust of wind came, and this time it sent Bella’s green mistletoe hat flying away. “Damned hat!” she said, watching it blow down the pavement with the wind.
“Are you going to chase after it?”
“Absolutely not.” It was sad to lose a gift from her sister, but running around to chase the thing simply wasn’t worth the trouble. So, they stood there as it was taken further and further away with the winter winds.
“As I was saying, we'd better get inside to warm up. This wind might just take us away next,” said Hermione. “Perhaps, we could find a nice hotel.” She blushed at her own suggestion.
Bellatrix smiled then kissed her cold, red cheek. “Of course, I know a place to go…” She knew it was going to be a good night.