I pick at the edge of my dress as I take a bite of food. The noise around us is at a nice level despite how full the grill is. I scrape the few pieces of noodles from the plate and eat them before setting my fork back on the plate. I look across the table at Jack who’s already finished with his plate and looking around while sneaking glances my way. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard him quiet for this long before.

“That was definitely great spaghetti and meatballs.” He says with a satisfied smile.

“Yea, it was pretty good.” I agree quietly.

“We should come back here again.” He looks at me tentatively.

I’m thankful of the coming darkness as I blush. “Okay.” I mutter, renewing my picking at the hem of my dress with vigor.

The waiter comes over and I let out a quiet sigh as Jack’s attention is taken away from me for a moment. He hands the waiter some cash, telling him to keep the change, then stands up and looks at me, holding a hand out. I look at it then stand on my own, not wanting to touch him. I’ve got gloves on but after a life of not touching anything living it’s hard to.

“I really enjoyed dinner. Would you be up for a walk to the town center? Autumn didn’t give me a curfew to have you back by.” He says.

I smile and nod. Autumn was just excited I was going somewhere other than one of the Belle houses with someone other than a Belle. “Sure. That sounds nice.”

We head out onto the street and make our way to the town center. The warm summer air brushed against us, rippling the skirt of my dress and tousling Jack’s hair. I had made fun of him for it earlier. He said his sister had done it for him. Honestly, I liked it on him. I could see his eyes better.

“So Hermione, what do you like to do when you’re not at school or researching magic?” He asks.

“I spend a lot of time with my cat in my room, I read, Mordecai and I will hang out and watch TV or play games, sometimes I-“ I cut off, and hope he doesn’t notice. Silently I berate myself. I’ve only just started talking to this guy and I’m already about to spill stuff I don’t want people to know.

“Sometimes you…?” He asks.

Gnome. “Nothing. What do you do when you’re not pestering me with questions or butting into my research?” I ask.

“Well, I think of questions to ask you the next time I see you,” He laughs as I roll my eyes, “seriously though, I play games, throw the ball with friends, help my mom with dinner, and hang out with my sister. I’m pretty boring. Definitely not a super-secret, mysterious witch from the most powerful family in town.”

“I’d give anything to be normal, and my last name isn’t Belle. Technically it’s Montgomery.” I reply as we walk past the fountain.

“Oh, really? You live with the Belles so we all assume you’re a Belle by blood. Were you adopted?” He asks, then looks away. “Sorry, if that’s too personal.”

Normally I would have snapped at him, but he gave me this weird feeling that it was okay to talk about anything. “No, it’s okay. I guess I technically am a Belle. My dad was, but he and my mom had to change their names to hide from someone. They ended up being found and dying anyway, so I guess it didn’t really matter in the end.”

“Oh, well, you’ve got Belle blood in you, that has to count for something. Surely it gives you enough power to make right any wrongs in your life.” He smiles and takes my glove-wrapped hand. I don’t pull it away.

“Yea, I guess that’s true.” I say quietly. I sigh and look up at the stars before looking back at him. “I should be getting home. Thank you for dinner and the walk. I…I really enjoyed it.”

He leans close, but doesn’t touch anywhere that isn’t covered by clothing. “I did too. Let’s do this again soon. Goodnight, Hermione.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A woman leans back in her chair and frowns, watching the crystal ball. The fog of Death obscures the room but in the corner an orange glow can be seen. The ghost shifts uncomfortably and sighs.

“I won’t do it.” The ghost says, drawing a chuckle from the woman.

“You can’t resist any command I give you. You will do it.” She replies.

“I can and I will resist you when it comes to her. She’s suffered enough. What has she ever done to you? Just leave her alone.” The ghost hisses.

“She has their blood, that’s enough. She will die but first, I’ll make her suffer. Her family destroyed mine so I will destroy hers.” The woman says.

“She has your blood too.” He reminds her, drawing a glare.

“No. He lost his standing the moment he chose them. She is not a part of my blood. They are all dead.” Her tone is final as she watches the ghost. “But first, you will suffer for your insolence.”