Werewolves, Witches, and Midnight Kisses
Title: Werewolves, Witches, and Midnight Kisses
Author: Vickie
Rating: PG
Word Count: 5,346
Summary: This was not how Hermione wanted to spend New Year's Eve.
Pairing: Alcide/Hermione
Fandom: Southern Vampire Mysteries
Genre: Romance (I think)
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the property of JK Rowling. No copyright infringement is intended. Southern Vampire Mysteries, it's characters and canon situations belong to Charlaine Harris. No copyright infringement is intended. This was written just for pleasure.
AN: As usual with my stories, I am ignoring canon when it suits me, this story is set after Dead to the World, only Eric and Sookie never seperated, Sookie never dated Quinn, and Bill is a lying cheating bastard - can you tell I have Bill issues? As for the Harry Potter would, consider this EWE, most of the other stuff happened though. I might continue this later, at which point I will screw around with canon again. Thanks to the amazing olgameisterfunk for the beta, you rock girl <3 Thanks to Angela, aka brandy_girl01 for the banner <3
Hermione groaned as she spied the long line outside Fangtasia, the most popular vampire bar in Shreveport. The fact that it was also the only vampire bar in Shreveport was beside the point, as she waited for her new friend Sookie Stackhouse to finish talking to her boss on her cell phone. The sea of red and black-covered vampire-wannabe fangbangers assaulted Hermione’s senses. When she had first heard that particular term Hermione had been disgusted- she found it distasteful that people were being referred to as fangbangers, believing it to be a derogatory term. However, after her first visit to Fangtasia with Sookie. Hermione was forced to concede it was an apt title for the majority of the people who frequented the bar.
Hermione couldn’t understand the adoration that many of the fangbangers bestowed upon the vampires in the bar. She knew that for many people it must be exciting to meet creatures that up until a few years ago were thought of as mythological beings and told in horror stories to scare children. Maybe she was being prejudiced; after all, she had grown up in a world where magic and fairytale creatures where part of the norm. But even if she hadn’t known of vampires before the big reveal, she couldn’t believe she would ever behave the way these people did. She could never see herself bowing down and grovelling to the vampires, desperate to be their next feed and fuck. She knew that vampires had the ability to glamour Muggles, but she also knew you had to be near a vampire for them to do it. From what she saw, the Muggles that flocked to Fangtasia did so of their own free will; they wanted to be bitten, fed upon, and used for sexual gratification.
She wouldn’t lie and say that the vampires repulsed her. Some she found to very appealing, especially the two that owned the bar. Eric Northman and his second in command and Childe Pam were both incredibly intelligent and attractive and she enjoyed their company, but only in a platonic way. Although, Pam had made no secret of the fact that she wouldn’t mind getting to know Hermione in the physical sense. Pam had been quite forward in her pursuit of Hermione, and Hermione would be lying if she claimed she wasn’t curious. However, she always refused Pam’s advances; she had ruined one friendship by trying for something more, she wasn’t willing to ruin another. Not that Hermione and Pam would ever admit to being friends.
As for Eric, if was obvious to Hermione that he only had eyes for Sookie, and whether she would admit it to him or not, it was clear to Hermione that Sookie was in love with the thousand-year old vampire.
It was due to Sookie that Hermione was standing outside Fangtasia on New Year’s Eve. The telepathic barmaid had begged Hermione to accompany her to the bar for its annual New Year’s bash.
Many people within the Supernatural community were attending the party being held at Fangtasia that night. Many of them had designs on Sookie and refused to accept that she was willingly and happily in a relationship with Eric. They had even frequently tried to talk some sense into her, as they put it. Therefore, Sookie had pleaded with Hermione to attend the party with her and run interference. All Sookie wanted was to celebrate the coming New Year in the arms of her Viking, but she was aware that there were a few people inside who weren’t happy about that. In the trust of friendship, she had asked Hermione to help keep them away from her.
Hermione had agreed to her request after seeing how Sam had tried guilt Sookie into working in a selfish attempt to stop her attending the party. Hermione could not believe that someone who loved and claimed to be Sookie’s friend could resort to such devious tactics. Hermione had wasted no time in giving Sam a piece of her mind; she had told him in no uncertain terms that whether he liked it or not, Sookie would be spending New Year’s Eve with Eric. Hermione finished her tirade by telling him that he should be ashamed of himself, and if he believed that was how you treated someone you claimed to love then he still had a lot to learn.
Sookie had informed Hermione about some of the other Supes who would be attending the party that night, adding a brief history of them.
Hermione knew she had three men to watch out for, especially Sookie’s ex, a vampire by the name of Bill Compton. Sookie had spilled her heart out to Hermione one night over a bottle of wine, telling her all about her former relationship with Bill. After hearing the sad story, Hermione had been left with the fierce desire to stake the Civil war vampire. Hermione couldn’t understand why, after everything he had done to her, all the lies, the betrayals, and not to mention what happened in the trunk of that car, Bill thought Sookie still loved him and would go back to him? The few times she had met Bill, Hermione had felt her skin crawl; his fixation on Sookie bordered on obsession and the fact that he stalked the woods outside Sookie’s home gave her the creeps.
Another man she had to watch out for was a weretiger called Quinn. Hermione had never met the man before, but Sookie had given her a description of him, and Hermione believed she would be able to spot him without trouble. Hermione was unsure what to make of such a creature. From what Sookie had told her, the blonde had never dated him and had only met him a few times, but Quinn seemed to think the two of them had a connection. He refused to leave her alone. However, from what Sookie had said, Quinn was just as bad as Bill, just as persistent in his pursuit of Sookie.
The third man she was to keep away from Sookie was a Werewolf called Alcide Herveaux. Hermione was looking forward to meeting the Werewolf after Sookie had filled her in with her history with him. She was curious about the differences between Remus and the werewolves that Sookie had told her about, and she hoped that Alcide would be willing to talk to her even if she was technically there to keep him away from Sookie.
Hermione was pulled from her mental musings by Sookie herself, who had finished her phone call and was dropping her cell back in her purse.
“Sorry about that Hermione,” Sookie apologised. “Arlene called in sick and Sam was asking me...”
“To cover her shift,” Hermione finished for her.
“Yes,” Sookie sighed.
“I can’t believe that man! First he tries to guilt you into working New Year’s Eve, even though you’ve been working every day for a month except Christmas Day, and now knowing that you have plans for tonight and that you’d made the plans long ago, he still expects you to drop everything and go to work!” Hermione huffed.
“He’s just worried about me,” Sookie replied. “He doesn’t like that I’m so involved with vampires.”
“He doesn’t like that you are involved with any man other than him,” Hermione countered. “You told me that he has had feelings for you for years but he only ever bothers to act on it when you are with someone.”
“Sam has been a good friend to me over the years,” Sookie protested. “And a good boss. He’s given me time off when I’ve asked...”
“And argued with you about you reasons for wanting it,” Hermione interrupted. “Every single time you’ve asked for time off, Sam’s response is always about those damn vampires using you and putting you in danger again.”
“He’s just concerned about me.”
“I don’t deny that,” Hermione conceded, softening her tone. “But Sookie, Sam always blames vampires or other Supes for constantly putting you in danger, and I will admit that since you got involved with them you have been in a lot of danger and you’ve been hurt. But, can you honestly say that you wish you’d never met them?”
“No I can’t,” Sookie admitted.
“Sam wants you to stay away from Supes, but would you be happy living like that?” Hermione asked. “And if you did stop hanging out with them, does that include him too? Whether he likes to admit it or not, he is considered a Supe.”
“I know, you’re right. I have been hurt badly since meeting vampires, but I can’t go back and live as I did before. I told Sam I couldn’t work tonight and that we are already at Fangtasia. He wasn’t happy but there was nothing that could be done.”
“Good,” Hermione smiled. “Now, let’s go in! Before your vampires come and see what’s holding you up.”
The two of them made their way over to the entrance and were intercepted by Pam before they could join the queue of fangbangers waiting to enter.
“Hello, my telepathic friend and my little witch,” Pam greeted, showing a little fang. “My dear Sookie, how many times to I have to tell you that you shouldn’t stand in line with all these pathetic blood bags! You should always come to the front of the queue! You too, my sweet tasting witch.”
“Pam, you’ve never tasted me,” Hermione replied.
“I’ve not tasted you yet Hermione, but believe me it will happen, and I’m not just talking about your blood either,” Pam leered.
“You sound so much like Eric,” Sookie sniggered as Hermione blushed scarlet.
“My Master taught me all I know, and as Sookie can attest, Eric is very skilled with his tongue,” Pam smirked. “And looking at you tonight, wearing that dress, I would say that Eric is going to eat you, Sookie!”
“Pam!” Sookie cried, turning the same colour as Hermione.
“You know you will enjoy it, Sookie, he’ll have you screaming for more. I better not hold you up any longer, Eric is waiting for you.” Pam said as she guided them into the bar.
Once inside Fangtasia, Hermione and Sookie headed over to the bar and ordered a couple of drinks. Looking around, Hermione realised that the fangbangers were out in full force tonight, desperate for any kind of attention from the vampires in attendance. Many of the bangers were dancing in front of Eric’s throne, humiliating themselves for a chance to be his entertainment for the night. By the time Felicia had served the two women, Eric was beside them.
“Hello lover,” Eric greeted.
“Hello Eric,” Sookie replied smiling at her Bonded.
“Witch,” Eric said addressing Hermione.
“Polite as always,” Hermione replied, rolling her eyes.
“Will you two ladies join me?” Eric asked. He guided Sookie over to his usual booth before they had time to answer, Hermione following behind.
The three of the slid into the booth, Sookie sitting next to Eric, Hermione sat opposite them. A waitress appeared at the table and placed a True Blood on the table in front of Eric, immediately backing off.
Sookie pulled up her mental shields as she sat and talked with Eric, trying to block the constant stream of insults aimed at her from the fangbangers. The three of them spent an hour talking as the bar continued to fill up, discussing what they had done since they had last seen one another. Eric was not happy when he heard how Sam had tried to get Sookie work that night, and was determined to have words with the Shifter.
It was just before eleven o’clock that Hermione saw Sookie begin to fidget, her eyes darting towards the entrance. Following her line of sight, Hermione saw the reason for her friend’s agitated state. Her ex-boyfriend Bill Compton had just entered Fangtasia and was staring intently at Sookie from his place at the bar. Hermione heard Eric growl as he noticed how uncomfortable Sookie was, and the irritating reason for it. For a moment, Hermione considered letting Eric handle the situation. She knew enough about vampire law to know that Sookie was considered Eric’s, and it was his right and his duty to protect her and handle any threat to her safety. But she quickly nixed that option. She knew that Eric’s solution would more than likely included a wooden stake, and while some would say Bill deserved it, Hermione knew that Sookie would never forgive herself if she thought she was responsible for Bill’s final death. She would also never forgive Eric, and it would be the end of their relationship.
Excusing herself, Hermione slid out of the bar and made her way to the bar where Bill was standing glaring at Eric and Sookie.
Rolling her eyes at his childishness, Hermione greeted Bill as she stood in front of him, blocking his view of the booth where Eric and Sookie were sitting. “Good evening!”
“Good evening,” Bill replied, a scowl etched on his face.
“I’m surprised to see you here tonight,” Hermione lied. “I was under the impression that this wasn’t your type of thing.”
“Did Sookie tell you that?” Bill asked a small smile gracing his features, thinking that Sookie still spoke about him.
“No, Pam.” Hermione grinned, wiping the smile off of his face.
“It’s not my preferred way to spend the night, but it is New Year’s Eve so I decided to make an exception and attend Eric’s party,” Bill replied. “I must say I am surprised to see you here as well, if what I have heard about you is true.”
“And what would that be?” Hermione inquired.
“That you prefer peace and quiet, to sit and read rather than go out to bars.”
“If I didn’t know better I would say you’ve been checking up on me, Mr Compton,” Hermione said. “But you have no reason to do that. However, if you are so interested in why this is not my type of thing, it is true I would prefer to be at home reading one of my many books. But Sookie invited me, she wanted to welcome the New Year in with Eric. This may be not my kind of thing, but I wasn’t going to say no and stop Sookie from spending time with the man she loves.”
“You’re wrong. She doesn’t love Eric, she loves me!” Bill growled as he took in Hermione’s words. He didn’t want to hear how Sookie wanted to spend the night with Eric. She was supposed to be his, not Eric’s! Eric would use her up and throw her away.
“She doesn’t love you anymore, and I suggest you learn to deal with it Bill! You blew your chance with her,” Hermione continued. “You say you love, but all you have ever done is lie and betray her. You are like a child with a toy, you no longer wanted her, but you didn’t want anyone else to have her either. You cheated on her and were willing to walk away from her. You only changed your mind when Lorena betrayed you, that’s when you wanted Sookie back. If Lorena hadn’t done what she had, then right now you would be with her and forget all about Sookie.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Bill spat. “I would never, could never forget about Sookie.”
“You were going to pension her off, so you could run off with your Maker. And when Lorena betrayed you, you thought you could go running back to Sookie and she would welcome you with open arms. Well, you’re wrong! She’s moved on, she’s happy and she no long wants you in the way she once did. Deal with it, because if you continue like this, stalking her and making her uncomfortable, she is going to end up hating you.”
“My Sookie could never hate me,” Bill said with confidence.
“I don’t think you can refer to her as your Sookie anymore,” Hermione replied. “And I also wouldn’t be too sure about that if I were you. She doesn’t like you very much at the moment, and believe me, it doesn’t take much for dislike to turn into hate.”
“You’re wrong.”
“So you keep saying, but I will tell you the truth about why I am really here tonight. Sookie invited me, like I said before, but she asked me to make sure you stayed away from her. She wanted to spend the night with Eric, but she didn’t want to spend any time with you.”
Bill stared at Hermione as the words sunk in. He knew she was speaking the truth and it pained him that Sookie, his Sookie, had asked her to keep him away from her. He would have expected such a tactic from Eric, but not his sweet Sookie. For the first time he wondered if Sookie was lost to him. He always believed that they would find their way back to each other, but now he had to wonder if they would. He had to believe they would; he couldn’t accept that Sookie was in love with Eric, and certainly wouldn’t. He also refused to believe that Eric was capable of feeling love.
Bill needed time to regroup, seeing as he was determined not to give up on him and Sookie. Stepping away from the bar, he cast one last look at a laughing Sookie and walked toward the exit and out of Fangtasia.
Hermione ordered another drink as she shook off the effects of her talk with Bill. She didn’t fool herself into believing that he was giving up; no, she knew he was just regrouping. But at least for one night, she had gotten him to leave Sookie alone.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the man beside her until he spoke.
“That was quite impressive,” he said.
“Excuse me,” Hermione replied turning to the man. Her breath caught in her throat as she took him in, his black curly hair, green eyes and large build. Hermione caught herself staring at him and averted her eyes, blushing.
“I was just saying I was impressed with how you handled Compton,” he said, smirking at her.
“You know Bill?” Hermione asked.
“I’ve met him a few times, can’t say I like him. It seems like that is something we have in common.”
“He has done nothing for me to like, but a lot for me to dislike,” Hermione replied.
“I heard you mention Sookie, are you a friend of hers?” he asked.
“I am. I’m guessing you are too, so are you planning on introducing yourself?”
“Sorry, yes. I’m Alcide Herveaux,” he introduced.
“So you’re Alcide,” Hermione remarked.
“Do you know me?” Alcide asked.
“Sookie mentioned you,” Hermione replied. “Pleased to meet you, I’m Hermione Granger.”
“Nice to meet you Hermione,” Alcide said, holding out his hand and shaking Hermione’s. “So, Sookie mentioned me, did she?”
Hermione groaned at his question, rolling her eyes. “Do I have to have the same talk with you that I did with Bill?” She asked.
“What?” Alcide said, taken aback by the change in her tone.
“Do I have to talk to you about Sookie just wanting to be your friend and how she’s happy with Eric? Because I will if I have to,” Hermione replied.
“I just want Sookie to be happy,” Alcide said rather defensively.
“If you would stop being so bigoted towards vampires you would see that she is happy with Eric. I understand that she is your friend and you care about her, but for the love of Merlin, let her live her own life! She is an adult and can make her own decisions.”
“I’m bigoted towards vampires?” Alcide said in disbelief. “Vampires are bigoted towards Weres! They think that they’re better than us and that we’re beneath them!”
“Yeah, and werewolves believe that they’re better than any of type of Weres. The whole Supernatural community is bigoted towards one another, and you’re all bigoted towards Muggles!” Hermione replied.
“Muggles?”
“Non-magical people, non-supernatural people,” Hermione clarified.
“Humans,” Alcide said. “Do you include yourself in that statement? Are you bigoted towards Muggles?”
“I’m Muggleborn, my parents are Muggles. I’ve been discriminated due to my upbringing, so no, I’m not bigoted towards Muggles. I wish I could say that I’m not bigoted towards anyone but that would be a lie. Everyone is bigoted towards someone or something, and they’re lying if they claim otherwise,” Hermione replied.
“You’re a witch,” Alcide realised.
“I am,” Hermione admitted proudly. “I also meant what I said about Sookie, she is happy with Eric. Leave her be.”
“Who are you to tell me what to do?”
“I’m Sookie’s friend, and she asked me to make sure you leave her alone tonight. I wasn’t lying to Bill about that, Sookie did ask me to help her so she could spend tonight with Eric. She didn’t just want me to keep Bill away from her, she wanted me to keep you and some other guy by the name of Quinn away from her too,” Hermione said.
“She really asked you that?” Alcide asked.
“Yes,” Hermione answered. “I’m not trying to be cruel, you seem to be a good guy. But you can’t force someone to love you, and if you keep trying to come between her and Eric, you’re going to lose her friendship. And take it from someone who knows, sometimes friendship can be much more rewarding than a relationship that is bound to die out.”
“You sound like you’re talking from experience,” Alcide said.
“I am,” Hermione replied, a sad smile gracing her face.
“Care to share? You seem to know a lot about me, seems only fair that I should know something else about you other than your name.”
“If I say no, will you leave?” Hermione asked.
“No, if you say no, I will go and say hello to Sookie. So it’s in your best interest to stay here and talk with me,” Alcide smirked.
“Are you trying to blackmail me, Mr Herveaux?” Hermione questioned, raising an eyebrow.
“Of course not, I would never do something so underhanded, I am merely offering you an incentive to stop and talk with me,” he replied.
“And what would that be?”
“Well, you if you stay here and talk with me, I won’t feel the need to go and say hello to Sookie. And you did say Sookie wanted to spend the evening with the vampire without any type of interruption. So it would be best all around if you stayed here, had a drink and talked to me,” Alcide replied.
“Some people would call that coercion at best and blackmail at worst.” Hermione said, trying to keep the mirth out of her voice.
“And those people would be wrong.”
“Would they? So, if it’s not coercion or blackmail, then what is it? What would you call it?” Hermione inquired.
“Being a good friend,” Alcide answered.
Hermione couldn’t help but laugh at his answer. “Well, I’ve always considered myself to be a good friend, so I guess I will have to stay here and talk to you. Do you have a topic you would like to discuss?”
“How about we start with you telling me how you met Sookie?” Alcide laughed. “Bon Temps is a long way from England.”
“I had just broken up with my boyfriend of seven years and I needed to get away, and somehow on my holiday to visit all the magical sites in the world I ended up in Merlotte’s Bar and Grill in Bon Temps. I’m still not sure how,” Hermione said, surprised that she was opening up to Alcide, practically a stranger.
“I’m sorry,” Alcide offered.
“It’s okay, it’s happens,” Hermione said softly. “Anyway, I stopped off at Merlotte’s for something to eat and drink, and that’s where I met Sookie. She knew I was different from the start and I realised that she wasn’t exactly a normal Muggle and we got talking. After spending so long living with people’s expectations of me, it was nice to be able to just sit back and talk to someone who only wanted to be my friend and for me to be happy.”
“You don’t strike me as the kind of person that puts a lot of stock into what people think of you. In the space of,” Alcide paused and looked down at his watch. “About forty minutes you have told off a Werewolf and a centuries-old vampire.”
“What kind of person do I strike you as, then?”
“One who’s kind and loyal, if not a little foolish,” Alcide replied.
“Foolish,” Hermione spluttered indignantly. “You think I’m foolish?”
“What else am I supposed to call someone who talks to a Werewolf and a vampire like you did tonight? And knowing what they are,” Alcide countered.
“Not foolish,” Hermione growled, “it could only be considered foolish if I was unaware of the circumstances and unable to defend myself if the need arose. And I can assure you, I was neither of those things.”
“You don’t think talking to myself and the vampire like you did tonight was in any way foolish?” Alcide asked.
“No, if it would have been my first interaction with vampires or werewolves, than I might have agreed with you. But it wasn’t, I have spent years interacting and working with werewolves, vampires and all sorts magical creatures. I encountered my first werewolf a long time ago, and I am no longer the naive young girl I was then,” Hermione replied.
“You’ve spent years working with werewolves?” Alcide inquired, curious about the young witch sitting beside him. “Why?”
“I have. Despite everything that has happened in the last eight years, the magical world in Britain is still very bigoted towards what they considered ‘half-breeds’. Their rules and laws prevent half-breeds from gaining certain types of employment, and although we have managed to make some changes, we’ve not made enough. I’ve worked with werewolves, vampires, house-elves, giants, and all kinds of magical creatures to fight for their rights; I believe that everyone should have the same rights, regardless of what they are.”
“Why is it so important to you? From a werewolf’s stance I can understand, but I don’t understand why it’s so important to you?”
“I was picked on at school due to my Muggleborn heritage. Because my parents were Muggles, many people considered me to be of lower class. It didn’t matter than I was top of my year or that some called me the brightest witch of my age. To those people, I was nothing but a Mudblood.” Hermione explained. “During my third year at school we had a new professor, and he was the best professor we ever had. I eventually found out he was a werewolf, but I didn’t care. I kept his secret; he was a good teacher and a great man.”
“What was his name?” Alcide interrupted. He could see Hermione was getting lost in her tale and he was genuinely interested in what she had to say.
“Remus Lupin,” Hermione answered with a small smile. “He was a good friend.”
“Was?”
“He died during the war,” Hermione replied softly. Clearing her throat she continued, “I don’t know how much you know about my world, and I don’t really want to talk about the war. But at the end of the school year something happened, and people found out Remus was a werewolf. He left his job at the school, no one would employ him, and he lived a hard life. I don’t know how, but somehow he was different from you. I mean, how you change… For Remus, becoming a werewolf every month was a very painful experience. The wolf would literally tear itself out of Remus’ body.”
“What kind of werewolf was Remus?” Alcide asked, “I mean, was he born or bitten?”
“Bitten,” Hermione answered, “Remus was bitten as a child by an awful man, and until he went to school, he had no support. It was only when he started Hogwarts and became friends with a group of boys did Remus have any kind of support system.”
“There are any number of explanations for the differences between how I transform and how your friend did. And sadly, I don’t know them all; I was born a werewolf, grew up within a pack, and had the support of my family. I don’t have all the answers for you, Hermione. He must have meant a lot to you, for you to get so involved in werewolf rights in your world.”
“He did, I would go and see Teddy, Remus’ son, whenever I could while I was still in England. I’d play with him for a few hours,” Hermione recalled fondly. “But, Remus wasn’t the only reason I did what I did. The same man that bit Remus bit my ex boyfriend’s brother, and although he wasn’t in wolf form when he bit him, Bill still suffers the same affliction. Besides, it wasn’t just werewolf rights that I fought for, it was for all magical creatures.”
“You’re a regular little advocate aren’t you?” Alcide remarked.
“I believe in equal rights for everyone, is that such a bad thing?” Hermione replied defensively.
“No, of course not. You simply seem to be real passionate about it,” Alcide said.
“You mean I’m too passionate about it, right?” Hermione questioned with a huff. “You think that I’m wasting my time? That I should do something more worthwhile with my life, like settle down, get married, and have children?”
“I never said that, I think what you’re doing, or was doing, is great,” Alcide defended.
“No you don’t, you think I don’t understand how you feel, you think I’m just wasting my time. ‘oh, you pretend to understand, but you don’t know what it’s like to live like they do...’”
“I’m a werewolf!” Alcide exclaimed.
“Then you should be more sympathetic! You should know that they bleed and feel pain just like everyone else, and just because some people believe werewolves to be beneath them doesn’t make it true!” Hermione ranted, she was so lost in her tirade that she didn’t hear the countdown to midnight begin. “ I would think you of all people would have understood that, seeing how you are a werewolf.”
“Ten!”
“God damn it woman, I’m agreeing with you,” Alcide shouted.
“Nine!”
“Don’t raise your voice at me!” Hermione fired back.
“Eight!”
“Are you always this hostile?”
“Seven!”
“Pardon me, not wanting to be shouted at does not make me hostile!”
“Six!”
“You are without a doubt the most stubborn woman I have ever met,” Alcide growled.
“Five!”
“And you have the emotional capacity of a thimble,” Hermione retorted.
“Four!”
“Do you ever stop talking?”
“Three!”
“Do you ever listen?”
“Two!”
“You’re impossible!”
“One! Happy New Year!”
“You’re a.. ” Hermione trailed off as Alcide reached out his hand and tangled it into in her hair, yanking her forward and crushing his lips to hers in a toe-curling kiss. Alcide lowered his hand and cupped her face as he angled her head, deepening the kiss.
Hermione couldn’t hold back the moan as she felt his tongue brush against her lips; she slowly parted them and allowed him into the velvet caverns of her mouth. Their tongues duelled as Alcide pulled her closer, moulding her body to his. Just as suddenly as the kiss started, it ended.
Breaking the kiss, Alcide stared at Hermione, taking a deep breath. He took a step back, unsure of what to say or do.
Hermione stared back at Alcide, her cheeks flushed and chest heaving as she tried to get her breathing back under control.
“W-what, er what?” she stuttered.
“Happy New Year,” Alcide replied, rather shaken.
Hermione raised her hand to her lips, a small smile gracing them. “Happy New Year,” she whispered in reply. Looking at Alcide, she thought, Who knows? Maybe this year will be better than the last year? It’s certainly started off better…
Author: Vickie
Rating: PG
Word Count: 5,346
Summary: This was not how Hermione wanted to spend New Year's Eve.
Pairing: Alcide/Hermione
Fandom: Southern Vampire Mysteries
Genre: Romance (I think)
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the property of JK Rowling. No copyright infringement is intended. Southern Vampire Mysteries, it's characters and canon situations belong to Charlaine Harris. No copyright infringement is intended. This was written just for pleasure.
AN: As usual with my stories, I am ignoring canon when it suits me, this story is set after Dead to the World, only Eric and Sookie never seperated, Sookie never dated Quinn, and Bill is a lying cheating bastard - can you tell I have Bill issues? As for the Harry Potter would, consider this EWE, most of the other stuff happened though. I might continue this later, at which point I will screw around with canon again. Thanks to the amazing olgameisterfunk for the beta, you rock girl <3 Thanks to Angela, aka brandy_girl01 for the banner <3
Hermione groaned as she spied the long line outside Fangtasia, the most popular vampire bar in Shreveport. The fact that it was also the only vampire bar in Shreveport was beside the point, as she waited for her new friend Sookie Stackhouse to finish talking to her boss on her cell phone. The sea of red and black-covered vampire-wannabe fangbangers assaulted Hermione’s senses. When she had first heard that particular term Hermione had been disgusted- she found it distasteful that people were being referred to as fangbangers, believing it to be a derogatory term. However, after her first visit to Fangtasia with Sookie. Hermione was forced to concede it was an apt title for the majority of the people who frequented the bar.
Hermione couldn’t understand the adoration that many of the fangbangers bestowed upon the vampires in the bar. She knew that for many people it must be exciting to meet creatures that up until a few years ago were thought of as mythological beings and told in horror stories to scare children. Maybe she was being prejudiced; after all, she had grown up in a world where magic and fairytale creatures where part of the norm. But even if she hadn’t known of vampires before the big reveal, she couldn’t believe she would ever behave the way these people did. She could never see herself bowing down and grovelling to the vampires, desperate to be their next feed and fuck. She knew that vampires had the ability to glamour Muggles, but she also knew you had to be near a vampire for them to do it. From what she saw, the Muggles that flocked to Fangtasia did so of their own free will; they wanted to be bitten, fed upon, and used for sexual gratification.
She wouldn’t lie and say that the vampires repulsed her. Some she found to very appealing, especially the two that owned the bar. Eric Northman and his second in command and Childe Pam were both incredibly intelligent and attractive and she enjoyed their company, but only in a platonic way. Although, Pam had made no secret of the fact that she wouldn’t mind getting to know Hermione in the physical sense. Pam had been quite forward in her pursuit of Hermione, and Hermione would be lying if she claimed she wasn’t curious. However, she always refused Pam’s advances; she had ruined one friendship by trying for something more, she wasn’t willing to ruin another. Not that Hermione and Pam would ever admit to being friends.
As for Eric, if was obvious to Hermione that he only had eyes for Sookie, and whether she would admit it to him or not, it was clear to Hermione that Sookie was in love with the thousand-year old vampire.
It was due to Sookie that Hermione was standing outside Fangtasia on New Year’s Eve. The telepathic barmaid had begged Hermione to accompany her to the bar for its annual New Year’s bash.
Many people within the Supernatural community were attending the party being held at Fangtasia that night. Many of them had designs on Sookie and refused to accept that she was willingly and happily in a relationship with Eric. They had even frequently tried to talk some sense into her, as they put it. Therefore, Sookie had pleaded with Hermione to attend the party with her and run interference. All Sookie wanted was to celebrate the coming New Year in the arms of her Viking, but she was aware that there were a few people inside who weren’t happy about that. In the trust of friendship, she had asked Hermione to help keep them away from her.
Hermione had agreed to her request after seeing how Sam had tried guilt Sookie into working in a selfish attempt to stop her attending the party. Hermione could not believe that someone who loved and claimed to be Sookie’s friend could resort to such devious tactics. Hermione had wasted no time in giving Sam a piece of her mind; she had told him in no uncertain terms that whether he liked it or not, Sookie would be spending New Year’s Eve with Eric. Hermione finished her tirade by telling him that he should be ashamed of himself, and if he believed that was how you treated someone you claimed to love then he still had a lot to learn.
Sookie had informed Hermione about some of the other Supes who would be attending the party that night, adding a brief history of them.
Hermione knew she had three men to watch out for, especially Sookie’s ex, a vampire by the name of Bill Compton. Sookie had spilled her heart out to Hermione one night over a bottle of wine, telling her all about her former relationship with Bill. After hearing the sad story, Hermione had been left with the fierce desire to stake the Civil war vampire. Hermione couldn’t understand why, after everything he had done to her, all the lies, the betrayals, and not to mention what happened in the trunk of that car, Bill thought Sookie still loved him and would go back to him? The few times she had met Bill, Hermione had felt her skin crawl; his fixation on Sookie bordered on obsession and the fact that he stalked the woods outside Sookie’s home gave her the creeps.
Another man she had to watch out for was a weretiger called Quinn. Hermione had never met the man before, but Sookie had given her a description of him, and Hermione believed she would be able to spot him without trouble. Hermione was unsure what to make of such a creature. From what Sookie had told her, the blonde had never dated him and had only met him a few times, but Quinn seemed to think the two of them had a connection. He refused to leave her alone. However, from what Sookie had said, Quinn was just as bad as Bill, just as persistent in his pursuit of Sookie.
The third man she was to keep away from Sookie was a Werewolf called Alcide Herveaux. Hermione was looking forward to meeting the Werewolf after Sookie had filled her in with her history with him. She was curious about the differences between Remus and the werewolves that Sookie had told her about, and she hoped that Alcide would be willing to talk to her even if she was technically there to keep him away from Sookie.
Hermione was pulled from her mental musings by Sookie herself, who had finished her phone call and was dropping her cell back in her purse.
“Sorry about that Hermione,” Sookie apologised. “Arlene called in sick and Sam was asking me...”
“To cover her shift,” Hermione finished for her.
“Yes,” Sookie sighed.
“I can’t believe that man! First he tries to guilt you into working New Year’s Eve, even though you’ve been working every day for a month except Christmas Day, and now knowing that you have plans for tonight and that you’d made the plans long ago, he still expects you to drop everything and go to work!” Hermione huffed.
“He’s just worried about me,” Sookie replied. “He doesn’t like that I’m so involved with vampires.”
“He doesn’t like that you are involved with any man other than him,” Hermione countered. “You told me that he has had feelings for you for years but he only ever bothers to act on it when you are with someone.”
“Sam has been a good friend to me over the years,” Sookie protested. “And a good boss. He’s given me time off when I’ve asked...”
“And argued with you about you reasons for wanting it,” Hermione interrupted. “Every single time you’ve asked for time off, Sam’s response is always about those damn vampires using you and putting you in danger again.”
“He’s just concerned about me.”
“I don’t deny that,” Hermione conceded, softening her tone. “But Sookie, Sam always blames vampires or other Supes for constantly putting you in danger, and I will admit that since you got involved with them you have been in a lot of danger and you’ve been hurt. But, can you honestly say that you wish you’d never met them?”
“No I can’t,” Sookie admitted.
“Sam wants you to stay away from Supes, but would you be happy living like that?” Hermione asked. “And if you did stop hanging out with them, does that include him too? Whether he likes to admit it or not, he is considered a Supe.”
“I know, you’re right. I have been hurt badly since meeting vampires, but I can’t go back and live as I did before. I told Sam I couldn’t work tonight and that we are already at Fangtasia. He wasn’t happy but there was nothing that could be done.”
“Good,” Hermione smiled. “Now, let’s go in! Before your vampires come and see what’s holding you up.”
The two of them made their way over to the entrance and were intercepted by Pam before they could join the queue of fangbangers waiting to enter.
“Hello, my telepathic friend and my little witch,” Pam greeted, showing a little fang. “My dear Sookie, how many times to I have to tell you that you shouldn’t stand in line with all these pathetic blood bags! You should always come to the front of the queue! You too, my sweet tasting witch.”
“Pam, you’ve never tasted me,” Hermione replied.
“I’ve not tasted you yet Hermione, but believe me it will happen, and I’m not just talking about your blood either,” Pam leered.
“You sound so much like Eric,” Sookie sniggered as Hermione blushed scarlet.
“My Master taught me all I know, and as Sookie can attest, Eric is very skilled with his tongue,” Pam smirked. “And looking at you tonight, wearing that dress, I would say that Eric is going to eat you, Sookie!”
“Pam!” Sookie cried, turning the same colour as Hermione.
“You know you will enjoy it, Sookie, he’ll have you screaming for more. I better not hold you up any longer, Eric is waiting for you.” Pam said as she guided them into the bar.
Once inside Fangtasia, Hermione and Sookie headed over to the bar and ordered a couple of drinks. Looking around, Hermione realised that the fangbangers were out in full force tonight, desperate for any kind of attention from the vampires in attendance. Many of the bangers were dancing in front of Eric’s throne, humiliating themselves for a chance to be his entertainment for the night. By the time Felicia had served the two women, Eric was beside them.
“Hello lover,” Eric greeted.
“Hello Eric,” Sookie replied smiling at her Bonded.
“Witch,” Eric said addressing Hermione.
“Polite as always,” Hermione replied, rolling her eyes.
“Will you two ladies join me?” Eric asked. He guided Sookie over to his usual booth before they had time to answer, Hermione following behind.
The three of the slid into the booth, Sookie sitting next to Eric, Hermione sat opposite them. A waitress appeared at the table and placed a True Blood on the table in front of Eric, immediately backing off.
Sookie pulled up her mental shields as she sat and talked with Eric, trying to block the constant stream of insults aimed at her from the fangbangers. The three of them spent an hour talking as the bar continued to fill up, discussing what they had done since they had last seen one another. Eric was not happy when he heard how Sam had tried to get Sookie work that night, and was determined to have words with the Shifter.
It was just before eleven o’clock that Hermione saw Sookie begin to fidget, her eyes darting towards the entrance. Following her line of sight, Hermione saw the reason for her friend’s agitated state. Her ex-boyfriend Bill Compton had just entered Fangtasia and was staring intently at Sookie from his place at the bar. Hermione heard Eric growl as he noticed how uncomfortable Sookie was, and the irritating reason for it. For a moment, Hermione considered letting Eric handle the situation. She knew enough about vampire law to know that Sookie was considered Eric’s, and it was his right and his duty to protect her and handle any threat to her safety. But she quickly nixed that option. She knew that Eric’s solution would more than likely included a wooden stake, and while some would say Bill deserved it, Hermione knew that Sookie would never forgive herself if she thought she was responsible for Bill’s final death. She would also never forgive Eric, and it would be the end of their relationship.
Excusing herself, Hermione slid out of the bar and made her way to the bar where Bill was standing glaring at Eric and Sookie.
Rolling her eyes at his childishness, Hermione greeted Bill as she stood in front of him, blocking his view of the booth where Eric and Sookie were sitting. “Good evening!”
“Good evening,” Bill replied, a scowl etched on his face.
“I’m surprised to see you here tonight,” Hermione lied. “I was under the impression that this wasn’t your type of thing.”
“Did Sookie tell you that?” Bill asked a small smile gracing his features, thinking that Sookie still spoke about him.
“No, Pam.” Hermione grinned, wiping the smile off of his face.
“It’s not my preferred way to spend the night, but it is New Year’s Eve so I decided to make an exception and attend Eric’s party,” Bill replied. “I must say I am surprised to see you here as well, if what I have heard about you is true.”
“And what would that be?” Hermione inquired.
“That you prefer peace and quiet, to sit and read rather than go out to bars.”
“If I didn’t know better I would say you’ve been checking up on me, Mr Compton,” Hermione said. “But you have no reason to do that. However, if you are so interested in why this is not my type of thing, it is true I would prefer to be at home reading one of my many books. But Sookie invited me, she wanted to welcome the New Year in with Eric. This may be not my kind of thing, but I wasn’t going to say no and stop Sookie from spending time with the man she loves.”
“You’re wrong. She doesn’t love Eric, she loves me!” Bill growled as he took in Hermione’s words. He didn’t want to hear how Sookie wanted to spend the night with Eric. She was supposed to be his, not Eric’s! Eric would use her up and throw her away.
“She doesn’t love you anymore, and I suggest you learn to deal with it Bill! You blew your chance with her,” Hermione continued. “You say you love, but all you have ever done is lie and betray her. You are like a child with a toy, you no longer wanted her, but you didn’t want anyone else to have her either. You cheated on her and were willing to walk away from her. You only changed your mind when Lorena betrayed you, that’s when you wanted Sookie back. If Lorena hadn’t done what she had, then right now you would be with her and forget all about Sookie.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Bill spat. “I would never, could never forget about Sookie.”
“You were going to pension her off, so you could run off with your Maker. And when Lorena betrayed you, you thought you could go running back to Sookie and she would welcome you with open arms. Well, you’re wrong! She’s moved on, she’s happy and she no long wants you in the way she once did. Deal with it, because if you continue like this, stalking her and making her uncomfortable, she is going to end up hating you.”
“My Sookie could never hate me,” Bill said with confidence.
“I don’t think you can refer to her as your Sookie anymore,” Hermione replied. “And I also wouldn’t be too sure about that if I were you. She doesn’t like you very much at the moment, and believe me, it doesn’t take much for dislike to turn into hate.”
“You’re wrong.”
“So you keep saying, but I will tell you the truth about why I am really here tonight. Sookie invited me, like I said before, but she asked me to make sure you stayed away from her. She wanted to spend the night with Eric, but she didn’t want to spend any time with you.”
Bill stared at Hermione as the words sunk in. He knew she was speaking the truth and it pained him that Sookie, his Sookie, had asked her to keep him away from her. He would have expected such a tactic from Eric, but not his sweet Sookie. For the first time he wondered if Sookie was lost to him. He always believed that they would find their way back to each other, but now he had to wonder if they would. He had to believe they would; he couldn’t accept that Sookie was in love with Eric, and certainly wouldn’t. He also refused to believe that Eric was capable of feeling love.
Bill needed time to regroup, seeing as he was determined not to give up on him and Sookie. Stepping away from the bar, he cast one last look at a laughing Sookie and walked toward the exit and out of Fangtasia.
Hermione ordered another drink as she shook off the effects of her talk with Bill. She didn’t fool herself into believing that he was giving up; no, she knew he was just regrouping. But at least for one night, she had gotten him to leave Sookie alone.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the man beside her until he spoke.
“That was quite impressive,” he said.
“Excuse me,” Hermione replied turning to the man. Her breath caught in her throat as she took him in, his black curly hair, green eyes and large build. Hermione caught herself staring at him and averted her eyes, blushing.
“I was just saying I was impressed with how you handled Compton,” he said, smirking at her.
“You know Bill?” Hermione asked.
“I’ve met him a few times, can’t say I like him. It seems like that is something we have in common.”
“He has done nothing for me to like, but a lot for me to dislike,” Hermione replied.
“I heard you mention Sookie, are you a friend of hers?” he asked.
“I am. I’m guessing you are too, so are you planning on introducing yourself?”
“Sorry, yes. I’m Alcide Herveaux,” he introduced.
“So you’re Alcide,” Hermione remarked.
“Do you know me?” Alcide asked.
“Sookie mentioned you,” Hermione replied. “Pleased to meet you, I’m Hermione Granger.”
“Nice to meet you Hermione,” Alcide said, holding out his hand and shaking Hermione’s. “So, Sookie mentioned me, did she?”
Hermione groaned at his question, rolling her eyes. “Do I have to have the same talk with you that I did with Bill?” She asked.
“What?” Alcide said, taken aback by the change in her tone.
“Do I have to talk to you about Sookie just wanting to be your friend and how she’s happy with Eric? Because I will if I have to,” Hermione replied.
“I just want Sookie to be happy,” Alcide said rather defensively.
“If you would stop being so bigoted towards vampires you would see that she is happy with Eric. I understand that she is your friend and you care about her, but for the love of Merlin, let her live her own life! She is an adult and can make her own decisions.”
“I’m bigoted towards vampires?” Alcide said in disbelief. “Vampires are bigoted towards Weres! They think that they’re better than us and that we’re beneath them!”
“Yeah, and werewolves believe that they’re better than any of type of Weres. The whole Supernatural community is bigoted towards one another, and you’re all bigoted towards Muggles!” Hermione replied.
“Muggles?”
“Non-magical people, non-supernatural people,” Hermione clarified.
“Humans,” Alcide said. “Do you include yourself in that statement? Are you bigoted towards Muggles?”
“I’m Muggleborn, my parents are Muggles. I’ve been discriminated due to my upbringing, so no, I’m not bigoted towards Muggles. I wish I could say that I’m not bigoted towards anyone but that would be a lie. Everyone is bigoted towards someone or something, and they’re lying if they claim otherwise,” Hermione replied.
“You’re a witch,” Alcide realised.
“I am,” Hermione admitted proudly. “I also meant what I said about Sookie, she is happy with Eric. Leave her be.”
“Who are you to tell me what to do?”
“I’m Sookie’s friend, and she asked me to make sure you leave her alone tonight. I wasn’t lying to Bill about that, Sookie did ask me to help her so she could spend tonight with Eric. She didn’t just want me to keep Bill away from her, she wanted me to keep you and some other guy by the name of Quinn away from her too,” Hermione said.
“She really asked you that?” Alcide asked.
“Yes,” Hermione answered. “I’m not trying to be cruel, you seem to be a good guy. But you can’t force someone to love you, and if you keep trying to come between her and Eric, you’re going to lose her friendship. And take it from someone who knows, sometimes friendship can be much more rewarding than a relationship that is bound to die out.”
“You sound like you’re talking from experience,” Alcide said.
“I am,” Hermione replied, a sad smile gracing her face.
“Care to share? You seem to know a lot about me, seems only fair that I should know something else about you other than your name.”
“If I say no, will you leave?” Hermione asked.
“No, if you say no, I will go and say hello to Sookie. So it’s in your best interest to stay here and talk with me,” Alcide smirked.
“Are you trying to blackmail me, Mr Herveaux?” Hermione questioned, raising an eyebrow.
“Of course not, I would never do something so underhanded, I am merely offering you an incentive to stop and talk with me,” he replied.
“And what would that be?”
“Well, you if you stay here and talk with me, I won’t feel the need to go and say hello to Sookie. And you did say Sookie wanted to spend the evening with the vampire without any type of interruption. So it would be best all around if you stayed here, had a drink and talked to me,” Alcide replied.
“Some people would call that coercion at best and blackmail at worst.” Hermione said, trying to keep the mirth out of her voice.
“And those people would be wrong.”
“Would they? So, if it’s not coercion or blackmail, then what is it? What would you call it?” Hermione inquired.
“Being a good friend,” Alcide answered.
Hermione couldn’t help but laugh at his answer. “Well, I’ve always considered myself to be a good friend, so I guess I will have to stay here and talk to you. Do you have a topic you would like to discuss?”
“How about we start with you telling me how you met Sookie?” Alcide laughed. “Bon Temps is a long way from England.”
“I had just broken up with my boyfriend of seven years and I needed to get away, and somehow on my holiday to visit all the magical sites in the world I ended up in Merlotte’s Bar and Grill in Bon Temps. I’m still not sure how,” Hermione said, surprised that she was opening up to Alcide, practically a stranger.
“I’m sorry,” Alcide offered.
“It’s okay, it’s happens,” Hermione said softly. “Anyway, I stopped off at Merlotte’s for something to eat and drink, and that’s where I met Sookie. She knew I was different from the start and I realised that she wasn’t exactly a normal Muggle and we got talking. After spending so long living with people’s expectations of me, it was nice to be able to just sit back and talk to someone who only wanted to be my friend and for me to be happy.”
“You don’t strike me as the kind of person that puts a lot of stock into what people think of you. In the space of,” Alcide paused and looked down at his watch. “About forty minutes you have told off a Werewolf and a centuries-old vampire.”
“What kind of person do I strike you as, then?”
“One who’s kind and loyal, if not a little foolish,” Alcide replied.
“Foolish,” Hermione spluttered indignantly. “You think I’m foolish?”
“What else am I supposed to call someone who talks to a Werewolf and a vampire like you did tonight? And knowing what they are,” Alcide countered.
“Not foolish,” Hermione growled, “it could only be considered foolish if I was unaware of the circumstances and unable to defend myself if the need arose. And I can assure you, I was neither of those things.”
“You don’t think talking to myself and the vampire like you did tonight was in any way foolish?” Alcide asked.
“No, if it would have been my first interaction with vampires or werewolves, than I might have agreed with you. But it wasn’t, I have spent years interacting and working with werewolves, vampires and all sorts magical creatures. I encountered my first werewolf a long time ago, and I am no longer the naive young girl I was then,” Hermione replied.
“You’ve spent years working with werewolves?” Alcide inquired, curious about the young witch sitting beside him. “Why?”
“I have. Despite everything that has happened in the last eight years, the magical world in Britain is still very bigoted towards what they considered ‘half-breeds’. Their rules and laws prevent half-breeds from gaining certain types of employment, and although we have managed to make some changes, we’ve not made enough. I’ve worked with werewolves, vampires, house-elves, giants, and all kinds of magical creatures to fight for their rights; I believe that everyone should have the same rights, regardless of what they are.”
“Why is it so important to you? From a werewolf’s stance I can understand, but I don’t understand why it’s so important to you?”
“I was picked on at school due to my Muggleborn heritage. Because my parents were Muggles, many people considered me to be of lower class. It didn’t matter than I was top of my year or that some called me the brightest witch of my age. To those people, I was nothing but a Mudblood.” Hermione explained. “During my third year at school we had a new professor, and he was the best professor we ever had. I eventually found out he was a werewolf, but I didn’t care. I kept his secret; he was a good teacher and a great man.”
“What was his name?” Alcide interrupted. He could see Hermione was getting lost in her tale and he was genuinely interested in what she had to say.
“Remus Lupin,” Hermione answered with a small smile. “He was a good friend.”
“Was?”
“He died during the war,” Hermione replied softly. Clearing her throat she continued, “I don’t know how much you know about my world, and I don’t really want to talk about the war. But at the end of the school year something happened, and people found out Remus was a werewolf. He left his job at the school, no one would employ him, and he lived a hard life. I don’t know how, but somehow he was different from you. I mean, how you change… For Remus, becoming a werewolf every month was a very painful experience. The wolf would literally tear itself out of Remus’ body.”
“What kind of werewolf was Remus?” Alcide asked, “I mean, was he born or bitten?”
“Bitten,” Hermione answered, “Remus was bitten as a child by an awful man, and until he went to school, he had no support. It was only when he started Hogwarts and became friends with a group of boys did Remus have any kind of support system.”
“There are any number of explanations for the differences between how I transform and how your friend did. And sadly, I don’t know them all; I was born a werewolf, grew up within a pack, and had the support of my family. I don’t have all the answers for you, Hermione. He must have meant a lot to you, for you to get so involved in werewolf rights in your world.”
“He did, I would go and see Teddy, Remus’ son, whenever I could while I was still in England. I’d play with him for a few hours,” Hermione recalled fondly. “But, Remus wasn’t the only reason I did what I did. The same man that bit Remus bit my ex boyfriend’s brother, and although he wasn’t in wolf form when he bit him, Bill still suffers the same affliction. Besides, it wasn’t just werewolf rights that I fought for, it was for all magical creatures.”
“You’re a regular little advocate aren’t you?” Alcide remarked.
“I believe in equal rights for everyone, is that such a bad thing?” Hermione replied defensively.
“No, of course not. You simply seem to be real passionate about it,” Alcide said.
“You mean I’m too passionate about it, right?” Hermione questioned with a huff. “You think that I’m wasting my time? That I should do something more worthwhile with my life, like settle down, get married, and have children?”
“I never said that, I think what you’re doing, or was doing, is great,” Alcide defended.
“No you don’t, you think I don’t understand how you feel, you think I’m just wasting my time. ‘oh, you pretend to understand, but you don’t know what it’s like to live like they do...’”
“I’m a werewolf!” Alcide exclaimed.
“Then you should be more sympathetic! You should know that they bleed and feel pain just like everyone else, and just because some people believe werewolves to be beneath them doesn’t make it true!” Hermione ranted, she was so lost in her tirade that she didn’t hear the countdown to midnight begin. “ I would think you of all people would have understood that, seeing how you are a werewolf.”
“Ten!”
“God damn it woman, I’m agreeing with you,” Alcide shouted.
“Nine!”
“Don’t raise your voice at me!” Hermione fired back.
“Eight!”
“Are you always this hostile?”
“Seven!”
“Pardon me, not wanting to be shouted at does not make me hostile!”
“Six!”
“You are without a doubt the most stubborn woman I have ever met,” Alcide growled.
“Five!”
“And you have the emotional capacity of a thimble,” Hermione retorted.
“Four!”
“Do you ever stop talking?”
“Three!”
“Do you ever listen?”
“Two!”
“You’re impossible!”
“One! Happy New Year!”
“You’re a.. ” Hermione trailed off as Alcide reached out his hand and tangled it into in her hair, yanking her forward and crushing his lips to hers in a toe-curling kiss. Alcide lowered his hand and cupped her face as he angled her head, deepening the kiss.
Hermione couldn’t hold back the moan as she felt his tongue brush against her lips; she slowly parted them and allowed him into the velvet caverns of her mouth. Their tongues duelled as Alcide pulled her closer, moulding her body to his. Just as suddenly as the kiss started, it ended.
Breaking the kiss, Alcide stared at Hermione, taking a deep breath. He took a step back, unsure of what to say or do.
Hermione stared back at Alcide, her cheeks flushed and chest heaving as she tried to get her breathing back under control.
“W-what, er what?” she stuttered.
“Happy New Year,” Alcide replied, rather shaken.
Hermione raised her hand to her lips, a small smile gracing them. “Happy New Year,” she whispered in reply. Looking at Alcide, she thought, Who knows? Maybe this year will be better than the last year? It’s certainly started off better…