LINSPACE

CHAPTER 4

The next morning found Hermione and Harry lounging in the living room. They should have been scouting some more but Hermione was exhausted after another sleepless night. She hadn't spoken with Harry about the nightmares and she had put a glamour on the bruises under her eyes. But she didn't really have to, Harry knew all her tells and had probably already guessed what was going on. Still, he didn't say anything and merely agreed that they could take the morning off.

Harry was sprawled on the couch watching a football match on the TV. He wasn't particularly interested, he was never a fan of the sport. Such a shame that there isn't a wizarding channel for Quidditch matches, he thought.

Hermione was curled up on the armchair placed in front of the fireplace, alternating between reading the book in her lap and staring at the crackling flames. It wasn't that she didn't find the book interesting but there was just something so fascinating about the fire. The different shades of red and orange, the movement of the flames, it was mesmerizing. And she felt as if it was calling to her, whispering to her to reach out and touch it.

And she would have done it, if a knock on the door hadn't startled her out of her trance.

"You go." mumbled Harry form the couch without taking his eyes off the TV.

"I'm reading. And besides-"

"I'm watching a match."

"-you're not really watching."

"You're closer. I win." finished Harry with a smug smile.

Hermione glared at him and with a huff she got up and headed for the door muttering under her breath, but still loud enough for Harry to hear, "Lazy arse".

He just laughed at her.

Opening the door she saw Charlie standing on the threshold.

"Oh, hey Uncle Charlie." she greeted. "Please, come in."

"Hello 'mione. No need, I just came by to tell you that I was headed to Billy's and I was wondering if you and your friend wanted to tag along. I'm sure that he would be happy to see you. And Jacob too." He replied with a smile.

Hermione's eyes widened at the mention of Jacob. She had completely forgotten about him! It had been too long since the last time they saw each other.

"We would love to!" she said, excited. "Right, Harry?" she shouted in the direction of the living room.

"Of course, Mia." he shouted back. He wasn't even listening.

"Just give us a few minutes to get ready." she told Charlie turning back to him.

"Sure, I'll wait in the car."

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Jacob was in a shitty mood.

He couldn't stop thinking about Bella. He just couldn't understand. What was so great about that damn bloodsucker?

He had left her, breaking her heart and almost ruining her. And Jacob had been the one to help her putting the pieces back together.

He had been so close.

But of course the leech had to come back and ruin everything. Even after all the pain he had caused her, she still chose him over Jacob.

He was currently patrolling with Paul and Embry and it was almost time for the change of shifts. They had caught a scent of a vampire not long ago and they had followed it. Jacob was more than eager to catch the leech, he had to relieve some of his anger in one way or another and that was just perfect. But the trail ended in Cullen territory and they were forced to turn back.