A/N: I have done something in this chapter I have never done in any of my stories before and because of it I think the rating now officially needs to change. I know I have been playing and hinting at it in earlier chapters but somewhere deep down I felt like I had to do it properly, out in the open, without playing about. It was something that felt like it had to happen. Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter and I know that maybe not all of you will agree with what I have done. I'm sorry if it is not your thing but to me it felt strangely right to add it in. ~Cissy

Chapter 21

"Trinity"

The gravel snapped under her boots as she walked up to the heavy wooden front doors of Malfoy Manor. The sun had fully risen and the skies were surprisingly blue. Hermione's eyes wandered around. The world looked deceptively peaceful but she knew it was just a façade. She climbed the few stone steps leading up to the doors and knocked. The doors swung open the second her skin made contact with the wood and she stepped into the high ceilinged entrance hallway.

"What are you doing here?" Bellatrix stood halfway down the marble staircase, her charcoal eyes fixed on the brunette.

Hermione squared her jaw. "We need to talk."

Bellatrix's dark eyes narrowed and she beckoned for Hermione to follow her. "Very well." She waited for the younger witch to reach her and when she did her arm snaked around her waist and she pulled her nearer. Hermione took in the erotic scent of her lover when Bellatrix's hungry lips captured her own and moaned longingly into the kiss.

"I've missed you," she whispered when they parted and rested her forehead against that of Bellatrix. "I do not cope well with being separated from you."

"You will not be for much longer," Bellatrix promised as she let her hand slide down Hermione's jaw. "Soon we will be together for ever."

She took Hermione's hand and began leading her further up the stairs. When they reached the landing Hermione willingly followed the raven haired Death Eater across the corridor towards the room that belonged to her. The curtains were still drawn and a minimal amount of sunlight fell into the room. Bellatrix quietly closed the door behind her, as if she was worried someone would hear them, and turned to find Hermione standing by the bed.

"The Order will be attacking tonight," Hermione said and Bellatrix's face lit up. "They're looking for the Horcruxes and they intend to take them by force."

"I'm surprised they even want to fight after the losses they have suffered," Bellatrix smirked and closed the distance between her and Hermione. Unexpectedly tender hands came to a rest on the brunette's waist and slender fingers played with the hem of her shirt. Skin brushed against skin. The feather light touch stirred something almost primal inside Hermione and her eyes darkened as their gazes locked.

"There will not be many, ten or twelve at most. They will not stand a chance." She whispered her words, her breath warm against Bellatrix's skin. The Death Eater's hands had now slipped under her shirt and were softly caressing the bare flesh of her stomach. Hermione leant into the touch, her skin burning with longing. "We can kill them all."

"What about Minerva?" Bellatrix asked. "What became of her?"

"She is alive but crippled. She will not be able to fight and the Burrow is the Orders only shelter." Hermione pressed her lips against Bellatrix's. "She is an easy target."

"Good." Bellatrix softly nibbled on Hermione's bottom lip as her hands continue to caress her stomach. Unexpectedly she pulled the shirt over her young lover's head and smiled in appreciation at the simple black laced bra she wore underneath. Ruby lips softly kissed the side of her neck, sucking down on the pulsating vein, before moving further towards her collarbone. Hermione's hands tangled in the mess of black manes and she arched her back into Bellatrix's touch.

"I have missed you so much."

"I know, my love. I have missed you too."

Hermione's eyes fluttered shut when Bellatrix's hand wandered over her breasts. Her nipples responded and she groaned softly. "What's going to happen now?" Bellatrix's deep throaty chuckle made the hairs in the back of her neck stand up.

Bellatrix removed her lips from Hermione's glowing skin and a twisted grin spread across her face. In the dim light of the room she looked so beautiful, so strangely innocent, but her eyes held all the hatred in the worlds. The words felt like sweet poison as they fell from her lips. "Tonight they will die. Tonight you will show them what you really are."

Hermione whimpered when Bellatrix thumb rolled over her hardened nipple. The words fell from her tongue with a soft hiss. "Their enemy."

Bellatrix lips were on hers again and Hermione tasted the sweet desire. Exploring hands eagerly untied the laces of the other woman's corset, freeing her breasts. Feeling Bellatrix's swollen nipples against her own flesh made her core burn with longing and she smiled when Bellatrix's hands descended down her stomach and began unbuttoning her jeans. Her fingers dipped behind her knickers for a split second, teasing the desire that grew so quickly, before wrapping her strong arms around the younger witch and pushing her backwards onto the bed. Bellatrix stepped out of her black skirt with ease and straddled Hermione.

The door swung open and both women looked up, disapproval written across their faces. The figure that appeared however soon removed their anger and Narcissa's blue eyes widened when she realised her sister was no longer alone. She was about to make her apologies when Hermione extended her hand. Bellatrix watched in a mixture of surprise and excitement as her sister crossed the room, accepting Hermione's hand, and climbed onto the bed beside them. When Narcissa leant in for a searing kiss, Bellatrix's hands returned to what they had been doing and she managed to unhook Hermione's bra.

Hermione's fingers unzipped the beautiful burgundy robes Narcissa was wearing and revealed the pure white skin that lay hidden underneath. The garment fell to the floor in a tangled mess as the brunette continued to explore the blonde witch's body with her hands, encountering the swell of Narcissa's breasts and drawing a moan from her throat when sharp fingernails grazed over her nipples. Hermione arched her back when she felt Bellatrix's lips close around her own and twisted her neck in an attempt to capture Narcissa's lips.

The three bodies were no strangers to each other. Though Narcissa's hands had never before explored Hermione's skin she knew her way as well as her sister did. Hermione watched the looks the two sisters exchanged and realised her feelings had been correct. They had shared something that went beyond the intimacy of a sibling.

"Oh God," Hermione whispered when Narcissa's hand slipped between her thighs and the tip of the blonde's index finger encountered the dampness of her core. It was as if her whisper was the final push for the older woman and she entered the brunette with one firm thrust, causing her body to rise up from the bed before falling back again. Bellatrix lay beside Hermione, her raven curls sprawled out across the pillows and her arms wrapped around her. She watched with lustful eyes as her sister pleasured her young lover.

Narcissa's thrusts quickened and Hermione's eyes fluttered shut. Sweat glistened on her forehead and in the valley between her breasts. Her heart pounded against her ribcage as she pulled up her leg, allowing the beautiful blonde witch more space as well as an amazing view. Bellatrix's warm lips nipped at the burning flesh on her neck, circling her pulse point with the tip of her tongue as long nails grazed over her hardened nipples.

Hermione's right handed found itself a way between Bellatrix's legs and she hissed in appreciation at the wetness she encountered. The raven haired Death Eater bit down on Hermione's shoulder when the younger witch entered her and Narcissa briefly stopped what she was doing to watch her sister and her lover. A smile spread across her face as she recognised the longing in Bellatrix's eyes and the ecstasy she saw appear in her eyes only increased Narcissa's own rapid heartbeat. She eventually went back to what she had been doing, placing soft kissed across Hermione's stomach before lowering herself between her thighs.

Hermione cried out in lust when she felt Narcissa's tongue flick over her swollen bundle of nerves and briefly stilled her own hand to enjoy the feeling. Narcissa's touches were soft but skilful and Hermione felt how the climax began to build up in the pit of her stomach. Narcissa's arms snaked around her hips, locking her firmly in place, and Hermione arched her back as the sensation began to overwhelm her. She continued to touch Bellatrix and the older woman was breathing heavily against Hermione's skin and the brunette recognised the signs of an imminent orgasm.

Her body exploded right before she felt Bellatrix's nails dig so deeply into her flesh that she drew her blood. Strings of hair stuck to her damp forehead as her back arched, lifting herself off the bed, before collapsing again. Bellatrix's body had draped itself around her, shuddering as the raven haired Death Eater rode out the waves of her own orgasm. Hermione's arms desperately clung onto her and held her breath for a few seconds as she descended from her cloud of ecstasy. When her eyes fluttered open she found Narcissa laying on her other side, a soft hand caressing both hers and Bellatrix's arm.

"So beautiful," Narcissa whispered as she leant in and her lips found Hermione's. She tasted the salt and the blood where Hermione's teeth had sunk into her lip. She smiled into the kiss as she felt the brunette roll onto her side so she could caress her breasts. She had not even removed her lips when she felt Hermione's hand slide between her legs and blue eyes widened in delight. She looked over Hermione's shoulder at her sister, who had pushed herself back up and looked at them, a smile gracing her lips. Unexpectedly Bellatrix slipped off the bed and Narcissa followed her with eyes, still very much aware of Hermione's touches between her legs. Bellatrix walked around the bed and climbed back on the other side, laying herself behind her sister. A strong arm snaked around Narcissa's waist and charcoal eyes locked with Hermione's.

"Touch her," Bellatrix encouraged her younger lover and Hermione's hazel eyes darkened as she descended down Narcissa's chest. Warm lips closed around dark pink nipples, biting down softly and gaining a muffled moan in response. Bellatrix brushed a strand of blonde hair out of her sister's face before gently kissing the side of her neck, circling the spot where she felt her sister's heartbeat against her tongue. Slender fingers trailed down her sister's spine.

Hermione dipped her tongue into Narcissa's belly button before lowering herself even further. The blonde still lay on her side and Hermione reached the triangle between her legs. She heard Narcissa gasp when the tip of her tongue slid through her wet folds and hazel eyes widened in surprise when she realised Bellatrix had entered her sister from behind, moving her fingers slowly but firmly. A smile spread across her face as she moved back in, flicking her tongue over Narcissa's swollen bundle of nerves. Narcissa's fingers tangled in Hermione's thick curls and Hermione matched Bellatrix's thrusts.

"Oh fuck." Narcissa felt herself slide over the edge and a raw outcry escaped her when her body hit its orgasm. Sweat glistened on her pale skin as her body rocked, supported by sister's arms, and her blue eyes rolled back into her head. Her throat was dry and when she descended from the magical experience she found Hermione beside her, lying on her back with an arm folded behind her head, showing herself in all her glory. Bellatrix's head rested on her shoulder, an arm protectively wrapped around her waist. Soft lips nibbled on her earlobe.

Bellatrix's dark eyes found Hermione's and she smiled. "To victory."

Hermione leant in, kissing Bellatrix over Narcissa's body. "To victory."

~()~

"MOLLY?"

Andromeda's voice echoed around the Burrow and suddenly the place was alive with voices and footsteps. People rushed up the stairs and they call came to a halt in the open doorway of Ron's old bedroom. Andromeda stood by the bed, clutching a small piece of parchment, and she turned around to face Molly, Arthur, Harry and Ginny. Fear had filled her dark eyes and she shook her head.

"She's gone."

"Gone? What do you mean, gone?" Molly asked as she stepped into the room. Andromeda handed her the piece of parchment and she looked at it. She covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh…"

"What happened?" Harry walked into the room and when he reached the Weasley matriarch and studied the peace of parchment his eyes found Ginny's. She still stood in the open door, flanked by her father. "She's gone to Malfoy Manor herself."

"It's going to kill her," Arthur said and Andromeda covered her face with her hands. Molly wrapped a protective arm around the dark haired witch but Andromeda seemed reluctant to accept her comfort. Arthur furrowed his brow. "Why would she go out on her own? She knows she doesn't stand a chance against any of them!"

"She blames herself for everything that has happened," Andromeda said and looked up. Tears glistened in her eyes. "She believes that all of this is her fault. If she had not run away that night, she would not have come across Bellatrix and my sister would not have found out what happened here. Hermione thinks that everything that happened is because of that fateful night and she feels like she is to blame. She's not gone to end this war; she's gone to sacrifice herself."

"We have to stop her," Arthur said but he was cut off by a hand that was placed on his shoulder. He stepped aside once he realised it was Tonks. The young Auror stepped into the room and her light green eyes fixed on her mother.

"Mum," she said softly. "There is nothing you can do to stop her. I think you know that."

Andromeda's face hardened. "What are you saying?"

"You know she's gone to do what she believes is right," Tonks said and put her hand on her mother's arm. "We can go and help her but you know you cannot stop her. She has to do this, for herself." Her eyes found Harry's and she saw the understanding. "Some of us know what it feels like to have to prove yourself. Harry, I know you've had your doubts about her but you must know what she must be going through. To hold yourself responsible, to feel like the whole world is looking at you…"

He averted his eyes in defeat. "I know." His answer was but a whisper.

"You sure sound like you have changed your mind about her," Molly said. There was a hint of suspicion in her voice. "The other night I had to practically tear you and your mother apart as you argued about Hermione's loyalties. Whatever happened for you to change your mind?"

Tonks didn't answer and instead she just looked at her mother. Andromeda seemed lost, clutching the piece of parchment with Hermione's handwriting in her fist. She turned around to face Arthur Weasley and straightened her spine. "We can't wait till nightfall."

He stared at her, bewildered. "Andy, what in the devil's name…"

"Arthur, we have to get her back or at least try and help her! She is out there on her own trying to undo something that wasn't her fault. Do you really believe she is going to survive till nightfall?" Andromeda confronted him and he shook his head. Andromeda's eyes darted around the room, eventually coming to a rest on Harry. "Do any of you dare to think about what Bellatrix might be doing to her right now?"

Molly swallowed. "Arthur, tell the others we're leaving in half an hour."

Her husband looked up, clearly surprised by her sudden determination. "What?"

"We're going to get Hermione," Molly said and withdrew her wand from her apron. "I'll be damned if I let Bellatrix have her wicked way with that poor girl again."

Everyone suddenly moved swiftly. They went back downstairs and called for the others to join them in the kitchen. Minerva came in from the living room and listened in silence as Arthur explained Hermione had left earlier that morning and they believed she had gone to try and correct what she believed she had done wrong. His wand lay on the table but when he picked it up he expressed a great sense of pride and devotion.

"Albus Dumbledore himself would not have wanted us to give in to the darkness. He would have expected us to fight and stand up for ourselves. He did not believe in Voldemort and neither do we!" The power of his words erased some of the fear in the eyes of those who were watching him. Andromeda stood by the kitchen door, wand drawn. Tonks stood beside her, also with her wand drawn. Andromeda cast her daughter a sideways glance and searched for her hand.

"I'm glad you've come around," she said softly. Light green eyes met her own.

"Me too, mum."

"Have I ever told you how proud I am of you?" Andromeda swallowed hard to get rid of the sudden lump in the back of her throat and a lone tear glistened in the corner of her eye. "Your father and I are so proud, Nymphadora. I wish we would have told you more often but we love you. I love you."

"I love you too, mum," Tonks whispered. She hugged her mother and rested her head on her shoulder for a little while. When they parted their eyes met and Tonks tried to smile encouragingly. "We'll get her back and you'll get another shot at happiness."

Andromeda's gaze drifted out of the window. The sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky. The world bore all the signs of a beautiful summers day but she knew that it wasn't going to last. Soon the black clouds would be back again, shrouding what they held most dear in darkness. A sense of fear crept into her heart. "Let's just hope my crazy sister hasn't shattered whatever tiny bit of happiness Hermione still had."

"We Apparate together," Arthur said. "Hold hands and make sure you stay together as a group. Once we reach Malfoy Manor we split up in smaller groups." He looked around. "Harry, Ginny, Neville and Luna are one group. Fred, George, Bill and Fleur are the second." The eight people nodded. "Charlie and I will go together and Andromeda and Tonks will form a group." He looked at his wife and Andromeda could see that a large part of Molly Weasley wanted to go to battle. She wanted to fight Hermione. "Molly, darling, someone needs to stay here and watch Minerva. Once the Death Eaters realise we're there, they will not hesitate to come looking for her here." He swallowed. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Molly whispered and she leant in to kiss her husband goodbye. She hid her fear well, Andromeda thought, though she could see it flickering in her eyes. Molly and Arthur briefly linked their fingers and closed their eyes. Then they parted and Molly saw the group off into the sunlight outside. "I'll see you when you get back."

Andromeda could only hope that was true.

"Wait!" Harry said suddenly and several sets of eyes fixed on him. "Hermione isn't here. How are we ever going to Apparate to Malfoy Manor when we don't know where it is?"

"Oh but we do," Arthur said with a sly smile. "I once led a raid on Malfoy Manor, Harry. It had slipped my mind when we were talking earlier but I have been to the Malfoy home. I must admit it has been quite we all but not even bloody Lucius Malfoy has the ability to pick up his house and change its location."

Harry nodded and extended his hand to Ginny. She took it and everyone around them locked hands too. Andromeda glanced at her daughter, whose gaze was fixed on something in the distance. All she could think about was Hermione and how desperate she was to get her back. She felt little fear. Her eyes fluttered shut when she recognised the familiar feeling of Apparition near her belly button and held on tightly to Tonks' hand. When she opened her eyes again she was standing outside a large metal gate that separated them from Malfoy Manor.

She drew her wand and everyone around her did the same. Arthur took a few steps towards the gate and muttered something under his breath. An almighty explosion followed and tge gates were blown off their hinges. People shot off in different directions and from one of the windows on the second floor several Killing Curses were shot their way. Andromeda forced her heart to calm down in her chest and began walking up the gravelled path.

There was no way back.