Disclaimer: I am not J K Rowling or Robert Jordan and their worlds of Harry Potter and the Wheel of Time. These two created the fun little worlds I have decided to play in with no thought of profit to myself. So I promise that if I did own these I wouldn't have had Hermione with Ron, though I would have been happy to see her be married to Rand al'Thor if ever the two worlds should meet.
AN: Big Warning, this Chapter contains adult content that may be too harsh for some readers. It is not a lemon or smut though. It was written in honor of a friend of mine that lost the will to go on surviving when those that should and could have done something ignored her. I will scream it from the highest rooftops, that rape is rape no matter who the victim or perpetrator is. For those of you out there that may not realize it, women can and regularly are rapists too. Never doubt that, as a penis is only one tool that can be used by such vile sorts.
The story will not deteriorate from this, for any concerned over that as it was written into the story from the start. And remember this is not a tale for the weak of heart.
Also this chapter will contain femslash, as will the rest of the story from now on.
As for my friend, I miss you still even after all these long years. One day we will laugh over a slice again. I pray this may help those who remain cast aside by the oblivious.
Chapter Twenty Five: The Other Side
Orangish yellow soft candlelight suffused the cozy bedroom in a decidedly romantic glow as her loving Warder husband trailed kisses up her bare spine while she laid on her belly amongst her similarly reclined Circlemates. His strong rugged hands and cunning use of the One Power were working out all of the dastardly kinks of stress in her and their wives' backs. After so long a time of living on the edge of disaster, the strain had become near blinding for her. However here, under his tender care, her and her Circle were moaning in blissful release as he turned them all into squishy putty. The rich fresh scented mountain air of their home leaking in through the shuttered window only enhanced the liberating indulgence of this quiet moment. They were home and could freely partake of the calming peace of each other's presence in their lofty, secluded sanctuary away from the madhouse worlds they have lived, or live in. Here they were free to retreat from recrimination and what not, to live as they chose to live. To find solace in the only places they cared to find solace in, with each other whom they all have faced so much side by side.
Sharing a smile with her beloved Circlemate Hermione as they held hands and mutually reveled in their husband's attentive ministrations, Ginny wondered why she'd ever forgotten the idea of sharing Harry with her best friend. They both were closer than most sisters ever dream of being, and the thought of not having either Harry or Hermione in her life twisted her insides into knots even the Celts would have shunned. But here and now, she was safe and treasured by both an adoring husband and vibrant Circle, with said husband's hands now seeking out both hers and Hermione's secret places. Inspiring her into leaning over where she catches her wife's lips in a lingering kiss the brunet mews out her name from.
This was where she belonged, and judging by the gleam in Hermione's eyes, the feeling is wholeheartedly reciprocated. Though no one understands them all outside of their polygamous union, they were happily married.
"Gin," her brunet bestfriend and wife spoke so softly with a squeeze of their hands, "are you awake yet? Come on Gin. Gin? Oh for the Light's sake GET UP!"...
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... Yelping in weary alarm, Ginny surveyed her surroundings in blank incomprehension. Plain white stone walls and simple furniture had replaced the elegance of her vividly real dream. It was jarring to awaken to an austere life after momentarily grasping hold of what she considered to be heaven. This was her monastic like cell in the Accepted's Quarters, not that cheerfully romantic estate in the mountains. There she was part of a union with her gorgeous lover Harry and her beautiful Circle on a feathery soft bed heaped up in warm downy comforters. Here she was a lone witch tangled up in a thin course blanket on a cot that lost its comforting softness a couple thousand years ago. All told she dearly wished this was a mere nightmare and if she pinched herself extra hard she'd reawaken back into that heavenly moment. More when the dream was heating up to a rather fun, if decidedly naughty part.
Yawning she struggled to wake up. The sun was not quite up but then Accepted were not allowed the leisure of sleeping in late. Today she was to be working Fire weaves under the strict guidance of Norillen Sedai, the White Tower's lone other fellow Fire Speaker. It was rare for a witch to be talented in Fire, most were gifted in Air and Water. Well Ginny was always a rogue awkward one in most girly things, so why not her talents as well. Here in the Tower being gifted in Fire as well as Air and Water had earned her praise for a change in her life.
It was nice to be noticed for something other than being a rare Weasley witch.
Cold air rushed in on her as Hermione came hustling in with out knocking. Her best friend and Circlemate had long lost that civility when coming into her cell, but Ginny didn't mind. They were both engaged to the same man as well as each other more or less. An arrangement that didn't bother Ginny either after all they had been through and how she felt for the brainy brunet. The Arches taught them all that, along with opening her own eyes to what lay hidden in her heart.
"Hurry and get up will you." Hermione grumbled in exasperation at Ginny's owlishly sitting there with a smile of remembrance from what her dream had been like.
"Why?" she teased by half playacting her drowsiness, "It's not as if we have classes today. Oh wait we do! My bad."
"Be serious for a change, Gin." Hermione gave a long suffering sniff.
"Why should I when you do it so bril- Eee-Yowwww! That hurt." Yawned Ginny only to be cut off by a stinging hex weave from Daphne scurrying in.
"Good." their Slytherin Circlemate declared in support of Hermione, "Luna never came back from Elaida's room last night."
Gin hopped out of bed at that. The Red Hag had taken to their tiny blond and seemed bent on turning Luna into a consort or some such rot. None of them knew what went on when Elaida would summon the girl, but the tiny former Ravenclaw wasn't the same. One time Hermione and Daphne had to repair their friend's dress. More than once, Parvati had to hold the girl all night as weeping fits overwhelmed their normally bright and cheery Circlemate. Then there was the time Ginny discovered the dear waif tucked up in a corner of the Kitchens hiding but refusing to say what from. All of this was evidence of something that could and should not be allowed to stay in place. Luna was a gentle balm for them and their Harry, and whatever Elaida was doing was destroying the girl.
Scarily it looked as if nothing could be done as the laws of the White Tower only listed forced bondings or compulsions as being punishable sexual type crimes for an Aes Sedai. Though unwarranted interest in a Novice could be censored by the Amyrlin or Hall. But an Accepted is considered as adult enough to stand up for herself, even if her words count for nothing against a full Sister's oath bound words to never tell a lie. And yet everyone knows that the truth an Aes Sedai says is not always the one thought to be spoken.
"The woman is a menace. Bloody tribie looks for ways to hurt others, especially those that are the gentlest." Daphne hissed while flopping down beside Ginny. "Can you imagine a teacher doing this back at Hogwarts. It's bad enough back there with the purebloodism."
"McGonagall would have the witch or wizard's guts for garters." Tracey grumbled from the doorway as the others joined them. "Then again Dumbledore may try to find a way to forgive them."
Hermione sat with the bleary eyed shift clad Ginny and fuming Daphne to let the rest slip into the cramped cell. A blush bloomed an her face at noticing the red head's lack of dress. "Sorry Ginny, I-!"
"To late now for apologies, but you could make it up to me if you hand me that robe." Gin sighed in embarrassed resignation, "That is unless everyone wants to see me in my knickers?"
Parvati hurriedly helped while Angelina asked them all the question they have been dancing around for months, "Alright girls, how many of you think it's time to leave?"
"I do, but how will we Heal Harry?" Alicia pointed out a major anchor for them.
Shrugging on her robe, Gin sighed, "I don't think staying will help. Look at Luna. If she wanted to be Elaida's lover, then fine. But she doesn't and what's worse is the Red Hag doesn't care. To her and the rest it's their opinion or desires above all else."
Tracey made a gagging noise at that, "Can I say it any clearer? Ewwwww!"
"What's eww? The lesbian sex part or the age part?" Angelina snapped at their vocal friend.
"Both, duh!" the Slytherin shivered.
"Oh grow up." Alicia hissed in annoyance, "I know you were one of the one's getting all doughy eyed at that "Miles-of-Smiles" Lockhart." This had Hermione duck her head in a deep crimson blush alongside Tracey and Angelina. "Then there is your next room neighbor, whom everyone knows is a tribie in a Pillow Friend relationship with that concussed cow Faolin. I know you admire her as a brilliant witch. Tell me honestly would you prefer a greasy git like Snape was molesting Luna or Elaida.? It's rape no matter who is doing it."
"That only makes it worse to imagine Snape chumming it up with Elaida's sort." Ginny pointed out with a frown. "Listen, if we go now without a plan, the Tower will hunt us down in weeks. Somehow we have to help Luna feel better and bring down the Red Hag. Running away unprepared will only aid Elaida in breaking us instead."
"Maybe you lot could let her go ahead and bond Harry." Angelina smirked with a shared amused look from Alicia. "That'd perk the girl up nicely." The older girl could have died from the dagger sharp glares from the Circle. "Bad joke, sorry. What I'm saying is we should leave sooner rather than later. I don't fancy the idea of our boys riding off to fight Tarmon Gai'don for these lot of cows." That had them all nodding in unanimous agreement.
"True." Ginny conceded in a growl of frustration. "We have to still keep Luna from cracking in either case."
Again nodding they fell into silence at having no ideas at all to offer as a solution. When the sound of the morning bells pealed the lot of teen witches yelped in surprise. Breakfast was going to be served soon and they all would be late if they stayed any longer. Ginny was in for it though as she was still not dressed for the day.
"Bugger it all." she vociferously spat in disgust.
The others started to vacate her room in a mass exodus. However Hermione, Daphne, and Parvati stayed behind to help her get ready quickly. As they did, and the others were like as not far from over hearing anything the Circle said, Parvati spoke up, "We have to give Luna something to combat the effect of Elaida's isolating and breaking her. We could do as Ange said and give her Harry, but that wouldn't be enough in a way. That is beside the fact that he might then learn of what the filthy hag is up to and blow up." Stopping there their Circlemate bit her lip nervously before saying any more.
"Uh hello that's what we were all discussing just now." Daph snarked.
"Just tell us what do you have in mind since you waited till the rest were gone." Hermione snapped in exasperation while handing Ginny her slippers.
Taking a deep steadying breath before answering, Par blushed prettily, "We give her us instead. I'm not saying we'll all romp in the sheets with her, as I doubt she'll want anyone to touch her for a long time. However we are all going to married to Harry, and by extension each other. Possibly bonded as well if such is even possible. Listen, you all might not know this but Luna's greatest fear is to be alone and rejected. Our answer should be to not let her feel that we've abandoned her, and not just with a pat on her back with a sad smile. I won't ever do that as she is as much a part of my life and love as our Harry is. But if Elaida has... Well Luna is going to need far more than a hug and a pat. She thrives on love, and by the Light I'll give her all that I have and more. Not just as a sad eyed friend but as a sister or... or as a wife I want her to see me as."
That stopped Ginny cold as she settled her rope belt and purses into place. She knew exactly how that felt. Tom made absolutely certain of grinding that into her young mind. Even now she has nightmares of it, along with ample proof as her shrewish Auntie Muriel has relentlessly campaigned to have her disowned. Tossed aside on the rest of the rubbish as a fallen woman at the ripe old age of eleven. Tom was the memories of a sadistic man, while Elaida is a real live woman, but both were probably cut from the same wretched cloth.
"Okay I'm in. I doubt she'll want to let us in because of the shame, but I will not let her live like I had to. I've never forgave myself for letting Tom control me to hurt others. And my family... Some in my family are more ashamed of my letting him whore me out to any that needed incentive to look the other way. I felt so... Luna and you three are more than simply my friends. Best friends doesn't even half cover it." She was terrified of saying how deeply she felt for them. Tom drilled it into her rather firmly that she was unlovable. All she was, and would forever be was a filthy little whore. "You're my soul mates in a way. Harry is our lover, but you four are what is keeping me sane in this life. I won't let anyone steal any of you from us." Ginny was starting to tremble in terror she was saying too much, even as she was keeping so much more unsaid. "Not a one."
She didn't say more as the fear they'd not want her in their lives roared back to the forefront of her mind. Horrified that Elaida may well be doing the same to her little Luna she wanted to scream and burn things. However she would not yield to her emotions like that. If she did it would only hinder their chances of rescuing Luna. She had so many emotions and feeling gnashing at the bit to escape her that good witches don't have. If they escaped Auntie Muriel and Tom would win.
Parvati tenderly took her hand with a compassionate hopeful smile that glowed so warmly for her that Ginny's heart stopped screaming inside her. A silent bond of solidarity and fulfilling unity was shared in the moment their eyes made contact. The care and understanding that the older witch poured into that smile took the red head's breath. Her friend, her Circlemate was telling her she was just as loved as their wizard and Luna. Ginny wasn't just a freakish accident in Par's eyes, but something desirable as a companion and friend.
Hermione grew a distant pensive look that took in all three other witches. A worried crease to her brow troubled Ginny. Was her best friend upset? Then with a shake of her head their wickedly smart Circlemate spoke with a startling firm resolution as if resigned to some fate she feared speak of, "Well besides just being the lone witch in the family, I've always been the odd one in the Granger family tree. Friends don't walk away from friends as far as I can say, but more than that... Well to me you lot are my sisters. Probably could be called my girlfriend girlfriends, though I'll hex you right and proper if you try to snog me at least until, or if, we decide to try such. Just the thought of walking down the isle to marry Harry and you lot has me a bit giddy. So I'm all in. As for dealing with Luna and Elaida, I say we never let Luna ever sleep or be alone when she comes back. She's ours, not that vile hag's."
It was down to one other. Daphne's frown met the others expectant hopeful gazes. Ginny was anxious at the very real possibility that this was the make or break moment. The Slytherin was the most traditional of the Circle, and could be too afraid to go against the grain like the rest of them.
Then miracle of miracles their Slytherin nodded with a wry smile, "I agree too. In a way we've all got to be more than friends with shoulders to cry on and lunch dates to eat sundays at Florian's. We're to be married, and spouses have to protect and comfort each other. For this to work for us we not only have to not be jealous of the others, but to be each others witches. I don't know how to stop this rancid harpy Elaida, but... but maybe we need to prepare to make a run for it in the next week at the latest. You know they're like as not going to round up our boys to march them off to fight this al'Thor everyone is whispering about. Now they dare try to turn our sweet little Luna into a whore? What's next? Will they decide to do the same with the rest of us? Or... or will they trash their own laws to toss us back into Novice Whites and force bond our Harry? Our family comes first, before this rotten heap of a Tower. You four are my soul mates like Gin aptly said. The loves of my life as much as Harry is. I- I can't watch and lose any of you... I know- I know what that will do to me." Her eyes were on Ginny with such pain it was palatable, "I know without a doubt in my heart it would be just as horrific for me as losing our lovely Warder husband to be."
They all felt that in their hearts. Ginny was in love with her Circle, maybe not exactly how she felt for their Harry, but it was still a roaring inferno in its own right. She knew most of her blood family wouldn't understand, that these three and Luna were her true loves alongside their wizard Harry. Going through Slytherin's Truth she could barely grasp why that one witch was afire with longing to join a Circle. Now that Ginny was in one of her own, she refused to live without it.
"I say we run, as I said before but be certain we have a safe way out of the city. I can't risk losing any of you to a wrong turn." she stated with a prayer they saw how she felt for them. Her eyes lingering on her Hermione as the memories of raging water taunted her. "I say we run away with Luna and Harry. I'm madly in love with you all and Luna. I know the rest say right now they wish to go, but I can't risk them changing their minds or taking a bad bet. Thinking of Luna... I've been a fool, almost hoping this wouldn't happen. Trusting others to do what is right and look after us all, not look the other way. The Tower is going to eat us alive if we stay longer than to plan a workable escape. Only I'm at a loss as to what we can do to stop them from that in the interim."
Her heart ached for her friend, knowing the horror of rape, molestation, and being whored out personally. She could still feel and smell the boys and men... Tom's laughter...
"We start today." Hermione agreed, "Though I do think we'll need to always have one of us by Luna's side. She's our angel of Light and love..." A tired shake of her friend's head accompanied by, "How dare they?"
Nothing more could be said. Luna was their's pure and simple, and besides that no girl or woman should be treated this way.
"I'll bring her to my room tonight." Ginny decided, "She'll be safe."
"You'll be marked as Pillow Friends." Tracey popped back in, startling them.
"Bugger the lot if they think we care." Daphne countered sternly. "In a way we are as we're all betrothed to Harry. I may not be that way sexually, but I love Luna more than probably most that are could ever love her. If that labels me as a dyed in the wool cauldron stirrer, then I can live with it. Gin, we'll all meet her and from now on we'll all stay in the same room at night. They can think or fantasize what they wish about us, but I'll not let them have any of you ever again."
"We'll make it mine, as it's centrally located to everyone's cells. It'll be tight but we sleep better together anyway." Hermione decreed to them with startling conviction.
Tracey had a grim tight little grin, "Good. If you lot didn't I was going to do so myself. By the by the rest of us are going to begin planning our escape starting tonight. We fear Elaida is planning something and if she has her way, none of us will enjoy life."
"Then we're all still in agreement, as we're leaving for Luna and Harjit's sake if nothing else." Parvati held a relieved smile. "It's time to go."
Hurrying to get her hair tamed as she likes for working dangerous Fire weaves, Ginny felt alive. None had rejected her feelings that they were very much more than friends. She was worth their love and Harry's, not the freakish abomination her Auntie claims of her.
Deftly plaiting her long ponytail, she let out a tiny "Eep!" at the soft hands of Parvati taking over to put the finishing touches in place. When she was done her Circlemate slipped her arm around Gin's waist with a gentle squeeze.
Blushing at how she wished it had been their wizard's arm to capture her like this she turned to her tender eyed friend. Par plainly stated, "Gin, we need to talk."
Hesitant but relaxing and enjoying caring tone of her vibrant Circlemate, she asked quietly, "What of?" Unlike her own mother, Par never screamed at her for having thoughts of her own, just asked to hear them for comparison.
"Luna told me once of what her friend Penny told her had been done to you by your family. Gin I won't ever let anyone do anything to you ever again." Par was near tears as she whispered, "I'll tell you what I told Luna. We're together against the world, or better yet we're together to create a better one. I love you Gin, to the bottom of my heart."
Her blood froze. Others knew of that secret? Not even her dad or all her brothers knew save Percy who held her in place for her mum's ill conceived plan to rescue her from what her Auntie Muriel suggested of her. Then again she knew Percy told Penny everything. Ginny missed Penny, the older witch was so in charge of her life and so beautiful in a put together way. Like Hermione, the muggleborn knew what she wanted and went for it. However it was horrifying that anyone at all knew that it was an open secret in her family that she might be a closeted witch's witch. Though it was no one's business if she does or does not fancy witches or wizards, the law back home is clear. A fact the family shrew waved over mum's head. Her mother's hurried obliviations to placate Auntie Muriel before the shrew called the Auror's had begun breaking since going through Slytherin's Truth and her learning to embrace Saidar.
Frightened what Par felt about this and her, she squeaked, "What do you think of me? I- They- Am I sick? I wasn't what Auntie Muriel said back then, but they- I think I am now, but I don't want to lose you all."
Enfolding her with a tight hug that conquered Ginny's hidden fears of being thought a freak or degenerate because not even her family wanted or trusted her, Par began whispering in her ear, "As you said Gin, we're soul mates. Our love of Harry may have opened the door for us all, but we too belong together. You're pain is my pain. We're here for Luna, we're here for Harry, and-."
"And each other." Hermione crushed them both in one of her patented hugs, "Burn the world if they don't understand or label us for it."
"I never thought I'd say this to another girl, let alone several, but I'm your witch." Daphne laughed a bit waterily while aiding Hermione in squeezing the air out of Ginny and Par, "Gin, you're not sick. What ever they did to you was sick to make you think that. And if they or anybody thinks my girls are twisted abominations they best not let me find out about it."
Tracey was sniffling as she spoke from the doorway. "You lot do make a fine- well whatever you lot are 'cause couple doesn't cover it. However I want to give you all fair warning, if you lot start snogging it out in front of me, I might just hurl. Just so you know."
Gin squawked a tiny watery laugh at that, "We're a Circle, Tracey. Like a ring."
"And we're straight Trace. Snoggings are reserved for our Truhart." Daphne snickered with a sniffle, though her eyes were caressing the rest of the Circle, "So your stomachs safe," then almost inaudibly amending Gin barely caught it, "For now."
They broke apart with that, though Daphne swiftly took hold of Hermione's hand with a softening look of pure adoration. For her part their resident book lover was blushing at this and Tracey's weighing arched eyebrow. Leaving hand in hand with Par as Daphne and Hermione were, Gin closed her cell's door to head for morning meal and duties, praying silently that they could manage to escape with their Luna and Harry.
"Holy Cricket! I just thought of something." Hermione cheered giving them all a jump, "A circle has no ends or beginnings. We may have an outer edge, but our inside belong's solely to us. From now on I'm not going to consider you lot and Luna as outside of me, or wonkily joined with me and Harry. To me you lot and our little Luna are me and myself is actually you. Elaida isn't just after bedding Luna, but us as well in a way."
That was a disturbing insight, Ginny decided with a lurch of her stomach. However it made logical sense in a twisted sort of way.
Daphne grimaced sickly, "I can see that. Now we just have to convince Luna of it."
Shaking that off they hurried on, then when the other two had launched into another little debate only they could fathom, Par slowed up a hair bit. Looking on that pair whom were rambling on excitedly her kind gregarious Circlemate whispered, "You should know that I-."
Gin cast a glance at Tracey whom was ahead of the all and shaking her head at the arguing duo. Stopping Par with a hurried, "If this is what I think, I figured it out. Though your one of the prettiest witches in the school, you don't date."
"I love Harry." Parvati reminded, "I was waiting for him, hoping he'd see me. But yes I also don't find any others boys that exciting. They can be thrilling to look at but most are like your brother. There are exceptions like Harry, Neville, and that sweet Professor Lupin but they're rare. Are you okay with this, with me?"
Blushing Ginny replied, "I wasn't when they obliviated me. I wasn't even when we first came here, except for a bit of curiosity about how I compared. To see if I could ever stack up to catch Harry's eye. But after all this time and being so close to all of our circle in the chase for our daft man... well I'm truly in love with you lot in all the ways a person can be."
Shyly Par gave her a tender smile, "What do you think the others will say? Luna and us may want this to go further, but will they? I think that Hermione hides it, even from herself."
"I can see that. She had a romance novel or two about it when she stayed with me at the Burrow. Daphne, I don't know and am afraid to ask. Look at how Tracey reacts to the idea. I'm madly in love with Daph and don't want her to shove us away." Ginny worried, but secretly cheered at the knowledge she wasn't alone in the Circle with feelings most witches don't have for other witches. "Should we ask them? Should we tell them period?"
Daphne and Hermione turned about, both grinning like loons. Their traditionalist Slytherin love calling out in disbelief, "Hey you two, were running late as it is. Come on will you." Then those two scurried on ahead.
Par whispered hurriedly, "Later... if you want." then glowed bright with a blush Ginny found quite fetching, "Harry is the only wizard I love but-."
Feeling her cheeks igniting with that and her heart racing at the possible "later", Gin giggled, "Not the only love of your life. Same here."
Theodrin, another Accepted brushed past them with a sigh and a look of reproach. Ginny didn't care if the world didn't understand them, this was where they belonged. This was where they were loved, so she kissed Par pointedly daring the older Third Age witch to say anything. For her love's part, Parvati returned the heat in the kiss rather nicely before taking off with Ginny in tow. They left the Accepted's Quarters hand in hand till they entered the staid main section of the White Tower where public displays of affection were frowned on. Waiting for them impatiently were their two exasperated loves.
Passing below them on a raised walkway was Harry whom waved and smiled from behind his guide of the day to the Yellows. His rakish grin gave them all a flutter so that when the first bell call to breakfast rang they couldn't keep from laughing as they ran to not be late. It was imperative they leave Tar Valon, yet it was also liberating to realize they had a home and family even if none but they could see it. Ginny had an epiphany that they must've all changed since leaving the Yule Ball in order to let themselves accept and love their unique relationships. Then again, not all change was always a bad thing to go through. Changing her world view gave her these people she loved more than life, and that was simply beyond a mere good turn of the Wheel.
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Warning: Scene of Harsh Adult Topic Following.
A hard slap to her face jolted her awake from where she half hung by her bound wrists to the bed post. The fingernails of her vile Mistress rake a quadralinial set of furrows in her already bruised cheek. Tears, blood, and other unmentionable drying bodily fluids stung her face with renewed vigor at this fresh assault. Humiliation and shame cut and burned her deeper than all these physical discomforts as she peered up through her matting hair veiling her puffy eyes to see her nude unwanted lover.
"Awake now my Wilder slut?" Elaida purred with a sneer, "From now on, you really must learn to be better ready for me when I'm ready. I bought and paid for you from Alviarin, and you will serve me as I so wish. Your seduction of me was brilliantly done my tasty little crumpet. Your soon to be Red Sisters and I all agree you will serve the Ajah well." Her cruel Mistress tittered before forcefully kissing her, re-breaking open her split lip from her struggles last night.
Cringing inwardly but responding as best as she could to convince Elaida of her willingness to be the Red Hag's pet whore, Luna wished nothing more than to die. No matter how hard she'd tried to evade or deny the loathsome hag's pursuit, she'd ultimately failed. Tower law does not recognize what Elaida has done as a crime. Aes Sedai are to appear above reproach, thus they clearly can not be known to have pederasts in their ranks. Plus Pillow Friendships are encouraged by many if not most Sisters as a release till a woman attains her Shawl and bonds a Warder. To the outside world, Luna chose this for herself.
Panting with a gleam of something unholy, her Mistress caressed her bare flesh, "Oh we are an eager one now are we? How fun. I knew immediately you were a born slave, an unclaimed submissive tart eager to be leashed by the strongest woman. Oh how your eyes begged me to save you. To snatch you from a life of servitude to a mere man or to wander aimlessly in unfulfilled promise. My nights were fraught with how you yearned for my love."
Luna wanted to whimper, or to scream. Those were things she must never do again. Elaida had made that abundantly clear last night. It was obey or be hurt in ways it was unthinkable. Obeying though had a horrible cost for her though. It had cost her the gifts she was at one time proud to have kept safe for her Harry.
Elaida was biting her again. This hurt but not like the fear that her Harry wouldn't wish to love her anymore. She was worse than just a bad little witch that lets her mummy die, but now she was a weak willed whore too boot. Both her Harry and Circle will rightfully reject her now. She'd gave away what was theirs to not only a stranger, but their enemy.
The sharp edges of her owner's teeth cut into Luna's earlobe enough to draw blood, yet she mustn't cry out with anything less than a moan of desire or animalistic lust. Every ounce of her will must be given over to convincing this woman of how much this was wanted. Lashings with Air, or scalding wax on bare nethers, or even lacerations with a razor had to be seen as the caressing touches of true lovers. If she cried out the cost would be too terrible to bear.
Releasing her from the curtain ropes, Elaida shoved her onto the bed proper. It was obvious that the night was not done in burning off the vile Red's abhorrent ravenous lusts.
Nursing her rope burned wrists, Luna wept at the cruelty of the Wheel to allow this.
Preparing herself for more abuse and what all else the Red wished of her, Luna's self loathing rose to gag her against her will. She'd yielded to this sharing Pillow Time last night out of a panicked desperation. If she'd have been given a way to say no, then she may well have taken that way. However Elaida had discovered things about Harry and hinted of more about her beloved Circle. There was no denying her love for them and the Sister had taken advantage of this. Dire promises of taking Harry before the Hall and the Amyrlin Seat for judgement, and that could only end one way for a man in the matriarchal leaning high court of Tar Valon. Giving in was all the blond teen witch could do to save her loves and family.
Though not all of it had been violent and cruel. Some of it had her body betraying her in enjoying how it felt in the expert hands of her villainous new owner. Most though was only for domination and cruelty. Elaida meant to break her physically and emotionally. There was no love in this, just a long seemingly endless night of horror.
In her heart she tried to imagine her Harry and even her Circle doing things out of love for her. Touching her in tenderness and a hunger to please her in a shared passionate love. With one or all of her Circlemates it wouldn't have left her feeling as such a traitor to the love her gentle wizard gave her. Instead Elaida had a twisted sixth sense of sorts in realizing what Luna was dreaming of. This was where the hag included not so idle threats of doing the same to her Circlemates. To bring them all in and rape them all as well, telling them it was because of her lack of love for them that it was happening. A shattering vision to see that effectively stripped her of her last defenses.
Calling this anything less than rape was a lie, and Luna was to be an Aes Sedai whom were not allowed to ever utter such a thing. Then again, how could an Aes Sedai be worthy of the title and have let herself be used like this?
Grabbing her by the hair, Elaida actually giggled, "Are you truly ready for more? I know I am. My delicious little treat, I think I'll bond you to me. We'll rule over our Ajah together and then the White Tower. My scrumptious Wilder Queen is what I'll call you."
It took all she had not to gag in the waves of nausea that swept over her with that. Self loathing and horror were making that far window and the long plunge to the ground below sound inviting at just the mere thought of what Elaida was suggesting.
Kissing the woman's forearm allowed her to let slip a tear or two. Her mind was repeating the last mantra of semi-defense left to her sanity, "This is for my loves. They're safe as long as I please her. This is for my loves."
Savagely Elaida was dragging her to begin servicing what need the Sister currently felt. Thankfully a knock on the suite's door stopped the mad witch. Hissing in frustration, Luna's dark Mistress threw her hard against the head board, dazing her as her skull bounced off the hard wooden frame. The Red Hag's long thin smooth body glistened in its coating of their mutual sweat, spends, and Luna's blood. Seeing her unwanted lover clad in only that and the Light made Luna want only to cry even more. She had not lain dead in the woman's cruel embrace, but had tried to placate the Red by actively participating to protect her loves. Elaida's threats were clearly not empty or idle and thus spurred the teen to be what was required of her.
Watching Elaida throw on a night robe, she too made ready to get up as well. She would miss her chance at breakfast, but would absolutely not go about the day with the stench of her Mistress upon her. The humiliating shame and possible discovery of her unfaithfulness would be unbearable.
Searching and finding her once prized, but now ruined Accepted's dress along with her shift reminded her how it started yesterday. She had came to the Red's chambers as bidden though she had tried to find a different teacher in White Tower law. Alviarin had flat told her she never wished to see her in the White's Hall again. Thus she found herself entering Elaida's suite when given permission. In the time it took to step through and close the door she had become Shielded, gagged by Air, and hurled bodily onto the bed. Malignant glee filled Elaida's eyes as Luna fought unsuccessfully against those bonds. Then the hag cackled in mad pleasure while ripping these once pristine clothes away like shucking an ear of corn.
Though Luna was thought to be extraordinarily powerful and level headed girl, she couldn't find the peaceful serenity to open her dirigible plum buds to repair the ruined garments. Her rape was too fresh and alive in her mind, heart, and soul for it just then. Yet she'd let it go on to save the lives of her loves.
Elaida glanced her way with a leering smile, "You will eat and bathe with me my love. From now on consider the Red Ajah your home. All your classes and more will be with us. In fact I will pay to have you moved into my rooms here, as I simply won't be without you. We love and accept you Luna, and forgive you of being a vile Wilder. Soon you will be raised and bonded to me. Among our Ajah we'll have a ceremony where I'll claim you as my wife. I'll even let you bed that mongrel boy you pine for to bear me an heir. You must be diligent at seeing that it be only a daughter. She is to continue my legacy after all. A dynasty of true pure Aes Sedai to rule over and save our world ultimately. If you are especially good I'll let you keep your cabal of Wilder harlots as handmaids."
The thought of having Harry's baby brightened Luna up a fraction. Images of a blond girl with Harry's devastating eyes made her ache to return home and be free of Elaida. To be free of the fear that Harry will be caught or that he'd feel sickened at her betrayal and rightfully set her aside.
"I see the desire there. Maybe we'll keep your pet man longer than I had initially planned. Yes I think it will be coming time I purchase your darling friends and boy to help you see the fun in dominating another. You hunger to have him and them under my instructive whips and blades, I see it." Elaida tittered while opening the door. Fear that her loves were doomed as she was made her wish to cry.
Interrupting this was the rancid scent of Galina Sedai storming in. The wicked black hearted head of the Red Ajah took one look at Luna then smirked widely, "You always have a knack for finding the tastiest morsels, Elaida. Care to share? It owes me."
Horrified at the idea of others raping her too, made the young witch tremble violently.
"No this one is to be mine alone. She is to be my wife, and not handed out as I have others." her Mistress hissed like an angry cat.
"Pity." the way that sounded told Luna that Galina would be looking to take her from Elaida anyway, "We have work. It's moving forward well."
Elaida grew stiff and nodded with a dismissive wave for the girl, "Luna my love. Go enjoy the day, and remember your dear friends."
She knew what that meant. She could say or do nothing. Harry will die and her Circle whored out if she dared attempt it. And yet if she could warn them in time to run, they would be safe and she could live with anything as long as they survived.
"My life for theirs. My life for theirs. My life for theirs... My...Life...For...Theirs..."
End Scene of Harsh Adult Topic
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Brief flashes of lightening raged across the sky above the twisted wasted landscape. Blood ran down the arm of Harry as the wind filled with a hot rain that smelled of stale rotten water drenched him to the bone. Puss and a far worse scented black blood oozed down his face, into his sopping wet beard. Pain like none he'd ever experienced before in this life made thought nearly impossible. Frigid cold and fetid heat made him nauseous, but he would not throw up. Could not as that would distract him in this Blighted region, and ultimately give his two foes a chance to vanquish him and the Light in a single blow.
"I won't yield to either of you toss pots!" he bellowed out to his dark hearted opponents.
Fire in the shape of a huge serpent soared through the air towards where he stood. Diving and rolling clear of the Feindfyre, Harry hurls a barrage of ball lightening that were unable to counter all the thin bars of white true fire that erased large swathes of the land. Dodging these in time to avoid his end he has to run madly away in order to avoid geysers of molten magma and steam that is starting to rupture the rust red ground at his feet.
Great arching streamers of green light illuminate the world around where that assault came from. This is answered in kind by a storm of brimstone hail tearing forth from the sky ripping asunder the undulating clouds of rancid rain.
Gathering his will while drawing even more of Saidin, he launches a volley of acidic fiery death at the two positions before pelting off to where he thought Voldemort had ran to last.
Half mad with pain and exhaustion he cackles, "Come out ol' Tommy Boy and meet your end!" A rumbling from deep below him threatens to put him in the dirt.
Leaping to a cracking set of ancient stairs Harry feels the ground behind him explode...
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...Clawing his way awake Harry felt he was suffocating. Flinging away his covers helped but not enough. The scar on his forehead burned but had thankfully not ruptured this time. It did feel like a creature inside it was striving to escape by writhing about. Some type of worm or serpent that could twist and spin while balling itself up into a knot. It wouldn't surprise him in the slightest if it burst out of his head like some movie monster.
Neville was sitting beside him daubing cool water over his face, "Morning Harjit. Hammar says the Aes Sedai are ready early this morning to see you. They sent word that they want you along within the hour. Apparently an Accepted that is leaning towards the Yellow and will be raised soon has expressed an interest in seeing into your scar. The Yellows are excited at her natural talent so they have agreed. Sorry my lab rat mate it's back to the laboratory for you."
Hearing that had his scar go even wilder.
"Brilliant!" Harry groused blearily, wondering why his nights were more and more jolly holidays in nightmares of war and death. Most likely it was his exposure to the Taint. "I swear the thing can hear Frank. It wants to escape more than we do. Light and Merlin help us poor souls if it does."
Blaise snorted from the cot over from them. "Bloody well would make the Sisters have kittens by the bushels if Voldemort showed up here. Knowing the Dark Lord, he'd find a way to channel and give us all a real fight. Bugger me if he wouldn't."
Agreeing with a groan of exhaustion, Harjit sat up with a wince. Running this long with next to no sleep had done him no favors. "Light forbid."
Seeking the Void to steady himsself, Harry noticed that Blaise had something sitting beside him in an ornate box. The latch was a silver raven perched in the horns of a golden stag, with a large copper lily in its beak. All held emerald eyes or stamen in the case if the flower. Black lacquered wood gleamed with a slick sheen to rival the chaste silver bindings. To put it bluntly, it was an amazing work of art.
"Oh yeah, this came for you. Galad confiscated it from some of the new Guardsmen recruits that took it from some supposed crazy lady demanding to give it to you specifically. He may be a right prat often as not but he despises thievery, so he delivered it early while you were having a lie in." Neville smirked as Blaise handed it over. "He was packing up to leave and arguing with Gawyn for some reason, so I thanked him for you."
Galad was a lot of things but he didn't tolerate the morally bankrupt. Did Gawyn do something? With his head hurting like it was Harry couldn't think very clearly.
Hesitantly he opened the incredibly valuable chest. Inside its violet velvet cushioned interior was a velum scroll on top of an ornate ring nestled beside a curious statuette, as well as a signet styled pendant necklace and lapel pin to match the ring and chest. The thick weighty man's ring was made of what may be steel branches and golden mistletoe, the lover's sprig was home to thirteen tiny pearls for its berries and a onyx raven. Closer inspection of the statuette shown that it was made up of rings fit cleverly together to form an elegant tiny bird's nest with a raven formed from the stones. Each of the thirteen silver and gold braided rings, when parted were for women delicately threaded into Celtic style plaits with an onyx stone setting. He had ordered a signet pin for himself but the rest of this was mind blowing. It made no sense why it was all sent to him.
Breaking the scroll's seal he read it with no small dose of concern.
"Dear Raven Lord,
I know that this is more than you ordered, but a strange thing happened as I struggled to design your order. An older gentleman, one of those Sea Folks roaming about, came in with this set wishing to trade for some of my gold flatware with amethysts. Seeing these and that he would not break the set up, I made the trade and am charging you for the extra cost of the dinnerware.
Your Servant, Kerisin Telador"
Picking up the exquisitely worked jewelry again with a large dose of trepidation, he slipped on the man's ring. It fit perfectly with his other, as if made for him and as companion to the other. In fact he actually liked it.
Curiosity getting the best of his mates had them come take a look for themselves. Blaise, Fred, and George took the note and signet set. Neville though picked up the women's rings with a bit of reverent awe. None of them could come up with a word to say about all this. What could be said of it?
"I'll have to go talk with her. This is far more than I thought to get." he stated in concern.
"That may have to wait. Remember that we're to be out on scouting patrol after tomorrow." Neville cautioned. "Best just pack this away till we come back."
Hammar Gaiden and another Warder came into the barracks. Fearing what the aged warrior might say about the strange treasure as well as heeding his cautious mate's words, Harjit scooped it all up and hid them in his bag.
"Truhart! I told Frank to get your scrawny backside up and away to the Sisters. Stop lolling about, the Yellows want to see you now." Hammar's gravelly voice boomed out.
"Yes sir!" Harry snapped to with a sharp salute.
Dressing quickly he tossed on his clothes without thinking. If not for Blaise he'd have charged out with his new ring still on his hand. It wasn't much but he wasn't certain he wished to let others see it yet. Some may raise more questions that he hadn't the energy to answer. It's one thing to have ravens as a signet, but this was a bit much. The Shadoweyed were feared the world over, and with the turmoil of all these False Dragons, and possible true Dagon Reborn, people were jumpy. So he slipped it off into his bag by itself.
It would be just his luck if some paranoid sheepherder saw him as a Darkfriend. Worsening that though would be if someone labeled his friends and loves in like fashion because of him.
At least on his way he saw four of his loves looking radiant in the early morning hours.
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Spinning away from the sword thrust from Gawyn's sally, Neville let the Void guide and hold him. The Boar in the Brush was his answer with the practice halberd he held. Other Warder trainees had a good laugh at his choice of weapon but they sought glory where he was interested in deterrence. He knew how to fight with the swords and maces that were common to the other students. However here was what Hammar and the other Warders called practical combat for all of them. Most men on a battlefield would be using long unwieldy pikes and halberds, not perfectly balanced swords.
Tumbling back from this Gawyn swatted the attack aside with Dancing Among the Maidens, followed by Folding the Silken Robe, that flowed seamlessly to Thrushes on the Wing. Staggering and dancing under this onslaught, Neville dug in and found his feet. Harry and Gawyn were far better fighters than he was, but he was no slouch or quitter so he dug in and found his feet. Once settled he responded to this with a rolling parry of Floods from the Mountain effectively sweeping aside Gawyn's darting blade's latest sally.
Now back to not being nearly skewered by blunted wood, he turns the extremely difficult form into Wheat Breaking the Soil, putting the Andoran royal on the defensive with the added reward of a swat to the thigh of the skilled swordsman. A resounding slap of hard flat wood on soft wool covered flesh made some of the audience of young witches wince. However Neville had no time to celebrate or gloat as Gawyn was not such an easy foe to best. Instead he launched into Reaping the Chaff, a form that could open a man's middle if it connected, but would leave its user open to a fatal counter attack as well.
Canny and cagey as ever, Gawyn saw this opportunity and took a side rolling dive after sidestepping Neville's assault. Yet Neville was not a usual sparring partner and took the only option open to him and lashed out with his gauntleted fist in a backhanded blow. Gawyn had dove in too quickly to pull out of his own attack from the inertia, scoring Neville a staggering blow to the lordling's jaw. Using his own inertia, the huge wizard spins about with a twirl of his practice halberd to ram its butt end into the prince's middles. Some of the audience, mostly made up of his opponent's mate's and doughy eyed witch fans, squawked and pouted sulkily about treachery.
Hearing all that didn't phase him as he was in the Void allowing him to ignore it. His only concern was Gawyn's crafty up stroke of his wooden sword that caught Neville in the knee. Knowing that he'd like as not have a limp for days, the wizard launches into Seas a'Storming, a form that was unwieldy, but put some safe space from the whirling Gawyn in Swallows in the Spring.
"Halt!" bellowed a leather lunged Garvin Gaiden, a Yellow Sister's Warder that helped Master Hammar now and again. "That is enough. Both of you are in need of a good hiding, but I think both of you have shown skill. As for the rest of you slugs, learn from this. Forms alone don't win a fight. Now it's time for our daily jaunt. Form up and let's get the measure of the outer walls."
Groaning, some of the men put aside their weapons to start the bi-daily run around the city's outer wall's top. Endurance was a key to surviving the butcher's yard when the blood work begins to run longer than a few feints and sallies. At first Neville hated this part of the work, but now it was routine. He could run eight to ten miles in full gear and be more or less fresh for the fight. Make it twenty and he'd be struggling but still capable of making a stand.
"Blood and ashes I wasn't expecting that Oakheart. I'll have to watch better next time." Gawyn congenially slapped him on the back where the prince had caught him with a glancing but telling blow. "You and your friends are a mad bunch but that's okay by me. When the Tower and Andor go to set that bloody al'Thor to right, I'll be glad of you lot as my brothers in arms. Though I think Harjit needs to learn to breath more. Not everyday is a war."
Wincing at the hard contact Neville grunted, "We've never followed the rules alone so why stop now. As for al'Thor I'm a bit afraid he is the Dragon. As for Harjit, he's never been one for half measures so when he swore to be the best Warder he could be, that's what he's determined to be. Don't you feel the same need to be your best for that Egwene?"
"I do, but she's Galad's girl." a sad resignation hung in the prince's tone.
"Idiot. She's not his. She need's more than a pretty boy with a heart of stone." Neville commented gruffly, "Don't shove her into the arms of someone that doesn't appreciate her."
"Frank, if that were the case, why does she go for men like my brother? Your friend Harjit is as cold as the grave yet she used to blush when he was around. Bah, she ran off and..." Gawyn grumbled to a stop.
"Harjit can do that to most girls. He doesn't see it but the women fall for him by the droves. Galad knows he has that effect, my mate is oblivious to it. Even my Pads has a crush for him, though thankfully she loves me more. Egwene may feel the same about you. You'll never know if you never try." Neville offered the ginger haired royal.
While everyone was forming up, a Red Sister came out and caught Gawyn's eye. Shaking Neville's hand the prince dashed away to speak with the unexpected observer. It was an unsettling sight for the giant of a wizard. Oddities regularly created unpleasantries in the man's life. He decided to make a point of telling Harjit about it later, when his best mate returned from his Healing session. The Red's must have some game in mind with the easily duped prince.
Taking a steady ground eating pace, he joined his other three mates up in the middle of the pack of loping trainees. Jogging at his side was Blaise, grinning at him disconcertingly, as the twins were chuckling evilly.
With his patience worn thin by the prince's daft love life, he barks, "What?"
"Nothing, but that it was brilliant to see you fight is all." Blaise's eyes twinkled as he shared a smirk with the other two miscreants.
"Plus you earned us a fat purse of silver." Fred admitted with a chortle as he showed of the prize purse.
"Wankers thought you'd be dropped in the first of the match." George slapped him on the same point that Gawyn had earlier.
Gritting his teeth he wondered if Pads could Heal him.
"Less talk more speed!" thundered a Warder Neville didn't know the name of.
Putting aside everything else, they ran on.
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Slipping into Luna's room, Ginny thought how she was going to explain her feelings to her two as yet unaware Circlemates of her sexual identity. Good witches were not cauldron stirrers or like her cauldron stirring wand chasers. It was against the law back home to even think it, and most witches shunned girls that were like her. However her heart had feel in love with four of the most amazing women a girl could ever know. They shared a man, why not each other too. Simple right? Not so simple if a girl wished to not alienate the girl, or girls in her own case.
Par knew and it was obvious to any that looked that Luna was positively mad for their Hindi Angel. However remembering that her family had obliviated her out of fear that she was a crested hen at the worldly age of twelve hurt and frightened her. Little did her family know that she wasn't the vaguest bit interested in anyone save Harry back then. Though in all honesty she was in awe of Hermione and Penny back then too. But that does not change the fact she had no idea that a girl could ever fancy a girl, it was only much later did she become aware of that possibility happening.
Going through Slytherin's Truth broke the needless obliviation and got her wondering if she could find herself in that sort of a relationship. She suspected Hermione had a huge crush on Penny Clearwater as the girl never stopped talking about the brilliant older witch. Well not until the Ravenclaw had made it official she was dating Percy. Then there was the rumor at Hogwarts that Susan Bones was a closeted cauldron stirrer like her infamous recluse of an Aunt. But these facts meant little to her outside of being so close to Hermione. No what set her to exploring her heart's depths was the nearness and unity she felt as one of Harry's girls with the other four, which became something far more profound in the interim. Harry was the lone wizard good enough for any of them in her opinion, but she had grown to need them in her own life as well. Losing Hermione in the arches shown her what she truly felt for the other four. She loved them just as deeply as she did their man.
Inside the candlelight bathed cell was Hermione alone. Should she take this opportunity to tell Hermione in private? Would her friend understand? Would they remain friends?
Clearing her throat, Ginny took the plunge, "Uhh... Hermione I think we need to talk."
Jumping in shock of not being alone anymore, her love looked up from her book with a hesitant smile, "I think so too, Gin. Sit down I'll make room."
Gathering her courage Gin sat and prepared to put it all out there in the open.
That was brought up short as Hermione launched into her own little blurted out speech, "Me and Daph cornered and forced out of Par what happened. I want you to know I feel it's alright if you fancy girls as well as boys. Gin-Gin you have the right to make up your own mind what you want in life. Some might not like it, others might think you're just confused, and others may think you should just go ahead and choose one or the other. But they're not you, and right or wrong, it's still what you choose. Personally I'm in the same boat as you Gin, I'm at minimum bi-curious. Though I favor boys more than girls, well one green eyed adonis in particular. I had to face this in myself in order to open myself to Saidar. I had to surrender to the truth of my heart, and it says loudly that I'm in love with you and the rest of our Circle. When I said I consider you my girlfriends, I truly meant it."
Chilled by the thrilling rush of relief, Ginny spoke with her heart hammering away in her chest, "Really? I promise I'll not ki-."
Hermione silenced her by a finger to her lips, "I want to take this slow, but that is because I'm a bit nervous how our wizard will take this. Technically he could see it as us cheating on him. Which is how I see your brother Ron taking such things. I know Harry loves us, but he used to strive to make that git love him like a brother. If we knew he'd be fine with us, then I want whatever makes us comfortable."
Taking her girlfriend's hand Ginny shook her head, "I don't see that Harry pulling a Ron, not now at least. Our lovely wizard has grown up and has shifted his mind to consider Nev as a best mate. Harjit wants us to be happy. As long as we don't reject him, but include him too, he'll be fine with us. We're never giving him up, just opening our hearts to the rest of our soul mates. That's what I hope at least."
Sharing a silent moment they remained holding hands. Fearing her friend was likely to baulk at this if she moved, Gin waited in worry. Had she said too much? They all needed Harry and each other, she just knew it.
Hermione leaned forward to lightly kiss her. When their lips brushed each other, tingling rushes shot through her body exactly like how it felt when kissing Harry. Pressing her luck, she increased the contact by nibbling on her lover's lips. Emboldened by this, her gorgeous Hermione cups her cheek while darting her tongue past Ginny's slightly parted lips. This was a bit shocking, but she found it exhilarating, and quickly returns the favor. Her harry had kissed her like this, and she was wild for it but never expected Hermione to want this type of kiss too. Having her brilliant girlfriend also seeking this from her made it a lock as a way to blow the red head's mind.
"Holy Cricket... Merlin and the Light, Gin..." Hermione giggled in a blushing pant, it was almost a whisper in the cool night air, "Light and love, Gin, when I decided I was Harry's witch, I swore I'd never go the safe course again. I almost back slid on what I feel for you and our Circlemates. Fears instilled into me by Ron, Dumbledore, and just about everyone back home have haunted me since I accepted my sexual identity. They all made me into a doormat in controlling access to my life and Harry's. Used my fears to force me to live as they wished by telling me to only take the safe bets. Then Par came to me and Daphne, while we waited for you to leave the Arches, with this plan to share Harry. I was terrified and angry. Harry was mine. I knew it, and almost had him that night the Whitecloaks attacked us." Her lover's eyes grew troubled, "I got over my anger as I knew in my heart this was the only way to have him and the witches I love in my life as well. However I was afraid none of you would feel right with being near me if I made it known I was at the very least bi-curious. Would you lot panic to learn that me and Penny Clearwater kissed under a mistletoe? Would you all hate me that I almost asked Lavender to go on a secret date to Hogsmeade or that I wanted to take her with me to the Alps? Then you confessed that you saw me as your soul mate and my heart forgot how to beat for a minute. Could you possibly want me how I wanted you? Gin, I want you and the others as my lovers. Harry will be my only wizard, but not my only lover. I want- No. I need us to be... to be girlfriends. The bit about snoggings and hexings was me trying to not scare you of if-."
Kissing her love again, with a tender hope she felt in it how much she loved her, Ginny whispered, "I was just as afraid. I remember mum and Auntie Muriel discussing me. My mum tries to love me, but not my aunt. That shrew will think of me as a monster as usual. Mum will cave and listen and do what ever the hag wants to placate her."
Taking her face in both hands, Hermione tearfully confronted that, "You're not a monster. The world may never understand us, but I don't ruddy well care. All I dream of these days outside of becoming a full Sister, is the day we'll all be marrying our Harry and each other. You four women are my sisters and so much more. I fantasize of us all and Harry doing some rather steamy and deliciously naughty things with each other. More though, I see us all living to see our grandchildren and still be madly, truly, and utterly in love with each other. If you're a monster, then so am I and I couldn't be happier for it."
Crying a little, relief floods Ginny's composure as she hugs her love tight. The confession of her girlfriend mirrored her own dreams and desires. "Me too. I've lived so long being afraid I was wrong or twisted from birth. I don't think I was this way till we came through all this on this world. Now though I know I'm in love with five gorgeous people and only one is a wizard. He's the only man I'll ever let have me again in that way, but then he's the only one I'd ever let have my Circlemates that way either.
Mutually crying into each others shoulders, they let the stormy emotions pass. Slowly Hermione kisses her again in reaffirmation of their love. "I was too afraid to ask penny or Lav to be my girlfriends, just as I was too afraid to see Harry was my true love. I just went the safe expected way instead of allowing myself to be me. But maybe this is better. Gin-Gin, one day I want to introduce you to my mum and papi, along with our Circle and our lovable goof of a man Harry. All together and as glorious as the sun, my beautiful true loves. To show them how lucky a girl I am."
Her lover's blush was so appealing, Ginny loved the glimmer of joy in her witch's eyes. This had turned out far better than she'd feared things may have went. And maybe if they hadn't went through all this it would have been that epic disaster she envisioned. Though it was a condemning crime back home that her Auntie Muriel waved over her head like a blood stained cloth, this place was not there. Also that shrew was not in control of their lives, and here they were free to choose this odd if happy lifestyle. This was their lives to live as they chose.
Blushing even more furiously, Hermione wiped away a few rogue tears on the back of he hand, pondering out loud, "I wonder sometimes if either Penny or Lav would've said yes or not. I was so set on Ron to become my future, I lost sight of how awesome Harry or those two were. Mostly Harry as he's always been open and ready for someone to love him."
"Penny would've said yes." Ginny sniffled, thinking of how life changing it is to be for a witch to be able to open herself to Saidar and the truth of oneself, "She told me in Egypt that she plays Seeker for both teams. I didn't know what that meant for a long time. Mum tries very hard to not let me learn much outside of what she deems proper or normal for a witch. One question though, why Lavender?"
"She stayed my friend after I turned in Harry's Firebolt. Both her and Par did for that matter." Hermione's blush was now a nice bright crimson, "Lav is a bit dingy, but she has a heart of gold. I like that."
Par startled them as she scurried in, "I heard that. Lav has a huge heart. She's mad for Harry, Ron, and you Hermione. Now why are we talking about Lav?"
"We were clearing some air. Par, I want you to know I'm bisexual." the brunet stated.
"I had my suspicions. You sneak peeks at me and Lav in the showers. Don't worry, I return the favor every chance I get. As we're more or less dating, I no longer plan on hiding it any longer. You're free to look, and touch to your two hearts contents if you let me have the same privileges. As for Lav, she's bisexual too, and proud of it. She was a bit broken up when Ron convinced Harry you were wrong about the bloody broom. I was too afraid my family would learn I the same, so I played look out. Lave hoped to reunite you and Harry as she thinks you make a cute couple and that she has a major crush on you both. She fell for you even more in all that mess, but was afraid to be caught by the Ministry after I warned her of the laws."
"I'm curious, is Pads like us too?" Ginny asked then winced at the rudeness of the assumption. "Sorry that just popped into my head."
"That's alright luv. She's straight as an arrow, and has no idea of my preferences." Parvati plopped down beside Ginny, "Outside of Lav, the only ones to know are you two and Luna. I didn't want to share or to admit to what I felt, but I've fancied Harry for as long as I can remember. Luna won my heart during the trip here. Falling for you two and Daphne followed shortly after. N matter how much I wished to be normal and be only with Harry, my heart began to long for the four of you as well. At first I thought it would be simply that we share him, but now I know that is not enough. I want to share you lot as well. Harry is the love of my life as far a a husband goes, but you four are my wives. Back at hogwarts I thought of life as Lavender's girl, and even your's Hermione, but was terrified of the laws that send such witches to Magdeline houses or even Azkaban. So I hid and only focused on the one person I was allowed, Harry. When he asked me to the Yule Ball, I actually cried in joy. I was normal and I'd win his love. Then Ron started his usual bit of trying to ruin everything if he's not happy. With how deeply he had our Harry under his thumb, fears that he'd listen to the birk and toss me over near drowned me. Well with how things turned out and us here, I want to live openly as I choose. Padma has always been the shining light for my family, and can stay that way as I just want to be happily at the side of my loves all the rest of my life.
Hearing that made Gin feel an even deeper kinship with her friend- correction girlfriend. Surprisingly her and Hermione tackle the girl with simultaneous hugs. However Hermione included a slow hopeful kiss that Par turned the heat up on. It was incredibly exciting to watch as Par's hands wove their fingers into their brunet lover's bushy hair, all while Hermione's right hand cupped their dusky lover's breast. It was just like watching her Circle snogging their far as Ginny felt as she had not a single drop of jealousy build up in her. She didn't understand why except that she knew they were all each others. They were one.
When the two parted they were glowing with love and joy.
"What of taking it slow?" she teased Hermione with a fluttering in her heart and chest.
Hermione's kiss swollen lips pursed before turning into a seductive smirk, "Are you complaining?" When Gin managed a nervous shake of her head no, her girlfriend's smirk grew more longing, "I want to live for a change and not be afraid. Gin, Par, how far to we want to take this tonight? We're free to enjoy all we feel, as long as we keep our decorum. Tower law actually would support us compared to back home."
"As far as you two want." Par blushed with a nervous smile. "I'm a virgin, but I lost my Feminine Gift our first year in broom riding class. Shooting stars are a bit of a rough ride for such things."
"I'm not a virgin anymore, thanks to Tom." Ginny was surprised at herself for admitting. "But I want our first time to be when all of us are ready."
Hermione ducked her head shyly before kissing Parvati again, giggling in just as nervous a voice as theirs, "Then I'm not that ready. I want Harry to have my cherry as they say, but... but I'm open to us doing everything but that."
Their brunet love proved this by taking Par's hand and placing it on her small pert breasts. Parvati's hand trembled as she reached out with her other hand and cupped the other one while biting her lips in nervous delight. Letting out a little chuckle from the pent up joyful trepidation, their Hindi lover let her first hand softly pull the brunet for another languid kiss. Hermione took Gin's hand up to her now free breast without breaking the kiss with Parvati. When the two parted they let out tiny giggles, before both took turns kissing Ginny.
When the other two now enthusiastically kissed again, it was sweet and tender with a slow heat that warmed the chilly room. This was well and away a thrilling sexy sight and experience for Ginny, but not as much as when they both began to rain kisses down on her. Feeling Hermione's hands began exploring the red head, Gin became nervous again when the two older witches took to caressing her intimately. Feeling them nibble kisses across her collar bone and throat she lost that hesitance in the way it set fires in her. Yet that was nothing compared to Parvati's fingers playing with her nipples, while Hermione began snogging her into seventh heaven with a hand massaging her bum.
She felt justified at letting out a yelp of alarm from the sound of Daphne's startled voice, "Light that's ... whoa! Well wow I guess as I was just getting used to being almost dating four women to- wow. I'm glad Tracey isn't seeing this as I think it's beyond hot. Hot enough to question if I'm really straight or not. Unfortunately we can't think of that right now as we have a problem. Luna left us a note on my bed, but I can't seem to read it. Well I actually think it's a modified Howler."
Sitting up and trying to get her composure back Ginny took hold of it. Nothing happened till all four girls held the pale blue folded up note. Then Luna's soft voice whispered in tearful anguish to them.
"My loves,
Please care for and love our wizard. There is little or no hope for me, though I wished there was. Forgive me and forget me. It's safer. Run my loves. Take our man and run. Just know that I will never stop loving all of you though I fear you will not feel the same about me. Run and go home without me, for I am lost. I love you too much to let you stay for me.
Your lost Friend and hopefully Lover, Luna."
"Ladies, we've got work to do. I'm not leaving her in Elaida's day longer than it takes to plan an escape and get our boys back from patrol duty." Daphne snarled.
"I'll go get the others." Ginny trembled violently. "I don't want a Shawl if this is what it'll cost us. We can't let the boys hear of this, they'll get noble."