Hey everyone...
I am so nervous about this chapter. This one ran away from me. I got tired, just like alot of you, with the way Hermione was treating her mates. So I removed her head from her ass, just a bit. The second half this chapter was actually difficult for me to write. I have never written a Polyamorus relationship before and I just wish never to offend anyone who are in that type of relationship. Massive amounts of respect goes from my heart to yours. Also, please keep in mind that she is 15.
They get close in this one, but sigh... I just couldn't pull the trigger. Sorry guys. Give me time, and dont kill me yet.
Hope you enjoy,
Snow
Aloe ~ Affection, and Also Grief
It was morning and Hermione found herself cradled by not one but two sets of arms. Hermione kept her eyes closed for just a moment as she inhaled and then finally took in her moment. Yes, she was selfish. It is her moment and no other. She took in Fleur's lavender and lemon zest, and then she took a deeper breath and then opened her eyes and looked toward the new scent. She never really took in the fragrance of Narcissa but to find her smelling of orange and spice, maybe cinnamon wasn't at all surprising. She was soothing, and then vibrant and saucy. Hermione was on her back, and she moved slightly to test out her side. There was a pull on the skin where she knew there was a scar, and she sighed as she looked to the ceiling. Fleur's head rest on her shoulder and she grasped a fist full Hermione's shirt. Narcissa seemed to cuddle them both to her somehow. Hermione thought it was her robes, and how they covered them as she threw her leg lightly over Hermione's thigh. Fleur's thigh also was thrown over Hermione's other leg resting against Narcissa's over Hermione, effectively pinning Hermione to the bed. All three of them were touching, and for the love of all that was holy Hermione could not get enough.
Then her heart panged. She was in this blasted bed because of Narcissa. Hermione turned to the woman, and then looked at her without reservations. No one was there to see her take in what Narcissa adamantly asked her to leave behind, and the woman herself wasn't conscious to tell her to stop. Narcissa looked so peaceful, and quiet. Hermione knew the woman held the weight of the world on her shoulders but Hermione could never know how much of a weight that really was. For a moment Hermione wondered if she was being too hard on the woman. Surely this was not Narcissa's fault. Well, yes, she hexed her into this bed, but Narcissa was crafty, and a master in the dark arts. She could have taken Hermione down with nothing more than a simple wave of her wand last night. Yet she didn't. Hermione took in that hint of orange and spice. As soon as she woke to Narcissa next to her she felt a small click in her heart. She couldn't do it anymore.
Hermione felt her hand raise, and then sigh as her fingers crept to Narcissa's cheek to move stray hair from her lips and behind her ear. That slight caress made Narcissa open her eyes. They lifted, and then slightly closed with a soft smile. Hermione smiled back, as she kept the back of her fingers to Narcissa's jaw. Narcissa's hand came up to Hermione's and she kissed the back of Hermione's hand gently, openly.
"I love you," slurred Narcissa in a sleepy whisper and then her eyes closed once more. Hermione felt her heart pound in her chest and she sighed.
"Your heart is pounding are you alright I can get..." Fleur looked over and saw Hermione's hand held by Narcissa, and the way the woman seemed to somehow cocoon them with her presence. Hermione looked to Fleur. Fleur, with bed head, and sleep still lingering upon her cheeks looked radiant as she smiled gently down upon Hermione and Narcissa.
"You two look gorgeous together," Fleur whispered, and then Hermione smiled with a blush.
"Why is she in the bed?" Hermione whispered as she looked over to Narcissa.
"I don't know. She said she would not share a bed here in the infirmary. It was too open," Fleur said as she reached across Hermione and caressed Hermione's and Narcissa's fingers. Hermione turned her head and looked at the ceiling and closed her eyes, "Are you alright with her here? I know what she did," Fleur asked.
"Yes," Hermione looked into Fleur's eyes and then into Narcissa's slumbering beauty, "I can't help it, Fleur," Hermione confessed and then looked to her Veela and then closed her eyes letting it go. Letting all of the anger, and mistrust leave her body. Hermione shivered as she felt the release all of that negative energy.
"I have got you," Fleur said as she pressed her head to Hermione's forehead. They stayed like that. Fleur and Hermione's foreheads together, with Narcissa possessing Hermione's hand to her chest.
"She loves you so much, ma lionne," Fleur whispered. Hermione lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. "You both looked so gorgeous when I looked over. I never get to see you and Narcissa together not fighting. You both are quite striking. When I woke, I thought I was in a dream," Fleur confessed as she stroked their fingers. "It is getting late in the morning and we need to get ready. I know how you can wake her," Fleur said and Hermione looked over and saw a mischievous smile. Hermione smiled back, calm, and certain.
"No need to play match maker, love," Hermione said and Fleur lifted an eye brow. Hermione looked further than the barrier of their bed, and found curtains around them and could feel a strong ward about the area to let them know if someone approached. "Are you going to watch?" Hermione asked incredulously, but all Fleur did was smile, her eyes flashing, and then nod. Hermione blushed.
"We are together, my love, remember that," Fleur whispered in her ear.
"You just want to see me kiss Narcissa," Hermione blamed, and Fleur simply shrugged. Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Don't push me, ok?" Hermione said in a soft uncertain voice. Fleur let her playfulness slide looking straight into Hermione's eyes.
"Never," she replied. Hermione looked back to Narcissa, the woman snuggled close, clutching her hand. Hermione looked her face over and took their hands, and with the back of her index finger she stroked once more down the woman's face. Then she leaned in. She felt the small puffs of air from Narcissa's lips and then smiled.
Lips connected softly in Hermione's attempt to rouse Narcissa from slumber. Hermione hoped it was enough to sate Fleur, and even still Hermione's own curiosity. Narcissa shifted her nose, and curled on Hermione's hand cutely. Hermione looked to Fleur. Fleur nodded and Hermione turned back to the witch and then to took her hand from Narcissa's grasp and pulled Fleur's into Narcissa's hand. Now Fleur stretched over Hermione's body with her chin on her other hand that rested on Hermione's shoulder. Hermione moved closer.
"Narcissa, wake up," Hermione said as she kissed her cheek, and then to her lips. Fleur's hand moved slightly just as lips began to move with Hermione's. "Wake up beautiful," Hermione whispered as she moved her lips a little bolder across Narcissa's. Finally, Hermione slightly took Narcissa's chin in her fingers, and steadied them. She took deeply from the woman. The kiss, from Fleur's point of view, was beyond measure, and she wished Hermione would kiss her like that. Then she thought on all of their encounters. Hermione had kissed her like that, with so much passion, and reverence. Now that she could see it, it took her breath away. Narcissa lifted her hand out of Fleur's grasp, and placed her palm on Hermione's cheek. She finally opened her eyes. She stroked Hermione's cheek and then looked around. Her brow furrowed and she pulled back.
"Good Morning," Hermione said.
"Bonjour, ma amour," Fleur said softly.
"Am I dreaming?" Narcissa looked from Hermione to Fleur and the two looked at each other with twin smiles. Then Hermione lifted her fingers to Narcissa's jaw, and then to the pulse at her neck. Hermione felt the jump in the woman's heartbeat.
"No, you are not," Hermione said and then Narcissa looked down on to Hermione as she lifted up on her forearm.
"After yesterday, Why? How?" Narcissa blinked confused, but nonetheless happy.
Hermione smiled softly, planted a sweet to Narcissa's lips and then Fleur's then moved down the bed out of the side. She went beyond the curtain, and saw Madame Pomfrey. She heard the sheets wrestle, and Fleur ask Narcissa if she was alright. Hermione only heard from Narcissa that she didn't know.
"About time. Its nearing 8am. Breakfast would be nearly gone if you share the same table as Ron Weasley from what I understand," Poppy walked with Hermione as the girl pointed to the loo. The nurse nodded and waited as she looked back to the curtained off bed. She swore Narcissa would not get a wink of sleep sitting the chair, and Fleur and Hermione seemed to toss and turn. So, as any witch wanting the best for her patient, she drugged Narcissa with a heavy amount of sleep potion, and levitated her into the bed. It was amazing watching all three settle down, as if the three women needed each other to simply calm.
Hermione walked from the loo and straight to the medi-witch. Poppy sat on her stool and Hermione stood near her. Poppy lifted her hands toward Hermione's body but looked up in askance before she just went after Hermione's side. Hermione nodded. She poked and prodded. It was when Poppy lightly probed the center of the scar that caused the most pain.
"How is it?" Hermione asked biting her lower lip.
"I don't like this,'' Poppy said, and Hermione narrowed her eyes. They both heard the curtains shift to the side revealing the two blondes sitting on the bed watching Poppy and Hermione. Poppy waited, and then Hermione sighed and nodded. No use in hiding it from them.
"The new wound is still tender," Poppy glared at Narcissa. The woman had the decency to swallow but otherwise look unfazed, "I am afraid with the next event their will be a chance that this wound will be susceptible to coming open again. I don't like that," Poppy said as she stood and dug through the cabinets. She shoved a potion mixture in to Hermione's hands.
"This has murlap, numbing agents, and a disinfectant. You should have about 3 hours of active potion working in your body," Poppy said. Hermione looked at her watch and shook her head.
"It is 8:15am, we need to get some food," Hermione said and then as if her wish was granted fruits, and breads graced a tray, "We need our uniforms," Hermione waited and sure enough Beauxbatons Blue and Hermione's Hogwarts black and … maroon were folded on a chair for them.
"Well I think this will be ok. 3 hours, you say?" Hermione said as she did the math. "So around 11 am, the potion wears off," Hermione furrowed her brow. "The challenge is at 9:30. It will be minimal exposure," Hermione smiled as she crossed her arms, and winced slightly and had a loosen her crossed arms. Narcissa and Fleur looked at her with doubt. Hermione walked to the two blondes and stopped before them. She took one of both of their hands.
"This is the first time I have ever gotten both of you together like this. Its rather surreal," Hermione looked to Fleur, "I will be down there with you. Just worry about getting Gabrielle, ok?" Hermione said and Fleur nodded then she looked to Narcissa, "You," Hermione said as she looked into Narcissa's eyes, "If I had not made my intentions abundantly clear this morning, then you are a moron," Hermione smiled as Narcissa's furrowed her brow.
"You give your other lover advice, but you insult me? How is that fair?" Narcissa asked and then Hermione shook her hands.
"I am not insulting you, even though the way you treat me at times is rather insulting. Sometimes I don't know how to talk to you. I want you to know you have choices," Hermione looked to Fleur and Fleur looked like a dopey ass kid getting everything she wanted from the candy store, "I will forever be a choice, but we need you to come to us completely. As of yesterday, we know you can't yet. When I woke up this morning and saw you there something just clenched… inside. It was… I was... It felt..." Hermione waved her hands trying to explain but Narcissa took Hermione's hands and nodded understanding. Hermione smiled sweetly her thanks, then continued, "Due to this, I have a request for you today," Hermione said and Narcissa squeezed Hermione's hand with both of her own.
"Anything," Narcissa whispered.
"Do not come to my aid," Hermione looked to Madame Pomfrey and the healer nodded then she turned back to Narcissa, "Do not come back for me, do not dive for me, for the love of Merlin do not help me. Help anyone but me," Hermione pleaded.
"Why?" Narcissa swallowed, but her voice cracked as she looked down feeling rejected, but Hermione crooked her index finger under Narcissa's chin, "We cannot afford for you to get found out for helping the target of the Dark Lord," Hermione said aloud. Two gasps were heard but Hermione would not look from Narcissa's blue eyes until she nodded and then looked away. Hermione nodded and then turned toward the tray. She lifted it to the bed and beckoned the healer over.
"I assume this will be a light breakfast because we have to be out in that frigid lake soon," Hermione said as she grabbed a banana and a slice of bread. Fleur noticed it was the same meal as the last challenge. Hermione walked to their uniforms munching on her banana. She picked up Fleur's one-piece swimsuit, and made a face.
"What? You do not think it is adequate?" Fleur asked as she picked as bread.
"Not that. Its February, in Scotland," Hermione said and Fleur shrugged.
"Do you know how cold that water will be?" Hermione asked and then Fleur swallowed and then rose to take her suit.
"I wish not to freeze my derriere off," Fleur looked at it, held it up. It was a simple one piece.
"What are the boys wearing?" Fleur asked.
"I don't know," Hermione looked at her set and looked on with a sigh. Not much better. "I propose we make a sort of wetsuit. What do you think?" Hermione asked and then Fleur nodded and handed the suit to Hermione. Hermione concentrated and transfigured their bathing suits into a one-piece zip up wetsuit.
"These should be a bit warmer, and we can still move in them," Hermione said as Fleur looked at the material and grinned.
"Like ze scuba divers," Fleur smiled.
"Exactly," Hermione said as she smiled to Fleur.
"What's a scuba diver?" asked Narcissa. Fleur and Hermione smiled.
"It's muggle magic where you can explore the bottom of the river, lake or ocean without coming up for long periods of time, comfortably with pack strapped to their back," Hermione snapped as if remembering something, "Accio package," there was a tapping on the doors a few minutes later. Hermione gave it to Narcissa.
"Happy belated Christmas. Our lessons have not continued so it was difficult to get you something without looking like a fool," Hermione said and before she could blink the wrapping was banished, and Narcissa opened the quill and ink set.
"I know it's not top of the line, and fancy…"
"Thank you. I will cherish them," Narcissa said and Hermione walked over to the woman.
"You are truly a wondrous and exceptional woman. I apologize for being so callous," Hermione placed a hand on Narcissa's shoulder watching the woman take in a breath, "Even with all of the obstacles before us, I believe that when it is done, we," Hermione lifted a hand to Fleur and Fleur took it and one of Narcissa's, "Will be stronger for it," Hermione said and then pulled from Narcissa and Fleur.
"No," Narcissa said and stood like a flash and wrapped her arms around Hermione's shoulders and kept Hermione to her chest. "Don't walk away from me, please," the woman begged in a whisper that teased the casing of her ear. "It finally seems like I got you, like we both got each other," Narcissa breathed but Hermione broke away.
"I must," Hermione said and then pulled from Narcissa. Then Narcissa lunged. It was like a bang in their hearts. Hermione heard Fleur gasp, and then her own mouth opened as it exploded, then Narcissa took that as acceptance. Hermione could only melt. Finally, it was the same, it was even. It wasn't hatred or passion. It was pure appreciation for the other. Never willing to hurt the other, wanting to survive, and above all, taking care of the other. It was love in the most untainted sense of the word.
Narcissa pulled from Hermione and Fleur sat in the chair with the suits in her hands. She breathed heavily.
"Mon dieu! You could not have picked another time to do this?" Fleur asked accusing the women before her, "We have to go out there below Black Lake, and not know our fates. Seriously?!" Fleur spat at the two, but Hermione and Narcissa could not take their eyes from the other.
"Fleur we did it, be happy," Hermione said as Narcissa nodded and leaned in for another kiss but Hermione stopped her. "I am still angry with you, love. Also, we have a challenge soon and we need clear heads. Fleur is right. This was a messed-up time to solidify this," Hermione said with a smile. Narcissa smiled and leaned her forehead to Hermione's then as if they knew, they held out their arms, and Fleur stood and walked to her lovers. She leaned her forehead against the two other witch's heads.
"Let's get ready Fleur," Hermione said and then stripped. Both Fleur and Narcissa blinked at the form before them. Once it was covered up Hermione looked about as if confused at their stillness.
"Hurry up," Hermione demanded and Fleur sprang to action and Hermione walked over to Narcissa and watched, eyeing the woman as they eyed her. "You should change your robe," Hermione said and Narcissa looked at her and Hermione lifted a hand to her side and shoulder and pulled on the holes in the fabric.
"Right, yes," Narcissa said as she looked at her shattered robes.
"Your spell…" Narcissa began and Hermione tensed. Instantly she knew she said something wrong.
"Was necessary, and I wish not to talk about it further," Hermione said as she clutched Narcissa's hand, squeezed and then made for a little more bread, and an apple.
Into the Depths:
Fleur and Hermione walked to the pier together and then were taken to the stands. They looked around as the spectators crowded on the structures. Hermione closed her eyes and breathed.
"What are you doing?" Fleur asked to a closed eyed Hermione who seemed to block out the crowd.
"I am trying to remember everything from Hogwarts a History that might lie in the lake," Hermione responded then felt a weight in her tied up hair. Fleur reached up.
"Here, it's a beetle, let me get that out of your hair," Fleur said and admired it.
"Crush it," Hermione said with her eyes closed, and immediately the beetle wrestled in Fleur's hands then Hermione looked at it and took the bug. She looked at it.
"I know who and what you are," Hermione smirked, "I don't like being spied on. She saw Mr. Crouch and she walked to him and the bug scurried. Hermione looked down.
"You will work for me bug," Hermione said bitterly, swear it on your life you will serve me… ah ah, in human form. If you are not back here in 5 minutes, I will rat you out to the press and the ministry. Azkaban will welcome you with open arms," Hermione let the bug go.
"What was that about?" Fleur asked and then about 3 and a half minutes later Rita Skeeter came to her and whispered in Hermione's ear.
"I swear my allegiance to you, just don't tell the ministry," Hermione looked at Rita and smiled darkly, "Oh no, dear bug, you will swear it to Fleur," Hermione nodded, "And then Narcissa Malfoy," Hermione nodded. Across the expanse of people Narcissa watched Hermione then she gave a covert nod and tilted her head slightly.
"Why should I…"
"Swear it or Crouch finds out, NOW!" Hermione yelled in a whisper." Rita swore and then Hermione held out her arm and Rita knew what this meant, "Fleur," Fleur quickly held the wand, "We have time. Don't worry. I swear not to tell the ministry of your unregistered animagus form, if you serve, me, Fleur Delacour, and Narcissa Malfoy. This encompasses everything, including anything hurtful, or harmful in the press. We are protected and must be approached to post a story about any of us. You will also spy for me," Hermione ended and Rita repeated what she could to the delight and watchful eye of Hermione.
"Good, now, Harry is waiting for me," Hermione looked to the bug, and she took the hint. She scribbled it down with her pad and paper. Hermione looked to Fleur.
"How did you know?" she asked.
"She has been following around all of the champions since we were selected. It was a matter of time that we caught her, and we are so discrete she would get nothing," Hermione said and smiled to Fleur.
"You are a little dark. Did you mean to crush her?" Fleur asked.
"Yes, if she would not cooperate. I would have crushed her one way or another," Hermione stood with her shoulders back and then bent to make sure her small knife was attached to her calf, and her wand in her registered holder at her forearm. They have looked her over, and said nothing, there for she was not cheating. Part of her thinks they let her have the blade because she was so young.
Dumbledore's voice boomed and the champions tensed. Hermione looked everyone over. And then the blast sounded. She waited as she sat down. She conjured a bubble head charm about her head and transformed her feet, painfully, into a pair of flippers and then dove. She found the world odd and eerie.
She never would have thought she would be under the lake and wondered where the great octopus was. As she swam through seaweed, or water grass she felt a shutter in the watery leaves. She moved. It flashed beside her. But she kept kicking her fins. Her heart pounded as she swam as quickly as she could through the grass. Finally, she made it through water forest. She saw it, the mervillage and then she looked around. She saw off in the distance four people. She swam to them and looked. Harry, Cho, Gabrielle, and a Beauxbaton's girl she didn't know but she recalled her on Victor's arm at the ball.
Hermione paused. She knew her intended was Harry but she could not leave Gabrielle. Hermione growled. She grasped Harry and towed him to the surface. Her firework went off, and then she dove against the rules, and continued. She could feel the potion waning. She looked at her watch. It was about 30-45 min ahead of time. The swimming must have pushed the potion through her bloodstream faster than expected. No… She took a breath and steadied her center.
She watched as Cedric took Cho and tapped his watch at her and she held up a thumb indicating it was ok. She saw Victor come through half transfigured. Hermione scoffed. He must have been coached for that. Sometimes Hermione wondered if he was half stupid from one too many bludgers to the head. No way he could come up with that on his own. She waited and looked to her watch. Time was encroaching. She saw the merfolk come upon her and she looked out.
"I wish to speak with the leader of your village," She spoke as eloquently as she could in a bubble head charm with her voice muffled slightly by the water. The merfolk saw her wand out and she slowly went to sheath it. Merlin, she wished she would have focused on wandless magic. When she put away her wand the Merking came to her.
"You are out of time, she belongs to us, as promised," the king rasped in that inhuman merfolk way.
"What will you do to her?" Hermione asked hands in the air but slowly moving closer.
"We will probably eat her," the king said.
"No!" Hermione lunged but was kept back by a trident to her throat. Hermione kept her hands far apart and looked from Gabrielle to the king. "Please let me take her," Hermione pleaded and then noticed her bubble head getting smaller. She had no time.
"Why would you take someone who means nothing to you?" the king asked.
"I ask for her life. She is young, and worthy of a life. She is also my future sister. I need her just as my mate does." Hermione confided beneath the surface of the water.
"You would sacrifice yourself," the king pointed to the ever-shrinking air bubble around Hermione, "For your lover, for another, that is not yours to save?"
"Yes, your majesty, or lord. I am sorry I do not know merfolk etiquette. Please let me save her," Hermione asked. The King nodded. Hermione watched as Gabrielle floated to the surface but a trident was kept to her throat. Hermione held her hands wide but looked to the king.
"What do you want from me?" she asked. There was not time to bargain.
"I want to know one thing," he began and she nodded, "Is the life of another worth more than your own?" he asked and she thought.
"In most cases no, but there are some who deserve a chance. I will not promise never to take a life. I know the world I like in, but I hope to save more lives than take," she said and then Hermione began to fade as her oxygen dwindled quickly. Suddenly her bubblehead charm shank to nothing. The Merking swam to her and took her to him. He felt cold, and slippery, as she tried not to choke on water as he shot them toward the surface. She leaned limply against the merking. The king let Hermione go once he got close to the platform and watched people fish her out of the water.
"She saved two, she spoke with us, and she is a worthy person, Dumbledore," the Merking told the headmaster and the administrators of the trials. Dumbledore nodded and turned and spoke with his peers.
Hermione didn't give a shit. Harry was safe, Gabrielle was safe, everyone was safe. Hermione looked over to a commotion and watched her lover. Fleur was busy getting Gabrielle. Hermione was spun around. She didn't have the energy to fight. Harry wrapped her in a blanket and held her to him. He kissed her head.
"Never do that to me again. You were down there too long," Harry whispered.
"Right, never again 'Mione," Hermione opened her eyes to the voice and smiled. Oh Ron. She held out her hand for Ron and he took it. Hermione looked to Harry and his eyes where wide with fright.
"I am sorry Harry," then looked around as everyone seemed to look at her, "I am sorry everyone," Hermione said out loud and felt Ron squeeze her hand.
"You scared us all. Why did you stay? She is Fleur's responsibility. Not yours," Ron asked.
"It's complicated," Hermione said and before Ron could open his mouth in reply Madame Pomfrey was there by her side. Hermione sighed and looked the healer in the eyes.
"Thank you," she whispered. Poppy nodded and then ran a diagnostic. She frowned.
"I need to get you to the infirmary. It turns out on the way up you took some water into your lungs and what I feared would happen did happen," Poppy said as she nodded to Hermione's side. Hermione looked down. The scar opened.
"Bugger," Hermione said as she placed her hand on her side. Harry stood her up and then Madame Pomfrey let the girl lean on her. They were popped to the infirmary. Hermione simply lay down and closed her eyes. It wasn't bad, just a scratch really, but the possibility of infection was large being in those depths.
"Is Fleur ok?" Hermione asked as Poppy made Hermione drink two different potions. One for her lungs, and the other for her side.
"She did not make it past the grindylows," Poppy said as she waved her wand over the wound, "She was beside herself. When she saw you get Harry to the surface and then you went back down, it took Madame Maxime to hold her back," Poppy said.
"Where was Narcissa?" Hermione asked.
"She went to Fleur's side under the pretenses of checking her over. She was fine but Fleur would not let her leave her side. When other champions came to the surface we separated and helped them out. Then you did not surface. Everyone waited. Dumbledore was pacing like a rabid dog, Narcissa went back to Fleur and they both waited turning paler by the moment. We all waited. When we saw you with the Merking we all feared the worst. Then you started to cough and sputter. It was like the lake breathed a sigh of relief as everyone there exhaled at the same time," Poppy worked, and Hermione noticed something off about the witch.
"I'm ok," Hermione whispered but Poppy stood and went to get Hermione a set of clean clothes she began to keep on hand for Hermione's almost weekly visits as a patient.
"Yes, you are, but for 15 long minutes we did not know if you were ok. We did not know if you died," Poppy watched the girl get into her clothes and noted the scratch at her throat, and reached for the murlap and a rag. When Hermione was situated, she pressed the soaked rag to the girl's throat.
"You have become important to me too," Poppy said. Hermione nodded. Poppy took the rag away and then checked out the scratch. It was raised and pink but will heal in a few hours.
"May I go to my quarters? I would like to sleep in my own bed for a change," Hermione asked with a small smile. Poppy shook her head and then let out a deep breath.
"Try not to get in this bed again too soon," the healer chided, and Hermione sat up and then put her feet on the cold floor. "Also, a warm shower would do you wonders," Poppy called out to Hermione and Hermione smiled and walked out the door.
"Blake?" Hermione called in a whisper.
"I am right here," his little voice came from behind her and to the right. Hermione nodded.
"If they come, can you let them in? Will the wards allow you to do that?" Hermione asked knowing the little man knew who she spoke of. Blake sighed, and Hermione heard his small exhale behind her as she sped to her quarters.
"Yes, Miss… Miss Hermione," Blake toned. Hermione wondered why he stuttered. Surely, he could not be broken up about the trial. He was a shadow elf for Merlin's sake. They came to their barrier.
"I will stand watch Miss Hermione," Hermione nodded to the right still not seeing the little elf and went to the chambers.
Blake let out a deep silent breath. Damned girl! She almost died! He was sure his mistress would want to see her, as well as the veela. He slunk back to the shadows of a set of armor provided and then he waited, seething at the little witch and hope, dear elf gods, that his mistress was intelligent. There were voices down the corridor as his thoughts came back to him. Sure, enough Luna came with not one but two more blondes.
"Harry knows how important it is for you to see her so he took Ron to lunch," Luna explained.
"Luna, I can not explain to you how thankful we are for guiding us through the barrier," Fleur said grateful. "I would have stayed with Gabrielle but she was still sleeping," Fleur told the girl. The older one was still quiet. His mistress, damn her, was always so very careful. He shook his head as he looked around and snapped. Narcissa heard it and paused looking about.
"No one around my lady, but this was careless," he whispered. She nodded tightly and reached up to the barrier before her and her shoulders sunk. Her hand jerked back as Blake placed his in her own. She reached out and he took her through the ward. Once on the other side, her shoulders dropped.
"Thank you," she whispered then her head jerked up.
"Don't dawdle Lady Malfoy," Luna smiled with a twinkle in her eye. Narcissa nodded and walked through to their chambers.
Luna, Fleur, and Narcissa heard water running, and took a moment to breathe. Luna looked about and seemed trace something with her eyes.
"I think I will make sure Ron doesn't choke on lunch again. Sometimes without Hermione there to make sure he doesn't choke, he can get a little carried away, and loud. I will see you soon," Luna excused herself. Fleur and Narcissa heard the door close and the two women crashed together. Lips and teeth smashing, nipping.
"I hated this trial," Fleur said as she pulled her lips from Narcissa but held Narcissa's frame to her.
"I couldn't see anything. How do you think I felt?" Narcissa said and Fleur nodded. They heard a cough behind the door, and then the portal opened with a fog of steam, and then it dissipated. Fleur and Narcissa looked to Hermione as they held each other. She was in a bathrobe, her bushy hair down and slicked to her head already beginning to frizz. Hermione saw them and then the look they shared as they slowly broke apart and came to her made her mind scream at her the amount of foolish stupidity she displayed down there. Hermione couldn't help it. She buckled as they wrapped their arms around her.
"I am so sorry," Hermione whispered as Fleur kissed her temple, and Narcissa clutched them both to her and kissed Hermione cheek, ear, and neck. Hermione shuddered at the sensory overload, but could only wrap her arms about the two most important people in her life. Hermione kissed both on the cheek, their jaw, their neck, any piece of skin her lips could caress she laved attention there.
Hermione suddenly tensed, she froze, as if cold water was thrown onto her, but she did not pull from the women. It was simultaneous, as if practiced or planed. One unknotted her robe belt, and then other pushed the sides of cloth to the side. Then two hands, different in size and softness slipped to her abdomen. Hermione swallowed, but it was caught. She tried harder as she grasped both Fleur's and Narcissa's biceps they clung around her while the other hand sipped over her warm, still moist skin from the hot shower she just got out of. Hermione closed her eyes as she breathed shallow lifesaving pants. Narcissa nipped at her jaw as Fleur kissed up to her ear. It was as if neither of them desired to have the conversation of who would take her lips but at that moment Hermione pulled them as tightly as she could to her. Her body on carnal overkill, hot and slick. Then as if of one mind they both grazed her chest, and it was too much, too fast. Hermione gasped and pulled back. Fleur and Narcissa blinked and then looked to the other instantly red, and then looked to Hermione.
"T…t..to fast my loves," Hermione said softly looking down, "I am so sorry," Hermione said. Narcissa took a deep breath and then reached out for Fleur's hand, but lifted Hermione's chin up and saw watery ashamed eyes.
"Never be sorry for not being ready for physical intimacy, my little witch," Narcissa saw the woman she was going to love for the rest of her life in the barely clad girl before her. She let go of Fleur's hand as Fleur shook it and stepped forward and pulled the two sides of the robe together and cinched the belt.
"Narcissa is right. I am not sure if I can vouch for her, but when you didn't come up," Fleur's voice cracked and Narcissa swallowed, "This may sound possessive but you would have died, without becoming mine, becoming ours, and part of us both felt devastated," Fleur turned to Narcissa. Narcissa wrapped her arm around Fleur and drew her in.
"She is very accurate in my feelings over the past few hours little love," Narcissa said and Hermione could not help it as she walked to them and they wrapped around each other.
"I am so, very sorry," Hermione whispered. She held her witches to her, and then she slowly pulled them to her bedchambers. Narcissa and Fleur looked to Hermione. Hermione walked to her dresser, and pulled out clothes for them and cast slight wardrobe changes to the cotton material.
"I know you both have not had a shower in a while. You know where it is at. I'll be right here and we can talk about this when you are finished," Hermione said and then ushered the women into the bath. Narcissa and Fleur looked to each other.
"After what we were just doing does she really think we are going to be able to shower together and not take each other?" Fleur asked, and Narcissa blinked. Narcissa went to open the door but it opened to find Hermione with fresh towels. Hermione stepped in and then she swallowed.
"I may not be ready to jump to the next step in this relationship, but I do know it is unfair of me to block you two and your desires," Hermione said looking down, "I do not want to keep you both from each other in that way," Hermione said as she began to babble.
A soft hand reached out for her, and Hermione looked up and was surprised to find that particular set of blue looking into her brown soothing her fears. Hermione swallowed as Narcissa, not Fleur slipped closer to Hermione. Fleur came behind Narcissa and wrapped her hands around Narcissa's waist. Without shoes Fleur stood talker than both of them.
Fleur unclasped the outer robes, and Hermione watched as Fleur pulled the fabric from Narcissa's shoulders. Both women watched Hermione. Narcissa pulled Hermione's fingers to her blouse, and to her buttons. Hermione looked into Narcissa's blues as she slowly slipped her shaky hands up Narcissa's shirt and began to unbutton the top button, then the next. Fleur could smell the three of them together, and her Veela practically skipped to the surface wanting more, needed more, but forever respectful of Hermione's needs and fears. Hermione licked her lips as she pulled Narcissa's shirt from her skirt, then heard Fleur take in a sharp breath. Hermione looked past Narcissa's shoulders and Hermione stood stock still. Narcissa noticed the shift in Hermione and she looked over her shoulder, and she too stood still at the sight of Fleur's eyes. Ever blue, but starbursted irises gleamed back at them.
"Gorgeous," Narcissa said as she reached out and placed her hand on Fleur's cheek. Fleur shook her head trying to come back and then Hermione reached out.
"Don't, its ok. You are beautiful," Hermione said as she clutched Fleur's hand. Fleur closed her eyes, and leaned her head back, and then gasped as Narcissa placed her lips on Fleur's throat. Fleur's eyes flew open. She felt movement, and it was then that she felt skin where her palms searched. Hermione stripped the shirt from Narcissa and she stood in a conservative white lace bra. Then, Narcissa sighed as her sensitive mounds were set free. Fleur looked and found Hermione with a hungry grin upon her lips. Narcissa's hands flew to Fleur and she almost ripped the shirt from the Veela's body. In no time flat, Fleur and Narcissa were topless, feasting on flesh, nipping at pulses, and devouring lips. Soon heat, a muggy, humid heat filled the bathroom as Hermione ushered the women into the shower. Hermione, left for a moment and came back. She watched Fleur and Narcissa together, hot, and ravenous, and then Hermione waved her wand and then both gasped as they were devested of the rest of their clothes. Hermione pushed them further under the spray. Both women looked at her as she licked her lips and stood, watching.
"There is a lot of room in here," Narcissa said as Fleur and Narcissa looked from one to the other and then back to Hermione.
"I was wondering, if it would be horrible if I asked to watch," Hermione asked turning the same color as that of a ripe tomato and both Narcissa and Fleur stopped breathing. "I have never… with any one before. I am a very visual learner," Hermione said, still wrapped in her robe. Narcissa looked to Fleur and then whispered in her ear. Fleur turned and whispered in Narcissa's ear. Hermione waited, and watched the two women before her. Fleur and Narcissa kissed passionately, completely, and then pulled apart reaching for Hermione. Hermione began to back away, but Fleur got her by the robe belt, and then Narcissa made sure she would not fall in the shower as she was dragged to them. Hermione found herself just as naked as her lovers.
"I.. Narcissa, Fleur," Hermione was cut off as lips latched onto her throat, Fleur was behind her and Narcissa was in front of her.
"We came to a conclusion little witch," Narcissa growled lightly on Hermione's skin. Hermione swallowed as Fleur reached out, and then came back with … a wash cloth and soap.
"Cleanliness is next to godliness," Fleur growled at Hermione's ear.
"I already had a shower," Hermione swallowed.
"If you are as excited as we are, you will need another," Fleur smiled against Hermione's ear. Fleur put the rag and soap in Hermione's hands.
"You, my dear, with make sure we don't get carried away," Narcissa smiled and pulled away and Hermione stood with the soap and rag in her hand. She smiled and shrugged.
"I understand," Hermione said as she began to wash expanses of flesh before her. She eventually dropped the rag, and shrugged letting her hands run over the women before her. Hermione then put the soap down and then reached for the shampoo. Hermione washed Narcissa's hair. She winced as she noted a bit of dried blood in her hair that wasn't noticeable before. Fleur waited patiently as she ran her lips over a pink scar that must have been where Hermione wounded her the night before. Hermione leaned forward and kissed the healing wound on Narcissa side and came back as Narcissa gasped. Fleur and then grabbed the conditioner and switched spots with Narcissa to get her hair clean. Soon both women were waiting for the conditioner to set in and watched as Hermione bent over and got the soap and rag. Fleur and Narcissa sighed in the heat of the shower.
"Stop looking at me like you want to eat me," Hermione said and then blanched as she soon as she heard the words that came out of her mouth.
"Oh, but we do," Fleur said teasingly, and then Narcissa chuckled and went to rinse her hair. She had not nearly had enough teasing, but she knew they were getting close to pushing Hermione's barriers. It was such an enjoyable time. She didn't want to ruin it. Fleur seemed to catch on and rinsed her hair as well. Hermione sighed as breathing became easier, but the lightness never left.
Everyone finally made it into the sitting area, clean and rosy from the hot shower. Hermione looked at both Fleur and Narcissa as she made them tea.
"You are both gorgeous with out cosmetics," Hermione said as she handed them both a cup of chamomile tea.
"Thank you. You flatter an old woman," Narcissa said and Fleur and Hermione looked to each other, and then to Narcissa. "What?" Narcissa asked.
"You are not old, no matter how much you try to convince us of how you want us to see you. You will never be old to us," Hermione said. Fleur smiled behind her tea cup. Who knew Hermione could be a charmer, and downright romantic?
"Yes well, I am old enough to be your mother," Narcissa said as she sipped her tea. Fleur sipped from her cup as she watched Hermione sit back shaking her head.
"Yes, well I don't think age had a thing to do with what nearly happened in that bathroom," Fleur quipped, and Hermione coughed as she took the tea down the wrong pipe. Narcissa sputtered and looked at Fleur and then Hermione.
"Yes well. I would have to agree," Narcissa didn't argue and both Fleur and Hermione smiled. "I just could not keep my hands off of either of you," Narcissa turned to Hermione, "I know you wanted to stop," Narcissa looked down into her tea cup.
"Oh, that's where you are wrong," Hermione said with a cheeky grin.
"I never did want to stop, I just have no idea what I am doing, and I want more time to research," Hermione said and then Fleur and Narcissa looked to the other and smiled shaking their heads.
"Don't take too long to research, ma lionne. The best part of making love is the practical part of your research," Fleur purred at Hermione. Hermione blinked and lifted her tea to her lips.
"I'll keep that in mind," Hermione said and both smiled at their young love. They would not push her, but they would definitely help her along the way.
In a Dark Room:
"Luscious, I am growing tired of the girl thwarting your attempts," Hissed a figure in a chair.
"B.. B…. but my Lord, Narcissa was the only one to clip the girl. Surely that is grounds for redemption in your eyes," Lucius stuttered.
"One woman out of six death eaters could not kill one little girl in a hallway set up like a gauntlet," Voldemort rasped.
"Th…th… then it is not the Malfoy's who should be punished, it should be the one who organized the attack," Lucius said lifting his shoulder.
"You dare question me, and my loyal servant?" rasped a hissing voice dripping with malice.
"No... no, of course not, but I was there, Narcissa she…" Lucius was cut off as Voldemort lifted his crumpled hand.
"Take him. Teach him how failure is not an option," the Dark Lord hissed.
"Would you like me to kill him my lord?" asked his loyal servant, eyeball swiveling back and forth.
"No, just a lesson. He is right. You failed me, but there is at least one Malfoy is capable of executing orders in my service," The snake-like bundle pulled his lips back over harp teeth. No one knew it was a smile.
"She is proving useful, my Lord," observed a blacked haired man.
"Severus, you know her well. Can she be used?" the Dark Lord rasped.
"I believe with the right leverage, anyone can be used," Severus said. The Dark Lord only hummed, and turned to his fire. Plans upon plans worked like the cogs of a clock in his mind.