"Celine, I have you under an immobulus charm. This is mostly to protect yourself, alright? You've been out for half an hour, I explained your reaction to your friends in regard to the soulmate bond, they're alright, they're just concerned about you more than anything." When my eyes had opened, I had enough in my vision to see Narcissa standing by my side, wand pointed at me, and nothing more. We seemed to be in my room, something I could tell most by the familiarity of the smell in the room. Bella. While my heart beat increased, the previous panic returning as if it were uninterrupted, I found myself unable to move. Listening to Narcissa's explanation, I found myself vaguely embarrassed underneath my wall of worry. Embarrassment for losing control over my emotions, control of my magic, and for endangering those around me. I remember screaming, fighting.
"You're able to blink. If you understand everything I just said, blink." I blinked. "Good. Now, can I release you without a reoccurrence of past events?" I blinked once more. Instantly, my previously tensed and immobilized limbs grew limp and light.
"Where is she?" Narcissa was quiet for a moment, judging if my words would be followed by aggressive behavior. When I remained still, she answered.
"I… I haven't heard anything back. Since they left. Not from Peter, Bella, Tom, even Lucius." As Narcissa released a sigh, I finally realized that this must be very hard on her as well. She hears that her eldest sister could be in danger and her husband instantly disappears to help, hearing nothing in return.
"Can you sit with me?" She seemed surprised by this question but nodded, sitting on the bed next to me. We were quiet for a moment before I made my first move since waking, her watching me in case I did something drastic. Like the day she had held and comforted me after meeting my father, I leaned against her, hoping to bring a similar sort of support. We were still for another moment before she released another sigh, her head falling to rest on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry." I finally spoke. My apology could be referring to many things in this moment, for any damage I caused to her property, any damage to her son, or my friends. For losing control and forcing her into drastic measures. For not understanding her similar situation earlier. Regardless of what she though my apology was for, she accepted it, linking arms with me, and holding my hand between both of hers.
"Don't worry dear. They'll both come back to us." Whether it was residual drowsiness from the potion, or over exhaustion from my emotional outburst, I didn't know, all I did know was that soon after her last words of reassurance, both for her and for me, I fell asleep.
BCBC
Bella's hands are what woke me next. I didn't initially acknowledge that Narcissa was gone. Didn't notice that the room was vacant apart from the two that sleep inside nightly. I didn't stop to think where my support had gone, the one who understood my concerns. I barely had time to realize that I had woken up. All I knew was that she was here. She's okay. Her hands shook me, squeezing my shoulder before tracing down my arms. She leaned over me, one arm moving to support her weight, pressing into the bed next to my head, the other moving to rest on my stomach, shaking lightly once again.
"Wake up, little lion." Her clothes were dirty, residual floo powder dusted her shoulders, hand marks along her torso as if she had unconsciously dusted her hands off. A streak of dirt ran from her right temple, all down her cheek, more dirt coated her chin, her left cheek and eyebrow, as well as her nose, bringing my mind back to my first meeting with Ron for the slightest of moments.
"Bella." Her face broke into a smile, eyes examining my face, taking in every detail before traveling down my body and back up again. She slowly moved into to kiss me, my heart fluttering, blood pounding in my ears. I wanted nothing more than to feel her, strip her and check for any hidden injury, even the smallest of bruise. Her breath brushed across my lips, literally a breath away from me. I stopped her with a hand to her chest.
"You're filthy." She scoffed, not having expected that reaction. "And don't think you can waltz in here and get a kiss. All with your… stupid, adorable, smile. Why didn't you listen to me this morning? I knew something was going to go wrong. Where the bloody hell did you disappear to? Peter said he hadn't seen you since the ambush. You promised me everything would be fine. Are you hurt? Sore? Bloody hell I'm furious at you right now. You think you can just appear hours later and 'little lion' your way into my good grace? Not only me, but you had Narcissa so worried as well, she's already under a lot of stress with the ball, then her husband runs off to an unknown threat and with the uncertainty of her sister's condition?" As I rambled, confused by the influx of both relief and anger, Bella listened. Listened, and stripped.
From the moment I mentioned her filthiness, she began untying her corset. She nodded in the correct places and furrowed her brows, proving that she was listening all while unlacing her dress. She seemed apologetic, even as it fell to the ground, pooling around her feet. My rant and lecturing stumbled and stuttered as her bra fell… her panties. I finally fell quiet, struggling on knowing where to look under the circumstances. Looking at her face enforces my annoyance and anger at her but, allowing myself to be entranced by her body. Silky skin, beautiful curves…. The swell of her breasts, moving gently as she released a sigh. Her hands seemed unsure of what to do faced with my anger. No longer distracted with disrobing, she clasped them together in front of her, my eyes following down her arms and feeling suddenly teased by the hidden gem, concealed behind her nervous twisting fingers. Realizing that I spoke my peace – and seem to be distracted – she took the chance to speak.
"Have a bath with me?" I sighed, wanting to say yes instantly, washing the dirt off her body, and using that time to check for injuries. At the same time, I didn't want to back down so easily, wanting her to understand the emotions I had gone through.
"Bella…." I hesitated more for my own benefit, trying to give myself time to consider my options. She took my hesitance as rejection and spoke quickly.
"I'm sorry! I really am, baby, I'm so sorry. It was unexpected and sudden, I wanted to grab the pendant, get any sort of sign to you that I was alright, but I wanted to keep my promise to you, that I would be careful and safe and alert and come back in one piece so I really just had to focus on getting me and my friends out safe, I managed to move away from the fight for a moment after helping Antonin. He was injured and I helped him get somewhere safe before sending him to get treated, then I had to go back to make sure everyone else was alright. That's probably why I wasn't seen by Peter for a while there. I stuck to him and Lucius as soon as I spotted them, I promise you. You and my sister were at the forefront of my mind the entire time, love. Really you were, I was being as safe as possible to get back to you. I heard what you went through and I'm sorry it was because of me. If you need some time before we talk, I understand." From her first apology I had forgiven her. Standing before me, completely naked, and speaking with utmost sincerity. I waited though, hearing all that she had to say before moving.
Bella's eyes were worried as I slowly moved to stand before her. She waited to see my next move, whether I would make for the door. Worry was replaced by relief as I pulled my shirt above my head, eyes locked on her the whole time. She watched as I loosened my pants, hooking my thumbs in the waist before slowly pushing them past my hips. I noticed how she bit her lip as I unclasped my bra before pushing the straps off my shoulders, my panties were last, moving slowly down my legs before hitting the floor. We watched each other for a few moments before I reached a hand towards her. She didn't hesitate to take it, following wordlessly as I led the way to the washroom. She waited quietly as the bath filled with steamy water, the air growing thick and foggy. Unlike usual, her moving to sit first, me then sitting against her chest; I sat first, spreading my legs and arms, waiting for her to sit in front of me. I noticed the blush fill her cheeks as she climbed in, leaning back against my chest. My arms closed around her instantly, not being able to hold back anymore and needing to feel her. The feel of her warm back against my breasts was intimate, a feeling I'd never experience with anyone else. I understood now why she liked to be the big spoon. She cuddled into me, leaning her head into my arm as I leaned my head against hers, nuzzling her neck. We remained in this position for a few minutes before I wordlessly summoned a washcloth, thankful that my magic didn't fail me this time. Bella sat quietly as I tipped her head back to lay on my shoulder with gentle fingers on her chin. She closed her eyes as I wet the cloth before gently wiping her face clean, placing a gentle kiss to her temple after cleaning it of dirt. With her face clean, I continued my actions along her neck, then her shoulders, what was exposed of her chest above water, then holding one hand in my own, lifting her arm to clean it before moving on to the other. With everything easily within reach, cleaned, I moved on to my next motion, checking for injury.
"Stand up." I hadn't intended for my words to be spoken as a husky whisper, but with the arousal of our intimate act, it was an unavoidable occurrence. Bella stood up, shuddering as my breath had brushed her ear. She made to turn, but I stopped her. I started from the bottom, having her bend her left leg, allowing me to clean her leg then check it of injury. I repeated my action on her right leg, smiling when I noticed no bruised. I then froze, taking a moment to admire her ass before ditching the cloth and using my hands to clean her instead, not missing her shudder at my action. I rose on my knees to better proceed with my administrations. It was an impulsive act to kiss the dimple on the small of her back, but an act I was pleased with as she released an audible gasp, her legs shaking. I then moved up her back, frowning when I spotted a small bruise on her shoulder blade, one I quickly peppered with kisses. Satisfied with my progress on her back side, I was ready to continue.
"Turn around." Now standing, I stood at my usual chin level to her taller height. I grabbed her hair, half wet from what had been soaking in the water with us and tilted her head down before kissing her. I didn't miss her not-so-subtle lean into me, our breast moulding together as our groans echoed, but still, I stayed focused on my mission, kissing her while my hands wove into her hair, their real goal in feeling along her scalp, watching to see if she flinched or if there was any bump hidden under her voluminous locks. Satisfied, I broke the kiss, giggling as she tried to lean forward and catch my lips again. I pushed her back to her place lightly, my hands moving down her neck and shoulders. I took another, proper look at her arms before using the clothes to clean her breast and stomach as she shivered. A bruise on the right side of her waist caught my eyes and I dropped to my knees repeating the process of peppering the area with kisses as her head fell back, a shiver rolling through her body as a gasp escaped her lips. Then I noticed our position. My face closer to her most sensitive parts than they've ever been. I had to stop and catch my breath for a moment before shaking my head to clear it. Seeing no bruised on her the front of her legs, I moved quicker than before in cleaning them before grabbing her hand and tugging, encouraging her to sit back down. Before she could say anything more, I tipped her head back, cupping water in my hands before wetting the rest of her hair. She let me wash her hair, eyes closed as I massaged her scalp. Finally, completely clean, and after sitting in silence for a few minutes, holding her to my chest, she suddenly turned around, half laying atop of me.
"I can take you away. Right now. Everyone would understand. We'll go to the cottage and spend the night in passion. I'll worship your body, bringing you to orgasm again and again until you can barely stand it. Just say the word. Say it and I'll take you, in more ways than one." Bella used a hand on my thigh to support herself in this position, her thumb stroking as she spoke. My lips parted, ready to say it, to beg her to take me, to make love to me. More than my body, than my magic, my soul was crying out, ready to be taken completely by its mate. Then a knock sounded on the washroom door.
"Celine, Bella, when you both are done, I'd like to have a word with you… if not before dinner, then after." Silence followed, Narcissa having left after alerting us. Bella groaned, her head falling. I sighed; my mind having cleared a bit by her interruption.
"My father is coming in the morning, there are some meetings, and the ball is just around the corner, if we leave now, we'll be constantly interrupted…. Ginny knows that I wanted to go away with you, I'll ask her how she and her brothers will feel about me leaving after the ball. Then Bella, take me to that cottage, drive me crazy with pleasure." She sighed with her head still lowered but nodded.
"You're right…. You're right I just… Merlin Celine, you drive me crazy, I'm so…." I giggled, happy about our role reversal when it came to conversations like this.
"Horny?" She chuckled, nuzzling my neck.
"Horny." She confirmed. I wrapped my arms around her once more.
"You know, she did say 'when' we were done, that means we still have time to fool around…. Relieve some stress." Bella smirked.
"I love it when my little lion is all feisty." I couldn't stop my laugh, or my wave of arousal, as Bella showed off her strength by pulling me to my feet before lifting me bridal style, carefully stepping out of the bath before – attractively – wordlessly casting a drying spell on us both. She carried me to bed, dropping me gently with a smile as I laughed before climbing above me, wasting no time in pushing her thigh against my groin, seeming pleased with herself at the resulting sounds that left my lips.
BCBC
"I'm concerned regarding Celine's return to school with her magic being as unstable as it's been this past week." Having already been wound up, Bella and I managed to satisfy our needs and clean up with some time to spare before dinner. We had cleaned, dressed, and tidied our room before calling for Narcissa and she didn't waste any time with her concerns.
"I've noticed you struggling to complete simple spells in one second and in the next, your magic is emotionally driven, powerful, and out of your own control. I'm concerned with how the Order will interpret this new situation. I doubt they'll have the intelligence to lead it back to a partially completed soulmate bond, but whatever they do conclude probably won't be good." A joking smile grew on Bella's face as I blushed. Though I've never addressed my secret moments spent with Bella – except for suggestive comments when joking with Draco or my talk with Ginny – I knew that Bella and her youngest sister were incredibly close and spoke about everything together. Apart from her having walked in on us, Bella had discussed her interactions with me with her sister when asking for advice, later coming to me to warn me and apologize for doing so without my consent. Knowing the extent of their bond and Narcissa's honest concern for us, I couldn't find myself to be mad at her, but I did often find myself embarrassed. My soulmate on the other hand; this was her exact type of humour.
"Dear sister… could you possibly be suggesting that Celine and I share the act of intercourse? That we have sex? Merlin…." She pretended to fan herself as my blushed deepened and her sister rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips as she shoved her sister's shoulder.
"I'm serious, Bellatrix, have you read the book?" Though the use of Bella's full name and her insistence on being serious, she spoke with a light tone, leaving Bella smiling as she nodded in response.
"Of course, and then reread it again. We'll need time away. You saw how we were just simply meeting…." Bella trailed off. I scoffed.
"Imagine that, but on steroids." The sisters furrowed their brows at my odd metaphor, but understood my implication, Bella nodding in agreement.
"I see…. Well, take the time then, we Malfoy's will work hard to have your friends feeling safe and comfortable enough to stay the few days without your presence, just keep me updated on your return." I smiled, thanking her for soothing my concerns without even voicing them.
BCBC
Dinner only brought back my embarrassment and shame; faced with my friends who recently faced danger witnessing my breakdown. They tried their best to lift my spirit, reassuring me that they were alright, understood, and were more concern for me, then cracking jokes and changing the subject as if this afternoon hadn't happened at all. After dinner came to an end, followed by some warm tarts for dessert, I could tell that my friends were eager to get their first experience of receiving information directly and without riddles. They kept checking, waiting for Severus' arrival, and sped through dessert for no possible delay. Knowing now that Severus will arrive when he's good and ready, I decided to take their mind off of the situation by walking with them to Fred's room. We gathered together, talking lightly, before I demanded all their attention.
"As you all saw, because of this incomplete bond with Bella, my magic is a bit all over the place, it's gotten worse since the beginning of summer break and Narcissa is concerned about me returning to Hogwarts without… fixing the situation… so…" I was interrupted.
"So, you should go away with her. Until everything is sorted."
"Yeah, Celine, obviously you should go and do that."
"Is that what you were about to ask?"
"You don't even need to."
"Go on."
"We understand and we'll be fine."
"Besides, Draco said that, just in case we were still feeling a little uncomfortable, he invited Luna to stay from the night of the ball, rather than later on; a familiar face, and such."
"Also, we know you."
"If we even are discomforted by indigestion, you'd come right back to be here for us."
"And we're here for you."
"And if that means you leaving us with people who have already proven to keep up safer than our initial arrangements."
"Then that's perfectly okay."
"Do you think Snape is here by now?" The usual twin popcorn talk was slower than usual, making way for sentences to end properly as Ginny participated in her brothers' antics. The whole moment would have been incredibly touching, to the point of tears, if the context of the subject weren't me getting laid. Still, I was touched by their words and thanked them repeatedly, ensuring that they truthfully knew that, if they encountered any sort of discomfort, I'd return instantly. A distant crack alerted me to Severus' arrival and, sharing this information, soon, everyone residing and visiting the Malfoy manor found themselves in the study, cup of tea in hand.
Though there were enough seats scattered about, everyone wanted to sit close to each other, not wanting to miss any sort of information. On one couch sat the 'presenters', those who had the information and ready to share: Bella, Severus, and Lucius. In the armchair by Lucius' side, sat his wife, ready to clarify anything or give insight to the situation. Draco had, informally, dropped down next to the fireplace, looking child-like, having quickly changed into his pajamas before the meeting and gripping his warm mug with two arms, ready for story time. Ginny, smiling at the sight, had decided to drop down next to him, her back against Fred's leg who sat on the loveseat facing the couch, his brother sitting next to him. I had moved to summon another chair, watching as it wobbled in place before doing a fancy spin, but staying where it sat. Seeing my annoyance, Bella had caught my free hand with an amused smiled, tugging gently until eventually I found myself sitting across her lap. I blushed, looking quickly to see if my friends displayed any sign of disgust, but by their gentle smiles and anticipation to hear about the meetings, I remained seated. Severus started.
"Well, first, I hadn't had the opportunity before this morning to properly be in the presence of Molly Weasley since her daughter had stowed away to join her brothers on their love vacation with imaginary girlfriends, but Merlin, you've driven her up the wall. She wanted to use every single available connection to track you down, at first, to make sure you hadn't runaway to stay with Celine, then to just follow you and see what you were up to, then to bring you home…. She even momentarily wanted to stage a fake kidnapping, one where you won't be seriously hurt, but just so you would understand 'why she's been keeping you sheltered from this dark and dangerous world'. I'm sorry." Severus paused to apologize to the Weasley siblings directly for their mother's action, receiving tight-lipped nods of understanding from the obviously angry trio.
"Sirius, somehow the voice of reason in this scenario, was the one to convince her to let you be, with the help of Harry and Ronald…. Both of which are perfectly fine, Celine, if not a little bored. In fact, Potter himself managed to catch a moment away from the watchful eyes and asked me to pass on a message to you… 'if I ever happened to pass you by' that is." I leaned into Bella as she tightened her grip on my waist at the mention of her cousin, smiling to hear that my boys were alright, then ending in shock at the implications. Lucius nodded, filling in the blanks for the others.
"It seems like he's making more and more connections on his own, and luckily, he's been passive with his thoughts, keeping them to himself." Relief filled me, hoping that this time next year, Harry would be part of our meeting in the study.
"What's the message?" Severus sighed.
"He wants you to know that he and Ronald are doing alright. He also wanted me to tell you that he's been thinking a lot about what you've said to him and looks forward to seeing you at Hogwarts soon." I smiled, releasing a breath I didn't know I had been holding at the positive message. He was waking up.
"We heard that something had worried you, about the Order." George's voice was steady as he spoke up. Severus nodded.
"Yes…. Albus gathered a select few members of the Order, being Sirius, Remus, Alastor, Mundungus, and myself, and voiced his thoughts on there needing to be more incentive to fear the 'dark side'. He spoke very metaphorically, very dismissively, with words that could easily have been taken out of context, and basically stated that, having more attacks framed to be caused by Death Eaters, would be beneficial to their cause. He 'suggested' we start with witches and wizards 'on the fence' of which side to choose, give the remaining ones a reason to choose the light…. He even suggested looking for those close to you, Celine, as a reason why it would be best to stay with the Order." He paused at a book suddenly fell off the desk. Bella reached for my hand, shushing me quietly to sooth my anger, intertwining our fingers until I squeezed her hand before offering me the back of her hand, smiling after quickly being met with a light pinch. Lucius, picking up the book, continued.
"Don't worry, we've given added additional wards, especially where we haven't had any before, and for the few witches and wizards who report suspicious activities, or who seem like a bigger target, we've also provided protection.
"Bloody Hell…." George's knuckles were white as he clenched his fists, Fred placing a supportive hand on his shoulder though fighting his own anger. I realized they must be incredibly overwhelmed. For myself, I've always had doubts from day one, always thinking further, calculating, but for them, they were raised by the very people causing all this destruction. They've been lied to on a level completely different than my own. It would take a lot of adjusting. I voiced my apology, Draco putting a light arm around Ginny's shoulder. Narcissa offered the trio more tea. I smiled, seeing my family work hard to comfort our new family members, it all felt very right, very pleasant…. Once the trio had calmed slightly, thanking everyone for their support, Severus concluded his information.
"So far, you're still considered a misguided child, Celine. But do be careful, the old goat wants to keep a closer eye on you upon returning to Hogwarts. Your father and I are currently discussing possibilities on how to approach this situation that keeps you safe, with at least a little bit of freedom, but also keeping Albus happy and non-the-wiser." I nodded, taking in the information with a sigh. The room fell quiet for a moment before, seeing as the topic was done, Narcissa spoke up.
"And this morning? What happened?" I nodded, leaning away from Bella to be able to look at her face clearly, wanting to know the details. Draco and the Weasley siblings sat forward, anticipating. Bella took the lead.
"Well… it started at the Ministry…."