Summary:

Hermione, Draco, Harry and Ron are not who they appear to be. Lies have twisted their future but now they are taking it back. Entering their fourth year at Hogwarts they are in for the biggest shock of their lives. What they thought to be true was nothing but lies and reality is so much darker than they knew. Finding out that they all have fake birth certificates over their summer break was only the beginning. Uncovering Dumbledore's convoluted plan that began the day Tom Riddle became a father, will lead to the fall of everything once known in the wizarding world.

Known amongst Hogwarts and the Wizarding community as the Golden Trio Hermione, Harry, and Ron try to keep up appearances as a distraction. While the Unholy Trinity Hermione, Draco, and Harry secretly begin to dismantle everything that Dumbledore has tried to build. All while Harry and Hermione compete and try to survive in the Triwizard Tournament.

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AN: Trigger warnings to many things are present in this story. Don't like, don't read.

I don't own Harry Potter.

I've been in a very dark place lately, the term 'drowning' is something I would use at this point. So with no one to talk to about what's happening in my life I decided to turn to this and so far it's coming out better than I thought it would. I'm not going to rush this so if it's well received I'll post another chapter and go from there.

Sometimes letting the mind go where it wants isn't a bad thing, then again...

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Hermione, Harry, and Ron followed Arthur Weasley and the other Weasley children towards the top of the grassy hill that held a portkey. As excited as they were to be going to the Quidditch World Cup, they were more excited that they would be able to talk without the adults around. The information they had been gathering since Sirius Black's escape the year prior had been done in secret and mostly by Hermione. She knew where to look while the boys had made distractions so no one would notice the amount of time the greatest witch of their age was spending with the youngest Malfoy.

Ever since their first year the three knew that there was something very wrong about the way the adults would watch them at Hogwarts. Ron was adamant that Arthur Weasley watched him the same way at home. Ron and Arthur didn't get along, plain and simple. Ron was more of a troublemaker than Arthur's muggle loving softness. While none of them had anything against Muggles, they also didn't share the love the man held over everything that revolved around Muggles.

Harry and Hermione had grown up in the Muggle would, not knowing anything else until they received their letters to Hogwarts. That first year Hermione had become the talk of Gryffindor tower once she started spending more and more time with Draco Malfoy. Hermione was for all intents and purposes a mudblood and the knowledge that one of the strongest pureblood family members were speaking to her at all was arousing suspicion.

Harry had quickly become attached to Hermione and together with Draco they had secret meetings to discus what was drawing them all together. Ron was quickly pulled in of course, the relationship between Ron and Draco having started rocky but was slowly growing. Hermione and Harry had just laughed and told them to get a room already, neither had seen the two boys so red in the face before.

Arthur's voice calling out to the three stragglers pulled Hermione from her thoughts, forcing her to reaffirm that all her guards were in place. Harry and Ron nodded at her, assuring her that theirs were up before they rushed to the elder Weasley. After a pleasant hello to Cedric Diggory and his father they all took hold of the portkey, the sudden rush of movement nauseating to the younger witches and wizards.

Hermione landed with a painful thump as Cedric, Mr. Diggory, and Arthur walked up the slight hill in front of them. Harry took her hand and together they pushed themselves up to their feet as Ron grimaced at Arthur's back, "Could have warned us." Arthur narrowed his eyes at the boy before spinning on his heel and heading down the other side of the hill towards the large camp area.

The Weasley children ran after their father while Ron dusted himself off, anger hard in his voice, "Please tell me you found something Hermione."

She nodded as the three huddled together alone, "Our birth certificates are fake."

Harry frowned at her, "How is that possible?"

"Powerful dark magick. Like ancient dark magick."

Hermione led them slowly up the hill, pausing at the top to look out over the campgrounds. Hundreds of tents were set up in the open grassy field, thousands of witches and wizards milling about and chatting as they waited for the game to begin. Smoke billowed up from campfires, the sky overcast with the threat of a storm. It was slightly shocking for Harry and Hermione to see so many magical beings in one area. Their only knowledge was of Diagon Alley and Hogwarts. Hermione felt her anger rise at the thought that she had been kept from all of this, being placed with Muggles with a fake life.

Harry frowned as his lip curled up in distaste as his eyes lingered on Arthur Weasley, "Does that mean Arthur isn't Ron's father?"

Ron scoffed, "Bloody well hope he isn't. I can't stand him."

Hermione and Harry chuckled darkly but Hermione shrugged, "I don't think so. I can see Molly all over him but there is nothing resembling Arthur except the hair."

Ron smirked, "Even if she wasn't she's still my mum."

A soft chuckle sounded behind them, and they turned to find Draco moving towards them quickly, "Of course you three would be off by yourselves." Draco smiled shyly at Ron before pulling Hermione into a tight hug, "I've missed you all."

Hermione squeezed her best friend as tight as she could before pulling back, "Was your father able to find anything?"

"I was," Lucius Malfoy smiled at her from behind his son, "Good to see you all again."

Harry nodded at the man, a small warm smile on his face, "Good to see you again Mr. Malfoy. How's your wife?"

Hermione felt the blush hit her face without warning, remembering the last encounter she had with the woman. While Hermione had always known she was attracted to girls she had been startled to discover that Draco's mother was more than meets the eye. She didn't know the woman well but when she had met up with Draco in Diagon Alley the year before and then had lunch with him and his mother, she had felt the instant connection to the woman. Narcissa hadn't been shy about letting her know it was mutual either.

"She's…" Lucius glanced at Hermione, and she felt her ears burn as she quicky looked away, "Fine. For now." He smirked knowingly at the young witch.

Hermione shook her head of thoughts of long blonde hair and bright blue eyes, "What did you find?"

"Ah yes," Lucius snapped his fingers and Dobby appeared with a smile. "Please hand over the parchments Dobby." Dobby grinned widely and held out the rolled-up parchments to the three teens. "Thank you, Dobby."

Hermione smiled at the man, her hard threats about the way Lucius treated his servants had obviously stuck, though she wasn't sure if it was the talk or if his wife had something to do with it. Her eyes widened as she read hers and met the stunned looks on Harry and Ron's faces, "We're older?"

Lucius nodded, pulling them in closer as he spotted Arthur Weasley watching them, "Yes, from what I've found Hermione, you will be eighteen in a year. You've had to have either been magicked or forced suppressants over the years and same with Ronald. He is a year younger and then Harry. I don't know why but Severus and I are working on figuring it out."

Hermione frowned, "If that's true then what happens when I turn eighteen? How is the magic at Hogwarts not going to know?"

"Severus is working that out now. You four must stick together, I wouldn't be surprised if the Order is behind this. Be safe."

He straightened quickly as Arthur approached, "Malfoy."

Lucius sneered at the annoying little twerp, "Weasley. Come son, your mother awaits."

Before she could stop herself, Hermione blurted, "Madame Malfoy is here?"

Lucius smiled at her softly, "She is. I'm sure you'll see her around." He winked at her before guiding his son towards their camp spot.

Hermione felt her heart rate quicken as her body heated warmly. She hadn't ever been the teenager with a crush, she never really looked. But she could say without a shadow of a doubt that Narcissa Black made her body react in the strongest of ways. She shook her head as Harry smirked knowingly at her and Ron snorted.

They knew how she felt because she couldn't stop talking about the woman after her encounter in Diagon Alley. The woman pinning her against the wall when they were alone, lips brushing across her jaw, it all made her so confused, she had no choice but to confide in her friends. Draco had gagged when she brought it up, but she could understand why, after all the woman was his mother and he'd rather not think about that, or any woman for that matter.

Hermione shoved them both gently as they followed Arthur down to their tent. They spent the afternoon sitting together in the tent while the other Weasley's moved about with Arthur. Ron only glared at the redheaded family and Hermione noticed his hair was darker than it had been before. She leaned forward, causing both boys to glance at her curiously and huddle closer.

"Ron, your hair is blacker."

Ron frowned for a moment, "I know. It's been weird all summer. Arthur," he sneered the man's name, "has been different too. Like he knows something is about to happen but isn't saying anything. One morning I woke up and it was completely black."

Harry chuckled, "You'll join me in the messy black hair thing soon."

Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed, "Let's go for a walk before the game." Her knee began to bounce anxiously as her hands fidgeted.

Ron frowned at her, "Okay." the three stood and Ron called out, "We're going for a walk." Arthur watched them leave but said nothing, the glare following the three out the tent flap.

Once they were further away from the tent Harry shook himself, "Is it just me or is his staring getting creepier?"

Hermione nodded, "This morning when I was dressing in Ginny's room, he barged in and then stood there while I magicked my clothes on."

Harry and Ron froze, their hands clenching into fists, "He what?"

She could feel their magic's flaring wildly in anger, covering her body in a protective shroud. The tingling presence made her smile as a comfort settled around her. It wasn't the first time their magic had done that, the first time being when they were in their first year. Hermione had researched in the library for hours only to find that when a bond was formed between witches or wizards, their magic's would reach out to the upset or injured member or members. Usually it was family bond, but when with a soulmate it would be more intense.

She shook her head quickly, "Nothing happened, and I was clothed before he saw anything."

"Before who saw what?" A smooth low voice asked from right behind her. Her body shivered as the breath brushed across her neck.

Harry's anger flared, "Arthur Weasley walked in on Hermione when she was changing this morning."

She felt her shoulders slump before she slowly turned towards Narcissa Black-Malfoy, "It wasn't that bad."

The anger danced across the blonde's face as her body tensed. Hermione knew the woman had anger, one that was carefully hidden unless Draco was in danger, but she had never seen it in relation to her before. She could feel her fear of the woman begin to flare, afraid that the woman would be angry at her.

Lucius frowned as he quickly approached their location, "What's going on? Narcissa are you alright?"

Narcissa gripped Hermione's arm painfully and the young witch winced slightly as her body was jerked into the older woman's, "Did he put a finger on you?" The rage simmered under every word and the entire group had to suppress the chill that ran down their spines. Blue eyes darkened dangerously, and Hermione couldn't help but get lost in their frightening depths.

Hermione shook her head quickly, knowing her voice would only betray her. The fear she had felt when Arthur had entered the room had taken her back into her childhood, a place she desperately didn't want to return to. While the man hadn't made a move towards her, she had seen the contemplation in his eyes before she had bolted from the room in search of her protective friends.

Narcissa wrapped her arms tightly around her waist before looking over at Lucius, "Weasley walked in on her getting dressed, but I'm not sure Hermione is telling us everything."

Hermione shook her head as her body was pulled more firmly into the older woman, tension slowly seeping from her uncontrollably, "I swear, nothing happened, and I ran out of there as quick as I could. Harry and Ron were waiting for me one floor below."

Lucius's body tensed as Draco approached angrily, "I knew that man was rubbish." He reached out to Hermione, and she quickly moved away from her best friends' mother and into his softer embrace.

Narcissa shook her head, "We can't keep this up Lucius. They are to return to school soon, but I don't think it's safe for the three of them to remain at the Weasley's."

Lucius nodded, "He's beginning to suspect now that he's seen Hermione and Draco so close."

Ron shook his head, "Mum has been acting weird lately too."

"Weird how?" Lucius asked curiously.

Ron frowned, his eyes scanning the nearby crowd angrily, the older man was one of the only adults he trusted, "Avoiding him. Keeping me further from the others and making sure that Harry and Hermione and I are always together. It's almost like she's trying to get the three of us away from Arthur."

Hermione felt a need to calm the older witch, to soothe her somehow but she wasn't sure how. She could feel a pull in her magic, as if it was begging her to go to the woman. She pulled out of Draco's arms, feeling his body tense slightly. She quickly moved to Narcissa, suppressing the shock as the woman opened her arms eagerly, almost knowing that Hermione would be coming to her.

Draco relaxed as Hermione was firmly encased in his mother's arms as he glanced over at Ron and Harry. Their anger reflected his own and he knew they were all thinking the same thing. He hated that he couldn't just bring Hermione, Harry and Ron home with him. The Malfoy manor would be the safest place for them, but the Order was being even more diligent in tracking the Malfoy and Black families' movements.

It wasn't a secret at Hogwarts that he and Hermione were close. The entire Slytherin house was under the strictest orders to not touch the Golden Trio but only Slytherin house knew the reasons why. While everyone was busy building Harry Potter up as the boy who lived, the boy himself hated it all. Hermione was Draco's best friend and in their first three years she had saved his life more times than he could count. He had found himself so drawn to Hermione that she became the one person he trusted above all else. They were confidants and there wasn't much they didn't know about each other, except the parts of Hermione's childhood that she refused to talk about. He began to think he didn't want to know after her anger nearly burned his school robes in their first year, with him inside them.

Harry, he had begrudgingly friended for Hermione and over a few months had come to find the boy darker than the world painted him out to be. He was a kind spirit but had been through too much in his young life. He knew the pressures that Draco did, having to keep up appearances for the outside world while doing his best to find answers in his private life. The two had become good friends and over the last three years the Dark Lords Death Eaters had started calling Draco, Hermione, and Harry the Unholy Trinity.

Ronald Weasley was the strangest and most complicated relationship in his life. The boy oozed quirkiness, but it was endearing. A revelation that Draco tried to suppress even as he found himself being drawn further towards the boy. He couldn't deny that Ron was handsome, his tall stature only a few inches above Draco's own. The red hair didn't seem to fit him, but he had noticed during the school year that the boy's hair would get blacker as the year went on. The gangly teen had been the dork of their foursome, the one that liked to joke and tease. Draco found himself wanting to spend time with Ron, alone just the two of them and was pleasantly surprised when Ron admitted the same feelings.

His father's voice pulled Draco from his thoughts, "Has Molly said anything that seemed out of character? Something random perhaps?"

The two boys shook their heads, but Hermione shifted uncomfortably in Narcissa's arms, causing the older woman to glace down at the younger witch, "What is it dear?"

Hermione felt the gentle words like a caress as the woman's magic wrapped around her own, soothing her anxiety, "I was walking around the yard yesterday waiting for Harry to arrive and heard Mrs. Weasley in their garage. She mentioned Ron and Harry's father not being happy about something and that he needed to know but she sensed me."

Harry and Ron glanced at each other, a smile breaking out on each boy's face's, their voices in unison when they asked, "We have the same father?"

Hermione nodded, "I think so. She was adamant that their father needed to know. I'm not sure what she was talking about or who she was talking to. I completely forgot about it until just now."

Ron frowned at her, "Why didn't you tell us?"

She glared at him, "I was a bit preoccupied Ronald."

Ron grimaced at his first name and opened his mouth to retort but Draco stepped between them, pressing his body against Ron's gently, "Stop. She had other things on her mind."

Ron frowned up at Draco for a moment, searching his face before sighing, "I'm sorry Hermione."

The attraction Ron had for Draco had been uncomfortable and unwelcome at first. Their entire first year he pushed Draco away as hard as he could, but the blonde would not leave him alone. Over their first summer away he found himself missing Draco's constant questions and annoying arrogance that seemed never ending. When he finally laid eyes on the boy in their second term, after he and Harry had crashed Arthur's flying car into the Whomping Willow, he felt a sense of relief flood his entire being. Draco was safe and unharmed, and it forced Ron to admit his strange feelings for the boy.

Hermione smiled at the look Ron was give Draco, the two seeming oblivious to the others around them. She caught the smirks on Narcissa and Lucius's faces before she and Harry shared a knowing grin.

A loud horn blew and Narcissa's hold tightened on her. She knew the woman didn't want to let her go, especially now that she knew what Arthur had done. She looked over at Lucius and gave a slight nod, which he acknowledged and began to lead the boys towards the entrance to the stands.

She turned to Narcissa, running her hand gently across the woman's smooth cheek, "I have to go."

Narcissa felt her heart clench in pain, "I don't want to let you go. Hermione, I need you."

Hermione leaned up on her tip toes and rested her forehead against the older witch's, "I'll be fine. I promise. I've already agreed to spend the holidays with Draco at your manor, unless you don't want me to."

She felt her self-doubt poke into her mind, wondering if the woman holding her really felt the way she did. She knew of the woman's reputation, but she also knew how she felt in regard to the youngest Black sister. The last few years had been difficult. Her attraction to the woman was growing but at the same time she was still struggling to understand the intensity of the pull to the woman. She had spent hours in the Hogwarts library studying the relationships of witches and wizards, what little there was of it. She had a feeling it was one of the things that Dumbledore was trying to keep out of public knowledge, which of course made her want to know more.

Narcissa tightened her hold on the young witch in her arms, "I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you my little witch. If you need anything, please send for me."

Narcissa Black-Malfoy felt her heart crack slightly as she pressed a soft kiss to Hermione's cheek before letting the young woman go. The only reason she was even at the World Cup was to see Hermione. As she watched Hermione move away slowly, she let the memory of their first meeting run through her mind.

She had been shopping with Draco in Diagon Alley for his very first year at Hogwarts. She was so proud of her son and knew that he would excel in his classes, potion's being his strong point already. She had let the boy run off with his friends while she headed towards Flourish and Blotts. Just as she entered a young girl had run right into her in her hurry to rush out of the store. She had felt the sneer pull at her lip as the girl quickly began to apologize.

"I'm so sorry." The girl began to gather up her books before finally looking up at her.

Narcissa froze, the sneer disappearing as quickly as it had come. The light brown, almost amber in the light, eyes stared back at her filled with remorse and fear. The girl feared her instantly and she had felt her heart seize in her chest. She had known about the ancient family magic's that Dumbledore had banished from the public after the first war, citing they were reprehensible. The fact that having more than one spouse had been in practice with purebloods since the beginning of magic was lost on the old man.

He wanted everyone to conform to his idea of what the world should be and when Tom Riddle, their Dark Lord, had stood against him Dumbledore had painted Voldemort as the evil one. Voldemort had been trying to preserve their way of life, their choices to love whomever and the soulmate bonds that came with it, whether it be pureblood or mudblood. Dumbledore had vowed to destroy Voldemort and any who opposed him, which he proved.

Seeing those light brown eyes staring back at her she couldn't help but feel the pull to the girl, something she had never experienced before. It was instantaneous and powerful, so much so that she had lost the ability to speak, and the girl had run out of the shop, her face red in embarrassment.

After that she had Draco find out all she could about the girl, ignoring the fact that the girl was sorted into Gryffindor, which she was positive was a mistake. Draco had felt the pull to the girl, but it was more in the family bond type of way, which Narcissa was extremely grateful for, she was a tad bit possessive.

When Draco had introduced them for the first time and she had finally been able to speak to the girl, she felt the pull even stronger. She wasn't shy about the way she was feeling because it had been natural in her time. She struggled to keep a distance from the girl but as the years progressed, she found Hermione feeling the pull to her too. It was growing harder and harder to be away from the young woman, but she would wait as long as Hermione needed.

It helped that her older sister was finally back home, Bellatrix having been in Azkaban Prison for the last fourteen years. It had taken her weeks to get Bellatrix back to health, not looking so emaciated and crazy, though she knew her sister was far from out of the woods. She had been worried about her little witch but more so over the fact she didn't know how Hermione would react when she discovered out that Bellatrix was in her home. She knew her oldest sister's reputation was not something that her son's three friends would be okay with, but she hoped that Hermione's connection to herself would help to alleviate the trepidation that would arise.

She watched Hermione until the young woman was swept away by the crowd, her body fighting it's need to go after the younger witch.

Hermione followed the rush of people into the stands, searching for her friends. She didn't want to walk away from Narcissa. Everything that had happened that morning at the Weasley house had her on edge and the more distance she put between herself and Narcissa felt like agony. Ten minutes later she finally slid up beside Harry and Ron, her fake smile not fooling them. Harry wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close, Ron placing himself behind her for comfort and to give her the feeling of safety.

She found her eyes searching the thousands of faces in the crowd more than watching the game. Her need to see Narcissa overwhelming her desire to see the game. When she felt eyes on her she scanned harder and finally let out a breath of relief when she found the blonde woman, eyes locking intently, ignoring the Quidditch game completely. She wanted to be at her side, to be able to touch the woman intimately.

She knew Lucius was well aware of the feelings she shared with his wife. The marriage had been arranged and they did care for each other, both loving their son most of all, but they were under no illusion that they belonged to each other. They presented themselves to the public as was needed but in private they barely saw each other. He had his dalliances and while Narcissa never felt the need for anyone, Hermione was the only one she was interested in.

Hermione could feel herself crumbling, the urge to be with the woman was so strong it was beginning to control her. Her breathing felt as if it was becoming labored, every intake of air sharp and painful. Her chest began to tighten, her body tensing against the pain, muscles becoming uncomfortably tight. She couldn't take the woman's intense gaze any longer as the tears burst from her eyes and she pushed through the crowd of people, hurrying to the stairs.

Harry and Ron rushed after her, their want for excitement disappearing in their need to protect and comfort their friend, their family. They ran after her and only caught up with her when they lost their breath as she collapsed to her knees back near the campsite.

Harry threw his arms around her as Ron collapsed with a groan, his panting showing how much he hated to run, "Bloody hell Hermione, you are the only one that can get me to run."

Despite her pain she laughed, the feeling foreign yet refreshing, "I told you, you should work on that over the summer."

Ron smirked at her, "Not on our lives."

Harry chuckled as he sat beside Ron, "What's up Hermione?"

She sighed as she shook her head, "I can't ignore the pull to her. I need her."

Harry grinned wickedly, "About time. Lucius owes me ten Galleons."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at her friend, "You put a bet on us with her husband?"

Harry laughed as Ron snorted, "That's nothing. Draco owes me twenty."

Hermione couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up her throat, her love for the two in front of her growing stronger at their need to comfort her. She never thought she would end up with a family, her first few weeks had been a nightmare at Hogwarts, but Harry and Ron had been there for her through it all.

"Hey why wasn't I invited?" Draco's voice, filled with mirth, called out.

Ron grinned at the blonde boy, his eyes shifting from amusement to adoration in a blink, "You owe me twenty."

Draco groaned as he collapsed in the grass beside Ron, his eyes playfully narrowing on Hermione, "Two more days is all you had to hold out."

She snorted at him, shaking her head quickly, "You all are idiots."

Harry smirked at her, "Yeah but we're your idiots."

She shook her head, causing three smiles to fall before she grinned, "You are my family."

The three boys shared a glance, smirks dancing on their faces before they launched at the lone witch. Laughter filled the air as Hermione hit her back and the three boys began to tickle her. This is what she had always wanted, a family and the three boys were like brothers to her. Knowing that she was the oldest didn't change a thing between them. She was the only girl in their siblingship, and they would do what ever it took to protect her from the world.

The four teenagers stretched out, heads together in the grass as they stared up into the quickly darkening sky. The comfort and safety in the silence around them made each of them feel loved and accepted, the wisdom that they weren't alone in the world. They fell into deep conversation about everything and nothing as they passed the time, not even bothered by the fact they were missing the World Cup.

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Hours later Hermione, Harry and Ron were back in the tent with the Weasley's. They were speaking quietly amongst themselves as Fred and George joked with Ginny. Arthur was outside as loud bangs rang out into the sky, presumably the celebration of Ireland's win. Loud pops sounded closer still and Hermione frowned, catching Harry and Ron's eyes.

That was not sounds of celebration.

Arthur Weasley rushed into the tent, his face a mask of fear and anger, "We have to go now. Fred, George, take Ginny, you three stick together. Get to the portkey as fast as you can."

Screams filled the air as they stepped out of the tent, the smell of smoke thick in the air as the trio made their way towards the hill. Hermione frowned her heart slamming into her throat, causing her to stop. Harry and Ron frowned at her in question, and she spun on her heel, "Draco!"

Hermione shoved through the mass of people, trying to get back to their camp. She refused to leave without knowing Draco was safe. While she had no doubt that his Death Eater parents knew this was going to happen, she didn't want Draco to get separated from them in the chaos.

She felt her heart hammering against her ribcage as she lost sight of Harry and Ron, their voices calling out for her and Draco frantically. Once free of the crowd she rushed towards the area that the Malfoy's should have been, her voice hoarse and sore, "Draco!"

The silent night made her skin crawl as she searched through the flaming tents and blackened rubble. She sprinted towards an empty space, spotting the familiar Malfoy family crest painted on the grass marking their spot for the night. She felt relief at the empty sight, knowing that they were long gone.

She turned and her body slammed into another. Black robes hung form fittingly from the tall, elegant figure, the silver Death Eater mask unmoving even as the head cocked sideways at her. The black leather corset held an intricate design, a familiar design she had seen somewhere before, with dark green laces crisscrossing the corset. She couldn't get her body to move as the figure's hands rose to lower its hood. Dark hair in wild curls bounced free, draping over the woman's shoulders creating more elegance than she thought possible.

Her magic swirled around her causing a small gasp to leave her lips as it collided with the woman in front of her. She had only ever felt this sort of instant bond with one other person and that was Narcissa Black-Malfoy. She knew this wasn't Narcissa, the woman's magic powerful and trying to dominate her own. She focused on the strength of her magic even as she felt the soft probing in her mind. She refused to grant access and continued to fight the woman's strong magic. She hadn't backed down from Narcissa yet, so she refused to back down now.

The silence grew around them as the woman moved closer, the probing on her solid walls becoming forcefully painful. She gritted her teeth and clenched her hands into fists, refusing to let her walls crumble, refusing to let anyone in. The woman's magic circled her, enveloping her in a soothing warm fire. The woman didn't want to hurt her, didn't want to force her to do anything. The probing on her mind stopped suddenly as the woman's magic heated her body, offering comfort and safety, offering the happiness that she had been desperately seeking in her childhood.

"Hermione!" Harry's voice called out frantically from further away.

The woman startled suddenly, her comforting magic disappearing quickly and leaving Hermione with a sudden head rush. She fell to her knees as the Death Eater apparited into black smoke. She rubbed her temples as the headache set in, the sudden loss of magic almost as painful as the woman's mind probing had been.

She shook her head and rose to her feet as Harry and Ron approached her, "Hermione are you okay?"

She grimaced, "Headache but I'm good."

Ron smirked as he stared up into the sky, "Take a look."

Above them, clouds dancing behind it, was the familiar skull with the snake slipping from its mouth. For years Hermione had stared at that Dark Mark, trying to understand why she was so drawn to it. She didn't feel the same fear that everyone else had, Harry and Ron the only exceptions. They didn't fear the mark either, although Ron had an uncomfortableness when it came to the mark.

"Hermione!" Narcissa's voice reached her ears and she spun on her heel to find the woman not far away.

She sprinted towards the woman, slamming her body into the older witch's slim frame. She buried her face in the blonde's neck, inhaling her scent deeply. The strong scent of aloe, smoke, and earth filling her with a sense of calm. She gripped the woman, relief cascading through her body, knowing the woman was safe.

"Draco?" She pulled back quickly.

Narcissa smiled as she cupped Hermione's cheek gently, "He's at home safe and sound my little one." She heard the collective sighs of relief from Harry and Ron as she stared into the worried blue eyes watching her.

Harry's voice was soft but rushed, "Is everyone gone? We don't know how long until the Aurors get here and since we never transported with the portkey they'll come back."

Lucius apparited beside them before Harry finished speaking, "They're on their way now. Narcissa we must go. You three they are suspicious of you. It won't be long before they come for you."

Narcissa held Hermione tighter, and Hermione couldn't help but melt into the touch before she spoke, "We all know that Peter Pettigrew is still out there and trying to disrupt Voldemort's return. We need to find him before Peter does."

Lucius nodded, "We have the best searching but I'm afraid Pettigrew is better at hiding than us."

Ron grimaced, "That's because he's been a rat all his life."

The sounds of people arriving with pops filled the air and Hermione felt her heart snapping as she looked up into the familiar blue eyes, "Go. I'll send a letter as soon as I can. Tell Draco we love him."

Narcissa nodded, hesitating for a moment before she crushed her lips to the younger witch's. Hermione froze for a split second before she was kissing the older woman back. A deep primal hunger filled her lower abdomen as desire flooded her body. Heat coursed through her veins as the woman's tongue forced its way into her mouth, circling her own before retreating. She quickly followed, not yet ready to break the connection they had. Their magic swirled together, mixing in the most delicious and sensual way, an example of what could be.

She didn't want to let go, she wanted to go with Narcissa, the hell with everyone else but she knew she couldn't change the plans. The Golden Trio needed answers and Lucius Malfoy's position and connections in the Mistry were going to get them.

She pulled back slowly, cupping the woman's face while forcing the burn in her eyes to disappear, "We'll be together for the holidays."

Narcissa stepped back quickly after one soft press of lips. Lucius nodded at them, "Be safe and let us know if you need anything at all."

With a crack they were gone, and Hermione felt her tears begin without permission. Her heart felt like it was being crushed inside her chest. The longing she had for the woman was instantaneous and it was only getting worse. Heavy footfalls rushed towards them as the Dark Mark shimmered above them.

.

Hermione hurried through Kings Cross Station, heading straight for the entrance to the Platform. The last two weeks had been a flurry of activity about the Death Eater's returning and the Dark Mark being shown at the chaos that was the World Cup. Harry and Ron had been questioned for hours by Kingsley Shacklebolt and a few other Aurors. Hermione kept her walls up and refused to answer any questions, while Harry and Ron were released fairly quickly, she had suffered for days.

She flew through the magical barrier and sent her trolly magically towards the group of trunks being sent onto the train. She rushed through the people searching for the blonde heads she knew had to be there somewhere. She finally spotted Draco standing near Lucius and her heart dropped at not seeing Narcissa as she approached the Malfoy men.

"I need to see her," she panted when she stopped near Lucius.

He frowned at her, "She didn't come. She couldn't bare not touching you."

She shook her head, "That night we were questioned but they," she glanced at Draco, "were let go. I spent days in the Aurors presence."

Anger darkened Lucius's face, "Are you alright?"

She shook her head, feeling her heart pound against her chest wildly, "I need to see her."

He nodded before glancing around, "We'll be seen here. Draco make sure everyone thinks Hermione got on the train with you. Warn Harry and Ron that she'll be arrive via Hogsmeade so they can walk together as usual."

Draco nodded before he kissed Hermione's temple, "I'll see you at Hogwarts."

Hermione allowed Lucius to pull her through the crowd and off to a private room before appariting, the sudden jerk behind her bellybutton creating a wave of nausea to fill her as the swirls of color rushed past her. She could feel the speed at which they moved, her body flinging across the country too fast for her stomach to keep up.

Her feet landed on gravel a moment before her knees did as her stomach rolled violently. Lucius's chuckle above her made her groan, "Warning next time."

Lucius barked a laugh, "Consider that payback for the last time you set my robes on fire."

She shook her head as Narcissa exited the Malfoy Manor, "Lucius what's…. Hermione!" The woman ran down the steps into the courtyard. "What happened?"

Hermione felt the strong cool hands gripping her shoulders tightly and she was lifted back to her feet as she shook her head, only able to mumble, "Apparition," before the nausea returned.

Narcissa glared at Lucius, "You did it too fast."

He only shook his head, "Hermione what happened?"

She took a deep breath before leaning into Narcissa's strong hold, "Aurors. They kept me for days, wouldn't let me sleep, no food, and kept insisting that either I did it or I knew who it was."

Lucius growled under his breath, "I knew they would pull something like this."

Narcissa pulled Hermione into her embrace, "Let's get you inside."

Hermione's exhausted body leaned into Narcissa, allowing the woman to guide her into the house. While she had only been to the Malfoy Manor a hand full of times she was always shocked at the beautiful architecture. The black marble floors and the dark wood and stone structures that made up the house. The large fireplace held a fire that cast a soothing shadow across the walls as Hermione was lowered to the sofa.

Narcissa ran her wand across Hermione's chest, searching for any damage the young witch may have received. She finally let out a breath, she hadn't realized she was holding, when she only found some minor bruises. She pulled the girl into her arms as she sat back and kissed her hair, "What did they say?"

"There was no proof that we did it and they claim we wouldn't have the power to conjure it anyway. They sent me back to the Weasley's. Molly was angry and kept yelling at Arthur for three hours once I was back."

Narcissa couldn't ignore the soothing calm she felt now that the young witch was in her arms, her nerves had been on edge since that night at the World Cup and she had spent many sleepless nights waiting for a letter from Hermione.

Hermione smiled up at her, "I couldn't risk sending you one with Arthur becoming suspicious."

Narcissa raised an eyebrow, "You shouldn't pry little one."

Hermione snorted, "As if I don't feel you trying every time we meet."

Narcissa smirked at the bold girl, "Maybe I'm just trying to communicate with you secretly."

Hermione pulled back, putting space between them, a teasing grin on her face, "Maybe you wouldn't like the images you receive in response."

Hermione nearly moaned at the darkening blue eyes and the look of hunger that crossed the blonde's face. While she was still a virgin, she couldn't deny the attraction or flame of desire the blonde elicited in her. She felt confident with Narcissa, as if the woman would never reject her no matter what. She was comfortable enough to put herself on the line with the woman, not wanting to hold back for once in her life.

Narcissa suddenly leaned towards her, and she felt herself falling backwards onto the sofa cushions, Narcissa following her over. Hermione unconsciously spread her legs allowing the older witch to stretch out on top of her, hips pressing down into her pelvis firmly. It felt familiar and arousing as much as it felt innocent.

"Hermione, I don't know if I can hold back anymore. I need you," Narcissa lowered herself slowly, until her body was pressed tight against the girl beneath her. She brushed her lips across the younger witch's ear, "I want you."

Hermione felt the heat between her thighs, her clit throbbing painfully at the husky words. Her hips jerked up, pressing tight against the blonde's abdomen, applying a little more pressure to her apex. Narcissa moaned softly before she captured Hermione's lips in a searing kiss, taking both their breaths away. She rolled her hips into Hermione's pelvis, feeling the heat through her dress and the young witch's jeans.

As much as she abhorred muggle clothes, Narcissa couldn't deny the intense attraction she had every time she watched the girl walk away in those tight jeans. Hermione pulled back breathless and panting, her normally amber eyes a dark brown. Desire sparkled up at her and she couldn't stop herself from running her hand down the girl's chest to cup her center.

Hermione moaned, her eyes fluttering closed. She had been dreaming about this for months, but she knew she had to get to Hogsmeade before the train left. She was determined that over the holidays, which she was spending with the Malfoy's anyway, she would finish what they were starting.

Narcissa frowned when Hermione caught her wrist before she could press harder, "I have to go." Narcissa growled angrily as she jerked away from the younger witch and Hermione smirked at her as she sat up, "Did you just growl?"

Narcissa narrowed her eyes at the girl, "Don't push me."

Hermione stood, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on the older witch's lips, "I will write you in a few days, unless something happens sooner."

Narcissa struggled to stop herself from following Hermione's lips as the young woman pulled away, "Can I see you on the weekend trips to Hogsmeade?"

Hermione took her hand gently, "I would love that. Now would you like to take me, or should I get Lucius?"

She wanted to take her, oh how she wanted to take Hermione Granger. She could picture every single way she wanted to take her witch, which only sent her libido soaring. She wasn't sure she could walk with the incessant throb between her thighs. However, the pout Hermione gave her as the girl let go of her hand had her shooting off the sofa and pulling the girl back into a heated kiss. She walked Hermione to the door before appariting them to the town near the castle.

Hermione couldn't bare to think as she kissed the woman hard and deep before she sprinted away from her. She felt her heart ache with every step. She didn't want to leave; she didn't want to return to Hogwarts where her every move was going to be watched. She didn't want to leave the strong safe arms that had held her for the last few hours.

As the castle came into view and she slipped into her place between Harry and Ron, she forced herself to remember that she would be seeing the woman on the weekends as long as she made it Hogsmeade.