AN: Trigger warnings to many things are present in this story. Don't like, don't read.
I don't own Harry Potter.
All spelling mistakes are my own.
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Hermione's first two weeks back dragged by at an ungodly slow pace. At times she had wondered if someone had somehow slowed time down. The announcement at dinner the first night had been about the Triwizard tournament being hosted by Hogwarts, and the arrival of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute. While only students seventeen and older could participate she thought the entire thing was barbaric. She spent most of her free time in the library with Harry and Ron. Draco had his act to pull off but at night they would meet in the privacy of Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
Saturday morning Hermione couldn't wait for the boys to be ready and hurried to the great hall by herself. She was excited to get to Hogsmeade to see Narcissa. The older witch having plagued most of her thoughts for the entire week. She had focused on keeping her walls up so no one could pry into her mind.
A large hand caught her arm the moment she stepped off the grand staircase and jerked her towards the dungeon. She stumbled down the steps quickly to stop herself from falling flat on her face and then was unceremoniously thrown into the potion's classroom. She spun around and watched as Snape cast a few wards and a silence spell on the room.
When he turned to her, she raised an eyebrow at him, "Couldn't just ask if we could talk?"
A small smirk twitched at the corner of Snape's mouth, the most emotion she had seen from him since the last school term, "I've searched through the wards on the castle-"
She smirked, "Straight to the point at least."
Ever since she had discovered that the Granger's weren't her parents, and Harry and Ron were being lied to at the end of their first year, she had been trying to get a reaction out of the emotionally cold and stoic man. The first time she saw the simulation of a smirk on the man's features she had made it her mission to try to break his controlled demeaner. It broke up the monotony of her days and became almost a running game between the two. His only play had been to give her increasingly difficult homework assignments that would take days to complete, especially since most of them weren't about potions.
All in all, she adored the Potion's Master even more in private.
His eyes narrowed slightly, knowing what she was trying to do, "You are of age as of now. Lucius checked the Ministry and confirmed it."
"Does this mean I can go to Hogsmeade?" She grinned widely, showing her teeth in her best innocent impression. A small smile curved his mouth and he grunted as he hurried passed her. She laughed and threw her fist into the air, "Yes. First point of the year to me."
Snape spun to face her, his half smile still in place, "You are an insufferable girl Miss Granger."
She fluttered her eyelashes at him, "Yes but you love me."
He snorted, the half-smile growing uncontrollably, "I've received word from Lucius that Narcissa will meet you at the inn at nine o'clock. Don't be late."
She frowned suddenly, an uneasy feeling creeping into her stomach, "Severus?"
His head snapped up, taking in the fear on the girl's face, knowing she only called him by his first name when something was terribly wrong.
She looked down at the floor, staring at a crack in the stone floor, "I had a weird encounter with a Death Eater at the World Cup."
Severus frowned, "What sort of encounter?"
She sighed as she dropped into a seat nearby, "It was a woman, but she didn't hurt me or anything. The mask… She just stared at me but there was this…. Rush. Like I could feel her magic around me, but it was comforting and pleasant. It was stronger than what I feel with Narcissa."
His tense muscle's relaxed, "What did she look like?"
She frowned down at her hands, "Wild curly black hair, a corset dress that was black and green. Tall with the perfect amount of-" She felt the blush rush up her neck, covering her face and burning her ears before she shook her head, "It was just strange and when she left, I felt a head rush."
He nodded as he crossed his arms over his chest, "Have you spoken to Narcissa?"
She shook her head, "Not about that. I didn't have a chance when I saw her before coming to school." She studied his frown and knew he wasn't going to tell her anything. "Never mind I shouldn't have brought it up."
He shook his head, "No it's not that. You know you can come to me for anything. I just think Narcissa should be the one to tell you. It'll be easier coming from her. I can assure you it isn't a bad thing Hermione."
She smiled up at him, he never used her first name. She nodded, "Thank you Severus."
He rolled his eyes at her before returning to his bored expression, "That will be all Miss Granger."
She nodded and stood before hurrying out of the room. She made her way back towards the staircase where she found Draco grinning at her, "Snape talk to you?"
She nodded as they walked side by side up the stairs towards the Great Hall, "Were you eavesdropping Draco Malfoy?" she teased him with a smile.
He smirked, "Maybe. I'm going to walk with you to Hogsmeade and then-"
"Ah Miss Granger, just the student I wanted to see." Albus Dumbledore stood at the entrance to the Great Hall, his half-moon spectacles on the end of his nose as usual, "Hurry along Mr. Malfoy."
Draco glared at the man before glancing at Hermione as he slipped towards Harry and Ron. She took a deep breath before speaking, "What can I do for you professor?"
His hand landed uncomfortably on her back as he steered her away from the Great Hall, "I was informed of your work assignments and I'm wondering if we could find a more suitable way to challenge you in your studies."
She frowned as she was led back up the stairs, "I'm sorry professor but I was going to spend the day with my friends in Hogsmeade."
Dumbledore nodded, "Unfortunate Miss Granger, I believe your studies should come first. I've taken the liberty to speak with Professor McGonagall and I believe we have a more rigorous work schedule for you. It will take a moment and then we can fine tune the particulars." At her hesitance he added, "It would give you more access to the restricted library and you would be learning things well beyond seventh years." Her curiosity sufficiently peaked, she followed the Headmaster into the library.
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For the next month Hermione couldn't think of anything other than her new fascinating schoolwork and her Occlumency. She knew she was being distracted but having access to the restricted section had given her time to search for more information about other things. She had found the mention of Harry's family and a small connection to Voldemort. She wasn't sure how they were connected yet, but she was working on it.
She spent most of her time alone, whether in the library or in her room, researching and working on all the added homework she had. She hadn't been as overwhelmed since her third year when she had the time turner. She worked all day relentlessly, missing all but one meal and even then, she would grab just enough to take back to her room for later. She wasn't sleeping very much, and she couldn't remember the last time she had actually talked to anyone other than herself. Though Narcissa and the Death Eater were still heavily on her mind.
On the one day she was trying to work in the Great Hall Dumbledore announced that it was time for the drawing of the Triwizard contestants. She was vaguely aware of the names being drawn until Harry's name was shouted out across the room. She turned to Harry and forced him to his feet, feeling her heart pound fearfully in her chest as he walked through the small door behind the Professor's table.
Dumbledore turned but the cup burst into a blue flame again and another name was tossed from the Goblet, Dumbledore's face going even paler, "Hermione Granger."
She felt her heart lodge in her throat and suddenly knew why Harry had avoided moving. Ron stared at her with dread as her name was shouted once again through the Great Hall. She stood and moved quickly towards the man, her eyes landing on a terrified Draco before she was ushered through the same door as Harry.
Harry stared at her wide eyed as she moved towards him, Cedric, Fleur, and Victor watching the two huddling in the corner. The doors burst open, and Dumbledore rushed forward, shoving both her and Harry back into a table full of food, "Did you put your names in the Goblet?"
They both shook their heads, speaking in unison, "No Professor."
Hermione felt her blood run cold as Dumbledore's glare landed on her, the uneasy feeling creeping back into her stomach as she gripped Harry's arm tightly. McGonagall's voice was hurried, a slight tremor shaking it, "Surely you can't let them compete Albus. They're too young."
Dumbledore frowned, "The contract is binding. They must compete."
They were given the instructions and told that the first task would take place in two days. Families would be allowed to watch from the stands and one person would be allowed into the tent to speak with them before the even began, if they had anyone to be there. Dumbledore's dark blue eyes landed on her as if to say she didn't have anyone before he allowed them to leave the room.
She was unsteady on her feet as she and Harry climbed the stairs towards Gryffindor tower, his voice low in the silent castle, "You think Voldemort did this?"
She shook her head, "No. If I had to bet, I'd say Dumbledore. Did you see the way he was watching us?"
Harry nodded, "I'm beginning to think it's time we chose a side Hermione. He's got you hold up in the library under a mountain of work to keep you from us and now this."
"We'll get through this Harry. First task and then Christmas and the Yule Ball." She didn't feel as confidant as she sounded but she was going to do her best to help Harry get through this, even as the unease worked its way through her body.
The following morning, she left her books in her dormitory and quickly rushed Harry and Ron from the castle. She had slipped passed Dumbledore, desperate to see Narcissa. She had slipped Draco a note through Crookshanks and pleaded with him to get Narcissa to show up in Hogsmeade early.
Draco easily caught up with them before ushering them towards the Shrieking Shack, "We have to hurry. Mother is frantic."
She grimaced, "What did you tell her Draco?"
"The truth," he snapped angrily. She lowered her gaze to the ground and followed behind the three boys, suddenly feeling like she shouldn't have gotten out of bed that morning.
The shrieking shack was silent when they entered but she could feel Narcissa's magic, along with Snape's, and another familiar yet unknown magic. It was the same magic as the one she had connected to at the World Cup. It circled around her tired body, soothing the pulse in her own magic. Narcissa's soothing subtle magic slipped around her, underneath the other stronger power and she felt her eyes grow heavy. She stumbled, falling to one knee against the pleasant soothing connections.
She shook her head and pushed herself to her feet as Narcissa and Snape hurried down the stairs from the second floor, "Hermione?" Narcissa called softly.
As much as she wanted to fall into Narcissa's arms she knew there was another person there, one that Narcissa knew. She backed away from the woman, watching as the blonde froze and blue eyes becoming increasingly worried and pained. She struggled to shake the sleep induced fog from her mind before speaking, "Who else is here?"
Narcissa's eyes widened, "You can feel her?"
"I told you she would. We connected at the World Cup Cissy." The lower tone of the woman descending the stairs caught everyone's attention.
Hermione couldn't help but stare transfixed at the woman descending the stairs. Her laced long black corset dress was not only form fitting but mouthwatering, leaving Hermione feeling as if she was severely underdressed. The woman's black curls were loose and shiny as they framed her face. She moved with ease even on the thick heeled black boots, a form of grace that came with years of self-confidence.
Hermione felt her body reacting as the woman's magic surged around her, making her feel comfortable. She was so sleep deprived that she allowed her anger to control her magic, shoving the woman's magic away from her own, but managing to leave Narcissa's untouched.
The woman gasped, a wide smile stretching across her face, "Oh, she's powerful. Even in her drained state."
Narcissa gripped the woman's shoulder, "Bellatrix stop."
Harry frowned up at Snape, "Bellatrix Black, the Death Eater. Why?"
Hermione felt her body sway and she stumbled backwards, letting her back hit the wall behind her. She tried to focus on the conversation as best she could as Snape spoke evenly, "We need help to figure out who did this because the Dark Lord didn't do this."
Narcissa frowned as she rushed to Hermione, "He would be the only one with the power to add Hermione's and Harry's name in the goblet." Hermione felt Narcissa's arms wrap around her body, and she melted into the embrace, focusing on the comfort of the woman's affection as Narcissa kissed her temple.
Snape frowned, "I don't know but we are to find out. Hermione why have you been avoiding everyone?"
Harry's magic sparked between his fingers as his anger rose, "Dumbledore. He forced her into more course work and has prevented her from going to Hogsmeade. She's barely sleeping as it is."
Narcissa's panic flared in her chest as she watched the young witch in her arms struggle to stay awake, "Is it possible he did this?"
Bellatrix spoke finally, "Trying to alienate her while simultaneously exhausting her so she'll fail at the first task?"
Narcissa nodded as she felt the young witch grip her arms tightly, "Shh, I have you my little one."
Hermione felt a flare of energy sure into her body and her eyes snapped up to Bellatrix. The woman was watching her curiously, seeing the way her younger sister interacted with the young witch. Hermione pushed a little of her magic back at the woman in a thank you gesture, smirking when the woman's dark eyes widened in shock.
"Feisty." Bellatrix smirked at her, "I love feisty."
Hermione couldn't, nor did she want to, deny the warming feelings that spread through her body at the way Bellatrix said those words. She felt Bellatrix's magic surge through her body again and she closed her eyes against the sudden safety she felt, a small voice inside her mind warning her that this shouldn't be possible, but she ignored it. Instead, she focused on enjoying the familiar care that she was used to from Narcissa's magic and motions.
When she opened her eyes, she spotted Snape's brow creased deeply, the frown line that was becoming permanent. She snorted causing his eyes to flash to hers, "Don't blow a gasket thinking so hard Severus." Harry, Ron, and Draco quickly covered their laughs with coughs.
As hard as Snape tried, he couldn't stop the smile that quirked the corner of his mouth, "Damn you Granger."
Her smile widened proudly, "Two for me."
Snape glared at her, and Bellatrix frowned at them, "Two what?"
Snape shook his head, trying and failing to wipe the smile from his face, "Can we get back to the topic. Whatever these tasks are they are not going to be easy. Lucius and I are looking into how your names were pulled from the goblet. In the meantime, Hermione, you need rest and to prepare for anything. Potter same goes for you. You two need to stick together. Draco can send word to Narcissa if needed."
Hermione looked up into worried blue eyes, "Will you come to the tasks?"
Narcissa nodded, "Of course my dear. I'll be in that tent with you beforehand if it's the last thing I do."
She smiled at the woman before surging forward to capture pale pink lips in a searing kiss. She hadn't had a moment with the woman since she couldn't go to Hogsmeade, and the separation had been taxing on her soul. She felt Narcissa's strong arms wrap around her waist, pulling her tight against the older witch's body as the sound of a door shutting met her ears.
When she pulled back, she rested her forehead against Narcissa's, "I don't know if I can do this."
Narcissa chuckled, "Of course you can my little one. You are the brightest witch of your age." She kissed Hermione in a soft tender touch of the lips, "You are not alone anymore Hermione."
"You belong to the Black's now little witch." Bellatrix snapped, her dark eyes firmly on Hermione, "You will make us proud."
Hermione smirked at the woman, "I don't follow orders Bellatrix."
Without warning Bellatrix crossed the room and snatched a handful of Hermione's hair, jerking her head back to expose her smooth neck, "We'll see about that my succulent little witch."
Hermione shoved Bellatrix's magic out of her body, causing the woman to release her and stumble backwards. She pulled out of Narcissa's arms, her eyes narrowed on Bellatrix, "I don't submit."
Bellatrix's eyes darkened at the challenge, "You will for me."
Hermione snorted, "Full of yourself. I'll submit to Narcissa before you, anytime."
Bellatrix tried to ignore the shot of pain that seared itself into her heart at the words. She didn't even know this young witch, but she knew the night of the World Cup she needed to. She had never felt a connection with someone before and it had been intense. She had nearly splinched herself when she had withdrawn more than just her own magic accidently before she left.
Hermione watched the flash of pain flitter across the woman's dark eyes before it was suddenly gone. She hadn't meant to hurt the woman, not that she had any doubt she wouldn't submit to Bellatrix if the time came. She had never been good at being pushed around and the more someone pushed the harder she fought against it.
She moved towards the woman slowly, giving her time to move away. When Bellatrix didn't move away, she stood in front of her and spoke softly, "It took me two years to accept my feelings for Narcissa. I had to get to know her. I know you are her sister but…"
She didn't know how to say what she needed. Give her research and magic and she was in her element. Emotional conversations meant she was at a loss. Everything inside her mind told her not to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable was weak and she was only just coming to accept the fact that she could be vulnerable with Narcissa without repercussions. However, Bellatrix was different, and after being in Azkaban for over a decade she could understand why.
She took a deep breath and said it in the only way she could, "I'm still haunted by memories. I hold back from Narcissa for the fear that she might change her mind." She knew she was being open with Narcissa too, the blonde's gasp letting her know she heard. "I just need a little more time, from both of you."
Narcissa's arms wrapped around her from behind, the woman's chin resting on her shoulder. Bellatrix took a step forward, pressing her body into Hermione's gently, lowering her voice to a softer tone, "I promise you don't have to be afraid."
"Love is here and here to stay, my little one." Narcissa's lips brushed across her neck.
Hermione had never felt more cared for or safe than in that moment. Surrounded by the Black sisters was something she had never dreamed of, but the feeling of love and safety she felt from them made her eyes burn with unshed tears. Her entire life she wanted to find the place where she belonged and Narcissa had been showing her glimpses of it for the past few years. Now that Bellatrix was part of the equation, she could feel the acceptance trying to force its way into her heart.
Narcissa loved her, that much was obvious. Even Lucius had mentioned it, but she never wanted to believe it. Bellatrix was a force to be reckoned with, she could see that in every movement, every word the woman spoke. She had a feeling Bellatrix would be the one to chase her down if she ran from them. Not that she wanted to, no she wanted to do the opposite. She wanted to be surrounded by the two women, to let them comfort and sooth her.
But that wasn't who she was.
She took care of Harry, Ron, and even Draco at Hogwarts. She took care of the Grangers when she was at home. No one took care of her. It wasn't in her nature to relinquish her control. Not since the last time, when she was forced to. She wouldn't allow herself to be put in that position again.
Narcissa could feel Hermione's body beginning to tense, as the silent witch lost herself to thoughts. She looked up at her sister and saw the frown on Bellatrix's face. Without warning Bellatrix leaned into Hermione, brushing her lips lightly across the young witch's, "We aren't going anywhere, you belong to us now, and we'll keep reminding you for however long it takes."
"That's a long time," Hermione whispered, her eyes locked firmly on Bellatrix's.
Bellatrix's ruby lips curved up into a devilish grin, "So be it." Hermione shivered slightly at the challenge in Bellatrix's voice.
Hermione didn't want to leave the comfort of Narcissa's arms, or the presence of Bellatrix. While the woman seemed wild, she was very calm under the surface. Narcissa raised her wand, and the rundown room was fixed up and a roaring fire going in the fireplace. New comfortable looking furniture appeared and Narcissa quickly pulled her down onto a sofa. Her body sank into the soft cushions, relaxing into the blonde's side.
Narcissa kissed her temple again, shifting to lay back against the arm, pulling Hermione on top of her. She ran her fingers through the brunette's thick wavy hair, "Sleep for a while my little one. You're safe with us." Bellatrix plopped down on the sofa pulling Hermione's legs onto her lap. The comfortable silence and the soothing presence of the older witch's soothed her, and she found herself drifting off to sleep.
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Soft voices filled Hermione's consciousness as she slowly awoke, "How are we going to defend her?" Narcissa's voice was dark but soft.
"We can't interfere with the tasks. We have to follow the rules, but I already spoke to Hagrid. He already has a lead on the first task, and he'll warn them when he can." Snape's deeper voice sounded tired to her ears.
"If anything happens to her, I will personally be setting the school on fire." Bellatrix spoke calmly, a little to calmly for Hermione's liking but it also made her heart rate spike. She drifted off to sleep again, Narcissa's fingers gliding through her hair forcing her into sleep.
Hermione knew that the upcoming tournament was going to be the hardest of Harry and her life so far. It wasn't that she wasn't scared but she was also aware of the fact that they had no choice but to face this head on and hope that they would each make it out alive. Her uneasy fear spread through her dream, Narcissa and Bellatrix's lives becoming her sole focus. Try as she might, she couldn't save them both and it made her understand that if the time came, they wouldn't choose her. They would choose each other; family was everything to Narcissa and if Bellatrix was as adamant as she seemed to be then they would always choose each other.
Just as the bright green light flashed in her eyes Hermione jerked awake with a blood curdling scream. Sweat dripped down her face as she struggled to breath. Hands were on her back and shoulders, but she couldn't focus on them or the word's that were being whispered to her, trying to calm her. She felt the tears rush down her face, her body shaking uncontrollably as the fear and pain surged through her body.
Narcissa's face was suddenly in front of her as the woman knelt on the floor, her fingers brushing the tears from her cheeks quickly, "Breath honey. You're safe, it was just a dream."
She focused on Narcissa's blue eyes, the worry deep in the depths. How could she be what this woman needed or wanted. She was just Hermione, an average witch. Smart but also clumsy and scared and flawed. Everything she had ever strived for had never come to pass, except for her schooling. She was good at books.
Legs settled on either side of her, and she was pulled back into strong arms, Bellatrix's lips brushing across her neck lightly, "We've got you little one."
Bellatrix Black was the most feared, sadistic, uncontrollable Death Eater known in the wizarding world; Hermione couldn't help but think. The woman was supposed to be crazy and after spending over a decade in Azkaban Hermione was expecting much worse than originally thought, but the woman was being kind, sweet and downright loving.
It was terrifying.
Hermione couldn't stop herself from leaning back against Bellatrix's body even as the thought crossed her mind. She couldn't decide which was more terrifying, Bellatrix Black the Death Eater or the caring and soothing version.
Bellatrix's lips brushed across the shell of her ear, "You belong to us."
Hermione felt her heart begin to race in her chest, the dream returning to her mind quickly. She knew they would choose each other, and she wasn't sure she could handle that when the time came. She was nothing, never had been. She shook her head as she shoved herself to her feet, needing to put space between herself and the feelings the women were giving her, "I should get back."
Narcissa stood quickly, seeing the fear in the younger witch's eyes, "Hermione, don't pull away."
Hermione shook her head as she backed away from them, "I have to go. You don't have come to the task." She spun on her heel and nearly sprinted from the shrieking shack, ignoring the shouts that followed her.
Tears ran down her face as she found Draco and Harry in the Three Broomsticks, a butterbeer waiting for her. Draco frowned up at her and quickly pulled her down beside him, his arm tightening around her shoulders, "What happened?"
She shook her head, wiping her face quickly before sipping her drink. Harry frowned as he shared a look with Ron and Draco. He didn't want to push the witch; he knew what her temper could achieve if she was pushed enough. He shook his head at his friends and distracted the witch.
"Lucius has some information for us, but he wasn't able to make it today. Sirius thinks there's more going on than just the World Cup incident."
Ron grimaced, "Like what? I mean it was a hell of a distraction but for what?"
"Pettigrew?" Draco asked even as his eyes lingered on Hermione's pained expression.
Harry nodded, "Lupin thinks the rat has a lead on Voldemort, or at least his whereabouts."
Hermione's head snapped up, "If he does then we need to find him first."
Harry nodded, "Agreed. Sirius is searching for Death Eaters that he would trust. Using his connections to hunt them down. Draco, is there anyway Black could find him?"
Hermione refocused on her drink, the pain in her heart growing exponentially. She could still feel Narcissa's magic trying to comfort her, but Bellatrix's was almost suffocating her. They were calling to her, desperate for her to return to them. She briefly wondered if this is what it felt like for Voldemort to summon his Death Eater's through the Dark Mark. She tried to resist the urge to return to them, but it was becoming more and more difficult. She wasn't sure when she would see Bellatrix again.
It wasn't like the most wanted Death Eater could just show up at the school and everything be fine. She snorted at the thought and felt the blush rush up her face as three sets of eyes landed on her. She rolled her eyes and sighed as she downed the last of her drink, "I'll be back."
Draco smirked, "You should know my mother wouldn't let you run from them like that. They're more stubborn than you."
She narrowed her eyes at her best friend, "Don't push me or I'll tell your mother about the Polyjuice potion incident in second year."
Draco's eyes widened and his face paled more than usual, "You wouldn't." She smirked at him before winking and heading out the door, laughing as his loud groan met her ears.
"Miss Granger," Snape fell in beside her, matching her pace.
"Professor?" She kept her eyes forward as they made their way back towards the shrieking shack.
Snape eyed her for a moment, "I must ask why you ran away. I've told you-"
"I know what you've told me Severus." She lowered her voice as they passed a few students near the edge of Hogsmeade, "Everything is just so overwhelming right now. Knowing that I'm not exactly who I thought. That Harry and Ron are even being lied to… It's all so much."
"Which is why you need them now more than ever," Snape hissed, frustrated. "I know this is hard and I know finding out about certain things can be overwhelming but the need for them will break you completely if you keep ignoring it. not to mention what they will do to get to you. The women of the Noble house of Black are not known for patience."
She snorted, "You think."
He chuckled, "Please, Hermione." He caught her wrist and they stopped, Hermione turning to face him, "I've seen what denying that bond could do. I can't see that happen with you."
She could see the pain in his eyes. A rare moment that he was vulnerable, only ever happening with her. She knew these moments were hard for him and she hated that he was hurting. Her need to comfort him was startling but they were still out in the open, where someone could pass and see them. She frowned up at him, her need to sooth him overcoming every other emotion.
She sighed heavily before nodding, "I'm not denying the bond Severus. I promise I will try but come on, Bellatrix Black?"
He snorted as a laugh escaped his lips, "Yes well if anyone could try to tame the sadistic Black, it would have to be you."
She chuckled, "This is your pass for the year, you know that right?"
He nodded as he let go of her wrist, nodding towards the path that led to the shack, "Fine."
She rolled her eyes at him before heading back towards the shack, wondering if her Black sisters were still there. She tripped over her own foot at the thought. Since when had they become hers? Narcissa sure, she could see that since they had been dancing on a fine line the last few years.
But Bellatrix?
She had just met the woman, although you wouldn't think that since the feel of Bellatrix's magic felt so natural and familiar. She shook her head as she pushed the door open and found the two women in question deep in a conversation. They both turned towards her, and she hesitated for a moment.
Bellatrix's dark eyes were blazing with anger as Narcissa's deep blue were narrowed on her, "Where the hell did you go?"
She swallowed before closing the door, "I had a drink with my friends."
"Didn't you feel us calling for you?" Bellatrix snapped angrily. Her voice slightly higher than her low tone had been before.
She curled her lip, anger coursing through her body, "I will not be bossed around."
Bellatrix's eyes darkened even more as the anger visibly shook her body. Narcissa could feel Bellatrix's anger as the woman's magic circled around the room. She moved forward and pulled the young witch into her arms, "When we call and you don't come, it makes us worry that something is preventing you from coming to us."
Hermione frowned even as she melted into Narcissa's embrace. She didn't want the woman to worry, although Bellatrix could be taken down a few pegs. At the same time, she wasn't used to having people care so much for her, except for her friends. Narcissa hadn't pushed as much as she had at the cup but now, she could see just how much the older woman was holding back.
She leaned back before taking a deep breath and nodding, "I'm sorry. Next time I will come right away."
Bellatrix's magic slowly began to settle as the woman moved forward, "Good. Now Narcissa, we must go. She has to be getting back to the castle. Little witch, do try to survive the first task. I've only just met you and I would like to claim you soon." With that the woman spun on her heel, black dress flowing wildly as the woman disappeared out the front door.
Narcissa shook her head, "She'll come around. She's not good at emotions."
Hermione scoffed, "You don't say."
Narcissa chuckled before pulling her into a soft slow kiss, pulling back to rest her forehead against Hermione's, "Please be careful and stay with your friends. If you need anything do not hesitate to send Draco's owl."
Hermione nodded, "I promise. I'll see you Monday?" She hadn't meant it to come out as a question but at the same time she was desperate to have someone there for her. She knew what could happen at this event and she refused to die without seeing Narcissa one more time.
A hard kiss landed on her lips before Narcissa disappeared outside, the loud crack echoing around Hermione's mind. She slowly made her way back towards the castle, her arms wrapped around her body, as if she were trying to hold herself together. Which in a way she was. She was trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to overrun her. Her heart began to ache the moment Bellatrix had left but it felt as if it had exploded when Narcissa had left her alone in the shack.
She hated to think about the idea of being destined for someone, or more than one person. Now she was beginning to enjoy that she wouldn't be alone, although she could do without the pain of separation that it was causing.
Draco's arm wrapped around her shoulders silently and she turned into his body, resting her head on his shoulder. Harry and Ron walked close behind, letting the comfortable silent support surround them.