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.

.

.

An hour later, she stood in the library rechecking all her work. Bellatrix had arrived home to shower, but Narcissa had taken her straight to Diagon Alley to shop for robes for the Yule Ball. The only reason Bellatrix had even gone without saying a hello to Hermione was because Narcissa insisted it was to buy robes for Hermione. Both she and Bellatrix had pouted but whatever Narcissa wanted, she would get.

Lucius appeared with a loud crack, scaring the living daylights out of her. She jumped at least a foot in the air in the silent room, her hand over her stuttering heart, "For Merlin's sake Lucius!" Her fear made her blood run cold.

Lucius chuckled, "Deep in thought Hermione?"

Another loud crack made them both jump and she leaned on the table to stop herself from hyperventilating. Shaking her head, she tried to calm her sudden rush while trying to quickly reign in her terror. She had left herself open for Narcissa, since she was at Malfoy manor alone. Harry, Draco and Ron had gone with them for their own robes, and so Ron could see Molly. She had been so lost in work she decided to trust her mates to pick out robes for her so she could continue.

Snape smirked at them both, "I was summoned by a house elf."

She snorted a laugh, "I sent Kreacher to get you. I've found irregularities in the Ministry's handling of Prophecies among other things."

Lucius frowned and took a step towards her, but an even louder crack filled the room followed by, "Cruico!"

Lucius's ear-splitting, high-pitched scream filled the air as his body dropped to the floor, muscles straining with the force of the curse. Hermione winced in response to his pain as Snape tossed his wand on the table and held his hands up in surrender. She would have found it comical if it wasn't for the man screaming in pain on the floor. She spun to find Bellatrix's dark eyes and wand on Lucius as Narcissa held her wand on Snape, eyes so dark blue they could be construed for black.

Hermione felt her arousal collecting quickly and had to force herself to swallow against a suddenly dry throat before speaking, "Bellatrix stop, please."

Bellatrix lifted the curse before moving swiftly to Hermione, wrapping her free arm around her young witch's waist, jerking the girl's body tight against her own, "Narcissa felt your fear. Bloody hell, I felt your fear. Are you alright my little witch?"

Hermione could only nod as she nuzzled Bellatrix's neck, loving the way the wild curls flowed over her, as if protecting her from the outside world. She placed her hands on Bellatrix's chest, fingers of one hand stroking the silver jackdaw necklace around her mate's neck, "I wasn't expecting them and they apparited straight into here. No harm done."

Narcissa lowered her wand with a deep breath, saying sweetly, "Apologies." Though they all knew she wasn't sorry at all.

"Screw apologies. They scared her," Bellatrix snapped angrily, her grip tightening instinctually on her young witch. "I'll do it again in a heartbeat."

A small smirk appeared on Hermione's face, the idea of it making her feel almost giddy inside. She shook her head against the thought before leaning back to place a soft kiss on Bellatrix's lips, "My savior."

A smug grin pulled at the corner of Bellatrix's ruby lips, dark eyes going even darker, "Always."

Hermione turned back to Lucius as he pulled himself up and smiled innocently at him, "I forgot."

Lucius stood shakily as he shook his head, his long blonde hair covering most of his agonized face, "I didn't realize you completed the bond fully."

Narcissa eyed her husband darkly, "We did."

Lucius nodded, a small smile on his face as he slid into a chair at the table, "I'm happy for you Narcissa."

Hermione felt Narcissa's love for Lucius, the fact that he always supported her, never tried to ask more of her than was necessary. He was a good man and Hermione couldn't be happier that Narcissa had him until she came along. Now however, was a completely different story.

She'd kill the man if he tried to touch what was hers.

Narcissa's head jerked in her direction, bright blue eyes wide with hunger, excitement, and her own possessiveness coming forward. Hermione just shrugged before stepping away from Bellatrix, "There is a reason I called for you. I took a few notes from the book I found in the restricted section at the school library and checked them with the books here." She motioned to her array of materials on the table.

Snape frowned as he sat next to Lucius, "Mistakes?"

Hermione shook her head, "No. There's entire passages missing from the book in the Hogwarts library. It's hard to tell exactly why that is but I'm positive they were cursed to remove them."

"What passages little witch?" Bellatrix asked as she picked up Hermione's parchment of notes, smiling at the great detail.

Hermione frowned as she began to pace, clasping her hands behind her back, "Prophecies can be about things, people, or events. If Harry's prophecy connects him to the Voldemort, then there is no way it can just disappear, but for every one that connects people there's always a second."

Narcissa frowned as she leaned on the table, "So our prophecy to each other means there's a second one about one of us?"

Hermione nodded, "Me, specifically."

"You and Voldemort?" Harry asked as he entered the library, Draco and Ron on his heels. Molly slipped into the room, her eyes darting around the room uncomfortably, nervousness radiating from the older woman.

Hermione smiled at the woman, "I've missed you Molly."

Molly crossed the room, her red hair in the usual wavy style, hanging just past her shoulders. Hermione allowed the woman to hug her, grinning over the woman's shoulder at a Bellatrix's sneer. Hermione pulled back and Molly squeezed her arms, "I'm so sorry dear."

Hermione shook her head, "It's not your fault." She moved around the woman and turned her back to Bellatrix, grinning when her dark witch wrapped her arms around her from behind, chin resting on her shoulder, "We have a lot to catch up on but for now, please sit."

Once everyone was seated at the table Hermione continued, "If you are right Harry, and I'm Voldemort's daughter," gasps echoed around the table, but she ignored them, "Then that prophecy would be the most guarded and hidden piece in the Ministry. Dumbledore wouldn't want it getting out who I am, and it would explain why I'm in this damn tournament."

Anger danced across Bellatrix's face, "Now can I kill him?"

Hermione shook her head, "No. He can't know that we've got this lead. There is no way we could break into the Ministry right now, so the only other way is to test my blood against Voldemort's."

Draco frowned, "Except after his fall there's no way to get his blood."

"Maybe there is," Ron frowned at the table as he spoke, "What if we could get something of Voldemort's? Something that was, or has, his essence. We've all suspected that horcrux's were the reason that he could come back, right?"

Harry shook his head, "I don't think he would. It would have been too risky, and he wouldn't have felt a need to save me. It tears the soul apart to leave the person with no feelings."

Hermione stared at Harry, seeing the scar on his forehead in a new light, "Ron you are bloody brilliant."

Ron's face turned a shade of red that matched his red streaks, "Um… Thanks."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Harry's right. No horcrux, but Harry…"

Harry glanced up at her, his eyes widening slightly, "Me? How?"

She smirked at him, "Your scar. You were never hit Harry. Lilly saved you from that with Tom in the room. If part of him attached to you…"

Harry smiled darkly, "How long until we know?"

"If we start now," Snape interrupted, "It would only take a few days. I'll take some of your blood and Hermione's, but I'll need to use the kitchen."

Narcissa nodded, "Gladly. If this turns out to be true-"

"Hermione will have the biggest target on her back in all the wizarding world." Bellatrix finished, instinctually going to her young witch and wrapping her arms around her waist protectively.

Molly took a deep breath, "Hermione you should complete the bond with Bellatrix before that knowledge becomes public. You'll need both of your mates to survive."

Hermione nodded, her mind already moving ahead. If she was Voldemort's daughter, she would be able to use her blood to corporealize him, giving him his body back. However, that would also mean that the Order would want to stop her from doing just that.

She frowned as she relaxed into Bellatrix's embrace, "Is it possible to keep it a secret?"

Snape nodded, "Yes. You three have the strongest shields as do I. We can keep the results between us until the time is right, but once it gets out there's no stopping the Ministry from recording it permanently."

She nodded, "Let's try to keep it as secret as possible. We have the Yule Ball in two days and then two months after that is the second task. Harry and I have already figured out it will take place in the Black Lake near Hogwarts and that we have to recover something."

Lucius frowned, "It would be something precious to you." His eyes darted up to Narcissa worriedly, after all she was still his best friend.

Hermione leveled a dark look at him, "I'll kill anyone that goes near her." Chills ran down every spine in the room at the dark tone of her voice. All of them believed Hermione meant it, and none of them wanted to attempt it themselves.

Narcissa crossed the room to her quickly, pulling her young witch from her sister's arms. She could feel the fear and concern Hermione was trying to hide, the overwhelming need to protect the older witch. It made Narcissa's heart sing with love. She held her little one tight against her body, molding herself to her lover's lithe frame.

Hermione shook her head, looking over at Lucius, "Is it possible to get a blueprint of the Department of Mysteries or a layout of the Hall of Prophecies?"

Lucius thought for a moment, rubbing his aching head. The Cruciatus curse always left him with a headache whether he was the caster or not, "I might be able to, but Fudge seems to be guarding the Department of Mysteries. I'll see what I can do."

Hermione nodded moving to the head of the table, all faces turning to her, "This is on the back burner for now. Harry and I need to focus on the upcoming tasks and the Yule Ball. Narcissa will be accompanying me as my date. Bellatrix will remain in Malfoy Manor for the night just in case something comes up."

Narcissa leaned against her left side as Bellatrix stood beside her on her right, "Do you expect something to happen Vixen?"

Hermione wrapped an arm around each of her mates' waists, pulling them tight against her body, "I wouldn't put it past him, especially once he sees me with Narcissa. None of us can be caught alone with him. Everyone get your walls in place," she raised an eyebrow at Harry.

He grimaced, "I know, I know. I'm working on it."

She chuckled as she tightened her hold on her mates, glancing sideways at Bellatrix, "I agree with Molly. Our bonding needs to be complete before we return after the holidays. I'll be going to Diagon Alley with Draco tomorrow, alone." Bellatrix and Narcissa opened their mouths to protest but she silenced them with a look. "No. Christmas shopping needs to be done and Draco and I have put it off too long already. We'll be fine. I'll keep myself open for Narcissa and what little you can feel right now."

Bellatrix shook her head, "I don't like this."

Narcissa agreed, "Neither do I. The Order is all over that place. At least in Knockturn Alley you'd be amongst Death Eaters."

Draco snorted, "Like Borgin and Burkes will have Christmas gifts mother."

Hermione smirked as she felt Narcissa's annoyance, "This is about safety. Yours and my mates."

Hermione shifted on her feet to nuzzle Narcissa's neck, trying to calm her anger, "We will be carful love. We won't be long. Now it's been a long day for all of us. Let's get some sleep. Draco we'll leave early to get there before too many people arrive." Draco nodded as Narcissa, and Bellatrix curled further into her arms.

.

Hermione awoke with a start the following morning; the damn dream just would not leave her alone. She grinned at the two women on either side of her before slowly untangling herself from their limbs. She eased off the bed, not wanting to wake them, and pulled on a set of muggle clothes. The dark jeans were tight, and she wondered if that's why Bellatrix had gotten them. She slipped her arms into a dark green silk blouse that belonged to Narcissa, pausing to stare at her scar in the mirror, running from her left shoulder diagonally down over her right breast.

She would either pay Arthur back in kind for it or she would let Bellatrix do it for her, she hadn't made up her mind yet.

As she pulled her boots on, she took a moment to notice the dark thoughts that were beginning to creep into her mind. She wanted revenge on Arthur for what he had done to her but more importantly what he had put Ron through his whole life. It felt wrong to think of those things but at the same time they felt freeing at the same time.

She shook her head and slipped out of the room, meeting Draco in the hallway. They remained silent until they were in the Leaky Cauldron, "Thank you for the silencing spell last night."

Hermione smirked at him, "What time did Bellatrix even get home last night?"

Draco frowned, "Midnight. She didn't find anything on the lead she had but she went straight upstairs when she got home."

Hermione nodded, remembering how Bellatrix had climbed straight into her arms after entering the room. She had been worried about the dark witch, but Narcissa had assured her that Bellatrix was safe. Recon only.

They stepped into Diagon Alley and began their Christmas shopping, finding gifts for all their friends and even each other. Hermione paused as she stood in front of Knockturn Alley before making her way down it. Draco frowned at her but followed obediently. The darkness of the alley overtook them quickly and Hermione could feel the stares on her back as they approached Borgin and Burkes.

The dark shop was nearly covered in dust, the odds and ends of ancient forgotten relics lie scattered around the shelves. She knew there was something in particular she was being drawn to, but she had to venture deeper into the shop to get it. The vanishing cabinet stood alone in a far corner of the shop, Hermione having never seen one before and suddenly curious where it's companion might be.

A thought for another time, she mused.

Glass cases held valuable dark arts objects that glittered in the dim light of the store. She browsed the jewelry section briefly before she was approached. A man with dark brown shoulder length greasy hair approached her with a look of disdain on his face. His sneer showed his teeth, which were yellowed and chipped.

He eyed her for a moment sending a sliver of revulsion through her body, before he spoke, "Mudbloods aren't welcome here."

Draco pulled his wand quickly, but Hermione placed her hand on his arm calmly, drawing some of Narcissa's magick into her, calming her even with the older witch's worry poking at her, "Now, now Draco. Mr. Borgin is a smart man." Draco lowered his wand, but his sneer was still on his face.

Mr. Borgin eyed her carefully and she pulled more of Narcissa's magick into her, anger flaring in her chest. His eyes widened slightly as he felt the shift in magick, "You have access to some dark powerful magic. That's not possible for a mudblood."

Draco snarled as he shoved them old wizard into his own display case, a few items that had been sitting on top clattered to the floor loudly, "Watch your tone."

Hermione smirked at the display, "I'm looking for something in particular, but I think I better deal with your better half. Caractacus Burke." Draco let the man go and stepped back behind Hermione, his confusion evident on his face.

Borgin straightened his shirt before frowning, "I'm afraid he disappeared a long time ago."

Hermione shook her head as she clasped her hands behind her back, her black cloak, elegant and long, flowing out behind her, "I think we both know that isn't the case. I think he'll be happy to help me, once I free him." She drew more of Narcissa's magick inside of her, loving the calming feeling it gave her, the strength it gave her.

Borgin frowned, his eyes darting to a black trunk near the corner of the room, "I'll be happy to assist you, Miss?"

Draco eyed her from behind Borgin's back and shook his head, warning her not to give her real name. She smirked at him, "Madame Black. Bellatrix's wife."

Borgin's eyes widened comically as he suddenly scurried towards the counter, "I-I-I didn't k-know that s-she married M-M-Madame Black. I can get whatever you like Ma'am."

Hermione couldn't deny the thrill that rushed through her body, the power she felt as she watched him cower before her. It was empowering, pun intended. She nodded, "I'm looking for a dagger. Its ancient and deals with blood magick."

He nodded and turned to open a cabinet behind him, "These are the ones I have in stock however if you can narrow it down, I can surely find something for you." She felt the magick pulsing out from the blades in front of her but only one caught her eye.

She recognized the runes that were etched into the blade. The pommel took the shape of a silver jackdaw skull which morphed into a black snake scale, slightly curved grip. Finger grooves were built into the grip at the time it had been made. It seemed to call to her, the green snake etched to look as if it were slithering between the runes on the double-edged serpentine blade. She reached out to it and wrapped her fingers around the grip gently, her fingers settling perfectly into the grooves, feeling the surge of familiar magick entering her hand. It was the Noble House of Black's magick that radiated from the beautiful dagger, with the Toujours Pur motto engraved in silver lettering on the scaly grip.

She nodded, "This is the one."

Borgin nodded, "For a great price-"

Hermione felt the dagger pulse in her hand, anger surging through her body as she used her free hand to grip the man's shirt, nearly yanking him up over the counter with a strength she didn't know she possessed, "This belongs to the Noble House of Black, do you really wish for me to tell my wife that you stole it from them?"

Borgin's eyes widened, the smell of his fear entering Hermione's senses. He quickly shook his head, "I-I-I didn't know. Please Madame Black…."

She let the man go, her breath heavy as she tried to understand what just happened. She couldn't feel Narcissa anymore and knew the woman would be panicking along with Bellatrix. She shook her head and tossed a small pouch of two hundred galleons on the counter, "I would like to be appraised of any new items that come into your shop that are of interest. Draco will be checking in from time to time."

Borgin nodded quickly, "Yes Madame. I'll alert you as soon as anything comes in. Thank you, Madame Black."

Hermione spun on her heel, tucking the dagger into her cloak and hiding it with a silent spell. She moved quickly out of the shop and headed back towards Diagon Alley as Draco hurried to keep up, his voice low, "What was that?"

She shook her head, "I don't know. The dagger, it just consumed me. I can't feel Narcissa right now and I know she'll be worried. We have to get back quickly."

"Oi, what are you two doing down here?" A familiar voice called out.

She grimaced as they stood at the entrance of Knockturn Alley, "Damn."

Draco groaned, "There's no way he won't tell Dumbledore you were down there."

She rolled her eyes at him, "I'll think of something." They turned to Kingsley Shacklebolt and Hermione eyed him carefully, "We were returning something lost."

Kingsley frowned at her, "Miss Granger I would like to warn you about the company you keep," his eyes darted to Draco.

She felt the need to protect him rise in her, forcing herself between Draco and Shacklebolt, "The company I keep is none of your business Kingsley."

Kingsley eyed her carefully for a moment, "Don't think we haven't forgotten about the World Cup Miss Granger." His eyes darkened slightly.

She knew what he was trying to do, trying to scare her. Make her think that they would charge her for it even though they had no proof that she cast it. She could feel the fear beginning to course through her now that the dagger's magick was fading. She glared at him as she felt his prodding on her mind, an angry hiss slipping between her teeth.

"You dare try to force yourself into my mind," She snapped loud enough to draw attention. Heads turned in their direction and took notice of the top Ministry official.

His eyes narrowed at her, "You're Occlumency is strong Granger, but it won't last against Dumbledore."

She shook her head, trying not to let her body shake with the mix of fear and anger, "That's a weak threat even for you Kingsley. Couldn't find something better to use."

The taller man straightened, "You'll be sure that this gets back to the headmaster Miss Granger. The company you keep has obviously been affecting you."

She glared at the man's back as he stormed away. She hated that she couldn't' just curse him right then and there. Unfortunately, this was not a good thing. Kingsley had basically just announced to all Diagon Alley that she was no longer one of the Golden Trio. Gossip in the wizarding world traveled faster than even the muggle worlds grapevine. By the time she and Draco returned home, everyone would be wondering which side of the war she was on.

She grunted and spun on her heel, her anger flaring again. She followed Draco silently as they finished up their last bit of shopping, her mood only growing darker as more looks were thrown her way, it had already begun. They stepped into the Leaky Cauldron and Tom the innkeeper smirked at her, nodding once before he returned to work. She raised an eyebrow at Draco, and he shrugged.

They moved towards the back room where the floo network was, but her arm was grabbed, a hand wrapping around her mouth. Draco spun around but he was shoved into the fireplace disappearing into the green flames. She struggled against the hands that dragged her up two flights of stairs and into a room near the end of the hall.

She was thrown across the room and she reached for her wand, only to find it missing, "Now, now Hermione. You of all people should be more careful."

She grimaced as she let out a sigh of relief, "Are you mental Sirius? Bellatrix and Narcissa are my mates."

Sirius smirked at her as he twirled her wand in his hand, "Ah, that explains why you reek of Black's."

She narrowed her eyes at him, a small smile playing on her lips, "Ha, ha. They are going to flip when I don't show up with Draco."

Sirius laughed, "Remus, she thinks I should be afraid of my dear cousins."

Remus stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist and his hair dripping wet, "I am." He crossed the room to place a kiss on Sirius's lips.

Hermione rolled her eyes even as she smiled at them, "What are you two doing here?"

Sirius tossed her wand back to her, "Haven't heard from Harry and we were getting worried. Last we talked to Severus he was tied up at the school but that was months ago."

She shook her head, "I have to get home. I've been cut off from Narcissa for too long. I don't need the Black sisters tearing down Diagon Alley to find me."

Sirius nodded, "We'll follow you."

Lupin smirked at her as he pulled a shirt onto his shoulders, "Family reunion of sorts."

Her head dropped back as she groaned, "Merlin help me." She dragged her feet out of the room, their laughter following her. They made it to the floo room, and she rolled her eyes as they accompanied her into the fireplace, "Malfoy Manor." As soon as the swirling green flames stopped, she hurried out of the fireplace, "You two are unbelievable."

Lupin grinned widely as he held Sirius in a dip, his lips lifting from his husband's, "What?"

She shook her head and threw her hands up in the air as Narcissa's voice called out, "Hermione!"

She left the two men and made her way out to the living room, spotting Draco in the far corner looking at her relieved. She shook her head, "Where's Harry?"

Harry entered the room, a mouth full of biscuit, "Yo."

She motioned to the door she had just entered from, "I was kidnapped by him."

Sirius smirked as he strode through the doorway, "I didn't kidnap you. I borrowed you my dear."

"Sirius!" Harry sprinted across the room and threw himself into Sirius and Lupin's arms.

Hermione shook her head, moving towards an angry Bellatrix. She wrapped her arms around the dark witch's waist, nuzzling into her neck and placing a kiss to the soft skin. Narcissa's body pressed into her from behind and she closed her eyes as she forced the last of her walls down, gasping at the rush of fear and worry that invaded her she stood straight.

"What happened? You said you would remain open." Narcissa pulled her back against her, kissing her cheek.

Hermione took their hands, "Come up stairs. I need a shower and we can talk." She led the way upstairs, as Harry, Sirius, and Lupin sat in the living room, catching up.

Once in their room Hermione pulled her cloak off, avoiding Bellatrix's offer to help. She didn't want the older witch to find the knife before Christmas. She began to explain what happened, their trip down Knockturn Alley, leaving out finding the blade. Bellatrix could only grin at the thought of Hermione being her wife, something that Hermione would think about later because that grin was too damn sexy to ignore for too long.

When she was done Narcissa's anger raged, "How dare he throw you to the wolves like that. If there had been any other Order members there, who knows what could have happened."

Bellatrix shook her head, her eyes wild and burning with anger, "They can't prove you did anything. Dumbledore would be an idiot if he tried to hurt you at Hogwarts."

Hermione scoffed as she entered the ensuite and stripped, "It's his school until McGonagall can take over. He can get around any enchantment the place has because he's the one to help put them there."

She stepped into the shower, groaning as the hot water hit her tense muscles and closing her eyes to enjoy it. She hated the idea of having to return to Hogwarts, mostly since she wouldn't be near her mates. She would still be able to feel Narcissa, but it would be dampened because of the wards that the school had around it. She would have to slip into the Forbidden Forest, if Narcissa would even allow her to do that, but then there was always Hogsmeade on the weekends.

Hands on her waist pulled her from her thoughts, dark blue eyes watching her, "When I lost that connection…"

Hermione rested her forehead against Narcissa's, the older witch not caring that her clothes were getting misted, "I swear I didn't mean to." She kissed the woman gently, sending waves of soothing reassurances through their bond. Narcissa smiled at her before slipping back into the bedroom.

Hermione knew that Bellatrix would need reassurance too but the fact that the woman wasn't already in here made her worry that she'd done something wrong. After a few more moments Bellatrix entered the room and closed the door behind her. Hermione frowned at the sound but shrugged it off when she didn't hear anything else. She washed her hair and was in the middle of rinsing it when she felt hands on her hips.

She looked over her shoulder at Bellatrix, wild black curls down fully and lips not so ruby. She turned in the woman's hands, her eyes involuntarily raking down the naked woman's form in front of her. Bellatrix Black was more gorgeous than she originally thought. Full round breasts, smooth pale skin littered with a few scars that looked to have been there a while. She ran her hands down the woman's sides to her perfect hips, ghosting her fingers along the woman's skin.

She stared into the dark eyes, seeing a flurry of emotions shinning in them. She pulled the woman closer, her eyes rolling back in her head as she finally touched Bellatrix's bare skin with her own. The older witch's arms wrapped around her neck, pulling her tighter in as their lips connected softly. Hermione's fingers dug into her mate's hips as her arousal surged through her body.

She hadn't yet been this intimate with Bellatrix. The last week they had been spending more and more time together. Getting to know more about each other, and Hermione was growing more and more comfortable with her dark witch. After the day she had, she need comfort, safety. She needed to be reminded that she someone actually cared for her since the connection to Narcissa had been lost for so long.

She slowly turned them, placing Bellatrix under the hot water, smiling when the woman moaned softly. She ran her fingers through the silky strands, chuckling as the curls remained even in the thick stream of water. Bellatrix smiled softly at her young witch, need to be close. Needing to feel the girl in her arms, under her body. She quickly turned the water off and pulled Hermione out of the bathroom, guiding her to the bed.

Hermione shifted into the center of the bed on her back, curious what Bellatrix needed as she opened herself fully to the older witch. Their magick's mixed and Hermione felt as if she was coming home, knowing it would only intensify with the mate bond being complete.

Bellatrix straddled Hermione's waist, sucking in a breath at her own heat that spread across Hermione's tight abdomen, "I don't know if I can control myself with you."

Hermione nodded, already having discussed this with Narcissa. She knew what Bellatrix needed and she had been thinking about it all week, trying to decide if she was ready. Now, having the beautiful naked woman above her, feeling the slick heat that she was responsible for creating, she knew she was.

She smiled at her dark witch, "I left something out about Knockturn Alley."

Bellatrix frowned as she leaned over her, placing her hands on either side of Hermione's head, worry settling deep in her chest, "What? Were you harmed?"

She chuckled, "No. I was shopping for a gift for you. I found something that I think belongs to you."

Bellatrix frowned, nothing coming to mind. Everything she ever owned was either taken by the Ministry or locked up in Black Castle. She cocked her heat at the girl beneath her, "What is it?"

Hermione grinned, "It was supposed to be a Christmas gift but…" She worried her bottom lip for a moment before holding out her hand and silently summoning the dagger from her cloak.

Bellatrix's eyes widened as a gasp slipped from her lips. Shockingly Hermione felt more of Bellatrix's heat drip to her stomach as the woman sat up, snatching the dagger out of her hand quickly. Hermione watched the soft vulnerable side of Bellatrix slip out as she ran her fingers delicately over the blade, tears forming in her eyes as she studied the dagger. The runes glowed a bright orange as Bellatrix's fingers touched each one.

Hermione frowned, sitting up to wrap her arms around her dark witch's waist, "Bella I'm didn't mean to upset you."

Bellatrix's cackling laughed filled the room, even as tears slipped down her cheeks, "You have no idea what this means to me my little Vixen." She shoved Hermione back to the bed, grinning wickedly as she held the blade against her mate's skin, the runes glowing a bright blue suddenly, "I will tell you all about this blade after we complete the mating bond."

Hermione's heart raced in her chest as heat gathered on her thighs. She nodded, keeping eye contact with Bellatrix. This was all about trust she knew, and Bellatrix was asking her if Hermione trusted her. For a moment Hermione tensed as Bellatrix moved the blade slightly, but as she watched the fire dancing in Bellatrix's eyes, she knew her answer.

Yes.

Yes, she trusted Bellatrix. The woman had been nothing but patient since they met. She hadn't left, hadn't pushed and had even hit Lucius with the Cruciatus curse in her defense. Bellatrix was extremely possessive and just as fiercely protective. Two of the things that Hermione had craved in her life. She would trust Bellatrix with every fiber of being, every piece of her soul.

Bellatrix gasped suddenly as all Hermione's emotions surged into her body. Her hands shook with the force, and she quickly sat the dagger on the bedside table. She struggled to breath against the overwhelming trust, love and devotion she felt coming from her young witch. So much that at Hermione's age Bellatrix knew that the girl shouldn't be feeling or even understand what it all meant. But Hermione did. She understood it and was giving it all to Bellatrix.

Without warning Bellatrix descended on Hermione's mouth, needing to taste her girl. Everything she had ever done had led to this moment and for once, she was glad she didn't force or push the issue. She moaned as Hermione met her force, knowing exactly what Bellatrix needed from her mate. She pinned Hermione's hands above her head, slowly raking her eyes down the girl's face, trying to imprint every little detail into her mind.

She continued and paused on the large scar crossing her witch's chest, the anger rising in her. Her Vixen had been harmed, had been nearly killed by another. Her little witch had defended a person she considered family and had nearly paid with her life for it. She couldn't shake the fear that coursed through her body as the images of that night filtered through her mind.

Hermione frowned up at Bellatrix, feeling the fear the woman had. She quickly flipped them over, not wanting to let Bellatrix lose herself in the unnecessary emotion, "Come back to me Hellcat."

Bellatrix ran her fingers down Hermione's face, needing to feel her mate, to know she was here, alive, with her, "I've never been so scared in my life." Hermione kissed her lips softly but remained silent, knowing Bellatrix needed to say this, to be vulnerable. "I thought we were going to lose you. I hadn't even had a chance with you, and you could have…" She felt the tears burn at the corner of her eyes as she stared up into the amber orbs that she had fallen in love with.

She gasped as the realization hit her. She was in love with Hermione. It wasn't as if she had been searching for it. She knew the mate bond existed, but she never thought she would actually care for the person. She had spent so many years not caring about anything, not feeling anything. She didn't even know what was happening and now, months later she was in love with her mate.

Hermione smiled before kissing her dark witch's lips gently, "I love you Bellatrix Black. Nothing is going to change that, and no one is going to take me from you."

Bellatrix felt her heart trying to explode with the words and emotions coming from her young witch. She growled as she flipped them back over, pinning her mate beneath her. She needed her mate now more than ever, "If I hurt you, say something."

Hermione nodded; words unable to form through the desire that was coursing through her body. Bellatrix crushed her lips to her Vixen, forcing the girl's mouth open to slide her tongue inside. She wanted to hold back, to take it slow, but need was quickly overpowering her better judgement. Something she had struggled with all her life. She had always taken what she wanted whether it was given or not. She refused to do the same with Hermione.

Bellatrix began to kiss across Hermione's jaw, nipping at the skin of her neck, groaning at the delicious moan that Hermione gave in response. She felt Hermione's pulse jumping under her lips, circling her tongue around the vein. She trailed her hand down her witch's body, letting her fingers glide through the slick heat she found.

She moaned into Hermione's ear, "You're so wet for me."

Hermione's hips bucked as her breathes turned to pants, "Always for you."

Those three words sent Bellatrix over the edge, her mind losing focus as she plunged three fingers directly into her mates hot dripping core. She couldn't clear the fog in her brain, didn't want to as she licked the shell of the girl's ear, "I need you inside love."

Hermione's body moved on instinct, her brain not firing properly with the increasing pleasure that Bellatrix was giving her. She didn't waste time to bury her own fingers into her dark witch's core, feeling the soft muscles instantly clench around her. Their thrusts were hard and fast, a need so powerful and deep that it was more primal than anything else. Bellatrix pulled back, needing to watch her mate come undone beneath her. she could feel Hermione's unspoken need for the same as the mate bond began to strengthen.

Their magick swirled into the air, enclosing them in their own magical bubble. Only they existed in this moment, in this time, this space. Their pleasure built in a rush, their body's glistening with the force they were using. A shimmering green light flickered to life around them but neither paid it much attention. Even as a red light appeared it didn't register as Bellatrix and Hermione moved in unison, meeting for a deep loving kiss.

Their emotions mixed, combining, not knowing where one ended and the next began. A pulsing energy circled them, not breaking the moment but seeming to draw them even closer. They separated with a need for air, resting their foreheads together as their peaks hit. With a strong deep thrust for both, they both flew over the edge, their cries carrying the others name, their bodies gushing the warm liquid around their mates' fingers.

They rode their orgasms down completely before they collapsed right where they were. Bellatrix tried to slow her breathing even as she rubbed her sweaty cheek against Hermione's equally slick chest, feeling the girl's pounding heart just beneath the surface. Hermione freed her hand and circled her arms around her lover, holding the woman tightly even as the bright mixing lights slowly dissolved from the room.

Their heavy breathing filled the otherwise silent room for a few moments while they calmed, relaxing together. Hermione trailed her fingers up and down Bellatrix's back, closing her eyes to lose herself in the combinations of magic swirling inside. It was slightly overwhelming, to feel Narcissa's soft comfort and then Bellatrix's protectiveness. It was almost too good to be true but at the same time she wouldn't change it for anything.

Her nervousness returned suddenly as her mind drifted, her walls rising instinctually. Would Bellatrix be angry at her for taking it so slow? Would the older woman be hard and rough with her from now on? If she needed comfort from one of her mates, would she be rejected?

Bellatrix pushed herself up as her mate closed herself off, "Hermione, look at me." When the girl didn't open her eyes, Bellatrix cupped her face in both hands, "Baby look at me." Hermione's eyes snapped opened, finding Bellatrix's worried gaze even as her dark witch frowned, "What's wrong?"

Hermione shook her head, forcing the tears to remain at bay. She would vehemently deny the way that one word made her feel until the day she died.

Bellatrix shifted slightly, laying her body along the entire length of the younger witch beneath her, "Talk to me. You're shutting me out."

Hermione frowned, taking a deep breath, "I'm sorry."

Bellatrix frowned in confusion, "For what?"

Hermione tried to speak, to tell Bellatrix what she was feeling but she couldn't get the words out. She forced her walls down, knowing the rush of emotions were going to hit her mate hard. She didn't want to keep quiet anymore. She wanted to tell her mates everything, to share everything with them.

Bellatrix's eyes widened slightly, sucking in a sharp breath at the pain the girl was experiencing. She shook her head quickly and kissed the girl deeply, "Whatever you need from us you will get my Vixen. Don't ever think we would turn you away. Even if I lose my temper, I will never turn you away."

Hermione nodded, not entirely convinced but she wanted to give it a chance. However, the dream kept attacking her mind, forcing her to get fixated on it, on the fact that they wouldn't choose her. She kissed Bellatrix softly, deepening it when the woman shifted slightly, pressing her heated center against Hermione's thigh.