Play with Fire

by Dovahkin63

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. (Part1 of Unholy Union, Hermione/Narcissa, Hermione/Bellatrix, plus more)

7. Yuletide Cruelty

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

I don't own Harry Potter.

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Hermione stood in front of the mirror on the back of her ensuite door, a grimace on her face. She really did not want to attend the Yule Ball. She didn't even want to step foot in Hogwarts again, as impossible as that sounded coming from her. Yes, she loved learning, no she didn't like Dumbledore. However, they went hand in hand at Hogwarts. She took a deep breath as the rush of Narcissa's and Bellatrix's calming magick entered her body.

She smoothed her hand down the deep wine coloured dress. The low back, off the shoulders dress fit her like a glove. Thankfully it dropped passed her knees but the long slit up the right side showed more of her thigh than she ever wanted to, thought she had a feeling this is what her mates had intended when they bought it. She rolled her eyes at the excitement her mates were pumping into her while pulling on her black robes.

She shook her head and made her way downstairs, meeting Draco just outside her door in the hallway. His jaw dropped, eyes going wide, "Is that you 'Mione?"

She narrowed her eyes at him, but Ron came to his boyfriends rescue, "You look amazing Hermione. Loving the hair."

She scoffed as she flipped a perfect curl over her shoulder, "You look handsome as well Ron." Ron's brand-new dress robes suited him, with their deep red insides while the outside remained black. His hair was slightly longer, and the red streaks seemed to almost shine through the thick black locks.

"Hey," Draco pouted, causing the other two to laugh.

Hermione followed the two boys down the hall to Harry's room, the door opening as the approached. Harry grinned at them, nodding at Hermione, "Beautiful Hermione." His black robes, also new, matched Draco's, all three-looking dapper in their tux's.

Harry offered Hermione his arm and she smiled at him, taking it with a subtle nod. None of them were happy about returning to Hogwarts so soon. Hermione was only going because Narcissa would be on her arm, though she was positive Dumbledore would have something to say about it.

Hermione's eyes found Narcissa and Bellatrix instantly as they began to descend the stairs. Bellatrix's jaw dropped as Narcissa's eyes widened, causing Hermione to smirk at her mates. She could feel their arousal through the bond and at that moment she knew Bellatrix had been right. She was feeling double everything.

She swallowed thickly as they made their way towards the fireplace, her arm slipping from Harry's and moving towards her mates, "Let's try to stick together as much as possible. Dumbledore might try getting one of us alone."

Harry nodded, his lip curling in disgust, "If he even goes near you tonight, Hermione, I'll hex him."

Narcissa scoffed, "If I don't beat you too it. I'll keep her on my arm all night."

Bellatrix pulled Hermione into her arms, "Be safe and do not find yourself alone at any point."

Hermione nodded, "I'll do my best. This will give me a chance to fill Minerva in as well. Severus said he hadn't seen her in a while." She kissed Bellatrix's lips softly before smirking at her, "I'll be sure to pass a few images along during the Ball."

Hermione hurried away from Bellatrix's blazing eyes as the woman tried to grab her, "Vixen."

She stepped into the fireplace with Narcissa and grinned at Bellatrix, "We'll be back as soon as we can Hellcat."

The green flames carried them to Hogwarts, and that is when she became nervous. She had an uneasy feeling as she stepped out of the fireplace with Narcissa and every eye in the hall landed on her. Ginny Weasley's eyes widened at her for a moment before the girl disappeared into the crowd of people. She found Fred and George grinning at her, but they began to move towards her, not away. Narcissa's hand rested on her lower back as the twins approached and Draco arrived with Ron.

"Hermione, you look great." George smiled politely at her.

She felt Narcissa's hesitation on top of her own as she smiled back at him, "You too. I didn't know you two could clean up so well."

Fred laughed as he shrugged, "We just don't like to do it much."

Draco and Ron approached them warily, but George pulled Ron into a tight hug, "Don't look so nervous Ronny. We're still your brothers even if Dad has lost his mind."

Ron's jaw dropped, "You knew?"

Fred hugged him for a moment before answering, "Of course we did. Dad has been off for a while. Ever since Molly left him."

Hermione took the opportunity to ask, "Where is Arthur?"

Fred shrugged, "I think he's in the Great Hall. He offered to chaperone with the other Order members."

Hermione nodded, "I should go. I need a moment with Professor Snape."

George and Fred snorted, "Don't tell us he's your father too?"

She grimaced as a wave of dread spread through her body, causing Narcissa to laugh, "No. He's not. I'll see you both later." She spun on her heel and moved through the hall, Narcissa keeping her hand on her back and calming waves sent through their bond. They stepped into the Great Hall and Hermione could feel the eyes on her every move. Unconsciously she stepped closer to Narcissa, the older witch automatically sliding her hand across her lower back to her hip, pulling her tighter against her body.

Hermione scanned the room and found Snape speaking with Moody, a frown on his face. Though for him that wasn't usual, she could see the tension in it. She led Narcissa across the wide-open floor, the tables having been magicked away to allow for smaller round tables, leaving a sizable dance floor in the center of the room. The ceiling matched the night sky with softly falling snowflakes. Ice sickles hung from the rafters, the drips making up the flames of the scattered candles floating around the room. Trees dotted the sides of the room, snow clinging to the branches magickly, so it wouldn't melt.

Hermione met Snape's eye for a moment before the man turned to Moody, making an excuse to move away. Narcissa pulled her to an empty area near the wall, pulling Hermione's back against her chest, wrapping her arms around her mate's hips from behind. She brushed her lips against Hermione's ear, "You're doing wonderful my little one."

Hermione smirked as Snape approached angrily, "I swear that imbecile is going to bore me to death."

Hermione snorted a laugh, "Tell us how you really feel Severus."

Snape grinned at her, "You look lovely tonight."

Hermione brushed a dusting of snow from his shoulders, "And you look handsome as always." She frowned as she felt a sudden surge of jealousy from Narcissa and quickly stepped back into Narcissa's arms, the hold tightening more than it had been before.

Snape sighed as he scanned the room, "Arthur is here. I've been avoiding him but he's adamant that he follow me all night. Save me a dance Narcissa."

Narcissa smiled at him politely, "From me or Hermione?" Hermione bit her bottom lip at the jealousy rolling from her mate.

Snape chuckled, "Both," before he moved further into the room.

Hermione frowned as she turned to Narcissa, "What was that?"

Narcissa's blue eyes were still on Snape's back as the man crossed the room, "I'm trying."

Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes, "And I thought I was going to be bad."

She moved away from Narcissa, but the woman caught her wrist, "Where are you going?"

Hermione laughed, "Drink. Would you like one?" Arousal began to gather between her thighs at the blush that crept of Narcissa's pale neck, the woman nodding bashfully. She groaned before closing the distance between them, not caring what anyone thought and kissed her mate softly. "I'll be right back."

Narcissa smiled widely at her before gathering her Malfoy air, holding her head high as she looked down her nose at everyone else. Her eyes tracked her mate across the room before Minerva McGonagall hurried to her side, "Malfoy we have a problem."

Narcissa frowned, "What is it?"

McGonagall frowned suddenly, "Where's Hermione?"

Narcissa's eyes darted back across the room to find her mate still standing at the drink table, speaking with Harry, "Drinks."

McGonagall frowned, "I don't have much time before he gets here. He knows that the bonding is complete. He's angry. I don't know what he'll do but you need to warn her. He's already tried getting the Ministry to intervein, but it was too late by the time he figured it out."

Narcissa's lip curled in disgust, "Did he really assume that he could stop our mating?"

McGonagall nodded, "Yes. Merlin knows what he's thinking now, but I'm positive he was the one that put Hermione's and Harry's name in the Goblet. I overheard Karkaroff complaining that his mark was burning, that somethings happening."

Narcissa caught the excited look on the older woman's face, "What do you know Minerva?"

The older woman's smirk darkened, "Wouldn't you like to know."

Narcissa glared at the older witch, before snapping angrily, "I would since it obviously involves my mate."

Minerva turned to Narcissa, her green eyes darkening dangerously, "You would be the cause of death to your mate if you knew what I know."

Narcissa jerked back, as if she had been slapped by the older woman, "She is my mate and I will do what I have to, to protect her."

Hermione frowned as her snapped around to find Narcissa, the extreme anger and possessiveness flaring through their bond. Harry frowned as he followed Hermione's eyes, "What is it?"

Hermione shook her head as she moved towards Narcissa, "I don't know but something is wrong."

"Miss Granger," An arm slid around Hermione's shoulders, and she was forced into the crowd on the dance floor, "I would like a word with you."

"Hermione!" Harry shouted as he struggled to push through the people surrounding him. When he broke free of the crowd, he felt his heart drop. He couldn't see Hermione anywhere. He ran through the Great Hall and exited it searching the faces, desperate to find his best friend. He snatched Neville's wrist, "Did you see Hermione come through here?"

Neville frowned at him as he shook his head, "No but then I just got here."

Harry frowned as he scanned the area one more time before he sprinted back into the Great Hall. He approached Narcissa quickly, "Narcissa, Hermione's gone. I can't find her."

Narcissa searched the bond and shook her head, "Where did you last see her?" Her anger flared wildly as she pushed passed Minerva and hurried towards the doors.

Draco and Ron rushed towards them as Harry spoke quickly, "Dumbledore intercepted us on our way to you. He forced her into the crowd, and I couldn't get through to them. It was as if everyone was preventing me from getting to her."

Narcissa's magick sparked between her fingers as Draco ran towards the Castle entrance, "I'll check the courtyard."

Ron started up the stairs, "I'll check the halls."

"Harry check Dumbledore's office," Minerva snapped as she gripped Narcissa's shoulder tightly, "I'll check the Gryffindor common room."

Narcissa nodded, "I'll inform Snape and have him search the dungeons."

Draco sprinted out to the courtyard, searching the few pairs of students that were hidden in the shadows. His heart was beating wildly as he hurried towards the dirt path that led further into the Hogwarts grounds. He hated that his mother was hurting but at the same time Hermione was his best friend and he didn't want her hurt either. He slowed as he saw Dumbledore and Hermione hidden in shadows.

Hermione jerked her arm free of Dumbledore's grip as they stopped near the Forbidden Forest, "Do you really think Narcissa won't notice I'm missing?"

Dumbledore's usual smiling demeanor was dark, a glare behind his halfmoon spectacles, "I warned you Miss Granger. You are meddling in things that do not concern you."

She scoffed, "Right and I just happened to end up in the tournament because I'm so athletic?"

Dumbledore grunted, "Those mates of yours will always leave you Granger. They will never choose you. Bellatrix has always been known for protecting her sisters, for always choosing them. Even over Voldemort."

She felt her blood run cold, her mind swirling with those same dark thoughts, the dream entering her mind quickly. But how would he know about her biggest fear? Her body tensed as Dumbledore smirked at her.

He moved around her, leaning close, his chin hovering over her shoulder as he whispered in her ear, "You are nothing to them. You are nothing to anyone. All this work to help your friends, to make them happy, is for naught. They won't choose you when the time comes, and you will die. You have no one and no matter what you do, you will always have nothing."

She could feel her anger bouncing around inside her mind. Her dream reaffirming everything the headmaster was saying. She knew he was trying to get under her skin, and damnit it was working. She couldn't deny that she agreed with him, but it didn't mean she had to show it. Instead, maybe she could knock him back a step or two.

"You honestly believe that I won't figure out what you are hiding? How did you change our birth certificates? Keep us suppressed?" She turned to smirk at his gasp and shocked face. "You think as the brightest witch of our age I wouldn't find the trail that leads back to you?" She clenched her fists, not wanting to give too much away but also loving the worried look that crossed his face.

He stepped away from her, smoothing his dress robes, and she could see him searching for a retort. Finally, he looked up at her, "Do you think your mates will want you after they find out how defiled you are?"

Her heart stopped.

Time seemed frozen as the headmaster grinned widely at her, "Yes, I know all about the Granger's and what He liked to do to you. I may have suggested some of it myself, to keep you in line." Dumbledore's grin widened darkly, "I think I'll inform Narcissa first, since she accompanied you this evening. Do enjoy the rest of the Yule Ball. The second task will be here sooner than you think." With that he spun on his heel and headed swiftly back to the castle.

Hermione couldn't feel her body as her mind raced with possibilities. How did Dumbledore know about her childhood? Had he been watching her the entire time? Was Harry right, had Dumbledore sent her to that muggle orphanage on purpose and made sure she was adopted by the Granger's? What did he gain for sending her to the muggle home she was raised in?

"Hermione?" Draco questioned softly, not liking the insinuation that he had heard in Dumbledore's voice.

She shook her head as tears slowly trailed down her face, her mind overloading with thoughts. Her chest tightened painfully, her breathing becoming labored. Her entire body shook as she closed her eyes, begging Merlin, begging anyone to end her now before her mates found out the truth. She wouldn't survive if they looked at her with pity, if they refused to touch her because of what was forced upon her.

"Hermione," Draco moved closer but didn't reach out for her, afraid she would push him away.

She opened her eyes slowly, feeling the cold breeze brushing against her skin. She forced her emotions into the box, forced herself to become numb. She forced herself to not feel anything, bringing her walls up and fortifying them against everyone and anyone. This was the reason she didn't let anyone in. This was the reason she refused to be vulnerable with anyone, to show anyone the vulnerable side of herself.

She took a deep breath before turning to Draco, "Let's go home. Dumbledore can keep his Yule Ball." She led Draco straight back to the castle before stopping at the fireplace, "Find the others and tell them I'm fine."

Draco shook his head, "You are not fine Hermione, and I'm not leaving you."

Her anger flared, her magic swirling around them, "You will do as I say Draco. Now go."

His eyes widened as Hermione's eyes turned black, her magic sparking between her fingers with loud pops. He nodded, "You'll be at home, right?"

She stepped into the fireplace, "Just go." She dropped the floo powder but only thought of the place she wanted to be.

Draco watched the green flames take Hermione away before he sighed, "Shit." He spun on his heel and ran towards the Dungeon, finding his mother and Snape just exiting the stairs, "I found her but it's not good."

Narcissa's chest tightened, "Did he hurt her?"

"Not physically, but…" He frowned at them, "I've never seen her like that before. He said somethings that…" He couldn't say them, couldn't betray Hermione's trust, "It wasn't good. I don't know if she returned to the Manor or not. Mum I've never seen her broken before."

Narcissa's anger flared as she ran up the stairs, "Find the others and get them home." She threw the powder into the fireplace before she shouted, "Malfoy Manor." The flames consuming her as she stepped into the floo network.

Narcissa frowned as she stepped into the silent Manor and shouted, "Bella?"

Bellatrix frowned as she exited the library, "What's going on? I don't feel Hermione."

"Did she return here?" Narcissa asked, already moving towards the stairs.

Bellatrix frowned, "I didn't feel her if she did. Why did she cut herself off from us."

Narcissa shook her head as she hurried towards Hermione's bedroom door, "She didn't. Dumbledore must have blocked it somehow."

Bellatrix's anger shook her body, "What happed Narcissa?"

Narcissa opened Hermione's bedroom door and felt her heart break slightly. Her eyes scanned the empty room, "I don't know. I haven't spoken to her since he forced her away from everyone. We must find her. Draco said it wasn't good when he found her." They separated and rushed through the entire house, searching for their missing mate.

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Hermione magicked her muggle clothes on, her black jeans tight against her skin, her black muscle shirt clinging to her body showing every little detail. She moved through Knockturn alley with a purpose as her anger continued to rage uncontrolled, her black robes billowing out behind her in her haste. She flung the door open to Borgin and Burkes wandlessly, finding the man cowering behind the counter.

"I'm looking for something," she started as she strode into the shop, "but unfortunately you can't help me."

Borgin frowned, "I can get what you need."

She shook her head, "I'm looking for Peter Pettigrew among others."

Borgin's eyes widened slightly, "He's gone underground. It's rumored that he knows the whereabouts of our Dark Lord."

She felt her lip twitch, "Where?"

Borgin shook his head, "I don't know. That's all anyone has gotten. He said there's some big plan but that's all I know. Fenrir might know more. He's friends with the rat."

"Bring him here," She snapped, "Now." Borgin nodded before disappearing into the back of the shop.

Hermione was in no mood to be kind. Her kindness had only gotten her hurt in so many ways, and there was only so much she could take. She had two weeks until school, this morning being Christmas and she wanted to get home. She hadn't returned home the night before, but she needed time, which meant she hadn't slept at all the night before. She needed to figure out how to approach her mates in a way that she may be able to fix whatever Dumbledore had done.

She had kept herself closed off out of fear of knowing what her mates would feel when the headmaster would tell them. She wasn't sure she could handle feeling it as it happened. So, she had waited, needing to compose herself and make sure that box was safely tucked away.

Borgin slipped through the curtain followed by a tall muscular man with too much hair on his face. His long dark hair streaked with patches of grey. His dark blue eyes eyed her carefully, "I was told someone was looking for me, but I wasn't expecting a child."

She glared at him, letting her magic pulse with her anger, "Not in the mood."

His eyebrows rose slightly, "Powerful and," he sniffed the air, "You are mated. Unusual."

She cocked an eyebrow at him, "Are you just going to stand here and sniff me?"

He shrugged, his eyes becoming amused, "I recognize those scents. If I'm not mistaking Narcissa Malfoy is one." He frowned and took the deepest breath he could, "It can't be…" His eyes widened in fear.

She smirked at him, "It is. Now are you going to help or hinder?"

He glanced at Borgin, and the shorter man nodded violently, "Madame Black here is looking for Pettigrew."

Fenrir shifted nervously, "Why?"

Hermione's anger spiked and three glass jars shattered behind her, "I don't think he wants to bring Voldemort back. I think he's trying to destroy him."

Fenrir's jaw dropped, "Wait why do you think that?"

She rolled her eyes in annoyance, "I have a need to bring Voldemort back and I spent all of last night looking for any possibilities of bringing him back. Everything says he will need the Boy Who Lived to be present, but Pettigrew hasn't even attempted to reach out to him. I have another solution to bring Voldemort back, but I need to find him in order to do that."

Fenrir looked impressed and Hermione rubbed her temple, "Help or hinder. Either way I will get what I want."

Fenrir grinned, "I like you Madame Black. Bellatrix is one lucky bitch."

She felt the rage explode through her body as she surged forward and gripped the front of Fenrir's shirt, slamming his back against the shelving units behind the counter. Her voice was dark, dangerous and raspy when she snapped, "Call her that again and I will Avada you after I torture you for weeks."

Fenrir's eyes were wide as he nodded quickly, fear oozing from his hairy body, "Yes ma'am. Won't happen again."

She released him, "Now get Burke out of that box. I need his help."

Borgin frowned, "But Madame-"

She spun on her heel and raised her wand at him, "He's the only one with knowledge of the ancient language I need. I only know so much, and he has another part of it."

Borgin cowered again as Fenrir nearly sprinted across the room to the black trunk, his face scrunching up slightly, "It's an undetectable Extensions Charm." After a few minutes the trunk opened, and Fenrir helped a tall thin man climb out of the trunk.

Caractacus Burke stretched his arms above his head, his long dark hair falling to the middle of his back. Loud pops echoed throughout the store, and he groaned in relief. His wild hazel eyes landed on her, a smirk pulling at the corner of his thin lips, "You knew I was there. How?"

She glanced at Borgin, the man seeming to fear Burke more than her at the moment. She raised an eyebrow at him, "You know what I need."

He nodded, a look of disgust slipping onto his face as he turned to Borgin, "If you'll allow me to deal with my business partner first?"

She shook her head, "No time. Borgin will remain here and continue the flow of ancient relics. You will accompany me back to Malfoy Manor, come Fenrir." Fenrir grinned as he hurried to follow her, grateful he wouldn't be left behind.

Burke sneered at his old friend, "I'll be seeing you soon Borgin." Borgin glared at him, his fear preventing him from moving. Hermione led them back up the street, moving slowly so Burke wouldn't be overwhelmed. As they walked, he spoke softly, "What does a girl like you want with our Dark Lord?"

She shook her head, 'You'll be given that information when and if it becomes necessary."

He grinned at her, "I like you. You don't back down and you don't cower. But then being mated to two of the Black sisters, you'd have to be."

She smirked as she entered the Leaky Cauldron, nodding to Tom before slipping through to the back room. She motioned for them to enter first before following them quickly. She stepped out of the fireplace into the Malfoy living room, everyone's wands pointing at Fenrir and the unidentified man.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Wands down." She avoided eye contact with Bellatrix and Narcissa as she moved towards the library. Fenrir hovered close to her as Burke limped along quickly. She pulled her robes off and tossed them on the back of the sofa in the library before turning to the table, "Kreacher." The elf appeared with a pop, and she smiled at him, "Would you get our guests some food please and drinks."

Once the elf disappeared Burke, who had been staring at the table, frowned up at her, "This is beyond most Hogwarts students Madame Black." Narcissa and Bellatrix exchanged confused glances as they hovered near the library doors.

Hermione nodded, "Which is why I came for you. I've hit a dead end."

Burke took a seat tiredly, "I can try but some of this is older than what even I know. However, if the Dark Lord is around then my knowledge can get the process started."

She nodded, glancing at Fenrir, "You are going to keep an eye on Borgin. I don't want him running. Mr. Burke here has a score to settle when I'm done with him."

Fenrir's mouth parted as he grinned, "My pleasure ma'am. I'll send word the moment I get anything."

Hermione nodded and moved towards her robes and pulled out a small pouch, turning to toss it to him, "This should keep you sated for now." Fenrir nodded before appariting away. She turned her attention back to Burke, "How long?"

Burke shook his head, "Longer if you keep distracting me."

She nodded and moved out of the room, Narcissa and Bellatrix following. Once in the living room she looked over at Sirius, "Ward it. No one gets in and out except Kreacher for food."

She moved through the manor towards the stairs. She made it into her room before Narcissa's voice stopped her, "Where the hell have you been?" Bellatrix closed the bedroom door behind her and leaned back against it, watching her mate and her sister.

Hermione shook her head, "It's been a long night."

"You're damn right it was. Hermione do not do this. We are your mates. Do not shut us out." Narcissa snapped.

Hermione turned back to her, studying dark blue eyes. She could only see anger and worry, but that shouldn't be all. She dropped a few shields and took in Narcissa's feelings of fear, worry, confusion, anger, not exactly what she was expecting. Had Dumbledore not told them? Suddenly she felt confused, her mind quickly trying to piece the night together. He had definitely affirmed that he was going to tell Narcissa about her past. Or had he been lying to keep her from her mates?

Bellatrix's loud snap yanked her out of her thoughts, "Drop your shields!"

Hermione frowned, shaking her head, "I-"

"Now Hermione!" Bellatrix snapped, dark eyes dancing with anger, dangerously on the edge of sanity.

Narcissa frowned, "Bella easy."

Bellatrix shook her head, "Get out Cissy."

For the first time Hermione felt real fear, fear of Bellatrix. She took a step back as the woman continued to move towards her. Narcissa hesitated for a moment, not sure if she should get between her sister and her mate. Bellatrix glanced over at her and Narcissa felt the threat aimed at her, hurrying from the room and warding it along with a silence spell.

Hermione frowned as she felt the fear flowing through her veins as Bellatrix advanced on her, "Now. Drop. Your. Shields." Her voice was low, dark.

Hermione struggled to do as asked, her body beginning to tense the way it always had. Bellatrix was right in front of her, lips inches apart, the woman's eyes darker than what they had been a few moments ago. She couldn't get her body, her mind to work properly. Bellatrix's fingers brushed across her cheek and Hermione flinched uncontrollably.

"Hermione let me in," Bellatrix said softly, hating the way her mate was cowering from her.

Hermione felt the soft probe of Bellatrix's magick and her walls were obliterated. She couldn't stop her mind from running through everything. What Dumbledore had said, images of what he had been referring to slithering their way through her mind without permission. The self-loathing those memories always brought with them reached an all-time high as she tried to slow the rapidly passing images. She couldn't breathe as she tried to stop them, to shove them back into that tight little box.

Bellatrix stumbled backwards with the sudden rush of emotions, the images flitting through her mind as clear as if they were her own. She sucked in a breath, trying to stop the nausea that began to roll around her stomach from what she was seeing, what she was feeling. She was vaguely aware of Hermione running past her and she quickly wrapped her arms around her mate's waist just as the bedroom door flew open.

Narcissa caught Hermione's flailing arms as the girl cried, struggling to get free. She couldn't stop the pain the girl was feeling even as Dumbledore's voice filtered through all their minds, Do you think your mates will want you after they find out how defiled you are?

Anger flared from both Narcissa and Bellatrix as they tried to hold a fighting Hermione. Bellatrix took an elbow to the ribs and with a grunt she nodded towards the ensuite. Narcissa nodded and caught Hermione's feet as they kicked out at her. Wandlessly Narcissa filled the bathtub with cold water, hating what they were going to do but needing to calm their mate. Bellatrix eased into the large tub, hissing at the ice-cold water, glaring at her sister for a moment before they dunked their mate under the water.

Hermione struggled not to gasp as the water rushed over her face, hands holding her in place until she stopped struggling. Those same hands yanked her up out of the water and she gasped as her hair hung in her face, plastered against her pale skin as she sucked air back into her burning lungs.

Bellatrix's arms were around her from behind as Narcissa leaned on the side of the tub trying to slow her breathing, "Bloody hell Hermione. You're stronger than I thought."

Bellatrix snorted a laugh, "She'd have to be to be mated to us."

Hermione's teeth chattered from the cold as she shook her head, tears still running down her face, "I'm so sorry."

Bellatrix tightened her hold, "Did you honestly believe we would reject you because someone did such horrible things to you as a child?"

At her nod Narcissa gripped the front of her wet shirt, jerking her up into her chest, "What part of mate's don't you understand little one? We aren't going anywhere." Narcissa crushed her lips to Hermione's as hard as she could, ignoring the shocked gasp from the girl.

Hermione couldn't stop her body from reacting to her mate, it was instinctual, natural to respond. She kissed the woman back with force, still fearing that they would turn her away. She felt their love encompass her entire being, soothing her wild emotions. Her body shook violently, forcing herself to pull away from Narcissa.

Narcissa rested their foreheads together, "Please, don't ever disappear again. I can't…" she shook her head.

Hermione felt guilt and horror at seeing the tears slowly sliding down Narcissa's cheek. She had never meant to hurt her mates, and while she had needed the space the night before she couldn't keep disappearing inside herself. She had two other people to think about now, two people that hadn't run from her, hadn't turned her away.

She took a deep breath, "Okay." Narcissa's eyes opened, the deep blue full of pain. She hated that she was the one to put it there and she would spend the rest of her life making it up to her mate, "I promise I won't disappear, but I can't promise I won't close off every now and then. I can't change overnight." Her teeth chattered together again.

Bellatrix brushed her lips against her young mate's ear, "We're not asking you too. We know it'll take time, but we will be right here with you the entire way."

Hermione nodded before asking weakly, as another violent chill shook her body, "Can I get out now?"

Narcissa stood, grabbing a towel off the counter, "Strip."

Hermione stripped out of her clothes quickly, desperate for warmth. She knew the older witches wouldn't use a warming spell. She could feel their need to be close to her as Bellatrix stripped from her own wet clothes. She was led to the bedroom, exhaustion pulling at her mind as she slipped under the covers. Bellatrix followed her, pulling Hermione tight against her body, sighing in content.

Hermione closed her eyes, feeling both of her mate's happiness and love surrounding her. The bed dipped beside her, opposite Bellatrix and she opened her eyes. Narcissa grinned at her before kissing her lightly, slipping down to rest her head on her mate's shoulder. Hermione let her body relax into her mates, as they held her tight between them, and allowed sleep to take her.

.

The next week moved too fast in Hermione's opinion. She was locked in the Malfoy library with Burke more than she was with her mate's during the day, but at night she spent hours lying in bed with her mate's. They talked about everything, her mind slowly working on not closing itself. She had only closed herself off from them a few times over the week, mostly when her emotions were heightened.

Which was now, because of course both Narcissa and Bellatrix were out, running down a lead on Voldemort's whereabouts and she was getting nowhere with Burke, "There has to be more to it."

Burke shook his head, his pale complexion looked healthier than it had the week before. His hair was clean, and his face was clean shaven as his hazel eyes sparkled with amusement, "This is all I can decipher. The rest of the language was lost long ago, back when Dumbledore fought Grindelwald."

She pinched the bridge of her nose as her anger flared, "Every time I turn around…." She slammed her hands down on the table as a glass vase shattered behind her, "What else have you got Caractacus?"

Burke smirked at her, "If anyone else called me that…" She narrowed her eyes at him as the lights around them flickered, in no mood to joke. He cleared his throat quickly, "Right. From what I gathered the prophecies you're looking for are in a separate area from the others. Heavily guarded, spelled, warded, blah, blah, blah. The Ministry has been trying to destroy them for the last fifteen years."

She frowned, knowing what she knows about prophecies, there was no way to destroy them except by the person the prophecy is about. Meaning she or her mates would be the ones that could destroy theirs. She frowned as she tried to think, "Getting to it? Other than the traps around it."

Burke sighed and threw three parchments on the table, his annoyance at the problem on display, "Think of the Room of Requirements but it moves. Never knowing where it's located but never being in the same place twice every year. Making the same rounds but never in the same order."

Hermione groaned, her head dropping as her mate's worry reached her. She couldn't sooth them as her anger flared even more, "Why is he always one step ahead!" She shook her head and left the library, needing to blow off steam.

She made her way out to the back gardens finding Harry twirling his wand, "I thought you might need a distraction when the lights started flickering."

She grimaced at him, "Just when I think we're getting close…" She shook her head drawing her wand, "How are we going to survive being in that school with him?"

"Stupefy!" Harry shouted, his stance firm.

"Protego!" She called lazily.

Harry sighed, "We could kill him and be done with it."

She glared at him, "Now you sound like Bellatrix." She cast a silent Bombarda, and he ran for cover as a hedge exploded.

Harry popped back around his cover with a wicked grin, "Let's do this."

Hermione smirked as they raised their wands. The battle began as they cast spells, silently, loudly, and even wandlessly. They sprinted through the garden, the hedges making for great cover, at least until they were blown apart. She knew Narcissa would probably kill them both for it, but it was worth it. Her anger was slowly being dispelled as they dueled, their laughter filling the air, although hers was sounding more and more like Bellatrix's cackling laugh as they weaved through the garden.

She was breathing heavily, sitting with her back against cool stone, as she leaned her elbows on her knees, trying to catch her breath as Harry's voice called out from somewhere, his voice just as breathless, "Stop hiding Hermione!"

She wiped the blood from her forehead and chuckled, "I'm not the one hiding Potter! You just don't know how to find me." She peeked around the stone half wall she was behind and spotted movement to her left. She took off in a sprint as she shouted, "Stupefy!"

Harry dove out from behind the hedge he was hiding behind and shouted, "Bombarda!"

The stone fountain next to Hermione exploded and Hermione felt herself being flown through the air. She gasped as her right side landed painfully hard on the stone bench near the fountain, the loud snaps echoing through her body, before tumbling to the ground with a grunt. Pain exploded through her ribcage, and she knew some were broken. Her muscles were tensed as she laid staring up at the sky, the sunset almost over.

Harry ran towards her, dropping to his knees beside her, "Hermione are you alright?"

She laughed then clutched her side in pain, "Ow, don't make me laugh."

Harry sat back as he grinned, "I thought I killed you."

Hermione shook her head before looking over at him from her position on the ground, "Thanks Harry. I needed that."

He smirked at her, "Well we are used to battle I guess." He shifted to lay next to her, staring up at the starry sky, "What do you want to do about returning to Hogwarts?"

She sighed heavily, "We have to go back. Being fully mated to Bellatrix and Narcissa they'll know if he does something. They'll come right away. Plus, we have Severus, he won't let anything happen to you and Ron."

Harry nodded, "Draco will be fine too, but I'm worried about you. How are you going to do away from your mates?"

She groaned internally. How was she going to survive being away from her mates for weeks on end? She could barely handle a day without them now. She also couldn't sleep unless they were in bed with her, which Bellatrix was constantly reminding her. She always had to wait until Bellatrix returned home before she was relaxed enough to sleep. She was afraid she would begin to lose her temper more often, not that it wasn't happening already, but she knew at the end of the day she would have her mates in her arms, which helped calm her.

Harry chuckled, "I'm honestly surprised your mates haven't shown up yet."

Hermione frowned agreeing with him. She searched for the connection but realized in her excitement, she had closed off from her mates without consciously doing it. She sighed and opened herself completely, wincing as her mates worry and fear surged through her body.

"Run Harry. Their coming." She snapped, laughing when Harry disappeared, not wasting anytime sprinting back towards the Manor. She could feel her mates anger growing as her pain flowed through to them, even though she was desperately trying not to let it through. She really was having a harder time keeping anything from her mates.

She slowly pushed her way up to her feet and grimaced at the destroyed garden, quickly setting to work in repairing everything. Bellatrix's voice rolled through her mind, the woman's anger nearly shoving it into her mind, Where are you?

She smirked as she sent an image of the repaired garden to her, easing herself down onto the same bench that had broken her ribs. A cool breeze shifted through garden, stinging her face slightly with the chill. She could hear the clicks of Bellatrix's boots and Narcissa's heels on the stone pathway, growing louder as they neared. Her heart rate seemed to spike with every soft click. She was afraid of their anger but knew they would never hurt her, at least not….

She shook her head and quickly shoved the rest of that thought into the back of her mind, behind a wall she permanently kept in place. A wall that she would never drop until she knew if her dream was going to come true. Narcissa's gasp pulled her from her thoughts, and she stood slowly, unable to hide the wince of pain from her face, "I can explain."

Bellatrix eyed her carefully, "What happened? Why were you closed off?"

She frowned at her dark witch, "I don't know."

Bellatrix raised an eyebrow, a smirk pulling at her ruby lips, "You don't know how this happened?"

Narcissa's wand moved down Hermione's body, "Three broken ribs and a few deep bruises, no internal bleeding."

Hermione kissed Narcissa's cheek softly, "I don't know how I closed off. I was open until Harry, and I started dueling. I didn't even realize it until he mentioned that he was shocked you two weren't here yet."

Narcissa shook her head, "You know we don't like when you guys' duel without us home."

Hermione nodded as she leaned into the older witch's body, "I needed to blow off some steam. My magick was beginning to affect the entire house."

Narcissa's arms wrapped around Hermione's waist, pulling her mate into her body. Needing to feel her, feel that she was safe, "Let's go inside."

Hermione walked between her mates as they made their way back to the manor. Harry was on the sofa, his face dirty and his clothes ripped slightly as Severus was reprimanding him. Hermione snorted a laugh, catching her friend's attention. Harry smirked at her knowingly as his eyes darted to Narcissa and Bellatrix. Hermione nodded, understanding his unspoken question.

Hermione pulled Narcissa to a stop and kissed her lips lightly, "Heal Harry. He's not as bad. I'll wait for you in the bedroom." She kissed the older witch once more before heading upstairs, Bellatrix on her heels.

Once in the bedroom Bellatrix frowned, "I don't like you being in pain."

Hermione eased her hoodie overhead, hissing in pain, "I don't like being in pain, but this is nothing compared to what I've been through. I really am sorry Bellatrix."

Bellatrix crossed the room to her with a frown, "Why do you think it's happening?"

Hermione frowned, remaining silent as her shirt was pulled over her head by her dark witch. She had been thinking about that but hadn't really come up with an explanation. Bellatrix nodded, having heard her thoughts through the open connection. Without warning Bellatrix crushed their lips together. Hermione could feel the woman's worry, trying to sooth her as she stumbled backwards towards the bed.

She fell back, breaking the kiss and stared up at her mate, Bellatrix's voice low and rough, "Hermione I…"

Hermione frowned seeing the hesitation on Bellatrix's face. She eased into her mate's mind and saw the images flashing through her mind, the need to take Hermione was becoming overwhelming but the woman didn't want to hurt her. Hermione knew there was a dark desire in Bellatrix, something that she need to let out.

Hermione took a deep breath before she shifted further up onto the bed, trying to settle her fear. She knew that Bellatrix would never go to far, would never hurt her more than needed, but it still terrified her. To put so much trust into someone, to allow that person to draw a blade across her skin and no that it would never be to hurt her, it was something she had never thought she would allow. However, seeing the pain on Bellatrix's face as the older woman tried to hold back, tried to give Hermione everything she need while denying her own needs, was painful to say the least.

She wanted to give her mates whatever they needed, whatever they desired and opening herself to them fully, trying not to close off had been the first step. Did she trust Bellatrix to not go too far? Yes. Did she trust herself to not freak out? No, but that was the point wasn't it. To put her trust into someone that she loves and cares for, to accept every part of Bellatrix. The good and the bad. To love Bellatrix was to love all of her, even the more sadistic side of the dark witch.

She knew Bellatrix didn't want to force her, but she could also see the woman was beginning to lose control. At first, she had thought it was only because Bellatrix didn't trust that she wouldn't run off again as she had the night of the Yule Ball, but now she was seeing that it was something else entirely.

Silently she summoned the dagger she had bought Bellatrix for Christmas, although it really was like returning it to her. Bellatrix's eyes became glued to the weapon that Hermione held out to her, and Hermione could see the fire of desire burning in the dark eyes. She passed the dagger to Bellatrix, their eyes meeting.

Hermione trusted Bellatrix, with her life, but as she searched the woman's mind, she realized that Bellatrix didn't believe it. She needed to show Bellatrix that she trusted her, accepted every part of her, even if it was going to take time. She waved her hand, silently vanishing their clothes to the floor.

She let her eyes take in the older woman's body. The full breasts, the rosy nipples, the pale skin that was littered with a few light-colored scars. The woman was beyond gorgeous, and Hermione's breathing hitched as the woman stepped onto the bed above her, spreading her legs before lowering down to straddle her hips. There was a dangerous gleam in Bellatrix's eyes, something that Hermione had never seen before. She could feel her walls trying to close herself in, to stop her fear from getting through to her mate.

Bellatrix cocked her head slightly, "Do not shut me out. I need to know if I'm hurting you." Hermione nodded and forced the walls, that were struggling to form, back down. She felt Bellatrix's love, her promise to go slow and be gentle this first time. She could also feel the gratefulness of allowing her what she needed.

Hermione looked down, seeing the bruise on her side already appearing, before following Bellatrix's movements. The older woman leaned over Hermione's body, placing the cold steel blade against her warm skin just beneath her jaw, the runes glowing a bright red, "I love you Hermione. I know there's something you are keeping from us."

Hermione's body tensed instantly. Her mind was racing with thoughts trying to focus on everything but what Bellatrix was talking about. She could feel her control slipping.

Bellatrix froze, the blade at the base of Hermione's throat with a sudden bright blue glow coming from the runes, "Shh, little witch. I'm not going to punish you."

Hermione could feel Bellatrix's sincerity through the bond, and it allowed her body to relax slightly.

Bellatrix's eyes focused on the blade, the runes glowing a bright green, as she dragged it down Hermione's chest, feeling the magick pulsing through her hand from the dagger. She had never denied that she needed pain when having sex. She loved inflicting it, seeing the pleading in her victim's eyes. It thrilled her more than anything else ever had. She would Cruico someone and it would give her such a rush that she would need to release it with wild sex. Not that she always had that option, until now.

She knew she needed to be careful with her young mate, however. Not push her too fast or hurt her more than what the pleasure could cover. She would never want to hurt her mate, not like that, but showing that pain and pleasure could go hand in hand was a world that she wanted, needed, to introduce her mate too.

Being with Hermione for the first time was an eye-opening experience. She had never gotten off without pain before, and yet Hermione had given her so much more pleasure than she had ever experienced with pain. The only difference, orgasming without pain she found herself needing to be held, to be cared for. With pain she didn't need anything, she could easily force herself to move and return to whatever she was doing.

She paused, the tip of the blade near her lover's rosy nipple. She hated being vulnerable, hated showing the weaker side of herself, but it came so naturally with Hermione. The girl didn't turn her away, didn't mock her. Only held her tighter and whispered soothing words mixed with love. She hadn't even realized it until now.

She looked up into her mate's eyes, seeing the trust watching her. Hermione trusted her, with her life, with her body, with everything. Hermione trusted her. She didn't want to believe it after she had seen everything the girl had gone through in her life but now… Now she could see it plain as day, it was written all over the girl's face.

Without a word she sat the dagger on the bedside table causing Hermione to frown, "Bel-"

Bellatrix silenced her mate with a soul searing kiss, deepening it as she stretched her body along her mate's. There would be time for play later. Right now, she needed her mate, needed to show her mate how much she was loved and cared for. She felt her own heat coating her thighs as she broke the kiss to catch her breath.

She smiled down at her young witch, "I need you, please. Hermione, please take me."

Hermione nodded and three fingers slid deep inside her. Bellatrix moaned as she dropped her forehead to her mate's shoulder, spreading her legs further. She thrust her hips down onto Hermione's fingers, before pulling back with a frown. Hermione's frown was deep when she spoke, "What's wrong Bellatrix?"

Bellatrix pulled back slightly, "I want to be inside you Hermione. I want to feel you around me."

Hermione's eyes widened slightly, "I've heard that spell can go so very wrong."

Bellatrix snorted, a smirk dancing on her lips, "Been reading up on it have you?" Hermione's blush reached the tops of her breasts and Bellatrix growled at the delicious sight, "Hermione, I've done it before. I promise it's safe, but if you don't-"

Hermione shook her head, "It's not that I don't want to."

Bellatrix smiled as she felt her mate's worry, the reason she was worried. She leaned up on her knees and silently cast the spell, closing her eyes slightly as the extra appendage grew out from her body. She opened her eyes, finding her mate's eyes watching in awe, "Being with me will be different than anything you know. We'll go slow and the moment you want to stop you tell me. Out loud."

Hermione nodded and laid back against the pillows, a slight nervousness slipping through her desire. Bellatrix eased herself down onto her mate, allowing the girl to feel the new flesh between them. She nodded at Hermione as the girl reached for it. Without warning a moan ripped from her lips as Hermione's hand wrapped around her. Shock reverberated up her spine at the sensation.

Yes, she had done this before, but it had never felt like this. Pleasure ripped through her body forcing her to shudder. She wanted to know if it was only because she was with her mate, or from their bond… Then she felt Hermione lining up the tip of it to her soaking core and every thought she had disappeared. Her mind went blank as she stared down at her mate, locking eyes as Hermione nodded.

She eased slightly into the girl, swallowing thickly as the tight warm walls clenched around her. She paused, knowing the girl needed to adjust to being stretched. She couldn't take her eyes off her mate, seeing Hermione's eyes widen slightly, pleasure covering her face. She pushed a little further in, stopping only when Hermione's breath hitched slightly. After a moment Hermione nodded again and she pushed the rest of the way into her mate.

The moan rolled up her chest, through her throat, and escaped between her lips as she felt Hermione's body reacting to her. She searched the young witch's eyes for any discomfort but only saw desire. Hermione's fingers slid down her sides, the feather light touch leaving goosebumps in their wake, before they stopped on her hips.

Bellatrix smiled as she kissed her mate, their tongues dancing together as she pulled herself nearly all the way out before slowly easing back in, breaking the kiss to check Hermione's face. She could feel the girl's pleasure through their bond, but she knew the girl was good at hiding certain emotions, but it always showed in her eyes. She was excited when she was met with love in the amber eyes that stared back at her.

Hermione chuckled, "You okay?"

Bellatrix smiled softly, a warmth spreading through her chest, "I'm in love with you Hermione."

Hermione's eyes widened and Bellatrix thrust back inside her, hitting deeper than before. She couldn't think as pleasure began to rush through her system, her body meeting every hard deep thrust that Bellatrix made. She dug her nails into her mate's back, dragging them down the pale smooth skin, knowing she would be leaving marks. It pulled a deep moan from Bellatrix and Hermione felt her peak rushing closer.

Her eyes rolled back in her head as her orgasm bulldozed her body, tightening every muscle, even ones she didn't know she had. Her breathing disappeared completely as Bellatrix screamed her name, her own orgasm hitting as she buried as deep as possible into Hermione's body. Hermione couldn't stop herself from biting down on the side of Bellatrix's neck, muffling her own cries of pleasure as Bellatrix began to thrust into her again, her legs wrapping around her mate's waist to hold the woman tighter.

A growl rolled from Bellatrix's throat at the feeling of Hermione's bite, the primal need to be claimed making her body explode with even more pleasure. She loved pain and pleasure, that was no secret and for her mate to know exactly what she needed only sent her higher, her mind losing all focus on everything except her mate's body wrapped around her own.

Hermione couldn't deny the slight pain she was feeling as Bellatrix went harder, deeper, faster but she also couldn't stop the rolling waves of pleasure that it was bringing her. Knowing that her mate had lost herself in their lust, their desire, was more than she could ever hope for even as another powerful, earth-shattering orgasm rocked both their bodies.

Bellatrix's body collapsed on top of her, both breathing heavily as their hearts raced. Hermione wrapped her arms around her mate, running her fingers up and down Bellatrix's back, fingers sliding through the thick coat of sweat they had both worked up.

Bellatrix grunted, "Why don't you call me Bella?"

Hemione frowned, caught off guard with the vulnerability in her dark witch's tone, "I didn't think you wanted me to." She could feel the confusion through the bond, and she shook her head, "I'll call you whatever you want. I love you."

Bellatrix's head popped up quickly, a smile crossed her face, "I love you too baby." Hermione groaned as her arousal soared and Bella's lips landed on hers, warning her of another round of lovemaking incoming.

Which Hermione was perfectly ready for.