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 paced back and forth in the kitchen as Severus tracked her with his eyes. They were due to head back to Hogwarts that morning, but it had been three days since he had taken Hermione's and Harry's blood, and they were anxiously awaiting the results of the blood test. Hermione couldn't decide if she wanted to be Voldemort's child or not but at the same time at least she would get the answers that she needed. Was she left without a care? Was she not wanted? Why was she not raised by her obviously magical parents?

She had gotten awake early that morning, leaving her mates to continue sleeping in their bed. Severus had been staying there with Molly, their relationship rekindling after the fiasco with Arthur and the love of their son. Though now Harry was grouped as their sons and Hermione couldn't be happier for the family. Harry and Ron were quickly growing closer to Severus, even having slipped a few times to call him dad.

The first time Hermione had heard it she had nearly choked to death on the mouthful of dinner Molly had made. Bellatrix and Narcissa had instantly tried to help, their fear and worry making her body tense while she had tried to dislodge the food. Harry and Ron had only burst into laughter while Draco and Lucius struggled to hide their laughter behind their cloth napkins. Her face had flamed as red as Molly's hair as she excused herself to the kitchen to catch her breath.

She had already become closer to her mate's, finding it easier to keep the bond open. Bellatrix had been a shock after they had fully bonded and used the spell on Bellatrix that the woman loved so much. The dark witch had become increasingly clingy and, while Hermione wasn't complaining, she felt herself becoming more needy as well. She was extremely worried about how it would affect them when she returned to Hogwarts and the two tasks that were left.

Severus grimaced, "Hermione I can feel your magick pulsing, which is now more powerful than before. Breathe."

She crossed her arms over her chest, turning to him, "I'm worried."

"Obviously," he raised an eyebrow at her.

She narrowed her eyes at him, "Not about that. Severus I'm getting more and more…" she frowned as she searched for a word, "Attached… To Bellatrix and Narcissa. It's making me anxious to be away from them, to not be able to reach out and touch them."

He smiled at her, "That's the bond."

She shook her head and leaned her hip on the counter, "It feels different than it did when it was just Narcissa. I mean I know it would be stronger, but this feels…Different and I'm not sure if it's in a good way."

Severus frowned, concern creasing his brow, "You completed the bond with Bellatrix last week, right?" At her nod he began to pace the length of the room, "When did this feeling start?"

She smirked as she thought about the first time Bellatrix had made love to her with… She frowned, "Maybe the last week. After the Yule Ball but before you took our blood."

Severus frowned, "And you three haven't fought? Argued? None of you left for an extended period of time while mad at each other?"

She shook her head, "No. We've barely separated for this past week. It's like when one of us tries, a few minutes later we need to be back in the same room, touching."

He frowned, "It could be because the bond knows you are going to be separated. It could be trying to force a stronger connection to protect you."

Hermione frowned, "But why now? Why not when the bond first began."

Severus paused to open his mouth but the sputtering of the cauldron on the stove drew their attention. Hermione moved closer as Severus took a piece of parchment and submerged it into the reddish green liquid. They watched as the liquid soaked into the parchment, emptying the cauldron. Severus carefully placed the parchment on the counter flat and sighed, "Now we wait for another few minutes."

Hermione stared at the floor, "Will it show me who both parents are?"

Severus shook his head, "No. Just if you and Voldemort are related by blood and how. If he's your father, uncle, cousin. I can run another one for that though. If you'd like."

Hermione hesitated before shaking her head, "Let's deal with this first. Later we return to Hogwarts, and I have so much to keep hidden already."

Severus pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly, "You aren't alone anymore Hermione. You are loved and cared for. I'm already handling the Ministry for you, so you won't have to return to the Granger's ever again. You'll be living here if that's okay with you."

She buried her face into her shoulder, "Thank you Severus. Just so you know, you've been like a father to me, and I love you."

Severus felt his heart swell as he tightened his hold on the young girl in his arms, "I love you too Hermione. I'll always be here for you." He kissed the top of her head with a smile. They remained in the embrace until there was a soft hiss from the parchment on the counter. He pulled back to look into her watery amber eyes, "Are you ready?"

She took a deep breath before nodding, "Yes." They turned together and stared down at the words, a soft gasp slipping from her lips.

"What's going on in here?" Narcissa's cold voice sounded behind them. Hermione couldn't take her eyes off the parchment, even as she felt her mate's magick trying to slip past her walls. "Hermione?"

She slowly picked up the parchment with shaking fingers, treating it as if it would crumble at her touch. She turned to her mate, "Voldemort is my father."

Narcissa's eyes widened, "So it's true."

Severus nodded, his arms hovering slightly behind the young witch beside him, afraid she might faint, "Yes. The blood test doesn't lie."

"This makes our mate a target," Bellatrix snapped angrily as she slid into the room, eyes dangerously dark again. "This is not good. It may not be wise to let her return to Hogwarts."

Hermione shook her head, "I have to Bella. Dumbledore will suspect something if I don't. We all know he had something to do with me being placed in the muggle orphanage. Which means he knows what happened to my mother. Right now, I have the tasks to focus on, but I want to know who she was."

Severus frowned, "Dumbledore believes it was Alecto Carrow. She was in your home at the time that you were taken, and she was found dead when the Dark Lord returned there before he went after Potter."

Bellatrix grimaced, "I really hope that's not true."

Narcissa nodded, "Don't get us wrong, Alecto was a friend but…"

Hermione felt the revulsion rolling through the bond and she felt her heart clench in pain. If Alecto was her mother would that be the reason? That they wouldn't choose her? She instantly jerked her walls up, not wanting to feel their revulsion and them to not feel her heartache. She shook her head and turned from mates as they frowned at her worriedly.

She shook her head, "I have to pack. Burn this so no one finds it. For now, it's best if only the four of us know the truth. Speculation won't matter to anyone that isn't Dumbledore." She dropped the parchment on the counter and hurried out of the room, heading up to the bedroom to pack.

She enjoyed packing her truck normally. Letting her mind focus on her activity instead of the pain that had been brought to the surface in the kitchen. She knew she was being irrational, that she should just ask them out right but the habits that she had spent her lifetime building were hard to break. She had already made a lot of progress over these last two weeks, but some things were still a work in progress.

As she shut her trunk Bellatrix entered the room, "What's wrong?"

She had managed to shove the pain into the box with everything else by the time she was done packing so when she turned to Bellatrix, she opened herself again, "Nothing why? I was just finishing my packing. I need to make sure Draco and Harry are ready."

Bellatrix shut the door, blocking her exit, "You're lying to me. We felt the pain right before you closed off. Talk to me baby."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at her mate. Ever since Bellatrix had discovered Hermione's reactions to that one word the woman constantly used it to her advantage. It wasn't just that she couldn't resist giving Bellatrix whatever she wanted when she said it. It also turned her on like nothing else when it was said between those ruby lips, a dark smirk dancing on said lips.

She groaned as she shook her head, "That's not fair."

Bellatrix's dark smirk widened before it shifted into a pout, dark eyes widening slightly, "Please baby."

Hermione growled uncontrollably as she surged into the woman's body, lips meeting hard as their tongues met in a choreographed duel before she jerked back breathlessly, "If Alecto is my mother would you both reject me for it?"

Bellatrix's eyes widened as her jaw dropped, "Baby no." Her voice grew harsher than she meant as she wrapped her witch in her arms, "No. We would never reject you for anything. You know this. I love you, Narcissa loves you and we will do everything in our power to keep showing you how much we love you."

Hermione nodded, kissing her dark witch softly, "I know. It just happened so fast, I couldn't…"

Bellatrix nodded, "I expect letters from you. Keep practicing on closing yourself off but allowing us in and please, for the love of Merlin, be safe."

She grinned as she nodded, "I promise. You'll be at Hogsmeade right?"

Bellatrix nodded even as she ran her lips across her mate's jaw, "Always." She trailed her lips down Hermione's neck, smiling against the smooth skin as the younger witch moaned. She scrapped her teeth over the jumping pulse in her mate's neck before clamping her teeth down on the skin, sucking it into her mouth as she increased pressure. She knew her mate liked to bite, after that mark on her own neck still hadn't disappeared yet.

Keeping her witch's skin between her teeth she spoke quietly, "Don't forget who you belong to." When she pulled back, she kissed the girl deeply before finally stepping back, "Please don't close me off. I can't be there like Cissy can."

Hermione nodded, "I promise I will try. I love you, Bella."

Bellatrix grinned, "I love you too." They kissed again, taking it deep and slow, neither wanting to pull away.

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Hermione grimaced as she stood with her family. Every eye in the Platform was on her and she could feel her self-consciousness rearing its ugly head. Neville was frowning deeply at her, his eyes darting between her and Narcissa. She raised an eyebrow at him, daring him to attempt anything but he quickly shook his head and disappeared onto the train. Fred and George approached her quickly wearing matching smirks.

"Hermione," George wrapped his arms around her tightly, lifting her off the ground and into a spin making her squeak. "We have so much to catch up on."

Narcissa glared at the boy, her lip curling up in sneer, "Put her down."

The moment Hermione was back on her feet, Narcissa's arms wrapped around her from behind, jerking her back into her body. Hermione smirked as the blonde nuzzled her neck, after moving her hair out of the way. She raised an eyebrow at the twins as she settled back into her mates embrace, feeling Narcissa's possessive side coming out to play.

She cleared her throat before speaking, "Now what are you on about?"

Fred nodded at Narcissa, "No harm meant Lady Black."

Hermione raised her eyebrow, "Black? I thought you were still Malfoy?"

Narcissa kissed Hermione's neck before brushing her lips across the shell of her young witch's ear, "I'll explain later little one." She placed another kiss on the girl's neck, feeling the girl shiver.

Fred smirked, "We'll see you on the train Hermione. We can talk there."

She nodded once, feeling Narcissa's wariness. Bellatrix's voice echo through her mind, What do they want?

Hermione turned in Narcissa's arms, No idea, but I'll find out on the train. They were adamant that the didn't agree with Arthur but I'm leery to trust them. She pressed her lips to Narcissa's lips, not caring what anyone thought. Narcissa is her mate, and she was going to make damn sure everyone knows that Narcissa belonged to her. She would do the same with Bellatrix whenever they cleared her name.

She could feel the happiness and excitement from both her mates at her thoughts. She chuckled as Narcissa attacked her neck, placing soft kisses and hard nips to the sensitive skin. Hermione slid her fingers into Narcissa's long blonde hair, gripping it tightly in her hands. She could see the desire in her mate's dark blue eyes, the love flowing through their bond. She kissed her deeply, passionately, letting her love for both women to surge through the bond.

She could feel the burn of tears behind her closed eyes and quickly tore herself away from her mate. Running straight onto the train. Narcissa felt the pain in her heart, knowing that this was going to be harder than they thought it would be. She wanted to go after her mate, to hold her tightly and never let go. Bellatrix was having the same feelings except hers were worse because she couldn't be there.

Hermione found an empty compartment and wiped her eyes as she stared out the window. The ache in her chest began the further they got from the platform, from her mates. She hated it, hated feeling needy and helpless. Powerless to stop the emotions that were welling inside her chest as if they were trying to suffocate her.

The door opened and Fred and George entered her compartment, casting a silence charm on the room. She frowned and pulled some of her mate's magick into her body, as a precaution she urged her suddenly worried mates. She raised an eyebrow at the twins, "What's on your mind?"

George smirked, "You first. Relationship status?"

She snorted, "Very much taken."

Fred grinned, "By?"

She rolled her eyes, "You both know how I feel about Narcissa." The boys shared a knowing smirk and raised their eyebrows at her. She sighed, "And Bellatrix."

"We knew it!" They shouted in unison.

George smirked, "Is it true about Borgin and Burkes?"

"Are you really moving into the Malfoy Manor?" Fred asked giddily.

She eyed them both, her mind suddenly beginning to panic, "Wait. What specifically about Borgin and Burkes? And where did you hear that?" She could feel her mate's questioning her, their voices in her mind asking what was making her panic.

George motioned for Fred to go first, "Dad was at the Ministry when the paperwork became official. He came home angrily, claiming that it would be impossible to get to you once you were there."

She felt her chest tighten, "What does he want with me?"

Fred shrugged, "Don't know. He wouldn't tell us anything. Just that we were too young to know right now."

She let their conversation pass to her aggravated mates while she focused on George, "Now you."

George grinned, "I heard you scared the piss out Borgin and then stood toe to toe with Kingsley Shacklebolt."

She sighed heavily, "Gossip mill. I swear you two are worse than old muggle women."

The twins laughed for a moment before George asked, "So is it true? Was he trying to break into your mind?"

She tried not to smirk but was unsuccessful, causing the boys whoop loudly. She shook her head at them, "If Arthur finds out you're telling me this, he's going to be angry."

Fred and George shared a smile before they shook their heads, Fred leaning towards her, "Yeah but we have Hermione Black on our side, if I heard the name correct from Mr. Borgin."

She eyed him suspiciously, "And exactly what were you talking to Borgin about?"

George answered happily, "You. We said we were looking for you and he claimed the Madame Black would be in touch. Fenrir growled at him, and Mr. Borgin shook his head claiming to not know where you were. How did you get Fenrir on your side? That wolf eats girls like you."

She eyed them for a moment, "Who's side are you on? The truth and I will curse you if you lie."

"Yours," both answered instantly. She could see the honesty in their eyes as they grinned at her, but George shook his head, "We miss Molly. She was the one that took care of us. Our mother didn't want us, and Molly was there when we needed her."

She frowned as the sadness clouded their eyes and Fred frowned, "You can look into our minds if you like. It's been hell with Arthur since you came to get Ron. Even Ginny doesn't want to be there anymore."

Hermione frowned, her body tensing, and her walls instantly raised, "Where's Ginny?"

George shrugged, "She's probably with her friends. You can talk to her when we get back to Hogwarts."

She frowned as she glanced outside, taking in the rolling green hills as the train flew towards Hogwarts. She took a deep breath before speaking, "I will kill you both if you betray me or my mates."

George's eyebrows flew up into his hair, "They are your mates? That makes so much more sense."

Fred nodded, "Dumbledore and Arthur are trying to convince the Order that you're under the Imperius curse. Said that's why you've been spending time there."

She felt her anger surge, the lights of their compartment flickering quickly. She shook her head until she noticed her shields were up. She quickly dropped them and felt the panic from her mates. She sucked their magick into her body, allowing it to calm her as she closed her eyes, speaking softly, "I assure you I am not under a curse. However, there are some things you need to know about Dumbledore."

She spent the rest of the train ride looking through Fred and George's mind, seeing their truth, before telling them everything except being Voldemort's child, along with a few other omissions. Harry, Draco, and Ron arrived quickly when the train began to pull to a stop, out of breath and sweaty.

"Hermione we've been trying to find you." Draco gasped for breath. "Mum said you closed off."

She frowned as she shook her head, "I did but it's fine. I'm open to them." She could feel both her mates' angers at her having accidently shut them out again, but they were relieved that she was fine and had two more people on her side.

All of the walked towards the castle, Fred and George filling the three arrivals in on what they knew. They ate dinner together in the Great Hall, Hermione smiling at Snape before seeing Dumbledore watching her intently. She frowned down at her plate and reached out to her mates, Bella I'm going to try something. Narcissa see if you can still hear and feel me.

She could feel her mate's attention on her as she focused on pulling her walls up before trying to send an image to Narcissa. After a moment she could feel Narcissa's arousal before her voice slipped into her mind, You are playing with fire my little one. You're not here for me to return the favor if that's what you want to do to me.

Bellatrix's cackling laughter filtered through her mind, making her smile widely as she continued eating, I'm being watched. Did you tell Lucius what the twins said?

Bellatrix's voice answered, Yes and he's looking into a few things at the Ministry. From what he knows Ginny is perfectly fine. He doesn't think he would hurt his own daughter. You are different.

She finished dinner, letting her mate's emotions calm her. She hated being away from them. Everything inside of her was telling her she needed to go to them. She couldn't figure out why, only guessing that the mate bond wasn't liking the distance between them.

We'll be together soon Little one, Narcissa's gentle voice was like a caress.

We'll be here when you wake up my Vixen, Bellatrix's lower tone made her shiver.

She made her way into the common room with Harry and Ron, her body exhausted, her mind already shutting down. She hated this, the pain of being separated from her mates. The questions that were still in the back of her mind that she was trying to ignore. All of it was so overwhelming.

The next morning Hermione caught Ginny in the common room. The youngest Weasley smiled at her brightly, "Hey Hermione. Fred and George said you were looking for me."

She nodded and pulled Ginny towards a private corner of the room, sitting at the small table under a window, "Ginny why did you run from me at the Yule Ball?"

Ginny's face turned red as she looked down at her hands on the table, "I wasn't running from you, technically. Dad had been complaining about you, about you spending more and more time with Draco and that he was worried you were shifting sides. He made me promise not to talk to you anymore. That I should stay away from you but…" She frowned and Hermione could see her struggling to find the words. After a moment Ginny sighed, "When you were around, he left me alone. He didn't bother me or try to walk into my room unannounced."

Hermione clenched her hands into fists on her knees, her nails digging into her palms, "Did he do it often? Did he try to hurt you in anyway?"

Ginny shrugged, "He didn't do it much at first, like once every few months but as I got older, he began to do it more often. He never touched me, and I told Fred about my concerns so Fred and George would hang around my room when they knew I was getting dressed."

She nodded, "Ginny, I can tell you right now that Fred and George have…" She hesitated, not knowing how much she could say.

Ginny grinned at her, "Pledged themselves to you? Yeah, I know and I'm with you. Whatever I need to do for you Hermione, I'm there. I don't want to go back to Arthur, and I miss Molly."

Hermione smiled, "Alright. I'll talk to Lucius. Come on we better get to breakfast." Ginny smiled widely as they hurried out of the common room together.

Hermione felt the revulsion from her mates as she passed on their conversation, their anger just as raging as hers was. She would kill Arthur if he tried to touch Ginny in any way, but she had a feeling Ginny's brothers were one step away from doing it themselves. She resolved herself to protect Ginny in any way she could, even if it meant going against an Order member. She could feel her mate's agreement, they would be right beside her if it came to that.

With that comforting thought she focused on the day ahead of her.

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The first three weeks back at Hogwarts were more normal than their school days had ever been. The next task was only a month away and they spent the majority of their time trying to figure out what they would be able to use, to stay underwater for a long period of time. Fred and George had become permanent members of their group, their loyalty falling to Hermione and their brother Ron.

She had managed to keep herself open to her mates most of the time. Only a few times had she closed off unconsciously, but it was getting better. Narcissa and Bellatrix however were growing more and more anxious the longer she was away, but she wasn't sure how to comfort them. Dumbledore had announced over dinner on the third day back that Hogsmeade visits were no longer an option leading into the second task. Bellatrix and Narcissa were more furious than she had ever felt them, their entire family, now including Ginny, Fred and George, agreed he was doing it to prevent them from meeting with Narcissa.

Draco frowned at Hermione as they headed towards their Defense Against the Dark Arts, "You don't look so good Hermione."

She shook her head, her body feeling weak as she leaned against him, "I don't feel so good."

Harry frowned at her back, "Maybe you should go to the hospital wing."

She shook her head as they entered the classroom, "I'll be fine. Probably just food poisoning."

She took her seat next to Draco, ignoring Mad Eye Mood as she pulled her book out to wait. She hadn't told Narcissa or Bellatrix how she was feeling, managing to block that particular feeling from reaching them. Over the last three weeks she had discovered how to manipulate the walls in her mind, allowing only certain things to reach her mates. She didn't do it often, but this was one time that she was glad for it.

Moody cleared his throat before turning to the class, "Today we'll be going over the Unforgivable curses. What are they?"

For once Hermione didn't raise her hand, content to focus on keeping her nausea at bay. Her mind was completely else where and she didn't realize she had dropped some of her walls for her mates.

Little one, what's wrong?

Hermione talk to us!

The sudden sounds of her mate's shouts made her jump at her desk, not realizing she had fallen asleep. Her book landed on the floor loudly and every eye in the room turned to her, Moody eyeing her carefully, "Miss Granger, can you answer the question?"

She glanced at Draco before sighing, "I'm sorry Professor I don't know the question."

Moody smirked at her, his eye twitching wildly, "Explain the Cruciatus Curse."

She frowned, trying to make her fuzzy mind work, "Cruciatus Curse causes unbearable pain."

Moody raised an eyebrow at her, "Some people need to stay awake more in my class."

She felt the blush rush up her face as she leaned over to grab her book. She sat up too quickly and the wave of nausea she had been trying to avoid hit her full force. She clapped her hand over her mouth as she sprinted from the room, laughter following her down the hallway. She barely made it to the girl's lavatory before she was emptying her stomach of everything.

She rinsed her mouth and her face before taking slow deep breaths. She was relieved that she felt much better but was still confused as to what it was. She slowly made her way back towards the classroom, avoiding everyone in the halls until she met Draco, Harry and Ron near their classroom.

Draco frowned at her, "Are you alright?"

She nodded, "Much better now. I'll meet you all in Charms." She watched them walk away before she hurried to get her things.

"Miss Granger, a word." Moody stood beside his desk, watching her every move.

She pulled her bag over her shoulder, "I'm sorry Professor I haven't been feeling well."

Moody nodded as he flicked his wand at the door, a loud bang echoing around the room as it slammed shut, "Have you discovered the second task yet?"

She frowned at him, "Yes Professor."

Moody rolled his eyes, "Well, what have you decided to use."

"Uh…" She really hadn't found anything to use, "I'm not sure."

Moody grunted as he hurried around his desk, "I suggest you and Potter use this." He held a large book out to her, "All sorts of plants in this Herbology book." He lowered his voice with a smirk, "Pilfered it from Sprout."

She grinned, "Thank you Professor but," she glanced up at him, noticing his tongue dart out to the corner of his mouth quickly, "Why are you helping us?"

Moody chuckled darkly, "Let's just say that I have an investment in you and Potter winning."

She felt uneasy as she watched him pull a flask out of his pocket, his tongue darting to the corner of his mouth again, "Is it possible for two people to win Professor?"

Moody hesitated for a moment, his hand shaking as he raised his flask to take a swallow, "If you go at the same time."

She watched him shake his head against the flavor, an uncomfortable feeling beginning to grip her chest, "Thank you Professor." He nodded at her, and she turned, catching the scent of a familiar drink before hurrying out of the room.

The man creeped her out enough as it was, being in the room alone with him for so long made her shiver with disgust. There was something off about Moody and she was positive that she smelled a Polyjuice potion in his flask. She shook her head and hurried through the halls, trying to make it to her class. She took a seat next to Draco in Charms and shook her head at his questioning gaze.

That night they skipped dinner and met in the Gryffindor common room. She told them everything and sat back on the sofa to start combing through the Herbology book that the creepy Professor gave her. She was vaguely aware of the other three speaking when the fire burst into flames and a face appeared in the coals.

Harry jumped a foot in the air while Draco frowned down at it, "Mum?"

Hermione's eyes were wide as she slid to her knees, Narcissa's voice slightly raspy through the fire, "Hermione, what's going on?" She explained everything quickly, leaving out her being sick before falling silent. Narcissa frowned, "If that's true then it's not Moody. I'll check with Bella to see if she has an idea of who it is based on your description, the tongue thing is not normal. As for the book, have you found anything?"

Hermione frowned as she opened it to the page she had been studying, "Gillyweed is perfect, and it lasts for just long enough. We have an hour to search and find whatever it is we are supposed to be looking for. Severus may be able to get us some."

Narcissa nodded, "Hermione what aren't you telling me?"

Draco, Ron and Harry disappeared suddenly, and she spun on her knee to find them slipping out the portrait, "Cowards!"

"Little one talk to me. We felt your pain and nausea earlier. What's wrong?" Narcissa frowned at her, worry blazing her dark eyes even through the coals.

She sighed, "I'm fine. I was just a little sick during class. I'm fine now."

Narcissa frowned, "Why were you sick? Did you go to the hospital wing?"

She shrugged, "I don't know and no. It hit when I woke up, but it was gone after I was sick. I'm fine love."

A small smile curved up Narcissa's lips at the word, "Are you sure? Maybe you should visit Madame Pomfrey just to be safe. The next task is in less than a week."

She chuckled, "I'm fine. I feel great now." The portrait swung up and she turned back to Narcissa whispering, "Go." With a puff of smoke Narcissa's face was gone and Hermione felt a heavy weight on her chest.

I feel it too my little one, Narcissa's voice filtered through her mind.

Bellatrix sent a wave of comfort and love towards her. She couldn't help smiling as she gathered her book and headed up to her bed. She was exhausted and having just talked to Narcissa she knew she would be able to sleep.

.

The rest of the week flew by and soon Hermione and Harry were making their way towards the lake without Ron and Draco. They had waited for them as long as they could, but they had no choice but to go. Hermione was nervous, her emotions swirling wildly as she searched the hundreds of faces that watched from the sides of the lake. She could feel Narcissa's magick reaching out to her, a panic settling into it.

Bellatrix's voice was high pitched in her mind, They took her! Hermione they have Cissy. She felt the anger flare in her chest, drawing as much of Bellatrix's magick as she could into her body, a tree nearby exploding with the force.

Harry frowned at her, gripping her arm as they moved onto the dock, "Hermione?"

She yanked her jacket off as she ran down the dock, her eyes narrowing on Dumbledore. McGonagall stood beside him, a look of clear worry on her face. Hermione slammed into the old wizard, her anger raging wildly as she gripped the front of his robes, "What did you do to her?"

Dumbledore eyed her darkly, "She is the most precious to you, that we could find anyway. Bellatrix is still in hiding I suppose."

McGonagall's hand landed on Hermione's shoulder, "Miss Granger she is safe and will continue to be."

Hermione glared at him, shoving him backwards, "If anything happens to her, I swear will kill you right here Albus."

Gasps echoed around them as Dumbledore's eyes widened in fear, before being quickly hidden again. She didn't give a flying Merlin's fuck what anyone thought or if they knew where her loyalties now lie. Taking Narcissa had been his biggest mistake and she was going to make him pay dearly for it. McGonagall guided her to the end of the dock, speaking softly in her ear, "Easy Miss Granger. You are playing right into the Order's hands. You have to control yourself if you have any hope to find her."

Hermione felt herself beginning to calm in the older woman's presence. She had always respected Minerva McGonagall, since her first year. The woman was strong and caring and hated when any of her students were in danger. She commanded respect and had the ability to back it up.

She frowned at the woman, "Wait how do you know-"

Dumbledore's voice rose above the crowds, announcing the task. Hermione quickly pulled the fresh Gillyweed from her pocket and nodded at Harry, both shoving it into their mouths. The taste made them both gag as Dumbledore nodded to Barty Crouch, and he fired the starting pistol.

Hermione tried to suck in air but found she couldn't breathe as she watched Harry experiencing the same thing. She dove into the water and felt the skin at her neck begin to split apart painfully. Harry clutched at his throat as the pain intensified but finally, she was able to breathe again. She ran her fingers across her skin, feeling the bumps of her new gills.

Harry smirked at her, "Brilliant."

She shook her head and reached out to Narcissa's magick, "This way."

They swam deeper into the murky water, the darkness around them forcing them to use their wands for light. She felt as if they had been swimming for hours, though it had only been ten minutes, by the time they reached the seaweed and found a large underwater ruin. She glanced at Harry and at his nod they proceeded through the murky water. At the base of a large stone merperson sat six large stones wrapped with chains.

Hermione's eyes widened as she pushed her body harder, towards the six people that were attached to the chains. She ran her fingers over Narcissa's unconscious face, her heart racing in her chest as she sent the image to Bellatrix through their link. She could feel Bellatrix's anger surge through her body with a pulse of magick. She shook her head against the power and moved towards Draco, his chain attached to Narcissa's.

However, something felt wrong.

"Harry there's five of us and six people," She frowned, her mind racing with possibilities.

"Choices." A deep grumble came from behind them, and she spun to find a merperson watching her. His grey body shimmered slightly as his silver tale twitched. Long green tentacle like hair stuck out at odd angles, floating through the water with ease. "You have a choice to make."

She looked back at Narcissa and Draco, shaking her head, "They are my family. Why am I the only one that has to make a choice?"

The creature sighed heavily, a deep sadness in his yellow eyes, "Dumbledore has threatened my people. I have no choice. Now choose."

Harry gripped his wand tighter as Hermione shook her head, "No. They are all coming with us."

Victor Krum rushed towards them, his shark head looking menacing as he blasted the chain from a Hufflepuff girl, disappearing into the murky water with her. They waited until Cedric claimed Cho, a Ravenclaw with black hair, but Fleur never appeared. She glanced back at Harry, and he nodded, they weren't leaving Fleur's sister.

Hermione glared at the merperson, "I'm sorry for what he is doing, but I will not leave what is mine." She silently casted a Bombarda at the creature before spinning back to Narcissa and Draco.

Harry blasted the chains from four ankles and took Ron's arm, snagging the younger Delacour by her robes. Hermione wrapped an arm around Narcissa and Draco, refusing to let them go. They made it a few feet before a swarm of Grindylow's rushed out of the seaweed nearby, snatching her ankles. She shoved Narcissa's and Draco's body's as hard as she could up towards Harry, knowing he would get them to the surface.

She turned back to the Grindylow's using her wand, "Relashio!"

The stream of hot water burst from the tip of her wand, sending the Grindylow's scattering. She spun as the merperson swam towards her quickly, his trident aimed at her throat, "I can't let you leave."

She felt the fear and panic surge through her body as her neck began to burn. The Gillyweed was wearing off and she knew she would never make it to the surface. She sucked in one last gulp of air as the pain intensified and the gills disappeared. She raised her wand and silently blasted the creature away, the Grindylow's returning to her limbs, pulling her deeper into the water.

She could feel Bellatrix's worry, the magick pulsing into her body at a rapid pace. Her dark witch was trying to help her, but she couldn't get her mind to work as she struggled not to gasp for air. Narcissa's magick suddenly surged into her body, the woman's voice screaming into her mind. She felt the surge of power, the mate bond tightening painfully around her body. Pain exploded across her chest, and she couldn't hold back the scream. A burst of magick ripped from her body, knocking the creatures away from her.

Narcissa coughed as she held Draco tightly against her body, Ron and Harry kneeling beside her on the dock. Harry was leaning over the side, peering into the dark water, "Where is she?!"

Narcissa couldn't feel her mate, but she could feel Bellatrix's anguish, both women thinking their mate was gone. A loud explosion burst from the center of the Lake, Narcissa's eyes widening as water rushed in every direction. Spectators ran from the lake, not wanting to get caught in the tidal wave rushing towards them. The dock they were standing on shook with the blast, a rolling torment of shockwaves ripping the wood apart. She felt Harry and Draco's hands on her arms pulling her away from the edge, all turning to sprint towards shore.

They hit the soft moist dirt as the wooden dock burst apart, pieces of wood flying through the air as sharpened projectiles. Narcissa stared at the water, her heart lodging in her throat. Bellatrix's rush of concern for her safety nearly knocking her off her feet. Everyone watched the water silently as a lone figure appeared, walking calmly out of the water.

Narcissa's eyes widened as she watched Hermione's soaking wet body slowly move through the water with ease. Her hair plastered to her face, gracefully moving straight towards her. She felt Bellatrix's relief quickly swallowed with more worry as Hermione moved trancelike straight towards Narcissa.

Narcissa gasped as Hermione grew closer, the girl's normally amber eyes were swirling, a mixture of red and green. An intensity she had never seen in the girl before was burning in the strange new eyes. She could feel the lust rolling off her mate in waves, but the girl made no move to touch her.

Hermione was struggling to control herself. The amount of power flowing through her body was more than she ever thought possible. Her body ached to have her mate, the need to feel that she was alive and safe trying to overwhelm every other thought. She approached her mate slowly, cupping the woman's face gently. Her fingers shook from the magick surge and the cold from the cool air as she brushed them over her mate's lips.

She slowly turned her swirling eyes to Dumbledore, the man cowering behind the members from the Ministry, "I warned you not to mess with my family Albus. You've just made yourself the worst enemy you've ever faced."

Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly before he quickly whispered to Barty Crouch. Crouch nodded before swallowing thickly and pointing his wand to his throat, announcing the winners. Hermione turned back to Narcissa, ignoring everyone else, and brushed a soft kiss to the older woman's lips. She stepped back, not wanting to overload the woman with her emotions.

Narcissa surged forward, wrapping her arms around her mate's neck and let her young witch feel her pain. Bellatrix's relief was nearly palpable for them both as Hermione held her mate tighter, burying her face in Narcissa's neck. She let the women in while still holding her walls firm, love flowing freely and strongly between the three.

.

Hermione sat in the hospital wing, Narcissa holding her hand tightly. It had been two hours since the Lake Task and Narcissa was refusing to leave until there was an explanation as to why her eyes were still a swirling mix of red and green colours. Madame Pomfrey had done everything she could think of but had still come up empty. Hermione could only chuckle as her mate's protective instinct flew into overdrive, arguing with the healer in front of them.

Draco and Ron were struggling to contain their laughter as she and Harry were out right laughing. After another twenty minutes she finally stood and pulled Narcissa into her arms, "She's done everything she can Cissy." She used Bellatrix's nickname for her in order to get the woman's full attention, even as she watched Madame Pomfrey thank her silently and disappear into her office.

Narcissa shook her head, cupping Hermione's face gently, "I can't do this. I can't stay away from you."

She kissed her mate's lips softly, "It's only a few more months and then we'll have all summer together." She kissed the older witch, deeply and pumped as much love as she could through the bond.

The doors swung open, and McGonagall moved towards them swiftly, her green robes flowing behind her. Severus slipped passed the older woman and Hermione was swept up into his arms, worry evident on his face, "What the bloody hell happened down there?"

Narcissa narrowed her eyes at Snape, her jealousy flaring unnervingly wild, until he released her mate, whom she quickly wrapped her arms around as the girl spoke, "Dumbledore took Draco. Forced the merpeople to make me choose between Narcissa and Draco. I refused." She shrugged and felt her mate's curiosity at the slight truth she had told.

She heard Bellatrix's voice in her mind, What are you hiding my little witch?

She ignored Bellatrix for the moment, to focus on the people in the room with her. McGonagall's lip curled in disgust, "That's low even for him. He knows there is no breaking a mate bond."

Severus nodded, his eyes darting to Hermione for a moment, "However, I've just come from his office. He plans on stopping all correspondence for the rest of term, no owls in or out. Families will still be welcome to the final task."

Narcissa shook her head, her panic building quickly, "I can't go without speaking to you Hermione. Neither of us can."

Hermione frowned as she wrapped her arms around Narcissa's neck, holding the older witch tightly and trying to sooth her, "It'll be okay. We'll figure out something. Severus," She glanced over at him as Narcissa's lips pressed against her neck, "Is he blocking all floo networks too?"

Severus nodded, "He wants the place completely sealed. I don't know why. He's never done this before."

A clearing throat made all of them look over at Mad-Eye Moody as he limped into the room, "I may have an explanation." His tongue darted out to the corner of his mouth as he pulled his flask out. After a large gulp and a shake of his head Moody looked directly at Hermione, "I've heard word from my other Aurors that there's been movement on Voldemort's side of things."

Hermione's head tipped slightly, feeling Bellatrix and Narcissa equally interested, "And that would be?" Hermione asked quietly, trying not to sound too eager.

Moody smirked at her, "Rumblings that Pettigrew has him."

Hermione felt her blood run cold, "Where?"

Moody raised an eyebrow, "I don't know. Just thought you ought to know." He spun on his heel and headed back out the door.

Ron grimaced, "I can't stand him."

Hermione stared at the door as her mind raced. If Pettigrew had Voldemort, was he still alive? Would Pettigrew have ended him instantly or was that just a rumor that the sniveling rat had him? She felt Narcissa's arms tighten around her. Turning back to her mate she shook her head, "Let's not worry too much right now."

She pulled away from Narcissa and shook her head, "Right now we have more important things to deal with. Dumbledore knows about the mate bond which means he's one step behind."

Madame Pomfrey entered the room, a potion in her hands, "Take this dear. Minerva, Albus was up in your office during the task. I would be careful if I were you."

McGonagall pursed her lips, "He's getting cocky."

Hermione shook her head against the grotesque taste of the potion, "No he's worried. He's making mistakes because he knows I'm not backing down. He still believes that Harry is on his side."

Harry grinned wickedly, "I don't know how much longer I can be charming." His grin disappeared into a grimace, "My face is starting to hurt with all the smiling."

Draco snorted, "The smile isn't that good Potter."

Harry's eyes narrowed on Draco, but Hermione snapped her fingers, "Enough. We can't argue amongst ourselves. We are too close. Narcissa, contact Fenrir when you get home. I want to know what Borgin is up to, push Fenrir to get information. Borgin obviously knows Pettigrew."

Narcissa nodded, kissing her softly on the lips, "Anything else love?"

She frowned, feeling Bellatrix's anger. She sighed, "I know this is hard, but it's only for another few months. Harry and I will work on our spells, curses, and Jinxes. I have a feeling the third task is going to be worse than what we've already gone through. Until then we'll stick together."

She pulled Narcissa into her arms, needing the comfort that she knew wasn't going to be available anytime soon. She hated the thought of not being able to see her mates for the next few months. She kissed the woman one more time before she smiled at her, "I'll keep myself as open as I possibly can to you both."

Narcissa smiled and tucked a stray curl behind Hermione's ear, a small smile on her face as she nodded, "I love you my little one."

Hermione grinned at her, "I love you too Cissy."

With one more kiss Hermione let the woman go as she walked away. Her heart ached, even as she felt Bellatrix's love flowing through the bond. She knew the next few months were going to be hard, not to mention very lonely. As they made their way back to the common room for the night, she took solace in the comfort of her mate's magick. She could do this as long as they were by her side, even if it was from far away.