Wow, thank you to everyone who have followed and reviewed so far! I didn't expect anyone to stumble upon this story so soon. Well, it's been a few days so I think this deserves an update. For those looking forward to the rendezvous between Hermione/Bella/Cissy you'll find it here.

Chapter 2

The three friends spent most of the next afternoon meticulously going over every scenario they could think of that could possibly take place tonight. Harry in particular became extremely authoritarian as the hours ticked by. Twice, Hermione had to remind him that he pushed too much but he insisted they kept at it until he was satisfied with everyone's performance. Because Harry was not yet seventeen, any apparition involving him was monitored closely by the ministry due to higher security measures. Begrudgingly, he obliged to stay at The Burrow on the condition that Hermione take Ron with her. Everyone accepted and Ron felt more at ease knowing he'd be able to protect Hermione with some defensive spells that she had taught him today while duelling.

Evening came quickly. The sun seeped into the horizon, leaving behind streaks of orange and pink across the blackening sky. By the time Hermione and Ron had exited the front door of the Weasley home, the heavens were blanketed in a sea of stars. They looked towards the direction of the destination and could see thick storm clouds billowing.

How appropriate. Hermione thought and she took Ron's hand in hers. Not knowing the way, she had to disapparate with him. Mentally she went over the items in her bag that she needed: potion, robe and shoes. She nodded to Harry who was standing in the doorway of The Burrow. He felt agitated that he couldn't play a part and waved his friends good luck. Ron gave a nervous thumbs up and Hermione smiled, masking the discomfort she was feeling deep inside her gut. With an audible popping sound, the couple disappeared from sight.

O~O~O

Spinner's End was not at all what Hermione had expected. Rows upon rows of destitute brick houses, capped with chimney tops stood to attention like a crumbling brigade of soldiers weary from battle. Clouds in the sky began to roll over the township creating a menacing appearance, threatening to unleash the rain they burdened. Beneath the Gryffindor's feet leaves danced, caught in the evening breeze. Ron had apparated a few doors down from the potion master's house so Hermione could get ready unnoticed. The tension was mounting as Hermione felt dizzy, the pressure in her temples amplified at the thought of what she was about to do.

Breathe Hermione. She thought to herself as she looked over at Ron. Even his freckles had gone a shade or two lighter and he didn't even try to conceal his shaking knees. Hermione settled him with a reassuring look and squeezed his hand. Until they returned home, she needed to stay focused. Exhaling, she faced Ron who was still jumping at the slightest of sounds.

"Which house is his?"

Ron took her hand and led her to a brick house that was identical to all of the others. It was surprising that people knew which one to go to. They all had murky windows with paint peeling from the frames. It was impossible to see anything clearly from outside but the window did give away a faint light coming from what Hermione only assumed to be a living area. They crouched underneath the windowsill and strained their ears to catch any hint of conversations being taken place.

There was nothing. A wave of relief washed over the faces of the two Gryffindors. They had arrived before Narcissa.

"He reads at night." Ron whispered. His finger pointed upwards to indicate Snape spent most of the evenings in the downstairs room they had looked through.

"And Wormtail?" Hermione asked, frightened of the man with the metallic hand.

"He comes and goes. I think you should be ready in case he's here." Ron had adjusted his mindset and appeared ready to take on his former rat. Wormtail was skilled but over the holidays Ron had observed his behaviour and noticed that his hand left him slightly crippled. If he could move faster than Wormtail, he stood a chance at disarming and controlling him while Hermione did what she needed to do.

"Ready 'Mione?"

The young witch nodded in reply. She had been increasingly aware of the time and was anxious that they would miss their opportunity. She motioned for Ron to hasten his pace and gently pushed on his chest for him to stand but instead Ron leant into her, cupping her cheek in his hand and kissed Hermione's lips. Her eyes shot open, stunned by the sudden roar of emotion coming from her friend. Of course she had considered her feelings for Ron over the summer break, they had flirted by owl for weeks, but this was neither the time nor the place to express them. Not knowing what to do she kissed back and pulled away soon after to end the awkward affair. The kiss had filled Ron with adrenaline and he stood at his full height. Grinning down at Hermione, he didn't notice her dumbstruck look, her mouth slightly agape as she crouched under the windowsill. He smiled back at her and strode to the door with a new found confidence. Hermione's head was now even more haywire, this was the last thing she needed at a time like this and she cursed that Ron couldn't be more calculated with his emotions. Her eyes followed the red head who had now stopped outside the door. She held her breath, drawing her wand as he rapped on the wood, the first drops of rain falling down around them.

O~O~O

"Wormtail," a vindictive voice sighed from behind a newspaper "answer the door won't you?"

The small living space was dedicated to walls littered with books stacked high to the ceiling. A fire crackled in the brick alcove, illuminating the room. Garbed in solemn, black attire, Hermione sat in one of the two antique, leather chesterfields. She was terrified and seething all at once; things had not gone according to plan. The Gryffindor trembled slightly in the alien environment, her focus not even on the paper she was holding. Her hands were nearly twice the size and her chestnut waves were replaced with straight, black shoulder length strands. Hermione's mind raced through the events that just happened and what was soon about to follow.

After Ron had knocked on the door, he failed to react to Wormtail's already drawn wand and was disarmed then thrown back into the street. Hermione shuddered as she recalled hearing the bone-chilling 'crack' when his head collided with the puddled road. Hermione acted on instinct and stunned the aggressor before using the imperius curse, bringing him under her spell. It was strange to have a rival completely subject to her will and was horrified that anyone could hold so much power over a person. Looking into the clouded eyes of the stout man, she instructed him to disarm and jinx Snape. He would be locked in his room until Hermione was ready to leave. At least this way, it would create the illusion that Wormtail went rogue, concealing any evidence of the two students' presence. While Wormtail was out of sight, she had hurried over to Ron who was unconscious but, to what Hermione could tell, stable. His ginger hair was pasted to his forehead from the rain and she could feel fluids swelling in the back of his skull. His body had been too heavy to lift on her own and she ran inside and found Wormtail locking one of the upstairs doors. At least he had caught Snape off guard and there seemed to be no signs of struggle. She sent the man outside to fetch Ron and tend to him in one of the spare bedrooms. Hermione dried his clothes the best she could and cleaned his face while Wormtail was sent to retrieve something that would help to cease the growth of the lump. For extra measures, Hermione fetched some ointment from her bag that was used for children who couldn't sleep properly and placed it under Ron's nose. If he had the chance to wake up, Hermione was sure that he'd alert everyone downstairs.

It wasn't until she heard the door click that she used a charm that would alter the intonations in her voice. This was the last use of magic to complete the masquerade; the rest was up to her. Hermione's heart felt like it was going to break through her ribcage. She could hear greetings and a sense of unknown fear overcame her as she realised that Narcissa was not alone. Expensive heeled shoes echoed through the hallway before coming to a stop. The only thing that stood between Hermione and her company was The Prophet. She stalled for a second, taking one last deep breath and folded the newspaper in half swiftly. Three sets of eyes fell on who they all thought to be Severus Snape. Hermione looked up, her heart beat faster as she became captivated by Narcissa. She was no longer the young student in the photograph Hermione had spent hours mesmerised by; Narcissa had matured into a woman. Her fair complexion was flawless; youth had not at all escaped her. Rich burgundy lips contrasted with porcelain skin and her Persian threaded eyebrows were fastidiously well groomed. Her shoulder length hair was secured neatly to the side and Hermione couldn't help but notice the figure-hugging robe she was wearing, accentuating the curves of her breasts and hips. Narcissa had retained her aristocratic magnetism as she stood above Hermione, her pale blue eyes haunting.

Hermione had to control her fear held for the female Death Eater to the left of her sister. Heavy ringlets poured from her scalp down past Bellatrix's shoulders. Her imperial beauty had been tainted by the years she was held prisoner in Azkaban however the dark witch still possessed the haughty good looks of the Black family. Her lips were full and blood red, makeup dyed her eyes. Bellatrix had not forgone her signature attire. She was clad head to toe in various shades of black; her dress hugged her frame and slender arms before moving freely at her hips. A leather corset accented the thinness of her waist and the swell of her bust. Her presence frightened Hermione who had expected Narcissa to come alone.

"Run along Wormtail."

Hermione hissed and with a flick of her wand the door closed in the face of the imperiused wizard. She needed to get into character quickly. The disguised witch caught Bellatrix looking suspiciously at her and Hermione concealed her wand beneath her robes, foolishly forgetting that it was nothing like Snape's. Hermione couldn't afford to fail so early, especially now that the stakes were raised two to one and silently she wished Ron had her back. She stood and took a step forward, greeting the older witches with a chivalric nod.

"Good evening Narcissa, Bellatrix" Hermione tried to mask her surprise of the depth of her own voice. It was slow and steady and she had almost believed that Snape himself was in the room.

"Good evening Severus." It was Narcissa who spoke for them first. Hermione's heart leapt at the sound of the woman's voice. It was soft and feminine laced with an underlying coldness that many pure-bloods favoured to speak with. To be talking with such familiarity drew Hermione closer to the witch. For the first time in her eyes she saw emotion and she lowered her guard as the pure-blood kept her stare. The older woman's chin remained at a constant level, her elitist nature never once faltering as she turned to her sister. Bellatrix had not said a word which worried Hermione. Instead, the Death Eater strolled around the room, looking out the window and picking up small belongings, observing them before putting them back in their place.

A knock at the door broke the short silence and for a second Hermione believed something was about to go horribly wrong. Instead, it was Wormtail carrying a silver platter with a decanter filled with red wine and three crystal glasses. The young witch assumed they were reserved for guests such as the Malfoys and Blacks as nothing much else in Snape's house indicated anything of value.

When the wine was poured and served, Wormtail retreated from the room and closed the door as Hermione ordered. Bellatrix smelled the earthiness of the dark liquid and looked over at Hermione above the crystal, causing the young witch some uneasiness. The fire behind Bellatrix illuminated her silhouette and Hermione couldn't resist admiring her form. She had a deathly attraction that Hermione found both dangerous and alluring.

Narcissa had taken a seat in one of the armchairs, her figure poised as she politely held the glass in her hand.

"Severus," it was Narcissa who spoke again, her words sounding pressed "I know I am forbidden to speak of this but Draco will no longer confide in me."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. She saw the protectiveness in Narcissa's eyes and Hermione had no doubt that she was a mother who loved her child.

"You should be honoured Cissy, as well as Draco!" It was the first time in over half a year that Hermione had heard Bellatrix speak. Her voice remained strong, full of passion and dedication to the Dark Lord. Bellatrix took a long sip of the wine and the liquid soon stained her lips.

Narcissa paid little attention to her sister, her eyes penetrated Hermione's, pleading for answers.

"I understand what the Dark Lord has been training him to do." Hermione spoke carefully, following the script Harry had made her memorise.

"Yes I know Severus, which is why I've sought you from all others."

Bellatrix snorted and rolled her eyes.

"He's just a boy, Severus. You must understand."

Hermione sympathised with the woman. The coldness in her voice was replaced with a hint of desperation and all Hermione wanted was to reach out and comfort her.

"Cissy, we should never have come here. Severus is no help to you. Place all your trust in the Dark Lord." Bellatrix glared at Hermione, her pulse spiked and she avoided the dark witch's eyes.

"I can't help you if you doubt me Bella." Hermione said surprisingly calm. Bellatrix's eyes flared at the sound of her childhood nickname. The few people who dared using it were either very close or very foolish. She glided over to Hermione, circling her before coming to rest her chin upon Hermione's shoulder. Bellatrix looked at her sister from behind Hermione, her darkened lips curled into a smirk as Narcissa chose to look away from the proximity between Bellatrix's mouth and Severus' ear. The hairs on the back of Hermione's neck stood on end as she felt the intoxicating breath from the witch on her neck and momentarily she closed her eyes. Bellatrix could feel the heat radiating off Hermione's skin. She took a silent pleasure in manipulating the reaction and positioned herself closer. Hermione opened her eyes once more. She stared down at Narcissa, trying to ignore the swell of Bellatrix's breasts pressing into her back.

"I don't doubt you Severus." Narcissa's words were firm and Bellatrix stepped away, returning to her glass, drinking deeply. Hermione composed herself and searched carefully for her next line.

"I can help you Narcissa." The blue eyes of the witch shot up in hope. "But I will need to know a few things first…"

"Oh no you don't Cissy!" Both figures turned towards Bellatrix who seemed to have refilled her glass. Her voice had developed into more of an aggressive whisper and again Hermione became frightened. Bellatrix stood behind Narcissa's chair; a protective hand gripped her shoulder and the younger sister could feel the strength of her clutch. If she was in pain she masked it well.

"Your words are empty Severus. I can see what the Dark Lord does not. If you want to assist my family so much," Hermione's eyes widened as Bellatrix smiled wickedly "make the Unbreakable Vow."

Narcissa brushed Bellatrix aside and stood, placing her glass on a side counter and stepped closer towards Hermione. The young witch could feel perspiration on her forehead. She had not been able to ask the questions she needed and was running out of time. Bellatrix had disturbed almost every opportunity. She had to try and regain control.

"What shall I get in return?" Hermione looked from Bellatrix to Narcissa.

Bellatrix pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. She turned to her sister who thought for a second before answering. Bellatrix despised Severus. He was a coward. While she dedicated herself to finding The Dark Lord he had remained safe in Hogwarts, escaping the fate she had faced in Azkaban. Now The Dark Lord had chosen this slippery creature above her to educate her own nephew in the complexities of the dark arts. Severus was nothing more than a traitor. She wanted nothing more than to see her former school mate fall at her hands and beg for death.

A voice broke the silence.

"If you do this for me Severus, I'll give you any one thing you ask of me."

Hermione pondered this for a second. A debt? She thought. A pureblood in the wizarding world had powerful connections. This could be Harry's biggest advantage.

"So be it." The words were steady as they flowed from Hermione's mouth. Bellatrix cocked an eyebrow in surprise and stepped over to the two, drawing her wand. Impulsively, Hermione went for her own but stopped herself quickly when she realised that she was not under attack. The dark witch's eyes showed distrust and Hermione knew she had been imprudent. She was not sure what this "Unbreakable Vow" was but she had a feeling she'd soon find out.

Narcissa extended her hand just below shoulder level and Hermione reached out, her fingers brushing against the pure-blood's hand. It was so soft and she wished she could have lingered but the blonde witch had already grabbed her firmly by the wrist and Hermione followed her lead.

Bellatrix tapped their hands once and immediately a chain of liquid fire spiralled from her wand like a serpent and coiled itself around the pair. Hermione had never seen such magic and was relieved when the fire was cool to the touch.

Bellatrix had only one request on the end of her tongue. She had witnessed Narcissa in a state of distraught over the last few months which shredded her heart. Even her usual attempts of comfort could not bring her beloved sister any sense of security. If the deed was not done, Draco would be at the mercy of the Dark Lord. She cared for her blood too deeply. The purest blood should never be spilt and Snape was only a half-blood. He could carry the burden or die trying.

'If Draco Malfoy should fail, will you Severus Snape, carry out the deed that the Dark Lord has ordered him yourself?"

Hermione hesitated and as she stared into Narcissa's eyes, the words slipped from her mouth.

"I will."

"And will you, Narcissa Malfoy Black, promise to give any one thing that Severus Snape desires if he completes the task?"

"I will."

The bond was sealed, the liquid fire absorbed into their skin and the two released their grip. Narcissa exhaled, as if the whole weight of the world was lifted from her shoulders. She smiled, turning to Hermione.

"Thank you, Severus."

Her eyes were glistening with euphoria and Hermione's heart was beating so loud she thought that Narcissa would be able to hear it. She had never seen the blonde so naturally calm, far different to the forced composure she usually acquainted her with. Narcissa turned to Bellatrix behind her and shared a secret smile away from Severus. The dark witch did not return her sister's pleasure. She dismissed the younger Black and paced forward until Narcissa was behind her. She had not taken her eyes off the wizard. She registered the lust she saw in his eyes and glanced back at Narcissa who had retreated to the warmth of the fire, unaware of Bellatrix's realisations.

"You can look Severus," Bellatrix paced towards Hermione, her movements were slow and controlled, looking at the wizard through heavy lids. She spoke warningly so her sister wouldn't hear "but she's out of your league." Her wand traced from Hermione's naval and tapped her heart. The disguised witch swallowed not daring to move.

"You're playing a dangerous game." Her breath was hot and had blended with the earthiness of the wine. "Think carefully before asking anything from my sister. That's of course if you manage to keep your allegiance." Her last sentence was spat and Hermione could detect the disgust in her voice. Her stomach tightened and suddenly the young witch felt more uncomfortable.

It was Bellatrix that had first noticed the change in appearance. The hair of Severus had lightened and she observed as the man's nose transformed completely before her eyes. Hermione sensed the familiar sickening feeling in her gut as she knew that the potion's effects were wearing off. In the midst of her body returning to its original proportions, Hermione tried to find her wand as the borrowed robe dwarfed her frame. Bellatrix was swift and unforgiving. She threw herself at the transforming figure, pinning Hermione against the closest surface. Books fell around them as she dug her wand into the young witch's neck. They were nose to nose. Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Hermione, her hand tightly restraining her and she screeched with laughter.

"Cissy!" Bellatrix squealed with delight before turning back to Hermione. "You're Potter's mudblood friend aren't you?" tipping her head back and crying out again.

"Potty? Where are you Potty? Come out!" Bellatrix sang, the tip of her wand cut into Hermione's neck and she looked around the room expectantly.

Narcissa had drawn her wand and was making her way to her sister's side before she stopped. Her celeste eyes fell on Hermione who was struggling under Bellatrix's strength. Her head felt light as she pieced together what had just happened. She looked from Hermione to her own hands as she made the connection and her whole world crashed around her. Her son was in even more danger and she had just bound herself to someone, a mudblood out of all people, who couldn't possibly save him. The fury and frustration almost consumed Narcissa as she looked on at the bodies struggling against each other.

"Are you alone, Mudblood?" A devilish smile crept upon Bellatrix's lips and she pressed herself closer to the young witch. "Who do you think you are? Trying to get the best of us? I had my suspicions about you ever since I saw that wand." She reached up Hermione's robe and threw the wand to Narcissa who resisted not snapping it in half. Bellatrix's words were whispers against her ear and she licked at Hermione's neck, the contact searing the young witch's skin and she cried in agony.

"Just something to remember me by Muddy." The raven haired witch hushed. She looked desirously at the Gryffindor up and down, smiling as she watched Hermione's face whiten with fear "It's too bad your blood is dirty."

"CRUCIO!"

Bellatrix laughed as her spell contacted with Hermione and she collapsed at the feet of the crazed witch. The pain was intense like knives repeatedly digging into her skin as her high pitch scream echoed throughout the house. Her limbs spasmed out of control and her head filled with images she had thought she had buried from her past. Eyes rolled into the back of her head and she could feel the bile in her throat.

"Enough Bella!"

It was Narcissa who stopped the torture and Bellatrix fell away disappointed by the disruption. Through tears, Hermione could see the cold face of Narcissa looking down on her. Her lips were thin and her eyes furious. Her voice was fierce as she spoke in a haunting whisper.

"You can't kill her." She threw the wand back at the young witch. "We are bound to each other until Draco succeeds!"

She turned to Hermione, her eyes ablaze. "Have you any idea what you've done? Do you know what this means?" Her voice was low and she resisted the hot, angry tears that pooled in her eyes. "Foolish little Mudblood!" Her palm made contact with Hermione's cheek bone and she collected her coat before storming out of the room. Hermione could feel the handprint embedded on her flesh. It stung. Her whole body ached.

She looked up and flinched when she noticed that she was alone with Bellatrix LeStrange. The older witch was leaning against the bookcase with one hand, her body arching over Hermione's.

"You're lucky that you tied yourself to my little sister," Bellatrix whispered, tracing the reddened mark along Hermione's face and she shuddered at the touch "otherwise you'd be dead." She pat the young witch patronizingly on the head. "You'll come back to me soon Mudblood." She laughed again before walking out of the house after Narcissa.

Hehe, not sorry about the little Ron/Hermione scene but sometimes we just got to live with a bit of hetero loving ;)