If you're still here, thank you for being patient! I know it's been a while but I submitted my essay the other day and now I can get back to writing. Once uni finishes for the year in November you'll see more regular updates.
I do respond to every review (or at least I think I do? I click on that little speech bubble to the right xD) buuuuutttt I'm just pathetic at using so I'll just reply to a few here because you guys really did make my week when I saw those emails. I WILL work on my tech skills xD
Amaranta316: You're always such a pleasure to read! Your comments are always so amusing! Study hard ;)
1Past and Present1: Thank you! Luna is one of my girlfriend's favourite characters so I just had to add her in (even if I can't stand her myself xD)
Caradens: Hmm will Hermione get help? She'll probably need some soon but perhaps not the help she necessarily wants :p
Shycoyotegirl: If you're still with me after this chapter I hope to update before the weekend is over^^
214: Voila! Thank you :D and I hope this chapter is up to par
Hope it was worth the wait!
Chapter Five
Hermione could barely move. She was spread out on the solid oak floor, her eyes long since rolled into the back of her head. The only indicators that validated her continued existence came from the rapid rise and fall of her chest and the sickening gargle from within her throat. Pulped flesh harboured under her fingernails from the impulsive, self-induced lacerations to her neck.
Narcissa closely observed the sharpness of the young witch's breath and turned in irritation to her eldest sister.
"You promised me she'd come to no harm." She hissed, raising her wand to apply a tourniquet to ease the tide of crimson flowing from the unconscious Gryffindor. Bellatrix held up her hand, stopping the blonde from casting the spell.
"It's like you don't know me at all Cissy." The dark witch smirked, lowering Narcissa's wand whilst playfully tracing shapes onto her soft hands.
"Not now Bella," she drew her sister's gaze back to the lifeless figure on the ground "revive her. Immediately. I can scarcely stand looking at that Mudblood when she's conscious let alone watching her impurities tarnish my floor."
The Death Eater looked down at the young woman who was beginning to spasm. She had thought the brunette would come sooner and now it was going to take more effort than she was willing to give in order to bring back this pathetic creature. She bent down and tossed Hermione's bag to Narcissa.
"Search it."
The manor's matriarch kept her sister's stare and took her cue to leave Bellatrix to her own will. When she had closed the goblin-crafted doors after herself, Bellatrix knelt down in seiza behind Hermione's crown. The young witch had turned a deathly shade of white, her transparing skin contrasting with the burnt butter-like colour under her eyes.
"We're going to have such fun together Mudblood. When you come around you'll wish that my sister had left you in the snow."
Her laughter was low as she ghosted the fevered cheeks of Hermione. She positioned her middle and index fingers above the young woman's temples, closing her own eyes briefly to focus her mind. She could feel the strength of the natural magic in her veins, flowing throughout the complex network within her system, carried for centuries in her bloodline. Toujours pur. When her onyx orbs reopened she forcefully pressed her fingertips into the delicate pockets of Hermione's skull. The atmosphere within the room had become thick with the power of wandless magic. Hermione's form flailed, rebounding off the solid floorboards but Bellatrix's strength held her in position. Soon her body adjusted to the dark witch's touch, allowing the poisons to ooze from her pours and vanish into the air. The bleeding ceased and her face regained a healthy glow. She had yet to recuperate her full strength but Bellatrix had, had enough of babysitting and she rose from the floor.
Hermione opened her eyes slowly, her focus adjusting to the light before falling on a mass of cascading ringlets. A sweet voice sung from the older woman's lips, her eyes merciless.
"Hello again, Mudblood."
Hermione's heart thudded in panic and she crawled backwards in desperation, frantically trying to recognise her surroundings. Bellatrix walked closely behind, keeping her pace steady, an insane laugh erupted from her lips. She closed the distance between them and dug the heel of her boot into Hermione's sternum, pinning her to the ground. Hermione cried out as the pain exploded in her chest.
"You know Muddy, you're not as bright as they say you are." She took pleasure in watching the defenceless brunette squirm under her before kicking her in the ribs. Hermione contracted into a ball in an attempt to shield her vital organs.
"When I said that 'you'll come back to me soon' that was a command, not an invitation!"
Hermione whimpered as a cruciatus curse struck her, tears streaming down her face.
"Please! Please stop! Ple-" she chocked on her words as Bellatrix lowered herself onto the floor, grabbing a fistful of chestnut locks.
"Now, now love," Bellatrix clucked, primitive desires flooded her imagination "you did this to yourself. You just had to meddle with my family didn't you? Now you'll pay the price. Everything that happens will be all. thanks. to. you."
The young witch groaned with a mixture of pain and confusion.
Bellatrix forced Hermione to look at her, tightening her grip.
"If I wasn't mistaken Mudblood, you get off on the pain. Why else would you wait this long?"
"W…what are you even talking about?" Fear laced Hermione's voice. Her eyes were looking into the callous orbs of her tormentor; darkness spiralling down into a bottomless abyss. Hermione shuddered at what they have witnessed – severed families, mutilation and the horrors from within the pits of Azkaban - things far worse than death itself.
"Oh Muddy, don't play coy," Bellatrix caressed the brunette's neck with a slender finger. Hermione caught herself before she leant into the touch but the hesitation had not gone unnoticed by the Death Eater.
"Don't tell me you didn't feel it, the poison, right here." She dug her nail into Hermione's soft flesh.
She grit her teeth as her mind replayed every moment of agony over the last month.
"Yes. Did you feel the throb?" A hand trailed down Hermione's neck.
"Did you feel the heat's intensity?" Digits danced along her collarbone.
"Did you think of me?" Fingers slipped under her shirt and teased the skin above her bra.
The dark witch grinned at the Gryffindor. Hermione's eyes had closed, giving into the seductive touch of the woman.
"It's my calling card. I thought you'd have figured it out by now. If you keep me waiting you'll only weaken. No wand can numb it; no medicine can relieve it. My touch and my touch alone can lessen your burden. So when I call, you will come, Mudblood." She removed her hand from under the shirt.
Hermione nodded submissively, she felt too weak to struggle. Tears flowed from their ducts as she realised that no matter where she was she could not escape Bellatrix.
"Well Mudblood," The dark witch had grown bored "if you can crawl, you can walk!" Bellatrix stood, never letting go of Hermione's hair. The Gryffindor let out a high pitch scream, clawing at Bellatrix's hands as the older woman dragged her through the mansion. Opening a set of double doors, she released her grasp and pushed Hermione through them.
The majesty of the living room was amplified by the crystal chandeliers that hung from the high ceilings and intricate tapestries that lined the walls. A fire crackled in its marble prison and long, leather lounge chairs sheltered in its warmth. On the far side of the room sat Narcissa. Hermione's handbag was in her lap and a half empty glass of red wine was levitated at her side. The contents of the bag were neurotically sorted into piles and from what the young witch could tell; only a fraction of the items had been removed so far. The blonde had indicated that she did not show an interest in her new company. She sat dignified and reserved, drinking deeply as Bellatrix closed the doors.
"Tell me Mudblood," her words were spat as she glided over to the trembling witch that stood before her "why did you go to all that trouble that night? What were you hoping to prove?"
Hermione straightened her spine, attempting to show courage as Bellatrix circled her like a feline stalking its prey. The longer she remained silent, the less the dark witch wanted to play. The click of her heels ceased as she stood behind the brunette, holding her wand against Hermione's bruised neck. She could feel the electricity emanating and shut her eyes tightly.
"Please," she whispered, desperate to be spared from another unforgivable curse.
Bellatrix cocked an eyebrow, running her hand down the length of the younger woman's arm.
"Please what Mudblood?"
She inched forward; pressing her breasts against the other's back, speaking softly as her lips brushed Hermione's lobe. Her breath made Hermione's hairs stand on end and her stomach do backflips.
"I thought that this is what got you off?"
She laughed devilishly as she invaded Hermione's mind. If she wasn't going to cooperate, Bellatrix would take the information she required by force.
It was easy to penetrate her thoughts, Hermione was still vulnerable and the Death Eater skilfully navigated her memories through the power of legilimency. It was like walking down a continuous corridor that branched off into endless rooms. Bellatrix savoured the moments she peered through doors that contained Hermione's darkest fears and snickered at the kiss she shared with the Weasley boy.
All of her memories were wide open, except for one. If she hadn't been searching so thoroughly, Bellatrix probably would have missed it. The sealed door was identical in colour to the wall, as if was attempting to camouflage itself. Bellatrix reached out but there was no knob, no handle. Pressing her ear against the wood, she could make out the faint cry of an infant. The dark witch had no concern for children but the locked door played on her curiosities as she left to explore the others.
O~O~O
Soon she found what she was looking for. She did not recognise the location but the trio were easily distinguishable. They were sitting around a burning newspaper, planning to impersonate Severus and Bellatrix couldn't help but cackle at the suicide mission. She listened to the Boy-Who-Lived talk about his nightmares involving the Dark Lord and the correlations with the photograph.
Photograph? What photograph?
Bellatrix looked around the room, her eyes falling on the frame within Hermione's hands. Walking over, she glanced at it from behind the girl's shoulder. The Death Eater was slightly taken aback. It was if she was looking into a pensieve filled with her own, forgotten memories. It was her last year at Hogwarts and she had grown to be both feared and prized by her professors at such an age. Bellatrix looked at her peers. They all belonged to the 'Slug Club', collected by that fat, fool of a teacher. Her sister stood in front of her in the photograph. Powerful and beautiful - just as Bellatrix has always known. She had made the arranged marriage between Bellatrix and Rodolphus very difficult for the family that year, not wanting to give her older sister up without a fight. They had always been close however as time did tell, the marriage never did alter their relationship.
Where did they get this?
Bellatrix ran down the corridor, passing memory after memory until one door made her body freeze and her blood boil. Moonlight illuminated the darkened bedroom; creased blouses with torn buttons littered the floor. Bellatrix stepped through the doorway, her heart racing. She recognised the sound of heavy breathing as it grew louder. Pinned against the wall, a shirtless Hermione whimpered behind an older woman. Her hair was like blonde silk and she wore a black, lace bra and matching knee length skirt. Hands cupped the younger's breasts, thumbs ghosting her erect nipples.
"Narcissa…"
At the sound of her name, the aristocratic witch leant in and kissed her passionately, her tongue dominating Hermione's as the Gryffindor let slip a moan. Narcissa massaged her breasts, rolling her hardened nipples between her fingers.
Bellatrix's eyes flared as she watched on.
This is not a memory…it's a fantasy
Narcissa's hands were trailing up the brunette's thigh, stopping at the junction between her legs, teasing her over her jeans.
"Yes."
The young witched gasped the other woman's name over and over, every touch sending her body into ecstasy as clothes fell away and onto the floor.
Bellatrix couldn't bear it any longer. Her concentration broke and the dark witch found herself back in the living room of the Malfoy Manor. It felt like she had been gone for hours but in real time, the powers of legilimency lasted mere seconds. She was breathing heavily, her eyes wild.
Hermione had slipped to the floor, her mind completely exhausted from the intrusion.
"Oh, no you don't Mudblood." Bellatrix growled, pulling the young witch to her feet by the collar of her shirt.
"You know exactly what I saw you little whore."
They were nose to nose. Hermione had never seen the Death Eater so furious. Her blushed face revealed her shame. Bellatrix squeezed Hermione's cheeks between her thumb and forefinger, turning the brunette's head sharply to look at the woman sitting on the sofa.
"So it's not the pain that gets you off Mudblood. It's my little sister that turns you on."
The words were harsh against her ear as Bellatrix humiliated her further.
"Do you like it when you think about her touching you here?" She roughly grabbed Hermione's breast. She gasped out in pain, attracting the attention of Narcissa.
"Or do you prefer it when she's inside you? What's the matter Mudblood? Don't you like the blood-traitor Weasley anymore? Wasn't he a good enough fuck?"
She threw the terrified girl on the ground and straddled her, crushing her weight against her chest to restrict her lungs.
"You listen to me you filthy little Mudblood. I don't like to repeat myself but it seems your dirty blood affects your memory too. She is out of your league. Never, ever forget that!"
She crashed her lips against Hermione's, inhaling her perfume before pulling away and slapping her harshly against the cheek. Bellatrix rose to her feet. She pointed her wand at the stunned woman and Hermione recognised the same intense look in her eyes that she had seen in the photograph: raw jealousy.
The corners of the dark witch's lips curled as she read Hermione's thoughts. Her wand made a familiar swish-and-flick movement and Hermione was in the air, levitated high above the ground.
"Let me down!" She cried as she felt her stomach churn and head spin.
"As you wish, Mudblood." Bellatrix half said to herself, flicking her wand once more.
Hermione's screams ricocheted off the walls as she plummeted through the air like a discarded ragdoll. She squeezed her eyes shut, awaiting the contact with the floor.
It never came.
Her screams turned into cries of relief. The beating in her chest escalated as she opened her eyes to Narcissa above her, she had caught Hermione with only inches from the ground. She lowered the brunette gently down before turning her attention to her sister. The eldest Black softened, a possessive arm slipping around Narcissa's waist.
"Here Bella, come now, this is no way to treat company." The blonde reached into her coat pocket and slipped a peppermint candy into the Death Eater's mouth. Hermione blushed as Bellatrix caught her sister's finger lightly between her teeth. She flicked the fingertip with her tongue, watching Hermione's mortified reaction. Narcissa's eyes fluttered closed as the raven haired woman sucked on her index. There was a stabbing in Hermione's heart and she turned away from the sisters.
"I will see that she is more appropriately tended to."
Narcissa withdrew her hand and gave an instructive look to her sister who stalked over to the fireplace.
"Come with me." The pure-blood's voice was cold but it gave Hermione more comfort than that of Bellatrix's.
She took the outstretched hand, savouring the soft contact of Narcissa's skin, wishing she didn't have to let go. Even with everything that had happened to her, Hermione couldn't help but admire the elegance that came second nature to the sophisticated witch. She allowed herself to be led through the same double doors and watched the blonde close them. They were standing in the entrance hall of the mansion which was as elaborately decorated as the last room.
"Madame Malfoy, thank you…if you hadn't had caught me…"
"Do not confuse my hospitality for kindness, Mudblood. You were only brought here because otherwise you would have died. That is one thing money cannot replace."
Hermione's smiled faded, hurt by Narcissa's words.
"I understand that you are aware of the risks of our…undesirable situation?"
The younger witch nodded, captivated by the blueness of the icy woman's eyes.
"Very good. I trust that you have not shared our agreement with a third party."
"I…I don't know what I'm supposed to do." Hermione shook as Narcissa stepped towards her.
"All in good time," she observed the welt on the younger woman's cheek, remembering that night in Spinner's End "we cannot have you trying to jeopardise the situation. You have already done enough, don't you think?"
"I'm sorry." Hermione whispered, lowering her head.
Narcissa's eyes blazed.
"'Sorry' doesn't even begin to erase what you have done."
She snapped her fingers and within seconds a house elf apparated, bowing deeply at his mistress.
"See that Miss Granger is given some refreshments. I must return to my sister."
The creature bowed once again and gestured to Hermione to follow him up the marbled staircase. She looked back at Narcissa who kept her gaze, chin raised proudly before disappearing back behind the doors.
O~O~O
"Are you going to tell me what that was all about?"
Narcissa sat beside her sister who had broken into the firewhisky. The smell of the warm alcohol blended well with the sharpness of the peppermint. Bellatrix handed her the photograph that she had found in Hermione's bag.
"The Mudblood has a crush."
Narcissa stared at the moving picture, eyes falling on the young Slytherin students. She raised an eyebrow in question at the dark witch and light-heartedly chuckled.
"So you were going to kill her because she has a schoolgirl infatuation with Severus?" she teased.
Bellatrix was emotionless and poured herself another glass.
"Rodolphus?"
She tipped her head back and welcomed the burning sensation in her throat.
"Lucius?" The blonde scanned the photo and looked up; the humour had left her voice.
"You, dear sister. She lusts for you!" Bellatrix threw the crystal. The million shards of glass glittered the floor.
Narcissa wrapped her arms around the Death Eater's neck, staring into her eyes.
"You aren't jealous are you Bella?" She smiled in jest. "What would I want with a Mudblood anyway?" She leaned into Bellatrix and kissed her porcelain neck softly, nipping at the skin as she made her way up to her ear.
"I saw inside her head, Cissy." The eldest brought her closer, running her hands through the blonde hair. "She thinks about you all the time. She fucks herself over you. Your hands on her body…you were so…submissive."
"You know very well who I submit to."
She growled as Narcissa kissed her for the last time on the cheek.
"Cock tease."
"You're one to talk." She waved her index finger at the pouting witch. "Come now Bella, tell me what you can about Draco."
"What is there to tell? Potter seems to have visions and knows Draco is working with Severus."
Narcissa's heart sunk. "He knows about the plan? Impossible, the girl said she hasn't got a clue."
Bellatrix played with the silky fabric of Narcissa's dress. "He just knows who is involved, not their roles."
The blonde exhaled, unaware that she had been holding her breath.
"When are you going to tell the Dark Lord?"
Bellatrix shot her a warning look. "He doesn't need to know about that Cissy. If he found out you had made the Unbreakable Vow with a Mudblood…" she pushed her nails through the fabric and into her sister's thigh.
Narcissa considered the possibility and erased the thought from her mind. Delicate hands forced Bellatrix's down and the blonde concentrated on the pressure of the nails piercing through flesh.
"She doesn't know what to do…" Narcissa gasped as cherry droplets bubbled and expanded across the material.
"The Mudblood will have to be trained in secret, just as Draco has done. She must not be told until the very last moment or she'll surely ruin everything." The Death Eater smirked as she burrowed further into skin.
"The sooner this is over the sooner she will be gone forever." She resumed kissing the dark witch's jaw while continuing the pressure.
"There's been a change of plans Cissy."
The blonde softly moaned in reply.
"Before I kill her you will break her."
Narcissa sat upright, easing her sister's nails from the fresh wounds.
"You heard me Cissy. That filthy Mudblood wants you." She leant in, whispering in the blonde's ear. "Let her believe it, let her hurt from the inside out." Bellatrix rubbed the bloody patch on Narcissa's dress.
"I will not degrade myself any further Bellatrix." She hissed back, pulling away from the Death Eater.
"Consider it Cissy. Make her suffer for everything that she has put you through."
O~O~O
Hermione sat in the library wearing a plush robe. The house elf had offered to wash her snow-soaked clothes and she waited for his return. She blew on the hot chocolate without proceeding to drink. Touching her fingers to her lips she remembered the poisonous kiss. Her lips had been so different to those of Ron. They were soft and made Hermione's core burn for more. Looking back, she somewhat liked the feeling of the powerful witch forcing herself upon her. She was confused. At times Bellatrix had been gentle, almost affectionate and then her mood would swing and she'd transform back into the malicious Death Eater. Then there was Narcissa with all the demeanour and beauty expected from her pedigree. Hermione reflected on the almost incestuous obsession the two shared before pushing the thought out of her mind. She was attracted to the power Narcissa possessed to tame the one thing that the Ministry could not cage – Bellatrix's insanity.
A distinct 'pop' was heard and Hermione looked up to see that the house elf had returned. He bowed low, in his outstretched hands were Hermione's clothes, washed, pressed and neatly folded.
"Thank you, um…?"
"Lutin. Will there be anything else for Miss Granger?"
"Thank you, Lutin. No, I appreciate what you've done for me."
The frail house elf looked down and smiled to himself, unaware of how to respond to the compliment. With other bow he disapparted, allowing Hermione to dress privately.
Hermione removed the robe and hung it on the back of the chair. She was relieved that the bruises on her skin had faded and silently thanked Bellatrix for restoring her health. Ironic, considering the witch had almost killed her. She slipped on her cotton underwear and cupped her breasts in her bra. Hermione let out a gasp of surprise as strange hands fastened the clasp. She turned around, instinctively covering herself. Narcissa looked down on the young woman, smiling at the Gryffindor's embarrassment.
"Your bag and your wand. I think you'll find everything to be as it were." She said stepping closer.
Hermione backed up against the desk. She could feel the lingering eyes of Narcissa on her body as she retrieved her possessions.
"Thank you, Madame Malfoy."
Narcissa dipped her head in response. Indeed, she could become accustomed to Hermione's body. She was attractive; more so than some of the other pureblood's daughters she had been scouting for Draco. Her stomach was flat and her breasts were firm.
Hermione gripped the edge of the desk, blushing at an evoked fantasy.
"When you are dressed I will see you out. You will tell no one of your visit. Next time my sister calls it would be wise if you do not keep her waiting, she can be rather…unforgiving."
Hermione's gaze fell on the bloodied dress and restrained herself from reaching out to the woman. Narcissa distracted the Gryffindor, leaning towards her so that Hermione bent backwards. The blonde lingered over the semi-naked body, fingers trailed over Hermione's collarbone and down between her breasts, stopping at her navel. The young witch's face reddened and felt the dampness between her legs as Narcissa brought her lips close to hers. The older woman spoke softly, her tone containing an icy bite.
"I like pretty things Miss Granger. But you are simply tin painted gold."
Yes, Bellatrix was right, she could make this virgin suffer. There was a strategy, she always had one when it came to revenge, came to lust, came to pain, came to sex. It would be long drawn. The Mudblood would work hard for her affection and in the end Narcissa was convinced that if Hermione didn't die of a broken heart, she would be wishing that she could.