It seems that I'd much rather write fanfic than an essay on neoliberalism xD As you may or may not be aware the description of the story has changed to include Bella/Cissy. I thought I'd only leave their relationship 'subtle' but…meh. Perhaps I can accommodate some suggestions (don't use the word "sister" etc) but if you're not a fan, spare the hate and sorry to see you go. (Seriously though, what can you expect from Pure-bloods? They think they're too good for anyone but themselves. We've seen many examples in muggle royal history).
Chapter Nine
Muddy, come back to me, Muddy.
It was the soundtrack to her delirium. A voice she could not silence. She was a marionette to the darkness that seeped into her every nerve, manipulating strings like a puppeteer. It was only the fourth day into the holidays but with each sunset and sunrise the callings were growing louder, more insistent and Hermione suffered the consequences. There was something masochistic about this waiting game. Bellatrix's ringing words were laced with a tenderness Hermione never imagined the Death Eater could emit - which made tearing at her flesh even more sinister as the siren song replayed.
Come back to me.
When her frantic mother clipped her nails during the night, Hermione substituted claws for anything else she could find. Nothing brought relief, which is why she was here. Outside curly, iron gates, the very same she was escorted out of all those weeks ago. Although this time, Hermione was not on her feet. Melted snow lapped at her knees, numbing her skin beneath layers of clothing. Dirt from the pebbled ground marked her jeans and a chilling bite in the air kissed her lips blue. Hermione's hands were red raw from shaking the gate, voice hoarse, screaming for someone, anyone to let her in. Her shoulders ached; how long she had been out there she did not know. The icy metal stuck to her skin and she made the mistake of resting her cheek against the cold bars, twice. Magic could not penetrate the immovable fortress nor could she apparate beyond it.
Stupid, how could you be so stupid, Hermione!
She blamed herself for not coming sooner. But what else was she to do? She needed to see her parents; she wasn't sure if or when they would meet again. To leave the warmth of her childhood home and the surrounds of relatives who took an interest in her was almost too resisting. How she had missed it all. However, the callings were driving her mad and to be anywhere but in the clutches of Bellatrix LeStrange promised further torment. She could not enjoy her time at home any longer and had composed an elaborate excuse to leave before Christmas, much to her parent's dismay. Now she was on her knees in the dark, her body quaking from heavy sobs with thick snot dripping from her nose.
From a third story window, a figure looked down upon the girl, shadowed by half drawn curtains. Narcissa had been watching Hermione for some time. It was a pathetic sight, seeing the girl reach for the front door through iron gates. Nevertheless, she couldn't bring herself away. There was something satisfying about watching the girl struggle against the elements. The Mudblood, who had brought her so much misery, was beginning to suffer.
"Mistress?"
Narcissa did not draw her eyes away from the window. Instead, she silently drowned out her irritation with a sip of herbal tea. She was wrong about needing Bellatrix tonight, the solitude had calmed her. Frankly, the younger sister had still not forgiven the Death Eater for her actions at dinner. And now that Bellatrix was fruitlessly searching for the Mudblood, Narcissa couldn't wait until her sister returned empty handed.
"I do not remember asking you to speak."
"L-Lutin is sorry, Mistress." The house elf proceeded to beat himself for his insolence.
"When I finish my tea you may let her in."
Narcissa stood unmoving, savouring the hot liquid as it warmed her body. It was half for the girl's own good. She knew very well how Bellatrix would react when she found out that the Mudblood had come crawling back whilst she spent the night seeking her. At least if the brunette appeared to have been punished, Bellatrix would not beat her within an inch of her life. Or so Narcissa hoped. Bellatrix had arranged for this relationship between her and the Mudblood to be something more than what it was. If she wanted the girl to hurt, the Death Eater would need to learn how to spare the whip.
"You will run her a bath." The woman toyed with a wicked thought. "Lavender."
The blonde handed the cup and saucer to the house elf and walked out of the room without another word. Lutin waited until his Mistress was completely out of sight before snapping his fingers. A metallic 'click' sounded from below and the doors of the gate slowly opened. He dared to look on at the weak girl who was crawling on her hands and knees up the pathway. A pang of sadness stabbed at his chest as he watched the brunette struggle under the redness of her palms and the numbness of her legs – the only witch ever to have shown him kindness.
The pebbled path seemed to go on forever. Head down, Hermione opted to crawl on the balls of her palms to minimise the pain. She prayed that when she got there that the Death Eater would be in a forgiving mood tonight. Unlikely but she wished nonetheless.
A marble step was cool to the touch and Hermione realised that she had made it to the foot of the manor. She inhaled deeply, the chilly air spearing her lungs. Before she could muster the strength to knock on the door it opened inwards. Hermione stared at the pair of heels in front of her; they were not Bellatrix's signature boots. Her heart skipped as her eyes trailed up long legs and met those of Narcissa.
"Good evening, Miss Granger."
The blonde extended her hand and with great difficultly, Hermione supported herself to her feet. She wobbled like a newborn foal but the woman linked arms with hers and escorted her inside. Already Hermione felt the heat of the house defrosting her soaked skin. Or was it the heat from Narcissa's touch? She couldn't say for sure but in any case, she allowed herself to be led to a sitting room and gratefully welcomed a leather sofa. Narcissa lit a fire in its alcove with her wand and produced two glasses, each with a nip of firewhisky.
"Drink this," she handed one to Hermione "it will warm you faster than any fire."
Hermione eyed the dark intoxicants and looked around the room, expecting Bellatrix to materialise from the shadows.
Narcissa noticed the brunette's anxiety and drank to reassure her.
"It is quite alright, Miss Granger. My sister has chosen this evening to go off on an excursion."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief and thanked the woman, bringing the alcohol to her lips. Her first reaction was to gag. The liquid seared her tongue and throat. Her eyes were watering but she managed to swallow what was in her mouth.
"Firewhisky is strong but one does get accustomed to the taste." Narcissa smiled, sipping at her own.
The brunette's heart thudded against her ribcage. Did Narcissa Malfoy just smile at her? Hermione blushed into her glass, smelling rather than tasting the drink. Her insides felt cosy, winter's kiss long since faded.
"I was beginning to wonder when you would return," Narcissa continued "I believe you have gone and done the exact opposite of what I recommended and kept her waiting."
She buried her contempt, deep inside where Hermione could not detect it. Placing the crystal to one side, the blonde took the girl's hands and healed them with her wand and did the same to her cheek. With a hint of concern, Narcissa turned Hermione's chin and pushed back her hair that matted with both dry and oozing blood.
"I cannot do anything for this." Withdrawing her hand before the girl could lean into her.
She insisted that it was the change in temperature but Hermione already felt slightly light headed. Narcissa's words were unusually gentle towards her and she savoured this rare moment.
"I wanted to see my parents." She admitted, her voice still hoarse.
Narcissa looked at the girl, examining her face. There was something about her bone structure that reminded her of someone else but in a moment she snapped back into reality.
"I do not know if you are wise, Miss Granger, or foolish. However, you must be tired. I have sent the elves to run you a bath. It should relieve some discomfort until my sister returns. You will find robes and towels in the bathroom. We shall speak more later."
With a click of the woman's fingers, Lutin appeared, bowing humbly. Hermione recognised the elf and greeted him with a smile.
"The house elf will assist you to the second floor. If you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to."
"Madame Malfoy,"
Narcissa stopped and turned back to Hermione.
"Thank you."
She nodded in reply and left the room. Hermione could feel her cheeks redden as she stared after the woman.
"If Miss Granger would follow Lutin." The house elf bowed.
Hermione collected her thoughts but all she could think of was Narcissa.
"You can call me Hermione." She said, giving the elf a reassuring look.
Lutin's eyes widened in horror.
"House elves are not to address witches or wizards by their first name, Miss Granger. If Mistress only knew…" He began to hit his head against the floorboards.
"Lutin, please don't hurt yourself. I would like to go upstairs now, please." The girl was genuinely sorry and stopped the elf from inflicting further pain upon himself. She was suddenly aware how tired she was.
"Lutin will help Miss Granger." He was happy for the change of topic and assisted Hermione up the flight of stairs to the bathroom.
When Hermione opened the door her senses were hit with aromatics. A knot tightened in her stomach as she recollected the first Potions class of the semester and remembered the lavender she detected in the Amortentia. Soon after Lutin explained which soaps and lotions she could use, he disapparted. Hermione undressed, the steaming water liberating movement in her limbs once again. She submerged herself in the scented bathwater, allowing the liquid to cleanse her body. The water remained a constant temperature and Hermione felt herself dozing off as she thought of Narcissa.
O~O~O
The front door slammed shut, making the walls of the manor reverberate. Bellatrix paced across the entrance hall to the dining room where she hoped to find Narcissa. The evening had not gone as she expected. She was so sure the Mudblood would be with the Weasley boy. The Death Eater duo had fought Potter and his friends in the dark and took it in turns to destroy the Order's safe house piece by piece until flames enveloped the Burrow. But the girl was nowhere to be found. Vehemence bubbled in the pit of her stomach as she yelled her sister's name. The double doors were nearly thrown off their hinges as she magically forced them open. The dining hall was empty.
"Cissa! Come greet your beloved sister!"
The women folded her arms and stood in expectance. When no one came she prowled the first floor of the manor. With each unoccupied room she exited she grew ever more vexed.
"Cissy, I know you're here. Don't make me play hide and seek, you won't like it when I win."
Bellatrix took the marbled staircase one step at a time, listening for movement, giving her sister that chance to come forward. As she crossed the landing, Bellatrix stopped outside the bathroom, the smell of lavender overtaking her senses.
You make this too easy for me Cissy. A devilish smile contorted the corners of her lips.
Silently she unlocked the door and pushed it just enough so she could peer around it. The raven haired witch froze at the sight of brown curls cascading over the rim of the bath, water puddling on the tiles beneath them. Bellatrix unhitched her wand from its holster, possessiveness replacing frustration.
Oh bravo, Narcissa. The one night I chose not to fuck you and you whore yourself out. Is she younger? Prettier? Well, she won't be for much longer.
Bellatrix closed the door behind her as she entered the chamber, careful not to disturb the naked figure in the tub. She had her ways of going undetected. As she crept closer, she readied her wand to kill but as she reached the bath a wave of disbelief washed over her.
Impossible.
Curious eyes swept over a lacerated neck.
The Mudblood.
Bellatrix stored her wand away and took a seat on a bath stool behind Hermione's head. She watched the girl in silence, taking joy as she scratched in her sleep. Blood tainted the scented water. The woman gazed over the brunette's body. Hermione's breasts were half submerged, pink nipples dipping in and out of the water with every breath. Bellatrix cocked an eyebrow at the mess of black pubic hair and wondered if the Gryffindor had ever lain beside another or if all Mudbloods were this untidy. She rarely pursued those that were below her but the girl had found a loophole into their elitist world. Even something as important as blood status never had deterred Bellatrix from getting what she wanted.
"Mm,"
The woman leaned forward and listened to her as she stirred.
"Narcissa."
Bellatrix recoiled at the sound of her younger sister's name. Taking a hold of the girl's face, she plunged her under the water.
Hermione's eyes shot open as she struggled to comprehend what was happening. Her body flailed as she fought against the weight that held her down. As she attempted to scream, water gushed into her lungs. Panic set in. She was desperate to reach the surface. After a few more moments, Hermione was hoisted up by her hair. Her first breath of precious oxygen seared her chest as it replaced the water. She felt like she was going to be sick.
"Muddy, come back to me, Muddy."
Bellatrix sang, her dark orbs elated as she watched the Mudblood splutter a mixture of water and bile down her front. The dress sleeves of the witch were soaked through and clung to her sinewed limbs.
"It's been a while, Muddy. Too busy fucking yourself over my sister to answer me?"
She thrust Hermione back into the bath, twisting her hair as she forced her head under.
Hermione coughed as she rose again, tears streaming down her face.
"I call for you to come back to relieve your suffering. And you ignore it. Ungrateful little Mudblood."
"I came back."
"What was that, Mudblood?"
"I came back!" She croaked, her body trembling.
"You dare talk back to me!" the sadist involuntarily parted her lips as she watched the convulsing body. She hated Gryffindors. This was not the first lioness that had used courage as a last line of defence. But by Merlin did they make a battle that much more interesting.
"I had to go and look for you, Muddy. At the 'Burrow'."
Hermione stilled in fear, desperate for the witch to continue.
"What a dump. Your Weasley boyfriend will thank me that I gave his blood traitor family incentive to rebuild it."
She chuckled as she released her hold of Hermione.
"What did you do to them!" The brunette felt numb. The worst case scenarios eating away at her imagination.
"When I said everything will be your fault, everything will all be thanks to you; it wasn't in jest, Muddy. I keep my promises." The witch dug her nails into the younger's temples. Hermione felt like her head was about to explode from pressure as the toxins left her body.
Hermione could feel the woman's eyes on her even as she covered her nakedness with her hands. Her face reddened with humiliation.
"No amount of soap can wash away the dirt in your veins."
Bellatrix removed her fingers and left Hermione trembling in the bath without turning back.
O~O~O
Narcissa sat in the third story study, handwriting a letter with a snow white quill. Her penmanship was flawless, her calligraphy written in an elegant italic. A dripping hand did not faze her as it placed itself on her shoulder. She smiled contently to herself, showing little interest in the water droplets running down her back.
"Already gone for your bath have you Bella?" She said calmly, dipping the feather in its inkpot and continued with her work.
"Not quite." The dark haired witch retaliated sarcastically.
"Not quite? Not quite what you expected, you mean?"
Bellatrix tightened her grip, watching as ink formed beautifully crafted words onto parchment.
"Good game, Cissy. I could have killed her and then where would Draco be? He might as well take his own life."
"Really Bella, you are far too predictable." The blonde played with her sister's temper. This was her payback for earlier - for hurting her son, for leaving her alone.
The Death Eater reached over Narcissa and tipped over the inkpot. Together they watched the black liquid spill over the desk, the parchment soaking up unwritten words.
"Now we are even. After all, I healed the Mudblood, kind of."
The younger sister rolled her eyes, her inner-perfectionist screaming at the spoiled work.
"Kind of?"
Bellatrix walked around and straddled Narcissa, grinding herself against her legs.
"Well, no one is perfect are they?" She teased, scraping her teeth along the blonde's jugular. "Did you two have fun together? Did she confess how much she wants to fuck you?"
Narcissa rhythmically moved in time with the woman on top of her. "Don't be disgusting, Bella. It is you who has seemed to have gotten wet over the Mudblood."
"Don't worry, Cissy, I'll let you have her first. After all, she is your butterfly to crush." She hummed, stealing a kiss; her tongue demanding entrance.
Narcissa fought for dominance, stopping her rocking which made the Death Eater growl.
"More like a caterpillar. Or the dirt under which they crawl."
Bellatrix squeezed the blonde's neck and invaded her mouth, tongues fighting against each other in a power play for control. Her fingers trailed down Narcissa's neck and massaged her breasts through the silken blouse.
"There's no reason to be so defensive," the eldest clucked, unclasping a laced bra, freeing Narcissa's breasts.
The blonde gasped as Bellatrix circled her nipple "I hate you."
"I know," the woman got up and pulled Narcissa with her, pushing her against the writing table "let me make it up to you."
Black ink stained ivory skin as Narcissa pulled her sister towards her, securing her in place with her legs. Practiced hands unlaced and removed the waist cincher corset that trained her sister's hourglass figure.
"Show me."
Bellatrix cupped Narcissa's breast in one hand, directing her back so she was sitting properly on the desk. Lips met once more and Narcissa allowed herself to succumb to the kiss, scraping her nails down the Death Eater's back. Bare nipples erected as they brushed against silk material. Without breaking the embrace, Bellatrix unbuttoned and opened the blouse exposing porcelain skin. Dipping her head, the woman took a swollen nipple in her mouth, flicking the bud with her tongue. She took her time to tease each one, a combination of biting and sucking that made Narcissa moan. Her hands caught in the thicket of curls, massaging her scalp, her body begging for more.
"You're so much whiter than her." The eldest ran her hand down the length of other's torso, her fingers slipping under the tailored skirt.
Narcissa yanked at dark curls harshly "If you bring up the Mudblood one more time…" her words trailed off as fingers slid over her slick slit and between wet folds..
"White is the colour of purity," the raven woman purred rubbing her clit. Narcissa bit her own lip, pushing her hips into the Death Eater's touch.
"And you are a Black," hands lifted the skirt, spreading the ink further across the desk. Dark liquid stained their skin and clothing, shadowing the carpet.
"Toujours pur." Bellatrix dipped her head and tasted the saltiness of Narcissa. Her tongue swept over the sensitive bud before scraping her teeth across thousands of micro-nerve endings.
Narcissa moaned aloud, Bellatrix's pink tongue sending her into bliss. She pulled at her own nipples, longing to be entered.
"You're a tease." She gasped as the Death Eater's tongue drove inside her, her breath rapidly becoming shallow. Narcissa, who was well regarded as an ice queen secretly melted at the forbidden touch of the most poisonous woman alive and Bellatrix knew those weaknesses, using them to her advantage to wring every last whimper from the prim and proper witch.
The walls of her sex were beginning to clamp down around Bellatrix's tongue. She was close. Licking her clit, the dark witch made eye contact with the quivering elite.
"B-Bella," Narcissa felt her hips buck into the woman's mouth, clinging onto inked curls. Their movements were fluid as she came. Eyes rolled back in ecstasy, back arched and legs wrapped tightly around the giver of gifts.
"Am I forgiven?" She smirked, tonguing at her clit, tasting every last orgasm as Narcissa begged for release.
"Y-yes,"
The eldest pulled the younger up in an embrace and the blonde could taste herself on her sister's lips. Narcissa's back was covered in ink that matched the furniture's newly accessorised black handprints. They stayed this way for several minutes exchanging tender caresses. Bare breasts against clothed, possessive arms wrapped around each other, neither willing to share with another in this moment.
"I don't hate you." Narcissa muffled into her neck.
"I know." She didn't have to say it. Bellatrix already knew. She has always known. If there was one thing certain in this world it was that Narcissa would always be hers.
O~O~O
"Lutin, please, let me out." Hermione pleaded. She was sitting by a windowsill in one of the Manor's many rooms. Her forehead rested against the frosty glass, legs curled up to her chest. She was still weak. Bellatrix had healed her just enough to stop her hallucinations but the pain in her neck had not subsided. She felt exhausted, desperate to hear news from Ron and Harry. Hermione had tried counter-charms and her own strength to free herself from the walls of the Manor. Running from door to door, window to window left her feeling drained. She should have known that the Death Eater wouldn't have allowed her to escape that easily.
The house elf stood beside her, conflicted.
"Miss Granger is a nice girl. Lutin wouldn't want harm to come to Miss Granger. But…Lutin must answer to the Malfoy family. Miss Granger must stay here."
"What do they want with me? What am I even doing here?"
Lutin watched as a single tear rolled down Hermione's cheek. He materialised a tissue for the girl to wipe her eyes.
"Miss Granger's soul is bound to Mistress'. If Miss Granger does not do the task of Master Draco Malfoy, many bad things will happen. Miss Granger must prepare."
"Prepare for what, Lutin?" Hermione turned to face him, searching for answers.
"That's quite enough, elf!" Bellatrix walked into the chamber, followed closely by her sister.
Lutin dropped to his knees and began beating himself against the floor, his forehead quickly turning a deep shade of purple. The Death Eater glared down at the self-harming house elf and fired a Cruciatus Curse at him.
"No! He didn't do anything!" Hermione cried, drawing her wand. "Expelliarmus!"
Bellatrix deflected the spell and dismissed the elf, turning her attention to Hermione. Narcissa looked over her sister's shoulder, horrified that a Mudblood, of all people, would dare to attack her family in her own home.
"Such cheek." Bellatrix spat, disarming Hermione. "Fetch that won't you Cissy."
Narcissa stepped out behind the Death Eater and picked up Hermione's wand, storing it in her dress pocket. Fresh robes concealed the inked patterns on her flesh.
"Silencio."
Hermione clutched at her throat. Her tongue had fixed itself to the roof of her mouth, rendering her to speak.
"If you valued your pathetic existence, Muddy, you will do as I say!" Bellatrix snickered as the girl looked at the blonde for support.
Narcissa placed a hand on her sister's waist and gave her a look that told her to cool down.
"Listen closely Miss Granger as I will only ask this once. Do you plan to carry out your side of the Vow? It is only your life at stake, you have only yourself to blame for this. We are giving you an opportunity to free yourself, a helping hand if you will. However, if you are having second thoughts my sister here is trained in assisted suicide."
Hermione, unable to speak nodded her head. The only thing driving her onwards was the opportunity to ask anything of Narcissa – her only way to help in the fight against Voldemort.
"At least you are sensible." The blonde flicked her wand and undid the silencing charm. "I suggest we maintain a level of civility as we will regrettably be seeing more of each other. The rules are not difficult to follow. If you are good, you will be treated well. If you are bad, you will get exactly what you deserve. Any questions?"
"What am I preparing for?"
Bellatrix rolled her eyes "I believe that was rhetorical."
She grabbed Hermione's wrist and pulled her close, digging nails into flesh and breathing in scented hair. Narcissa looked on, unamused at the proximity between the two women. The Death Eater whispered into the brunette's ear, she could still taste sex on her tongue.
"All in good time, Muddy. I think that's enough for tonight. You haven't been very good lately so I have a special room for you."
Bellatrix laughed into the girl's ear, resisting her attempts to break free from her grasp.
Narcissa stood silently observing, hating the Mudblood more and more.
Nothing that I have done deserves this.
"Bella," the aristocrat was tired, spinning her wand through her fingers "it is too late to play. Show the girl where she will be sleeping. Tomorrow we'll continue discussing her preparations."
Bellatrix gave her a dark look, not liking to be instructed in front of anybody. Nevertheless she gave Hermione a shove and dragged her towards the door.
"Oh and Bella, for the love of Merlin do something about her neck won't you."
Hermione silently thanked Narcissa and proceeded to keep up with the hurrying Death Eater as she left the room and descended the stairs two at a time.