A/N- Y'all are so awesome, thank you for your support. I do want to apologize. Fanfiction just doesn't like me and it hasn't let me respond to any of the reviews y'all left me over chapter 17. Just didn't want y'all thinking I was ignoring you. Anyways, I'm gonna quit yakking for now and get to writing.

Trigger warning: Brief non-con. Not described in gory details.

Disclaimer: If you recognize the characters, they aren't mine. Not sure if I even own this little twist on a pretty common trope, but I suppose I'll never know. I haven't made a single cent from my stories, trust me, my bank account tells no lies.

Chapter 18

November 21, 1995

Hermione breathed in deep, doing her absolute best to stay calm in the face of what was happening today. Three days ago, Severus had received an official summons for himself, Hermione, Harry, and Draco. Dumbledore seemed the most nervous of everyone involved, although Draco came in at a close second. For some reason, Hermione found that both disturbing and amusing.

Draco had explained himself that if things went badly, his parents would jump in and fight for the Dark Lord while he would be backing Hermione and Harry. This thought was sobering and the Gryffindor vowed not to tease him about his nerves anymore.

It was the same night as his confession that Hermione did her best to take her boys minds off their problems.

*Flashback*

Hermione paced the corridor in front of Barnabas the Barmy, very specific in what she asked the Room of Requirement for. Their occlumency lesson had gone swimmingly, Harry and Draco were progressing by leaps and bounds. Hermione had started her training in legilimency and she felt that it had gone well. She had no problems infiltrating the mind, she simply needed to hone her technique on veiwing the memories.

Severus had told them all that they were doing wonderful, that they had much to be proud of. While Hermione believed him, she also knew that he was going to say whatever net him the greatest results.

The trio entered the Room of Requirement and the boys were excited to see a large expansive room with a fireplace and a large bed. They both turned her way simultaneously, confused looks on their faces. Harry broke the silence.

"What's going on, 'Mi?" She gave them a grin.

"Well, I just figured we could spend the night here together. Trust me, Lavender and Parvati would be thrilled if I didn't come back to our dorms. I'm not sure about your dorm mates, but if they won't notice your absense, I thought we could stay here together." Harry stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.

"I think it's great. This is a great idea. I think everyone in my dorms are too scared of 'Mi to snitch about anything." Draco snorted.

"None of my roommates will say a word if I don't show in the dorms." Hermione wondered briefly for a moment if Theo would agree to his words, but decided to let Draco deal with the situation. If either one of them wanted him in the situation, they would invite him.

She led both boys to the edge of the bed and gestured for them to take off their clothing. She could see the confusion on their faces, but they were quick to obey. Both of her boys stripped down to their boxers while she watched with hungry eyes. Both Harry and Draco were sexy as fuck. She bid them to lay on the bed and both were quick to comply.

While she kept her panties on, she stripped everything else. It was the first time that she had been without her bra and shirt in front of anyone before, but she was determined to cross this line with her boys. Both of their gazes were caught on her bare breasts, and while it made her embarrassed and self-conscious, she also felt a sense of power.

Hermione waved her wand and her boy's boxers disappeared easily. She had never seen a penis before and she could honestly say that she was impressed. She expected far less than what her boys were sporting. While Draco was long and thick, Harry seemed to be just a tiny bit shorter and a tiny bit bigger around. She wasn't sure exactly which was better, but she hoped she wouldn't be required to make a decision about the matter. Surely they wouldn't demand that of her, would they?

Hermione tentatively reached out and grasped each of their cocks in her hand. Both gasped inwardly and did their best to not thrust themselves into her hand. She let her hands wander the lengths of them, taking in the velvety hardness of what was usually contained in their pants.

Once she had felt every inch of their impressive shafts, her hands moved lower to explore their balls. Both sets looked remarkably alike, but felt completely different in her hands. Unable to stop herself she bent and pressed a kiss to the head of Harry's dick first before she did the same to Draco.

"I'm sorry, I want to please you both, but I don't know how." Harry reached up and grabbed the hand that was grasping his cock. He began to guide her hand in an up and down motion, showing her exactly what made him happy.

Hermione was a quick study and shook his instruction off quickly. Harry gasped softly when he let his hand fall away and hers take over completely. She applied the same action to Draco and she found that he was just as easily pleased as Harry was. After a moment, she was able to synchronize her actions, moving their cocks in tandem with the other.

Draco reached down and grasped her hand in his, urging her to stroke him faster. Rather than just apply it to him, she did the same to the hand that gripped Harry. It didn't take long for both boys to grasp the sheets next to their heads and start breathing shallowly. Harry reached down and made her hand grasp him tighter as she continued to stroke him. She applied the same to Draco and allowed the grunts and moans of pleasure that escaped their mouths to go to her head.

With the rush of power that flooded her at the sounds of her boy's moans, Hermione made her hands stroke even faster. With a strangled cry, Harry exploded first. His hot, wet seed erupted from the tip of his cock and covered not only her clenched fist, but his belly as well. Draco followed only moments later, his seed covering her and himself in much the same manner.

Hermione continued to stroke them until their cocks went limp and they both reached out and made her stop. She laughed softly to herself as they breathed sighs of relief. She released them both with a soft sigh.

"Was that good? I've never done that before so if there's room for improvements, you have to tell me." Draco rolled up on his elbow so he could grasp her hand and press a kiss to her palm.

"It was amazing, Princess, don't change a thing." She could feel a blush stain her cheeks and she was sure that both boys were smirking at her. Harry pulled her down between them so he could press a kiss to her head.

"It was amazing, far better than I've received in the past." Hermione stiffened at his words, but she tried her best to let it go. Harry seemed to realize his faux pas immediately so he tried to backpedal.

"I'm sure you'll keep me happy for the rest of our lives." Realizing what he was doing, she gave him a small smile. Draco didn't wait for her permission, he pulled her down between them and snuggled into her back before pressing a kiss to her neck.

"You were amazing, Princess. Thank you." She smiled to herself and allowed the blond to snuggle close to her, his cock burrowing between the cheeks of her arse. Harry pulled her close to his chest and she rested her head on his chest. She flung a leg over his and could feel his cock hardening slightly again. She broke out in laughter.

"Both of you go to sleep, we're not doing that again tonight." Both boys chuckled as Hermione closed her eyes and let sleep pull her under.

*End of Flashback*

Hermione smoothed her pure black witch's robes down and took the time to color a strip of hair down the side of her head a scarlet red. As much as she hated to be cliché, she felt that scarlet red needed to be her calling card. She didn't dare claim green since she was as far from a Slytherin as they came, and she didn't look good in yellow and she felt like blue was reaching. Besides, she wasn't ashamed of being a lion, therefore, she would embrace her house and if others didn't like it, they could go fuck themselves.

Both boys were at her sides and they were both dressed in identical black dress robes. It was downright depressing to see them all dressed as if they were ready for a funeral, but they had to do what they had to do. If she hadn't known any better, she would have thought that both her boys were already Marked. It was only the promise that her grandfather had bestowed upon her that such a thing would never happen that kept her from freaking out. Draco stepped forward and fluffed her ebony curls one last time.

"You look stunning, Princess. You'll blow your grandfather away." She snorted as she turned to wrap her hands around his wrists.

"I'm more worried about the Death Eaters and how they react than my grandfather. I don't want to have to kill someone because they're determined to harm you or Harry. Before you say anything, neither of you would allow harm to come to me, so don't ask me to allow harm to come to you." Harry stepped forward and pressed a soft kiss to her pulse point.

"Everything will be fine, 'Mi, stop worrying." She gave a resolute nod and told herself that she would be doing that to the best of her abilities. She gave them a smile before she let her face fall impassive

"Lets get this show on the road." Draco and Harry both nodded and offered their arms to her. They exited the Room of Requirement and Hermione allowed them to escort her to the Entrance Hall. While Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor knew nothing of their plans, Slytherin House was completely aware that the trio and their Head of House were attending a meeting with the Dark Lord and his followers. While all were jealous, or appeared to be, none of them stepped forward and allowed them to pass without words.

Hermione and her boys waited for her father to join them on the steps leading up to Hogwarts. While Slytherin was well aware of their destination for the evening, the rest of the students weren't. They hadn't waited long when Severus appeared behind them, his Death Eater robes billowing out behind him. He gestured for the three of them to follow him and as they took off across the grounds, Hermione felt a frisson of fear. This had the potential of ending very good or very badly. The trip to the gates passed quickly and once they passed through, Severus turned to meet their eyes. His gaze was serious as he spoke.

"If we plays things smart, there won't be any reason for things to go badly. The Dark Lord has given his word before all his followers that you will be safe as long as Hermione commits herself to his side. Draco, Potter, you will both be forced to bow before the Dark Lord if he demands it. I'm not sure if he will since you are with his heir, but we shall see. No shows of pride. We're going into this with the goal of coming home."

Neither Harry nor Draco looked too excited at Severus' words, but both nodded. Once again, her father offered the three of them a quill. Once they all had hold of it, their potions professor tapped it with his wand. The portkey activated and Hermione felt the now familiar jerk behind her navel. The four of them landed outside of the four meter high wrought iron gates.

Draco heaved a deep sigh next to her at the sight of his family home. It was apparent from his stance that he wasn't excited to be home at all. Hermione threaded her fingers through his and gave his hand a squeeze.

"They won't hurt you while I'm here." He gave an embarrassed snort before casting her a sideways glance.

"I'm more worried about how my father will take all of this. I mean, I think he'll be happy since you're the Dark Lord's heir, but I don't want him to insult you." Hermione snorted this time before she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"The opinion of your father means nothing to me, I promise you. Lets just avoid them and that will be that." Harry stepped forward and offered his arm to Hermione. She threaded her arm through his and the other through Draco's once he remembered to offer it. Severus gave an approving nod and led the way through the gates and down the driveway.

Both Draco and Harry were silent as they made their way up to the large front door swung open and Mipsy stood there wringing her tea towel. She cast her eyes downward and stuttered.

"Ma-master Dracos, Mip-Mipsy is so happy tos sees you." She had nothing else to say to the others and Hermione could see that she was terrified. While she wanted to tell the small elf that they wouldn't hurt her, she knew better than to say such things in front of the wizarding aristocracy. Draco tipped his head just once.

"Thank you, Mipsy. Can you tell us where everyone is?" The elf relaxed slightly.

"Theys all in the ballroom, Master." Draco nodded and the trio allowed Severus to lead the way. Hermione heaved a deep breath and fortified herself for what was sure to come on the other side. She made sure her back was ramrod straight and that her chin was high before Mipsy threw the doors to the ballroom wide open.

The room fell silent and Severus strode forward without fear. His gaze didn't waver from Voldemort at the end of the walkway. Hermione did the same, both Draco and Harry seemingly fearless as they followed her lead. When they reached Voldemort, Hermione could see that Nagini was curled on the ground at her master's feet. While Severus didn't bow, he gave his father a respectful nod before he moved to the side and allowed Hermione, Harry, and Draco to move forward. Both boys didn't wait for cues from the Dark Lord, they both sank to a knee and waited for Voldemort to speak.

"Young Malfoy and Young Potter...I confesss myself sssurprised." Neither Draco not Harry said a word. Voldemort smiled an enigmatic smile before he turned his gaze towards Hermione.

"Isabella Rose, you grow more beautiful every time I sssee you." Hermione gave an approximation of a smile.

"Hello, Grandfather. How long do you plan to leave my mates on their knees before you?" Hermione heard one of her boys draw in a quick breath. Her grandfather laughed heartily at her words.

"Rissse, my children." Both Draco and Harry rose to their feet and stepped back just behind Hermione as Severus had instructed them. However, both boys were waved back forward by the snake-man.

"Tell me, boysss, what are your intentionsss towards my granddaughter?" This question grated on Hermione. It seemed that even her grandfather thought her well-being needed looking after. However, she remained silent and allowed the conversation to continue since that was what would be expected if she was pureblood. Draco broke the silence first with a deferential nod.

"I plan to love and honor her, sir, to one day make her my wife. It would make me very happy if she one day agreed to bear me children." Her grandfather didn't speak, but swiveled his gaze to Harry. His voice wasn't near as steady as Draco's, but she could tell that it was no less honest.

"I plan to love her and protect her with my life if need be. Eventually, I hope she'll consent to be my wife and bear me a family." Voldemort stroked his chin before he turned to his pet. The hissing was easily understood by Hermione and Harry. It was in this moment that she realized that Voldemort must not realize that Harry could speak parseltongue.

"Are they both being truthful, pet? Do you detect any lies?" The snake raised it's head and tasted the air before it hissed back.

"No, no, no lies. They both speak the truth." Nagini rested her head on his foot this time before going still and silent once more. Her grandfather met her eyes now.

"Do you believe their vowsss, sweetling?" She cocked her head ever so slightly to the side.

"They haven't given me a reason to mistrust them. However, they both know just how vindictive I can be when angered." Whispers broke out amongst the Death Eaters and Voldemort grinned a snakey grin.

"Explain pleassse." Hermione couldn't believe that she had rated a please. She clasped her hands in front of her and allowed a trace of amusement to play across her face.

"My most recent bout of blackmail was the end of last school year. After you returned, Rita Skeeter was in the Hospital Wing eavesdropping in her animagus form. I caught her in a jar, spelled her to where she couldn't return to her human form, and told her that if she continued to write lies about Harry or myself, I would expose her illegal animagus status. Then I kept her in said jar until I returned to Hogwarts in September." Her grandfather laughed again, this time clapping his hands in glee.

"Oh, Isabella, you are a delight! Are you certain you're a Gryffindor?" Hermione hardened her gaze and her voice went cold.

"Quite certain, Grandfather." He chuckled at her shift in attitude.

"Now, now, sweetling, I meant no offense. I don't normally find the lion-hearted very interesting, but you are the exception." He chuckled again before he turned his gaze to Harry.

"Well, Mr. Potter, I take it that you're in agreement with my granddaughter's plan in joining me." Harry stepped forward and met the eyes of his nemesis.

"I'm not happy about following you, but I love Hermione and I trust her. Dumbledore showed me his true colors when I learned what he did to Hermione when she was just a baby. Professor Snape could have been a real father to her and she would have been happy." Voldemort gave hin a calculating look.

"Surely you've discussed that I will not endorse your death in any way, and in return, you will not seek to destroy me." Harry nodded.

"Yes, she was completely honest with me. She agreed to join your side for protection for Draco and I." Her grandfather nodded.

"I will make you the same promise, Mr. Potter. I will, however, add to the understanding that if you make my granddaughter cry, I will make you regret it. I don't have to harm you or kill you to make your existence miserable." Harry nodded.

"If I make her cry, you have my permission to make my life miserable." Her grandfather turned to Draco.

"Will I have your permission as well, young Malfoy?" He gave a sharp nod.

"Of course, my Lord." Voldemort clapped his hands together once more and waved Hermione to the seat next to him.

"Now that the introductions are complete, we can move forward." Hermione took the seat next to her grandfather and made sure to keep her back straight. Both Harry and Draco flanked her chair while she noticed that Severus flanked Voldemort.

"Our first order of business is the order to all my Death Eaters and followers that they are to bring no harm to Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter. If anyone goes against my wishes, I'll allow my granddaughter to take care of you in any way she sees fit. Just remember that Mr. Potter was merely threatened by Thorfinne while not in attendance and he almost died." Silence reigned in the ballroom and Hermione did her best to look unaffected and bored. She could barely see Harry and Draco out of the corner of her eyes and they both appeared as bored as she tried to look. Hermione had never been more thankful for Severus' instruction.

"Our next order of businessss is the preliminary planning for bringing our brothersss and sisters in Azkaban home. I want Lucius and Augustus to utilize their contactsss in the Ministry and find a way to get to the dementors. If we need to vanquish them, we will, but I'd much rather ussse them to the fullest extent. Dumbledore won't just let this war drop and the dementors could further our ssside." Hermione felt her skin crawl when Lucius stepped forward, Augustus Rookwood just a few steps behind him.

"As you wish, my Lord. I will carry out your wishes tomorrow." Voldemort nodded his agreement before he dismissed both men.

"Everyone feel free to mingle until the entertainment arrivesss." Hermione wasn't sure what the entertainment could be, Severus hadn't told them what to expect. She had to work to keep herself calm when Lucius approached again.

"Allow me to introduce myself, Miss Riddle. I'm Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father." Hermione made sure to keep a cool polite look on her face.

"I know who you are, Mr. Malfoy. You insulted me in Flourish and Blotts the summer before my second year." He came forward and snagged her hand so he could press his lips to her knuckles.

"That was when we believed you were a mudblood. I trust Draco has been treating you well?" Hermione gave him another cold smile.

"Draco treats me much better than you treat him. Understand, Mr. Malfoy, that if you ever use the Cruciatus Curse on your son again, you won't survive it." His eyes flared in anger before it disappeared.

"Of course, Miss Riddle. If you need anything the house if Malfoy can provide, please let Draco or myself know." Hermione had made her point and allowed herself to give him a respectful nod.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. I appreciate your offer." Lucius melted back into the crowd and Hermione saw a blond woman that could only be Narcissa speaking quietly with Draco. He still seemed rather reserved and stiff, but he finally nodded and pressed a kiss to her cheek before she disappeared into the crowd. She was drawn out of her musings by her grandfather's voice.

"The entertainment hasss arrived. Enjoy, my loyal subjects." Hermione noticed that all the women had disappeared from the ballroom and she suddenly had a terrible feeling about what the entertainment was.

It was confirmed when fifteen or so naked muggle women were led into the ballroom. They seemed to be under the influence of the Imperius since they had no reaction to being in front of so many men completely naked. Hermione was speechless as she watched the Imperius lift and the women started screaming. Lucius was the first to pounce, catching a blond round the age of twenty around the waist.

Hermione knew she had to stop this. There was no possible way that she could continue to be present and allow this to happen. She couldn't blow her cover, however, and she couldn't endanger her mates or her father. Suddenly, she knew what she needed to do.

Lucius had his trousers around his ankles and was knelt behind the blond, their bodies smacking noisily as he took her against her will. The woman was sobbing, begging god to make it stop, crying out for her father and Hermione almost vomited before she did what needed to be done. She shot to her feet and extended her wand up to the ceiling and shot out red and green sparks.

All the men came to a standstill, but the women continued to scream. Hermione didn't even wave her wand, just thought of a blanket silencing charm that only affected women. The room fell silent and her grandfather leaned forward and hissed her way.

"What do you think you are doing, sssweetling? You would deny our men their pleasure?" Hermione turned a furious eye to her grandfather, slipping her wand back up the sleeve of her robes.

"I would expect our men to not act like the muggles they claim to hate. The muggle prisons are full of men who force women to have sex with them. By acting this way, they're no different than the filthy muggles they claim to want to destroy." The men out in the ballroom looked equal parts angry and disgusted. Her grandfather stroked his chin.

"What would you have usss do to win, sweetling?" Hermione stood her ground and met Voldemort's cool gaze.

"If you kill all the muggles and muggleborns, who will serve the wizards? Enslave them, they still have uses. You're just wasting their potential as servants by raping and killing them." He steepled his hands underneath his chin before he turned to Nagini.

"What do you think, pet? Do we need to keep muggles and mudbloods to serve us? Is that my granddaughter's true aim?" Nagini made some creepy hissing laugh before answering.

"She's a bleeding heart Gryffindor and she doesn't want loss of life unless it's completely necessary. However, she isn't wrong. You need servants to make your empire great. None of these brainless swags that call you Master will want to do the work." Voldemort bent down and stroked his snake's head.

"You think this will be wise, pet?" Hermione wanted to fucking laugh that he was asking advice from his fucking pet snake. She kept quiet, however, and acted like she couldn't understand a word.

"I think you will gain far more public favor if you kill and torture less." Voldemort was quiet for a minute longer before he turned back to Hermione. She could feel the tension radiating off of Harry, Draco, and Severus.

"I think you're correct, Isabella. Our take over of the wizarding world will meet much lessss resistance if we curb our tastesss." He turned to meet his follower's gazes.

"My granddaughter hasss spoken. We will enslave the muggles and mudblood, they will serve us rather than die. We are, after all, superior, and we need subjects." While the applause was rather stilted and lackluster, Hermione didn't care. She knew these men hated her for curbing their fun. She expected nothing less to be honest.

The women, still terrified, were being herded back to wherever they had come. The room was still silent and didn't seem to be changing any time soon. Voldemort chuckled before he stood and cupped Hermione's face in his hands.

"You've already turned the tide of thisss war in our favor. We're going to go far, you, Severusss, and I." She laid a soft hand on his, keeping up appearances that she was thrilled at the prospect of being his heir.

"Thank you, Grandfather." He gave her the approximation of a smile.

"Go now, Isabella Rose. I ssshall send for you sssoon." She gave him a small smile, but made sure to vanish it quickly. She didn't want his followers to think that he was going soft.

Hermione pulled her shoulders back and started to make her way back towards the entrance. She could hear Severus' near silent tread following them. They had almost reached the door when there was a yell from her left. She turned slightly to see just what was happening, but she was too late.

Thoros Nott had his wand held aloft, an unknown curse on his lips, and a jet of purple speeding her way. Both Harry and Draco seemed far less surprised than she did. They leapt in front of Hermione and before she could protest, the curse slammed into Draco's chest. He dropped instantly and Harry dropped to his side. Hermione didn't even take a second to check on Draco. She knew Harry would do everything he could for Draco. She was still astounded some days that they had become such good friends.

Hermione stepped past Harry and Draco and waved her hand in Nott's direction and he began screaming. The screams continued while he dropped to his knees and then onto his side so he could curl into the fetal position. There was a certain sense of power that derived from bringing pain to the man who hurt her mate. Suddenly, she was brought back to the present by soft hands on her shoulders. Harry's voice was soft in her ear.

"'Mi, sweetie, you have to stop. Don't be like them." Hermione sagged against him and he held her weight for a few moments before she swept away from Harry to Thoros Nott. When she reached his side, she knelt down next to him so she could fist his hair in her hand and lift his eyes to meet hers.

"You ever hit my mate with a curse again, any spell actually, and I will fucking kill you. Consider this your one chance and you're only getting that because your son is my brother." With a parting kick to his ribs, she turned to see Severus kneeling beside Draco.

Her blond mate was awake, but seemed to be in pain. Hermione brushed the fringe of hair off his forehead before she pressed a chaste kiss to his mouth. Her father and grandfather stood over them and Hermione was beginning to fear the worst.

"What's wrong with him?" Severus grasped her hand in his.

"I'm not sure, sweet. My diagnostics are showing nothing." Lucius had pushed his way to the front of the crowd. Hermione leaned down and laid her hands on Draco's chest. She could feel him rattling as he tried to breathe. Following her instincts, she reached out and took Harry's hands and laid them on his chest with hers. She had no idea what she was doing, but she mingled her magic with theirs, and while Draco's core was weak when they began, as time passed, it grew stronger and stronger.

Hermione had no idea how long she and Harry fed their magic into Draco, but when she felt Draco's magic flare around her lovingly, she removed her hands and felt Harry do the same. Draco sat up and Severus stepped forward so he could cast another diagnostic. Everyone around them waited in bated silence, Lucius at the front of crowd, a fearful look on his face. Hermione couldn't help but feel a smidgen of sympathy for the elder Malfoy. He obviously cared for his son is some way or he wouldn't have rushed to the front. When Severus spoke, his voice was confused.

"His scan is perfect. Draco is fatigued, but nothing is wrong with him." Hermione and Harry both helped Draco to his feet and Hermione didn't give a fuck what her grandfather had to say. Somebody hurt her mate she would burn their fucking house down.

"Anyone hurts my mate again, they're dead. I guarantee you, your death won't be quick or pleasant. Thoros Nott was spared his life only because his son is my brother and I value that relationship. This is his only warning." Lucius rushed forward and caught Draco's face in his hands so he could examine him closer.

"I'm alright, Father. They healed me." Lucius gave him a small smile that disappeared quickly. He moved closer to Hermione and took her hand in his so could press another kiss to her knuckles.

"Thank you, Miss Riddle, thank you for saving my son." Hermione really didn't want the man's gratitude, especially since she hadn't done it for him. She had done it for herself and Harry.

"You're welcome, Mr. Malfoy." Her grandfather, who had kept surprisingly quiet throughout, waved Lucius away and brushed back one of her loose curls.

"You make your father, your blood line, and I proud. To home with your father, Isabella." She gave him a solemn nod before he turned to meet the gaze of both Harry and Draco.

"I find I like you two a bit more after that display. Keep my heir safe." Hermione wanted to vomit. He still only saw her as his precious blood heir. She didn't know why she was surprised, but she was.

Severus stepped forward and offered her his arm. She knew it wasn't something she would be able to refuse. Therefore, she threaded her hand through his arm while Severus glared at anyone that dared look at them wrong. Harry and Draco were close behind them.

The mass exodus of Malfoy Manor happened quickly. She didn't even really remember the path they had taken to find their way back out to the gates. Nobody had said a word and it didn't look like it was going to be happening until they were back at Hogwarts. Severus held out the quill from their earlier trip and once activated, it jerked them away to land them just outside of Hogwart's gates.

As soon as they were through the gates, Hermione threw herself in Draco's arms. She was sobbing and was only vaguely aware that he was trying to pat her back comfortingly, but Harry had hugged her from behind. Once she had calmed herself considerably, Hermione pulled away.

"I'm so sorry, that was all my fault. He would have never done that if it hadn't been for pissing him off because he couldn't rape and kill without cause anymore. It was all my fault, can you ever forgive me?" Draco cupped her face and tried to shush her. Even though she had calmed somewhat, tears were still flowing down her cheeks. Both boys were trying to stem their flow without much sucess. It was Severus' voice that cut through her tears and brought her back.

"Your move to save those women's lives was both foolish and brave. It worked, which means that more lives will be saved through this war. This was not, however, the reason Nott attacked you. He's never been a good occlumens." Severus sighed and held his arms open. Hermione rushed into them and she clung to him, her weakness was finally surfacing now that they were alone. Severus kissed the top of her head before speaking again.

"Nott has hated me since I began sleeping with Alexandra. She was the one thing he loved. Once she died, he blamed me all the more and you as well since Alex was devastated when you disappeared. He wanted to hurt me by hurting you, your new methods in dealing with prisoners was just icing on the cake." She suddenly turned away from her father and her hands went to her hips and her curls started to spark.

"Don't you two ever do that again! I can take care of myself, I need you two to stay alive!" Severus grinned at the two teens and backed away. He watched in amusement as she went forward and started hitting both Harry and Draco, both of who cowered away from her until she wore herself out. She finally leaned against Harry and he wrapped his arms around her with a chuckle.

"You're a violent little thing. I'm glad you wore yourself out before you pulled your wand." She chuckled softly as she allowed both boys to start leading her back towards Hogwarts. She could hear Severus behind them and she had a feeling that he was going to make her tell Dumbledore herself. They were almost at the castle when Draco broke the silence.

"Just so you, you are fucking terrifying. Nobody has the balls to speak to the Dark Lord like that and you acted like it was no big deal. If I didn't know how goody goody you were, I would have bought that act back there." She started to protest, but Harry interrupted her.

"He's right, 'Mi, you're brilliant, don't get me wrong, but you're bloody scary." She chuckled softly as they entered the castle, silent on all fronts in case someone was hiding in an alcove and listening.

They made their way through the castle to the second floor where Professor Dumbledore's office was located. The griffin leapt out of the way and all four of them tiredly made their way up the final steps to finally enter the circular office. While Professor Dumbledore was seated behind his desk, Hermione made her way over to the sofa before the fire and plopped down in a most unladylike manner. Severus chuckled while Professor Dumbledore huffed softly at having to move. Draco pulled her into his lap and just held her close while Harry slipped off her shoe so he could rub her foot. Dumbledore took the free seat by the fire.

"How did it go?" Both boys waved for someone else to go. Hermione looked up to guage her father's answer and sighed when he motioned for her to continue. She fought her eyes closing as she began her story.

It took over an hour for Hermione to detail everything. She and Harry had a bit of a laugh over the fact that Voldemort tended to ask his snake's opinion on everything he did. It was decided as a whole that Harry would hide his ability to understand snakes just as Hermione was.

Professor Dumbledore had been astounded that her grandfather had questioned the boys on their intentions when it came to her. Hermione found that was the part that she was least surprised at. She continued their tale and she could tell that the Headmaster was becoming more disbelieving every moment. He actually barked a laugh when she told him what she had proposed to her grandfather about having the muggles and muggleborns serve as servants instead of being raped and murdered.

The conversation soured when she told him how Thoros Nott has tried to attack her and the two boys had stepped in front of her, Draco taking the curse. His eyes turned hard when she detailed how she had hurt Nott and contemplative when she explained that she and Harry had healed him. Censure won out.

"You have to be careful, Hermione. Tom turned dark so easily, it's in your blood. You need to always be aware of that power and how it can change you. Your parents wouldn't be proud of you if you took to enjoying torture." A trinket behind her exploded. She sat up quickly and did ger best to control her tone.

"I realize you mean well, Headmaster, but you need to back off. I know exactly how good it felt to hurt Nott because he had hurt Draco, almost hurt Harry. I will not sit idly by and let that happen. I'm nothing like Voldemort. He's obviously led an empty existence, I have the love of my father, brother, and both mates, along with several friends. Don't patronize me." Hermione was panting from the effort she was putting forth into controlling her tone. When their Headmaster spoke again, it was with more respect than condescension.

"How did you heal Mr. Malfoy?" Hermione snorted and looked at Harry. He shrugged her way so Hermione took that to mean that he had no idea. She raked a hand through her curls as she began to worry her bottom lip with her teeth.

"I don't really know how to describe it. I just focused my magic on Draco, I could feel Harry doing it too. His core was weak when we started and when we stopped, it felt like normal. I don't know what the curse was or what it did, but Harry and I worked together and beat it." Severus nodded.

"She's right, it was a curse I'd never seen before. I don't think I could have healed him." Professor Dumbledore stroked his chin in a move reminscent of her grandfather.

"Do you think you could heal other people in this manner or just one of your triad?" Hermione shrugged.

"It's hard to tell. All our magic is stronger when we're around the others, but I'm not sure if we could heal anybody with the method Harry and I used on Draco." The Headmaster nodded.

"I may want to try your method of healing at a later date. I may also have further questions at a later day, but for now I think bed is in order." Hermione sighed happily as she started to drag herself to her feet.

"Thank Merlin, I'm exhausted." Both boys followed her example and Hermione floated over to her father so she could bend down and press a kiss to his cheek.

"I love you, Dad." He tugged one the errant curls that hung down over her shoulders.

"You as well, sweet. To bed with you." She giggled softly before she mock saluted.

"Yes sir." She grabbed both boys by their hands and led them out of the Headmaster's office in a manner that reminded her of their last meeting there. When they finally reached the bottom of the stairs, Hermione pulled the boys towards the stairs.

"I'm tired and I don't want to be apart. Lets go to the Room." Both boys nodded and allowed her lead the way.

-O-

Secerus waa unsure of what exactly he was supposed to be feeling at this time. He had flipped between so many different emotions that he wasn't even sure what he was feeling at the moment.

There was always the fear that he would associate with facing the Dark Lord, then morphing it into absolute terror when Hermione challenged him and forced her will upon him. The madman didn't realize that that was what she was doing since he was so blinded by the power, but that didn't change the fact that it was happening.

Extreme pride had surfaced when she had handled herself with such poise and elegance. He knew the situation wasn't easy for her and it was made a thousand times more difficult when Harry and Draco were there to be potential murder victims. He couldn't find the word to describe how terrified he had been when she had challenged Voldemort's will when it came to prisoners of war. No, he had never liked the pointless rapine of muggles, but there had been nothing he could have done to stop it. His daughter, his brave and beautiful daughter, had seen the injustice and done whatever she could in her power to stop it.

When Severus had seen the curse headed for her, he had tried to run to her, to get in front of the curse himself. He had known how Nott felt about not only himself, but Hermione as well. The fact that both boys had willingly cast themselves in front of the curse meant for his daughter raised them both in his esteem. Perhaps they deserved her after all.

When he hadn't been able to discover the curse that hit Draco, his heart had been breaking. Not only for the loss of his godson, but his daughter's loss of one of her true loves. There was another flash of fear and justice when he saw his daughter exacting revenge on Nott without a shred of remorse, then relief when Harry had been able to easily pull her back from the edge of losing control.

None of these emotions, however, could touch the awe and confusion that had swept through him when he witnessed Hermione and Harry lay their hands on Draco's chest, already shaking with the sheer amount of effort it took for him to breathe, and did whatever in the fuck that it was that they did to save Draco. He heard the Dark Lord behind him gasp as he saw the young blond draw in another breath with ease. No doubt, he was realizing just how useful that talent would be.

Now, sitting here in Albus' office, he felt emotionally wrung out and physically exhausted. Severus pushed his hair out of his face while Albus studied him. In turn, he glared at the Headmaster.

"You know I wouldn't hide anything from you so quit looking at me like that." Albus chuckled.

"I don't think you're hiding anything from me. I do, however, think we're just scratching the surface of the power they possess and it scares the life out of me." Severus snorted indelicately.

"You're telling me that my daughter and her power scares you, the same girl who tried to launch a campaign just last year to free the elves of Hogwarts." It was just laughable. Albus didn't laugh.

"I know that power can corrupt people. She displayed an enormous amount of power and she admits that she enjoyed the pain she brought on Thoros. We must tread lightly." Severus understood that in this one instance, the Headmaster was correct. Power did corrupt. However, he didn't think for a moment that Hermione would allow that to happen.

"I watched a few words from Potter bring her back. He and Draco are her anchors. She is my anchor. My father has no anchors, that's why he's an evil bastard." Albus nodded, seemingly in agreement.

"I understand Severus, I just really don't want the 'plunging the world to depths never before seen' to happen because she discovered that she likes torture and death a little too much."

Severus nodded. He didn't agree that she would be that easily corrupted, but he could understand the fear of the unknown. He lived with the unknown every day. Deciding that he really didn't want to hang around for anymore enlightening conversation, Severus brushed his hair back again as he stood.

"I'm exhausted, Albus, I'm going to bed." Albus nodded, but spoke once more before he was able to make it out the door.

"They've been sleeping all together in the Room of Requirement. Brew your daughter some contraceptive potion. We can't afford to keep them apart. Their power must continue to flourish if we have any hopes of winning this war."

Severus gritted his teeth and didn't answer. He slammed the door on his way out. Just because he knew the Headmaster was right didn't mean he had to like it.

A/N- Lordy, this chapter. I'm still not sure I got everything in there that I wanted to, but I'm publishing the damn thing before I can change my mind and scrap it all. Thanks for reading. Leave me a review, they're love.

Next up, Theo's reaction, and uncomfortable conversation, and their lessons with Severus come to an end.

Love,

Alicia