A/N- I'm back, y'all, I can only apologize for the time between the last chapter and this one. My daughter has been slow to recover, and it's been a trial getting her to and from school and making sure that she has her homework when she doesn't go. I won't lie, I was also caught up in an epic-sized fic on AO3 called Sound the Bugle by Achelona and trulywicked. There were more same sex pairings than I expected, but the story line was phenomenal, and I will definitely read it again. Anyways, I apologize again for the delay and will get on the next chapter right away.

Trigger Warning: Light BDSM.

Disclaimer: I own nothing in this story. All the original characters and anything that resembles canon belongs to J.K.R. All the other concepts that I have employed in this story have been done hundreds of times before. The only thing that's mine is the personal plot twist. Someday it will all be mine *rubs hands together in an evil manner*.

Chapter 39

March 26, 1996

Hermione was more than frustrated, if that was possible. She didn't know the correct word for the feeling coursing through her but that didn't mean it wasn't possible.

Hermione, Harry, Draco, McGonagall, Dumbledore, and Remus had been brainstorming for days about where the next horcrux could be located. If Harry's words were true and Nagini was a horcrux, that left only one more to find and destroy. Dumbledore swore that he had been through the life history of her grandfather and had found nowhere that he thought would be important enough to warrant a horcrux.

Harry still stood by his Hogwarts guess. He swore that an orphan would look at the castle as home since he had done so five years before. While Hermione and Draco agreed with him, Dumbledore shot him down every time he brought it up, saying that he would have felt the presence of dark magic through the years. While Hermione was sure that the Headmaster was right, that didn't mean that the horcrux hadn't been put somewhere that the Headmaster never visited.

Hermione had even gone so far as to ask the Headmaster if there was anywhere in the castle that he simply refused to visit, coming up empty-handed. She had asked if there was somewhere that he rarely visited, somewhere like the Slytherin common room, but he had told her that he traveled the whole castle quite often for just that reason. Harry was certain that there was a horcrux in the castle, but they had yet to find one and the Headmaster was in denial.

Hermione, Draco, and Harry had taken it upon themselves to begin searching the castle for the horcrux despite what Dumbledore said. It was quite clear that Harry didn't trust the Headmaster and while she knew that Draco didn't either, he was a little more tolerant. They had been searching for three days now, starting in the dungeons. They had begun their hunt in the Slytherin common room while Draco searched the boy's dormitories. Hermione had assigned Pansy with the top secret mission of searching the girl's dorms for something that was of dark nature. Pansy had been more than happy to comply after word of her visit at the Manor had leaked out.

It had been two days after their visit to Malfoy Manor and Hermione had been waved down to the Slytherin table. It was common knowledge that she and her mates ate with the lions so when she saw them waving her over it had been clear that they had something of importance that they needed to discuss.

*Flashback*

Hermione saw the waving hands of Pansy and her brother. She groaned just a little; the last thing that she wanted to do was spend her breakfast being fawned over by snakes that saw her as an icon.

Knowing she had no choice, Hermione made her way over to the Slytherin table, Draco and Harry hot on her tail. She had hoped that they would continue their way to the Gryffindor table, so she could use them as an excuse but no such luck today. Hermione brushed her hair back as she took the seat between Theo and Pansy. She refused to break the silence since she had no idea what they could possibly want. Pansy broke the silence.

"We have to know the truth. Did you incapacitate the Dark Lord and threaten to kill him?" Hermione turned indignant eyes to the rest of the snakes.

"Of course, I did, he tortured my father and threatened him. I may only be a half-blood and most of you think I don't value the meaning of family, but I do. Nobody hurts my family or my mates and gets away with it." A second year Slytherin leaned forward and met her eyes excitedly.

"Please tell us what happened, our parents will only say that you're a danger to their way of life." It was at this point that Hermione knew that she was going to have to grandstand to make her point and keep her allies. She cleared her throat before beginning her speech.

"I am a danger to their way of life. All your parents want is to rape and murder muggleborns. This won't win them anything but scorn. All magical blood is precious. I hope to keep all muggleborns as servants. They could serve us better with use of their magic after all. This would never happen, though, if they hated us. I think we should treat them well and allow them their wands, so they may serve us without difficulty. If we declare them unfit to hold a wand, if we make them completely subservient, it will cause them to rebel and that means lives lost. Muggles are expendable, of that there is no doubt, but magical blood is to be treasured. To me, our way is clear. My grandfather agrees with me but many of his followers do not. If you don't wish to follow me and follow in your parent's footsteps, that is up to you. I can't make you adopt my views. This being said, if I catch you torturing a muggleborn, you will answer to me." Unsurprisingly, it was Theo that spoke up.

"I agree with you, sister. There are times that families can no longer conceive, and it has been proven that a muggleborn can regenerate the bloodline. I think your thoughts on the matter are wise and just." Hermione was quite certain that her brother suspected her position on the dark side but that was the last thing that she wanted to discuss with him. She could deny it, but she couldn't confirm it either if he asked. It was a shit situation but to be honest, it was what she had signed up for. She didn't want to lie to her brother anymore than she wanted to lie to anyone else, it just hurt more knowing that it was her brother that was going to be suffering when he discovered the truth. The rest of her followers turned a blind eye to her. Hermione heaved a deep sigh and did the best that she could with her demands.

"I want this school to be united. I don't think that will ever occur if we all fall to separate sides of the war. The last thing I want to do is kill magical people but if I have to I will. My goal is to have everyone united and everyone happy. If muggleborns are shown that serving is better than torture and death, I guarantee you that everyone will be happy."

Hermione was unsure if she had sold the view to the others, but she hadn't had any openly defy her. That was what she had been hoping wouldn't happen. She could only chuckle under her breath when she considered what the Slytherins would do when she killed her grandfather and demolished his way of life. She would surely be the most hated person in the school. Not that Hermione cared. Doing what was right was far more important than making sure that she had friends.

*End of Flashback*

The trio still hadn't found anything that reeked of dark magic and they sure as hell hadn't found anything that they could claim to be a horcrux. Hermione was frustrated beyond measure since she hadn't been able to come up with any sort of plan regarding the death of the Headmaster but there was nothing for it. She hoped to use the "death" of the Headmaster to draw her grandfather out and introduce him to his demise. That couldn't happen until all his horcruxes were dead.

Hermione sighed and settled back in her seat at the Gryffindor table. Breakfast was ending, and it wouldn't be long before they were dismissed to their classes. She brushed her hair back from her face as she realized that there was someone staring at her. Her eyes cast furtively around the room, trying to discover just where the uncomfortable feeling was originating. She found no students watching her but that meant nothing. The Slytherins could be pretty sneaky and that meant watching her also.

Finally, her gaze travelled to the High Table and she was surprised to see that not only was the Headmaster staring at her but so was her father. She wasn't surprised at the Headmaster staring; he had developed an unhealthy obsession with her as of late. She had attributed it to the fact that she was assigned to kill him. She wasn't sure if he didn't believe that she wouldn't kill him, but the fact remained that he was always watching her now.

Her father was a different story. Severus watched her all the time, but she was sure that it was because he was chock full of remorse. He had corned her three days after their meeting with Voldemort and Hermione had never seen him so low.

*Flashback*

Hermione was doing her best to act that everything was alright. She was currently in Potions and it was the last class of the day. This was the last place that she wanted to be especially since her father hated her and she was sure that he was just waiting for an excuse to punish her, but there was nothing for it. She couldn't drop the class any more than he could stop teaching it.

Harry rubbed her leg underneath their table; the class had been all lecture and there was an uncomfortable feeling that did nothing to make her feel better. Draco was entranced by the lesson and was putting his full attention forward. Hermione suspected that it was because the last thing that he wanted was for her father to punish any of them for not paying attention. Hermione learned that Harry was the one that needed to fear her father the most.

He had told her that when he had gone into the classroom that she had left her father in that night, he had threatened the older Slytherin, telling him that if he ever touched her again that he would kill him. Hermione had been horrified at the time but after she had let it sink in for a few hours, she realized that she would have done nothing different if she had been in Harry's shoes. Truthfully, she was impressed with his restraint because she would have cursed first and talked later.

After her father had dismissed her Potion's class, he had requested that she stay behind. Even though she wanted to mend fences with her father, Hermione had been leery. She wasn't afraid of him, that would have been silly considering the things that she was capable of, but that didn't mean that she wanted to have to curse him. Both her boys had been apprehensive about leaving her behind, but she had silenced them with a look and sent them on.

Her boys gathered their things and shot her a supportive look before they left the room. Hermione also gathered her things just in case things went horribly wrong and she was forced to bail quickly. Her father watched her closely and she couldn't help but squirm under his scrutiny. Once her things were loaded in her satchel, she threw it over her shoulder and made her way to the front of the classroom

"You needed me to stay, Professor?" She could see that her words cut him deep, but she wasn't giving him any reason to punish her. Familiarity would have been easy to nail her with, therefore, the formality.

The truth was, Hermione felt terrible for her part in their argument. She had taken it too far when she had thrown him against the wall and the things that she had said to him were unforgivable. She wouldn't blame him if he never forgave her. She had done nothing but beat herself up about the events of that night since they had happened. Harry and Draco had tried to assure her that she hadn't overreacted, that her actions had been justified, but she couldn't help but think that they were wrong. Her father had been scared to death that she was going to be tortured and die, all because she wanted to save him. It was true that he hadn't trusted her, but his actions had occurred out of love. Hermione couldn't say that same thing. Her actions had been born out of anger. She kept her eyes on the floor as she waited for her father to respond.

"Hermione, don't call me that, please. I know that I don't deserve for you to forgive me, but I'm begging it of you just the same. I regret how I handled that entire evening and I hope that you realize that those reactions were because of how fucking much I love you." Her father paused, and Hermione took the moment to raise her eyes to meet his. They were open and sincere, and Hermione knew that he was speaking the truth.

"I was so scared that you were going to die all because you felt the need to save me. That would have been the ultimate sin, having you discovered and hurt because you were determined to make life better for me. I know you have rose-colored glasses when it comes to me, but the fact remains that I have done terrible things and I am not a good man. The last thing that a father wants is for his daughter to pay his dues in life, especially when she is as innocent as the fresh morning dew. I would die if you were killed, Hermione." He paused again, gathering his courage so he could continue.

"I swore to myself when you were born that I would never strike you. My step-father believed that you didn't truly learn anything unless it was beaten into you. I broke that promise and I have never been more ashamed. I have nothing to say for myself except how so very sorry I am about what happened that night and how much I wish that I could take it back." Her father seemed to have run out of steam and Hermione waited for him to lift his head to meet hers. When he didn't, she stepped forward and lifted his chin with her fingers.

"I'm just as much to blame for this as you are. I said and did things that I regret more than anything else in my life. I never wanted to scare you and I never wanted you to be scared that I would die. I know that you don't trust me, but I assure you, I can take care of myself when it comes to my grandfather. He knows I'll kill him if he hurts you or my mates and I just wish that you could put a little bit of faith in me. I know that I scared you and that is why you acted as you did. I'm sorry for my part in the evening. I wish that I could take it back but that's not how life works. I just don't want you to hate me for the things that I said; I'd deserve it if you did." Her father rushed her and pulled her into his arms, tucking her into his chest and holding her close.

"Hermione, sweet Merlin, I could never hate you, I was sure that you hated me. You're my little girl and I want nothing more than your safety and happiness. This was all my fault because I refused to trust you. Please don't blame yourself." Hermione shook her head against his chest, her arms snaking out to wrap around his waist.

"It's my fault too. I should have handled it better; this whole situation might have been avoided if I had." Her father shook his head above her.

"No, I dragged you across the grounds even though you were hurt, I didn't care that you were in pain. Your actions were justified." Hermione didn't speak, just took in her father's familiar scent clinging to his robes.

"I suppose that it doesn't matter, we were both wrong. Can we just promise that this will never happen again?" Her father chuckled above her and kissed her hairline several times.

"I swear, sweet, this will never happen again. From now on, I'm going to be on your side. It's those boys that need to worry now." Hermione chuckled now, completely unworried.

"I promise, it won't happen on my end either." Her father pulled away and cupped her cheeks in his hands.

"I love you, Hermione." She smiled up at him, her joy clear on her face.

"I love you too, Daddy."

*End of Flashback*

The bell rang, dismissing the students from breakfast and sending them on their way to their first class. Hermione stood and waited for her two boys to join her after gathering their things. She sent a happy wave to Fred, George, Ginny, and Luna as they all headed off in separate directions, all to different classes. Hermione and her boys were headed to Transfiguration, Ginny and Luna to Defense, and the twins to Potions.

Hermione allowed Harry and Draco to wrap their arms around her waist and guide her through the corridors towards Transfiguration. It was no secret that she was capable of handling herself but the fact that they insisted on keeping her close was quite endearing. Once ensconced inside the classroom, Hermione put herself at the end of their three-person table, so she could remove her things from her satchel and study for her upcoming N.E.W.T.s

Hermione could admit that she had gone studying mad since Professor McGonagall had informed her that she would be testing at the seventh-year level in her subject. She was excited beyond measure about it, but she couldn't help but worry that she was going to do badly. Not to mention that it was the end of March and their O.W.L.s would be in just a few months' time. While the boys had been less than pleased that she was making them study for hours on end, she knew that they were just as eager to do well as she was.

Hermione tuned the class out once they were all seated and Professor McGonagall started her lecture. Hermione pulled out four enormous books and began reading them and taking notes, quite sure that everything she read was going to be important and on the test. She didn't notice when the class rose as one and started the practical part of their lesson. Harry and Draco were paired with Pansy and Theo, so she didn't worry about them in the slightest.

When the bell rang, Hermione gathered her things and started to shuffle them inside her bag. Their next period was a free period that they were meeting Theo for in the library. She had nagged him into attending, telling him that he was sure to need the study time for his O.W.L.s. Hermione was quite sure that her brother was sitting pretty for the tests and that he only gave in to make her happy and spend time with her. She didn't mind a whit.

Theo had demanded the whole story out of her regarding her time at Malfoy Manor the last time but had had the good sense to wait until they were alone. She had told him the official story, that she wouldn't stand for someone hurting her family. She had also told him the same story she had told the Slytherins regarding muggleborns and muggles and she couldn't help but feel guilty for lying. This feeling was only exacerbated by the fact that Theo had gotten a disappointed look on his face and made excuses, so he could walk away.

That action had hurt Hermione but there was nothing that she could do about it. While she wanted to trust her brother, she truly did, she knew that nobody would believe that he was able to be trusted. Maybe if he would send her a sign that told her for sure that he didn't support his father's beliefs, she wouldn't feel guilty about betraying her side to tell him the truth.

Her boys led her through the corridors once more towards the library. They would have been much more comfortable in their Room, but none of them were keen to give away the fact that the Room changed to whatever you needed at the time. None of them wanted to find themselves relegated to sleeping alone in their dorms again. Hermione was quite sure that she was so used to sleeping with Harry and Draco that she would have a hard time assimilating back to sleeping alone.

The trio settled at their usual table in the library, nobody brave enough to interrupt them. Hermione settled in and gathered books on Potions and Care of Magical Creatures, all books that had been recommended by their prospective professors. Some people might call Hermione a suck up, but there was no way in the world that she would find herself unprepared for the most important testing of her life to date.

Theo joined them, smile broad on his face, as he opened his books and cast a glance at the material before the rest of them. While Hermione was studying Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, Harry and Draco were studying Transfiguration. Theo sat happily and quietly, pulling his Potion's book out as well.

"I see that we've split on the subjects we're studying. I thought that we agreed that we all did better when we were studying the same subject." Hermione shrugged sheepishly.

"That was what we wanted to do but it's easier for me to concentrate on Transfiguration when you three aren't studying it. I always end up worrying about the mistakes you could be making and lose whatever I'm studying." Theo chuckled.

"Alright, if that's the case, lets all study Charms. There are a couple charms that are giving me trouble and I would love the help." The fact that Theo was willing to admit that he had problems with Charms just showed how much he trusted Hermione and her two mates. This only made her heart twist in anguish even more at lying to him. She didn't want to alienate him, though, and she was scared to death that that was what was going to happen once her brother knew the truth. That reality couldn't be allowed to exist, however.

Hermione gladly agreed to study Charms and the four of them were quiet in the own pursuits of the subject. For the most part they were all at the same level, Hermione slightly advanced as usual, but at the same spot in general. They studied separately and then practiced their practicals together, something that made Madam Pince almost fall into a dead faint at the thought of.

Ninety minutes flew by and before Hermione knew it, she was parting from her brother in the library. He still had the suspicious look in his eyes, but she ignored it. She gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek before separating, hoping to alleviate some of the suspicion that she was sure that her brother felt.

Hermione allowed her boys to pull her from the library towards the Great Hall. She wasn't really hungry, but she knew that her father would be worried if she didn't show up. Since their argument and subsequent make up, he had been far more attentive. Hermione wasn't complaining but it was nice to know what to expect regarding the adults in their life.

They settled at the Gryffindor table and began to spoon their food on the plates before anyone spoke. The atmosphere was quiet, and it led Hermione to believe that trouble was brewing. When someone finally spoke up, it was Seamus. Hermione couldn't say that she was surprised. Their friend had always been the kind to feel something for a long time before they spoke aloud.

"I want to know what the fuck is going on. This has been going on long enough and I've done my best to let it run its course but that obviously isn't going to happen. I get that you've started dating Malfoy, Hermione, and it is a big surprise that you're sharing two men. That just isn't you so I'm wondering just what is going on that you can't pass up. Is it the money?" Hermione knew then for sure that her brother was more than suspicious. If Seamus was suspicious, her brother had to be. Rather than give a truthful answer, however, she placated him with pretty words.

"Harry and Draco are my boyfriends, I'm not sure what else you want me to say about it." Seamus snorted, Dean alongside him.

"Bollocks. I know there's more to the story. I'm not blind." Hermione froze for a moment, hoping that her friends wouldn't blow her secret before the whole of Hogwarts. Hermione couldn't help but feel a flash of worry at his words. The last thing that she needed at this moment was to be suspected and brought before her grandfather. The one thing that saved her was Pansy and a few other Slytherins stalking over to the lion table and facing the two Gryffindors head on.

"Are you doubting your prized lions?" Seamus and Dean froze as several Slytherins moved forward in front of her, Harry and Draco turning to meet their gazes. Hermione couldn't help the small sigh of relief at the Slytherins stepping in. Dean sneered in Pansy's direction and it made Hermione rear back in surprise when she found that she didn't like how her fellow lions were treating the snakes.

"I doubt anyone that can make friends with snakes, let alone date them. We all know that she's shagging Malfoy and that's a betrayal of the nth degree." Pansy crossed her arms over her chest and arched an eyebrow at him.

"And the world says that the Slytherins are the prejudiced ones. The fact that our finest is dating a muggleborn seems to show that we aren't nearly as prejudiced as you are." It was Dean that sneered now.

"We don't walk around bullying people and calling muggleborns mudbloods. We're prejudiced against bullies." It was Harry that spoke this time.

"It's true, Draco has been a berk in the past, but does that mean that he isn't capable of change, that he can't accept others for who they are? He loves Hermione and that should be all that you need to know, Seamus. If you were a real friend to Hermione, you would be happy for her." Both boys crossed their arms over their chests and gave the Chosen One an incredulous look.

"You're just as blinded as she is because you're boffing the silver snake too." Hermione was reaching her tether and it was clear to both of her boys. She stood up and leaned over the table, her power washing over the two lions. The surprised look on their faces was priceless.

"As my friends, you should be happy for me that I'm happy. However, since you're the hateful, insensitive arseholes that you are, I'm issuing a warning. My sex life with Draco, as well as Harry's metaphorical one, is off limits. If you find yourself discussing my sex life outside of this conversation, trust me, you'll regret it to your dying day. I think that you'll find that I'm a bad enemy to have." Seamus narrowed his eyes at her.

"Are you threatening us, Hermione?" She smiled sweetly at him.

"That wasn't a threat, that was a promise. Don't bother snitching either, nobody here is going to back you up." Hermione probably shouldn't have gone there with her lion friends, but she was far from being in the mood to deal with their harsh words and opinions. Both of their eyes widened at her words but in true Gryffindor fashion, they couldn't help not having the last word.

"I guess Harry has turned to the dark side too." Hermione couldn't help herself. She was careful to make sure that she couldn't be named as the cause of the infraction, but it was going to be quite clear that she was the one who acted.

The soup in the bowls in front of them flew up out of said bowls and soaked their fronts. There were howls of pain, but Hermione made sure to wandlessly cool the soup before it could do too much damage. While she wanted to teach them a lesson for speaking ill of Harry and Draco, she didn't want to scar them for life. Pansy and the gathered Slytherins started to laugh at Dean and Seamus and Hermione couldn't find much sympathy for them. She wondered if she was turning into a monster like her grandfather.

They were all saved from further discussion by her father swooping down and glaring at the lot of them. While Hermione hated to feel indebted to anyone, she couldn't deny that being saved from further conflict with Dean and Seamus made her grin in relief. Not giving away the game to those who weren't already aware of his relation to Hermione, he sneered at the Gryffindors.

"Causing problems, Miss Granger?" She bowed her head contritely, making a good show of it.

"No, sir. We were minding our own business and the Slytherins came over to wish Draco and I luck on our Ancient Runes quiz this afternoon." She could see the amusement in her father's gaze.

"I take it that you had nothing to do with Mr. Thomas and Mr. Finnegan wearing their soup?" She could see that he was more than aware that she had caused the whole event but there was no way that she was going to admit to it.

"No, sir, I would never do something like that. It could burn them." Even though she could feel the glare from both boys, they remained silent. Truthfully, she was surprised that they weren't snitching her out. She supposed that it could be that they knew they would never get Professor Snape to believe them with everyone backing Hermione's story, but she wanted to chalk it up to Gryffindor loyalty. Her father glanced at both boys and raised a brow at them.

"Do the two of you require medical assistance for any burns sustained?" They both shook their heads and her father turned to his snakes.

"You better get to class before you're late. We can't have Slytherin losing points for something as trivial as tardiness." Hermione really wanted to speak up and remind her father of how many points he had removed from Gryffindor for the "trivial" crime of being tardy, but she didn't. It would only land her in detention and that was the last thing that she wanted. The Slytherins dispersed quickly, their professor following suit. Hermione made sure to lean over to the two soup-covered lions.

"I don't want to fight with you. I want you to just accept my decision since it's my life and keep your comments to yourself. I haven't commented on the fact that the two of you are a couple, that I walked in on you shagging last year. I've kept my opinions to myself because it isn't my business and I would appreciate the same consideration." The shocked looks on the pair's faces were priceless. She wasn't sure why. The whole of Gryffindor House knew that they were together, but they apparently thought that they were sneaky enough to not have anyone know. Draco appeared shocked as well, but Harry continued to eat as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Seamus gave a quick nod.

"You keep that information to yourself, we'll drop the act." Hermione gave them a bright smile.

"Everyone already knows, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Mums the words, however, I won't breathe a word." Both boys looked contemplative, but Hermione dropped the conversation before turning to her boys.

"Professor Snape was right, we need to go so we aren't late." Hermione and Draco were headed to a double Ancient Runes lesson while Harry was going to Divination. Hermione wasn't sure why he hadn't dropped the subject after his third year, but she supposed that she should give him points for following through on something he hated. Hermione felt bad that he had to constantly listen to the fraud predict his death day after day.

The trio went to their feet and Hermione allowed Harry to kiss her rather indecently before he headed off in the opposite direction of Hermione and Draco. She gathered her wits once he was gone and Draco smirked at her difficulty in focusing after her kiss. His arm snaked around her waist, his fingers sliding underneath her shirt to caress the soft skin of her hip. She couldn't keep her breath from hitching as it sent goosebumps down her spine. Just as they were entering the Ancient Runes classroom, he leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"You were a bad girl at lunch, Harry and I are going to punish you tonight." Hermione couldn't hold back a shiver of anticipation once she heard his words. She had suffered their "punishment" just a few days before because she had laughed at the pair of them when they presented themselves for breakfast in each other's ties. She hadn't been sure how they hadn't noticed, especially Draco, but they hadn't. Their "punishment" had been deliciously naughty and she had promised herself that she would misbehave more often.

The pair took their usual seats, the only class that they sat apart in. Hermione was next to Padma Patil while Draco was with Blaise Zabini. Professor Babbling entered and immediately called the attention of the class to the front. They were issued the quiz just like Hermione had told her father and she was happy to dive in and show that she had studied like they had been told to.

Since it was a double period, they were able to listen to a lecture and still work on their assignment. They were working on translating Celtic runes still since there were still people having difficulties with them. Hermione didn't find them difficult at all and was able to finish her assignment before class was dismissed. She was happy to see that Draco had as well.

The pair gathered their things once class was dismissed, meeting at the door so they could walk down to the Great Hall together. Harry only had Divination for a regular class period followed by another free period, so it was hard telling where the day would lead him. Hermione smiled at her blond boyfriend, snuggled closer into his side, and let him lead the way.

-O-

Harry really couldn't stand Divination anymore. He was counting down the days until he could drop the subject and pick up something that would be useful in life. Hearing his death predicted every single class period got old quickly. When he thought about it, he was glad that Hermione had dropped the subject because he didn't think that she would handle the dire predictions well at all.

After Trelawney had dismissed class, Harry began to wander. He would be the first to admit that he was preoccupied with the whole horcrux dilemma. They needed to find and destroy it quickly, before Hermione was to kill Dumbledore. She wanted to use his "death" as a lure to get Voldemort where she wanted him, so they could end the war.

The snake presented a problem though. Harry was quite certain that Nagini was a horcrux, that brand of dark magic had become more than familiar. It saddened him that an innocent snake would have to die, he wasn't heartless after all, but there was nothing he could do about it. The snake would have to die just before they faced off with Voldemort, there was no other way to go about it. That meant that they needed to find the last horcrux and destroy it quickly.

Harry wandered the corridors for a long time, well over an hour, before he decided to make his way back to their Room, so he could change clothes into something more comfortable. The trek to the seventh-floor corridor didn't take long since he was already on the sixth floor wandering past the Charms classroom. His mind was still elsewhere when he paced the corridor in front of Barnabas the Barmy, not realizing that his mind wasn't focusing on their bedroom at all, but instead, finding the location of the last horcrux.

When the door appeared, Harry entered the Room of Requirement, still preoccupied with locations that the horcrux could be found. It was with a start of surprise that he entered the Room and realized that he was the furthest thing from their bedroom. There were mountains of what appeared to be junk, stacked over ten feet in the air in a room larger than the Great Hall. He could only stand there and gape at the room, flabbergasted that his mind had summoned this room.

What surprised him the most was the now-familiar feel of dark magic brushing against his magical core. It felt exactly how Nagini felt, exactly how the other horcruxes felt, and it was in that moment that he realized he had found the location of the last horcrux. It would take ages to find it in all the discarded junk but if they got help from the others in the castle, they could certainly cover the area faster.

Harry fingered through the first pile, taking in the empty sherry bottles, the discarded books, and the little trinkets that looked as though they belonged in the Headmaster's office. He found nothing of importance, certainly not the horcrux, but he felt a sliver of hope in the fact that they would find it eventually. He cast a quick tempus charm only to realize that Hermione and Draco would be out of Runes now and headed for the Great Hall for dinner. He tried to remember what he had been thinking when the door appeared, and he could only come up with "I need to find where the last horcrux is."

Harry exited the Room, the door disappearing behind him. He paced the corridor once more, his thoughts from earlier front and center in his mind. When the door appeared again, he opened the door and let out a whoop of joy when the same room appeared. He closed the door once more and began to make his way through the corridors towards the Great Hall.

He made the journey quickly since he was excited. Less than ten minutes later, he entered the Great Hall and saw that Hermione and Draco were both already in their usual spots though they hadn't served themselves yet. When Hermione caught sight of him, a smile spread across her face and Harry felt a thrill rush through him. His feelings for the dark-haired girl still surprised him somedays. He took his seat between the two of them and waited impatiently for their full attention. Hermione was conversing with Ginny and Luna and Draco was arguing quidditch with Neville and the twins. It seemed like an eternity had passed before they both left their conversations and turned their attention to Harry. He was nearly bouncing in his seat when he spoke.

"I found the last horcrux. Well, I found the room it's in. It's full to the brim of junk so it's going to take awhile to find it, but I know it's in the room. I can feel it." Hermione's eyes went wide, and her hand went to his arm, nails digging in slightly.

"Where? Dumbledore swears that he's never found a room that the horcrux could be in." Harry leaned over and pressed a kiss to her temple while Draco just stared at him, clearly confused at the new information.

"I don't think Dumbledore has ever been in this room. I went back to our Room to change clothes, but my mind was on the horcrux. I was thinking I needed to find the horcrux and next thing I know, I enter a room with more junk than you can even imagine. I didn't see the horcrux, but I could feel it." Hermione threw her arms around his neck and gave him a smacking kiss to his cheek. Harry couldn't help but laugh softly at her actions. Draco was the one who broke the good mood.

"The Headmaster isn't here. I think he had business out of the country if I remember Severus correctly. He left after lunch. Who knows when he'll be back." Harry felt Hermione grow somber at his words.

"We could just go start looking after dinner." Harry widened his eyes at her, wondering just how she could be so smart and so stupid at the same time.

"Hermione, you have to know that we aren't looking for that horcrux without an adult. Think about the protections on the last few horcruxes. I didn't feel anything sinister in the room but the last thing I want to do is take a chance with yours and Draco's safety and wellbeing." Her face fell slightly before she nodded.

"You're right, it would be foolish to go look on our own. My dad would probably have a heart attack." Harry nodded and considered their options.

"I say that we send a patronus to Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, and Remus after dinner and tell them. Maybe they'll still let us start looking tonight." Hermione was excited again and Harry had to wonder about the kinds of things that got her excited. A slow grin spread across his face when he considered just what kind of things got her excited. She waved her hand and her little fox appeared under the table, she was quite clearly trying to keep her message a secret.

Harry didn't hear the message that she gave her bushy-tailed companion but when she finished, it rushed off to Professor McGonagall, probably so it wouldn't raise suspicion if someone saw it and recognized it as hers. The Gryffindor watched as his Head of House bent close to listen to the message and met his gaze once the silvery specter disappeared. She gave a small nod, indicating that she would gather Professor Snape and Remus, making their job much easier.

The rest of dinner passed by without incident, Dean and Seamus unsurprisingly silent. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the fact that the pair thought their relationship was a big secret. The whole of Gryffindor House knew they shagged like rabbits, but he wasn't going to open that can of worms when he really didn't care. Ron and Lavender were surprisingly quiet several people down at the table making Harry grateful.

Dinner ended, and Harry and his two counterparts said their farewells and made their way to Professor McGonagall's office. All the professors had left before they had so he assumed that they would all three be waiting for them. After Draco knocked, the door swung open and revealed that all three of their professors were indeed tucked away inside. The Transfiguration professor ushered them in and gestured for them to take seats across from the three adults. It was no surprise that Professor Snape broke the silence.

"Is there a reason for taking me from my brewing?" Hermione gave a confident nod but turned to Harry, so he could do the reveal. He reached up to toy with one of her curls as he spoke.

"I was wandering the castle before dinner, thinking about our horcrux problem. I went to the Room of Requirement to change clothes and was focused on the horcrux so much that the Room became a room full of junk, bigger than the Great Hall and full to the top. I can feel the horcrux in there, I just can't find it by myself. It would take years." All the professors fell silent and stared for so long that Harry wondered if he had done the wrong thing by telling them. When the silence was broken, it was by Remus.

"You found the horcrux in the castle where students could access it?" Harry shrugged his shoulders.

"I suppose they could though I'm not sure how many people in the castle know about the room. Obviously, someone has since the room is full of junk. I'm sure that it didn't just materialize." Hermione was vibrating with excitement next to him and he couldn't help smiling at her. Her voice was just as excited as her body.

"We should go start looking for it right now. The sooner we can find it, the sooner we can destroy it." Her father finally spoke.

"As much as I don't like the Headmaster, we aren't going looking for this horcrux until he is present." Hermione deflated next to him and she looked lost.

"Why not? We thought that you three would be enough." Harry was glad that she asked the question since if he had, he would have received a scathing remark about how stupid he was. Just because the older man allowed him to date his daughter didn't mean that he liked the Gryffindor. Her father leaned forward and clasped his hands together as he met his daughter's eyes.

"We're going to wait because every horcrux we've discovered has been ridiculously dangerous. I'm aware that you are more powerful than any of us in this room, even more so than your grandfather, but nobody can deny that the Headmaster has the most experience out of all of us. If for some reason there was something guarding the horcrux and one of you were killed, or one of us, the Headmaster's presence would make it easier to explain. We need to do this as safely as possible because nobody wants anyone injured or dead." Harry could see hurt cloud his girlfriend's eyes as did her father.

"Sweet, this isn't me casting aspersions on your skills and talents, not even your power. I don't want to lose you or Draco, not even Potter though the world would be less annoying. Promise me that you'll wait until the Headmaster returns to go looking for the horcrux." Both Remus and Professor McGonagall were nodding next to him. Hermione sighed and nodded.

"I promise." Snape smiled at his daughter and he felt her brighten next to him. It was clear that after their argument she still adored him. Remus spoke next.

"Job well done, Harry, and thank you for letting us know before you just started searching." Harry and Draco both smirked at Hermione's pink cheeks, clearly embarrassed that she wouldn't have gained their thanks. The adults seemed to realize it as well, her father shaking his head in exasperation.

"Hermione, your reckless Gryffindor ways will be the death of me." The rest of them laughed and she colored further, remaining silent. Harry finally took pity on her and changed the subject.

"Is there anything else you three need?" Professor McGonagall smirked at him, clearly understanding that he was pulling the attention away from Hermione, so her face would cool.

"No, Mr. Potter, there is nothing else. Enjoy the rest of your evening." Harry stood and held out a hand to Hermione to help her up. He didn't release her hand and led her out of the room. He knew that Draco would have his hand on her waist since they both had the constant need to touch her. They were several corridors down when Draco broke the silence.

"You're definitely getting punished now, Princess. We can't have you rushing off into danger without a single thought to your safety." Harry's pulse quickened at his blond counterpart's words. They loved punishing Hermione and truth be told, she loved it too.

Harry sped up his pace, traveling the castle faster than usual. Even though he had relieved himself with Hermione the night before, he was always ready to fuck her. She was a dream, responsive and eager to please, and he had no problems sharing that joy with Draco. Harry loved watching the blond fuck her, loved hearing her mewl out her lover's name as he pounded into her.

Draco paced the corridor this time, the door to their room appearing. The trio all dropped their bags by the door, no homework needing done for the day. Harry knew that Hermione would claim that they should study more for their O.W.L.s but there would be none of that tonight. He ushered Hermione towards the loo, so she could perform whatever nightly ritual she had before bed. It was still early but Harry had every intention of wearing her out.

Both boys stripped off their clothes down to their boxers and waited patiently for their princess to emerge from the bathroom. Neither one said a word, but Harry could see that Draco was just as excited as he was. They both settled in arm chairs before the fire, but they didn't have to wait too long. Hermione emerged from the bathroom in only her panties and a tank top. Harry and Draco both rose to their feet and Draco raised his brow at her.

"Is there a reason you bothered with clothing?" She shrugged her shoulders and Harry could see the anticipation in her eyes. He stepped forward and gestured to her clothing.

"Off with them. No clothes tonight." She was quick to shuck her clothing off and her nipples hardened when she saw their gazes fixated on her. Harry stepped forward and caught her chin in his fingers and made her meet his eyes.

"What are you being punished for tonight?" Her eyes were wide and trusting and Harry loved it.

"I misbehaved at lunch and wanted to rush off to find the horcrux on my own." Harry smirked at her.

"Correct. I want you to bend over the armchair and I want you to suck Draco's cock while I spank you. You're going to make him explode down your throat, but you aren't going to get to come until we say you can." Draco moved into position, vanishing his boxers. Hermione moved to lean over the arm of the chair and instantly lowered her head down to Draco's cock. She lovingly kissed and caressed it until she put it in her mouth and started to suck. Harry moved behind her and started to rub her arse softly.

"I won't make you count since your mouth is busy but you're going to get fifteen swats." Harry could see that her inner thighs were already wet, her cunt dripping its fluid to run down her legs. He reached down and ran his fingers through the liquid, shoving them in his mouth so he could savor her flavor. She whimpered at the action, making Draco hiss.

Harry raised his hand and brought it down on her right cheek, instantly pinking her pale and delicate skin. She jerked slightly, more in surprise than pain he was sure, he hadn't hit her very hard after all. He rubbed the pink area softly before bringing his hand down on her left side, causing another whimper. This time, he dipped his fingers lower and brushed her opening, unsurprised to find her dripping. He pulled his hand away and hit her a third time, this time equally between both sides.

He continued the torment, spanking her harder and harder each time, dipping his fingers inside her to find the soft spongy spot or going even lower to circle her clit. She was moaning around Draco's cock and the blond had his head thrown back, his hands buried in her hair. Harry was surprised that she was still able to concentrate on Draco when she was so obviously close herself.

Harry spanked her again, this time his hand landing directly on her pussy. He softened the blow since he didn't really want to hurt her, and it caught her puffy lips perfectly. She let out a low whine and quickened her pace on Draco's prick. The Slytherin began thrusting up into her mouth and Harry decided to let his hands play for a few moments since he only had one spank left. His hand slid down and gathered her moisture until his fingers were well lubricated. He brought them back up to her arse. He wiggled his fingers inside her, opening her up so one of them could fuck her in it.

She was moaning now but still working on Draco. Harry knew the second that the blond came, his eyes closed, and his head came forward, bowing at the sheer effort of not slamming himself into her mouth. Harry could see her throat working, swallowing down his seed. He brought his hand down one last time on her left cheek, his fingers still scissoring her arse. She made a slight choking sound and Harry worried that he shouldn't have hit her while she was swallowing.

Their princess continued to lick Draco, making sure that every drop of his come was gone. Harry was unsurprised to see that his best friend's cock didn't deflate at all, he was obviously still turned on. Once she stopped licking him, Harry pulled his fingers out of her and bent to press of kiss to her now flaming arse.

"Now we're going to switch places. You're going to suck my cock and Draco is going to lick your pretty little cunt until you want to scream his name. You aren't going to come though, not until we tell you that you can." Draco gave him a wolfish grin and rose from the chair, letting Harry take his seat. Hermione's arse was still high in the air and Harry could see that his friend couldn't keep his eyes off it.

Hermione lowered her mouth to his cock, treating it with the same tender care that she had Draco's. Harry settled in the chair as she took him completely in her mouth, making him hiss in pleasure. Her mouth was hot, wet, and wonderful. Harry knew the instant that Draco laid his tongue to her cunt; she let out a high-pitched whine and her hips started rocking back and forth. He saw Draco's hands reach out and grasp her hips, holding them still so she had no choice but to absorb the pleasure.

He was proud of her though, she never once stopped her ministrations to his cock. On every plunge, her nose would nestle in his curls, her tongue dragging its way back up to the head only for her to plunge deeply again. Her whimpers and whines continued, and they were music to his ears. It didn't take long for Harry to get close to painting her throat with his seed. Seeing her this desperate for him and Draco had a way of making him lose control. He threaded his fingers through her hair and held her down on his cock, releasing his come into her mouth and down her throat. She swallowed it all immediately, her throat clenching around him in a delicious way. Hermione licked him clean the exact same way she had Draco, making sure that there was nothing left of his seed on his shaft. Her breathing was erratic, and Harry could see that her legs were shaking with the effort it was taking to hold back her orgasm. He leaned forward and grasped her gently by the hair, lifting her head to see that there were actual tears streaming down her cheeks. Harry instantly felt terrible, he had never meant to make her cry.

"Come for us, Hermione, come all over Draco's tongue. I want to hear you." He didn't have to tell her twice. Her hands clenched on his leg and a string of profanities poured from her mouth. It was music to Harry's ears and he knew it was for Draco too. It seemed like she came forever but when she finally went quiet, she laid there limp over the arm of the chair. Harry leaned over so he could watch Draco lick her clean. It took several minutes but when he was finished, he stood and met Harry's eyes. He ran his hands through Hermione's curls, pulling one slightly.

"We're not finished with you, Princess. We're going to fuck you now." Draco knelt on the floor and gently pulled her down into his lap. Harry stood and knelt in front of her, opening her legs for Draco. Hermione was still boneless, but he could see her stirring in anticipation.

Hermione moaned as Draco worked himself into her arse, leaning her back against him so he could get the right angle. Harry reached out and stroked her clit softly, knowing that it was even more sensitive than usual. Once Draco was fully seated inside her, Harry pushed her completely against Draco, so he could line his cock up with her cunt. He pushed inside her slowly, not wanting to hurt her in his eagerness to fuck her. Her hands reached out and grasped his shoulders, her nails digging in and leaving marks. Her moans were almost enough to make him blow his load, but he put a tighter hold on his control.

Harry and Draco began moving inside her, moving at the same rhythm so she had double the pleasure. It was very hard to last long when they were in this position since everything was so fucking tight, but he and Draco performed admirably, he thought. Draco was bent down, sucking on her neck just below her ear and leaving small bruises in his wake. Harry reached out and tweaked her nipple roughly and her panting increased. They continued this way for several minutes before Harry knew he couldn't hold off much longer. Hermione was still thrashing and moaning but had not come for them yet. It was in this moment that Harry realized that he had told her not to come unless he instructed her to. Once of his hands left her nipples to reach down and frig her roughly.

"Come for us again, Princess. Flood our cocks with your juices." Once again, he didn't need to tell her twice.

Her pussy clenched around his cock, sucking his further in and refusing to release him. He heard Draco groan behind her and knew that his friend had blown his load in her arse. Harry followed their example and let his seed paint her cervix. She convulsed in their arms for almost a full minute before falling forward into Harry's arms. He chuckled softly as he pulled out of her, holding her up to allow Draco the room to do the same.

Once both were out of her, Harry swung her into his arms and carried her to the bed. Draco waved his wand and cleaned up not only himself but Harry and Hermione as well. He tucked her under the blankets on the bed, brushing curls out her face. She gave him a sleepy smile as he spoke.

"I'm sorry, baby, I didn't mean to make you cry." Draco gave him a startled look, but Hermione just shook her head.

"No, it's fine, I swear. It was supposed to be a punishment." Draco crawled in behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist, so he could press several soft kisses to her bare shoulder.

"Princess, we don't ever want you to cry. Next time we drive you to tears, you say something." She shrugged her shoulders as her eyes fell closed.

"I couldn't even think, let alone speak. It's fine, I told you, I'm not angry. I enjoyed it very much." Neither boy got to say anything in return since it was clear that she had dropped off to sleep. They looked at each other for a few moments before they settled in the bed around her, holding her close to keep her warm. When Harry spoke, it was confident.

"We won't ever make her cry during a punishment again. I don't like how it feels." Draco nodded behind her.

"Agreed. I wasn't even aware that she was crying." Harry nodded.

"I think it was because it was taking so much effort to not come." Draco nodded softly, showing his agreement.

"Next time we'll let her come before the tears." Harry hummed his agreement this time and pulled Hermione impossibly closer to his side, Draco's hand resting on his stomach where he had thrown it over Hermione. He closed his eyes and laughed inwardly.

It was still considered early but he wanted nothing more than to sleep. Tomorrow they would speak with the Headmaster and start looking for the last horcrux. Sleep would not be a bad idea.

A/N- Once again, y'all, I apologize for how long this chapter took. I hope it met your expectations and you enjoyed it. Leave me your thoughts after beep, they make me smile. Review = love.

P.S. Another fic req that I just started and is completely amazing so far, The 8th Year by Holz9364.

Next chapter, meeting with Dumbledore and the search begins.

Love,

Alicia