Primal

Instincts
Fandom: Harry Potter.
Author: liidg.
Genre: Romance.
Rating: Mature.
Characters: Bellatrix Lestrange. Hermione Granger.
Pairing: Bellatrix/Hermione.
Status: 115,200 words; 31 Chapters; Complete.
Summary: As Hermione tries to master her newly discovered
powers she must deal with a prophecy, a soul-mate and two
sides trying to win her loyalty.
Warnings: Violence.
 Chapter 1
It was something she had to learn to control. She thought learning to be
an animagus would be easy. Everything came easy to her. The animagi
training did come easy but the rest was hard.
Most animagi could exist in their human form or animagus form but every
once in awhile a witch or wizard would become a primal animagus.
Primals could channel parts of their animagus form in their human form.
They could move faster, had the heightened senses of their animal forms
and had their animal’s skills and traits.
Bellatrix’s personality made the strange laughter that would come out
easy to hide. Her secret was not kept for long however. She was
discovered when her mother walked in on her during a bath. Her
daughter’s eyes were black as night and she was stroking a new
protrusion furiously. Her mother screamed and Bellatrix returned to her full
human form, mortified at her mother’s discovery.
She was beaten severely and underwent the cruciatus curse for hours.
Her parents had locked her in the basement for over three weeks. Her
sister tried to sneak her food when she could. Little Cissy was only eight
and not as adept as Andy at sneaking around but she braved their parents
wrath for Bella. Bellatrix didn’t want her punished for helping her but she
was so hungry.
Cygnus Black was an imposing and cruel man under any circumstance
and when he was furious it reached unimaginable heights. The night he
caught Narcissa he was livid. He grabbed Cissy by her hair and dragged
her down the stairs.
“She shouldn’t have been helping you. You will never leave this
basement if you don’t get yourself squared away. You have a month until
school starts. You will hide what you are if you want to return. You are no
use to us as a freak. No man will marry you. You will never show your
animagus form in that aspect again. If you fail she will pay with you.”
He hit Narcissa with the cruciatus. The little girl shrieked and cried. The
beatings of both of them continued for hours. Bellatrix didn’t care about
her own pain but watching her baby sister suffer and cry for her was too
much.
“Please Bella!”
“Ok. I will do anything you want. Be anything you want. Just leave her
be.”
Bellatrix spent every day after that doing as she was told. She
repressed the animal within and became the perfect Black child. Her
father swore her body to Rodolphus Lestrange and her fealty to the Dark
Lord. She accepted both giving up the person she was and becoming the
witch they needed her to be.
She spent years serving loyally. The animal struggled to come out when
she was in battle but she only showed small pieces. When she went to
Azkaban the animal came out to fight the dementors’ power over her.
When she was freed her parents were gone. She could no longer control
the animal within nor did she want to.
Her first night of freedom she spent holding Cissy in her arms. When
Rod came to see her she sent him away with the promise he would never
touch her again. The next night she ran with Fenir. She made a pact with
the wolf to protect her secrecy.
The two ran through of the woods taking down whatever crossed their
path. It was a strange sight to see them through the forest; of course
those that saw never got the chance to tell.
Bellatrix didn’t know what was to come but she knew that she would no
longer live her life according to Cygnus and Druella’s rules. They were
dead, she was alive and she was going to live.

* * *

Hermione sped through the course, easily leaping over the obstacles.
She hit a large incline made of logs. She leaped and used her newly
formed claws to push her body up and over gracefully landing on her feet.
Climbing was one of the more difficult things for her and it took combining
her human and animagus forms to do so well. She fully transformed into
her animagi and sprinted to the end in seconds.
She transformed back.
“That was amazing!”
“You have done well. It is so rare to see a primal animagus. You have
been exceptional controlling your primal instincts and truly using your
powers. You are ready to leave. Congratulations.”
“Thank you Professor McGonagall” Hermione had been locked in
Hogwarts for almost a month and a half. The Order had learned after the
battle at the Ministry that her trace was gone and had been for months.
The Ministry had investigated why her wand use hadn’t activated the
trace like the others’ wands had. Once they discovered her trace was
gone and had been for some time they were ready to start an inquest in
to the discrepancy. Fortunately the current administration was under fire
and headed out the door due to their actions against Harry and hiding
Voldemort’s return.
Pettigrew’s body had been found in the Ministry so the new Minister had
no choice. Sirius was pardoned. Unfortunately the Death Eaters had
escaped and not a one of them ended up back in Azkaban, including
Lucius Malfoy. Their testimony wasn’t enough for the new administration
who seemed to dislike the Order as much as they disliked the Death
Eaters.
The change of administration had made some drastic changes to the
Ministry. Hermione’s time turner use being covered up was one of the
positive effects. Dumbledore quickly countered the accusation claiming
discrepancies with muggle birth certificates.
The Ministry thought so little of muggles they believed it. Hermione didn’t
know whether to laugh or cry at the fact that they really thought her
mother couldn’t track when she gave birth. Sure she once forgot to make
it to a piano recital Hermione had when she was eight, but she was pretty
sure her mother noticed the whole labor thing.
Her time turner use had aged her almost a year and she would be
turning 18 now instead of 17 in September like she was supposed to.
Without the trace Hermione spent every second after she healed up
learning as many skills as possible.
She taught herself offensive and defensive spells, she started learning
occlumency and legilimency and she trained herself to apparate. Dolohov
had gotten the edge on her in the Ministry and almost killed her. Sirius,
Mad Eye and Luna had all been wounded. Sirius would have been dead if
Dumbledore hadn’t intervened. They were completely unprepared and she
needed to make sure it would never happen again.
She also decided to teach herself how to become an animagus but
unlike the other things she was teaching herself Hermione had trouble with
this one. Hermione started to lose control of herself almost immediately.
Her animagus form was a cheetah and she became dangerous as her
more animalistic side took over. She had no idea what was happening.
None of the books had mentioned these occurrences. Parts of her body
would change without warning and she started reacting like a cat. She
hissed at one of her neighbor’s dogs much to her surprise. Fortunately
neighbor already thought she was mad so it was just confirmation.
Her senses were frequently enhanced but she had no control of them.
She had to wear sunglasses to breakfast so her parents wouldn’t notice
her suddenly feline irises. She sent a patronus out to Professor
McGonagall after she shredded her sheets one night. The next morning
she found Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall at her front door.
They lectured her for practicing on her own, told her parents she was
doing an intership and brought her to Hogwarts immediately.
They explained the concept of primal animagi and the upside and
downside that came with it. They were not happy with her training on her
own and the results.
“You foolish girl. Leap first just like your housemates. Do you have any
idea what you are? You are a primal mage. Primal mages are extremely
rare and extremely powerful once trained. It isn’t just the skills you gain
from your animagus… your magic increases overall. You have significant
power and no control” Severus hissed. Hermione stood and the two were
standing toe to toe.
“So I am going to be more powerful now. I can feel that. I already
excelled here and I have mastered every task you have given me. What
are you so afraid of?”
“This is more than that. For such a swot, you know so little. There are
four types of magic…”
“I have learned that Sir. It’s in Danister on Magic. The four types are
iconic, elemental, ethereal and primal. That still doesn’t answer my
question.”
 “You are so good at reciting maybe you should try being silent and
learning” he snarled.
“Severus please.” Dumbledore interceded, “Miss Granger, as you know
wizards and witches use primarily iconic magic. The manipulation of
magical items, typically wands, is the most common magical trait.
Ethereal magic generally only presents itself in witches and wizards when
they apparate. It is rare any other traits show up in humans. The veil at
the Department of Mysteries and the dementors are both forms of
ethereal magic.”
“Ethereal deals with other planes sir?”
“Exactly. The next is elemental, something in which Tom excels,
specifically the control of fire. Control of wind, water and earth are also
traits that some wizards develop. Primal energy is one of the rarest and
most volatile powers but also one of the most powerful. Being a
parselmouth is one of the primal powers. Although anamagi like Sirius and
Minerva use primal power it is minimal. They only use it for
transformation.”
He looked to Minerva who transformed to a cat and then transformed
back. “Miss Granger, they cannot manifest there animagus traits in human
form. You already can and your skill will increase significantly. Right now
your power extends to your animagus form and unlike most animagi
communicating with cats will probably develop soon. Have you had any
luck with your kneazel?”
“I haven’t been able to understand Crooks but we have gotten closer. He
seems to feel my moods even more now.”
“Figures she would end up a bloody cat!”the Potion’s Master sneered.
“Enough Severus! You will probably be able to understand him soon.
Unlike Minerva who would only understand a cat in cat form developed
fully, a primal will be able to tame, talk to and potential control all types of
animals. Even channel the traits of multiple animals. Primal powers are
highly sought after. It is an extremely rare trait and fully developed you will
be an extraordinarily powerful witch.”
“Albus, what are you thinking? I don’t like that look” Minerva said.
“Hermione, we need to train you to control this. You know that animagi
are registered with the Ministry. It is different with primals. You will not
only be registered, your treatment at best will be akin to a werewolf. You
will be highly monitored. With the events at the Ministry last year they may
just lock you in St. Mungo’s or Azkaban. We will teach you how to control
it and maximize your powers.”
Both Snape and McGonagall shouted “No” at the same time. Each for a
different reason.
“Hermione go on up to your dorm. You will begin your training in the
morning.”
He had dismissed her. She left more confused than ever. Whatever
arguments the two professors had clearly were ineffective. She had spent
the rest of the summer in Hogwarts training with the Headmaster, Remus
Lupin, and Professors McGonagall and Snape to control and then use her
newly learned skills.
Her mornings were spent learning to control the animagus, her
afternoons were spent on her overall magical training and infusing her new
powers with her magic and her evenings were filled with either theory or
occlumency training. Hermione could say she no longer sympathized for
Harry as she was subjected to both Dumbledore and Snape attacking her
walls, frequently at the same time.
By the end of the summer she was a decent occlumens but she no
longer had any secrets from either of the men. They had seen every
embarrassing, personal and painful moment of her life. They went for the
memories she guarded the most which meant they saw all of the mischief
they had gotten into at Hogwarts and they both knew she had slept with
Viktor Krum, Fleur Delacour and with Alicia Spinnet.
“You have been busy Granger I am surprised!” Snape sneered.
“I was experimenting. I know the odds of me living long enough to
receive my diploma are minimal, I just wanted to experience life.” She
panted as she was given a break between attacks.
“And the results were?” Severus couldn’t argue with her logic.
“I like sex and prefer the company of women.”
“Clearly, if your memories are any indication. I wasn’t aware ice could
be used like that. Again! Legilimens!”
The occlumency training sucked the life out of her and made her control
of her primal more difficult. That was the point, she needed to learn
control at all times.
The worst part was learning that she would experience everything a cat
would. Remus helped her work on controlling her new emotions and the
animal within. He had become a good friend and the two bonded. He
understood losing control and changing into a beast. Minerva comforted
her as best she could but Remus understood her.
Hermione had insisted to the Headmaster that Tonks be told. He fought
her on it but she went behind his back. Remus was suddenly spending all
of his time at Hogwarts with Hermione and they also had spent time
together off grounds. Tonks had finally convinced Remus to let go of his
fear and be with her and their relationship was still in its early stages. Now
she was seeing him run off to meet another woman.
She needed to know that Hermione was kindred spirit and friend, not a
rival. Especially since she would be part of the guard of Aurors assigned
to Hogwarts by the new Minister for the school year. It was only fair that
she know why Remus was swinging by so often. Tonks was growing
suspicious and finally confronted Hermione one day in the library.
“Wotcher Hermione. You and Remus have been spending a lot of time
together. You taking an interest in wolves?”
“It’s not like that Tonks. I promise. Remus only has eyes for you. He is
just a friend.”
“He is a friend spending more time with you than me.”
“I knew they should have told you. Fuck Dumbledore’s plans… will you
take a secret keeper oath?”
“Oh this has to be good. Absolutely.”
She gave the oath to Tonks and filled her in.
“A cat? What is it with you Gryffindors? Well now I know what to get
you for your birthday, a scratching post.” Tonks took it very well and
besides making numerous feline themed jokes she ended up being an
even better confidant than Remus. Having the witch around gave
Hermione some solace. Hermione’s other trainers were male or Professor
McGonagall who was more of a mother figure than someone she could
confide in. She could talk about more sensitive things with Tonks.
Dumbledore was not pleased but Hermione didn’t care. She was not
interfering with true love for the sake of secrecy, especially when it was
Tonks who was being kept in the dark. Hermione had always been fond of
the witch. Dumbledore relented and Tonks was soon included in
Hermione’s training and the meetings.
Having tea with the five of them while they decided what to do when
estrous hit was officially the most awkward conversation she had in her
life. Discussing her going into heat didn’t seem to be a particularly
comfortable subject for any of the men either but it was a genuine
concern. They needed to make plans for the inevitable. It was one of
those moments she was the most grateful for Tonks’ friendship.
It was decided that a potion would be brewed for when estrous
happened that would help minimize the results. Snape took the time to
teach her the potion and before she left he gave her several vials.
“Carry these on you at all time. Since we won’t have a warning, do
make sure to take them as soon as the symptoms hit. We wouldn’t want
you jumping Potter or one of your dorm mates.” The sarcasm dripped
from his voice.
“Sir, it won’t be a problem, they aren’t my type.”
“The ginger girl then. She is always underfoot with you lot.”
“Ron is like a brother to me. You know Harry likes for Ginny and she is
Ron’s little sister. I have more discretion than that sir.”
“That is to be seen. I have to know… what is it with you and cats
anyways? Gryffindor, the incident second year, that familiar of yours?”
“Sir?”
“You are a walking cliché Granger. Typical Gryffindor, nothing subtle.
Here are your potions. Do try and keep yourself under control.”
Even after training with him the man was still sarcastic and at times
cruel. Hermione took the vials from the surly professor, grabbed her things
from her quarters and headed to McGonagall’s office to leave Hogwarts.
“Hermione, I know you will be tempted to tell your friends. I caution you
against this. If this comes to the attention of the Ministry you will be
treated as a magical creature not a witch. They will monitor you if you are
lucky or more likely send you to Azkaban. Do not share what you are. It is
far too dangerous.”
“Thank you Professor. I won’t.” She hugged her goodbye and stepped in
the floo to The Burrow.

* * *

Lying to Harry and Ron was easy. Neither was particularly interested in
her summer. They easily accepted her story of recuperation with her
parents and never pressed further. She couldn’t take it personally.
Voldemort was back and the wizarding world was at war. Lupin came by
a few times just to check in on her.
 Hermione enjoyed the downtime. Her training would begin again in the
school year. She was taking an ‘apprenticeship’ with Professor
McGonagall. The time would be used for training. Harry and Ron weren’t
happy when they heard.
“We need you to help us prepare for Voldemort.” Harry yelled.
“Why’d you get an apprenticeship and we don’t? What’s that about?”
Ron whined.
“You mean you need me to do your homework for you and now you will
have to study on your own Harry? Ron you know why I have been offered
one and you haven’t. Guys, I will still be around. It isn’t like I am leaving
the castle. I am just going to have to spend a few hours every night
helping McGonagall and learning Advanced Transfiguration. I might
occasionally teach but it will be the firsties if I do. You will just have to do
your own work this year”
“I still don’t like it.” Ron pouted. Hermione had enough. She rolled her
eyes and walked up to bed.
“He is just jealous and pissed he will have to crack a book this year.”
Ginny mumbled.
“You heard?” She sighed.
“The whole house probably heard. You guys weren’t quiet.
Congratulations. He is just mad because you are getting more attention
than him.”
“He really is an idiot sometimes.”
“Sometimes?” Ginny snorted and rolled over.
“Good point.”

* * *

“I can’t believe you are doing this Albus.”

“Minerva, she needed to be trained to control her power. A primal mage
only appears once every few generations.”
“She has been trained to control her powers but what we have been
training her for and what you have designed as her ‘apprenticeship’ this
year is well beyond that. You are preparing her for war Albus.”
“This is ridiculous old man. Hermione is being trained for the Order. You
want us to trust her with our lives. If you didn’t let her run rampant Albus
we wouldn’t be here.” The man sitting next to Minerva grumbled.
 “If she hadn’t run rampant, as you put it Severus, I wouldn’t be here right
now.”
The dark man looked confused.
“I was about to do something very foolish when Miss Granger sent her
patronus. Her little emergency saved my life. If Harry had heeded her
warning they would have never been at the Ministry. It’s not your life I am
trusting her with. She has been responsible for the boys for the last five
years, I am merely giving her the skills to do so more effectively. She has
the power. We need to use it to our advantage.”
“You mean we need to use her to our advantage.” Minerva crossed her
arms.
“This is war Minerva. She is a muggleborn and one of Harry’s closes
friends. She will be fighting this war no matter what we do. This is for the
best.”

* * *

Things had gone relatively smoothly for the first few weeks of school.
Her apprenticeship was announced to the applause of the Gryffindors and
the boos of the Slytherins. After that she found a good rhythm. She would
do her school work in the mornings before breakfast. She would go to
classes and then report to her trainer during the evening.
The boys were initially angry about the time she spent away from them
but they had found other things to occupy their time. Harry had discovered
a Potion’s book he was obsessed with and Ron had discovered Lavender
Brown. Both boys were so absorbed they even forgot her birthday. She
spent the evening ducking spells from Snape. Fortunately Tonks was nice
enough to bring her an ice pack and a cupcake with a candle afterwards.
Her training lessons wore her out nightly. They met in a small practice
room off of McGonagall’s office. The room was always the same but her
instructor changed from day to day. Lupin, Tonks, Snape and McGonagall
rotated the sessions each teaching her different lessons and working on
different skills.
For weeks she couldn’t communicate with Crookshanks but each day
she made a little more headway. She finally had a breakthrough one day.
He had shredded one of her jumpers. Instead of scolding him like normal
she hissed at him. It was pure instinct.
 “Why did you ruin my jumper?” Lavender and Parvati looked at her like
she lost her mind.
“Why are you hissing at your cat Granger?” Lavender asked.
She held up the jumper. The girls rolled their eyes and headed to the
common room.
“Because it’s hideous and makes you look fat.” The cat meowed back.
“I talked to you?”
“You are doing it now. Best watch yourself… don’t do it in front of the
others. They already think you are stark raving mad.”
“Is the jumper really that bad?”
“Oh yeah. That thing is hideous. I could pee on it and it would be an
improvement.”
“This is not what I was expecting our first conversation to be like.”
“I think saving you from making a serious fashion faux pas is a great
way to start this new chapter in our relationship.”
After that she had a new friend and a fantastic source for all the school
gossip. Everything was going perfectly. With the exception of one lost
jumper her life had a complete order to it and now she had a new friend in
Crooks. It was perfect. Her life was perfect. She should have known it
couldn’t last.
 Chapter 2
Things were too perfect which meant all hell had to break loose
somewhere. It started during their first Hogsmeade weekend. The Three
Broomsticks was packed. The rain and cold had driven everyone indoors.
Hermione was sitting with Harry and Ron and Harry was chatting up
Slughorn to Hermione’s bewilderment.
Sybil Trelawaney was sitting in the back working her way through a
bottle of Ogden’s when she stiffened up and started speaking in a strange
voice.
“Two kings fight for the throne. The boy of the seventh month is
the prize but the daughters of Gaia are the key. Two daughters of
Gaia, eternal soul-mates, sit on opposite walls. One side will betray
them, one side will save them. The king that wins both daughters
wins the boy. The king that wins both daughters wins the war. The
king that wins both daughters wins the world.”
Hermione gaped? What was Trelawaney doing? Daughters of Gaia…
primals!
“Harry? What’s she playing at?”
“Hermione… when we get back.”
He motioned to Slughorn who still staring at his colleague. A few minutes
later the professor moved on and the three walked back to the castle.
Harry was pale.
“That was the voice she used after class when she gave the prophecy
third year. That was the voice from the prophecy about me from the
Ministry. What is a daughter of Gaia?”
“Harry…” Hermione wanted to tell him but she realized she needed to
talk to the Headmaster first. “What was that with Slughorn?”
 “Dumbledore told me to be nice. I am supposed to find out information
from him.”
Another mission. Her… Harry… why didn’t the Order just fight their own
war?
“Hermione I know you hate Divination but stop changing the subject.
Whatever Trelawaney said will be true. You didn’t answer me. What is a
daughter of Gaia?”
“Gaia could be a lot of things. It refers to the earth or earth goddess. I
will need to check some things and get back to you.”
“The library.” both Ron and Harry chorused laughing.
She smiled at their joke but she knew whatever this was would change
everything.

* * *

Hermione hadn’t been back to the dorm for more than a few minutes
when McGonagall came up to summon her. She entered into the
Headmaster’s office with trepidation. McGonagall and Snape took seats
but said nothing.
“Tea Miss Granger?” Dumbledore motioned to pour her a cup.
“No thank you.” after Umbridge being so fond to serve her tea with
sugar and verituserum, Hermione now avoided any offered drinks.
“This is absolutely astonishing. The prophecy indicates there are two of
you right now. That you have a soul-mate and clearly from the prophecy
that primal is a woman.”
“I understand the concept of soul-mates. Someone I am meant to be
with. A true bond but what does all this mean sir?”
“It means there are two primals! This is extremely rare and amazing. I
don’t know if such a thing as primal soul mates has ever been
documented. In fact, I don’t believe that two primal mages have existed at
the same time in at least a thousand years. The prophecy said you are on
opposite walls. Your mate is in Tom’s camp. I am sure the prophecy has
gotten back to him by now. If not he will know soon, since his learning of
this is inevitable, Severus is owling him the information which will aid his
cover. Miss Granger, Tom will be scouring his ranks for the follower. He
will want her to find you.”
“I am not dating a Death Eater.”
 “If you have soul-mate then you will be with him or her no matter how
hard you try and avoid them. You are going to have to accept that. I
suggest not fighting it. You are a sound minded girl with a good moral
compass.”
“You want me to befriend this soul mate?”
“Yes Miss Granger. I am not asking you to do anything you don’t want
too but I needn’t remind you Harry’s life is at stake. The soul mates
control the boy.”
“Of course sir. I don’t know how to do this sir… what do I do? How do
I…?
“Miss Granger. You are well trained now and we will continue to train
you. You can do this. You must do this.”
“Well it must not be anyone who was at the Ministry battle or at the
school. That is good news.”
“Unfortunately that may not be the case. You hadn’t unlocked your
primal nature at the battle or they might not have discovered theirs yet.
You wouldn’t necessarily have had the connection until you both realized
your nature.”
“Sir, I am telling you now that if it is Millicent the world will be short a
primal one way or another.”
“I understand Miss Granger.” He smiled.
“What about Harry and Ron?”
“I would prefer you didn’t tell them.”
“With all due respect sir, I prefer that I did. They have been invaluable
even if they are idiots at times.”
“I will defer to you on this but you will have to administer a secret
keeper oath. Do you know how to do so?”
“Yes sir.”
“Very well then, keep me apprised.”

* * *

“Bring your sister to me!”

Narcissa ran down the hall to Bella’s room. Draco had sent an owl with
that Trelawaney witch’s newest prophecy. Snape’s had come only minutes
later. All hell had broken out and the Dark Lord was searching for
answers. She knew Bella was doing things she wasn’t supposed to but
this was too much.
“Cissy! Why are you pounding on my door?” A very cranky Bellatrix
practically growled as she opened the door to her sister. “What is with the
histrionics?”
She pushed her way in and told her about what happened on
Hogsmeade.
“What have you been doing Bella? You know you aren’t supposed to
do… that!”
“Cissy you don’t understand.”
“Don’t you remember? You still have the scars don’t you? I still have
mine.” Narcissa pulled up her blouse to show the scars that lined her
back. She only had a few. They were punishment for sneaking Bella food
during her imprisonment. Lucius liked them, he always joked he liked that
his wife had come trained. He had even added a few during their
marriage.
Bella’s back was covered in them. Their parents had tortured her to no
end.
“You heard the prophecy. I have a soul mate. The Dark Lord has
summoned me. We cannot make him wait much longer. I was trying to
hide it but I cannot now.”
Bellatrix entered the throne room and knelt before Voldemort. He made
everyone leave except the Inner Circle. He ordered that nothing said
would leave the room.
“You summoned me My Lord.”
“Yes Bellatrix. I am sure your sister filled you in.”
“Yes My Lord.”
“I know you have been running with Fenir.” He pointed to the werewolf
that was now hanging from a hook against the wall. He was clearly torture
before he was killed. “Your oath making skills are very good. He never
gave you up. You are the primal, aren’t you?”
“Yes My Lord.”
He hit her with the cruciatus and held it while he talked.
“Why are you keeping secrets from me Bella. Let me see.”
She knew that her life and her sister’s hung in the balance. She owed
Cissy so she showed him everything. He would take his anger out on Bella
hopefully and not her sister for the deception.
He plowed through her memories seeing her discover her powers and
her subsequent punishment from her parents. He saw her fight to hide the
powers to keep Rod from finding out. He saw her miserable lying under
him while he took her. She couldn’t risk feeling any pleasure or she would
lose control.
“Narcissa I understand and appreciate why you would protect your
sister. If you ever withhold information from me I will have you passed
around the Inner Circle while Draco watches. Then I will kill him on front of
you. Do you understand?”
“Yes My Lord.”
“Lucius do instruct your wife on her behavior tonight.”
“Yes My Lord” His eyes glinted with both anger and excitement.
“Bella. You find your soul-mate. I don’t care how you do it but you find
her. I don’t give a fuck about propriety, I want whoever she is on my side.”
“Yes My Lord.”
“I will deal with Rod if he interferes.” The man in questioned swallowed
hard and bowed his head.
“Of course My Lord.”
“Never again Bella. No more secrets.”
“Yes My Lord.”
Narcissa helped her up and escorted her to the bath.
“Bella. Do what you need to do to get this woman to him. No more
games.”
“Stay with me awhile.”
Narcissa sat of a stool near the tub.
“Why?”
“Because we both know Lucius will beat you for information and for not
telling him things once you go back to your rooms. I am not ready to send
you back to that yet.”
“It is my life Bella.”
“If I do well for the Dark Lord I will ask for his head as a reward.”
Narcissa leaned in and kissed her sister on the cheek.

* * *

Hermione was in the back of the library looking through the restricted
section.
“Wotcher ’Mione?”
 Hermione smiled at Tonks. Did a quick look around and cast a muffalato
spell.
“Looking for some books on pulling a primal.”
Tonks had been filled in on Hermione’s mission.
“First of all do you want to? You shouldn’t be ordered to bed someone.”
“I don’t think I have a choice. From everything I have read, once we find
each other we will be instantly connected. The magic will be controlling.
They said it would be particularly strong because we are primals. I am
surprised that Dumbledore essentially asked me to take one for the team
though.”
“As am I. Hermione, you don’t need to find advice on wooing a primal.
It’s not the animal you need to worry about. Remus’ inner wolf was more
than willing. Remus was the one who put up such a fight. He was the one I
had to lure. In this case I think you won’t have a problem pulling the
beast.”
“What are you saying?”
“Don’t worry about the primal… worry about the woman. They will try
and turn you dark while you try and turn them light. When you need to
talk… I am around. And Hermione…”
“Yes.”
“I won’t run and snitch to our fearless leader. I mean it when I say you
can talk to me.”
“Thank you Tonks.” She gave the witch a hug. She went to face the
dreaded firing squad. It was time to tell the boys.
She brought them out to the lake and when she was sure they were
alone she told them everything.
“Well are you going to say something?”
The two boys had been staring at her for over ten minutes. She knew
the news would be a lot to take but this was getting to be a bit much.
“Dumbledore knows?” Harry asked.
“Yes.”
“But you weren’t allowed to tell us?”
“They still don’t want you to know. That’s why I made you take the oath.
You can’t tell anyone else. ”
“So if you’re one of Gaia’s daughters, a primal and one of Voldemort’s
side is the other then, you are going to bed them?” Ron said finally
snapping out of his haze.
 “That is the plan. Apparently once we meet we will be drawn to each
other.”
“So you like witches?” He asked. She told Ron she had dated witches
before but she didn’t mention who. Alicia was dating George and Fleur
was now dating Bill, it would just be awkward to mention it.
“Yes.”
“So you don’t dig blokes.” Ron said still confused.
“Yes.”
“Have you gone near Ginny?”
“What? No Ron!”
“Have you tried? Have you tried to fuck my sister? You two are always
alone up in her room over the summers.”
“Ron, I have never done anything with Ginny. Stop acting like this.”
“If you touch my sister I will kill you.” He stalked off pissed. She turned
to Harry for help.
“You are going to have to shag a Death Eater or a Slytherin!” Harry
yelled. “This is insane!”
“I know Harry. It’s a war. I don’t want to date them but I don’t know
what to do about it. The prophecy says we will be bound together.”
“No! You can’t betray me like that! You can’t betray us like that!”
Harry ran away. He was to angry to do anything else. Hermione was
going to be dating one of his enemies. He soon found himself sitting out on
the quidditch pitch trying to calm himself.
“This is why I told her not to tell you. Her loyalty to you is so strong she
would ignore my warnings. You heard the new prophecy. This is her
destined path. One side will accept them and one will betray them. Anger
will be your undoing. She is willing to put herself in danger, compromise
herself to protect you.”
“And the other one?”
“The prophecy says they can be redeemed.”
“So I have to befriend some Slytherin or Death Eater?”
“No Harry you have to stay friends with Hermione Granger, your friend
who is willing to do anything for you.”
“Including whore herself out?”
“Harry!”
“I know… I know… I don’t mean it. I just… this is hard.”
“War is hard son.”
 Dumbledore left him with his thoughts. Ron showed up to dinner that
night with a black eye. The two boys sat at the opposite end of the table
from her. Ginny sat down next to her.
“You didn’t happen to tell my brother about you did you?”
Hermione choked on her pumpkin juice.
“Yeah I know you like girls. Don’t worry no one else does but he is
freaked out that you are trying to put the moves on me. He kept asking
me if I ever slept with a girl and I put two and two together. I shut him up
for now but you best keep him from telling my mum. She will not take it
well. Your secret is safe with me.”
“Thank you Ginny. How?”
“I saw you sneaking around with her during the tournament. Rita might
have gotten the person wrong but she was right about one thing. You
were certainly busy.”
Hermione smirked and thanked Ginny.
She returned to her rooms to mope a bit about Harry and Ron’s
reactions and the fact that they were still not talking to her. Fortunately the
dorm was empty.
“What happened?” Crooks nudged her arm curling up next to her. She
filled him in.
“Don’t be upset. They are morons but they are your morons. They will
come around.”
“I hope so Crooks. I can’t do this alone.”
“Hey! You aren’t alone. Don’t believe the lies… cats are really man’s
best friend. If they don’t apologize soon I will go shred their pants.”
She laughed.
“You are the best familiar ever.”
“I know.”

* * *

A few days later Harry made peace with Hermione. Harry had pulled
Ron into the library. He found Hermione in her usual place hidden in the
back. He knew he had screwed up big time.
“So explain something to me…” he whispered.
“What’s that?”
“How did you get the job of going after a hot woman and I got stuck
chatting up Horace Slughorn?”
Hermione let out the breath she was holding and all three laughed.
“So are we good no more accusations about Ginny Ron?”
“Sorry. She told me I was being a git for treating you like that. Well first
she slugged me for good measure. Make sure mum doesn’t find out
though.”
“So I have heard. Harry?”
“Yeah I don’t like that you will be hooking up with one of them… or that
Dumbledore is asking you to do it but we’re good.”
“Now can I ask her?” Ron whispered.
Harry elbowed him.
“Ask me what?”
“Well we are blokes…” Ron started.
“And?”
“You’re a bird but you like birds. Lav’s birthday is coming up and I
figured well…”
“Chocolate… not from your brothers and flowers.”
“You’re the best ’Mione!” he hugged her and ran off.
“Depth of a teaspoon.” Harry took her hand in his, “this is fucked up
Hermione. You don’t have to do this.”
“I think I do Harry.”
“Then I will be here for you, even of that means dealing with some
Slytherin hag.”
She tried not to cry but she couldn’t help it. She hugged him.
“Ok enough mushy stuff. So you are some sort of primal? Tell me about
your superpowers.”
“Harry! I am not Spiderwoman.”
“You kinda are aren’t you?”
She told him everything she knew about primals and their forms. An hour
later he looked at her.
“That is completely wicked! You are a superhero. I hate to say it though,
Snape’s right… that is completely clichéd. A cat? Really?”

* * *

Bellatrix had gone through the entire Malfoy library and her own to find
what she could on primals. There was very little. She was working on
harnessing her powers. She no longer had to hide what she while she was
in the Manor and she was becoming more powerful every day.
She was unfortunately right about Lucius. He beat Narcissa to the point
that she was laid up for a week. Bellatrix was angry but there was nothing
she could do. Without Draco around to beat, all of Lucius’ attention was on
his wife.
Bellatrix finally asked the Dark Lord to give her sister time to heal and
help her with her research. He granted Narcissa a temporary reprieve
much to Lucius’ dismay.
She knew she would be looking for a female in Dumbledore’s camp. The
most obvious candidate was her niece. She was a metamorphagus but
Nymphadora had been at the Ministry and Bellatrix felt nothing.
She needed to make headway and she needed to do so quickly. He was
growing impatient and finding the other primal was the only way to protect
Narcissa. Her sister had been beaten too often for Bella’s mistakes. She
would do whatever it took to protect her.
She decided to go to Hogwarts. There were multiple female Aurors
assigned there that were loyal to the Order. McGonagall was there too.
She was an animagus. Maybe she was a primal. Bellatrix shook her head
at the thought. She couldn’t imagine wooing the stern woman. She might
deduct house points for bringing the wrong flowers.
She decided she would take the risk. Instead of breaching the grounds,
she would go on the next Hogsmeade weekend. She would have access
to most of the Aurors and McGonagall. She would hopefully be able to
sense who it was.
“It is a sound plan Bellatrix but I am ordering order Severus to go as a
chaperone and to help you plan. I want him there and for you to have back
up as well. Bring Nott and Dolohov. Stay hidden. I do not want a fight
breaking out. Goyle bring Snape in.”
“My Lord…”
“Enough, I know you do not trust Severus but I do.”
Snape had not been at the meeting where Bellatrix’s identity was
revealed and he was surprised to learn that it was her. He was fortunately
skilled enough after years of deception and kept his face devoid of
emotion.
“Severus you will be responsible for making sure they have a fool-proof
plan.”
 “Yes My Lord but… if I may…”
“You may.”
“Dumbledore is trying to find the primal. Once he knows who she is I will
be able to tell you.”
“I will not wait any longer for the old man to find his pet primal. Either he
is not looking hard enough or he knows and isn’t sharing. Either way I
want this mission to go smooth.”
“Yes My Lord.”

* * *

“You wanted to see me Headmaster?” Hermione looked around. Snape,

McGonagall, Lupin and Tonks were all already there and their faces
looked grim. This was not going to be good news.
“We know the identity of Tom’s primal.”
“From the looks on everyone’s faces this can’t be good.”
Severus couldn’t resist being the one to ruin her day and spoke up, “The
identity was revealed to me because I am supposed to plan a trip for her
to apprise the women of Hogwarts. Your everlasting love is Bellatrix
Lestrange.”
Hermione’s legs gave out from her but fortunately McGonagall was
quick enough with her wand to move a chair to catch her.
“Oh no. Sir?”
“She is going to be at Hogsmeade two weeks from now. She will be
looking to see if anyone evokes a reaction. Right now she suspects Tonks
and McGonagall.”
Hermione made a face and turned to Tonks, “but you’re her cousin.”
“It is not uncommon in the magical world. Molly and Arthur are second
cousins.”
“Um… considering I am apparently destined to be romantically involved
with Bellatrix Lestrange I will avoid judging. What do I do? I was thinking…
well I wasn’t thinking her.”
“You knew you would have to face this at some point Miss Granger. The
fact that you are muggleborn might be everything we need to push this to
our advantage. You will be safe there. There will be Aurors and
professors everywhere. She is only supposed to be scouting from afar.
You will not have to make contact.”
 Hermione took a deep breath, “OK. I will do it.”
Harry and Ron did not take it as well when she told them that night.
“She tortured Neville’s parents.”
“I know Harry!”
“She tried to kill Sirius!”
“I know.”
“She is psycho.”
“Yup I am well aware of that.”
“She is wicked hot though mate.” Ron interjected.
Hermione rolled her eyes and smiled at her friend.
“But she is violent and crazy Ron.” Harry argued back.
“Harry, you dated Cho and you have been chasing after my sister all
year… well when you aren’t trying to smooth talk Horace.” Both Hermione
and Ron both cracked up at that, “They are all crazy mate. It’s just
degrees of crazy.”
“HEY!” Hermione smacked him.
“And there’s the violence. I rest my case and by the way the whole
death threat thing for shagging my sister… that wasn’t only applicable to
Hermione.”
“Your sister won’t give me the time of day. Not a problem. Back to
Hermione. She has to date Bellatrix Lestrange. A crazy, married,
homicidal Death Eater.”
“Harry, the prophecy says she is redeemable. We both go to one side
so she can come to the light.” Hermione said it with more conviction than
she felt.
“I am sure Sirius will be thrilled to have her at Christmas supper. You are
really going to do this.” He replied.
“I am really going to do this. You know the prophecy.”

* * *

Hermione walked out of Zonko’s and headed towards the Three

Broomsticks. They had gone through their normal day giving no indication
they knew they were being watched. As she reached the door of the
Three Broomsticks she felt the tug. She looked around.
“Go in, I will be right there.”
“What are you doing Hermione?”
 “Harry just trust me. I am sure Horace would love a drink.”
The boys went in and she walked off. She saw the Aurors watching her
and waited till they looked away. She headed around the back of the
Three Broomsticks and she could see her in the trees watching. Her body
hummed as she walked towards the witch. Bella was in a dark patch and
all that showed was the glow of her eyes. It was a greenish color.
Hermione’s eyes changed and she growled.
Bellatrix growled back and then laughed hysterically. She started to
move towards the mudblood. She had no control of her body and she was
instantly aroused by what she saw.
Hermione looked at the witch approaching and saw the large bulge in
her pants. She had no idea what the hell it was or how Bellatrix got it but
the only thing she wanted in that second was to find out. She was only a
few feet away when a stupify came flying from behind her. Bellatrix
blocked the spell, winked at Hermione and apparated away. Two more
cracks from the woods indicated she wasn’t alone.
“What were you thinking Hermione?” Tonks asked as she walked up to
Hermione’s side.
“I wasn’t. I… wow. What was she? Did you see she had a…”
“Yeah I saw and a big one at that.”
“I am in way over my head Tonks, aren’t I?”
“This is one hell of a twist Granger.”
 Chapter 3
She reported back to Dumbledore. He was pleased by the turn of
events.
“So you said she was drawn to you.”
“We were pulled to each other. Sir she had a… well she was um male is
some aspects. That was unexpected. Do you know how that happened?”
“So Nymphadora has informed me. I don’t have an explanation Miss
Granger. I have never heard of such a thing but primals are unique in
nature. It looks like you have a research project in your future.”
“Sir, the pull… it was mutual. I wasn’t thinking any longer.”
“That’s for sure. She was just walking up to the most dangerous witch in
the world.” Tonks grumbled.
“That is the power of their bond. She will come back again to see you
Miss Granger. We will make sure you are ready for her. You must let her
know that she will have safety here. You will not be able to stay away
from each other now. You must be strong Miss Granger. Once you have
her, bring her to me. Might I suggest taking some of your potion.”
“Yes Headmaster.” She bid him goodbye and walked out.
“Oi! Granger wait up.” Tonks ran up next to her. “You are really ok with
him ordering you to spread your legs and bring that witch back here.”
“It isn’t a question of being ok. I want Bellatrix. He was right, the pull is
so strong. Fuck Tonks. I have never felt anything like that before. I know
she will return to me and I will be with her.”
“This is completely fucked!”
“Don’t I know it!”

* * *
 “WHO?”
“Potter’s little friend. The mudblood.” Dolohov smirked. He wasn’t a fan
of Bella’s and the new information was hopefully enough to seal her fate.
He didn’t know how wrong he was.
“Is the true Bellatrix?”
“Yes My Lord.”
“You were supposed to stay hidden, is it true you exposed yourself?”
“Yes My Lord but she came to me. She was almost in my grasp when
that bitch interfered.”
“Crucio! Now Dumbledore will know who his primal is. Yaxley, send for
Severus. You started this witch now you will have to find a way get her
without her chaperones. I want her in my ranks Bellatrix.”
He lifted the curse.
“What!” Dolohov was dumbfounded by his proclamation and forgot
himself, “She is a mudblood! You want to give a filthy mudblood the
mark?”
“Crucio!” The man was curled before him screaming as Voldemort held
the curse. “She is a primal therefore her blood is primal. Even better…
she is the boy’s closest friend. I don’t care what you have to do Bella.
Seduce her, rape her… whatever it takes. I want her with my mark.”
“Yes My Lord.” She smiled at the man still curled on the floor. All she
wanted was to be inside the witch and she had just gotten approval from
the one true obstacle. Dolohov suffering was like icing on a wonderful
cake.
Now she just needed a way to get the girl.

* * *

Hermione filled in Ron and Harry that night. They were as confused as
she was and Ron being his usual mature self, spent most of the
conversation making gagging noises. The next morning Hermione headed
down to the library. She spent the morning searching through every book
she could on primal powers and on animagi.
She couldn’t find anything. She went through magical creatures and got
nowhere. As it got closer to lunch she gave up and decided to ask an
expert. She headed down to Hagrid’s hut. He knew more about animals
than anyone she knew.
 Ron and Harry caught her on her way.
“Oi! Hermione where have you been?” Ron called out.
“The library. I couldn’t figure out what she was. I thought Hagrid might
know.”
“Only if whatever it is, it is really really dangerous.” Harry laughed.
“It is Bellatrix Lestrange, of course it’s dangerous.” Ron answered.
The two made wagers as they walked down to Hagrid’s hut. Hermione
would have to find a way to question the half giant without tipping him to
why. She knew he was dense but he would still pick it up if she was too
obvious.
They caught up with the gamekeeper and talked a little about the
problems with Voldemort. Hermione started to ease into the subject of
animals by asking Hagrid what he was raising. She started to engage him
in a conversation about different creatures and breeding techniques.
“Hagrid. I am doing an essay on various animals. Do you know which
animals have eyes that glow?”
“There are quite a few creatures. Ashwinder’s eyes glow, several types
of dragons. What color?”
“Greenish? It was dark where sh… it was standing.”
“If they glow in moonlight or partial light it could be lots of creatures.
Tapetum lucidium. That’s what they call it. Helps with night vision, it does.
Light is reflecting off their eyes which is why they look like they are
glowing. It could be lots of animals, might even be a dog or a cat.
Hmmmm tell me more.”
“Will this I never heard of. Females that have um… male parts.”
“You don’t mean? Hermione Granger I can’t be discussing such things
with you.” He looked to Harry and Ron who just shrugged.
“Please Hagrid! It is for my paper.”
“I can think of one with that trait… but it actually isn’t male. They are
actually… I can’t talk about it with you Hermione. It is not a proper thing to
discuss. I just don’t feel comfortable. Muggle creatures. Hyenas.”
“Thank you Hagrid.” She got up to leave but Ron stopped for a second.
“Off chance they are dangerous?” he asked.
“Extremely. They can eat almost anything. Even bone. You wouldn’t
want to be messin’ with one of those but they are most dangerous in
packs.”
They ran back up to the castle. Harry handed Ron a galleon. He
shouldn’t have taken the bet. It was Bellatrix Lestrange. Of course her
animagus was dangerous and of course Hagrid knew what the super
dangerous animal was.
Hermione had a start. She dragged them to the muggle studies section
in the library and found a few books on zoology. She finally found a
section on hyenas.
Based on what Hermione saw, there was no question Bellatrix was a
spotted hyena. The species was fascinating. Even though they looked like
dogs, they were actually more closely related to cats. They roamed in
matriarchal led packs called clans. She smirked when she read that the
females dominated the males in the species and were far more
aggressive. That described Bellatrix Lestrange perfectly.
The laugh the hyena was so well known for wasn’t a laugh at all it was
the way the animal communicated. The laugh came out during nervous
excitement. It would explain why Bellatrix could always be heard cackling
during battle. It was her primal asserting itself.
She had to admit it was a little unnerving to find out the mortal enemy of
the spotted hyena was the lion. Of course after their last meeting it didn’t
look like that was a concern in this case.
She also found her answer as to what she had seen. Spotted hyena’s
were thought to be hermaphroditic when they were first studied. The
female spotted hyena’s genitalia was completely unique. It closely
resembled that of their male counterparts. The clitoris was elongated,
could achieve an erection and the primary distinguishing feature from the
male’s was it was thicker.
Hermione cringed and now both Harry and Ron were making gagging
sounds as she read about the mating and birthing process. If Bellatrix had
control issues it would explain why she wouldn’t have children. Hermione
was curious as to how the primal magic affected her for those sorts of
things. With magic she might be able to change the process.
“So um… Hermione… how is that going to work with you guys?” Ron
asked. Harry elbowed him. “What mate? I want to know. That’s crazy.”
“I haven’t a clue.” She certainly was intrigued now though.

* * *

She was pacing her room thinking about the girl. She had smelled so
good. Bellatrix hadn’t had a problem controlling her libido since her mother
walked in on her that day, even after leaving Azkaban and exploring her
powers she had control. Five seconds near the girl she was as hard as a
rock.
She felt like a fifteen year old boy, locking herself in her room wanking
every chance she got.
Her thoughts wandered to the girl again. She closed her eyes and
imagined being in her. She stroked herself while imagining the witch
wrapped around her. She wondered what she felt like inside. What she
would feel like encasing her, feel herself being squeezed between tight
wet walls. She came hard. She still needed the witch.

* * *

“A hyena? Very creepy. You have strange tastes primal.” Crookshanks

stretched out on her pillow.
“I can’t stop thinking about her… about it.”
“I can smell. You should take one of your potions. You are clearly
going into heat.”
“I don’t want the potion.”
“That I understand. The drive to mate is hard to deny. Speaking of
which, do you think you will behave yourself if I leave you for a bit?”
“Probably not. Don’t tell me you are chasing after Mrs. Norris again?”
“What can I say… she is a looker, even with the weird eyes.”
“I think I am completely scarred. I so don’t want to know about what you
do when I am not paying attention.”
“You should have avoided the cliché… then you would still think I was
off chasing mice. Oh look its Lav and one of the twins. Their prattling will
make my ears bleed. Later.”
Hermione laughed as Crooks ran off earning her a strange look from her
dorm mates. As the two girls started to gossip, Hermione couldn’t stop
thinking about Bellatrix. She needed to get away from the noise for a
while. She went to the prefect’s bathroom to take a bath and was pleased
to find it empty. She stripped down and slid in to the enormous pool.
She closed her eyes and relaxed. Her thoughts strayed to the dark
witch. She could see those glowing eyes boring into her. Hermione thought
about what she saw. She wondered what it looked like and then her mind
drifted to thoughts of what it would feel like. It was her clit so it would be
far more sensitive than any cock.
Her hand found its way to her center. She imagined Bellatrix inside her
as she stroked herself. She wanted to know what she felt like and tasted
like. She began to growl as her pace increased. She yowled as she
came. As she settled down and enjoyed the aftershocks she realized she
definitely had a problem. She needed more. She needed Bellatrix.

* * *

Hermione was tired and still horny after her bath. She couldn’t get any
peace and quiet though as Lavender droned on about Ron. He apparently
didn’t get his essay done. The two snogged instead. At the rate Lavender
was yammering, Hermione wasn’t getting any sleep for the night.
She sat near the window which was opened a crack to let some of the
cool fresh air in. She was drifting off sitting on the window sill when she
caught the scent. It was her. She could smell her. Hermione told the two
girls she was going to sneak a snack and snuck out of the dorm.
The girls wouldn’t notice or care how long she was gone. She would
have a tough time with Filch though. She let her senses take over. She
could hear footsteps down the hall and she picked up Filch’s scent.
She jumped out an open window. She transformed and began to leap
down the building using awnings, cornices, bartizans, gargoyles, balconies
and any other outcrop and decoration in the old castle to keep traction.
She silently thanked the Scots for their love of elaborate masonry as she
leaped over the portcullis and on to the bridge.
She had fully transformed no longer caring if she was seen. She
followed the scent. It was in the Forbidden Forrest. She came upon a
small clearing and saw her. She was in her human form. Hermione
changed back pointing her wand at the witch. Her eyes still carried the cat
and she was channeling all of its senses.
“What are you doing here?”
Bellatrix eyes were glowing and she cackled, somehow Hermione knew
it was sexual tension.
“I could ask you the same. What’s a sweet little thing like you doing
sneaking off campus to see the big bad Death Eater? What would
Minerva say if she knew her favorite kitten was out and vulnerable to the
nasty beasts in the forest?”
“I’m no kitten.” She finished the sentence with a growl. Bellatrix’s eyes
glowed as she began to circle around Hermione. “Why are you here?”
“If you have to ask you aren’t ready for the answer. Do you know what I
am yet girl?”
“Hyena… spotted hyena.”
“Then you understand.” Hermione was overwhelmed with smell of the
dark witch’s pheromones. She was no longer able to answer Bellatrix’s
question she just purred in response. She should have taken the potion.
The two circled around locked on each other until she finally got her wits
about her.
“I am surprised he let you live knowing what you are. You are supposed
to be a good little witch aren’t you? Serving her husband, not chasing after
muggleborns?”
“A witch has her place in proper society.”
“And yet you are here.”
“I was never much for being proper.”
“But I am muggleborn.”
“No… you are primal.”
She lunged at Hermione who jumped out of the way. She scratched
Bellatrix lightly on the back. She didn’t want to hurt her, she just wanted to
tease. She began to run further into the forest, sprinting through the
woods, leaping obstacles as they appeared.
Bellatrix was close behind her. She could hear her laugh. She loved the
sound as it echoed through the night; she wanted to develop enough to
understand it. She growled in response. They both knew this chase was
about Bellatrix proving her strength. Hermione could outrun her if she
wanted but she kept a pace she knew the witch could match.
She suddenly realized she was no longer being followed. She stopped
and looked around. She was happy for the full moon. Hyenas had
excellent night vision whereas cheetahs had horrific sight at night.
She heard a noise to her right and turned. She saw the woman’s shoe in
front of her on the forest floor. Bellatrix pounced as soon as her back was
exposed. Hermione was pushed to the ground. She couldn’t believe she
fell for such a simple ruse.
“You belong to me now.” Bellatrix whispered in her ear. Hermione purred
as she felt hands wrap around her waist. Bellatrix began to kiss at her
neck. She lightly grazed her teeth on Hermione’s shoulder. Hermione could
tell her fangs were out.
“Your fangs are showing.”
Bellatrix pushed into her body, “mmmmmmm those fangs aren’t the only
things that have made an appearance.” Bellatrix pushed into her a little
more. “You know what it is?”
“Yes. I can’t stop thinking about it. Is it sensitive? What does it feel
like?”
Bellatrix pulled up a little letting Hermione rollover underneath her.
“Have you really been thinking about it? About me?”
“When I touch myself I think about you on top of me. In me.” Hermione
was practically purring the sentence. Bellatrix had triggered estrous and
all Hermione wanted was to be fucked by the woman on top of her.
Bellatrix wasn’t doing any better.
She had lost control and come to Hogwarts. She needed the witch and
now she was lying beneath her begging for it. She ground against
Hermione eliciting a sound between a purr and growl.
Hermione reached her hand between them and began to stroke the
bulge in Bellatrix’s pants. She wanted to feel it. She rolled them over.
Bellatrix’s alpha nature wanted to object but when Hermione began to
unbutton her pants her desire for pleasure left her speechless.
They heard footsteps approaching about half a kilometer away. Bellatrix
pulled Hermione in for another kiss.
“You know we will have to choose. We can’t stay on opposite walls
forever.”
“Fuck don’t leave. I want you.” Hermione begged.
“I have to go.”
“I know. What is this? What are we?”
“I don’t know, but we are connected. You belong with me. That is all I
know. Two primal soul-mates is unheard of and I know you feel our
connection. You are mine and I am yours. No one else touches you…
promise me.” She looked at the dark witch. She could feel the magic
between them and knew it would be an easy promise to keep.
“I promise you.”
They kissed again and Bellatrix changed and loped off. Hermione
changed as well. She could smell Snape and Dumbledore. She walked
towards their location. They saw her in her cat form and both men
crossed their arms.
She changed back and let them escort her to the castle. She knew she
was in trouble.

* * *

“So I heard you were catting around last night.” Tonks laughed as she
fired another hex at Hermione who rolled under it shooting a protego to
block the curse McGonagall was also sending her way.
“Your puns are not appreciated here Nymphadora” McGonagall chided,
“Hermione not only snuck out of the grounds to meet Bellatrix, she has
refused to tell the Headmaster what happened.”
Both she and Tonks fired hexes at the same time. Hermione jumped out,
her body parallel with the floor as the spells shot over and under her body.
She finished spinning out catching Tonks with a roundhouse kick as she
uprighted herself.
“Nice move! So what did happen?” Tonks asked from the floor.
Hermione deflected another curse from McGonagall. The witch was
powerful and the force of her spells on Hermione’s shield knocked her
down. She rolled out of the way of the next curse and sprung up onto a
table.
“I told the Headmaster, between him and Snape pouring bottles of
potion down my throat, what was said between us… well mostly… and
that we got to know each other better.” She bounced off the wall dodging
a purple flash but was hit with some of the rubble and found herself on the
ground next to Tonks.
“You are keeping quiet.”
“You need to be honest and you need to focus on your training if this is
going to work Miss Granger.”
“OK so which one of you wants to be the one to tell the Headmaster I
was ready to shag Bellatrix in the middle of the woods when they
seriously coitus interrupted? I have no control with her.”
“Miss Granger!”
“Brilliant!”
McGonagall glared at Tonks.
“I can see your concern. I… I will relay to Albus you were ready to be
intimate. Do we know what she is? How she is male?” McGonagall
unbound Tonks and transfigured chairs for them.
“He knows. He did make drink several vials of my anti-heat potion. It
isn’t working well. Bellatrix isn’t a male. She is a spotted hyena… it is
something the females of the species have.”
“Hermione, I understand that you don’t want to talk to Albus and
Severus about this… but we do need to know what is happening. I will act
as a go between but you do need to talk to me.”
“Thank you Professor. I appreciate it.”
Minerva left the two women to gossip and headed up to speak to Albus.

* * *

“Let me see your memories!” The Dark Lord went through her mind
seeing what happened between the two women. Bellatrix was able to
mask her feelings but he saw the rest.
“So she is a cat. A big one. How clichéd. Gryffindors! Do you know what
kind?”
“No My Lord but she is fast.”
“She is the fastest animal on land. She is a cheetah My Lord.” Severus
stated as Lucius escorted him in. “And I can confirm that Dumbledore now
knows what she is and has started to train her.
“Thank you Severus. To think they got so close and know so little about
each other.” He continued looking through her memories. He saw her
leaning against a tree at the Manor before she came in. She was trying to
relieve herself so she wouldn’t show when she walked in past the Death
Eaters. He saw her come and stare at her now covered hand in shock.
That had never happened before.
“Bellatrix, have you tested yourself, are you fertile. Can you father a
child with her?”
There were gasps throughout the room. Only Narcissa, Severus and
Voldemort were aware of Bellatrix’s more unique qualities and even
Severus and Narcissa didn’t know that one.
“Not yet My Lord. That was the first time… kissing her changed me.”
“Think about your little kitten.” Voldemort waived his wand about and
finally it began to glow.
“Very good. Does the bookworm have any idea yet?”
Bellatrix shook her head no.
 “I want that witch pregnant.”
“My Lord? I am married. The child will be marked a bastard.” The idea
of impregnating Hermione appealed to Bellatrix. There was something
very base in her that was pleased with the change of events.
“Good point. Rod you are about to grant your wife a divorce.”
Rodolphus Lestrange looked as though he had just swallowed a bug. He
didn’t want to give up the hefty dowry that came with marrying a Black.
Once the divorce went through he would be a pauper.
“My Lord… If I may…” He begged.
“No… you may not. Avada Kedavra. You are now a widow Bella. Feel
free to have a bonding ceremony with the witch before the baby is born if
you wanted to make it proper. Rabastan, stop glaring at Bella and deal
with your brother’s body before you join him.”
The Dark Lord stepped over the body and walked up to Bellatrix
whispering in her ear.
“Bring me the girl and Lucius will get the plot next to him. I can’t protect
Narcissa yet. With both of you at my side I will be able to protect Narcissa
and Draco. You know what you need to do. You want her… make her
yours.”
 Chapter 4
“She is going to WHAT!” Hermione yelled.
“Try and get you pregnant. How many times do I need to repeat myself?
Stop carrying on and sit down.” Snape pushed her into a chair.
“How?”
“Apparently interacting with you has created a change in her already…
unique physiology. She now mimics a man in every way when she
changes. Primal magic is some of the most powerful and it reacts
strongest with base animal instincts. Obviously you have triggered some
of hers.”
“But Hyena’s don’t do that. The females don’t do that… they aren’t even
supposed to pena… I can’t have this conversation with you. Oh god! Can
someone just shoot me?”
“Tragically this is a wizarding school so we have no firearms but perhaps
the Headmaster will lift his rule forbidding the use of unforgivables on
students.”
“Enough Severus. This is serious.”
“What do you propose Headmaster? The bond has been made. You
wanted the witch to be bait. Well you have a bite on the line.” Severus
was annoyed. He had been a tool for the two kings since he was
Hermione’s age and although the girl was annoying he didn’t like where it
was going.
“I have no intention of having a child now.”
“There will be no question of where Bellatrix Black’s loyalties are if you
do become pregnant.” The Headmaster said thoughtfully.
“Black?”
“Yes. The Dark Lord killed Rod so she could bond with you so the child
wouldn’t be a bastard.” Severus answered.
“This is serious? I am NOT having a child now. I love Harry dearly but I
am graduating before I take on motherhood. I will make a potion.”
“Planning to steal from my stores again Granger?” Snape sneered.
“No sir. I plan to steal from Professor Slughorn’s stores.” She smirked
and headed off to go rob the current Potion’s Master.
Dumbledore sighed, “Severus, I know she is gifted at potions but will
you please make sure…”
“She doesn’t find a way to turn herself into a cat yet again!” Even
Minerva had to laugh at Severus’ quip.

* * *

“So you are brewing this potion to keep from getting pregnant. That
means you are planning to have sex with her?” Tonks asked.
“No it means I am taking a precaution in case I do. I seem to have
control issues around her.”
“That would be the understatement of all time.”
“Give it a rest Crooks.”
“What did he say? I can’t believe they actually understand us. Why do
they ignore us?”
“Because we can.”
Hermione laughed, “Because they’re cats. Moody little things.”
Crookshanks flicked his tail in offense and stalked off.
Hermione added the flubberworms and stirred the potion three times
clockwise. Tonks was keeping her company while she brewed it. Snape
had insisted on watching her brew and he was sitting in the corner grading
papers and doing his best to ignore their conversation while making sure
Hermione didn’t screw up the potion.
“So I take it Ron and Harry…”
“Not a clue. They wouldn’t be able to handle this. Plus they have their
own problems. Ron is dealing with Lavender and Harry has become
completely obsessed with his potion’s book and is stuck trying to befriend
Slughorn for the greater good. Hey… you haven’t heard of the Half-Blood
Prince have you?”
Snape’s ink crashed to the ground.
“What did you just say Granger?”
 “The Half-Blood Prince Sir, from your response I am guessing you
have.”
“Nymphadora go take a walk.”
“Oi! Don’t call…” The Auror’s hair turned orange.
“GO!” He yelled.
“It’s ok Tonks… just go.” She assured her friend. Tonks hesitantly left
the two alone.
“Why do you want to know Granger?”
“Who is the Half-Blood Prince Sir?”
“Answer my question. Now Granger.”
“Not until you tell me who the Half-Blood Prince is.”
“I will…”
“Do nothing but run to Dumbledore. I am brewing a potion that is against
school policy, with stolen ingredients and hiding what I am while playing
spy. You will do nothing. Who is the Half Blood Prince Sir?”
He was not happy but she was right, “I am. My mother’s name was
Eileen Prince Snape. You don’t need to know anything else.”
Hermione visibly relaxed, “Harry has your potion’s book. It’s how he has
an O in Slughorn’s class. He has been learning all of your spells. You are
quite brilliant Sir.”
“That explains how he is no longer melting cauldrons. Granger, some of
those spells are dangerous.”
“I know sir. It is why I have been worried.”
“I will get the book from him Granger. Not another word about it.”
“Sir… is there any chance…”
“I will teach you some of them during training but I don’t want you
walking around with my notes anymore than I want Potter touching them.
In fact you are more dangerous with that book in your hand than he is.
Your potion is done.”
Hermione bottled up her potion taking a dose then and putting the rest
away. She would need a dose every month. She put a confundus charm
on them. If anyone saw them they would instantly return them to their
place forgetting what they were and want to take a nap. She found
Lavender asleep midday a few days later and was happy to see that the
spell worked.
A week later Harry’s potion book was stolen out of his bag. Dumbledore
made sure it was replaced with a brand new book. Harry was devastated
by the theft and spent a week vacillating between accusing Hermione of
stealing it out of jealousy and randomly stalking the Slytherins trying to find
a nefarious plot. Hermione feigned ignorance when Harry grilled her on it.
Slughorn was equally devastated when his favorite student suddenly
became mediocre.

* * *

“They have Auror patrols in the forest now. I need a way to get to her
Cissy.”
She was patching up Cissy from another evening with Lucius. The man
was cruel to everyone, especially his wife.
“I am going to meet Draco at Hogsmeade next weekend. They can go
after you but they can’t stop me. Write her a letter and I will give it to her.”
“What do I say? I am a witch not a poet.”
“Well where can you meet?”
“I know. I will need your help.”
Cissy looked down at her bruised ribs. She knew what the stakes were.
“Whatever it takes.”

* * *

Ron had gone off with Lavender leaving Harry and Hermione on their
own. They saw two figures on the outskirts of the village and they snuck in
closer to listen.
“He has been bad hasn’t he? Why don’t you leave him?”
“Draco you know I can’t. He has to agree and if he does agree he gets
you. It’s the law.”
“I don’t care. I can stand up to him. I am tired of him hurting you.”
“Your Aunt is working on that. Shhhhh we have company. Whoever you
are come out now!”
She drew her wand and pointed it at Harry and Hermione. They both
came out of the bushes.
“Potter!” Draco was angry and embarrassed. “What did you hear?”
Harry didn’t know how to answer, “I am sorry. I know what it’s like. I am
sorry,”
“You know nothing Potter.”
 Harry lifted his shirt to show the scars from Vernon Dursley’s belt.
“I am the boy who lived to be a house elf. I was living in the cupboard
under the stairs when I got my letter. Dumbledore made them give me a
bed. I still only get scraps to eat during the summers. I know. I won’t
repeat what I heard… whatever happens.”
Draco looked to Hermione.
“I have my own set of problems as your mother is well aware of.
Consider it a free pass.”
“She is in the shack waiting for you Miss Granger.”
“Who is in the shack? What is going on mother?”
Harry sighed, “The Ministry hasn’t figured out what it means yet. They
don’t know what they are looking for. You know it will be bad if he tells…
for everyone. ”
“Tells what?” Draco was becoming more upset by the second.
“Draco I need you to do something for me. I need you to take a secret
keeper oath?”
“Mother? What is going on?”
“I can’t tell you unless you take the oath.”
“Fine.”
“Go Miss Granger I am sure Mr. Potter will be happy to supervise us.”
Hermione looked at Harry who shrugged his consent. She took off for
the Shrieking Shack. Fortunately there was no one around. She went into
the dilapidated building and found Bellatrix hiding in the shadows.
“I can’t stop thinking about you.” Bellatrix whispered as she approached
her.
“This is driving me crazy, we are meant to be enemies.”
“You know that isn’t true Hermione, we are meant to be together.”
“And how will that work? You are a wanted Death Eater and I am a
muggleborn. We are on opposite sides for a reason. Neither will survive
the other side winning.”
“We are fated to be together. Nothing can stop that. No one can stop
that.”
“And Volde…”
Bellatrix hissed, Hermione rolled her eyes.
“And the Dark Lord? How does he feel about adding a mudblood to his
ranks?”
“You are a primal. Nothing else matters to him.”
 “The Order can protect you.”
Bellatrix laughed, “The Order would have me dead.”
“And Narcissa, they can protect her.”
Bellatrix pinned her against the wall growling, “What do you know of it?”
“We heard them talking when we came up here. Harry is with Narcissa
and Draco now. He hurts her and your Lord allows it.”
“Don’t talk about him! Don’t you dare.” her fangs were bared. Hermione
put a hand to her cheek and ran it softly down her face.
“What of your husband? The Prophet says he was killed by Aurors.”
“Killed yes, Aurors no. I belong to you. We are fated to be together. No
one will come between us.”
She captured Hermione’s lips before she could answer.
“Shhh! We only have a few minutes together. The Auror’s are coming.”
Hermione let her primal senses take over. She could hear Narcissa
arguing with Tonks. The Auror was grilling her on why she was there.
“How do I see you?” Hermione asked as she nuzzled into Bellatrix’s
arms purring.
“Here. We will meet here. The Auror’s are out now but they won’t be
later. Dumbledore will protect the shack. He wants you to seduce me to
him as much as My Lord wants me to bring you to him.”
Their lips met again. Hermione could feel her body pulsing as she tried
to breath in the witch. She had never needed or wanted anyone so badly.
She could feel Bellatrix harden against her and she purred.
“You can’t leave me like this again Bellatrix please.”
“Bella.” Bellatrix whispered in her ear her hands seeking skin. She pulled
at Hermione’s shirt.
“What?”
“Call me Bella.”
“Bella! I need you.”
Bellatrix no longer cared about the Aurors outside or a return trip to
Azkaban. Her witch was begging. She tore Hermione’s shirt off of her
attacking her neck and clavicle. She let her tongue run over a silk clad
nipple. Hermione’s was grinding against her hard. She could feel her
through her pants and the pressure against her was driving her wild.
“Please Bella.” she begged. There were no more sides only the two of
them alone in that moment. Hermione ran her hands along her leather
pants as their lips crashed together, Bellatrix claiming dominance and
Hermione surrendering to her.
“Ahem.”
They barely noticed the sounds from the door, neither even slowing their
pace.
“Merlin’s balls!”
They broke apart to see Tonks, Harry, Narcissa and Draco standing in
the door.
“Language Draco! Clearly my niece is aware of what’s going on but the
other Aurors she made wait outside are not. It’s time to go Bella… and
Miss Granger do fix your shirt.”
Hermione looked down and realized she was standing in only a bra. She
fixed her shirt with the wave of a wand. Harry had found a nice spot on
the wall to stare and Draco was gaping openly at her.
Bella growled at the boy, “She is mine nephew.”
“Of course Aunt Bella.” he gulped. At this point he was really wishing he
had stayed with Goyle and Crabbe to bully the first years.
Bellatrix turned to Hermione, “I will see you soon. Meet me here
tonight.” she kissed her again and apparated out.
“Mr. Potter, the Aurors are on their way in. I believe it would be prudent
for you to leave now.”
Hermione and Harry walked out with Tonks.
“It’s alright. It was just Granger looking for ghosts. You lot get back to
the others.” Tonks yelled over to Proudfoot, Dawlish and Savage.
Harry saw Draco and Narcissa walk out behind them. Narcissa kissed
her son on the forehead and apparated out.
“I promise you. We won’t say anything but there has to be a way to stop
it. To stop him. Voldemort just lets him do it!”
“And Dumbledore is doing so good at protecting you? Where do you go
every summer Potter?” Draco spit out.
Harry and Hermione couldn’t argue with him. It seemed there was no
answer.
“So you’re the big deal? The daughter of Gaia and all that? You’re a
primal? You and Aunt Bella together. That is so fucked up.” Draco sighed.
“I know right? Get this… she is a cheetah. She is a bloody cat.” Harry
added. The two seemed to have forgotten the war and their animosity for
the moment.
“Seriously? Cliché much Granger?” Draco snorted. He sobered up a bit.
“It won’t do for anyone to see us talking like this. They will sort it out
rather quickly.”
“You’re right. Shall we have a nice row on our way back in to town?”
Hermione asked.
As the three approached Hogsmeade they made sure to loudly hurl a
few insults at each other before going their separate ways. Harry and
Hermione spent some time at Honeyduke’s, made a quick stop for
Hermione to get a new quill and headed back to the castle.
Hermione could see Harry was upset.
“So are you going to tell me what is bothering you? Was it the shack?”
“It was what Draco said. He is right. I have to go back to the Dursley’s
every summer. I have a room now, but I am still beat. I still have to live off
their scraps. I am still their servant. I can’t imagine living through that and
having to watch my mother be beat as well.”
“It is silly you have to keep returning there. It is only one more summer.”
“I know. I can’t wait until I am old enough to finally make my own
choices, but he is right. How is Dumbledore any better than Voldemort
when it comes down to that?”
“Then when this war is over let’s change it.”
“What?”
“There are laws for battered children and spouses in the muggle world.
They obviously don’t apply in the wizarding world. When this war is over…
if we are alive… I say we make the change.”
Harry smiled. Hermione never turned away from a cause. He was glad
she was on his side. Dumbledore and the Order ceased to make him feel
safe as they continued to keep information away from him. Hermione
made him feel safe. The daughters of Gaia controlled the boy and he
knew one of the daughters would fight for him with her dying breath.

* * *

Hermione reported back to McGonagall. She told her about the meet
that night.
“Miss Granger, this is a very dangerous idea.”
“No, I don’t think it will be Professor. She won’t take me anywhere. She
needs to seduce me to him not drag me there. Tonight is about… us. No
one will interfere. Dumbledore wants me to bring her to the Order,
Voldemort wants her to bring me to him. The only way it happens is if we
happen first.”
“And what of your dorm mates?”
“I was hoping for a little help on that one.”
“You poor dear… you look ill. I will inform Madam Pomfrey that she
spent the night tending to you. Do make sure to be in the infirmary before
sunrise.”
“Thank you Professor.”

* * *

“My Lord, if we send some men with Bellatrix, we can take the girl
tonight.” Lucius offered. He didn’t like the added attention his sister-in-law
was getting. She was trouble and she needed to be put in her place. Now
the Dark Lord wanted to add a mudblood to the ranks and have that loon
Bellatrix win her at that.
“Were you the only person that didn’t hear the prophecy Lucius? The
side that betrays them loses them. I have no intention of making that
mistake. Bella goes alone. Leave us.”
Lucius stalked off followed by the others.
“They are getting restless Bella. I don’t know which bothers them more,
the idea of a mudblood in the ranks or that you have the power of a man.
Get me that witch, with you two on my side I can change this world. Get
me that witch and the three of us will make the world in to whatever we
want it to be. I don’t care about causes, I care about power. Give me that
and I will let you write your own rules.”

* * *

Hermione snuck out of the infirmary. She had borrowed the map and
cloak from Harry and easily made her way to the Whomping Willow. She
pulled off the cloak and closed the map before entering the shack. She
didn’t know how much Voldemort knew but she had no intention of giving
up an advantage if she needed it.
The shack seemed empty at first but she heard music coming from one
of the rooms. She made her way through the debris pushing cobwebs
aside and made her way to the door. She pulled her wand in case it was a
trap.
She opened the door to see the room was cleaned and the furniture
repaired. Bellatrix Black was sitting on a chair reading Hogwarts: a History
waiting for her. Hermione took a deep breath and walked in.
 Chapter 5
“Hogwarts: A History. It’s supposed to be your favorite book or so I am
told. I fail to see the allure.” She tossed the book aside and stood taking
Hermione’s breath away. Bellatrix was dressed in a full Death Eater
uniform. She looked dark and dangerous. They didn’t speak as she
approached and the two began to circle each other.
“You chose combat gear to meet me?” Hermione whispered.
“It seems I am going to have to battle to get you.” Bellatrix laughed as
she circled with the witch.
“I would say it’s a battle I have already lost. You are magnificent.”
Bellatrix pounced backing Hermione against the wall. Hermione had no
will to fight and moaned as Bella’s lips covered her own. She gave into the
kiss letting her desire and instincts control her. She could feel the heat
coursing through her body as they battled for dominance. Hermione
yielded to Bellatrix, allowing her tongue entry and surrendering to her kiss.
She pulled off her own shirt whimpering at the loss of contact as she did.
Bellatrix ripped of her bra as Hermione focused on unbuttoning the witch’s
leather pants which were tightening with every kiss.
Bellatrix lost patience and cast a divesto on both of them. She hesitated
for a moment. No one had seen her since her mother had caught her all
those years ago. She knew she was different and there was part of her
that was ashamed. She was worried Hermione would panic. She was
wrong.
Hermione could sense her fear. She led Bellatrix to the bed and pushed
her down climbing on top of her and reclaiming her lips. She could tell how
aroused Bellatrix was as she felt her hardness against her stomach.
“You are perfect.” Hermione whispered between kisses as she moved
her way down. She was going to tackle this matter head on so to speak.
She stroked Bellatrix marveling at the newly formed cock. It was thick
and long. It didn’t have a head like a man’s would but it was magnificent
looking.
“It’s your clit?” she asked as she lightly touched the tip.
Bellatrix barely managed to get out a yes with her moan.
“So it’s sensitive everywhere?” Hermione ran her tongue from the base
to the tip.
Bellatrix’s only response was a growl. Hermione smiled and began to
slowly take her length in stroking the rest. She ran her tongue along it
seeking out the most sensitive spots. Bellatrix eyes had completely
changed and were solid black. She was no longer able to utter words as
Hermione sucked and licked her now fully erect clit.
Bellatrix had never had another touch her and she was close to coming.
She needed to warn the witch. She pulled on Hermione’s hair to pull her
away. Hermione felt the body under her tensing up and swatted the hand
away taking Bellatirx fully in her mouth. She was surprised at the taste as
Bella exploded into her mouth. She tasted like woman. Hermione happily
swallowed her.
Bella was whimpering as Hermione softly kissed and licked her as she
came down. She pulled on Hermione again and this time Hermione
complied, moving back up her body.
“You taste amazing.” She moaned as she reclaimed the perfect red lips
that had haunted her dreams since this began. “Do you like it? How you
taste? How a woman tastes.”
“Oh you are such a dirty little thing aren’t you kitten?” Bellatrix rolled
them over. “Turnabout is fair play lover.”
Bellatrix propped herself up onto her knees to take in the woman before
her. Hermione’s eyes were now almost golden as primal energy coursed
through her. Bellatrix could almost see it pulsing through her body. She
certainly could feel the power. It crackled as she touched Hermione.
She sat there for a minute taking her in.
She ran her hands up and down her body. The woman lying before her
was perfect. She moved her hand up Hermione’s hip and began to softly
stroke her breasts marveling as she gasped and arched underneath her.
She could spend days touching her, learning her.
“You belong to me now kitten.” Bellatrix began to cover her body in
kisses, stopping to capture a nipple and explore her navel, nipping at the
taut flesh of her lover as she made her way down to her center. The only
experience Bellatrix had was Rod and it had been horrible on the rare
times he wanted her to perform her duties. She had always had to
repress her desires to keep her form. This was different. She wanted this,
craved this… needed this.
She tentatively explored Hermione’s center with her tongue. She didn’t
really know what she was supposed to be doing. Rod had never done this
with her. She read about it but as her bookworm lover would even have to
concede, reading and doing were two different things.
The taste was salty but not unpleasant.
She found she enjoyed it. She explored Hermione in the same way her
lover had explored her. She touched and tasted finding what elicited the
loudest moans, what made her growl and what made her purr. Soon
Hermione had dug her fingers into Bella’s hair and was grinding against
her.
Bellatrix wanted to stop and watch as her body quaked as the orgasm
tore through her. The flood of juices on Bellatrix’s tongue were enough to
bring her fully erect again.
She sat up looking down her mate.
“Mine”
“Yes.” Hermione pulled on her shoulders pulling her on top of her again.
She spread herself wide and ground herself along Bellatrix’s length as
their tongues battled for dominance. She rubbed herself back and forth on
Bella’s cock loving the feel of the hard organ on her clit.
“Mine. Bella, I need to know… I need you in me.” She reached between
them and positioned Bella at her opening. Bellatrix pushed in tentatively at
first but as soon as she was surrounded by Hermione’s warmth she
needed more. She pushed all the way in, a high pitch laugh escaping as
she did.
Hermione growled. “I understood that. I feel tight… good.”
“Yes” Bellatrix breathed. Hermione purred and then growled again.
Bellatrix listened to her mate.
“You like the way I feel inside you. I fill you.”
“Oh fuck Bella.” Hermione cupped her face, “It’s starting isn’t it? Our
connection as primals… as soul-mates. Our powers are growing.”
Bellatrix kissed her again and began a slow pace. She pulled out
missing the feel of Hermione and pushed back in. She was trying to be
gentle. She didn’t want Hermione to hurt like her experiences with Rod.
“You’re not Rod baby. I want to be with you. It’s OK to let go. Stop
fighting what you are… we need to let go… we need to accept this.”
“How? I didn’t say that… I didn’t growl it?”
“I can feel your fear. Shhhhh let yourself go and you will feel my need.”
Bellatrix closed her eyes marveling as she allowed there connection to
reach into her heart, soul and mind. Hermione ran her hands down her
back slowly cupping her ass and pulling her in.
“Let yourself feel my magic Bella, I can feel yours.”
Bellatrix let it take over keeping her eyes closed as she slowly increased
her pace. Moans were replace by growls, chirps and laughs by both
women as they let their forces fuse. When Bellatrix opened her eyes she
could see it. Rainbows of color sparked off their bodies, she could smell
and feel her mate. She surrendered completely.
Their bodies crashed together furiously as Bellatrix delivered hard
thrusts claiming her. Fingernails turned to claws and both women were
now bearing fangs. Hermione was growling her encouragement spreading
herself wide so Bellatrix would be able to go deeper into her.
Hermione dug her claws into Bellatrix’s back but the witch barely
registered the pain. She was so close and Hermione felt so good, her
tight walls pulling against Bellatrix with each stroke. Bella leaned down
and buried her fangs into Hermione’s breast marking her as she came.
Hermione felt Bellatrix’s seed spill into her and the feeling of her coming
into her was enough to bring her over with her witch.
They lay against each other panting, both completely spent.
“Baby stay in me for now. I need to feel you there.”
Bellatrix nodded and nuzzled her neck, “I could stay inside you for days
you feel so good.”
Hermione moaned bucking a little. She felt a twitch from Bellatrix inside
her. She nibbled on Bellatrix’s neck running a hand up her back. She felt
her growing hard inside her again. Clearly there were advantages to being
a primal and she was determined to learn them all.

* * *

Hermione purred. She checked her watch she needed to leave soon.
They hadn’t slept choosing to spend the night making love. Lulls were
spent cuddling and learning more about each other. Hermione found that
Bella was hey kindred spirit in many ways. She was as curious and
studious as Hermione, still choosing to spend her free time in the library of
the Manor learning and creating new magic.
Hermione looked up at the woman she was curled up against.
“If someone had asked me about soul-mates a year ago I would have
laughed at them. Now I know how wrong I would have been. You make
me believe in destiny Bellatrix Black.”
“If someone had talked to me about love a year ago I would have had
the same reaction and now you have stolen my heart Hermione Granger.”
“I need to go. I will have to report in as will you. What do we say?”
“The truth. We were both ordered to seduce the other. We have
succeeded. I think the rest will be determined by the kings. They will try
and lure each of us to their side. One will win and one will die.”
Hermione kissed her softly, their lips barely touching.
“I will need to see you again. Soon.”
“We will find a way.”
Hermione dressed and left not looking back. She knew if she looked she
would stay. Bellatrix was right. They had done their part; the next move
was up to the kings.
She snuck back onto the grounds unnoticed and grabbed a cot before
Madam Pomfrey made her morning rounds. Fortunately Tonks had
volunteered for the morning shift and met her in the infirmary.
“I need help healing.” Hermione implored the witch.
“Do I even want to know?” Nymphadora laughed as she healed the
scratches and bite marks on Hermione’s body. Hermione wouldn’t let her
heal the bite over her left breast, directly on top of her heart.
“That one stays.”
“Kinky, I like it” Tonks laughed. “So I take it things went well.”
Hermione dressed and the two talked for a few minutes. Tonks enjoying
getting all of the scandalous details. She had a werewolf for a lover and
she could appreciate the baser desires that came with channeling an
animal’s powers.
“Very. Now for the awkward part.” Hermione motioned her head
towards Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape all approaching. “This
should be fun. Dobby!”
 The diminutive elf appeared next to her. He was the only elf not afraid of
her. Her hat plan didn’t work as well as she thought it would and all the
elves now were terrified of being forced to take clothing by the witch.
“Dobby, you will be the greatest elf ever if you get me some food.”
“Dobby will be happy to get breakfast for Hermione Granger. She is
Harry Potter’s friend and champion of elf freedom. Should Dobby bring
food for the others?”
“I think that might be wise.” Dumbledore replied to the elf.
Minutes later a table appeared laden with breakfast foods and Hermione
filled them in on the events which took about two minutes due to her
omitting all details of an intimate nature.
“So let me get this straight Albus, you woke me up an hour early on a
Sunday so I could come down here and have Granger confirm she
bedded Black last night?”
“No Severus. I got you up an hour early because we need to plan our
next move and we won’t have a chance to meet again until tomorrow.”
“What do you propose Sir?” Hermione was curious as to what her
puppet master had in mind.
“Both sides are expected to set about winning you and both sides will
want to be cautious in doing so. I imagine Tom will want to parley. Our
need to keep the Ministry in the dark about all of this is going to make
things more difficult.”
“Sir?”
“Well the next move would be to essentially invite Bellatrix for a meet
and greet and vice versa. I know it sounds silly but under the
circumstances it is the most logical course of action. Neither side can risk
offending you so your safety is guaranteed. We will have to convince you
to switch sides. That will be why Tom requests a parley. We will need to
set ground rules and find a way to do this without anyone noticing.”
“Why don’t we invite just Bellatrix to an Order meeting?” Tonks asked.
“The same reason Hermione will not be at the Malfoy Christmas party
Nymphadora, there are members of both our camps that will be terrified
by what Hermione and Bellatrix are. No one in the Order or the Ministry
has connected the ‘daughters of Gaia’ to primal mages and from what
Severus says the same is true of the Death Eaters.”
“Only the Inner Circle knows and most aren’t pleased.” He grumbled.
“No, besides the issue of a witch having that much power, Hermione is a
muggle-born. I imagine it is not going well. Bellatrix Black has harmed
almost every member of the Order in some way. I do not believe the rest
of the Order will take this well either, particularly the Weasleys and
Longbottoms. They have suffered greatly due to Bellatrix’s prior actions
and they are not without their own biases. This will be aggravated by the
fact that you are both women.”
“So I have heard from Ron. How do we choose a side then Sir? From
what you are saying neither side will accept us.”
“For now Miss Granger we address the issues as they come up, I
believe things will progress naturally. We will find a way.”
“Thank you Sir. I should go back to my rooms before Harry and Ron
start looking for me.”
“Have Nymphadora escort you so Argus doesn’t cause you any
problems.
The two women left.
“You wouldn’t have dismissed Tonks without cause Albus. What is going
on?”
“I am worried about the Order. Hermione is right they don’t have a side
to go to right now. I am afraid that Tom will have an advantage. He can
just eliminate any trouble. We must find a way for them to both remain
free and unfettered after this war or we will never be able to get them on
our side.”
“You will need to smooth things over with the Weasleys. They will set
the tone for the others.” Severus cautioned.
“The question will be how. Bellatrix killed Molly’s brothers. How does
even the most warmhearted of people forgive that? Additionally this is
Molly. We all know she carries some very strong prejudices. She was
raised traditionalist and very conservative. A witch’s place is in the home.
She will not be happy about them both being women or primal. Remember
how Ron reacted when Hermione told him.”
“Well Lucius is plotting heavily and their power has created discord
within the Inner Circle. I believe they will provide the betrayal if we can
control our side. The question is can you control our side?” Severus
added.
“I will deal with Molly and Arthur when the time comes.” McGonagall
interjected she had remained quiet until that point. “I will try and convince
them to see the light.”
 “I hope you are successful Minerva” Dumbledore said as he grabbed
another rather of bacon.
“So do I Albus. So do I.” she sighed.
 Chapter 6
The owl came a few days later. It was a request for parley as expected.
Yaxley and Tonks were used for negotiations and after a week an
agreement was reached between the parties. It offered amnesty to
Bellatrix if she was to enter the grounds or interact with the Order and the
same for Hermione if she was to visit the Manor or interact with the Death
Eaters. There would be protections cast to keep them from being harmed.
Since neither side had told a majority of their members and the Ministry
still didn’t know they would still have to keep all contact hidden.
Both women would be bound by secret keeper oaths so they couldn’t be
used as spies while they were visiting each other’s headquarters. They
would be able to relay basic details but if they tried to share anything
detrimental to the side they were visiting they would find themselves
tongue tied. They needed a neutral ground for Bellatrix and Hermione to
meet that would be safe for both the witches.
Hogsmeade couldn’t be determined to be a neutral territory due to the
alarms set, the Aurors present and the students frequently running around
but the Shrieking Shack was to act as a safe haven for the two women
and it was to be warded so neither side could enter without the express
permission of both witches. The grounds would be neutral and neither side
could attack the other.
Before the wards went up, Hermione set about cleaning up the inside of
the shack with the help of Tonks and Remus.
“This place is a hole. This is going to be your love nest?” Remus sighed
as he flicked away even more cobwebs with his wand. “I hated this
place.”
“It is the only place where we can meet and avoid Auror detection
without me having to apparate somewhere. Thanks to you, everyone
assumes the shack is haunted. There are alarms all over Hogsmeade and
apparition wards on the castle, not that they would let Bellatrix run loose in
the castle anyways. No one thought to put them here because it is thought
to be uninhabitable.”
“Thought to be?” Tonks scoffed.
It took about five hours but they got the shack into livable condition.
Once cleaned up and repaired it wasn’t too bad to look at. The kitchen
was now functional as was the plumbing and the floos had been cleaned
out so the fireplaces would work and they would have warded floo
connections to Malfoy Manor and Hogwarts for ease of access.
The ward work was complex and time consuming. Each side sent two
people to create the wards along with Hermione and Bellatrix. Minerva
McGonagall and Remus Lupin were chosen from the Order. Narcissa
Malfoy and Walden Macnair were chosen for the Dark Lord. The two
sides spent as much time glaring at each other, or glaring at everyone in
Macnair’s case, as they did casting wards.
Hermione wove in silencing spells and Narcissa created a charm that
masked any smoke from the chimneys and kitchen as well as masking any
scents that may come from the shack. Macnair cast confundus charms
that would make anyone feel imminent fear if they tried to approach the
shack.
A patronus was sent to Tonks when the wards were to be finished and
set. She made sure to buy several pitchers for the Aurors while they were
doing all the work that needed to be completed on the outside of the
shack. Once the wards were in place Macnair gave everyone a parting
glare for good measure and apparated off.
“Bella… are you sure about this? Maybe another site?”
“It’s ok Cissy. I will be fine.”
“You will be expected to come to us, just like she will be expected to
come to you. Do dress better if you are coming by the Manor.” Narcissa
said disdainfully appraising Hermione’s trainers and jumper.
“Not helping Team Evil’s case there Narcissa” Hermione responded.
Bellatrix grabbed her sister’s arm before she could respond to the
comment.
“Cissy, she is just joking around.”
Hermione saw how tense Narcissa was and she remembered what the
stakes were for the witch and the life she was living.
“I promise to leave the trainers at home.” Hermione vowed. She didn’t
need to start her little love den off on a bad foot. This was to be her sister
in-law if they could figure out how to get married. She walked closer to
Narcissa. Bellatrix tensed up.
“It’s OK Bella” Hermione chirped. The others, with the exception of
McGonagall who had heard all of the cheetah sounds, were taken aback
by the strange noise but Bella understood her and relaxed.
Hermione whispered to Narcissa, “I will do everything in my power to
keep this from being harder for you and I will do what I can to protect you
and Draco.”
Narcissa didn’t know how to respond so she just nodded and apparated
out.
“Thank you” Bellatrix growled. McGonagall and Lupin just looked at the
two of them strangely.
“You understand each other?” Lupin asked.
“For the most part.” Hermione responded.
“Your powers are growing quickly.” he said, clearly impressed.
“I think it’s our bond to each other that made it so easy to master. I can
feel her now.”
Bellatrix laughed. Minerva and Remus took it for mocking her but
Hermione understood it.
“Don’t share too much. We will be betrayed by one side. We can’t trust
either.”
Hermione chirped her acknowledgement.
“I thank you both for your help.” Hermione politely said.
“And now would be our time to make an exit so you can explore your
new digs. Be back before curfew Hermione. We will have to sort out a
way to explain your absences at night but until then it is best you be back
timely lest your dorm mates become suspicious. The floo will send you to
my office.” McGonagall acknowledged.
“I expect you at practice tomorrow after classes” Remus reminded her
and then apparated off.
“Would you like to floo out Professor?”
“No. It is a lovely day. I think I will walk back. Goodbye Miss Black.”
Bellatrix wasted no time pulling Hermione back into the shack.
“Mmmmm home sweet hovel. At least I get to be alone with you. Which
room would you like to try out first?”
“You have a one track mind Bella.”
“That’s not true, I also spend a great deal of time planning and
committing nefarious deeds.”
Hermione giggled, “I can’t believe I think that is cute. You really have
way too much sway over me.”
“I should. I’m your soulmate.”
Bellatrix pushed her against the wall of the entry way. Hermione was
losing track of her thoughts as her lover pinned her hands up against the
wall. The last clear thought she had before her baser instincts took over
was that they were not going to make it to any room.

* * *

“How did it go?”

“As you expected Albus. Narcissa was tentative and Macnair openly
hostile. If we can find a way to keep the Order in check they will fall apart
on the other side.” Minerva responded.
“I think we should call a meeting of our upper ranks and break the news.
Once Molly realizes that Hermione is with a woman she will be worried
she will react poorly. We will need to calm her.” He remembered Ron’s
reaction too well.
“Foolishness does run in the family. Very well. When?”
“This weekend. We can have Hermione attend as well if we wait until
then.”
“If this doesn’t work…”
“We need to protect them from betrayal. If it comes down to the
Weasleys and Longbottoms or Hermione and Bellatrix we will have to
choose the greater good. We need them to win the war. The prophecy
was clear on that.” He admitted.
“I hate what this war has turned us into.”
“I know Minerva. I look in the mirror some days and wonder who is
looking back at me.”
“I will go over to the Weasley’s home this evening and talk to Molly and
Arthur ahead of time.”
“Get oaths.”
“Of course Albus. One more thing…”
 “We need to find a better way for Hermione and Bellatrix to meet.”
“I hate when you do that… blasted legilimens! Yes. I was thinking, we all
have apprentice quarters attached to our suites. I know they haven’t been
used by a professor in centuries since apprentices now stay in their dorms
but I think maybe it is time to bring back the tradition. Mine are right off of
my office and Hermione is already officially my apprentice.”
“She would be able to see Bellatrix nights and come back in the
mornings with no one being the wiser. If we do this we will have less
control and lose the ability to monitor Miss Granger.”
“Yes Albus but I have spent enough time with Hermione to know that
that the one who tries to put her on a leash will fail.”
“You are right as always Minnie. Make the arrangements.”

* * *

“What is it Bellatrix?”
“I received an owl from Hermione. They are moving her to the
apprentice quarters for McGonagall. She will now be free to see me every
night.”
“Good. I want to meet her soon. I know she isn’t ready yet but I want
her here soon.”
“Of course… My Lord…”
“Go ahead and say it Bellatrix.”
“We should keep her away from the others. They wear their opinions on
their sleeves. They are clearly unhappy with the fact that witches have this
much power, particularly one being a mudblood. I am concerned they will
make it more difficult to turn her to the light.”
“I will deal with them; you just focus on your witch.”
“Yes My Lord.”

* * *

“Are the boys home?”

“No. Bill is… staying elsewhere. Percy has his own place and Fred and
George have moved in above the store. It is just us Minerva. What is
going on?” Arthur asked.
“I will need secret keeper oaths before I tell you.”
 “What is this Minerva? We are upper level Order members!” Molly was
not happy about having a clandestine meeting at her home on a
weeknight. Whatever was going on wouldn’t be good.
“I know Molly but this is a special case.”
“Very well.”
Minerva administered the oaths and filled them in. She was very happy
she insisted on the oaths after filling them in.
“Hermione Granger is a lesbian and primal mage? So I have basically
had an animal with no self control in the same room as my daughter. What
about my baby? I need to owl Ginny. Ahhh! What did you do?” Molly
winced in pain.
“Added a little something extra in case you decided to try and break the
oath including contacting Ginny. Ron already confronted her when he
found out. He got a black eye for his troubles and Ginny and Hermione
have never been intimate if you must know.”
“RONALD KNOWS?” Molly was furious.
“He was bound by oath as well.”
“But he told Ginny.”
“Hermione isn’t as good at administering oaths as I am and he only
asked her about dating girls. Ginny does not know that Hermione is a
primal or about Miss Black.”
“Who else knows?”
“Albus, Remus, Nymphadora, Severus and Harry. I wanted to sit down
with you before we informed some of the others in the Order.”
“This is insane! Why weren’t we notified earlier? Why are you protecting
primals? She was alone with my family… my daughter!” Molly was getting
more upset by the second.
“Molly you heard the prophecy.” Arthur had chosen to remain quiet until
then but he needed to calm his wife’s fury. “I am sure they will agree that
she is no longer staying here. If she stays in Headquarters when Ginny is
there we can make sure they are in separate rooms.”
“I don’t want that thing near my daughter. She is a primal Arthur. It
would be like letting Remus loose during the full moon without his
wolfsbane. It’s actually worse.”
Minerva sighed. She had enough.
“No it’s not. Hermione has full control. Additionally she has a soulmate.
She will have no interest in anyone but her.”
 “The psychotic bitch that killed my family. Bellatrix Lestrange? You really
think any of the Order will tolerate that woman joining our ranks?”
“Considering the other option, yes I do Molly. You both know what the
prophecy says. If we turn them away You Know Who will win. One side
will betray them. They control this whole war. What do you think will
happen to Ginny in his world? To your sons? To you? To the Order?”
“It’s too much. First Bill dating that… woman and then this.”
Minerva was confused.
“Bill is dating Fleur Delacour.” Arthur clarified.
“Why are you upset about him dating her? She is a lovely young
woman.”
“She is part creature. Veela.”
“Molly, I can’t believe you care this much about blood. You sound like
one of his followers.” Minerva was becoming exasperated. She knew
there would be problems but Molly was giving her a headache.
“This is different. I was ok with Hermione being muggleborn. Arthur even
studies their things. But Fleur and now Hermione… they aren’t human.”
“Hermione is still one hundred percent human and veelas are nothing to
fear and easily our equals. Molly I expect more from you.”
“I am sorry Minerva but your expectations are clearly unfounded. We
may be bound to secrecy but I imagine we are not the only ones that feel
this way. The Order is a democracy and I expect you will find you do not
have the support of its members.”
“I do hope you change your mind. Good evening Molly… Arthur.”
Minerva stepped into the floo feeling defeated.

* * *

“Ahhhhh there. Oh just like that baby. Move your hand to my… yeah
there…” Hermione continued her slow pace as she rode Bellatrix. Hyenas
were matriarchal by nature and Bellatrix was unquestionably an alpha.
Getting her to lay back and let Hermione take the lead wasn’t easy but
she seemed to be enjoying it once she relaxed.
“You feel so good.” Bellatrix growled.
“I am so close baby…” Hermione closed her eyes and yowled as she
came. She collapsed but Bellatrix wasn’t done. She rolled them over and
continued to drive into Hermione.
 “I need…” She pleaded.
“It’s ok baby. I told you not to hold back. I meant it. You never have to
hide from me. Fuck that’s good.” Hermione grunted as Bellatrix buried
herself deep into her coming hard. She loved the feel of her.
They lay together quietly for a few minutes. Hermione hated leaving the
warmth of their bed to floo back to school. She got up and dressed
kissing Bellatrix goodbye.
“I am late. You have to stop trapping me before I leave.”
“I can’t help myself. You aren’t going to shower.”
“No. I want to feel your come inside me all day.”
“My dirty little kitty cat. I like that.” Bellatrix laughed. “Be safe lover.”
“I will”
Hermione popped through the floo. She was running late for breakfast.
She hurried to the Great Hall and found Ron and Harry whispering
conspiratorially. They were sitting at the far end of the table away from
the other students. Something was going on.
“What is it?” She asked as she piled her plate high with food. Between
her developing primal powers and her now very active evenings she found
she ate more than Ron.
“Another night working hard on your apprenticeship?” Ron snickered.
“I strive to be the best in all my educational pursuits. What did you lot do
last night?”
“Quality time with Horace Slughorn.” Harry sighed.
“Any luck?”
“He has some memory he is blocking that he is very upset about. Now
he is upset with Harry.” Ron replied.
“Maybe flowers? It worked for Ron with Lavender.” Hermione laughed.
“There is more Hermione. I received a letter from my mum this morning.
Since I have been given the oath apparently she can communicate with
me. My parents know and mum is freaking out. I never realized she would
be so…”
“Biased?” Harry grumbled.
Ron looked like he wanted to argue but he just dropped his head and
nodded.
“What is she afraid of?”
“That you will lose all sense because you are a primal and attack
Ginny.”
 “Seriously? She knows I have a soulmate right? Even if I didn’t I would
never do that!”
“We know!” Harry exclaimed.
“Yeah I know I was stupid about it at first but I know Hermione. Maybe
she will calm down… I did. Unfortunately right now they are going to try
and stir up the Order.”
“Bloody hell!” She saw the Headmaster walk her way. “I am going to be
summoned now. We will discuss this later.”
She got up and followed the Headmaster to his office.
“I take it Mr. Weasley has informed you of the events that have
transpired. The Weasleys will not be controlling on this matter. We are
having an Order meeting Friday night with the upper ranks. The Weasleys
are only two votes. You have Minerva’s, mine, Severus’, Remus and
Tonks’, Sirius’ and Kingsley’s. I also believe you will have the votes of the
younger Weasleys.”
“So it will be Arthur, Molly and Augusta Longbottom that pose a
problem.”
“Yes. I have spoken to Andromeda and Ted Tonks and they will be
attending as well even though they are not upper ranks. Andromeda has
sway with Augusta. She did her a service during the first war. She is also
Bellatrix’s sister and she can offer insight to a woman who is perceived
only as a villain.”
“She is a villain Sir. She has my heart and my soul but she is a villain.”
“Has she told you how she became that way?”
“No Sir. I will ask her when I see her.”

* * *

“The Order is having a meeting about us on Friday. Your sister is going.”

“Oh goody.”
“Bella, the Headmaster asked me if I knew why you were the way you
are… well he just… he said…”
“You know legilimency?”
“Yes.”
“Just use it.”
Hermione entered her mind easily. She saw Druella Black catching
Bellatrix and the beatings that came from it. She saw her locked in a cage
like an animal starving. They told her if she was going to act like an animal
she would be treated like one. She saw Narcissa slipping her food and
being punished for it, Bellatrix caving to her parents to protect her sister
and the beatings she took to learn to be a proper witch.
She was brought through her schooling and to her forced marriage to
Rodolphus Lestrange. She could feel her pain as she lived Bellatrix’s
experience with the brute of a man. She flashed to a bathroom suite.
Bellatrix and Narcissa tending to each other’s wounds.
“Oh baby.”
“No! I don’t want your pity.”
“Where was Andromeda?”
“She never stood up to our parents. Not for us. She was the perfect little
daughter until she met Ted. Everyone assumed Naricissa and I were
angry for her Ted but it was more than that. She never came. She never
helped me. She never helped Narcissa. Narcissa was so little but she still
snuck me food. Sisters. Andy made sure to avoid me at all cost. Now she
is going to speak to the Order. I can’t wait to hear what she says.”
“I will be there baby. Even if she doesn’t defend you, I will. I will always
be yours.”
“There is no defense. I like killing. Now that you are allowing your
powers to merge with your body tell me you don’t feel the urge to hunt?
Tell me you don’t love your practices?”
“I do.”
“I have felt that my way my whole life. Mummy and Daddy were cruel. I
am not the only child to have that happen. It is so much more than that. I
love battle. I enjoy the hunt and the kill. If Dumbledore wants to sell my
poor upbringing as the cause let him but I kill because I am a predator.
You haven’t truly battled since you discovered your powers but once you
do you will understand why they fear us. You will know why Molly
Weasley is so afraid of us. We are predators. It is our nature.”
Hermione buried her head into Bellatrix’s curls. “Yes but that doesn’t
mean we have to accept the darkness. There are warriors for the light
too.”
“For as long as there is war. Then they put their doggies in a cage.”
“Will it be any different with Him?”
“I don’t know kitten.” Bellatrix could feel the tears on her neck. She
pulled Hermione close. She no longer cared about sides. She cared about
her mate and her family. To hell with the rest.
 Chapter 7
“What do I do?” Crookshanks was enjoying the new quarters and was
stretched out on a chair near her desk. He had been listening to her
dilemma for over an hour.
“What you must. You are over thinking this. You have a mate you love
right?”
“Yes.”
“And you have those two nitwits you look after. Especially Potter. He is
like family to you?”
“There is a point coming right?” She sighed.
“Witch, I have spent the better part of my evening listening to you sob
about your problems… I think I have earned a little lead way here to go
Socratic on your ass.” Crooks hissed.
“Fine. Yes. Potter is like family to me.”
“And your mate. She has family?”
“A sister and a nephew.”
“That dreadful boy Malfoy.” He wasn’t a fan of the towheaded boy.
“Right.”
“So what is it you need to do?”
“I need to protect our families.”
“And is crying here helping you?”
“No. I need to play the game and see where we will be safest.” She
conceded.
“And the student has become the Master.”
She rolled her eyes.
“What about right and wrong Master?” She fired back.
“I would argue a world where you are caged up or dead would be
wrong and I am not just saying that because I don’t want to find someone
else to feed me although I really don’t want to find someone else to feed
me. A kneazle needs his proper nourishment. Take care of your family
and the rest will take care of itself. Leave questions of morality for the
philosophers, they need something to do.”
She sighed. As self absorbed as he was, her cat was right.
“Time to go see the misses for both of us.” She looked at her watch
and headed to the floo.
“Hey Granger… you know how you get a philosopher off your doorstep
don’t you?”
“How?”
“Pay for the pizza.”

* * *

“So let me get this straight, you have agreed to come to the Manor
based on the advice of your cat?” Bellatrix was nibbling on her shoulder.
She was lying on top of a very sweaty and exhausted witch. She kissed
her way down her back.
“hmmmm baby that feels good. I will have you know Crooks gives very
good advice.”
Bellatrix moved lower nibbling on the delectable and taut cheek sitting
before her.
“He is dating Mrs. Norris.”
She continued to move lower.
“Apparently she is hot in the cat world… oh MY GOD you aren’t putting
your tongue there? Oh fuck you are. Oh Bella! You are so dirty.”
She couldn’t follow their conversation any further as Bellatrix’s tongue
delved deeper into her ass.
“Baby… my pussy. Please?”
Her plea was answered with two fingers plunging into her. She growled
and shredded the mattress with her claws as Bellatrix pounded in and out
of her, never stopping her assault with her tongue. She had never had
anyone go near her ass before and she was surprised how good it felt.
She gave a quiet gasp as she came again. She turned and pulled Bella
into her to cuddle.
“I can’t take anymore Bella.” She sighed as she nuzzled close to her
mate and began to purr. She sighed and thought about how to turn the
dark witch to the light. She needed to protect Harry and she couldn’t do
that in Voldemort’s regime. Plus she would always be a mudblood to
them. She needed to find a way to show Bella that they could be free on
their side.
Lupin was free and Snape had been pardoned. Dumbledore could do
the same for them. He didn’t normally wield all the power he had but he
would make an exception for them. She knew that. She just needed to
show Bella. She hoped Friday night went well.

* * *

Bella loved when she purred. She was happiest at times like this. Her
kitten had curled around her and was falling asleep. Bellatrix had
experienced many things in her life but the love she felt with Hermione was
completely new.
She debated what they were going to do while she stroked her lover’s
hair. The girl was naïve. If the Order won nothing would change. Lupin
was a penniless sap monitored by the Ministry. Dumbledore couldn’t even
shield him from getting sacked from Hogwarts. They would still have to
hide what they were and Bellatrix would still be a wanted witch. She had
no illusions about that. She could kill Voldemort and lick the chosen boy’s
balls and she still would end up back in Azkaban or getting the kiss.
Hermione didn’t understand that good and evil were not mutually
exclusive. A good person could do evil acts and vice versa. She thought
that somehow they would find safety in the light. The Order wouldn’t
protect them nor would they protect Narcissa and Draco.
Once Draco was of age he could leave the Manor but Naricssa was
trapped. In the Wizarding world a man had to grant a divorce. A woman
couldn’t get one without his approval she could petition the Wizengamot
for one but they were rarely granted and she would be left penniless if it
was.
The Order had no intention of changing the laws. They made that clear
in the time the Dark Lord was gone. They hadn’t changed a single one.
They hadn’t even tried.
Bella knew the only safety for them would come from her Master. He
had the will and the power to change the world and the desire to do so.
She just needed to show her witch that she could find happiness on her
‘wall’. The hardest part would be dealing with the boy.
She would bring her witch to the Manor. Let her meet the Dark Lord. He
would be able to convince her.

* * *

Hermione coughed and wiped the dust off as she walked out of the floo.
She could see the study was filled. Secrecy oaths had already been
administered. Hermione was thankful for it. Molly and Arthur were glaring
daggers at her. Bill was on the opposite side of the room with Fleur and
the twins looked thoroughly confused as to why their parents were so
angry and their brother was avoiding their mum.
Remus gave her a soft smile and pulled her in for a hug. Tonks couldn’t
make it. It was her shift at Hogwarts and Dumbledore wanted at least one
Order member there. Fillius Flitwick, Minerva McGonagall and the
Headmaster were already at the meeting. Snape had escorted her over.
She recognized most of the others.
Kingsley Shacklebolt had been around the previous summer. He was
sitting in a corner whispering with Alastor Moody and Hestia Jones.
Andromeda and Ted Tonks were talking with Augusta Longbottom. She
said her hellos. She was introduced to Elphias Doge and Dedalus Diggle.
The two gentlemen seemed cordial enough. She knew they both were old
friends of Dumbledore’s.
Sirius was talking with a man she recognized as Sturgis Podmore.
Hermione was surprised he was at the meeting. She knew he was an
Order member but he had been arrested the year before for trying to
break into the Department of Mysteries to get the prophecy. Lucius
Malfoy had put him under the imperius curse. He was caught and sent to
Azkaban. She guessed he had been released.
“I want to thank you all for coming. We have a very serious issue to
discuss.” The Headmaster took the floor and everyone quieted down. “As
you are aware a new prophecy has been told”
“The Ministry has created an entire department to crack its meaning but
they haven’t had any luck so far. No one knows what the Daughters of
Gaia are. This sounds dangerous Albus. I hope you have answers for us.”
Kingsley replied.
 Hermione was sitting on the floor next to Remus and she wanted to hide
behind the friendly wolf. No one but Molly and Arthur had been told yet.
That meant she would be outed to the Order tonight in every aspect of the
word.
“Yes Kingsley I have answers, that is why everyone was required to
take an oath for tonight’s meeting. The Daughters of Gaia are two primal
mages.”
Most in the room gasped and conversations broke out everywhere as
they reacted. Hermione could see Fleur explaining what a primal mage
was to Bill and the twins who had moved over to hear her explanation.
“You are leaving things out Miss Delacour.” Molly hissed. “Primal mages
are controlled by animal instincts. There is a reason why the Ministry has
traditionally locked them up when they appear. They are dangerous
creatures that cannot be controlled.”
“You mean dangerous creatures like me? Like Veelas? And
Werewolves?” Fleur motioned to Remus. “It is an ancient and powerful
magic and they could help us win the war and yet you would turn them
away. You have made your feelings clear about me but these primals they
are not dating your children, non? Why would you lose the war for us over
your petty prejudices?”
“She may not be yet but she could have. They are lesbians and it is so
much worse. You have no idea what is happening.” Molly answered.
“But clearly you do. Albus?” Sirius turned to the Headmaster.
“Molly and Arthur were told ahead of time. We were hoping to avoid this
reaction.” Minerva said. The steel in her voice made her opinion on the
subject clear.
“Wait. We know who they are?” Hestia asked.
“Yes.” Hermione stood up. She realized why the Headmaster had
waited. It was for her to reveal. “I am one of them. I was training over the
summer and discovered it when I learned to become an animagus.”
Sirius guffawed, “Now isn’t the time for jokes Hermione.”
“She isn’t joking Sirius. I have been helping with her training. It is why I
am spending so much time at Hogwarts.” Remus answered.
The room was quiet for a few minutes.
“Mum, why are you mad…”
“… at Hermione being the primal.” Fred said finishing George’s
sentence. The two chorused, “It’s brilliant.”
 “It isn’t brilliant! She has been sharing a room with Ginny! She has been
around my baby. She is a primal. She is a vicious animal”
Hermione rolled her eyes. She now realized the brilliance of
Dumbledore’s manipulations. She wished he had given her a warning. If
she wasn’t so used to Weasley tempers by now she might have reacted
agressively giving Molly’s argument traction.
“Mrs. Weasley, you already know I have never touched Ginny. You are
acting foolish. I am not the one carrying on like a child.”
“If she was a primal she wouldn’t be this calm Albus.” It was Doge.
“I think I would have noticed if Miss Granger was a primal.” Flitwick
commented.
She ignored Doge, “I have been hiding my skills in classes Professor.”
She let her eyes change and focused on the couch Doge, Flitwick and
Diggle were sharing. She levitated it without saying a word or raising her
wand.
“Impressive Miss Granger, wordless wandless windgardium leviosa. Ten
points Gryffindor.” Flitwick squeaked with joy.
“You can’t give out house points at an Order meeting Filius.” Snape
grumbled.
“I don’t see any reason why not.” McGonagall countered, clearly
pleased with her charge.
“Because I will start taking them if you do.” Snape sniped back.
“What do you think of this nonsense Severus?” Molly had assumed she
had found a kindred spirit in the frequently hostile man. She was banking
on his dislike of Hermione.
“I think that Miss Granger has foolishly put herself in a dangerous
situation but that it was inevitable. She is a primal mage. She would have
shown her power even if she hadn’t experimented. She has excelled in her
training and has agreed to sacrifice her own wishes and well being for the
Order. She is willing to give up everything to protect Potter. As much as I
think she is an insufferable know-it-all, I also think she is the key to our
victory.”
“You know who her soulmate is.” Molly hissed.
“I know and I am as displeased as you are. Have you even thought
about the sacrifice that Hermione has made taking that woman as her
lover? Have you thought about the danger she is in?” He hissed back.
“I don’t understand. Who is the other primal?” Sirius asked.
 “Keep in mind it had to be someone from the other camp.” Remus tried
to caution.
“Bellatrix Lestrange! That… woman has taken Bellatrix Lestrange into
her bed.” Molly spat out. She had moved closer to Hermione and was only
inches from her.
“What! You know what that woman did to Frank and Alice!” Augusta
yelled.
“Black. She is Bellatrix Black now. Yes, I took Bellatrix to my bed, by
request of the Order and for the Order. And yes we are soulmates but
there is good in her… I can feel it. There is more to her than you know.”
“Bellatrix was turned into what my parents wanted. She was forced…
beaten… into her life. There is good in her Molly.” Andromeda said quietly.
“If I had been a better sister… well… she is not what you think she is.
She can be saved.”
“I doubt that.”
“You would rather have the Dark Lord win then have me in your home?”
Hermione asked.
“See she calls him the Dark Lord like they do!” Molly exclaimed.
“Yes because they seem to freak out every time I say Voldemort.” Many
in the room shuddered, she looked at them as they reacted. “Just like you
do.”
“You are a monster dating a monster.” Molly was now poking
Hermione’s chest as she spoke.
“No Molly, you are bigot who can’t see what is in front of your face. Your
son is in love with a wonderful woman and all you see is a monster. You
are a fool.” Remus said.
“Of course you would defend her.” Arthur stuck up for his wife.
“Why because he is a filthy creature too?” Hermione asked never taking
her eyes off of Molly. “You hate that I am dating a Black but it sounds like
you have taken up their call. Toujours Pur.”
“She does have a point Molly.” Minerva quipped.
Sirius walked up to Hermione taking her in, “Are you really queer? That
is too bad.”
“Sirius. Stop it!” Remus pulled on his friend.
“What? It’s a complement.”
Another awkward silence settled over the room. The twins decided to
break it.
 “So you are really with Bellatrix Black?”
“Did she fix those teeth?”
“What is she like?”
“Whips and chains?”
She sighed, “In order: Yes, Yes, surprisingly much calmer than I thought.
The mad laughter is from her primal. It isn’t laughter, she is
communicating. No and all other questions involving sex will be ignored.”
The two twins moaned their displeasure.
“Will she switch sides?”
Hermione looked over to Hestia who had asked the question, “I don’t
know. There are… problems over on their side so I could see her seeking
refuge here. They need refuge, not for just her but for Narcissa as well.
She will never cross over if she is walking into a room filled with Mollys.”
“You can’t go there. You are a muggleborn.” Doge said.
“Actually, the Dark Lord will take her. She is a primal.” Severus replied
to the man. He could see they were losing traction.
“So if we don’t say yes then you are going to kill Harry?” Moody asked.
“Of course not! He is my best friend!” Hermione was shocked he would
ask the question.
“Exactly what I thought. I don’t see any reason to take Bellatrix Black
into the Order. This divinations stuff is a bunch of rubbish. We have a
primal, they have a primal. Let them fight it out.”
“I won’t Professor Moody. I will not fight Bellatrix, we are bonded as
soulmates, we come as a set.” She stood strong before them.
“Then I it seems we don’t have much of a choice do we girl? We can’t
have Him having two primals at his disposal. We either take you or we
lose the war and will all probably die horrible deaths.” Moody spat out.
She tried to hide her smile. In his own completely tactless way, Moody
had basically spelled out what they had been saying from the beginning
for the rather dense room. He continued.
“I think you won’t be needed for the rest of the evening Miss Granger.
We will need to discuss this matter at length.”
She looked to Dumbledore who nodded and headed to the floo. If
anyone would get the thick heads in the room to see reason it would be
Moody.

* * *
 “So mum is taking it bad?” Ron sighed.
“That would be the understatement of all time.” She had told Bella she
would see her on Saturday figuring it would be a late night. With her early
dismissal from the meeting she figured she would find the boys. “That isn’t
the only thing that she has a problem with.”
Harry looked confused.
“Bill and Fleur?” Ron asked.
“Yup. She doesn’t like the whole veela thing.”
“I love my mum but she can be completely mental.”
“So what happens if they won’t accept you guys?” Harry asked. He
looked worried. She covered her hand with his.
“Between the two sides, going rogue is sounding better and better every
day. Too bad that prophecy said we end up with one of the kings.”
“What’s going on?” Ginny came up looking at Hermione and Harry
holding hands. “Hey you didn’t switch teams again did you?”
“No. I am just having issues with…”
“Let me guess… mum?”
They all looked at her stunned.
“I got a letter which was only slightly more subtle than Ron’s inquisition
about who I have been dating. I figured she might have found out. I am
completely flattered.”
“What?” Ron said what Harry and Hermione were thinking.
“Clearly I am hot enough everyone thinks Hermione will have an
uncontrollable urge to molest me.”
Ron smacked his sister’s arm while Harry and Hermione laughed.
“How do you feel about secret keeper oaths Ginny?” Hermione asked.
The boys looked at her.
“What she is pretty much the only Weasley not to know. Even Charlie
apparently was told. I have no idea how the administered a secret keeper
oath to him in Romania but they figured a dragon tamer would be helpful.
The only one that doesn’t know is Percy.”
“That git doesn’t count” Ron said.
“Dumbledore will kill you.” Harry added.
“No he won’t. Put out your arm Gin.”
Forty minutes later Ginny was caught up on everything.
“A cat? You couldn’t find anything else to be but a cat? Even Ron is
more subtle than that.”
 “Why is that the first thing everyone says?” Hermione sighed.
“Because you’re a walking cliché” Ginny responded helpfully. “That
explains Draco’s sudden disappearance from our lives. He has taken to
hassling anyone but you. Besides his usual glaring in class he has steered
clear. You guys are his only hope to save his mum.”
“Yes but it can’t get back to anyone so just let him have his glares and
occasional dig. He needs to keep up appearances.”
“Fair enough, I will stay quiet. So more importantly I expect full details
on Bellatrix once the boys are gone…”
“Hey!” Ron argued.
“Girl talk is sacred.” Ginny smirked, “Now what are we going to do
about mum? I think she might have fully gone off her rocker this time.”
“There is nothing to do. I think we just let this play out. The entire Inner
Circle is plotting our doom so I can’t imagine things are going to go
swimmingly at Team Evil. We wait and hope that the rest of the Order
sees reason… and your mum probably is going to spend most of her time
very angry.”
“What about Sirius?” Harry asked.
She told him.
“No he wouldn’t say that. He isn’t like that.” Harry argued, defending his
godfather.
Hermione and Ginny both laughed.
“What?”
Ginny took Harry’s other hand, “Harry, don’t get us wrong, Sirius is an
alright fellow but frankly he is a bit pervy.”
“He was locked up for years without the company of a woman mate.”
Ron said helpfully.
“He still is. Sorry Harry. Molly is worried about me but if anyone is
turning into Chester the Molester it is going to be Sirius. Stop frowning
Harry. We don’t mean it maliciously.” Hermione and Ginny were now
joined in their laughter by Ron.
“Fine. I will talk to him.”
“Don’t Harry. It will be fine. I am not worried about Sirius. I am worried
about Diggle, Doge and Ron’s parents the most.”
“Dumbledore will bring them around.”
“I hope so Harry. I hope so.”
 Chapter 8
“So it’s time to meet the in-laws.”
Hermione looked up at Snape. She was struggling to pull herself up after
he had hit her with a nasty hex.
“Do you have to be so gleeful about it?” she cast several serpentsortias
surprising him. What surprised him more was when she started hissing at
the snakes who then began to flank him.
“You have been practicing parseltongue?”
He cast an incendio on two of the snakes in rapid succession. He
knocked the last back at her and she caught the now irate serpent.
“Sorry.” she waived her wand and the snake disappeared. “Harry has
been practicing with me. As you said, it’s time to meet the in-laws. I
thought it might be helpful.”
He cast a crucio at her which she ducked. She gave him a cross look.
“It is the Dark Lord’s favorite curse. You are right. The language will
serve you well.”
“It seems the more I use the powers the quicker I master things.”
“You should be able to pick up languages quickly now. Bellatrix speaks
dozens now.” He blocked two spells and sent a sectumsempra at her. She
didn’t move fast enough to block the curse. Instinctually she covered
herself. Her skin changed and the curse bounced off her harmlessly.
“Don’t change back.” Snape said as he approached her. He touched her
arms. “Dragon’s hide.”
Hermione turned back to human stunned at the development, “I didn’t
think magical animals would be an option.”
“Not for animagi but for a primal mage anything is possible.” He ordered
up some tea and conjured some chairs. He had become fonder of the
Gryffindor swot as he trained her. “Work on channeling other animals,
especially magical ones. Dragon’s hide is impervious to most curses
included unforgivables. Stunners will be your weakness.”
“Ok. In the end though, I always still feel the cheetah.”
“You will. That is your first and primary form. You will always be a cat at
heart. Minerva is so proud.”
She smirked. She had learned to appreciate his snarky digs. “Any luck
with the Order?”
“They are still bickering. The mutt is rallying that we separate you and
your witch. Molly wants you both as enemy number one and is convinced
you are going to rape their daughter. Doge thinks you are going to eat
them. Mad Eye is trying to talk sense to the gaggle of morons. The
Weasley children have all backed you but I don’t know if that helps your
case. Andromeda said she would talk to Augusta who is concerned about
you and still wants Bellatrix dead.”
“Sirius is really fighting this?”
“Surprised?”
“Yes. He became an animagus to support Remus.”
“He also tried to send me down to Remus to have him attack me. I know
Potter told you. He has always been a creep. He has been leering at you
since he met you. Remus has ignored the worst traits of his friend for
years but he can’t anymore. The two are almost at blows over you.”
“I don’t get it.”
“It has more to do with you being an attractive woman than a primal
mage.”
“So basically he is being an ass because he wants to shag me?”
“You act surprised. Your powers are changing you. You were attractive
before but now you have become a very desirable woman.”
Hermione shifted uncomfortably.
“Relax Granger I have no interest in shagging you. Unlike the Black
family, I have no desire to rob the cradle. I am just pointing out what is
going on.”
“Fuck. This is going to make things awkward with Harry.”
“I imagine it will.”
“So my meet and greet with the Inner band of creepy…”
“I would suggest that you not use those terms. You will be meeting with
Lucius, Narcissa, Yaxley and the Dark Lord. He doesn’t trust the others.”
 “The prophecy says one side will betray us but it seems like both sides
are jumping over themselves to be the one. It makes no sense.”
“Think about the members of the Inner Circle and the Order. Does it
really seem like logic holds high on their list of important things.”
“Good point.”
“Your number one priority is keeping your shields up. Stay on your toes.
Lucius and Yaxley would love to unseat Bellatrix as his favorite. If they can
take both of you down they would love to.”
“Got it.”
“Scared?”
“Terrified.”
“Good. Don’t drop your guard”

* * *

She flooed to the shack where she met Bellatrix.

“I will be with you kitten.”
“I really thought I would be able to bring you to the Order well before I
had to meet him.”
“Give me your hand. Stay near me at all times and know that I will shred
anyone who tries and harm you.”
“You say the sweetest things baby”
The two jumped into the floo. Narcissa greeted them. She saw
Hermione’s simple skirt and blouse and smiled. It was a genuine smile,
she was clearly relieved.
“Miss Granger welcome to my home.” Narcissa said.
“Welcome to my home.” Lucius walked up bowing his head slightly to
her.
“Thank you.” She didn’t bother dipping her head she knew he wasn’t
shaking her hand because he didn’t want to touch the filthy mudblood.
“That is probably true… you will have to forgive him.”
Hermione mentally slapped herself. Her walls were down. She put them
back up and turned to face Voldemort.
“Strong walls when they are up, especially good on a witch so young.”
“Thank you Dark Lord.”
He put out his hand and she took it.
“Hermione Granger, it is good to meet you. I must admit to being
impressed with your skills even when I was plotting your demise.”
“I am surprised Dark Lord given my blood line.”
“To underestimate your enemy is to dig your own grave.”
She was taken aback by the statement. It was extremely sound advice.
She bowed her head in approval.
“Come. I am sure Narcissa has arranged for a lovely tea.”
“Thank you Dark Lord”
Hermione could see the man had charisma. She knew he would have to
with so many loyal followers. Too bad his loyal followers wanted her dead.
They were led into a small sitting room where she was formally introduced
to Aiden Yaxley. They spent several minutes drink tea and appraising each
other.
“Has the Order welcomed Bella with open arms?” Voldemort asked in a
polite tone.
He was a psycho but he was clever. He knew exactly how they would
react to Bella. She had no intention of playing this game. She smiled and
said nothing.
“I was told you were a know-it-all who didn’t know how to shut up.
Clearly my information was wrong. Fair enough. No more Order talk. Let’s
talk about us.”
“My understanding is your Inner Circle is thrilled to have me around.”
Bellatrix and Narcissa winced at the comment and Bellatrix grabbed
Hermione’s hand. Lucius looked ready to hex her and Yaxley made for his
wand but Voldemort just laughed.
“My followers come from long lines of tradition. The last primal mage
was over four hundred years ago and they don’t appreciate you for what
you are. I think they will soon understand the value of having you among
our ranks. Please leave us.” he motioned to Bellatrix, Lucius. Aiden and
Narcissa.
Bellatrix looked concerned but Hermione let out a small laugh. To anyone
who didn’t know Hermione and Bellatrix it just seemed like a random and
inappropriate laugh. Everyone in the room had heard Bella’s cackle
enough to know Hermione was communicating with her.
“See Bella your mate approves.” Voldemort was guessing but he
guessed right earning a bit more of Hermione’s respect. The four left, the
two sisters looking worried and Lucius and Yaxley looking angry as the
exited.
 “Lucius is equal parts petulant and spoiled.” Voldemort chuckled. “You
know who I am. You know what I am and you know the offer I made
Harry his first year. The offer is now for you. I don’t care about blood, I
don’t care about these few sycophants who beg for my favor. I care about
power. Join me and we will create a world to our own design.”
“And what is my place in your world?”
“I will get rid of the creature laws, that has been a stance of mine for
years. It is why I have the backing of most intelligent magical creatures
including veelas, werewolves and vampires. You won’t have to hide what
you are. I will change the laws so you can bond with Bellatrix legally. I will
give you everything you want.”
“And I will give you the world. What about the muggles? What about
muggle-borns?”
“Good question. Do you really think muggles are your equal? Do you
think they are the same as us?”
Hermione didn’t answer.
“Our world would be better than theirs. No nuclear energy, no bio
weapons, we can cure cancer, aids, we can clean up their pollution and
filth.”
“And the price?”
“Most of them are slaves now, nothing will change for them. Muggle-
borns will be easy. There are very few purebloods. Why do you think they
take my abuse? I control the monsters they fear. I can make up a new
classification for muggle-borns and that will appease them. A caste
system not unlike they have with magical creatures now.”
“Why on earth would I agree to that?”
“Because it isn’t about them, it’s about you. The Order, the muggle-
borns, the muggles, my Death Eaters, the Ministry. Do you know what
they all have in common?”
“No.”
“They would all kill you given a chance. They fear you, they fear your
mate. I will protect you.”
“What about Harry.”
“Everything comes with a price. My offer to him still stands, and I will
open it to any others you choose. Strong magic shouldn’t be wasted.”
“You say you will offer protection but your followers treat their wives like
chattel, they beat them, beat their children. You are known to use the
cruciatus curse liberally. How do I know you will offer me sanctuary when
your world now is a hell for so many?”
“I punish failure and reward success. My means may seem cruel but
they are effective.” He poured himself another cup of tea. Seeing such an
evil man having a cuppa was bizarre for Hermione. He continued on.
“In regards to Lucius. Yes he is not the only one but very few have that
privilege. He may be a sniveling coward and sadistic brute, I find the two
often go hand in hand, but I need him now. I lack the power to take the
Ministry so I need his connections. You want to change the world. Join
me. We can change the laws, well except for Lucius. I will keep my
bargain with Bellatrix.”
Hermione’s surprise showed.
“She really has fallen for you, she wants you to choose without a second
thought. I offered her Lucius’ head and protection for Narcissa and Draco
if you two join me.”
That raised the stakes. Significantly so.
“There is no reason to serenade you with platitudes or ask for promises.
I have faith in the Ministry and the Order to be the ones to betray you. I
will offer you shelter when they do. In the meantime… if you are so
worried about your precious muggles why don’t you tell your parents what
you are? I have a feeling they will prove my point.”

* * *

“Slow. I need you slow.” Hermione pled. Bellatrix had pushed her up on
the counter in the kitchen and torn her panties off the second they had
flooed back in. She slowed her pace slowly grinding into Hermione.
Hermione cupped her face in her hands, “You are so beautiful baby.”
Bellatrix growled.
“Baby, why didn’t you tell me that the Dark Lord was willing to give you
Narcissa’s freedom if I choose him?”
“Because I need you to choose, not be forced.”
“Baby… she is your sister.”
“You are my mate.”
“I promise you to protect her whoever we choose Bella.”
“We will find our way lover.”
She shifted slowly building her rhythm. Hermione groaned. She hated
that Bella was keeping things from her. She couldn’t be too mad; she was
keeping things as well. Bellatrix hadn’t told her she could get her pregnant
and Hermione hadn’t told her she was taking a potion. In the end they both
wanted her pregnant eventually and it didn’t matter but they would have to
stop hiding things from each other soon.
Bella pulled her legs further apart deepening her angle. She could sense
what her mate was thinking. She couldn’t read her thoughts per se bit she
could sense her concerns.
“Baby let me love you. We will deal with our secrets after.”
“We can’t.”
“Yes we can.” Bella nibbled on her earlobe. “We are mates. Keep my
secrets and I will keep yours.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. Do I still have to go slowly?”
Hermione buried her head into the crook of her mate’s neck and
laughed.
“Yes. How long can you keep control?”
“I bet I can keep control longer than you.”
“So competitive. A wager then?” Hermione purred as Bellatrix ground
into her hard,
“What are our stakes?”
“If I win you have to meet Harry and give him a chance.”
“If I win you hunt with me.” Bellatrix replied. She saw Hermione’s face.
“Not people.”
“Deal.”
Bellatrix focused her attention back to pleasing her mate. She made
sure to grind against Hermione’s clit with every slow stroke. She nibbled
on Hermione’s earlobe. She knew it was a weakness. Hermione purred
and clenched against her hard pulling her deeper inside her.
“Two can play at that game.” Hermione let her claws surface and
dragged them lightly down Bellatrix’s back scratching her but not drawing
blood. Bellatrix groaned. She pulled out and entered Hermione with three
fingers.
“Hey!” Hermione protested.
“The only rule is ‘go slow’.”
Once her fingers were thoroughly drenched she pushed her cock into
Hermione again continuing her slow strokes. She slowed her pace further
drawing out every ounce of pleasure from the witch. She pushed
Hermione against the wall giving her better access.
Hermione’s ear wasn’t her only weakness and Bellatrix had formulated a
plan of attack. She started with her index finger. Hermione’s juices
provided ample lubrication. Hermione bucked as the finger slowly entered
her tight asshole.
“Fuck Bella!” Hermione let out a yowl and purred her approval. Bellatrix
matched the thrusts of her finger to the thrusts inside her. Hermione knew
she was losing the battle. Hermione let her fangs come out and dragged
them along Bellatrix’s neck causing the witch to shudder. Bellatrix knew
she needed to strike for a decisive victory. She added two more fingers
slowly stretching Hermione.
“Oh god baby. You win.” Bellatrix let out a high pitched laugh. Hermione
understood every crackle.
“Beg me for it”
“Fuck me Bella, fuck me hard, fast, fuck me raw. Please Bella!”
Bellatrix stilled and locked her fingers in her to use as leverage, pulled
out slowly and thrust into her as hard as possible. She sped up her pace
and Hermione had to wrap her arms and legs around her to hang on and
weather the impact of her lover’s attentions.
Bellatrix snarled as Hermione dug her claws into her ass cheeks trying
to pull her deeper.
They both let their primal powers take over. Bellatrix looked into
Hermione’s golden eyes with her own black ones. She was alternating
between shrill laughs and growls to show her pleasure.
Hermione’s growls were interspersed with chirps to urge Bellatrix to fuck
her harder and faster. She exposed her neck pulling Bellatrix down.
Hermione had a little bit of a vampire fetish and loved being bitten by the
witch.
Bellatrix loved the taste of her lover’s blood and was all too happy to
oblige. Hermione cried out as she sunk her teeth deep into her neck taking
care not to damage her mate too much. She could feel Hermione seize up
around her clit and she began to dig her fingers deeper into her ass as the
girl came. She let herself go with her, coming hard into her.
Bellatrix slowly pulled out causing aftershocks. She picked up Hermione
and carried her to the bedroom letting the witch curl against her. She had
never understood the desire to cuddle until she met her mate.
 “So, I guess we talk now” Hermione whispered.
“We can start by you telling me how you’re not pregnant.”

* * *

Hermione ran her hands through Bella’s hair. They had spent the night
alternating between talking, fighting and fucking. Bellatrix had almost lost
her mind when she found out that Severus was truly an Order spy but she
kept her word.
Hermione had the same reaction when she found out about Doge. He
was one of Voldemort’s most loyal followers. He was supposed to be one
of Dumbledore’s best friends. They had been friends for years. It did
explain his rabble rousing though.
They made a pact and they were going to keep it. Whatever happened,
they were in this together. Bellatrix convinced Hermione she would have to
give up the potion soon.
“The only way you would know to take a potion is if I told you or we
have a spy. The Dark Lord expects you to be pregnant and he will be
looking for answers.”
“And you want me pregnant.”
“Oh yeah.”
Hermione should have been offended but she was completely turned on
by it. Her primal instincts recognized what her mate wanted. The thought
made her drip with desire. She ended up pulling Bellatrix on to her and
had to be fucked again before they could continue the conversation.
“Tell him I figured it out once you came in my mouth but I plan to go off
the potion as soon as I can. I want my N.E.W.T.s After that I will go off
the potion and bear as many children as you want. Tell him I want it as
bad as you do but you don’t need to get me pregnant to own me… I am
already yours.”
Bellatrix pulled her closer, “I will meet the boy. You are still hunting with
me but I will meet the boy.”

* * *

“So let me get this straight, you two determine the fate of this war and
therefore the world and both sides idea for how to best handle this is to
have tea with you?” Harry was incredulous. The two were sitting in
Hermione’s favorite secret spot in the library.
“Well when you put it like that it sounds pretty silly but yeah how else
are they going to woo us. Remember whoever pisses us off loses.”
“This is the most insane war ever!”
“Harry, there are only a few dozen upper level Order members and
Death Eaters. There are maybe fifty or so hangers-on on each side right
now. It’s not a war yet. Both sides are still trying to rally enough people
for a proper war.”
“So tea with Voldemort…”
“Yeah ok you are right. It is ridiculous. Anyways it’s your turn.”
“To have tea with Voldemort!” he practically shouted.
“Shhhhh. No with Bella. I want her to know you.”
“Ok because that is so much better.”
“Please Harry I just really want you to meet with her. I need her to get
to know you.”
“Fine I’ll meet her but only if you promise to keep her from hexing me.”
“Agreed.”
The next day Harry tentatively approached the shack. He knew he had
to wait for both witches’ approval to enter. As he stood there another
figure appeared with a crack. He turned to face the apparating figure and
saw Narcissa Malfoy standing before him. He nodded his head cordially
not wanting to cause new problems. She returned his greeting and the
two stood awkwardly facing each other wondering what the other was
doing there.
Hermione came out surprised to see Narcissa. She turned to face her
lover looking at her questioningly. Bellatrix shrugged her shoulders and
gave a small smile.
“I thought it would be a little less awkward if we both had somebody
else here and they are the two people affected most by our decision.”
Hermione rolled he eyes and the witches dropped the wards and let
them in.
 Chapter 9
Hermione sat at the table trying to think of what to say. Narcissa finally
broke the silence.
“Bella why did you bring us both here?”
“You are the two people affected most by who we choose. If we choose
the Dark Lord Potter dies, if we chose the Order you will be trapped with
Lucius.”
“She can’t just divorce him?” Harry didn’t understand.
“No Harry. As I learned, a man must grant a divorce in the wizarding
world. She can appeal to a tribunal to try and have them force Lucius to
grant it but they are almost never granted. He controls all of her accounts
and all of her property while they are married. She can’t even run for it.”
She started to explain the rules to him.
“That is complete bullshit!” Harry cursed. “So he just beats you and
Draco and no one does anything?”
“The magical world does not sympathize with such things as I am sure
you are aware” Narcissa responded.
Harry looked at his shoes, “Yeah, I spent most of my life living in a
cupboard. The Dursleys are…”
Narcissa nodded her head in understanding.
“So we need to find a way to protect Harry and Narcissa. What about
Draco?” Hermione said.
“He comes of age in June. Lucius will no longer be able to control him
but he can disown him.”
“So let me get this straight. The money you have is Black money but
once you married it belonged to your Husbands like a dowry?” Harry
asked.
 “That is why Rod hesitated in giving me the divorce.”
“Lestrange refused to give you a divor… hey is that why he is dead?”
Harry realized the true cause of the man’s demise. “So if you were to go
to Voldemort would he make Lucius divorce you?”
“That isn’t what Bellatrix wants Harry.” Hermione said softly. He
processed the information.
“Oh.” He made a disapproving face.
“You have never thought of it Potter? You showed me your marks. You
have never thought about striking back.” Narcissa asked taking offense to
his judging her.
“But I wouldn’t actually do it!”
“What if it was the only way you could escape them Harry. What if the
Dursleys would own you forever? What if you had to go home to their
beatings every night? What if they rap…”
Bellatrix grabbed her sister’s hand stopping her and glared at Harry. He
looked remorseful.
“I am sorry. I just… I am sorry.” He said.
“Bella, if you were to come to the Order I am sure we can arrange for
Lucius to meet his end in battle and Narcissa will be safe. If I go to the
Dark Lord it will be at the price of Harry’s life. I can’t sacrifice my best
friend.”
“We need to find a way for the boy to live and Narcissa and Draco to be
free if we both want to be happy.”
“Yes. It should be easy; especially keeping in mind one side will betray
us.” Hermione sighed.
“My money is on the Death Eaters” Harry added.
“Really? How is the Order taking things?” Narcissa dug back.
Harry looked away.
“It is going over poorly for both sides.” Hermione clarified.
“All this talk is ridiculous. I can’t believe we are sitting around having tea.
We need to find something to do.” Bellatrix was up pacing.
“I have to agree with her. This courting process is silly Hermione.” Harry
backed her.
“I can’t say that you are wrong but we need to come up with a plan
before we act Harry.” Hermione said standing and pulling Bellatrix into her
arms to stop her nervous stalking around the room. “Whose idea was it
for us to have all this tea with the enemy nonsense?”
 “Dumbledore and Volde…” Narcissa hissed cutting Harry off. He
corrected himself. “Dumbledore and the Dark Lord.”
“I actually decided on tea. I figured nobody should have to stomach a
meal with Lucius” Narcissa added.
“OK well there is no way that either wizard thinks they are going to woo
us to one side or the other. The Order is a mess and the Inner Circle is
ready to revolt. They are each waiting for the other side to betray us so
they can sweep us up. We need to find a more proactive way of dealing
with this.” Hermione said resting her forehead on Bellatrix’s shoulder.
“What do you have in mind?” Harry asked.
“Snooping, plotting and scheming. First the snooping. We need to know
where we really stand with both sides.”
“How are we going to do that kitten? Both sides are going to lie to us at
every turn.”
“You are right Bella, but Narcissa unfortunately gets an earful from
Lucius whether she wants it or not and she is currently running motel
Death Eater. The Order is so focused on me they won’t be paying
attention to him as much except that the dissenters are inevitably going to
try and turn Harry against me.”
“So you aren’t snooping, we are?” Narcissa said icily, “you do realize
this could get us killed.”
“No matter how this goes Cissy you will be on the chopping block as will
Potter, that is why the two of you are sitting with us.” Bellatrix said.
“She has a point. I am a marked man and you live with a monster… well
actually a whole bunch of monsters. If you think you can trust Draco
maybe he can help?” Harry asked.
“No. He doesn’t know about this. Not now.” Narcissa said, hand shaking
as she raised her cup to her lips.
“The same goes for Ron. Harry I adore him and Ginny but their mother
is one of the ones that is rallying against me. It isn’t fair to them and too
dangerous for us. Remember last year. Ron can be…”
“Flighty? Fair enough. You are right.”
They discussed strategy a bit. Harry was going to back off of his public
support for Hermione a little to see if the others would take the bait.
Narcissa would make sure to be more attentive to what was happening at
the Manor. Both were given floo access to the shack whenever they
needed it. There was a spare bedroom for Narcissa to escape Lucius and
a warm fire for Harry to get some peace and think when the pressure
became too much.

* * *

“Fuck kitten!” Bellatrix groaned into Hermione’s center. The two had
been curled up on the rug and were reading when Hermione decided to
grab another book from the shelf. She was unsure how that was an
invitation but next thing she knew Bellatrix had buried her tongue deep into
her center.
She didn’t want to wait to return the favor and repositioned herself to
have access to Bellatrix. She loved pulling her clit out of her pants. She
loved the organ period. It was long and thick and filled her like a cock and
yet sensitive and tasted like a woman. She was currently experimenting
with what pleased Bella the most.
She was close to coming and she was working Bella furiously so she
would come with her. She couldn’t hold off and ground her cunt into her
lover’s face as she drenched her with her juices. Bella laughed licking up
whatever she could. Hermione was still hot and in the mood for dirty.
She pulled Bella so the witch was now kneeling above her face thrusting
in and out of her mouth. She pulled on her letting her know what she
wanted.
“Baby it will be uncomfortable for you. I don’t want it to be like that.”
She pulled her mouth away from Bella.
“I want to be treated like a dirty slut. You started this… give me what I
want. Fuck my mouth. Fuck it hard. I want to choke on it.”
Bellatrix growled and lost it pushing back into her mouth and burying
herself in her throat. Despite Hermione’s pleas she started at a slow pace
letting the witch get used to her but as Hermione’s body writhed with
pleasure she let herself get into.
“You nasty little whore. What kind of filthy little slut begs for her mouth to
be violated. You want this slut… take it. Take it deep you dirty bitch. Suck
it.” She was thrusting into Hermione who was gagging yet still pulling her
in.
All Hermione could do was whimper as Bellatrix thrust in and out of her
throat. Hermione had no idea why she wanted this but it was everything
she needed, she knew Bellatrix was close. She pulled her head away.
 “Finish on me.”
“What?” Bella asked as she stroked herself.
“Come on me.”
“Fuck you dirty slut.” Bellatrix covered her breasts and stomach in come
finishing with her mouth and chin. “I wish I had a camera right now. You
look so delicious.”
Hermione moaned and got up and walked into the bedroom to see
herself in the mirror. She loved the way she looked. She dipped her
fingers in the come dripping from her chest and started to play with
herself.
She was pushed up against the mirror and had to use her hands to
brace herself as Bellatrix thrust deep inside her.
“If you want your pussy filled all you have to do is ask.”
“Fuck Bella, you know how much I love you don’t you? Fuck me hard
baby!”
Bellatrix wrapped her hands around Hermione smearing her come all
over the witch as she fucked her.
“Look at what I do to you. Look at how good you look covered in my
come.”
Hermione groaned at the sight. She could see Bellatrix stretching her
with each thrust as the come started to drop down her pubis. Bellatrix
channeled her primal energies. She allowed Hermione to gather hers. If
she used this much power and magic on anyone but her mate it would
probably kill them.
“Get your energy together. I am going to drill you slut.” Bellatrix
whispered in her ear. Once she knew Hermione was ready she let the
magic take her body. Her thrusts were harder and faster than any human
could ever deliver or withstand. Hermione cried out as their magic fused
together.
“Fuck. Uh uh uh uh fuck Bellllllllaaaaa. Oh fuck. I didn’t uh uh oh fuck.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh!”
Their magic completely fused as both women orgasmed from the sheer
power of the act. Neither noticed at first that the mirror and several of the
windows had shattered from the pure force of their energy.
Bellatrix moved Hermione to the bed, waving her hand to remove the
fallen plaster from the now cracked ceiling. She pulled the witch to her
and the two collapsed.
 Several hours later Hermione woke up realizing that she was very sticky
and that they had trashed the room. Despite her exhaustion she merely
made a few motions with her hands the room was spotless. Bellatrix
grumbled and nuzzled closer to her.
“Baby, we both need showers.” Hermione murmured.
“I like you dirty my sweet little kitten.”
“What happened between us?”
“Our powers are growing.”
“We tore through the room.” Hermione exclaimed as she got up and
headed into the bath.
“Hopefully the room isn’t the only thing we tore through; I hope I tore
through that potion you have been using.” Bellatrix quipped as she
followed her lover.

* * *

She heard noise in the other room, grabbed a robe and got out of bed
to investigate. She was surprised to find Harry sitting with Narcissa
Malfoy. The two seemed to be getting along. Narcissa had actually been
smiling.
“What happened?” Hermione said softly.
“Lucius happened.” Bellatrix said from behind her. She had thrown on
Hermione’s shirt which barely covered her.
“You said I was welcome here. I needed to get away for a bit.
Apparently so did Harry.” Narcissa whispered.
“And we meant it.” Hermione answered before Bella could say a word.
“What’s with the boy?” Bellatrix was confused as to Harry’s presence.
“He was here and… I needed someone to talk to. You were…
indisposed. He knows what it’s like and has been very comforting and
helpful.”
Harry looked awkwardly around. He was a little worried how the woman
in front of him would react, “Um… you were well you know. We just
started talking.”
“You are always welcome here Narcissa and if you need us you can
disturb us even if we are… indisposed but I am glad Harry was here with
you. I assume you used the Whomping Willow entrance Harry?”
“Yeah.”
 “It’s late and no one has noticed you are gone. Stay here for now and I
will floo you back with me in a few hours.”
Hermione could hear a soft growl from behind her. Her lover was not
happy with her scheming.
“I am sure Harry will be on his best behavior Bella, but I don’t want to go
home right now. I think I might like to be indisposed a bit more.”
“OK kitten. Best behavior Potter!” He swallowed hard and nodded his
agreement. Bella pulled Hermione back into their room shutting the door
and casting a silencing spell.
“What are you doing?” Bellatrix asked, hands on her hips.
“Letting a friendship form between two people that share a similar
circumstance and often find themselves alone.” Hermione replied trying to
sound as innocent as she could.
“She is old enough to be his mother… literally! Draco is your classmate.”
“Bella they were just talking. Relax. Do you really think your sister is
going to date Harry? But it is silly you are worried that they are dating. As
you said Draco is my classmate. I am only two years older than them and
one year is due to that time turner. Might I remind you that you are the
oldest child. You cannot bitch about cradle robbing.”
“It’s different, we are soul-mates.”
“Baby, half this world wants a piece of us for loving each other. I am not
going to tell Harry and Narcissa they can’t be friends. I doubt it is as
prurient a connection as that filthy mind of yours has made it, but if it is
more power to them both.”
“Fine.”
“And no hexing Harry?”
Bellatrix pouted for a second and then agreed. Hermione pulled her in
for a kiss.
A few hours later Hermione kissed her mate goodbye and flooed back
to Hogwarts with Harry. They snuck down to the Great Hall together and
got an early start on breakfast. Ron showed up about 45 minutes later.
“I wondered where you went off to mate.”
“Couldn’t sleep so we decide to grab a bite early.”
The answer seemed to appease the Gryffindors that took the seats
around them. Hermione would have to make sure Harry had access to the
floos in the future to prevent any issues but it looked like they got a pass.
 * * *

“She thought I was trying to make the moves on her sister? Shit! We
were just talking. She is actually nice and she understands what it’s like…
you know. Hermione I already have a death threat from Ron if I score with
Ginny, now I have Bellatrix Black giving me the evil eye. The worst part is
I can’t pull a girl forget bed one.” They were hidden in the back of the
library. Hermione had cast a muffalato to keep them from being
overheard.
“Oh Harry” Hermione couldn’t help giggling at his dilemma “You poor
man. You can’t get a break can you? Is Ginny still with Dean?”
He nodded sadly.
“Alright well I will assure Bella you are not putting the designs on her
baby sister and when Ron isn’t paying attention maybe we can work on
you pulling his. Molly and Arthur already want me dead, I see no reason
they shouldn’t hate you too.”
“That would ruin the gathering information plan.”
“Good point, first you snoop then you woo.”
“Will you help me?”
“Snoop?”
“No! I have gotten good at snooping. Lots of practice and all but women
are a mystery to me. You pulled Bellatrix Black.”
“I was bonded to Bellatrix by magic. I doubt I could pull her.”
“You pulled other girls.”
“Good point. OK, find me something good and I will help you give older
siblings a reason to kill you.”
 Chapter 10
“You promised!”
“I know, I know. I am just… I don’t know if I can do this.”
“You are a bloody cheetah, you were made for it.”
They had left the castle grounds unbeknownst to anyone. Hermione had
lost the bet and had to go hunting with Bellatrix. They didn’t want to cross
paths with anything or anyone magical so they apparated to Perthshire to
hunt for red deer.
Hermione really thought they were safer in a magical forest but odds
were Dumbledore would find out about it. Unfortunately if they were seen
by muggles she couldn’t really imagine that a cheetah chirping and
growling back and forth with a hyena in the southern Highlands wouldn’t
arouse suspicion.
She had managed to put it off for weeks but Bella wouldn’t let her wait
any longer. She picked a night with a full moon to keep Hermione from
complaining about her night vision and as the summer months were over
but the winter snows hadn’t fallen yet it was perfect out.
Hermione wasn’t a vegetarian but this was different. They would be
hunting an animal, killing it and eating it right there. She was enjoying
being able to run free though. They had made sure to steer clear of any
inhabited areas.
They were trotting through the area and Hermione enjoying the brisk air
running through her fur. She hated that she wasn’t allowed to run. She
enjoyed letting her primal self free and was too often confined in the
castle. Dumbledore didn’t want her in the Forbidden Forest because of the
chance of being seen. She could feel Bella’s pleasure too. She obviously
wasn’t getting much of a chance to use her primal form either.
 Hermione decided to have a little fun and broke into a full sprint knowing
that Bellatrix wouldn’t be able to catch her. She could hear her lover’s
laughter echoing back to her. She slowed down and waited for Bella to
catch up.
“I love watching you in this form. You are magnificent.”
Hermione would have blushed if she could, “I love you Bella.”
“I know. That’s why you are here despite your fear. Come on. Quietly. I
smell something tasty.”
The two crept through to a clearing where they found their target. It was
a buck trying to slip through the woods unnoticed. Hermione could feel
what Bellatrix wanted. They split apart trying to flank the buck. Bellatrix
had just gotten position on him when he sensed her and took off.
Hermione used her speed to catch up to the fleeing creature. She was
running on pure instinct and took him down without hesitation. Claws and
teeth tore into the bucks flesh as he went down with her on top of him.
She was kicked back and the buck tried to get up but Bella joined her
tearing into its leg with her sharp teeth.
“Kill it kitten.”
“What?”
“It will die either way. All you are doing is aiding its suffering. Take its
throat.”
Hermione had enjoyed the chase and had to admit she loved this hunt.
She gave into her instincts and tore out the bucks throat enjoying the taste
of its blood on her tongue. The two witches tore into the animal for a bit
both eating their fill. Hermione understood what Bellatrix had meant. She
could feel her blood pumping through her body as she took down the
animal.
Bellatrix reverted back to her human form. Hermione looked at her
questioningly as she stayed in her cat form.
“Stay. I just want to do this.” Bellatrix cut open the buck and took its
heart. She held it out to Hermione. “You will like it. It is a hunter’s tradition.
First kill.”
She cut the heart in half and fed Hermione the pieces. Hermione ate it
and licked her fingers clean, changing to her human form as she did. She
took Bellatrix’s index finger into her mouth sucking the blood from it.
Bellatrix pushed her down next to the animal. Hermione was too lost in
the moment to be sickened by the blood she was laying in. Bella waved
her wand and the two women were naked. Hermione squealed as the cold
air touched her body. The warmth of the blood on her back was a stark
contrast to the chill of the evening.
Bellatrix explored her body with her hands painting it with the blood of
the stag. She drew the ancient runic symbols for soul-mates on
Hermione’s chest above her heart, drawing the symbol for infinity
underneath it. Each cheek was graced with the rune for devotion.
Hermione responded by drawing runes of love and protection down
Bellatrix’s arms and chest.
The magic crackled around them as they exchanged vows in blood.
They wrote their oaths all over each other’s bodies, the blood of their kill
affirming their ancient bond. Bellatrix leaned down softly capturing
Hermione’s lips. Hermione gently explored Bella’s lips.
“I don’t understand this bond, I don’t know what is happening to me… to
us, but I know that I love you Bellatrix.”
“I love you too my kitten.”
Bellatrix entered her slowly.
“Look into my eyes Hermione”
Hermione gazed into the black orbs with golden eyes. Their minds, souls
and bodies connected as Bellatrix claimed her with a gentleness
unexpected from a woman so fierce. Hermione realized that there didn’t
need to be a piece of parchment from the Ministry. They were getting
married now. They were solidifying their bond.
She found herself in Bella’s mind; she felt her need, her pain and her
fears. She saw her life, her failures and victories. She felt the dementors
touch and the cold walls of Azkaban. She was surrounded by Narcissa’s
love and Rod’s hate. She saw the Dark Lord saving her from a marriage
she hated and giving her power others would have denied her.
Bellatrix saw Hermione’s fear at joining the wizarding world. Her need to
succeed. Her parents’ indifference to her as they were consumed by their
careers. She saw her lonely beginning, the troll and her friendship with
Harry and Ron. She experienced taking on a snake and a werewolf,
dealing with the slander of Rita Skeeter, she felt a surge of jealousy as
she saw and experienced Hermione’s time with Viktor, Alicia and Fleur.
She experienced Hermione’s fear at the Ministry. Fear of her. Fear of
her Master. She saw the girl fight Dolohov and experienced the pain of his
spell. She felt Hermione’s needs and fears, wants and desires.
 The two women became one as Bellatrix collapsed on to her, both her
passion and her magic spent. They both passed out from sheer
exhaustion. Hermione felt herself lifted a while later and woke to the
spinning of a side along apparition. She came to in the shack and let her
lover… her mate… her wife lead her to the shower.
They spoke no words that night. They let their magic complete the bond.
They didn’t need to speak, they could truly feel each other, be each other.
Nothing would break their bond. Neither the Order nor the Death Eaters.
They were eternally connected and completely unstoppable. Hermione
understood now why they were feared. She knew their power, a power
magnified by their connection.
They would kill anyone and do anything to protect each other and the
Order and the Death Eaters were right to fear them. Hermione had no
doubt that if someone harmed her mate she would destroy them
regardless of who they were.

* * *

“So you hunted with her?” Narcissa often wondered if Bellatrix had left
every bit of her sanity in Azkaban.
“It was so much more than that. We were… wed, bonded… I don’t
know… I think we are married. Whatever we were… now we are truly
soul-mates. I can feel her. I can feel her now. She is bored.” Bellatrix
closed her eyes for a moment, smirked and reopened them. “History of
Magic. She let me see.”
“You tore apart a deer and now you are bonded?” Narcissa looked
disgusted.
“Stop trivializing it. This is… I don’t know. I have never felt anything like
this before.”
“And exactly how are you going to explain the shredded deer in the
forest?”
“Wolves?”
“In Scotland? Really?”
“A pack of ravenous wildcats?”
Narcissa rolled her eyes.
“It will be blamed on poachers or buzzards for the mud… muggles and
the magical community will just think it’s a werewolf. Honestly Cissy, focus
here.”
“OK, so you and Miss Granger have formed the true soul-bond. We
knew this would happen, how does it help us again?”
“The sex is even more amazing.”
Narcissa sighed. They were interrupted as Harry popped out of the floo.
“Potter?” Bellatrix was confused.
“We are playing chess. Stop glaring at the boy Bellatrix. He is your
bondmate’s best friend. Eternity and all that.”
“She told you what they did?” Harry asked Narcissa turning a little green
as he remembered the description of what Hermione had told him. She
had told him only the basics and it was enough to make him cringe.
“In bloody detail.” Narcissa shuddered.
“Chess? Don’t you have friends boy?”
“I am not a boy, that luxury was taken away from me years ago. We just
play chess and talk. It’s…”
“Comforting.” Narcissa finished for him, “Not everyone is as lascivious as
you and Miss Granger. Get your mind out of the gutter Bella.”
“Whatever. I am being summoned. I will leave out your chess gamefor
rom my report. Behave boy or my mate will be short a friend.” With that
Bellatrix hopped into the floo and returned to the Manor.
“Relax Harry. She won’t hex you… well she is unlikely to hex you. It is
Bella after all.” Narcissa reassured him.
“Is she always like that?”
“She is my older sister. She likes to try and protect me when she can.”
“I must admit to being jealous. I have never… no one has ever tried to
protect me truly but Hermione. Sirius wants for me to be my father and go
on adventures with him, Dumbledore sees me as the boy who will smote
his enemy and Ron wants glory. The Weasleys see me as the famous
Harry Potter. Only Hermione sees me as just Harry. I guess she is like my
older sister.”
“You are lucky to have her watching out for you. Most of the world will
want something from you; value those who value you only as yourself.”
“Thank you.” The two sat down to play their now biweekly game. They
had found a solace in each other. They were the pawns of this war being
shuffled around without any control of their fates. When they were
together they were only two people playing chess and talking quidditch.
Harry was pleasantly surprised by Narcissa’s love of quidditch. The two
had far more in common than they realized and an easy friendship formed.
The Shrieking Shack had turned into more than a hideout for Bellatrix and
Hermione. It was a sanctuary for Harry and Narcissa. The one place
where they could have peace and be themselves.

* * *

“So you killed a deer together. That’s romantic.” Crookshanks had

curled up next to her and was attacking her quill.
“In what world is that romantic? And what is it with you and my quills?”
“Mrs. Norris and I took out that little parakeet last week together. It was
a fantastic date, and your quills are fun to shred.”
“That was you two? Megan Jones was crying about her poor familiar
all week!”
“You know what they say, the couple that preys together, stays
together.”
“Crooks!”
“You didn’t have a good time?”
Hermione blushed.
“See… you are a cat now. Stop acting like a mouse.”
“Enough! I am not acting like a mouse. Explain something to me… she
is Mrs. Norris. That would imply she is or was married.”
“Tragically widowed. Mr. Norris got too close to one of Hagrid’s pets.”
“Really?”
“Yup. I am eternally grateful. This kneazle has needs.”
Hermione rolled her eyes and swatted him with quill.
“Speaking of needs… go get your catmance to distract her Master so I
can sneak Harry out of my quarters. He is due back from his chess
game.”
“Fine but never call it a catmance again and tell the boy-that-lived to
sneak around a lot he owes me… again.”
Harry flooed in a few minutes later. Unfortunately he flooed into an office
with the Headmaster, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Tonks and
Lupin waiting. When Hermione walked in she was unsure of what to do.
“Miss Granger, part of this deal is there are no secrets. Why is Mr.
Potter sneaking off to the shack?” Snape hissed.
“Sir, I can answer for myself. I have a standing chess game.”
 “Wizard’s chess? You are going to the shack to play chess? You don’t
have any friends here boy? What about that dimwitted ginger that is
always about? You need to meet Bellatrix Black instead?”
“Ron is busy and we haven’t exactly told him everything going on due to
the problems with his family but I don’t play with Bellatrix… I play with
Narcissa. It is just a chess game.”
“Off grounds Mr. Potter.” McGonagall added.
“Yes but the shack is more protected than Hogwarts.”
“And if Narcissa decides to kidnap you to take you to Tom.” Dumbledore
chided, “What then Harry?”
“She won’t. I trust her Sir, she won’t. She can’t even if she wanted to, it
is neutral and protected ground. Plus if that were to happen it would be a
betrayal and Hermione and Bellatrix would be on our side then.”
“And if she seduces you to their side Harry?” Remus asked quietly.
“It is just a chess game! I don’t know why everyone is getting so worked
up about chess.”
The room looked confused.
“Bella warned him off of anything but chess.” Hermione clarified. “He is
safe in the shack. His friendship with Narcissa can only help us.”
“It is too dangerous a task to undertake.” Dumbledore proclaimed.
“Me taking Bellatrix Black for a mate is ok but Harry going to a highly
protected building that he has already snuck into chasing a murderer isn’t.
It is just chess. He is fine Headmaster. Harry and Narcissa share a
common bond and he is helping us which is more than I can say for the
Order. How is that going?”
“We will deal with the Order but we cannot risk Harry sneaking off the
grounds. It will not happen again Miss Granger.”
“Risking me is OK though? Risking him every summer at the Dursleys is
Ok? Sending him after the bloody Philosopher’s Stone, chasing a basilisk,
dealing with werewolves, doing the Tri-Wizard Tournament and fighting
Voldemort are all OK? The Order choosing to turn on me is OK? Having
Harry have to take this whole war on his shoulders is OK but Wizard’s
chess with an unhappy housewife is the line we are drawing here?”
She turned and left without saying another word. Harry followed after
her. McGonagall caught them in the hall and pulled them aside.
“He is right, it is dangerous for you to be sneaking out Harry.”
“Not if he uses the floo. He can’t be harmed in the shack. Harry is right,
it is neutral ground. Talking to Narcissa was good for him they share a
common bond. Explain to me how Harry talking to Narcissa is a danger to
him but him being sent to the Dursleys ever summer is acceptable.”
Minerva sighed, “It is not something I agree with Albus on but the house
has protections.”
“So do Grimmauld Place and the Burrow.” Harry snarled.
McGonagall was quiet for a moment. “The Headmaster has been
monitoring the floos, he was worried about breaches. He was concerned
once we set up floo access for you. There is a book in the library, A
Master’s Guide to Floos. It might make good reading. I have heard that
with the right magic a floo could be added to the network and escape
detection. If such a thing were to happen in your quarters please make
sure not to be caught.”
“Thank you Professor.”
“Tom and Severus went through it too.”
“Ma’am?”
“Being sent back to monsters every summer. They aren’t the only ones.
It is one of the Wizarding world’s greatest failures. You know what
Bellatrix experienced, I don’t know who was worse, Druella or Cygnus.
Harry… you have Dursleys and know you both know what Draco goes
through. They aren’t the only ones. I hate sending them all home but I
digress. Just be careful.”
“Thank you Professor.”

* * *

“You shouldn’t have done that Minnie.”

Snape, McGonagall and Dumbledore were now in his office.
“Do what Albus?”
“Give Hermione license to add an unregulated floo to the network.
Encourage Harry.”
“The young man needs somewhere to go for peace. The shack is safe.
We both know that. You are worried Tom will find a way to bring him into
the fold if you aren’t watching him.”
“I hate to say it old man but you have never balked at putting Harry into
harm’s way before. He really does have the ability to swing this our way.
Narcissa and Draco are the only things that matter to Bellatrix besides
mayhem… and now Granger. Why would you stop him?” Snape asked.
“He is a young man. Young men are often easily distracted by women.
Tom could easily force Narcissa to manipulate the boy.”
“There are a great many ways that the Dark Lord can manipulate Potter
as he proved last year. He does not know of Narcissa’s connection with
him. We can find a way to use this to our advantage and we need every
advantage we can get with Him considering how the Order is behaving.
Harry can bring Narcissa to our side.”
“Any headway with the Order Albus?” Minerva added changing subjects.
“No, there seems to be a stalemate. I am surprised at the number of
people that are opposed to this. Even Elphias and Dedalus are being
difficult on this.”
“Hmpf. I know you have a history those two but Doge and Diggle are old
men set in their ways. They were opposed to women in the Order at one
point.” Snape grumbled.
“Right until Elphias thought a practice duel with me would help prove his
point.” Minerva smiled.
“Enough. We will monitor the situation with Harry for now. If we need to
we will address it we may even be able to turn this into an advantage.”
“How do you plan to do that?”
“If Tom finds out that Narcissa is sneaking about he will be most
unhappy. Maybe that will be the key to bringing Bellatrix to our side.”
Severus and Minerva shifted. Severus finally said what they both were
thinking, “or push them to his. Tread carefully Headmaster.”
“You are right Severus. You are right. Let us see how this new
connection goes. Minerva, I want you to keep an eye on this. I do not
want this to turn into a problem.”
“I will Albus. Don’t worry about this, worry about the Order.”
“Mad Eye hasn’t made much headway this week. Perhaps it is time we
take a vote.”
“If we do, we would be lucky to carry half. Would you split the Order?”
Minerva asked.
“Yes. If need be I would disband it. The alternative is Tom’s victory and
Harry’s death along with thousands of others. This is the price of war.”
 Chapter 11
“You want what!”
“Please Hermione?” The ginger begged.
“I cannot believe you are asking me this.”
“Well since my parents have pretty much stopped talking to me I can’t
talk to Da. My brothers would…”
“Torment you unmercifully?”
“Yeah that.”
“Bet two years ago you never thought that if the ginger ended up in
your room begging, it would be for this.”
“What did he say? He just made fun of me didn’t he?” Ron was staring
down her meowing kneazel.
“Not yet but give me time, you certainly give me enough material to
work with.”
Hermione pushed Crooks out the door, “I would tell you to stand guard
but we saw how well you did with that.”
“I am not the one that got Potter caught. Anyways there is a reason it’s
guard dogs and not guard cats. Only creatures as idiotic as canines
could stand in one place and not get bored.”
With that Crookshanks trotted out of the room.
“Ron stop glaring, he isn’t coming back and since Bella and I are the
only ones that understand him your secret is safe. Back to the question at
hand.”
“What do I do?”
“Alright I will give you some tips, I can’t believe I am doing this.” She
pulled out an anatomy book and flipped to the female reproductive
system. Ron’s face quickly matched his hair. “Ron if you can’t look at a
book you shouldn’t be shagging Lavender.”
“But I am going to be shagging Lavender. Help me… I don’t want to
screw it up. I know all you birds talk.”
“That is true. If you are a lame lay every girl in Hogwarts will know within
a day.” She laughed. “Relax Ron just look at the pictures and I will walk
you through it.”

* * *

“So you gave the ginger boy advice on how to please a woman?”
Bellatrix smirked as she worked her way down Hermione’s body.
“He was nervous and I think I am qualified. OW! What the hell?” She
looked down to her hip which was now bleeding. Bellatrix was bearing her
fangs.
“That was for the others. You will never touch another again. I don’t like
that you are so qualified.” Bellatrix said with a growl.
“Baby. That was before I had you. I promised you I would never touch
another. Both Alicia and Fleur are dating Weasleys and Viktor is happily
working his way through every groupie in Europe. You are the only one I
love, I have ever loved. I promise you that.”
“If you ever touch another I will kill them.”
“I know Bella, it goes both ways.”
“So did you tell him to do this?” Bellatrix moved her way down, paying
special attention to her belly button.
Hermione moaned, “Yes.”
“Mmmm, how about this?” She moved lower making a path to
Hermione’s nether regions, kissing her labia gently breaking the barrier
with her tongue. Hermione growled her affirmation.
Bellatrix gently entered her with her tongue causing Hermione spread
her legs wider and hiss. She wanted more. Bella quickly ran her tongue
over her nub teasing her.
“Fuck baby don’t tease.”
“You told him to tease didn’t you? You told him it would make it better.”
She blew on Hermione’s clit making her whimper.
“Yes.”
“And it is making it better isn’t it.” Bellatrix changed the texture of her
tongue. Hermione had no idea what animal she was channeling but the
coarse tongue felt exquisite.
“Fuck! Yes baby.”
Bellatrix used the coarseness to focus on her clit driving her wild.
Hermione groaned and came hard. Bellatrix barely gave her time to
recover before she climbed up her body, taking her. They both growled as
Bellatrix thrust into her filling her.
“Baby what was that. Your tongue? It was so rough.”
“You like the way it felt?”
“Fuck that was good.”
“You didn’t recognize it? I would have thought you would know.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You use it on me so much when your primal takes over.”
“You channeled my primal nature. You channeled a cheetah?”
Bellatrix smiled her answer and shifted to get deeper into Hermione.
“One of the first things I learned was your animal.”
“Mmmm… that means I can channel yours. I can… ooooohhh.”
Bella thrust into her hard making Hermione scream.
“Assuming I let you. I am your alpha. You think I will let you fuck me like
this.” She started drilling Hermione so hard she couldn’t answer the
question. All she could do was hang on as Bellatrix pushed into her hard
and fast. She obviously wanted to make it clear who was in charge.
Hermione was happy to submit.
“Fuck, oh fuck OK you are the alpha. Fuck baby. I didn’t know it was
possible to be fucked this hard. Uh god BELLLLAAA!”
Bellatrix continued her pace not caring how hard the witch came. She
would get her fill and Hermione would take it. Her muscles began to burn
from exhaustion as she relentlessly fucked her mate. She would have her
satisfaction, she would make sure Hermione knew who her mate was and
she would ruin the girl to anyone else’s attentions. No one would be able
to fuck her as well. She knew her prior lovers were no competition.
Hermione came again a few minutes later. She was lost in a world of
pleasure and pain. She understood this was about jealousy as much as it
was about love. She loved Bella and was enjoying her dominance but she
needed a reprieve soon. There was such a thing as too much pleasure.
“Baby, I am yours. I swear it to you. Show me how much you love me.
Come for me baby.” She whispered.
The plea worked and Bellatrix groaned as she came hard.
 “I need to stay here. I need to stay in you. ”
“I know. Stay.”
Bellatrix dozed off a few minutes later still buried in her lover. Her body
reverted to its fully human state as she slumbered. Hermione smirked and
shifted a little. She knew it was masochistic but she always loved the ache
of a proper fucking.

* * *

“Sectumsempra!”
Hermione shielded against the nasty curse. Snape was particularly
hostile this evening. He had been vicious in his attacks. Something was
clearly bothering the man.
“So are you going to tell me what’s bugging you Severus?”
“Don’t use that level of familiarity with me Granger we aren’t friends.”
“We are comrades in arms now whether you like it or not and we can be
friends. You look like you could use a friend.”
“Shut up woman!” He sent a nasty curse her way she dodged it and
tangled his feet with an incarcerous. He sliced through the bond before he
lost his balance and threw a cruciatus curse at her. She shielded it with
her hand.
“Dragon’s hide. Very useful.” Her teeth elongated and her body fully
transformed into dragon’s hide yet she stayed in a humanoid form. She
bared her fangs at him, “Why don’t you tell me what’s eating you before it
ends up being me. One of the two “kings” plotting something. Tell me what
it is.”
“I cannot.”
“Of course you can. It is clearly something that troubles your conscience
and considering how small that list is it can’t be good.”
“Fuck you Granger!” He threw a stupify her way. It was one of the few
spells that worked on dragons. Unfortunately for him it usually took at
least five or six wizards to corral one.
She shot a web at his hand binding his wand and arm to the wall. He
looked at her mystified.
“Spiderman. Harry’s idea to use comic books for inspiration. I had my
father send me his collection.” She explained. Snape rolled his eyes.
“I can’t tell you.”
 “I will take an oath. I will take a secret keeper oath. If there is a danger
tell me. Do you want to be on the wrong side of us? Clearly this will affect
someone you care about.”
“I would need Bella to take one too.”
“She will protect the information.”
“You can’t know that.”
“She protects you.”
“She knows? Fuck! You daft woman!”
“Help us Severus. You know I will protect Harry and despite your
obvious disdain for him you clearly want to protect him. You have two
masters pulling at you. I am not looking to be a third. Whatever it is cannot
be good. Tell me. I promise I will protect the information. I will protect
you… we will protect you.”
He sighed, “You need Narcissa to tip the Dark Lord about her chess
games. I am worried…”
“You are fucking kidding me! Dumbledore is looking for it to be
revealed? Of course he is. That is the real game. It always has been. Not
all this tea bullshit or who can woo us. It is who can make the other side
betray us or at least appear to. The Dark Lord would punish Narcissa and
Bellatrix would switch sides.”
“It isn’t just him.”
“I know the Dark Lord is trying to do the same with the Order. He is
fueling the fight. I am aware of that, maybe more so than you are” She
was pretty sure Snape had no idea about Doge. “I expect it of him; until all
this happened I just thought Dumbledore was different. Now I realize this
is just going to be a battle of the two master manipulators. Who can back
the other one into a corner? The truce is a way for them to move their
pieces around the board.”
“I don’t want this to be…”
“the betrayal that turns us. It’s not.”
“Narcissa has always been a good friend to me, when I started as a
student here she was my prefect. She was kind when the rest were cruel.
Draco is my godson. I want to see them safe.”
“I will find a way to make this work.”
“Granger…”
“If this gets back to you, you are going to kill me in a horrible and
extraordinarily painful manner?”
 “Yes. I am so glad we understand each other.”

* * *

“That son of a bitch! Explain to me how this isn’t the deal breaker?”
Bellatrix was practically foaming at the mouth.
“This isn’t one way love. Remember our dear friend Elphias is helping
fuel Molly’s rage. We aren’t counting it because if we counted every
sneaky little ploy those two bastards pulled or thought of, and in this case
it was only thought of, a betrayal for the purposes of choosing sides we
would be crossing lines like a ping pong ball.”
“A what?”
“Just go with me on this. The good news is Severus warned us. Minerva
has gone around Dumbledore for the floo. It’s ‘one side’ that will betray
them not just one king and he hasn’t actually pulled the trigger. We still
have their support. Let’s just find a way to protect Narcissa and save
Severus from any backlash.”
“I have an idea on how to do that but it is not something I want to do.”
“What is it?”
“It will put Cissy in the line of fire and use Harry as bait.”

* * *

“Where have you been?”

“I was with Bellatrix.” The hand struck hard sending her to the floor.
“Lucius it was to help us. I have found a way to get you further into the
Dark Lord’s graces and help his cause.”
He kicked her for good measure and sat back down to have a cup of
tea. He didn’t know why she chose to interrupt him while he was reading
the paper in the study but she had to know he would not take kindly to the
interruption.
“I went to drop off something to Bella.”
“What?”
“Her chess board.”
“You took her chess board to her? What are you, her elf?” He sneered.
“She wanted to show the Granger girl how to play wizard’s chess. I
know how important this mission is for the Dark Lord. I just wanted to
help.”
“How does this help?”
“When I arrived Potter had come by. They were… indisposed.”
“Wait you were inside? They waved the wards for him? And for you?”
“Yes.”
“So you can kill the boy!”
“No. The wards make the house neutral ground. It is a safe haven.”
He picked up his wand and used the cruciatus on her. She tried not to
cry out but it was hard to do.
“How is this helpful then?” He released the curse.
“The boy likes wizard’s chess. He played several games with me while
we waited for them to… well…”
“Finish fucking like the filthy little animals they are. So the boy played
chess with you while your sister dirtied your line a little more with that
mudblood beast. What’s the point?”
“We talked. He trusted me. He asked to play again.”
“Crucio!” She couldn’t hold back her cries and didn’t try this time. “Why
the fuck would you want to go back and play chess with that boy. If we
can’t kill him what’s the point?”
“I can convince him to join us. That is what the Dark Lord wants, Harry
doesn’t need to die, he can take the mark.”
“You overestimate your skills. What could you possibly have to offer the
lad? Your brilliance? You’re an idiot and this idea clearly shows it. Your
people skills? You are known as the Ice Queen. Maybe you are planning
to whore yourself like your sister. Why would the boy-who-lived-to-be-
famous want to fuck a washed up housewitch? No.”
“That is not your decision to make Lucius, it is mine.” Voldemort was
standing in the doorway flanked by Yaxley and Dolohov.
“My Lord I did not realize you were here.” Lucius groveled.
“Obviously. The boy may be playing his own game but if he wants to
play chess with Narcissa I think we should see what happens. You forget,
she is a mother… something he does not have and from what I have
heard about the Order, something he has lost in the blood-traitor Molly
Weasley.”
“Of course My Lord, I was foolish not to see that.”
“Narcissa, you will go become a mother to Potter, a lover to Potter, a
plaything or a friend. I don’t care which. If the boy wants company you will
provide it. Lucius, I know you are displeased but let’s be honest, you
haven’t lain with your wife since Draco was born. What do you care if she
whores herself? At least she will be making herself useful.”
Lucius smirked at the Dark Lord’s dig.
“Lucius, I am loath to get between a man’s treatment of his property but
in this case I need you to give your wife leeway. I do not want to send her
to Potter suffering post-cruciatus twitches or bruised and battered. Once
this is done I will return her to you and you can do what you please. Will
you grant me this request?” Some things were all in the wording.
Voldemort had phrased it perfectly.
“Of course My Lord. Do whatever you wish with her.”
“Thank you old friend. Narcissa come with me and do be on your best
behavior.”
Lucius gave his wife one more cold smile, enjoying the forced servitude
placed upon her by the Dark Lord. He hoped the boy fucked her and that
she hated every minute of it. The Dark Lord guided her into the library and
cast silencing spells.
“Lucius wasn’t aware I would be here but both you and your sister knew
I was to be meeting Yaxley here. I don’t appreciate being set up Narcissa.
I understand why you did it and that is why you are not on the floor before
me. It was clever putting me in a situation to order you to do this and I
promise you if you are successful you will have Lucius at your feet.”
He reached out his hand and took hers, “Your Husband is wrong, I know
you are clever enough to find the boy’s weaknesses. Do what you must…
succeed and I will give you everything you dream of, fail and you will be
subjected to the worst of Lucius. I may have the power to destroy any
wizard in a duel but I need that fool’s connections for the time being. I can
only truly protect you with their power.”
“I will succeed My Lord.”
“I know you will… and Narcissa…”
“Yes My Lord.”
“I am immune to love but not unaware of it. I take no issue if you find
comfort in the arms of the boy but do make sure that at least one of those
arms ends up with my mark.”
“Of course My Lord.” She had no idea what was to develop between
her and Potter but her sister’s plan had given her a refuge from the Manor
and a respite from Lucius’ abuse.
 Chapter 12
“Did you have anything to do with this Severus?” Dumbledore was not a
happy man.
“No My Lord. I wanted to know how it happened so Lucius showed me
his memories. Narcissa was caught by Lucius and lied to cover it up. The
Dark Lord overheard and decided to make it her mission. Let me show
you.” He pulled the strands with his wand and put them in the pensive.
He smirked as Dumbledore and McGonigall entered the memories.
Severus had to give Hermione, Bellatrix and Narcissa credit. It was a
perfect plan. After seeing Lucius’ treatment of Narcissa and the Dark
Lord’s orders there was no doubt Dumbledore would try and manipulate
the situation and Severus was off the hook. Dumbledore would have no
choice but to give Harry the mission to bring Narcissa to the light.
Dumbledore stood from the pensive, “Narcissa has always been a
foolish woman. She was more worried about her place in society than her
schooling. She is a danger. She could leak information. You saw how
easily she was caught. Maybe… Dobby!”
The elf appeared before the Headmaster, “Yes Headmaster, how can
Dobby help you?”
“Bring me Harry Potter and Hermione Granger please.”
Dobby popped out. Severus knew that Harry had no idea what was
coming. He still had no occlumency skills and Hermione would never trust
him around Dumbledore. Hermione’s occlumency shields were strong now.
The Headmaster would never know it was planned.
The elf returned to Headmaster’s office with a very cranky Hermione
Granger quill still in hand and a very confused Harry Potter, unfortunately
still in a towel. McGonagall frowned silently cursing the Headmaster for
forgetting how literal the elves took things.
“Dobby excellent job but next time let the boy get dressed.” She waved
her wand and Harry’s towel was turned to pants. She transfigured him a
shirt out of a handkerchief from her pocket. Harry thanked the elf laughing
at the situation with Hermione.
Dumbledore sat them down.
“I need to inform the two of you that there has been a change in events
and I will need your help. An issue has arisen with Narcissa Malfoy.”
“What happened to Narcissa? Is she OK?” Harry didn’t like the sound of
this.
“Take a look in the pensive please.”
“Albus!” McGonagall chided.
“No!” Severus yelled at the same time.
“Albus, Hermione and Harry shouldn’t have to see that.” McGonagall did
not like this one bit.
“They need to know what her orders are and what the stakes are.”
Dumbledore responded. “I don’t want them going in susceptible to her
manipulations. Harry, you must not tell Narcissa what you have seen.”
Severus rolled his eyes. Dumbledore wanted them to see Narcissa’s
mission as a betrayal or at the very least find a way to use it to his
advantage. He thought the warning was entertaining considering how poor
Harry’s occlumency skills were. Dumbledore, just like Lucius,
underestimated Narcissa.
She was a powerful witch but had never been that committed to her
school work. She had been promised to Lucius at a young age and hid
most of her skills knowing that Lucius would not appreciate his future wife
outshining him.
Part of his job as a spy was to try and perform surface scans on anyone
not trained in occlumency. Snape had told Dumbledore on numerous
occasions he believed that Narcissa was a master occlumens. He never
believed him always saying Severus’ affection for her colored his
judgment.
He knew Andromeda and Narcissa lived their lives in Bellatrix’s shadow
and were happy to do so, both hiding how skilled they were. Bellatrix had
struck fear in the hearts of the wizarding world and they both assumed it
would be best if they seemed unthreatening.
Hermione and Harry finished with the memory.
 “That’s absolutely awful!” Hermione exclaimed. Severus had to give the
witch credit. She would have made a brilliant spy. McGonagall put her
hand on her shoulder to comfort the little swot and Dumbledore had that
look Severus knew so well. Dumbledore believed he had just scored a
small victory.
“Sir, I don’t understand.” Harry looked devastated. Severus knew the
young man had become fond of Narcissa.
“Narcissa will be trying to get you to the Dark Side by either seduction
or by gaining your trust and friendship. You will need to be careful around
her.”
“Around her sir? I thought I wasn’t allowed to go back.” Harry was
wiping his tears away and staring at his shoes.
“Harry, Narcissa is in a vulnerable place. You have seen what she faces,
what the Dark Lord offers. She is abused by her husband and now this
mission. I know you already have your hands full with Horace but you do
enjoy playing chess with her. Perhaps she might see that there is
protection to be offered to her and her son if she wishes it.”
“Of course Headmaster. We have to find a way to get her away from
him… from them! That’s awful.”
Hermione could smell something else from him… fear. She took his
hand.
“Headmaster, we will do what we can to convince Narcissa to seek
shelter with us. I promise.”
She lead Harry out of the office and back to her rooms. Fortunately it
was past curfew and there were no students about.
“So what were you hiding?”
“What?”
“Harry, you get angry, you blame everything on yourself, you rage
against the life you are forced to live. You don’t hide. You were hiding your
eyes to avoid the Headmaster’s legilimency. I could smell fear. What is
going on?”
“I didn’t want him to know that McGonigall went around him, that’s why I
didn’t look at him. Well that and… well he can’t protect her and Voldemort
can’t either. How can he protect her when he doesn’t protect me? What if
there is no way we win Hermione? What if she is lost no matter what?”
“Harry, Bellatrix and I have made a pact. That pact is to protect you and
protect Narcissa and Draco. We will find a way, but while we do I want
you to go back to Snape for occlumency training.”
“I can’t… you don’t know how bad it is. Plus after what I saw he won’t
do it.”
“I do know how bad it is. I had to deal with both him and Dumbledore
snooping through my dirty laundry and I have far more personal things to
hide Harry. I will work it out with Snape. Dumbledore will catch on if you
spend every conversation studying the floor.”
“OK.”
“Go back to your rooms, I will talk to Snape tomorrow.”
“Yes ma’am.” He saluted her and headed off.

* * *

“I would rather lick the Dark Lord’s balls!”

“Look what you do at the revels is your business but this is necessary
and you know it.”
“And when I get caught?” Severus sighed. He was really starting to hate
Hermione again.
“You aren’t going to get caught. You are going to be ordered to do it.”
Hermione said smugly.
“What are you going on about you little chit?”
“Yesterday I saw the Headmaster and as Harry’s best friend fought with
him over Harry’s mission starting with ‘it’s too dangerous’. I of course lost
the fight bowing to his superior logic and knowledge. He is the mighty
Albus Dumbledore and all. During the fight I just happened to mention
Bella’s top notch legilimency skills and over protectiveness of her sister. I
imagine you should be summoned soon.”
“How do you know he won’t do it himself?”
“And take a risk of linking to Harry when he is linked to Voldemort. He
wouldn’t even sit in the same room as Harry last year, there is no way he
would risk training him.”
“No that’s what I am for. And Voldemort?”
“If he is going to be turned it must be hidden from Albus Dumbledore
one of the greatest legilimens of our time.”
“You planned all the angles haven’t you?”
“I wish I could take credit but my very Slytherin mate and her sister
helped significantly… it is terrifying the amount of time those two spend
scheming.”
“Never underestimate the Black sisters.”
“So I have learned.”
There was a knock on the door. Severus handed Hermione a large tome
on potions. He spoke to her as he opened the door, “and have it read by
Tuesday the latest. Headmaster? I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I needed to discuss something with you Severus. If you will excuse us
Miss Granger.”
“Of course Headmaster.”

* * *

“Harry you have no idea… how did I not do this before? How did we not
know?”
Hermione couldn’t help but laugh at the love struck Weasley. He had
finally discovered sex.
“So you have been saying Ron” answered the boy-who-lived-to-strike-
out. Project ‘get Ginny’ wasn’t working. Harry had made some progress
and then Ron interfered. Before Harry could regroup, Dean had swooped
back in.
“Harry you really have to… well wow… you have to try it. With someone
not my sister mind you, but wow.”
Hermione was fighting the church giggles while the two whispered back
and forth in study hall.
“Ron you have basically pushed Ginny back into Dean’s arms. I don’t
understand why you would rather that git date her than Harry.”
“Because if that git gets past first base I won’t feel bad killing him. I
would be devastated if I had to murder Harry.”
“Boys!”
Harry sighed and continued working on his essay on trolls, “honestly,
how are we not exempt from this essay considering we have already
fought one.”
“Because we want you to learn how to use that wand in a manner that
does not involve sticking it up someone’s nose Potter!” Snape hissed from
behind them. “Detention for the rest of the week Potter, eight o’clock my
office.”
Harry was about to argue when Hermione kicked him under the table.
He then remembered he was starting occlumency lessons again.
Hermione must have convinced the Dungeon Bat to keep teaching him.
“Yes she did and you clearly need the help.” Snape answered.
Ron was confused.
“Don’t worry Ron. You are off the hook.” Hermione said as Snape
walked off.
“So ’Mione, have you heard anything about well you know?”
“No, but I will let you know how you were rated once I hear.” She
sighed. She couldn’t blame him, she understood how he felt. She
remembered being that nervous, not knowing what to do and worrying
that you were going to do it all wrong.
“Have you heard from your mum?” Harry asked.
Ron turned beet red.
“Look Hermione don’t take this wrong… but…”
“What did you do Ronald?”
“It wasn’t what I did as much as it’s what I didn’t do…”
Harry glared at him. Hermione did a fantastic impression of Severus
Snape, lifting one eyebrow in a rather menacing manner.
“Look, word has gotten around that I am dating Lav and everyone
knows I am not spending as much time with you guys… the real reason I
don’t see you as much is because…”
“Blow jobs, we know.” Hermione said.
“Hermione!” Ron and Harry exclaimed together.
“It’s true, isn’t it?”
Ron nodded.
“I can’t blame you.” Hermione admitted.
“Me neither, even if I am the only one that isn’t having any fun.” Harry
added.
“Well mum took it as I have seen the light and has stopped sending me
nasty letters every other day like she was. If it wasn’t for that secret
keeper oath you know they would all have been howlers.”
“Oh Ron. I understand. I don’t know what is going to happen out of all
this, but I understand.” Hermione said softly. She couldn’t ask him to battle
his family.
“I am sorry but she is already at odds with Percy because he was such
a git last year and now Bill because of Fleur. The twins are mad and have
taken Bill’s side… and yours, so she isn’t talking to them. Charlie is never
around. It is only Ginny and I left and we don’t want to abandon her.”
“Is that why Ginny went back to Dean?” Harry asked.
“Yeah mate. He is a git but it makes mum happy. She is still worried
Hermione will molest her.”
“For fuck’s sake, really?”
“My mum is a lot of things, but open minded isn’t one of them. You know
how traditional she is. Sorry mates.” Ron shrugged.
“We get it.” Harry said. Hermione was surprised. She though he would
be angry. “But Ron, understand that I will stand with Hermione no matter
what happens.”
Ron nodded. He hoped it wouldn’t come to that and didn’t know what he
would do if it did.
The three finished up their work and parted ways amicably.

* * *

“I am surprised.”
Hermione was stretched out on the couch with Crooks curled up in her
lap. She gazed over at Harry who had been sitting pensively in an arm
chair for over an hour. They had snuck off to the shack after their
conversation with Ron neither saying anything about what had occurred.
“He is going to be in a situation where he will have to choose Hermione.
I can’t force him to turn his back on his parents. It was his choice to make
and he made it. It may mean that at some point we will have to deal with
him but I am hoping it works out. I can’t make him choose me.”
“You have become far more logical and reserved lately Harry.”
“I have seen the magical world for what it is recently. The dark is still
dark, but the light is…”
“Not as perfect as we thought.”
“When we defeat Voldemort nothing will change.”
“Narcissa.”
“What?”
“This is about Narcissa. Harry what is going on with you.”
“She gets me more than anyone else. She has spent her life forced in
the public eye, forced to live a life not of her choosing, the world turning
away while she suffers. They pretend it doesn’t happen. I want to change
this world Hermione… the Order wants to preserve it.”
 “Harry, you aren’t buying into what he is selling are you.”
“No… yes… I don’t know. I know he is a monster but look at the world
that existed without his influence. Corruption and bullshit Hermione! I want
more. I know what Voldemort is… I don’t know what the Order is
anymore. Why does a king have to win?”
“We will find a way Harry. We have the power, that’s what they are all
so afraid of, once the lines are drawn we will find a way to change the
way things are.”
“You promise?”
“Yes.”
“So what’s going on with Narcissa?”
Harry blushed.
“So you are definitely not looking for a surrogate mommy then.”
He shuddered a little, “She is beautiful, and with absolutely no shot at
Ginny now I thought about it a little. It doesn’t matter she wouldn’t have
any interest in me and there is that whole Bellatrix thing.”
“The boy is hot for Draco’s mother. I like it. It is absolutely filthy. She is
old enough to be his mother. The blonde nuisance will probably cry
which would be a bonus.”
“What did he say?” Harry looked at the cat curiously.
“He approves.”
“Great, does he have any tips?”
“Mice always work for me. Especially if they are still alive. Mrs. Norris
likes to torment them.”
“No useful advice Harry.”
“My advice is always useful, I can’t help if humans are silly. Who
doesn’t like a nice tasty rat?”
“I am pretty sure Narcissa will not be happy if Harry starts giving her
dead rodents.”
“Even if that rodent is Pettigrew?”
“Too late on that one.”
“If you had let me at him he would have been taken care of years ago.”
“And the proof of Sirius’ innocence down your gullet.”
“Picky picky. He probably would have given me indigestion anyways.”
“I don’t want to know do I?” Harry asked watching the two go back and
forth.
“You really don’t. I suggest you take this slowly. She is under orders to
woo you to the dark side Harry… don’t get yourself hurt.”
“I won’t. I understand where she is coming from. Thank you by the
way…”
“For what?”
“This… all of this. Never abandoning me. With Ron, well he has done it
before and I am not surprised but you have always stood by me. You
always have my back, so thank you for being my friend, my family, and
my guardian.”
“Always Harry.”
They were interrupted by a loud meow from Crookshanks “If you start
singing Cumbauya I am going to hack up a hair ball.”
 Chapter 13
“Baby how else are you going to learn to control your powers?”
“Are you kidding me, how am I supposed to keep my form when you are
doing that to me kitten.”
“Control baby. Absolute control.” Hermione grinned as she gently to
tongued Bellatrix’s center.
“Kitten you feel too good for me to control it.”
“Just relax and let me in you. I want to taste you, feel you.” Hermione
purred. She slid two fingers into Bellatrix who gasped at the intrusion. She
moaned.
“I have never liked it before, being entered. It feels so good when you
do it.”
“That’s because it’s never been me before.” Hermione pinned her clit
with her coarse tongue as she thrust in and out of the dark witch. She felt
it twitch under her. It grew a little but not much. “Your body seems to
enjoy being fucked. You aren’t changing. Maybe you will let me fuck you
like a hyena.”
Bellatrix shuddered at the suggestion and Hermione was treated to a
flood of juices.
“You taste so good baby. Spread your legs nice and wide. I want your
cunt fully open to me.”
Bellatrix gave up her control, spreading her legs as wide as she could so
her lover could fuck her better. The only thing that had ever been inside
her until that moment had been Rod’s cock and she hated every second of
it. Hermione’s fingers had the opposite effect. She wanted more, deeper,
harder. She was afraid of letting go and losing control but her need
outweighed her fear and she began to beg her mate for more.
 Hermione add another finger and took her clit into her mouth, sucking on
the slightly elongated and now rock hard nub. Bellatrix screamed as she
came. The results were unexpected as Hermione’s mouth was filled with
come and her fingers were flooded with her witch’s juices.
“Even as a woman you also come like a man. So fucking dirty. That
was amazing baby.”
“My sweet little kitten, I didn’t know I could feel so good. Thank you.”
Hermione kissed her mons in response and laid her head down on
Bella’s stomach giving her time to recover. A few minutes later Hermione
felt a hard object grow under her. She smiled as Bellatrix shifted to push it
between Hermione’s breasts grinding slowly in the cleft created by them
pressing against Bella’s body.
“You are a fucking pervert Bellatrix Black.”
“And you love it. Want a ride?”
Hermione purred and pushed her breasts together letting Bellatrix have
a few more strokes between them before pushing herself up and
positioning herself on top of Bella’s clit. It was at full size and Hermione
moaned out as she impaled herself on her mate. From this angle Bellatrix
was able to bury herself deep.
Hermione started a nice slow place grinding herself against her lover
with the same rhythm one might use on a slow canter of a horse. Bellatrix
growled. She wanted more. Hermione smirked and slowed her pace even
more.
“You are determined to torture me today kitten.”
“Baby, you love every second.”
“Fuck! I really do. I can feel every inch of that tight little pussy of yours
quivering and clenching around me. You can’t get enough of me.”
“It’s Saturday. You can have your fill. No one will interrupt us. I am
‘studying and working on my apprenticeship’ for everyone at school so I
am yours until tomorrow evening.”
Bellatrix groaned, “You shouldn’t make such an offer. I am going to fuck
you ever second I have you. I am going to stay buried in your cunt for the
next 24 hours. By the time I am done your pussy will be so raw that you
won’t be able to walk to class on Monday.”
She increased the pace as she growled the taunt out driving her body up
into Hermione. Hermione couldn’t control her reaction. She met her lover’s
thrusts and began to bounce up and down on Bella’s shaft.
 “Fuck, you are such a dirty bitch. Do it. I want you to do it. Fuck me all
weekend. If I go into class most people won’t know why I am hurting but
the professors that are Order members will. Dumbledore, McGonagall,
Snape… Harry, Ron, Ginny and Draco will too. They will know I was
fucked until I couldn’t walk.”
Bellatrix growled and rolled them over capturing Hermione’s lips.
“It is important to explore our powers for the good of magic. We will
call it research. Let’s see if I can fuck you raw.”

* * *

Hermione winced as she took her seat in Potions. Harry smirked. He

had been watching her limp a bit all day. The story was Hermione took a
tumble rushing to the library that morning. Almost everyone bought it.
Draco had winked at Hermione that morning and she knew he knew.
Ron and Ginny were avoiding Hermione and Harry like it was a full time
job so they stayed clueless. From the frowns she received from
Dumbledore and McGonagall she guessed they had an idea. Tonks had
laughed and requested details.
Hermione knew that Harry was well aware exactly how she ended up so
sore. He and Narcissa had to cast silencing charms to play their game
without being serenaded with Hermione’s screams. She and Bellatrix had
only taken a couple of breaks for food and they had run into the two on
one of the breaks.
Harry was in the middle of a game with Narcissa and had practically
swallowed his tongue when Hermione walked out wrapped only in a sheet,
blood dripping from various scratches and bites. She had walked into the
kitchen and with a wave of her hand walked back out followed by the
makings of a midnight snack. He asked Hermione why she didn’t heal
herself and she had just grinned and said it was a promise.
Hermione was pretty sure they might have broken some records with
the amount of time they spent fucking over the weekend. She could barely
move but it was worth every ounce of pain. She had a long week and
wouldn’t see Bellatrix much but at least she would have a nice pleasant
ache to remind her.
After class Harry caught up to her. He cast a muffalato as the two
headed out of the courtyard to get away from the other students.
 “The winter break is coming up soon.”
“You got the invite didn’t you?”
“Sirius wants me to come spend it at Grimmauld Place with him. He said
he wants us to spend some time together and we need to talk. Narcissa
says Lucius hasn’t been sharing much but she has overheard some
grumbling from the others.” His face changed and his anger showed. “She
overheard Yaxley asking Lucius if he could use her considering she is a
whore now. Lucius agreed. Fortunately the Dark Lord stopped him. Why
do I get the feeling that we are choosing the side that is going to fuck us
over the least?”
“Because Harry, we are most likely choosing the side that is going to
fuck us over the least. You need to watch your wording around the Order,
especially Sirius.”
“What do you mean?”
“You called him the Dark Lord. Call him he-who-should-not-be-named or
Voldemort or even you-know-who, but don’t call him the Dark Lord.”
“I am just used to…”
“I know, me too. Between Bella, Narcissa and Snape I have just gotten
used to it. The Order called me out when I used it at that meeting. They
will think I am corrupting you.”
“What I don’t get is… how can all of these great wizards and witches be
so fucking stupid? And it’s both sides too. The Inner Circle and The Order
have both made it clear they would rather eat glass than be around you
two but whoever you are with wins. That is moronic.”
“Bigotry usually is Harry.”
“Good point. So I guess I am playing Sherlock Holmes over the holiday.”
“Maybe throw in a little James Bond.”
“Sweet. Narcissa said the Manor would be packed for the holiday. The
Dark Lord gets antsy around his birthday and has a bunch of meetings
and revels. It’s a thing he is well known for. She said she can hopefully get
a feel for what’s going on with Team Evil then.”
“She really called them Team Evil.”
“Yes, it really is catchy.”
“And what is the Order?”
“Blood traitors and mudblood lovers… honestly Hermione it’s not like
they have joined the light. How did we end up with these two as our co-
conspirators? You realize your mate still regularly calls me a filthy half-
blood.”
“I know. I know. This is totally fucked Harry.”
“Yeah it is. Too bad we can’t make ourselves kings.”
“Harry, you can’t and we can’t but why do they have to be the kings?”
“Because they are and if there was a new king they would have to be a
self-serving manipulative bastard as well. It is the only way to stay alive.”
“Good point. You need to keep your eyes open over the holiday, I am
afraid of the betrayal Harry. That thing with Narcissa, Snape was worried
that would count as the betrayal. What I didn’t tell him… or anyone else
for that matter. Harry I think it is going to be bad. I think it is going to be
really bad. I am bound to Bellatrix on every level and I can’t imagine joining
the Dark Lord. She still sizes you up for a coffin every time you walk in the
room. Whatever is going to happen is going to have to be profound
enough to change one of us, to make us willingly switch sides.”
“Oh god.”
“Harry, promise me something. If you can protect Bella, please try.”
“I promise. We are family… that is forever.” The two entered into a
teary-eyed hug.
Hermione heard a hacking and turned to Crookshanks hacking up a giant
hairball.
“I did warn you there was only so much of this nonsense I could take.”
“Merlin’s balls cat, if I hadn’t seen him only twenty minutes ago I would
think you are just Snape’s animagus.”
“He is a raven.”
Her mouth dropped open. Harry nudged her and she told him what
transpired between her and Crooks.
“How does he know?”
“Tell the boy-who-lived-not-to-get-any that I didn’t realize it wasn’t a bird
and I tried to eat him once. He was none too pleased and turned back to
his human form. I believe there was the promise to turn me into a throw
pillow. Fortunately I am really fast but if I ever go missing check his
study.”

* * *

Harry exited the train and saw Sirius waiting for him. He gave his
godfather a hug. Very little good came out of the fiasco at the Department
of Mysteries but at least Sirius was pardoned.
“Welcome home Harry.” Sirius said as they walked into Grimmauld
Place.
“Home?”
“I have been made a free man again, my rights and property restored to
me.
I can act as your godfather. I can take custody of you. You won’t have
to go back to the Dursley’s.”
“That’s fantastic.” Harry was relieved he wouldn’t have to suffer through
another summer of tough love from Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. “You
got Dumbledore to agree?”
“I have an idea on that. Go get yourself situated in your room. I will
convince Kreacher to burn us some dinner.”
Harry ran up the stairs happy to have a place to call home. He saw a
room with his name on the door and walked in. The room was decked out
with Gryffindor regalia and quidditch posters. He smiled as he looked
around at all his favorite players. Sirius had done well.
He had never had a room of his own before that was truly his. The
Dursleys gave him a room but it wasn’t his. He knew that. They told him
every day he was there.

* * *

“He won’t let me swing by Albus. We have been blocked from floo
entrance. Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“Harry needs to spend time with his godfather. He needs to spend his
holidays with his family. Sirius promised Remus that they wouldn’t harass
the boy over the break. He will be alright Minnie.”
“And you really trust Sirius Black to keep his word?” Snape asked take
a large swallow of his Ogden’s.
“He has never given me any reason to doubt him Severus.”
“He is a bully, he has always been a bully, why would you think he
wouldn’t try something.” Severus shook his head and walked out of the
office. Minerva and Albus had a blind spot when it came to Gryffindors.
Particularly Black. They saw scoring a Black for the house as win in its
self and Sirius was given free rein.
If Black didn’t want Minerva in there he was up to something. He needed
to warn Granger.

* * *

The sharp ding interrupted their rather passionate make out session.
Hermione was in the process of demonstrating a lap dance and was
currently sitting on top of Bellatrix who had been trying to convince
Hermione to let her unzip her fly. Hermione had performed a strip tease
for her and had been grinding against her to some muggle music and she
was dying for release.
“What is that noise?” Bellatrix snarled.
“The wards, someone is requesting entry.” Hermione put out her hand
and a small image came up. It was Severus Snape standing outside the
shack. He looked equal parts angry and cold. “Too bad we can’t leave him
there.”
She waved her hand to give him entry and looked at Bellatrix expectantly
as the wards dinged again.
“Why can’t we leave him there?”
“Because I can’t focus on making you come in your pants if the bloody
wards keep dinging.” Hermione swished her wand and she was properly
dressed. She looked at Bellatrix who pointed to the tent in her pants.
Hermione laughed and threw her a pillow. The dark witch sighed and gave
her permission.
Snape stormed in and looked at the two witches. Hermione’s lips were
swollen and her hair was in even more disarray than usual. Bellatrix was
glaring at him with a pillow on her lap. He smirked.
“I would ask what took you so bloody long but it is pretty obvious.
School has only been out since this morning and you two are already at it.
Are you planning an entire holiday of shagging?”
“Well it certainly would be a much better version of the twelve days of
Christmas. I am sure there is something in there about maids a milking…”
Bellatrix replied.
“You are truly a pig.” Hermione gave Bellatrix a shove.
Bellatrix just smiled at her mate who was going to get a very thorough
fucking after the dungeon bat left, “Severus… why are you here?”
“I am here to talk to Hermione.”
“So talk.”
 He looked at Bellatrix crossly. He didn’t want to speak in front of her.
“Oh for fuck’s sake Severus, I know you are a bloody spy and you are
still breathing. She is going to tell me anyways. Just say it.” Bellatrix
shouted.
“Fine! Potter is at… bloody oath” he couldn’t give up his location.
“He is with my cousin. We know.”
“Did you know that Sirius has blocked floo access for Dumbledore,
Lupin and McGonagall among others?”
“No but I am not surprised.” Hermione answered.
“He has no way out and no way to contact anyone. Sirius insisted he
leave Hedwig at school.”
“It would appear that way.” Hermione responded. Snape looked pissed
and even Bellatrix was stunned at her calm.
“You did something? What did you do?” he asked Hermione.
Hermione fished a coin out of her pocket. “We figured they would corner
him. He was hoping they wouldn’t but he is prepared if they do. He is
going to stay very noncommittal and find out what they are up to. His
mission for break is to spy. How do you not know that? You are still doing
occlumency lessons with him, aren’t you?”
“Yes but he is clearly becoming… proficient. Why are you telling me
this? I know you are hiding it from Dumbledore.” Snape was confused.
“Because the minute you warned us about Narcissa you got stuck in the
middle with the rest of us.”
He sighed and sat down, “tell me there is a bottle in this shithole.”
Hermione laughed and went into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of
Ogden’s and three glasses.
“The Dark Lord has requested to meet with me over the break. Do you
know anything about it?”
“That explains all the bloody social graces drills. He has been keeping
me out of the loop but Macnair was complaining that they had been
coached on spitting out some politicized bullshit about a better world and
all. Looks like you might get a meet and greet with the Inner Circle. Lucky
girl.”
“Great. He said he wants me to stay at the Manor a few days. I guess
it’s time for me to snoop.”
“Do you think that is wise? This could be the betrayal.”
“So could Harry’s family bonding. If his trip is going to suck at least
some of mine should suck too.”
Bellatrix’s eyes lit up but Hermione stopped the sentence before it
started, “One suck joke and you will be fucking your hand instead of your
mate tonight.”
Snape groaned a little, “Granger! With comments like that you are going
to have to throw me a pillow. You really are quite the deviant, aren’t you?”
“Relax Bella… Severus taught me occlumency, that is how he knows the
level of my deviance.” Hermione said quickly seeing her lover’s jealousy
beginning to flare.
Her mate seemed placated but possessively pulled her close, “So if
Potter is in trouble…”
“He can message me. His necklace is the match.”
They looked at her confused.
“Sirius is going to check for communication items. The only way to turn
Harry is to isolate him. The Weasleys are probably helping. Harry has one
of the old D.A. coins that I created. I based this on those. We are hoping
that Ron and Ginny aren’t part of it but if they are they will look for the
coin.”
“So you made him a necklace? Clever kitten.”
“Thank you baby.” She kissed Bella, “Even better Harry has a coin I
created just for this reason. The coin is set to emit reactive invisible ink.
They won’t notice it but I added a light tint to Harry’s glasses. He will be
able to see who handled it and it will change colors if they snitched.”
“Aren’t you worried…”
“No. This is a battle of manipulation and deception. The act that is going
to tip this is going to have to be far greater than the petty machinations
we have seen so far.”
“Granger, you are a one scary witch.”
“Thank you sir. That’s the nicest thing you have ever said to me.”
“That might be the nicest thing I have ever said to anyone.”
 Chapter 14
He woke up from his nap and smelled something wonderful cooking.
Considering that Sirius would burn anything he cooked and Kreacher
would never make anything so delicious for him, it meant only one thing.
Hermione was right. The Weasleys were part of his holiday. Well at least
he would get some good cooking with his gigantic helping of ideological
bullshit.
He got up, dressed and headed to the kitchen where he found Molly
cooking. Arthur was talking to Sirius and Ginny and Ron were whispering
amongst themselves. Molly saw him and brought him in for a big hug. He
returned it but he realized as he did that he really didn’t want to.
He used the skills Snape had taught him for occlumency to calm himself
and not wear his emotions on his sleeve. He knew from the day he got the
letter from Sirius that he would be subject to an intervention.
He didn’t really know what to do next. He hummed the James Bond
theme as he ate his food to remind himself he was supposed to be a spy.
No one in the room had a clue who James Bond was so he was merely
subjected to a few strange looks.
“So are you guys staying here for the holiday?” Harry asked Ron and
Ginny.
They looked confused on how to answer. Molly finally spoke up.
“We are here for a few days… we are going to see how the break
proceeds.”
“OK, well I am glad you are here. I have missed your cooking.”
Kreacher grumbled about blood-traitors and kitchens as he cleaned up
the dishes. Molly was clearly biting her tongue and doing a poor job of
hiding her feelings.
 “Exploding snap?” Harry asked Ron and Ginny. The two nodded their
agreement.
“Why don’t you play in here? Everything is cleaned up.” Molly said.
“We can just go into the study mum. It will be fine.” Ginny said. Molly
looked like she was going to say more but Arthur grabbed her arm and
nodded. The three headed into the study.
“So what was that?”
“That was our mother who has crossed the bridge to full insanity. Harry I
don’t know what is going on with her.” Ginny sighed.
“She doesn’t want you in a room alone with me. Is she afraid I am going
to be changed into a primal mage? It’s not dragon pox.”
“She is worried Hermione is teaching you the dark magic she is using.”
Ron said.
“Hermione isn’t using dark magic!” Harry protested.
“Harry, primal mages are considered dark wizards and witches. They
use dark magic.”
“No they use primal magic. It is the same magic that makes Sirius an
animagus. The same magic my father used to be Prongs and McGonagall
uses to become a cat. It is the same magic that gives me the ability to
speak to snakes. It isn’t dark, it’s different. Are you saying my father was
a dark wizard?”
“No Harry, this is different. Ginny… Ron… give us a minute will you.”
Sirius said. They had been standing outside of the door listening. Harry
was furious.
“Ron, why don’t you and Ginny go upstairs?” Arthur seemed to be giving
a command. Harry had a bad feeling what it was and felt sad as he
watched the two go up the stairs.
“You don’t trust me enough to leave me alone with them? I am clearly
not welcome here. I will pack my things and go back to Hogwarts.”
“No Harry. We are going to talk about this.” Sirius said and pointed to
the couch. Harry sat down. He now understood why Severus complained
about Gryffindors so much. Leave it to them to take all the snooping out of
his spying and turn it into a confrontation immediately.
“Harry, we care about you like you are own son. We just want you safe.
Hermione has become something very dangerous. She can and will harm
you.” Arthur said in his best fatherly tone.
“No she is something very powerful. She can and will protect me. She
always has and she always will. Primal magic isn’t dark magic.” Harry felt
his necklace burn a little. “I need to go to the loo. I will be right back.”
He walked into the lavatory. “What the hell?” he whispered.
The necklace was a circle the size of a galleon. It had a picture of St.
Michael on it. Hermione figured they would ignore the muggle religious
icon and she was right. Sirius had zoned out as soon as Harry started
explain who St. Michael was. The image changed.

I added a feature to let me know if you feel danger. – H

“They are ganging up on me. I don’t know if they will let me leave. They
are attacking you. They keep saying…”
Slow down, it is a small coin.
“Sorry. They are saying you are evil.”
Agree with them.
“What?”
Act like a bloody spy instead of a dunderhead.
Sorry, Snape is here. He is right though.
“I let them convince me that you are bad?”
Don’t drink the Kool-Aid but let them sway you some.
What the hell is cool aide?
Bella everything that is spoken shows up on his side.
So?
Harry laughed. He could envision Hermione huddled around the coin with
Severus Snape and Bellatrix Black.
“OK I got it. Thank you.”
He shoved the necklace back in his shirt and left the loo.
Sirius, Molly and Arthur shot him a suspicious look when he came back.
“I needed to calm down a bit, OK? Hermione has been there with me
through everything. This is hard to deal with.”
Sirius put his hand on his shoulder, “I know Harry but we are just trying
to protect you.”
“Hermione wouldn’t hurt me.”
“But Bellatrix will Harry and Hermione is now with her. If she has to
choose do you think she will kill her soulmate?” Molly asked.
Harry sat down dejectedly. He gave the impression of a man defeated.
“She spends all her time with her now. I guess… I don’t know…”
 * * *

“I cannot believe you have the boy-who-lived-to-have-the-subtlety-of-a-

hippogriff spying on them.”
“Relax Severus, he is surrounded by Gryffindors.” Bellatrix laughed,
“And Weasleys at that.”
“Hey!” Hermione exclaimed.
“Good point Bella.” He sat back down. “How is Narcissa doing?”
“Word has gotten around the Inner Circle. They are even more
dismissive of her than usual.”
Hermione looked confused, “She is Lucius’ wife. Wouldn’t she have
some power if he does?”
Both Severus and Bellatrix laughed.
“Hermione, you know Bella is a rarity among pureblooded families.
Traditionally the wizards fight the wars and the witches serve their
husbands. Husbands which are frequently chosen by their parents…
women are chattel, bedmates, bear children and keep the home. That
tradition has been bucked more and more but many of the women who do
are half-bloods or muggleborns. Can you name another female Death
Eater?”
“Alecto? But the Order?”
“Alecto doesn’t have the mark. She only has the power she does
because of her brother and Bella” Severus sighed. “The Order tends to be
slightly more progressive but Diggle and Doge originally didn’t want
women in it. Molly and Alice tended to the wounded and help at meetings
but rarely ventured into battle. Minerva is a half blood raised in the
Wizarding world but refusing to accept their limitations. She refused her
arranged marriage and to take her ‘proper place’. Nymphadora, Hestia
and Emmeline are also half-bloods. Lily Potter was muggleborn. Fleur
wants in and is being blocked but she is part Veela.” He answered.
“So basically I am going to be spending a lovely holiday with Team Evil
at chateau Death Eater and they will see me as lesser being at best and
more likely a threat to everything they believe in.”
“Well your being a mudblood doesn’t help.” Narcissa added as she
stepped out of the floo, “Please refrain from calling them Team Evil while
you are there.”
“But I had pennants made.”
 Narcissa had gotten used to Hermione’s humor and didn’t take offense
this time, “They are all running about like the little gossips. There is some
dissension and you need to stay on guard. The Dark Lord may be facing a
full revolt if this doesn’t work the way he wants. Lucius has been rabble
rousing. I expect you will face some sort of challenge or confrontation”
“And how is that?”
“He wants them to see your power. To fear you. Once they fear you
they will respect you. I think he will find a way to test your powers in front
of them and Lucius will want to find your limitations to strengthen his
position.”
“Sounds fantastic.”
“Why are you here Cissy? Hermione isn’t going there until after Boxing
Day.”
“I have been ordered to see if I can find out information on Potter from
you and I want any excuse to get out of the bloody Manor.”
“Stick around. I am going to make dinner. When you go back you can
tell them Sirius has cut off communication between us and I am extremely
worried they are trying to bully him into changing sides.”
“Is it true?” She asked.
“True enough. When he checks he will see it’s true. Snape will report
back that Dumbledore can’t floo in and is worried but is too afraid to storm
the place. He is worried it will divide the Order.”
“Which will give Narcissa and I even more traction with the Dark Lord
when we report the same thing independently. Dumbledore would not be
happy.” Snape replied.
“That’s why you are not going to tell him.” Hermione responded.
“I always knew you were a trouble maker Granger.”
“It’s one of my best qualities sir.”

* * *

After three hours with Molly, Arthur and his godfather, Harry actually
wanted the Kool-Aid. He wasn’t buying what they were selling, he just
thought cyanide might be less painful then listening to them further explain
the dangers of Hermione Granger.
“You have given me a lot to think about. Thank you.” He made sure to
look appropriately distraught. He had a newfound respect for Severus
Snape. He was expecting spying to be far more interesting than it was.
There were no gadgets and he hadn’t had a chance to rappel of off a
single thing. It mostly involved listening to self-serving rhetoric and nodding
a bunch.
“Harry, there will be a meeting coming up. You should attend.”
“Sirius! We can’t…”
“Harry will take a secret keeper oath. He won’t repeat what he hears.
Won’t you Harry?”
“Absolutely.” He had no idea what to do but he figured Hermione knew
this was coming and had something appropriately devious planned. He
had to admit they had good cause to fear her but it was her intellect they
kept overlooking. They clearly didn’t think much of him if they thought he
would throw away over five years of friendship after a three hour
discussion.
These were the people that knew the prophecy and were ignoring it. He
imagined they would see what they wanted to regardless of what was in
front of them.

* * *

Hermione ran to the bathroom and emptied the contents of her stomach.
It was the second day she was sick. She had hoped it was a stomach bug
but she was now afraid of what it could be.
She pulled her wand and ran the test.
“FUCK!”
Bellatrix came running in, “What?”
Hermione pushed her to the floor.
“What the hell was that for?” Bellatrix asked as she tried to pull herself
back up.
“You and your fucking magic! ‘Let’s go hunting. Let’s do a fucking
bonding ceremony’. I am 18! I haven’t even taken my N.E.W.T.s yet!
Damn you Bellatrix Black.”
Hermione stormed out, hopped in the floo and headed to Hogwarts.
Bellatrix tried to follow but the floo was blocked. She grabbed her robes
and took the Whomping Willow passage instead. She made it through the
entrance by the courtyard when she was stopped by McGonagall.
“Have you lost your bloody mind? Bellatrix what are you doing?”
 “I am not the one who has gone mad. She pushed me, yelled at me and
ran off. I need to know why.”
“Bloody hell! Change into something… anything. You cannot be
wandering about the building.”
Bellatrix transformed into a kitten. Minerva rolled her eyes and picked
her up.
“Very funny Ms. Black. Ten points from Slytherin.”
The kitten hissed but couldn’t do much else. She needed McGonagall to
take her to her mate.

* * *

He sat playing exploding snap with Ron and Ginny but he wasn’t in the
mood. His fears had been confirmed. They had searched his things and
found the coin. With the tint on his lenses he could see the ink on their
hands and it was showing up red which meant they had passed it on to
Sirius or their parents. He understood doing anything for family but he
couldn’t understand why they didn’t realize Hermione was family.
“I am glad you aren’t fighting with mum. I can’t handle losing anyone
else.” Ginny said quietly.
“What do you mean?” Harry asked.
“We were already not talking to Percy. Now… well Bill is dating Fleur
and mum isn’t talking to him. Fred and George have taken his side mate.
We aren’t allowed to talk to them either. Charlie got mad about the whole
thing. They aren’t talking to us now but they are adults with jobs. They
don’t have to live with her. She is our mum.”
“Do you really think Fleur is bad because she is a veela?” Harry was
surprised.
“Well she has the ability to make men want her. How does Bill know
what he wants? She has him under a spell.” Ginny said.
“Yeah mate, how do we know that isn’t how she got the job at Gringotts
in the first place?” Ron added.
“I guess.” Harry said noncommittally. Snape was getting a new quill for
Christmas. He had spent decades doing this. He wondered how Narcissa
was doing. He hoped Lucius was staying away from her. Without their
chess game, she would be stuck at the Manor.
 * * *

“When this is over I am going to let a few of my associates have some

fun with you. Fucking you was never enjoyable but raping you is definitely
a good way to start my morning.”
He was on top of her trying to be as brutal as possible. He hated the
woman under him. Her sister made a mockery of the Death Eaters… she
had even taken the mark and his wife always took her side. She was
supposed to exist for him, not her.
He looked down at her. She was crying and her nose was covered in
blood and snot. He pulled out to finish, not wanting to put another child in
her. He had his heir.
“You are fucking disgusting. Clean yourself up and then tend to me.”
She quickly scourgified herself. She knew better than to heal her broken
nose, ribs or internal damage until after he was taken care of. She
scourgified him and dressed him. Half way through there was a knock at
the door.
“Come in.” He turned to Narcissa, “No don’t cover yourself. I want you to
remember what you are.”
Walden Macnair walked in. He took a long look a Narcissa and smirked.
“You always know how to keep them trained Lucius.”
“A man who can’t control a woman can’t be counted on in battle.”
“Don’t let Stan hear that. He is still pissed about Rod.”
“His brother was out-shined by his whore wife. He deserved to die.”
Lucius said as Narcissa buttoned his shirt and went to grab his robes. He
snapped and pointed to his feet. She nodded and grabbed his socks and
boots.
He sat on the bed as she put his shoes and socks on.
“What are we to do Lucius? You know what He is planning.”
“Narcissa, leave us.”
She nodded and went to a door in his chambers. There was a long hall
that attached to her rooms. He watched her go back and then shut and
sealed the door. Once Narcissa entered her chambers she opened a
small concealed door by her bed and took the tunnel back to outside of
Lucius’ room.
Lucius, like most wizards and witches, paid very little attention to the
elves. Narcissa had always found the creatures fascinating. Part of the
reason Dobby was treated so bad by Lucius was due to how fond
Narcissa was of the elf.
She had studied the elves and their magic. One of the things she had
discovered was their ability to apparate though wards a recent creation.
An elf named Marley had invented it only eighty years before. Most
buildings had been serviced by elves for centuries. There were service
passages running through almost every building in the wizarding world
most humans didn’t know they existed.
She could hear Lucius speaking.
“Our families have stood for certain principles for generations. We will
watch what he does but I will not bow to a mudblood and a primal at that.
A filthy creature. If Cygnus was alive today he would kill himself rather
than see what has become of his daughters.”
“Even Narcissa?” Walden had heard rumors.
“She takes her sister’s side instead of her husband’s. Once this is over I
will find a new wife.”
“Is it true you are treating Narcissa to a revel before she dies?”
“Yes and I am going to make that filthy animal of a sister watch.”
“Do you think He will let you?” Walden laughed.
“Are you or the others going to follow him if He keeps this madness up?”
“No. He is more concerned with shoring up his troops than with the
cause. It is bad enough we have to deal with Bellatrix barking orders but
bringing a mudblood in is ridiculous. I heard he even offered to give the
boy a mark. You are next in line if something were to happen to him.”
“The only place Potter should be is in the ground next to his parents,
when I am in charge that is where the boy is going.”
Narcissa shut her eyes and prayed things were going better for Harry.

* * *

“Open up.” Bellatrix ordered.

“No! This is all your fault. You perverted bitch! You did this to me.”
Hermione yelled back through the door.
“Hermione, Minerva McGonagall has her wand pointed at my head. She
is very, very angry right now and I do believe you will be without a mate if
you don’t at least tell us what it is I supposedly did.”
The door opened. Hermione saw her professor had the wand now
pressed against Bella’s neck.
“What did she do to you Hermione?”
“Oh god! Don’t! She didn’t hurt me…” Hermione looked at the two
women and sighed, “I am pregnant.”
Bellatrix made the mistake of smiling and was rewarded with several
choice words offensive enough to make even Bellatrix gasp.
“Baby, I know you wanted to wait but I can’t help being happy.”
Hermione started crying. Bellatrix picked her up and carried her back
into her quarters. She sat in a chair pulling Hermione on her lap and let her
cry it out. McGonagall didn’t know what to do.
“You should stay.” Bellatrix conceded. Minerva took a seat and they
waited for Hermione to pull it together.
“I took my potions professor and I know I brewed it right. It was the
magic. The magic has overridden the potion.”
“Kitten. It isn’t just my magic. You are as powerful as I am. Do you think
I could have trumped your potion if at least part of you didn’t want this?”
“Of course part of me wanted it, I am a primal. I have primal emotions,
but I wanted to wait until after N.E.W.T.s. Now what do I do?” Hermione
sobbed.
“You take them early.” Minerva spoke crisply, “You are already
apprenticing with me. You take the N.E.W.T.s at the end of this year. No
one would think twice. Once they are awarded they cannot be revoked.”
“Revoked?”
“Hermione, a pregnant witch cannot continue to matriculate.”
“What? Seriously?”
“Hermione, how many times have you been in the infirmary since you
were a student here? How many of your fellow students have been there
too. I am not just talking about the battles you fought, I mean day to day.
Weasley pranks and houses hexing each other.”
“Oh. Good point.”
“There are a lot of rules that I take exception to in the wizarding world
but this one I agree with. You are different. You are a primal. You are
stronger, faster and more powerful than any student in this school. We
can hide your pregnancy and we won’t have the same safety concerns.
You will be more isolated from the students because you are cramming
for N.E.W.T.s. Once the tests are done you can leave and have the baby.”
“Leave?”
 “Hermione, until we figure out what is going to happen and how we are
going to protect you, you cannot bear Bellatrix’s baby in England. How are
you going to explain how you got pregnant?”
“I invented a spell.” Hermione replied.
“No one would believe that.” Minerva answered.
“No… I actually invented a spell. Once I knew I liked women… well I just
came up with the idea. It worked on the test mice.”
“You are serious?” Bella asked.
“Completely.” Hermione couldn’t understand why Bellatrix looked so
miffed. Then she remembered her jealousy.
“Baby, it was before you and it doesn’t matter. I am carrying your baby.”
“You are.” The two began to make up. Hermione easily surrendering
entrance to Bellatrix’s tongue, both women groaning in relief.
“I will inform the Headmaster. Bellatrix, I will unlock the floo so you can
floo out. Do stay off campus from now on Ms. Black.” McGonagall smiled
at the two and left the women to their celebration.
 Chapter 15
Hermione was greeted by Lucius, Narcissa and Bellatrix. Lucius didn’t
spare her a proper greeting.
“You are here for the next few days at the Dark Lord’s command. You
will be staying with Bellatrix. Try not to snoop.” He sneered.
“I will do my best. Thank you for having me.” Hermione answered back,
completely devoid of emotion. She hated the man but she didn’t want to
alienate him. He would take it out on Narcissa, who looked impeccable as
always. Hermione could smell her fear and pain though. It had been a
rough holiday for the woman.
“You can smell it. She is afraid of him.”
“Stop that cackling in my house Bellatrix. At least pretend you are
human.” Lucius said cutting off his sister-in-law knowing that she was
talking to Hermione. He didn’t like them to be able to communicate without
him understanding them.
Bellatrix looked as though she was going to take his head off. Hermione
put a hand on her arm and the witch calmed down instantly. She could feel
Hermione’s wishes. She didn’t want a confrontation here.
“Show her to your cage.” Lucius said as he turned and walked off.
Hermione growled a little as he left the room.
“How bad has he been to you?” She asked Narcissa.
“I would rather not talk about it. Not now.”
Hermione nodded and the three women made their way through the
large Manor. Narcissa pointed out various rooms to her making it clear
which ones to avoid. Several Death Eaters passed her in the hall. They
each held looks of disdain when they saw her.
Hermione entered Bellatrix’s quarters. The suite of rooms was
exquisitely decorated and a definite improvement from the shrieking shack
and her quarters at school. She was impressed as she looked around.
Bellatrix had a small study with an extensive collection of books, a sitting
room, and of course the bedroom and bathroom.
The bath was a large marble tub and Hermione was already imagining
herself soaking in it.
“There are a variety of scents I can bring you to add to it.” Narcissa
said, noticing Hermione’s appreciation of the bath. “Bella hates them but I
am sure she would make an exception for you.”
Bella glared at her sister much to Hermione’s amusement.
“So why am I here? This is certainly not putting his best foot forward. To
the contrary, I don’t even need to ask to know that Lucius has been
beating you again, his Death Eaters are openly hostile, and frankly given a
choice I would rather not leave my rooms.”
“That is why you are here.” The three women looked in surprise to see
Voldemort standing behind them.
“My Lord?” Bellatrix bowed her head.
“You are here Miss Granger to see what the other side won’t show you.
Dumbledore hasn’t let you near the Order has he? Not since your first
confrontation. He won’t let you see their faults, their weaknesses and their
biases. You are here to see the worst of what I am and what my men are.
Crucio.”
Bellatrix fell. Hermione wanted to attack him.
“No.” Bellatrix growled.
“Why?”
“Because she shouldn’t have let you arrive without making sure I knew
you were here. I told you, I punish mistakes. I also reward success. You
are now aware of the foolish rules that this world has towards women.
Bellatrix has risen to the top of my ranks despite those rules.”
“So your sales pitch is ‘this is the worst we have to offer join our side’?”
Bellatrix growled at her. She knew her mate was worried.
“Relax Bellatrix, I knew she was headstrong when I sent out my
invitation. No my pitch is I won’t hide what I am. Come walk the grounds
with me. I promise I will return her Bella.”
Hermione took his offered arm as he escorted her out to the Manor
grounds. The snows had been heavy and it was beautiful. He cast a
warming charm around her as they walked.
 “I know you have discussed me at great length with Dumbledore. Has he
told you my background?”
“Tom Marvolo Riddle. Your people don’t know?”
“Bellatrix now does. She no longer cares about blood status, only being
with you. I knew it would come up so I made sure to sit her down and tell
her myself. Did Dumbledore tell you what my life was like in that
orphanage? What those summers were like?”
“No. I assumed it wasn’t good.”
“No it wasn’t. Muggles would destroy us if they could. Have you talked
to your parents yet? Have you told them?”
“No.”
“And doesn’t that say everything. You spend most of your summers in
the wizarding world. You spend your holidays here as well. You don’t
belong with them anymore. You don’t think it’s strange that you spend only
a few weeks a year with your parents and they say nothing.”
“I don’t have an answer to that.”
“No, I imagine you don’t. The reason why I raise these issues is simple.
Muggles are a threat and we both know it. Muggleborns aren’t the
problem, their families are. Look at what the Dursleys do to young Mr.
Potter.”
“And look at what Lucius does to Draco and Narcissa.”
“Touché. Valid point. Wizarding families… particularly pureblood lines,
can be very conservative in their thinking. Lucius is a product of many
generations of bullies. Unfortunately he is well respected and carries a
great deal of power. I could easily destroy him and his little flunkies in a
duel but that won’t give me what I want.”
“The Ministry.”
“Once I have secured my power I can give him to Bella wrapped in a
bow. If I can pull the loyalties of the others away from him he will be
dispensable.”
“And for now he does as he pleases?”
“For now. I need his connections. The others respect him and that gives
him power in the Ministry. They will follow him unless I give them a reason
not to.”
“Us.”
“I need to prove you are something else besides just Harry Potter’s
mudblooded friend.”
 “And what of my mudblooded friends?”
“Are you sure they are your friends? From what I hear you have very
few. Intelligence isn’t always appreciated.”
“You are avoiding the question.”
“I am. There always needs to be a scapegoat to rally around. You know
how muggles and muggleborns are treated in the wizarding world. They
will always be the ones that are the outsiders. All I can promise is to try
and find a way to let them keep their wands. Maybe a caste system as
I’ve mentioned before. I am still working out something. I am adapting my
stance to maximize its effectiveness.”
“That isn’t exactly a fantastic offer.”
“No, but it is a truthful one. I will try and come up with a way to appease
you if you come to me. I will be changing this world and you will have input
in what I do. What had Dumbledore offered you? More of the same? A life
in hiding with Bellatrix? Go visit your parents. See how they react. See
what the Order truly will offer you and your mate. See what they will offer
your child. Yes… I know you are pregnant. Your magic is growing. Simple
potions won’t stop it.”
“And doesn’t that make us a threat to you? How do I know I won’t be a
danger to you once you win? Will I end up being as disposable as
Lucius?”
“A fair question. If you give me your loyalty I will give you an
unbreakable vow. As long as you carry my mark and serve me you will be
safe. I will even vow to give you power at my side. You want to change
this world… I will give you that opportunity.”
“But I have to sacrifice muggleborns and muggles to do it.”
“You will have to sacrifice something in this war no matter which side
you choose. I think you will soon find muggles won’t be hard to part with
and for the muggleborns I will find something that will be worth it.
Everyone has a skill, I have lots of them. One of them is the art of
manipulation. I have a mudblood walking around Malfoy Manor and I
haven’t even played my hand yet.”
She looked at the wizard before her stunned.
“I told you Hermione, I am offering the one thing they aren’t… the truth.
You are a weapon and you will have a master, the prophecy has foretold
this. The real question is what will the other side do with you once they
win?”
 He walked her in, receiving several confused looks from some of the
Death Eaters. Everyone but the Inner Circle had been cleared out for
Hermione’s stay but the Manor was still bustling with activity. Hermione
realized a horrifying thought. Team Evil had a lot more players on it.
“Yes we do. Team Evil? That is rather catchy isn’t it?”
“Fuck!”
“You have done remarkably well at keeping them up. ”
They were standing in the library and quite a few of the Inner Circle
were there. Voldemort began to make formal introductions.
“You have met Yaxley and Macnair. That is Mulciber, Nott, Avery and
Rowle. You will have time to speak with them and the others while you
stay here and they in turn will have questions for you I am sure.”
“Granger!” Hermione saw Draco running up to her interrupting them. He
saw Voldemort next to her and turned white. He shouldn’t have interrupted
the Dark Lord.
“Draco? What’s going on?” She said before Voldemort could hex him.
“I am sorry My Lord. I didn’t realize… several of the elves have said a
kneazle has raided the stores and stolen some of the fish for tonight’s
dinner. He is running amok in the kitchen.”
Voldemort was about to tear the young man a new one when Hermione
called for her cat.
“CROOKS!” She growled loudly. She knew the kneazle would hear her
with his exceptional hearing.
Hermione heard Mulciber as he leaned into Rowle and whispered, “She
really is a cat? Gryffindors!”
The others stayed quiet. They had seen some of what Bellatrix could do
but Hermione’s feline outburst was surprising. They didn’t understand what
she had done until a kneazle covered in flour, some sort of syrup, and
what looked like bits of cucumber and onions, walked in.
“What were you doing?”
“I was hungry! Keeping up my defenses around the enemy has made
me work up an appetite.”
“So you invaded the kitchen? Narcissa is going to kill me assuming the
Dark Lord doesn’t do it first.”
“Hey that prophecy practically gives you carte blanche. Whatever the
sauce was is delicious by the way.”
“You seem to be wearing at least some of it.”
 “Yeah can you hook up a witch’s best friend with a scourgify.”
The room was stunned as the two went back forth. Narcissa and
Bellatrix had come in while they were arguing and while Narcissa was very
worried about the outcome of Draco’s interruption of the Dark Lord,
Bellatrix was enjoying the debate. Hermione looked at her.
“At least we know dinner will be good if that finicky menace liked it so
much.” Bellatrix laughed.
“I am not a menace.”
“Really? Should I ask Argus Filch about that?” Bellatrix answered him in
English. He hissed in response making her laugh harder. Hermione was
still pissed.
“Apologize!”
“I am a kneazle, I can’t apologize.”
“CROOKS” There was no mistaking the menace in her growl.
The kneazle tentatively walked up to the Dark Lord and lay down in front
of him showing submission.
“He is sorry Dark Lord. He promises to stay out of the kitchen.”
“Apology accepted if you tell me what he did to Argus Filch.”
“It isn’t exactly Argus Filch… it’s more of what he is doing with Mrs.
Norris.”
The entire room started laughing. Her cat stood up and strutted a bit.
Hermione rolled her eyes and cast a scourgify cleaning him up. Voldemort
smirked.
“You have mastered your tongue? Have you learned any others?”
“Yes Dark Lord. Several.” Hermione hissed in parseltongue.
“Very good.” He hissed back. He was pleased. His Inner Circle had
watched how easily she switched languages. “I think at some point they
will get a small taste of what you can do. Some like Lucius will never
change but most hold power above all else. They will happily ignore your
parentage if you impress them. My name isn’t a secret but no one has
ever followed up on researching my lineage. It is more convenient to
ignore it.”
“You have shown me more than anyone else playing this game. Thank
you for that.”
“If I know my men you will be able to make your point very soon.” He
switched back to English. “Why don’t you rest a bit and get settled in and
we will see the two of you later this evening.”
 “As you wish Dark Lord.”
“Narcissa make sure she is properly settled in.”
Narcissa and Bellatrix escorted her back to her rooms, Crookshanks in
tow. Hermione could smell Narcissa’s fear as they walked through the
halls.
“Do you think he will harm him? Do you want me to go back and get
him?”
“No Hermione. It will only make things worse.”
“So this is what He has to offer. A life of fear? The cruciatus curse for
infractions.”
“Hermione…”
“I know. I am sorry about Crooks. I will do what I can to protect you
while I am here Narcissa.”
“She isn’t yours to protect. She is mine.” Lucius hissed as he walked
down the hall towards them. He grabbed Narcissa by the arm and pulled
her near.
“You shouldn’t have sent Draco to report like a house elf. I would have
happily dealt with the cat problem.” He stared at Hermione as he dressed
Narcissa down.
Crooks hissed. Lucius made a move for his wand.
“Don’t even think about it.”
“What will you do mudblood? The Dark Lord thinks so highly of you, I
am curious to see why.”
He pointed his wand at Crookshanks and fired off a spell. Hermione cast
a protego blocking the hex. Lucius smiled.
“Now you have given me grounds for a duel owwwwwww!” Crooks had
clearly taken offense to being hexed at and had gone into full attack mode
sinking his claws and fangs into the pureblooded scions shin.
Hermione heard laughter from behind her she saw Mulciber and Rowle
standing there.
“Bloody hell Malfoy, did you piss of her cat?” Mulciber laughed. Malfoy
was furious.
“Crooks!” the cat stopped his attack and hid behind Hermione sensing
the danger. Lucius couldn’t take the mocking and lost any semblance of
reason. Hermione realized that there was no way that Voldemort had this
accidentally happen. He wanted her to prove her worth to the Inner Circle.
“Avada Kedavra” The green light shot from Lucius’ wand into Hermione’s
chest before anyone could react. Her instincts kicked in. She changed her
skin but only in her chest. The dragon’s hide protected her easily from the
curse. She had trained so the hide would only appear at the site of the
attack. By not revealing it an attacker wouldn’t know how she beat the
curse.
Lucius turned white and the rest of the room went slack jawed at the
display. Even Bella was awed.
“Fuck! You are one tough bitch Granger!” Mulciber exclaimed.
Hermione let her fangs show as she stalked towards Lucius.
“Enough. I do need him in one piece, however foolish he might be.
Crucio!” Lucius twitched under the Dark Lord’s curse.
“My safety was supposed to be guaranteed Dark Lord.”
“And it is. He is no match for you, the wards never activated because
you were never in danger. Let him live.” He stood in between them.
Hermione smirked. It was well played. She couldn’t kill Lucius. It would
cause too many problems for Narcissa and for her and Bellatrix. He just
showed off her power and by getting her to stop he proved his power.
Lucius would be protected by him and lose some of his traction with the
Inner Circle. It was a rather brilliant ploy. She nodded her head and
lowered her wand.
“I will send Crooks back to Hogwarts before he tears the Manor down
Dark Lord. Please, I don’t want someone else to have to pay for this
dispute.”
“Very well. Lucius will you agree that Draco and Narcissa will remain
unharmed?”
Lucius was grateful to be alive. If the Dark Lord hadn’t intervened he
would be dead. To make things worse he completely violated the Dark
Lord’s decree. He nodded his consent.
“Good. Now everyone play nice. Feel free to use the floo Miss Granger.
I will see you at dinner.”

* * *

The next two days had progressed relatively smoothly. Voldemort’s plan
had worked. The Death Eaters were more interested in what Hermione
could do rather than where she came from. She showed off her various
tricks including her little spider-man web number and silently thanked
Harry for his fanciful ideas. She didn’t tell them how she deflected the
killing curse but later Voldemort pulled her aside and guessed correctly.
Hermione was nervous but she hid it well. Both she and Bellatrix knew
that the protections didn’t activate. They also both knew that it had nothing
to do with her not being in danger. She had missed the block. Only instinct
saved her. There was a loophole and it was a big one if Lucius could
attack her.
She made sure to hide her best learned skills from the Inner Circle.
Once Snape had told her to try and learn the skills of other magical
creatures she took the assignment to heart. Both she and Bellatrix had a
few tricks up their sleeves.
One of the first magical creatures the two learned to channel after
dragons was the demiguise, the creature who’s fur was used to make
invisibility cloaks. They followed up by spending some time in the Black
lake with the merepeople and learning to channel kelpies. They were
improving every day but Hermione and Bellatrix made sure to hide most of
their powers from both sides.
Hermione understood Molly’s and the wizarding world’s fear now, their
ability to channel these powers made them extremely dangerous. Only an
extremely powerful witch or wizard like Voldemort, Dumbledore, or maybe
Snape or McGonagall, would be able to confront them and walk away.
Hermione saw the lines in the Death Eaters begin to crumble. Mulciber,
Rowle, Rookwood, Avery, Jugson, Selwyn, Gibbon, Travers and
surprisingly Dolohov all seemed to now be more interested in what the
primal mages could do.
Lucius still had the support of Macnair, Nott, Crabbe and Goyle (which
wasn’t a surprise) and Yaxley. The Carrows were undecided and trying to
stay under everyone’s radar. Hermione expected that Nott, Crabbe and
Goyle would cave easily to pressure but Yaxley and Macnair were true
believers.
The Death Eaters were what she expected. Vicious, blood obsessed,
and power hungry. She didn’t expect them to be friendly, which some
were. It seemed they had ‘a my team/your team’ attitude and could be
quite congenial when they weren’t maiming and killing.
Voldemort had kept his promise and let her see the drawbacks and the
realities of his side. The cruciatus curse was handed out like demerits. It
was something that He expected for all in his service. He was a
megalomaniac and a tyrant and made no apologies. If she joined him they
would be living up to the Team Evil moniker.
She just didn’t see how she would ever join them. She would never be
able to be like them, to even watch the things they did. Neither would
Harry. She knew she would need to find a way to work with the Order.
Before she returned to Hogwarts, Hermione apparated home. Bellatrix
was with her. She was taking Voldemort’s advice. She was going to tell
her parents everything and see what they said. She stood nervously
before the door for a minute, took a deep breath, and knocked.
 Chapter 16
“You’re what?”
“Mum, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.” Hermione said quietly.
“So you are a lesbian and this thing now, an animal magician?”
“Primal mage dad.”
“And she is too? But she is on that man’s side that hates us?”
“Yes but now she is on my side. She is my soul mate.”
“You are eighteen years old, a lesbian and somehow she got you
pregnant! How did a woman get you pregnant? You can’t be pregnant!
You haven’t even finished school yet!” Her mother exclaimed.
“It was an accident. Our powers overrode the potion.”
“You can’t have a child now.” her father chided her. “What about your
schooling and your future?”
“I am going to take my tests early. I don’t know what will happen with
my future. The Ministry will… regulate us if they find out. They can’t
know.”
“I don’t understand.” her mother was worried.
“The Department for Regulation of Magical Creatures will come after
us.”
“Creatures? You’re not human anymore? Are you like a werewolf or
something? Is that why you have gone gay?” her father interrupted.
“They know about werewolves?” Bellatrix had stayed quiet up until that
point but she was surprised.
“All muggles know about werewolves and vampires baby, they just don’t
know they are real.”
“Baby? She is old enough to be your mother! Literally, I think she is
older than me. She seduced and twisted you!”
 “Mother she is my soul mate. We are magically destined to be
together.”
“And your child, what will it be if you are these primal magician things?
Will it be dangerous? Hermione you are talking about having a child and
fighting a war. You should be studying and worried about university. No.
This can’t happen. I want you to come home. We can take care of the
pregnancy…”
Bellatrix growled at her father as he made the suggestion. Hermione put
a hand on her. The conversation had begun with her parents being equal
parts dismissive and condescending and hadn’t improved much from
there.
The dark witch was on her last nerve. Her father unfortunately couldn’t
sense the danger.
“Did she just growl at me? This is insane! What have they turned you
into? You are coming back home with us. There will not be a discussion in
this matter and if you fight me on this I will write one of those owl things to
the Ministry and tell them what this woman has done to you.”
The conversation went downhill from there. By the end they were
screaming. Hermione finally sat down in a chair and whispered, “I can’t
believe he was right about you. Mum, dad I love you. Obliviate.”
When she was done the day was gone. She would keep the distant yet
cordial relationship they had and they wouldn’t know about their
grandchild. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
They walked out to the garden to apparate out.
“Come with me Bella.”
“To Hogwarts? You know Minerva already warned me off.”
“To the shack. I will owl them and let them know I won’t be back until
tomorrow.”
When they arrived Bellatrix drew a bath for them and held Hermione
while she cried. She thought it was strange that a bond could change so
much. Bellatrix Black was known as a lot of things but only the woman
lying in her arms made her so soft hearted.
As Hermione calmed down the soft murmurs and gentle comforting
caresses turned to kisses as she sought out comfort from her lover.
Bellatrix wrapped her arms around her gently toying with her breasts and
stroking her abdomen while she feathered her neck and shoulder with
kisses.
 Her hand soon dipped into Hermione’s center as she lightly danced her
fingers through her folds. Hermione purred as Bellatrix stroked her clit.
There lovemaking was frequently and appropriately animalistic in nature
and the softness was welcome.
Hermione moved her body a bit to allow her the ability to reach a hand
back and stroke Bella’s clit as well. It had hardened but she had controlled
the size and her primal nature wasn’t showing. The two matched each
other’s strokes as Hermione turned her head to allow Bellatrix access to
her lips.
Their kisses stayed as soft as their touch and they explored each other,
tongues dancing as lips gently played against each other. Bellatrix came
first but Hermione soon followed.
“I love you baby. Take me to bed.”
Bellatrix didn’t need to be asked twice. She drained the tub with a flick
of her wand as she channeled her powers to easily lift Hermione out of the
tub and carry her to their bedroom.

* * *

“How did things go with Tom?”

“Surprising sir. I expected him to wine and dine me but he showed me
what things really would be like.”
“I am sure it was eventful but are you sure Tom showed you the truth?
He is a deceptive man Hermione.”
“I know Headmaster but I saw the Dark Lord. I have no doubt about
that.” She turned to Severus who was sitting next to Minerva; both were
looking at her with disbelief. “I had no idea sir.”
“You had no idea what?” Severus grumbled. He couldn’t believe that
Granger would fall for whatever nonsense the Dark Lord told her. He
hadn’t been allowed near the Manor while she was there as to not give up
his spy status. They had been in the dark while Hermione was playing with
the dark.
“How much you must have to go through. I hear the rumors but I never
expected to see the cruciatus so casually handed out. You take points
away from Gryffindor less than that man hexes people.”
The three looked at her stunned. Finally the Headmaster spoke.
“I think you should tell us everything that happened including explaining
why Minerva had to cat-sit.”
She told them about her stay but was confined by the protections and
she left a few things out for her own protection. Dumbledore made that
contract with Voldemort, there was no way the man missed the loophole.
She wondered what it was and how far it extended.
The agreement between the parties was magically binding and at times
she found herself tongue tied as she tried to convey information that was
obviously protected under their terms. It also helped with explaining why
she couldn’t share some of the things she was holding back. Fortunately
the incident with Crooks was not, she withheld the attack against her
though.
It was rare that even a glimpse of a smile crossed the face of Severus
Snape but he was laughing to the point of tears as she relayed the Crooks
versus Lucius battle. She couldn’t convey the split that came from it but
hopefully Snape would report soon and find out.
“I can’t tell you all I want to but it seems to me that he is banking on this
side betraying us. Has anyone heard from the Order? How is Harry
doing? Do we know?”
Severus was again impressed with Hermione’s skills. The little chit was
the only one who had contact with the boy and she knew it. The more he
dealt with her the more he was glad he tied his fate to hers. He was now
convinced that it was what would guarantee his survival.
“Andromeda has convinced Augusta to let go of her vendetta against
Bellatrix. Augusta said she has spoken to Doge and Diggle and have
gotten them to relent. They are going to work on Molly and Arthur. Most
of the Weasley children have been agreeable. I have reason to believe at
this point a majority of the Order has sided with you. We haven’t spoken
to Harry. I am sure he just needs some time with Sirius. They haven’t seen
much of each other. I am sure he is happy to be catching up with
everyone.”
“Of course Headmaster.”

* * *

If Harry had to spend another minute around Sirius, Molly and Arthur he
was going to save Voldemort the trouble and hang himself from
Wallburga’s portrait. Ron and Ginny hadn’t been much of a help. It was
clear they were unwilling conspirators, but guilt was driving them to stay
steadfast to their mother’s side.
Some of the Order members had popped in and Harry was at least
getting a little intel. He made sure to let Hermione know things were
looking up. It looked like Molly and Arthur were losing traction. Andromeda
had convinced Augusta Longbottom to accept Hermione and Bellatrix.
It pushed a few of the members over to Hermione’s side. Doge had
come by and told them about it. He had spent some time whispering with
Molly. He had heard her agree to meet with both him and Augusta that
evening. She was bringing Sirius and Arthur. Maybe they would be able to
convince them to see the “light.” He smiled at his mental pun as he looked
for Ginny.
Harry saw what Hermione and Ginny joked about when they called
Sirius ‘Chester’. Harry didn’t know how he didn’t notice it before or how
everyone else missed it. Sirius looked at Ginny too long and in a way that
was entirely inappropriate.
“How do you stand it?”
“I just avoid him.” Ginny replied, “They really need to get him out of
here. It is ridiculous to keep a man locked up for that long.”
“You make excuses for it.”
“No Harry. You look at me that way too sometimes you know? He is a
man.”
He blushed, “I… um… I… I am sorry”
“Don’t be. Part of the reason I agreed to this charade is to spend time
with you. I broke up with Dean. I can’t abandon my mum… she is my mum
but now she isn’t angry about me spending time with you? She actually
seems to be encouraging it.”
Harry suddenly was a very happy prisoner. Maybe spying wasn’t so bad
after all.

* * *

“Augusta convinced Elphias. He has even agreed to champion for

Hermione with Molly and Arthur. Things are looking up Minnie.”
“Are you sure about this Albus? Doge is a stubborn man.”
“Augusta is calling the shots and you know that they won’t challenge her.
No one has a claim to hate Bellatrix more than Augusta.”
 “So why did she change her side.” Minerva didn’t understand the
woman’s sudden swing in opinion.
“That night Andromeda was with the Longbottoms. There was nothing
she could do for Frank and Alice but she managed to sneak Neville out.
The boy is alive because of her.”
“A life for a life.” Minerva nodded.
“I think we may have our break. Severus how are things on the other
side?”
Severus was surprised to learn that Andromeda was there. It explained
her influence over Augusta.
“I discovered what Hermione couldn’t tell us due to our agreements. The
incident with Lucius has fractured the Death Eaters. Most of the Inner
Circle are now more preoccupied with her powers than her blood. Lucius
has a small faction that is staying loyal to him. Losing to a kneazle
certainly cast doubt as to his strength.”
The all smiled again.
“I am surprised Lucius didn’t attack either one of them.” Dumbledore
commented thoughtfully.
“He did. Hermione must have been bound by the oaths. She blocked the
attack.” He wasn’t sure when he started leaving out details but he realized
he had definitely chosen a side. In the end his vow was to protect Lily
Evan’s son and the only person in the world that truly cared about that
without their own agenda besides him was Hermione Granger.
He hadn’t revealed her skills channeling magical creatures and neither
had she. He had learned she was hit with an Avada and barely flinched.
He sensed that the Dark Lord had an idea what she had done but the
others were mystified. Severus knew it was the dragon hide.
Potter and his bloody comic book ideas had been brilliant. Hermione’s
logical mind applied the fanciful powers to real creatures. It was working
extremely well and she was a dangerous witch to tangle with.
“Very good. Did she question how he attacked her through the
protections?”
Severus rolled his eyes, “Yes. The Dark Lord told her that she wasn’t in
any danger so they didn’t kick in. I doubt she believes it. The question is if
she knows the answer. You are playing a dangerous game old man, she is
only protected from the kings, isn’t she?”
“It was an oversight by both sides. It is the only way Severus. One side
must betray them for the other to save them. From the looks of things
Lucius will be the one to do that. Augusta is shoring up our side.”
“If she can talk sense to Molly and Arthur.”
“Severus, even I don’t want to get on Augusta’s bad side.”

* * *

There had been some big meeting but they didn’t let him go despite
what they said. It was about letting Hermione come back and they said he
would be too emotional. When everyone came back they were acting
strangely. Molly seemed unsure of her actions, Arthur seemed extremely
upset and Sirius seemed to be a little unnerved as well.
Things looked good. The next day they began to ask him questions
about Hermione. It looked like they had been convinced to give her a
chance. Harry knew how afraid Neville was of his grandmother and knew
she was well respected but he never truly appreciated how powerful she
was until that moment.
Ginny had been seeking him out and Ron had only threatened his life
once since the two started spending time together. He understood. If he
had a sister he wouldn’t want anyone to make time with her either… even
one of his mates. They hadn’t done anything but hold hands but he liked
that he had a shot now.
They were all in the kitchen having dinner when the topic of a truce
finally came up.
“Harry, we have been talking. We are not making any promises… let me
make that clear, but we have agreed to meet with Hermione and Bellatrix.”
Sirius said. “Don’t get your hopes up yet Harry.”
Harry was relieved but he stayed in spy mode and held back his
enthusiasm and casually asked, “What made you change your minds?”
“Augusta.” Molly replied, “She knows… she has been through so much.
She just gave us a different way to look at the situation. She really opened
our eyes to the dangers we could be facing.”
“We are going to have them come over once school begins again. We
will sit down and address our concerns. If they can give us proper
answers we will reconsider our stance. Under no circumstances will
Hermione be alone with Ginny.” Arthur said. Harry could tell he wasn’t
happy about this meeting.
 “OK. It is only fair. I would like to be there.”
Molly took his hand, “Harry, I know you do but we are going to be
asking some tough questions. We are taking a chance but we still have
some significant reservations. I don’t want you kids to have to go through
this. That is why we are waiting until school starts again.”
“I really want to be there.”
“I know Harry but remember what Molly and Augusta have been
through. They are going to want to confront Bellatrix. They don’t want to
address old wounds with you kids around.”
Harry didn’t like the idea of them ganging up on Hermione but he
understood their point. Hermione said the first meeting had been full of
accusations. They didn’t want him in the cross fire. Dumbledore would
hopefully keep the fighting to a minimum.
“I just hope you give them a chance.”
“We will Harry.” Arthur said but it was clear Augusta was pushing this.
His voice lacked enthusiasm.

* * *

They were sitting in the Great Hall. Hermione was picking at her
breakfast. Snape had said that there weren’t any safe potions for the
morning sickness especially considering Hermione’s unique nature. She
was struggling with the side effects of pregnancy while trying to hide the
pregnancy.
She also had to be prepared to take her N.E.W.T.s in a few months’
time. She was tired, cranky and over not being able to enjoy breakfast.
Bellatrix had been completely over possessive in the last few weeks. She
was wonderful, spoiling Hermione and tending to her needs but she was
also constantly watching over her and checking on her.
The good news was Ron and Ginny were no longer ghosts. They had
resumed their friendship over the last few weeks. Hermione was happy
that Harry was finally being given a chance by Ginny. Even with the
change they hadn’t told them any important information.
Harry had freaked out when he found out Hermione was pregnant. They
had decided not to share that with the rest of the Order. Besides Harry,
Minerva, Severus and Dumbledore the only other ones that knew were
Tonks and Lupin.
 Ron and Ginny knew they were still out of the loop but they understood
they would have to earn Harry and Hermione’s trust. They didn’t know that
Harry knew they had taken his coin so they didn’t realize they were being
provided almost no information or false information.
The hardest part had been hiding Harry’s trips to see Narcissa. Harry
and Hermione disappeared into her quarters for hours at a time. Ginny
seemed to be getting a bit jealous despite knowing Hermione and Harry
had a relationship that was more akin to siblings than romantic in nature.
Things were still stifled between them so the last thing Hermione wanted
was to play twenty questions.
“So when are you going to meet with mum?” Ron asked.
“Soon. Not yet but soon. We are going to go over in a few weeks. I
need some time to deal with school and… things.”
“I am glad they are finally seeing reason” he added.
“Thanks Ron.”
“So are you going to tell us where you two sneak off to for your study
sessions?” Ginny asked.
“Ginny…”
“Hi guys! Hi won-won.”
Hermione thanked every deity she believed in and a few she didn’t as
Lavender picked the perfect time to interrupt them.
“We can finish this later.” Ginny said letting it be known the subject was
not dropped.
Two hours later Hermione and Harry were sitting in the shack. Harry
was setting up the chess board for the game he and Narcissa played
every Saturday and the two chatted while they waited for the sisters to
appear.
“So when are we going to trust them again?” Harry asked.
“Not for a while. Every other Weasley except Percy stood up to their
parents. I know they haven’t abandoned us. They are torn but they not
only caved but they gave up the coin. I just… I want to see what happens
with Molly first. Bella is going to have to find a way to make peace with
her biggest enemies. I am surprised you are rushing this.” Hermione
replied.
“Why?”
“You really want to explain that you have been sneaking off to spend
time with a woman as hot as Narcissa Malfoy to them.”
 “Narcissa is my friend and they will have to deal with it. We aren’t going
to them if they won’t protect her.”
“They will Harry they have to. We come as a group. They are taking all
of us.”
“Glad to hear it Miss Granger.” Hermione smiled and turned to see the
two sisters stepping out of the floo.
“I mean it Narcissa. It is silly that we are all pawns in this war. We play
this game to win and we stick together.”
Narcissa put a hand on her shoulder for a second and squeezed, “I
know Draco still avoids you when he isn’t taunting you but we both
appreciate what you are doing and have done for us.”
“I know that a king needs to win. I just want us to be alive when he
does. Let them fight with Molly and Lucius and let us be.”
“That’s wishful thinking kitten.” Bella said as she kissed her mate hello.
“I know baby. Come on… we only have a few hours before we need to
be back at the castle.”
Hermione pulled her lover to the bedroom leaving Harry and Narcissa
alone.
“So Miss Weasley has finally expressed an interest in you?”
“You heard?” Harry blushed furiously.
“I did.”
“I… we haven’t done anything. We are just…”
“Circling around the issue?”
“Um yeah.”
Narcissa cast a silencing spell as loud screams of “fuck me harder!”
drifted out from the other room. Harry turned even redder.
“Are you a virgin Harry?”
“I… uh…”
“There isn’t anything wrong with it.”
“I just well…”
“Harry my experiences have been… unfortunate. Wait until you are
ready. Make sure it’s…”
A vase fell from the impact of the bedroom and the activities within.
“It doesn’t have to be that Harry, but it should be something you want
and enjoy.”
“Thank you.”
 Chapter 17
“I can’t believe that the Order have decided to meet with me. Word is
Doge has switched back. He hasn’t contacted our side in weeks. The
Dark Lord is furious. Doge is a true believer. Augusta Longbottom is a
powerful woman if she can turn him to accept us.”
“And one that should want you dead ten times over.”
“Yes why again has she become our champion?”
“Your sister saved Neville. A life for a life.”
“I didn’t even know she was there that night. Typical Andy, always
running from a fight.”
“She saved Neville.”
“That she did. So this should be a fun evening. Me being reunited with
everyone I have tormented… or their living relatives.” Bellatrix smirked.
“Stop taking so much pleasure in this. Remember the plan.”
“Right. I pretend to be remorseful and that I care.”
“Yeah basically. Just try to behave.”
The two entered the floo to Hogwarts. Dumbledore and McGonagall
were waiting for them. Snape was absent as expected. Both sides were
assuming that their primal was keeping the other in the dark about the
spies and they planned to keep it that way.
In a normal world, the fact that Bellatrix protected Snape’s identity
would further prove her ability to be trustworthy. For the Order it would
just cast dispersions on Severus.
Bellatrix changed form, this time become a kneazle remarkably close in
coloring to Crooks. If anyone saw her they would assume she was
Hermione’s familiar. Crooks took one look at her and meowed.
“OK now I see it. She is hot.”
 “Seriously, stop checking out my girlfriend. That’s just fucked up.”
“There is a reason they make comments about tomcats. I am what I
am.”
“You will be a rug if you look at me that way again.” Bellatrix hissed.
“Is she related to Snape? I can see a resemblance. They both have
such wonderful personalities.” Crooks countered. Hermione scooped him
up and put him by the window.
“Stay in here tonight Crooks, I can’t explain two of you walking around.”
They walked to the Headmasters office to floo to Headquarters. Minerva
and Hermione’s floos were blocked from Grimmauld Place once a
connection was made to the shack for security purposes. Bellatrix
changed back once they were safely ensconced in the Headmaster’s
office.
“Miss Black, there is no reason to have your wand drawn.” Minerva
sighed.
“Yes there is.” Bellatrix didn’t trust that the meeting wasn’t a trap. Now
that they knew the protections were bunk they had to be careful going
near either side.
“Bella, there will be enough Order members on our side that we will be
safe.” Hermione assured her. Bellatrix put her wand into her sleeve for
quick access and the four flooed to headquarters.
They were greeted by Sirius who said little. He glared at his cousin and
escorted them into the study where they were meeting. Andromeda, Ted,
Augusta, Molly, Arthur, Kingsley, Hestia, Remus and Tonks were present.
The rest would be filled in later.
There were chairs arranged in a semicircle with two chairs in front.
Hermione rolled her eyes. This was to be an inquisition.
“What, no tea and biscuits?” Bellatrix quipped earning a smack on the
arm from Hermione. They took their seats and waited while the Order
situated themselves.
“As you know, we have some serious concerns about your entry into the
Order.” Augusta started, “Your sister has convinced me to give you a
chance and I owe her a great debt. A life for a life is wizarding tradition.
With that said, you tortured my son and daughter-in-law, murdered Molly’s
family and killed, tortured, maimed and murdered dozens more. Why
should we take you?”
“Because you have to. I am sorry about your families but I was fighting
a war that I believed in, a war I would still believe in if it weren’t for the
change of events. My mate is muggleborn. I love her and I don’t care what
her bloodline is. I spent time a few weeks ago meeting her parents… my
future in-laws and I have accepted the relationship we created with them
that day.”
Hermione stayed stoic as Bellatrix unleashed a mound of bullshit larger
than K2. Of course she was happy with the relationship with Hermione’s
parents. They had obliviated them. Her parents had no memory of
meeting Bellatrix and her relationship with them was back to polite and
distant. She let Bellatrix take her hand and listened as her lover continued.
“I am no longer fighting for anyone but my family. You are fighting for
yours. You don’t like me… I don’t blame you. The only way you will keep
your families safe is if we join you. The prophecy made that clear. You
don’t have to like me; you don’t have to be my friend. You can hate me
forever but you have to meet our terms.”
The members of the Order shifted uncomfortably. Many thought they
were extending a courtesy by even having this meeting. Now they were
being told they had to meet terms.
“Terms! You corrupted Hermione, turned her queer and into a freak!”
Sirius protested. Lupin grabbed his arm and kept him down.
“Miss Black perhaps it would be best if you explained what you mean by
terms.” Dumbledore said knowingly.
“Safety for myself and our family. Hermione, Narcissa, Harry and Draco
shall all be kept safe. Any children we have will be safe. You will find a
way to keep the Ministry from pursuing us either for my crimes or for our
primal nature and we will be legally bonded.”
“You want us to change laws that have been on the books for hundreds
of years?” Kingsley asked. He supported Hermione but it was an
enormous request.
“Might I remind you that the requirements that muggleborns always stay
registered with the Ministry were only lifted 70 years ago and you have a
werewolf sitting two feet from you who might want those laws lightened
as well considering he is still registered and monitored. I imagine he is
planning to have a family with my niece and their child will currently be
treated like an object by the Ministry.” Bellatrix stated.
Lupin nodded his approval as did Tonks. A few others clearly agreed as
well. Hermione had to give Bellatrix credit, for a woman who was
frequently thought to be mad, she was an extraordinarily persuasive
speaker.
“And our families? My brothers?” Molly said.
“All I can do is apologize but as I said, I was fighting a war as were
they. Clearly my views on muggleborns have changed. I had a husband I
hated and my only escape was with the Dark Lord. I now have a mate to
protect and a chance for my sister and nephew to be safe.”
“And Harry?” Sirius asked suspiciously.
“He is like a brother to Hermione. That makes him family.”
“I am surprised you have suddenly become so family oriented cousin.”
Sirius sneered.
“So am I. If you asked me these questions a year ago the answers
would have been different. The soul-bond has changed my view of the
world. I love Hermione and all I want is for us to be together and safe.”
Hermione tried not to roll her eyes. Bellatrix loved her but she wanted
more than that. She conveniently left out how much she enjoyed the acts
of murder and mayhem she regularly committed. She knew her lover was
still going on raids for the Dark Lord. She was just wearing a mask and
the standard battle gear instead of her usual corseted dress. The hood,
mask and pants kept her from being recognized.
One of the things Hermione knew she would have to sort out was what
Bellatrix would do with no war. Bellatrix was right, they were predators.
Hermione found herself antsy on days where she didn’t get sparring
practice in. She also wanted to hunt again. She hated admitting it but she
missed the chase and the thrill of the kill.
She focused back on the debate in front of her. They told Bellatrix she
was horrible, she told them she changed and was sorry, rinse and repeat.
The night progressed slowly. Finally it was Hermione’s turn on the hot
seat.
“I trusted you alone with my daughter!” Molly started.
“Molly, I have never touched Ginny nor would I, even before I had a
soul-mate. She is my friend’s little sister. I wouldn’t come into your home
and seduce your daughter. You have seen me since I have changed, you
are sitting here grilling the two of us. We could easily have used this
opportunity to destroy you. Instead we are willingly submitting ourselves
to interrogation.”
“You make it seem like you are doing us a favor.” Hestia responded.
She favored keeping the witches but she didn’t like her attitude.
“We could have considered your dismissal of us the betrayal. The
prophecy is clear. One side will betray us and that side will lose. I have to
admit to be astounded by this fight within the ranks. You have fought this
war once and are about to fight it again. You know that we are the key to
this war.”
She looked around at the Order. They just didn’t get it.
“How do you think I feel? I found out I was this strange type of witch
and that now the Ministry would hunt me and my friends would hate me. I
am 18 years old and I found out that I have a soul-mate. A soul-mate who
tried to kill me over the summer. How do you think she feels, everything
she believes in has been turned upside down? You will vote and make
your choice but we are going to protect ourselves and our family. Keep
that in mind. Any questions? Not accusations… questions?”
“How powerful are you now? What can you do?” Kingsley asked. They
knew the question was coming and prepared for it. They would give up
some information but keep some back. The ability to channel magical
animals was one they were hiding.
“We can now fully channel our animal forms. I have the ability to turn into
a cheetah or use some of the cheetahs skills. I can speak cat and hyena
as can Bella. We are both working on other animals skills and languages.
We just finished mastering a bird form so we can fly. I am an owl and
Bellatrix is a hawk.”
She left out that they had spent a weekend developing Hermione’s
dragon hide skill into turning into full dragons. She wasn’t flying anywhere
as an owl when she could go as a Hebridian Black. Bella was a Horntail of
course. She would pick the meanest dragon and the one Harry had a
personal grudge against.
The demiguise was one of the best they mastered with its ability to turn
invisible and by learning the kelpie skills they could navigate any body of
water unhindered. They had also mastered werewolves and dementors.
Considering the fondness that both sides had for the two creatures they
figured it would be prudent to be able to blend in the right situation. None
of these forms were shared with anyone, even with Harry and Narcissa.
Severus knew because he had helped Hermione train but even he didn’t
know the extent of what they mastered.
“We both have improved our spell casting ability. We can do some
wandless and wordless magic as you have seen. Our healing skills have
improved. We are both improving as duelers which I am sure you
expected. I have learned to cast webbing like a spider… it was Harry’s
idea.”
They all looked confused except for Ted who laughed.
“Spiderman! Good idea. Can I see?” He had turned from a stoic man to
an enthusiastic child in seconds. She had to laugh. She shot out a web
snagging a candle from the mantle and pulling it back to her.
“Absolutely brilliant. I had them all as a kid. Too bad you can’t channel
others… can you? I mean the Justice League would go a far way…”
“Sorry Ted. It has to be animals. On a positive note I don’t have to worry
about kryptonite.”
The entire room was completely stumped. Hermione smiled shyly.
“It’s a muggle thing.”
Ted looked to Bellatrix, “Did she explain it to you?”
“Yes. She borrowed her father’s conic books…”
“Comic books…” Hermione corrected.
“Comic books… conic books. The pictures don’t move. Very strange.”
Ted was surprised and impressed, “You read muggle comic books?”
“Yes.”
“Enough!” Molly interrupted, “What about your primal instincts. I know
you have them. I have read all about your kind.”
“Muggles?” Hermione responded challenging the witch.
“No. Primals. You have urges… animal urges.”
“Yes and I have a mate. I do not feel comfortable speaking about my
sex life with you but I can assure you that Bellatrix and I are not interested
in expressing those particular instincts with others your daughter included.”
“But your aggressive instincts! You can’t deny them.”
“Molly, this is the second time you have verbally attacked me. I haven’t
even raised my voice in response. I can channel animal aspects, I am not
controlled by them.” She exaggerated a bit. She did have that desire but
she had learned to keep it bottled up.
“You mentioned you want safety for Narcissa and Draco. Why?” Hestia
asked. Bellatrix filled them in briefly on Lucius’ behavior.
“So you want us to change the marriage laws for you? So Narcissa can
leave her husband and leave Draco without a father? You want us to
make it possible for you two to marry like a man and a woman?” Molly
asked.
“They love each other, that’s all that matters Molly. What Lucius is doing
is awful.” Remus sighed.
“So they say. You are assuming they and Narcissa aren’t lying about the
man. They mentioned children. How are you going to have children? They
can’t have children.” Molly continued.
“We can.” Hermione said staring into Molly’s eyes. She wouldn’t tell
them she was already pregnant but she needed to know where she stood.
“Your child… your child would be the product of two primals… the
power…” Kingsley whispered.
“It can’t happen! They can’t be allowed to have a child. It is bad enough
they want to marry. This is absolutely ridiculous Albus. Are we really going
to pretend we are going to change these laws? These are the laws our
world is built on. I won’t stand for this.” Molly said adamantly.
“Then we have nothing further to discuss.” Hermione stood and reached
out her hand to a stunned Bellatrix. She hadn’t expected Hermione to be
the one that lost patience.
The two women flooed back to the Headmaster’s office. Bellatrix
changed into a kneazle and they walked back to Hermione’s quarters.
Bellatrix was on her the minute they entered the shack. Hermione
pushed her off.
“What? I know you want it; I can feel the tension pouring off you.”
“I do… I need…”
Bellatrix understood. Hermione was angry, stressed and frustrated.
“I don’t want to hurt the baby.”
“You aren’t going to. If it’s too much I will let you know. Just don’t hit or
hex me and we will be fine.”
Bellatrix pinned her against the wall, this time using her power to hold
Hermione as she struggled. Hermione surged her power pushing Bellatrix
back to the ground. The dark witch wasn’t deterred. She sprung to her
feet and caught Hermione as she moved to the living room. She grabbed
her and lowered her to the ground, casting a web to bind Hermione’s
hands to a couch leg.
She knew her lover could easily destroy the webbing with fire or acid
from one of her animal forms. She hoped she wouldn’t. Hermione loved
being bound. She could tell by the way she fought against her binds. She
used the talons of her hawk form to cut through Hermione’s clothes. She
attacked each piece of exposed skin with her tongue and teeth driving her
lover crazy.
“Bellatrix please?”
“What baby? What do you want?” Bellatrix had found her center and
was happily lapping up her juices. She knew her lover needed to be
fucked but she didn’t want to stop just yet. The taste was too good.
Hermione continued to beg her to be fucked.
“God! Please Bella… please I need…”
“When I am done I will give you what you need. Right now I am going to
savor your cunt for a little while longer kitten.”
Hermione snarled and breathed fire burning through the webbing holding
her. She pushed Bellatrix on her back casting a divesto with a wave of her
hand. Bellatrix started to push herself up into a sitting position as
Hermione straddled her guiding her erect clit into her center.
“Fuck… so good baby. How can you deny me this?”
Bellatrix tried to regain control but Hermione pushed her back down and
put a hand to her throat holding her in place. Her other hand drew claw
marks down her chest and stomach drawing blood. Hermione ground
herself furiously against her lover as she clawed her smiling as Bellatrix
hissed in pain.
She began to bounce up and down on her furiously completely
disregarding Bella’s desires. All that mattered was her pleasure and she
needed this. Bellatrix moaned under her as Hermione put every ounce she
could into each movement.
“You can’t fuck me hard enough to get the pleasure you need kitten.”
Bellatrix said, voice raspy from the hand on her throat.
“Fuck. Give it to me. Stop fucking denying me.”
“Beg me.”
Hermione continued her pace, “Fuck you.”
“You are trying aren’t you?” Bella laughed. “Beg me and I will give you
what you need.” Bellatrix met her on the next few thrusts making
Hermione cry out.
“Please baby… please.”
Bellatrix sat up pushing Hermione’s hand away from her throat. “Stand
up. You are such a filthy little slut. I want to see you.”
Hermione stood, juices dripping down her thighs. Bellatrix stood up and
bent Hermione over the arm of the couch.
 “If you are going to act like a bitch in heat I am going to treat you like
one kitten.”
Bellatrix positioned herself to enter Hermione and grabbed her hips to
give her extra leverage as she thrust in hard enough to move the couch
forward. Hermione screamed at the rough invasion. Bellatrix cast a spell
to keep the couch in place and buried her hand into Hermione’s hair pulling
roughly on it.
“I love when you scream baby. Let’s see if we can get this shack to live
up to its name.” Bellatrix was rough with each stroke driving through
Hermione. All Hermione could do is hang on for dear life as she was
brutally fucked, her shrieks filling the air each time Bellatrix bottomed out
in her.
A hand soon wrapped around rubbing her clit and bringing her to the
edge. Hermione shook as the orgasm tore through her body.
“Bella…” Hermione whispered as she tried to push herself up.
“You shouldn’t have egged me on. You will stay there and take it until I
am finished.”
All Hermione could do is moan her response as her lover thoroughly took
her. She came several more times before Bellatrix finally reached her
peak, filling Hermione as she released collapsing on top of her spent lover.
Both women lay awkwardly in that position until they could catch their
breaths. Bellatrix stood again as she receded back to her human form.
It only lasted seconds. Once Hermione stood her juices were joined by
Bella’s come and the sight of both dripping down Hermione’s legs and on
to the floor was enough to drive Bella mad. She dropped to her knees.
“What are you doing Bella?”
“Finishing what I started.” Bellatrix’s tongue found her center again
lapping up both their juices as she drove Hermione to orgasm again.
Hermione passed out from the pleasure. She woke in their bed a few
hours later. Bellatrix was lazily playing with herself. She was still horny but
didn’t want to wake Hermione.
Hermione kissed her softly on the lips.
“I love you Bellatrix Black.”
“I love you too Hermio… ohhhh” Hermione had taken Bella’s full length in
her mouth. She wanted to thank her lover for the wonderful ache between
her legs. She paused and licked one of her fingers before returning to
Bellatrix.
 She slowly explored Bella’s ass with her finger pushing deep into the
tight hole as she claimed her with her mouth. The combination of the two
rendered Bellatrix speechless. All she could do is spit out guttural sounds
while she alternated between trying to push herself further into Hermione’s
mouth and welcoming the thrusts of her finger.
Bellatrix came again. Hermione swallowed her licking her lips as she
finished. She withdrew her finger and kissed her lover again.
“I want to be married before this child comes Bella. I want this to be
over before our baby comes into this world. I need us to be safe. I need
us to be a family.”
Bellatrix kissed her forehead, “We will be kitten. We will be.”
 Chapter 18
The owl came a week later as Hermione and Bellatrix were drifting off to
sleep. It was from Minerva. They were at Grimmauld Place and wanted
them to come over for a second meeting and it was of utmost importance
they come immediately. The Order had decided to give them a chance
and wanted to negotiate terms. They had opened the floo so they could
floo directly in.
Hermione looked at her watch it was almost 11:30 p.m. She sighed and
handed the letter to Bellatrix.
“It’s her writing and her owl. I guess we can’t ignore it.”
“Why is that? We have to be up early tomorrow, you have classes and I
have people to kill.”
“Really?”
“If I said no would you believe me?”
“No.”
“Then will you just accept a promise that I won’t get caught and it won’t
be anyone you are particularly attached to.”
“How am I in love with you again?”
“You secretly enjoy having a homicidal alpha beast as a lover?”
“Get dressed. Let’s go find out what the Order has decreed.”
The two pulled on clothes. Hermione was surprised that they would
allow a direct floo connection but then again, if they could bring the Order
to terms they needed to strike while the iron was hot. They flooed in and
were greeted by Minerva who seemed a bit off. She looked tired. Her
eyes were struggling to stay focused. Hermione wondered how long she
had been negotiating with them.
“I am glad you made it. Albus will be with us shortly. Go on into the
kitchen, they are drawing up the contracts as we speak.”
Hermione and Bellatrix headed in and saw Elphias Doge, Molly and
Arthur, Augusta Longbottom and Sirius Black. Molly looked unhappy.
“They are accepting your terms with some revisions. This is not my
choice but I will abide by the Order’s wishes.”
“Where is everyone else?” Bellatrix asked suspiciously.
“Full moon, Remus is tied up for the night. Tonks is with him.
Dumbledore should be here shortly, Kingsley is stuck in some Ministry
event. The rest have agreed to allow us to negotiate the final terms.”
Augusta answered, “I am tired of this back and forth. Everything has
become clear and there is only one course of action for us to take.”
Hermione nodded appreciatively to the older woman. The next three
hours were spent going back and forth over terms and times. By 2:00
Hermione was bleary eyed herself. Minerva hadn’t returned and when
Hermione went to check on her she was asleep in the study. Dumbledore
still hadn’t showed up.
They were stuck on the time frame to change the laws governing
primals. They didn’t realize Hermione had a reason to speed things up and
they couldn’t understand why the two wouldn’t wait a few years to give
them time to change.
In seven months Hermione was going to give birth to a child. She would
either have to have a child out of wedlock and lie about the father which
would ruin her reputation to the point that she wouldn’t be able to find
work or they needed a change of laws.
“Explain to me again why we have to wait so long to change the laws?”
Hermione asked. Bellatrix had zoned out completely.
“These laws are for the betterment of wizarding society. Creature blood
is dangerous and that is why we monitor them.” Doge replied.
“It doesn’t sound to me like you intend to change the laws at all.”
“The contracts will bind us. We will have a vow we must keep.”
“But this could be extended to decades the way you wrote it. You get
extension after extension to exercise.”
“So we will cut down the extensions.”
“I want it capped at five years.”
“If you will look at the relevant wizarding codes you will see it is not long
enough.” Doge then went on to give lengthy explanation of wizarding
codes and Wizengamot procedure.
 Hermione was falling asleep at the table.
“Sirius, send another owl to Dumbledore and find out what is keeping
him. He is never this late. I am putting some coffee on.” Molly said. She
was clearly as exhausted as the rest of them. A few minutes later she
poured everyone a cup. Hermione was not a fan of the bitter drink but she
needed to keep her eyes open and gladly accepted the coffee.
They continued to negotiate for another twenty minutes or so before it
started affect her. She was fighting with Doge over what her and Bellatrix
were to do when they won the war. He wanted them somewhere remote
and she was thinking somewhere more pleasant. She was asking
questions about wizarding Italy when her mouth started to become dry.
She took another sip of the coffee but it didn’t help.
They were discussing Portugal as she got up and poured herself a glass
of water. She was so tired she was seeing double but it was now to the
point where her vision was completely blurry.
“If he isn’t coming lets wrap this up. I don’t feel very good.” Hermione
didn’t think she could feel worse. She was exhausted and she needed to
go to bed. By the time she finished her third glass of water her morning
sickness was kicking in and she was nauseous. She looked to Bella and
saw that her lover looked as bad as she did. Out of nowhere it was like
she was hit with a ton of bricks. She was groggy but finally grasped what
was happening.
She knew they had little time and she reached into her pocket and found
her coin. She spit out two words before she lost use of her limbs.
“Headquarters. Poison.”
“Quick check her pockets.” Augusta commanded. Doge searched them
and found the coin.
“I recognize it. I have Harry’s at the Burrow. Ron and Ginny took it.” The
last part Molly directed to Hermione. “No one will be on the receiving end
of the message.”
Augusta stood over her taunting, “How do you feel? It is a magical
variant of Belladonna. I thought it would be fitting.”
“Can someone explain to me why we had to slip the sleeping potion to
Minerva?” Arthur asked clearly not completely OK with what was going on
but complacent nevertheless.
“We need her to stay unconscious. She will try and save them.” Doge
answered.
 “Why did we need her here?” He asked.
“We needed to get them here and the only way to do it was through
someone they trusted. Fortunately Minerva wasn’t expecting the imperius
curse and couldn’t resist it and they didn’t detect it. We also will need her
to die with Hermione’s wand to explain to the Order why we did this.”
“Why are we doing this Molly? Aren’t we fulfilling the prophecy?” Arthur
asked. Their voices were becoming more distorted as the poison started
working on Hermione’s body. She saw Bella throwing up next to her, the
warmth of her sick splashed on to Hermione’s arm.
“No. We gave them enough Belladonna to kill a giant. They won’t live
more than an hour or two. We need to do this Arthur… for our families, for
our world. I wasn’t sure about Augusta’s plan until we had the last meeting
with them. They were talking about having a child. I was suspicious so I
ran a pregnancy charm when they weren’t looking. I knew you wouldn’t
understand so I went to Elphias and Augusta. Hermione is pregnant. Can
you imagine the monster that they will produce? Augusta, you wanted to
use Minerva…”
Hermione felt her wand being removed. Augusta used it to hit Bellatrix
with a cruciatus curse. Hermione felt her heart break as she watched her
lover twitch from the curse. Clearly they had underestimated Augusta
Longbottom’s anger.
“Once they go. I want to watch her die for a while longer. She tortured
my baby. Her sister just cowered in the closet. Yes she saved Neville but
she could have fought for my son. A life for a life. You took Alice and
Frank’s I am taking yours and your mates you filthy beast. You took my
family…” She turned Bellatrix’s head. “Look. You see the pain coursing
through her body. She is miscarrying. You will lose your child just like I did.
You will lose everything and then you will die.
Bellatrix tried to scream but all that came out was a groan. She was
tearing up as she watched Hermione convulse. She could see the blood
between her legs. Their baby was dying and so were they.

* * *

Harry ran out of the house and down the stairs towards the staff
quarters. McGonagall wasn’t in her quarters. Hermione had told him that if
anything ever went wrong to go to Snape. He found it hard to believe but
he trusted Hermione. He heard footsteps behind him.
He turned and saw Ron, Neville and Ginny running after him. He pulled
his wand.
“What are you doing?”
“Harry. What the hell mate? We heard you run out and we followed.
Neville got Ginny while I followed you to McGonigall’s we were just trying
to catch you. What is going on?”
“You have nothing to do with it? I bet your parents do. Tell me you don’t
know.” He hissed.
“What are you talking about Harry?” Ginny asked.
“That is a good question Mr. Potter.” Harry turned and saw Snape
approaching.
“Oh thank god! They are killing them sir. Hermione is at headquarters
and they have been poisoned. Professor McGonagall is missing sir.”
Snape looked at Ron, “legilimens.” Twenty seconds later he looked to
Harry. “They didn’t know. Go to Dumbledore I will meet you in two
minutes. I need to grab the antidotes.”
The four students ran to Dumbledore’s office. Harry turned to the three
of them as the gargoyle opened a passage for them.
“You should go back to our rooms.” Harry said to them. “You shouldn’t
be there for this. You shouldn’t have to choose.”
“I don’t understand what is going on Harry.” Neville said confused.
“Your grandmother is probably killing Hermione with the help of their
parents and my godfather. I am going to do what I need to in order to
protect Hermione. You shouldn’t be there.”
“We are going Harry. If mum has gone this far… we are going.” Ron
said. Ginny seemed torn but nodded.
“Mr. Longbottom, Filius will escort you back to your quarters. The three
of you come with me.” Dumbledore commanded. Filius led a confused
Neville Longbottom around the corner. The three could hear the diminutive
professor.
“Obliviate.”
“Headmaster… we need to go.”
“We are just waiting for…”
Severus ran in.
“They locked the floo. Fortunately I set the wards.” Dumbledore said.
Seconds later they blasted through and the five of them appeared in
Grimmauld place.

* * *

Minerva looked up at Augusta.

“You are killing them?”
“They will be dead within minutes. They are practically corpses now.
They aren’t even twitching.”
“Are you really this angry Augusta?”
“She killed my son.”
“Frank is still alive!”
“Is he? He is just a husk of a man. Alice isn’t a person anymore. She
was so full of life. They both were. You don’t see them I do. I didn’t even
get the peace of knowing that they were properly laid to rest. They were
never hailed as the heroes they are. They are names only whispered in
the shadows. They are ghosts of the past war. Neville is the weak young
man he is because of what was done to them.”
“And me?”
“You have been helping that girl and the woman that did this. You would
let them bear a child, let them conquer our world… let them near my
grandson, the last of my blood. You are a necessary sacrifice Minerva.”
She raised Hermione’s wand.
“Avada…” She was blown sideways as the floo wards were taken out.
“Minnie?”
Minerva tried to right herself and need help from Dumbledore. “They
used the imperius on me and then drugged me. They were going to kill me
and blame Hermione. Albus… they are in the kitchen.”
The floo burst into flames again as more people started piling in.
Kingsley, Hestia, Remus and Tonks, Andromeda and Ted all came
through. Minerva bound Augusta and the others were filled in as the group
ran into the kitchen wands drawn and found themselves facing Elphias,
Molly, Arthur and Sirius. Hermione was on the floor and from the blood
between her legs it was clear she had miscarried. Both women were
unconscious and their breathing so shallow it was barely perceptible.
Severus moved to administer the antidote.
“No Severus… it is too late.” Dumbledore said.
“Albus they are still breathing!” McGonagall exclaimed.
 “They lost the child.” He replied. The three students turned to Hermione.
“Hermione was pregnant?” Ron asked quietly.
“That was why we had to do this. They were going to produce offspring.
We couldn’t let them do that. I gave up everything to do this. They couldn’t
conceive a child. Our world needed to be protected” Doge answered.
“Sir but they are still alive… Professor Snape can save them.”
“Harry, the betrayal has occurred. If we save them now they will join
Tom and come after you.”
“Albus! You cannot be suggesting this.” Minerva exclaimed.
“He is right Minerva. They killed her child. She will come after all of us.”
Andromeda replied shaking from fear. “I know my sister. She won’t stop
until we are all dead. Look how many years she chased me.”
“Mum, no!” Nymphadora responded.
“We can’t be having this bloody debate! Hermione is dying in front of us.
Hermione… the girl who is the reason why Ginny, Harry and I are alive!
Dad you can’t be doing this?” Ron asked incredulously.
“Ron, what do you think she will do if we save her? She will kill us. We
are your parents. You aren’t choosing her over us are you?”
“I am sorry Minerva but we can’t take the chance. I can’t take the
chance. Bellatrix Black will take this back in blood… ours… Harry’s.”
“I don’t care. Save them!” Harry pleaded. He knelt next to Hermione
crying.
“You’re an idiot Headmaster. This is how it happens. Let Severus save
them. Will my child be next mum?” Nymphadora Tonks pleaded.
Andromeda hid her eyes from her daughter.
Dumbledore never saw the spell coming. If he had he could have
blocked it but that was why Remus had moved behind him. Sometimes
you have to cheat to win. The stunner hit the man in the back and sent him
flying into Molly and Elphias. Hestia hit Ted and Nymphadora surprisingly
stunned her own mother.
Ron made his choice and Arthur went down as a stupify hit his chest.
Ginny was just staring at Hermione and then looking to her parents. She
was paralyzed with fear as she took in the events.
“What was the poison?” Severus shouted.
“Belladonna. I heard them talking about it.” Minerva replied as she
battled Kingsley.
Severus administered a blue liquid and put bezoars in both women’s
mouths. They were on death’s door and he prayed he wasn’t too late.
Dumbledore was coming to. Minerva hit him with another stunner.
“Ron grab your sister, Harry grab Hermione. Let’s go.”
“Where?” Ron asked as he pulled a dazed Ginny along. Harry carried
Hermione to the floo while Severus carried Bellatrix. The others were
retreating with them covering their exit. They chose on instinct but now
reality was about to be handed to them.
“The only place we can go. Malfoy Manor.”
He threw the floo powder into the flames, whispered a password and
they all jumped through the floo and into their enemies hearth. The sides
were drawn, the betrayal made. The war was ready to begin.
 Chapter 19
The floo at the Manor lit up in a blaze as Severus carried Bellatrix in.
Harry and Ron followed with Hermione. Behind them came Minerva
McGonagall, Remus and Tonks, Ginny and Hestia. The few Death Eaters
that had been wandering about were stunned. Severus started barking
orders to the others.
“Lucius ward the floo, Macnair get Narcissa, Mulciber I need a second
set of hands. Alecto, get the Dark Lord.”
The others started to move responding to Severus’ urgency.
“WAIT!” Lucius yelled, “What the fuck is going on here? What are they
doing there and why the hell should I help you with those filthy animals?”
Mulciber was many things, a bully, a womanizer, a villain and, at times, a
drunk. The one thing he wasn’t was stupid. The Dark Lord had been
catering to the Granger girl for months and Bellatrix and Severus were
two of the Dark Lord’s favorites.
Severus had just walked in with Granger on a platter. Even better he
was followed in by Dumbledore’s wolf, Bellatrix’s niece and Hestia Jones
both of whom were Aurors, two Weasley’s and best of all… Professor
McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor.
He knew where to pledge his allegiance. He moved over to the floo and
started warding like mad. The Carrows followed his lead. Whatever
happened in the Manor they knew that whatever or whoever was coming
through would be dangerous and they needed to stay on Snape’s good
side.
“You know the Dark Lord’s wishes Lucius.” Severus said menacingly.
Macnair tried to draw his wand but Hestia hit him with a light stunner.
“This is my house! It is bad enough I have to deal with that loon and now
her mudblood but you bring two weasels, the half-blood and her mutt and
our old professor here! Mind your manners Severus or I will be sending
you back through that floo. The Dark Lord wants the mudblood but the
others don’t need to live.”
“Walden go get the Dark Lord and Narcissa.” Severus growled at the
Death Eater who was trying to get off the floor.
Lucius pulled his wand. Severus easily took him down even with Bellatrix
still slung over his shoulder. He went to hex the man again when a voice
stopped him.
“Enough Severus.” Voldemort walked in accompanied by Yaxley, Avery
and Dolohov. Yaxley made no move to aid his fallen friends but his
displeasure showed on his face.
“My Lord!” Lucius pleaded.
“Lucius did you think your little plotting went unnoticed. You have gone
too far. Alecto… Amycus take Lucius to the dungeons. He belongs to
Bellatrix once she recovers. Walden, go get Narcissa before you get the
cell next to Lucius. A traitor’s fate just like your friend here if you hesitate
to follow orders again. Let it be known to those sympathetic to Lucius that
their fate will be the same as his if they continue this foolishness. Crucio.”
Lucius twitched under the curse. After a minute Voldemort released him.
Lucius had soiled himself and was twitching and sobbing. The Carrows
picked him up, careful to avoid the mess he made of himself, and dragged
him down the stairs to the dungeon. Voldemort walked up to Severus
holding an unconscious Bellatrix over his shoulder and whispered in her
ear.
“A deal is a deal.” He then spoke to the others.
“My apologies for Lucius. He is a fool when he isn’t a self-important
coward” Voldemort smoothly quipped. More Death Eaters appeared and
Hermione and Bellatrix were taken to rooms to be treated. Severus
followed with his potions bag. He may have saved the women but they still
had a long and bumpy road to recovery.
Voldemort was left with the rest of the Order refugees. Everyone waited
nervously while Harry and Voldemort appraised each other. Harry was too
worn out to fight but tried to stay strong and didn’t avert his gaze from
Voldemort.
“If you aren’t aware of my offer to Hermione, I offered shelter and
protection to those who seek it including you Harry. Lucius’ plotting was
never a worry and now that he is in the dungeons I imagine no one will
follow his lead. You are safe here.”
He looked at each of them lingering on McGonagall whom the others
looked to as well. She nodded to them.
“Rowle find them rooms. They all look like they can use a good meal
and some sleep. Make sure they are attended to. Minerva will fill me in. In
the morning you can choose your paths. I will not force you to take a
side… it seems Dumbledore has already done that. Minerva, if you
would.”
The others were numb from the night and still in shock as they shuffled
off to their rooms. Harry was covered in Hermione’s blood and he barely
gave his sworn enemy a parting glance as he shuffled off with the rest. He
knew they had just switched sides and couldn’t process it all and just
wanted to get clean.
After they left Voldemort put a hand out to Minerva and escorted her to
a small sitting room. He cast silencing spells so the two could talk freely.
“It has been a long time Minnie.”
“It has Tom.”
“I have to admit of all the people I expected to see walk through the floo
you weren’t one of them.”
“I never expected to be here Tom.”
“I really expected it to be Lucius that fucked up but the Weasleys were
a close second on my list. Molly always had a temper. What happened?”
Minerva balked at first, not wanting to reveal information.
“Minerva, we were friends at one time. I know we have been enemies
for the last few decades but everything has just changed. Help me here; I
am housing multiple Order members including the werewolf and two
Weasley’s. Despite what I said I am going to have to kill Yaxley,
Lestrange and probably Macnair to guarantee your safety considering I
just threw the pureblooded rallying cry out the window the minute you
walked through the floo. Additionally I just lost a major connection in the
Ministry. I am taking the risks for you, what I am facing?”
Minerva conceded the point and filled him in. Voldemort felt little in life
and had lost the capacity to love years before but even he was angered
by the ploy. The death of such a powerful child for such a silly reason was
upsetting even to a man as cold as him.
“They fear her power, their power. Minerva, you will need to address
our new guests in the morning. If any want to leave they may, but those
who stay are switching sides. Make that clear. Rabastan has been
useless since his brother died. He mostly mopes at his Manor but I need
to make up for Yaxley and Macnair and there are two Aurors that just
walked into my foyer. I will give them the concessions they want. You
know I will.”
“I will talk to them Tom, but we have always fought for the light. There
will be a transition issue.”
“Are you sure you fought for the light? Are you sure there is a light or a
dark?”
Minerva’s thoughts drifted to the image of the two women on the floor
dying. “Not anymore.”
“You know what I am about. You ran from me before, will you run from
me again?”
“You are about power Tom. You always were. You want the power that
you never had.” Minerva sobbed “If Albus had just…”
“But he didn’t. He sent me back to that hellhole every summer just like
he does with Potter. And how many others that we don’t know about? He
drove us apart. I would have understood if he had fancied you but we both
know the odds are he fancied me instead. What now Minerva?”
“He didn’t drive us apart Tom, I couldn’t follow your path. You gave up
your heart and your capacity to love.”
“True, it is the price of my power. And what now? Will you stay here and
fight or hide from both sides?”
“I don’t know what I am going to do now. We also have the issue that I
am a professor and we have a second professor and three students here
that are supposed to be in Hogwarts right now.”
“That is why I will need the help of the others. I now lack the sway in the
Ministry that Lucius lent with his connections and Dumbledore still has
Kingsley.”
“Scrimgeour hates us all but he has become increasingly paranoid about
the Order. Those that are here can help”
“Very true and that will hopefully be enough. Talk to the others
tomorrow. I will parley with Dumbledore again. It won’t do for two
professors and three students to be hiding in the Manor. He has a
reputation to protect as well.”
“What if they reveal Hermione’s nature?”
 “We need to arrange it so they will be charged with treason by Rufus if
they do. Then Dumbledore will deal. The lines are drawn… now we
recruit. War is on its way Minnie. Help them choose, help them stay alive.”
She nodded wiping the tears from her eyes.
“I will show you to your rooms.”

* * *

The next morning the group met with McGonagall in the quarters she
had been provided. She let them know that Hermione and Bellatrix were
expected to make a full recovery but it would be some time before they
would be awake.
“What do we do now?”
“What we must Remus. Tom is giving protection to those of who wish it.”
Minerva replied.
“Even us?” Tonks said. She found it hard to believe they would be safe
there, she was a half-blood and Remus was a werewolf.
“He said he is making changes, he said that with Hermione here
everything will change. You need to understand Tom. He has always been
focused on power. I doubt he cares about blood status. His followers do
so that is what he spouts.” Minerva replied.
“He still killed my parents.” Harry whispered. “The prophecy… my
parents… what was I thinking.”
“We were thinking about saving Hermione mate. They were killing her…
mum was…” Ron’s voice hitched “they were… we did what we had to
Harry… you saw Hermione. You saw what they did… what mum did. Oh
god Harry we should have known, we knew how much she loved our
uncles. She used to talk about them all the time. She would tell us how
they died heroes.”
Ron put his arm around his crying sister who had stayed quiet until that
point. She couldn’t handle everything she had just been through, “Why did
they have to do that? Ron our parents poisoned… we are sitting in… why
is this happening?”
“I am an Auror. I have been a loyal member of the Order for years. I did
not sign up for poisoning people but now I am sharing space with some of
the most famous and wanted criminals in our world. I don’t know what to
do.” Hestia admitted.
 “We all have a lot to think about. Tom will let anyone go who wishes to
leave. I don’t know where you will go but the option is there.” Minerva
said.
“You know him? You… the way he talked to you it was familiar.”
Hestia was one of the best Aurors the Ministry had and was thought to
be a future candidate for Department Head. She never stopped being on
the job.
“You’re right. Before Tom became who he was he was just a man and
we were close at one point. His anger and darkness fully overcame him
and our… friendship ended.”
“Do we have to worry about you?” Hestia asked.
Tonks started to object to Hestia’s questioning but Minerva stopped her.
“They are fair questions Nymphadora. I don’t think I am the one you will
have to be concerned with. Dumbledore will call an emergency meeting of
the Order. You will all be labeled traitors. Two days ago that wouldn’t
have concerned me but now… after Hermione… I don’t know what will
happen.”
“What about Snape?” Harry asked suspiciously.
“Severus and I spoke briefly this morning when he gave me the update
on Hermione and he has made two things clear, you don’t need to fear
him, his loyalty was never to Dumbledore and if you ask him why he will
hex you unmercifully.”
“I don’t get it.” Harry said becoming angry. “I need… I need to deal with
this.”
“Harry where are you going?”
Harry stormed out of the room followed by the others. They tried to stop
him but he took off in a run wandering through the maze of corridors. He
came out in a central room with a long table. The Inner Circle was
meeting.
Voldemort smiled. He knew this was coming. “Don’t interfere under any
circumstance” he warned the others as the stray Order members ran in to
the room.
Harry pulled his wand and attacked. The two began to duel and it was
clear Harry was outmatched, Ron went for his wand.
“Stay out of it Ron, this is something I need to do.” Harry said as he
wiped the blood from his nose and stood back up. He was angry.
Dumbledore had tried to kill his friend, he killed her child, he left him to
seek refuge with the man who murdered his parents… the man who tried
to kill him.
Voldemort mostly blocked his spells, occasionally hitting Harry with a
mild hex but not seriously attacking. When he fired a stunner their wands
locked again. He didn’t understand. He was using Lucius’ wand. It wasn’t
the cores. The wand burnt up in his hand. He knocked Harry to the ground
with a wave of his hand,
“I don’t need a wand. I could do this all night. Crucio.” Harry screamed
as the curse coursed through his body. “Why don’t we talk? If you still
want to fight me we can duel then. There are things you need to hear.”
Harry looked up at the man and then looked to his wand on the other
side of the room. If Voldemort wanted him dead he would be, that was
clear to everyone in the room including Harry.
“Yeah OK.” He said trying to control his anger and sadness. Part of him
wanted to cry but he knew he couldn’t. Not there.
Voldemort turned to everyone else.
“Meeting dismissed, feel free to talk amongst yourselves” he motioned
to the former Order members, “but play nice unless you want to join
Lucius in his current quarters.”
Voldemort motioned for Harry to follow him. He looked over his shoulder
to see the two groups nervously eyeing each other.
Harry sat in the study with Voldemort. He fidgeted, nervously looking at
Voldemort.
“I need to tell you about Peter.”
“Tell me what?”
“Dumbledore was the one who suggested that your parents switch
secret keepers to Peter. There was no way he didn’t know what Peter
was. I was surprised that he had James make him their secret keeper; he
had been keeping him away from everything else. He knew his animagus.
He had seen him enough. He knew he was Scabbers but he never said a
word to any of you. He let Sirius stay in Azkaban instead of admitting he
had allowed students to take unlicensed anamigi forms.”
“This is bullshit!” Harry exclaimed.
“Is it Harry? You saw what happened with Hermione. Albus let me lure
you to the Ministry, he used you as bait fourth year in the tournament. He
had you face off with me your first year. You are a piece on a chess
board.”
 “And what am I to you?”
“My, hopefully, former enemy and a piece on my chess board, I just
won’t deceive you about it. I am prepared to make concessions to
Hermione, to you. I will change this world.”
“And what do you want?”
“The same thing I always wanted, power and your loyalty. Two kings.
One rules. I want to be the one that rules and I am willing to do whatever
it takes to do so. As you have just seen, as you have known deep down,
so is Albus Dumbledore.”
Harry looked out the window. He knew it was true. Dumbledore had
been sending him on missions since he first stepped foot in Hogwarts. He
had been a tool all along.
“The prophecy?”
“Prophecies are confusing Harry. You were the one with power to defeat
me which is why Dumbledore let the raid go forward. It almost worked, I
was in the ether for years. You really think he didn’t know Peter was a
spy. He is a master legilimens and Peter’s walls were made of tissue
paper.”
“I… I… this can’t be true.” Harry wiped away tears that were forming.
His whole world was crashing down.
“Can you think of a time in your life that you have ever been truly safe?
Dumbledore left you with those muggles and he makes you return every
summer.”
“Did he make you go back? To the orphanage?”
“He showed you where I came from?”
“Yes.”
“Yes he made me go back every summer just like he makes Draco go to
Lucius and made Severus go home, just like he made Bellatrix,
Andromeda and Narcissa go home.”
“He says it’s protected from…”
“Me?” Voldemort laughed. “Let’s go shall we.”
“What?”
“Let’s see if it is protected. If that old man is right I shouldn’t be able to
go near it.”
Voldemort walked Harry out of the house to the edge of the driveway.
Harry hesitated.
“You have already gone this far. I could have killed you in the Manor.”
 Harry took Voldemort’s outstretched hand and they disappeared with a
pop.

* * *

“Sooooooo… any Cannon’s fans? Ow!” Ron rubbed his arm where his
sister had hit him, “Oi! I don’t’ know what to say. Last time we all met it
ended with us all remodeling the Department of Mysteries.”
Mulciber laughed. All of the Death Eaters glared at him.
“What? It was funny!” he looked at Yaxley, “You are just mad because
you had to clean it up.”
“You destroyed all the time turners! You fucked half the departments
up!” Yaxley hissed. Macnair nodded behind him.
“Oh get the fuck over it you pussies.” He turned to McGonagall turning
red. It may have been years but she was still the stern Transfiguration
Professor he remembered and he also remembered she was a cat. “No
offense.”
“What are you going to be friends with the mudblood now? You want to
be bossed around by women.” Macnair added backing Yaxley.
“Everything we believe in, he is turning on everything we believe in.”
Rabastan muttered. “He killed my brother and now this.”
“Let’s see I can disobey the Dark Lord and end up like our beloved Rod
or follow Lucius down into the dungeons or I can play nice like our master
dictated.” Mulciber replied.
Crabbe and Goyle had to hold Stan Lestrange back. Mulciber just
winked at him.
“Lucius lost a fight to pussy. What does that make him?” Dolohov
laughed.
“A real one!” Dolohov replied to the Order members looking at him
strangely. “He lost a fight with that Granger girl’s cat. He then proceeded
to hit that witch with an Avada and she barely blinked. I am the one that
almost killed that girl and after seeing that my new plan is to suck up to
her as much as possible. If you want to revolt against the Dark Lord have
at it Aiden but you three are going to find yourselves very alone.”
“Don’t you have any respect for your families?” Yaxley hissed.
“Yeah, I come from a long line of scoundrels who menaced society. I
think I am doing my ancestors proud. Honestly Aiden, she withstood an
Avada. All it did was annoy her. I am not pissing off the Dark Lord and
two primal mages. If the Dark Lord orders me to become a Cannons fan
to please the ginger here, I will proudly wave the banner of that disaster
that calls itself a team.” Mulciber laughed.
Yaxley turned to the others. They all shuffled nervously. With Lucius
gone the rest were too afraid to do anything else.
“Fine.” He stormed out with Macnair and Lestrange following him.
“Ten points from Slytherin for language Mr. Mulciber.” Minerva said.
“Hey can you do that?” He protested.
“I don’t know. I assume Albus is locking down Hogwarts as we speak. I
sent a letter to Filius this morning to let him know the truth about last
night’s events. He will let me know if I have been warded out and he will
be returning Crookshanks to me so Hermione will have her familiar.”
Narcissa gasped, “When?”
“Probably in the next few hours. I am sure Crooks will be on his best
behavior this time.”
“I need to warn the elves!” Narcissa exclaimed and ran out.
Even the Death Eaters that had spent the rest of the exchange
steadfastly glaring with their hands on their wands chuckled a bit.
The Order members who had been at full alert finally relaxed a little and
looked at them curiously.
“OK I will bite, why is Narcissa afraid of a kneazle?” Tonks asked.
“Because the last time that kneazle was here he destroyed the kitchens
and then picked a fight with Lucius. You don’t know this story?”
“Unfortunately I was the only one privy to it.” McGonagall responded.
“Oi! I tell you this and you tell us what the fuck the Order did to send
you lot through our floo.”
“Deal. Tell yours first. I need something to cheer me up after what
happened last night.” Ron answered looking down at his hands still
shaking. The others agreed. They needed a break from the thoughts
churning through their heads. “We need… we need to get our minds off of
what we saw. I… couldn’t even sleep last night. Give us something else to
focus on mate.”
“Ok it started with the cat getting into the kitchens…”
The exiled Order members and remaining Death Eaters sat down for a
moment of peace while Mulciber and the others recounted the tale of
Lucius’ losing battle with Crookshanks.
 * * *

Harry looked around. They were just up the street from the Dursley’s
house.
“Now we see if it is true. Nervous Potter?”
Harry was shell shocked. His life had been built on a lie and when he
was eleven he discovered his and his parents’ real story. He had been
angry that he had been in the dark for so long but he understood. If
Dumbledore had led him from one lie to another he didn’t know what he
would do.
“The wards could drop for you so stay here. That is your window, is it
not? They finally let you have a room?”
“Yes. The Dursleys?”
“I won’t touch them. There may be a time in your life where you decided
to settle the score. That is for you to do, not for me.”
Voldemort walked up to the house while Harry watched from afar.
Voldemort knew that the wards were gone and walked up confidently. The
minute Potter walked away from Dumbledore the protections would have
dissolved. Dumbledore was the one who extended Lily’s protection to the
house.
Harry didn’t know that and the only ones who would know or figure it out
wouldn’t correct him any more than they would call out his lies about Peter
Pettigrew. He had personally trained the little rat in occlumency but the
story was enough to satisfy Potter and no one would say different. Potter
was now safest with him; his friends wouldn’t let the boy wander alone.
He easily cast an alohomora on the door and walked in. He cast a
silencing spell and walked around the house. He saw the cupboard and
opened it wincing at the sight. Even at the orphanage he was given a
proper bed. He walked up the stairs and looked around Harry’s room. It
was better than the cupboard.
He walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains waving at
Harry. He cast a quick spell and apparated out of the house and back to
where Potter was standing.
“What did you cast?”
“Smokescreen spell. I told you I wouldn’t harm them but making them
run around a bit isn’t harming them.”
Harry couldn’t help but laugh as heard Uncle Vernon bellowing inside the
house. He was laughing hysterically when it changed to tears.
“Get it out now boy. You can’t show weakness in war. Your mentors
were lies, your life a lie. You were just a tool for Dumbledore. I am sorry.”
Voldemort stood patiently while the young man sobbed. He wasn’t
particularly happy with the sight but he knew he needed to be patient. He
hated blubbering but hexing the boy for it would ruin his plans.
“What was your mission this time? He always finds something for you to
do… what now?”
“There was a memory that Professor Slughorn has repressed somehow.
You were asking him about something.”
“Fuck!” Voldemort grabbed Harry’s shoulder and apparated them back
to the Manor. They walked through the gates, “Tell me everything.”

* * *

The Inner Circle sat around quietly. Narcissa, who had returned after
warning the elves, wiped the tears out of her eyes. The Order strays had
gotten a good laugh out of Crookshanks misadventures but reality had
come crashing back down once it was their turn.
“So they figured that they would poison them? I don’t get it, the bloody
prophecy said it wouldn’t work. Bella is scary under any circumstance.
Killing her child… they are bloody fucked aren’t they? Sorry lass.” Selwyn
commented trying to apologize to Ginny at the end. “It’s your parents isn’t.
And you are here?”
“Those aren’t my parents. They can’t be my parents. My parents
wouldn’t poison someone… they wouldn’t kill a child. Something is wrong
with them.” She replied.
“Yeah. War.” Amycus Carrow replied.
The Order members looked at him queerly.
“You really think I started out a villain?” Mulciber asked. “The first time I
killed someone I puked on my shoes… and Antonin’s.”
The Death Eater in question laughed, “almost fainted to. It wasn’t much
better for me my first time so I didn’t hex him for it, thought I did like those
shoes.”
“My point isn’t the shoes, my point is war made us who we are. Your
parents… your friends… they fought in that war. What do you think the
Order is? They aren’t part of the Ministry. They weren’t out arresting
people. They killed us and we killed them. Augusta killed before last night,
Frank and Alice were killers. Take a look at your Professor, do you think
no one died at her hands?”
They all looked to McGonagall.
“It is true. We fought a war. We did what we needed to. I did what I
needed to. It is what we are doing now as well. It is what your parents
believe they are doing. They think they are saving the world from the
threat that Hermione and Bellatrix pose.”
“Things won’t end well for them.” Dolohov said knowingly.
“We know mate.” Ron replied wiping the forming tears from his eyes.
“That is why Dumbledore wouldn’t save them. They would want revenge…
but I couldn’t… I couldn’t watch her die. She is one of my best friends.
She saved my life so many times. Fuck! I hate this.”
The others in the room agreed.
“Welcome to the war.” Rookwood said quietly.

* * *

An hour later the two were sitting quietly in the study. Voldemort told him
what the memory was. It only took a half an hour of them trying to figure
out why Harry needed to know, why he needed to be the one to find out,
when they finally sorted it out. Harry was a horcrux.
“It is why you are a parselmouth, why you can always sense my
presence. It’s why our wands keep locking. You had the same reaction to
my diary didn’t you? Nagini!”
Harry grabbed his forehead as the snake came in.
“I could see… I saw her attack Mr. Weasley.”
“Yes… you are the impossible… a human horcrux. Neither one of us can
fully live because a piece of me is in you. You realize that if you are my
horcrux…”
Harry didn’t get it at first but as soon as he did he gagged and ran to the
first vessel he saw. Fortunately it was a priceless Malfoy heirloom that
Narcissa hated. He emptied the contents of his stomach in disgust.
“The only way for you to die is for me to die… oh god! How could he do
THIS TO ME!” Harry was furious. It was all a lie. Everything was a lie.
 Chapter 20
“Bloody hell mate! Mum and Da have just declared you traitors!” Charlie
exclaimed.
Ginny and Ron contacted all of their siblings, except Percy who was
way too tied into the Ministry for either side to trust. They met with Bill,
Fred and George at the twins’ shop the next day. Tonks and Remus had
accompanied them for safety and promised to wait outside.
They all needed to talk. Charlie had even port keyed in. All of their
siblings had received owls from their mother stating that Ron and Ginny
had turned dark and were traitors. Ginny and Ron told them everything.
“I can’t believe this…” Fred started.
“… they wouldn’t…” George continued.
“they couldn’t…” They finished in unison.
“They did.” Ginny whispered. “You weren’t there. We knew they were
angry but this was… oh Hermione.”
“So you are now hiding out with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? He just
let you walk in?” Bill asked suspiciously.
“He let us all in.” Ron replied.
“Even Remus?” Charlie asked.
“Especially Remus, one of the stances he is selling is lightening the
creature laws.”
“Really?” That got Bill’s attention. Fleur had to register with the Ministry
and they needed special licensing to marry along with annual check-ups to
make sure, among other things, they were using contraception.
“You attacked the Order! You turned on our parents! What the fuck
were you thinking?” Charlie yelled. “You realize that they are going to kill
our parents.”
 “You don’t understand… they… do you two have a pensive?” Ron
asked. Harry had told him all about them the year before.
“Of course.” The twins answered.
They pulled one out from their shelves.
“How do I do this?”
The twins explained how to retrieve a memory. Ron pulled out everything
he saw that night. The sight of Hermione shuddering her last breaths while
lying in a pool of blood, sick and piss while their mother stood over and
watched had opened their siblings’ eyes.
It had taken awhile to accept. The sight of Hermione losing her child…
slowly dying was more than they were ready to handle. They all knew
how much their mother loved her brothers but they never expected this.
“How could she do this?” Charlie sobbed.
“She… she wasn’t talking to me.” Bill admitted. Everyone else knew the
story except Charlie who was left out of the loop.
“Why?” He asked.
“I am dating Fleur Delacour.” Bill admitted.
“Mum hates the French too?” Charlie asked.
“No… well maybe but Fleur is part veela.” Bill replied.
“What is it with her…”
“… and creatures?” the twins asked.
Charlie sighed. “Fenir was one of the ones that attacked Uncle Fabian
and Uncle Gideon. Fenir got to Uncle Fabian. Mum found him… he was
torn to pieces.”
“Why didn’t she tell us?” Ginny asked.
“She only told me because she was afraid of me working with dragons
and she freaked out on me. ”
“It still doesn’t make it right.” Ron said.
“No it doesn’t. Do you think he will do what he says? He who shall not
be named? Do you think he will really do it?” Bill asked.
“Yeah. I didn’t before but he wants to keep Hermione and Bellatrix
happy. All he cares about is power. He would back a goblin ruled world if
he can sit on the throne.
“Tell Hermione at the very least I will back her. It doesn’t mean I am
backing Him, but I will at least stay out of the way and I will help her if I
can.” Bill said.
“I can’t support Him but I will stay out of it. I won’t stand on the opposite
side of the battlefield from you two and Bill.” Charlie conceded.
“I am staying neutral too.” George said looking over to his twin.
“Yeah. Poor Hermione. We aren’t fighting this war. Hermione will always
be welcome here.” Fred confirmed.
Bill finally decided that he would talk to Fleur and if Voldemort was really
going to loosen the laws they would support him. They had no choice.
The two left their brothers with a truce worked out. They found it
strange they were now recruiting for a man they were sworn to hate, but
considering the Order would probably kill them on sight now they were
stuck with their choice.
It didn’t matter. Hermione had been the one to find the snake so Harry
could save Ginny and she had saved Ron numerous times. They wouldn’t
abandon their friend. After all, she had never abandoned them.

* * *

“So I have no idea what to say… oh.” Remus caught the vase his wife
had just knocked over before it fell. Narcissa had wanted to sit with them
to get to know her niece.
“I don’t know what to say either but I am going to start with sit down
before you break something. I already have that kneazle loose in my
house.”
Tonks laughed. The fact that one cat had created so much trouble was
amazing. The night before Crookshanks had decided to go to the
dungeons and torment Lucius a bit more. All Lucius had been left with
after the Death Eaters were done was a raggedy blanket. He was
dreadful at wandless magic and the once regal man was found hollering
while trying to keep the cat at bay with a make shift whip made from his
only source of warmth.
Crooks did leave but he took the blanket with him leaving it at Narcissa’s
door. They assumed it was left as an apology for raiding her kitchen
again. Narcissa couldn’t wait until Hermione woke up and got her familiar
in line but she had to admit she did appreciate the blanket. Knowing
Lucius was now as physically cold as his heart is was pleasing.
“Mum said… well I guess it doesn’t matter. She didn’t help Hermione…
why didn’t she help Hermione?” Tonks asked.
“Nymphadora…”
 Tonks hair turned purple. Remus explained, “She hates the name. She
goes by Tonks.”
“Well considering I am not a fan of your father do you mind if I call you
Dora.”
“That is acceptable.” Tonks agreed.
“Dora… your mother is… has always been… I am sorry but your mother
is a coward.”
Tonks didn’t know how to respond. She was angry at the accusation but
she was also angry with her mother for being exactly that, a coward.
“What happened with Neville? I heard she saved him.”
“She and Ted were with Frank and Alice when the attack occurred. They
tried to get Frank and Alice to run but they chose to stay and fight. Say
what you will but the Longbottoms were always fighters. Tough as nails.
Amazing that son of theirs is so meek. Anyways, Andy took Neville with
her as they ran out. I don’t know that she could have won that fight and of
all the things she did that were cowardly that one no one can blame her
for.”
“Of all the things?”
“Your mother… she wasn’t close with us. She always chose her own
needs over others. How many battles has she told you about in the first
war?”
“None.”
“That’s because she never fought in any. Neither of them did. In her
defense she did keep you hidden and safe. At that time Bella would have
happily killed you.”
“And now? What of us?”
“And now my sister is with a mud… muggleborn. The Dark Lord is
completely shifting his philosophy. He is clever. The amount of purebloods
that are brave enough to challenge him is down to zero with the incident
last night.”
Yaxley, Lestrange and Macnair had died during a raid. The raid was a
suicide mission into a muggle armory. The Dark Lord had made two points
effectively. The first point was that muggles were a danger, the twenty
odd bullet holes riddling all three bodies made that abundantly obvious,
and the Dark Lord made every one of his followers look. The second was
don’t fuck with the Dark Lord. That was heard loud and clear.
“Couldn’t have happened to three nicer blokes.” Remus quipped.
 “Yes. They certainly won’t be missed. Veronica Macnair supposedly
opened a bottle of champagne when she heard about her husband’s
demise.” Narcissa responded, “The Dark Lord wants to rule wizarding
England… probably the wizarding world and a handful of purebloods isn’t
enough. His very vocal stance on creature laws is making the rounds. He
is gaining traction with those expected to be his enemies. Dumbledore has
no idea what’s coming and he won’t be able to counter it.”
“Yes. They tried to warn the Minister.” Tonks said. She had returned to
work. Kingsley spent his free time plotting against her and Hestia.
Emmeline Vance had sided with the Order leading to a blow out between
her and Hestia. After that small moves had been made by both sides over
the next few days but it came to a head when Kingsley made an
appointment with Scrimgeour.
Hestia and Tonks let it be known that they would happily testify in their
treason hearings and they would make it very clear that Kingsley and
Dumbledore had been hiding and protecting the primal for some time. A
stalemate was reached.
“I heard it was close.” Narcissa replied.
“It was. Emmeline and Hestia were… well they were. Kingsley was my
mentor. I never imagined he would betray someone like he did with
Hermione. I never imagined my mother… oh god I hexed my mother.”
Tonks held back her tears. She wouldn’t cry.
“Dora, I am sorry about Andromeda but you are welcome and you will
be safe here. Now your wolf… he has a way to deal with the full moon. I
don’t need a cat and a wolf running rampant in this place.”
“Don’t worry Narcissa, I am fully housebroken.” Remus responded
smiling at the woman’s nervousness. “I will be far better behaved than
Crookshanks.”

* * *

“How are they?” Minerva asked placing her hand on Severus’ shoulder.
“They should be up in the next few days and back to full strength in
another week. If they weren’t primal mages they would be dead. I can’t
believe Albus could be so foolish.”
“He let his fear control him just like he did last year with Harry. If he had
just told him he was connected to the Dark Lord from the beginning, if he
hadn’t avoided him… that battle at the Ministry would have never
happened.”
“What have you heard from Filius?”
“Albus told a majority of the staff that Hermione is a primal mage and
that she has aligned herself with Tom. Filius filled in the rest of the details
with them. The staff is split. Some like Horace are terrified of her, others
like Bathsheda and Aurora are angry at what their favorite student went
through.”
“We have kept it away from those who make the decisions for now but
they will know eventually. Then they will come.” He replied.
“I know. The damage at the Ministry is enough that I don’t know if I can
get Hermione cleared to take her N.E.W.T.s. The good news is there
seems to be a lot of wizards hiding creature blood. I heard support has
gone up quite a bit.” Minerva answered.
“Most of the families who rail against it have creature blood.” Narcissa
said walking up behind them. “Lucius has veela in his blood but always
pretended it wasn’t there. I wouldn’t have anticipated this move to go over
so well but it seems more people want the change than don’t. His
‘muggles are dangerous’ campaign has been helping as well.”
“Yes. Charity says she has been inundated with questions about muggle
weapons particularly firearms and bombs. If it has made it in to the halls
of Hogwarts it has become widespread.” Minerva concurred.
“All they had to do was agree to leave them alone and they couldn’t do
that.” Severus sighed. Neither woman needed to ask who. They were
equally as stunned as he was. The Order’s path was just foolish. Now
they would end up reaping what they sowed.

* * *

Hermione felt pain everywhere. Her body still hurt. She couldn’t open her
eyes yet. She tried to remember what happened to her. Slowly the
memories came back in pieces. The last of which was her miscarriage
and watching her lover die.
She screamed as the realization hit her, it came out hoarse and choppy.
She could hear footsteps running and heard a familiar voice.
“Hermione? She is awake! Harry she is awake!”
“My baby… they took my baby.” She cried.
 “I am sorry ’Mione we were too late.”
“Nooooo!” She sobbed. “Bella?”
“She is going to be OK. She is right here. She is still asleep. Snape
gave you the antidote and a bunch of potions. It was close.”
She felt hands holding hers and on her shoulders and arm and she kept
her eyes closed and cried for twenty to thirty minutes just accepting the
comfort. She didn’t want to know yet. She finally calmed down enough to
asses the situation.
“Ron… I… I can’t open my eyes. They feel heavy.”
“Wait one second Miss Granger.” A deep voice commanded. She felt
Snape remove something from her eyes. She opened them and winced as
the light blinded her. She was propped up and glass of water was placed
at her lips while she adjusted to the brightness of the room. She took a
few sips.
She finally regained her vision. She looked around shocked at what she
saw and where she was. Bella was lying in a cot next to her still asleep.
Narcissa was sitting on a chair between their cots. Harry, Ron and Ginny
were standing over her bed with Professor Snape.
This alone would have been shocking but the fact that the woman with
the water was Alecto Carrow floored her. She was in the Manor. Harry
was in the Manor! The shock clearly showed on her face. Harry grabbed
her hand.
“It’s OK Hermione. We are OK. I made a truce with the Dark Lord.”
“Harry he killed your parents!”
“I know. I know. He was also the only person who could protect and
save you. I can’t protect the dead but I could save you. We had it out a bit
and he let me work on my anger. Then we talked, there is a lot we didn’t
know. There was so much I didn’t know.”
“Harry got his ass kicked.” Ron whispered conspiratorially. “Then their
wands locked up again.”
“What? What has happened? How long have I been here?”
“A week.” Ginny replied. She filled her in on Harry getting the notice
from the coin and what had occurred at Headquarters.
“When we showed up here the Dark Lord offered us sanctuary. We took
it.” Ron said.
“Your parents… your family?” Hermione asked.
“My parents… Hermione you didn’t see yourselves. It was… I don’t
know how they could do that but they made their choice. We met with
Charlie, Bill and the twins. They are torn and are staying neutral except for
Bill and Fleur. Bill is planning to propose to Fleur and he doesn’t want mum
poisoning the wedding cake.”
Ginny punched him hard in the arm.
“Ow! Sorry.”
“What did you say Hermione, depth of a teaspoon?” Harry added. “I am
sorry about your baby. The good news is Severus said the damage isn’t
permanent.”
“I am Professor Snape to you Potter and I can speak for myself.
Hermione, your child was lost before we ever arrived. Both you and
Bellatrix will make a full recovery and you will be able to bear another
child.”
“I remember them gloating… Molly and Augusta gloating. They were so
angry about their families. The war it never really ended… it was only
paused.” Hermione’s body shook as tears fell freely, “Augusta kept talking
about Frank… she was going to kill… MCGONAGALL!”
“Is fine Hermione. She is with the Dark Lord.” Ron answered, “Hey did
you know they had a thing. OW!”
Ginny sighed. Hermione had lost a child and woken up to the world
flipped upside down and Ron was still… Ron.
“Ron maybe you should go get Hermione some food.”
“No. I know she is angry and sad. She lost her child and I know she is
angry at mum and dad and I know she wants to kill them and if she
doesn’t then Bellatrix will. I am not clueless; I was just hoping to distract
her from everything. It is a lot to wake up to. Mum made her choice when
she decided to avenge Uncle Fabian and Uncle Gideon by attacking
Hermione. I chose my side and I am not going anywhere.”
“You always have a knack for being deep right when we think you are
completely hopeless. Ron, Ginny… I am going to…”
“We know.” Ron filled her on everything they had done during the week.
He and Ginny spent the first night discussing it. They knew the prophecy,
they knew the Order was going to lose, Dumbledore was going to lose
and therefore their parents were going to lose. They were able to protect
their brothers as long as they stayed out of it.
“But now I understand them. It is ironic isn’t it? I understand my mother’s
anger and I am willing to stand aside and let you go after her. This is war.
I know everyone kept telling us that but now I get it. I understand the
anger and the darkness and the pain. When I saw you Hermione, my
heart broke. That’s what mum feels isn’t it. That’s why they did it?”
“That and fear Ron. They are terrified of what Hermione is.” Harry said.
“If they knew what I was…”
Hermione looked at Harry quizzically but Ron answered.
“Yeah, that’s what had Bill so worried. He was afraid mum was going to
go after Fleur and if they have a baby… I am sorry.”
Hermione nodded. Ginny handed her a handkerchief. “So Harry and the
Dark Lord dueled? You are all here? I need to know where we stand.”
“Practical as always Hermione.”
“Thank you Severus.” Hermione responded.
All three students looked at him quizzically.
“She gets to call me Severus. Lucius is still awaiting his fate.” Severus
nodded to Narcissa who smiled a little. “Yaxley, Lestrange and Macnair
were tragically killed in a raid. Strangest thing the timing of that. As your
friends have informed you, you have been here a week.”
“Who is here?” Hermione asked.
“Myself and Minerva, this lot, Hestia Jones, Nymphadora Tonks and
Remus Lupin also came through with us.”
“Tonks is here? What about Ted and Andy?” She heard a snort from her
left.
“Andy cowered as usual. Even after being betrayed by Augusta she
would have watched you die. Fortunately my niece doesn’t take after her.”
Narcissa responded. She took Hermione’s hand.
“Crooks?”
“He is here. Last I saw he was menacing the elves again. Hermione,
everything is changing, Lucius is in a cell and no one in the Dark Lord’s
ranks is allowed to raise a hand to their child or spouse. The Dark Lord
proclaimed it two days after you arrived. He has made it clear he is
changing the creature laws as well.” Severus continued.
“Dumbledore… the others?”
“They tried to expose you through Kingsley. Tonks, Jones, Rowle and
Rookwood stopped it from getting out of hand. It was quite the showdown
for a bit at the Ministry. Do they expose you and therefore expose
themselves? In the end they have backed off. We are trying to work a
deal to get us back into Hogwarts. The Ministry hasn’t noticed there are
three missing students yet but they will.” Severus replied.
“Back to Hogwarts sir? With him? After everything? I can’t go back
there. I will kill him if I see him. He would have let me die. I am not an odd
to be calculated, I am a person. He took my fucking child! They took my
baby.” She broke down again.
“I know Hermione. I don’t want to go back either, neither does Ron or
Ginny but we can’t let them win.” Harry said. “Plus there is something we
need to do and the Dark Lord said you are the only onewho can pull it off
without Dumbledore catching them.”
“How bad is it Severus?”
“The rumors about you two have reached every ear except the
Minister’s. As I said they have controlled the damage at the Ministry but
the rumors are rampant and Dumbledore has been trying to rally the
troops so to speak. He let it slip that you were primal mage and that
Bellatrix was the other.”
“To whom? How many know?”
“To everyone not named Rufus. It isn’t working the way he planned.
Dumbledore tried to rally the staff but Minerva told Filius what happened.
There are more than a few of my coworkers who are rather unhappy with
their employer’s methods. Poisoning you wasn’t what they signed up for.
Plus whoever is protecting you will have to lighten the creature laws.
Those laws affect Filius and Hagrid among others, not that Hagrid needed
a reason to side with you. You stood up for Hagrid when they took him to
Azkaban and you were the reason he was freed. You saved Buckbeak.
You, not Dumbledore… you. You have the support of at least half the staff
now.” He replied.
“That’s not all that has changed.” Harry added, “With two primal mages
most of the other magical creatures are ready to pledge their allegiance
as well.”
“But is he going to…”
“Make the changes?” Voldemort walked in accompanied by Minerva
McGonagall. “Yes. The prophecy makes so much more sense now,
actually they both do.”
Hermione looked at Harry. He mouthed ‘explain later’.
“If everyone could leave us for a moment. Harry please stay.”
They all cleared out of the room leaving the three to talk.
“I told you before there will still be somewhat of a caste system in
place. This will make the old guard happy but even with that in place
magical creatures will still have more rights than they have ever been
granted before.”
“And muggleborns?”
“Will be registered and removed from their homes. They will be raised
by a magical family.”
“What!”
“You know if you weren’t on your death bed I would hex you for that.”
She sighed and nodded. She had no illusions as to whom she had
pledged her allegiance to but he would also allow her to avenge her child
with whatever brutality she thought necessary.
“I know, thank you. I am just surprised. I thought purebloods hate
muggleborns.”
“They do. Just like everyone fears you, they fear what they don’t
understand. They just hide it with contempt and ramblings about blood
lines. You met with your parents. That went well?”
“No. You know we had to obliviate them.”
“Exactly and your parents were extremely liberal and supportive for
muggles. You know exactly what muggles do with witches. They hunt
them and kill them. The muggleborns will unfortunately carry the taint of
their blood but I have come up with a brilliant idea when I was working out
how to appease you. It isn’t necessary now but it was such a good idea I
decided to keep it. It will help secure my throne and give me the ability to
conquer the muggleworld as well.”
“Do I want to ask?”
“Of course you do, don’t interrupt me with rhetorical questions when I
am opining.”
“Yes my Lord.”
“See I knew we would get along well. There are so few true purebloods
it didn’t really give me much of a base and frankly they aren’t a fan of my
stance on creatures. The most problematic ones have met an…
unfortunate end. I told you from the beginning that I want power. I don’t
care about sides or light and dark. You know this. I said the same words
to Potter your first year.”
“So you are going to get the purebloods to accept muggles?”
“As I said I needed a way to keep you happy about the mudbloods and
keep my followers happy. I have the solution. As you know history is
written by the victors.”
“Churchill?”
“I told you I am interested in power not politics. He was a man worth
studying. Well it isn’t just history. The present can be changed as well.
There is already a general fear of muggles. Between their weapons, their
view on magic and their ‘accidents’ the magical community lives in fear.
They won’t admit it but they are afraid and fascinated by muggles.”
He grabbed the chair near her bed and continued.
“Have you ever wondered how many purebloods have gloated about
their superiority while riding on the Knight’s bus or in Ministry cars?
Wizarding wireless is in every home but they still rally against the muggle
because deep down they know they aren’t some weak creature, they are
dangerous. Do you disagree?”
Hermione thought about it for a second, “No.”
“How many muggleborns are you friends with?”
“Maybe a dozen.”
“How many of them are close to their parents?”
“None.”
“How many would happily live in a magical home instead of returning to
their homes during the summers?”
“Most” she conceded.
“And here is the brilliance. Muggleborns will be removed from their
homes once they receive their Hogwarts acceptance letters. They will be
required to do a minimum of two years of service in the Ministry
Department of Muggle Relations and Regulation upon graduation from
Hogwarts. The ‘regulation’ part of the title should be added in the next six
months. I am selling muggleborns as our defense against the horrors of
the muggle world. They will be our buffer and in exchange they will keep
their wands and wizard status.”
“You think it will work? Men like Lucius…”
“Men like Lucius will be quiet or they will be dead, but yes it will work. I
have been slowly leaking bits and pieces of it in my rallies and when I
pitched it they seemed to embrace it. Yaxley, Macnair and Lestrange
showing up with multiple bullet holes certainly helped. Muggleborns will be
our weapon. Obviously the pure lines won’t intermarry with them but
eventually as they marry enough they will be considered pure.”
“How…”
 “Three generations no squibs.”
“Wow. You really thought this out. What about their treatment in the
homes?”
“It will be regulated but how do you treat your wand?”
“With respect.”
“And how do muggle soldiers treat their guns?”
“Like their life depends on them, which it does. Muggleborns are what
stand between catastrophe and the magical world and after you have
secured your place in the wizarding world muggleborns will be happy to
help you control the muggle population if only to stop the wars, pollution,
etc. You are right… it is brilliant.”
“So once you’re healthy you will be taking my mark?”
“Yes My Lord. I have a score to settle. My Lord… Harry?”
Voldemort nodded to the young man who had sat quietly next to him.
Harry pulled up his sleeve and showed the one thing Hermione never
expected. A Dark Mark.
“Well we had a nice duel where I tried to seek revenge for my parents.
As Ron pointed out I lost.”
“Badly.”
“Yes My Lord, badly”
Hermione could tell that Harry had been ribbed all week on his dueling
performance. Clearly he needed to improve his skills.
“His parents were soldiers in a war just like we are. He chose you over
his anger. The Weasley boy is right, it is ironic that the greater good was
to choose… what is it you call us… Team Evil.”
“So you took the mark?” Hermione asked Harry stunned.
“Hermione… there is so much… please can I tell her?”
“Yes. She should know as should Bella and Narcissa will know as well
but you two will not share with the others even those gingers you are so
fond of.”
“Of course My Lord.” Harry responded. Hermione couldn’t understand
how Harry could make such a radical change to the point of calling James
and Lily’s killer My Lord until Harry told her what he had learned about
Pettigrew, the wards on his house, and about the horcruxes including him.
“So Dumbledore knew you had to die all along, no wonder he sent us on
so many crazy missions. You are disposable to him.”
“Yes and he will be moving to get his hands on any Horcrux he can.
Harry is safer if my other Horcruxes are safe. Killing the golden boy is
dangerous. I imagine he is saving Harry for last. That is why you have to
go back. You won’t get to kill him yet but you will make him very angry if
it’s any consolation. Soon Hermione, you will get your revenge soon. I
promise you that.
“Hermione you just had a lot dumped on you. Sleep. I will come by
later.” Harry promised.
“Thanks and thank you My Lord.”
“You are welcome, I wish I could have saved your child but I can
promise you that you will be given whatever you need to exact your
vengeance. Get some rest.”
“Yes My Lord.” Hermione slowly pulled herself to Bellatrix’s cot and
curled up around her lover, drifting back to sleep. Her mate and she would
have much to discuss when she woke up.
 Chapter 21
Bellatrix could sense whose body was wrapped around her. She felt
love and pain coming from her kitten. She remembered dying, she
remembered her baby… she wondered if they were in hell. She opened
her eyes to see she was in her quarters at the Manor. Narcissa was
sitting next to the bed holding her hand. Hermione was asleep.
“What time is it?” Bellatrix whispered.
“Around four” Narcissa answered.
“How long?”
“Just over a week. She woke up yesterday. She insisted we move you
here.”
“You have been watching over me, haven’t you? I could sense you… and
her. You were always there.”
“I… yes. Bellatrix… the poison… your baby…”
“I know, Augusta made me watch. I will fucking kill them, I will kill them
all. How many are alive still? The Order? Lucius?” Bellatrix hissed tension
building in her body. The room crackled with magic. Bolts of electricity
shot out randomly destroying the room.
“The Order is alive but lost several members to us. Lucius is in the
dungeons waiting for your attentions. I didn’t want the price to be this
Bella, not my child for yours.” Narcissa said. She was shaking with not
only grief but fear. Her sister’s eyes had gone black and her fangs were
showing.
“I know Cissy, you didn’t do it. I did.” Bellatrix replied. Her voice cracked
with the emotions she was holding back as she tried to calm down some.
Narcissa looked at her stunned. A whisper came from a now awake
witch wrapped around her back.
 “How do you figure that baby?”
She could feel the tears soaking the back of her shirt. “How long have
you been crying?”
“Since I woke up yesterday. I have moments of clarity between sobbing
streaks. How is this your fault?”
“I tortured and killed the Prewitt brothers and the Longbottoms. I would
do the same if I were them. I will do the same to them now. They failed to
kill us. How?”
Hermione and Narcissa spent the next hour and a half filling Bellatrix in
during which all three women were periodically driven to tears. Bellatrix
was furious to find out that all of the Order was alive.
“Oh Bella, I am so sorry.” Narcissa consoled her sister. She knew this
would be the only time her sister cried. Bellatrix would never shed another
tear. She would take it out in blood and no one involved would be alive in
the end.
“We will get the pleasure of dealing with them ourselves. So why the
fuck are you going back to Hogwarts to play nice?” Bellatrix snarled at her
mate.
“If we can work out something to keep me safe I will finish my
N.E.W.T.s and retrieve something for the Dark Lord. He wouldn’t make me
go back but the rest of them would never make it off the grounds with
what we are looking for. I wasn’t going to do it, I figured that I wouldn’t be
able to be around Dumbledore but if I get this it from under his nose it will
be a sweet little torture in itself. I can destroy his hope.”
“What are you retrieving?”
“It cannot leave this room. Only a handful of people know… Narcissa is
one. Have you ever heard of a Horcrux?”
“It’s dark magic. A wizard splits… the Dark Lord?”
“He made six intentionally and as we have just learned a seventh
unintentionally.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Harry tried to duel him. He lost but their wands locked again. Later
when they were talking they figured it out. Harry had been assigned a
mission to find out what the Dark Lord talked to Professor Slughorn about.
He didn’t realize it but Dumbledore was using him to find out how many
Horcruxes the Dark Lord made.”
“And he would have been none the wiser except Potter ended up here.”
 Hermione nodded, “The Dark Lord knew exactly what he discussed with
Slughorn. He wouldn’t have realized why Dumbledore would send Harry if
he hadn’t torched another wand. Harry is his Horcrux. Harry needs to die
to destroy the Dark Lord. I have no idea how Dumbledore planned to sell
that to Harry or if he planned to just kill him. Either way Harry is pissed.”
“So Dumbledore’s betrayal didn’t cost Potter’s life, it cost his
allegiance?”
“Baby in the week that we have been out the Dark Lord has made
himself Harry’s new mentor and father figure. The Dark Lord has assured
Harry that Pettigrew was able to betray Lily and James’ location because
of Dumbledore and that Dumbledore knew Pettigrew was a spy. Between
that, what he did to us and Harry being a walking dead man Harry took
the mark.”
“You believe what he said about Pettigrew?” Bellatrix asked.
“Not even a little but if that is what it takes to keep Harry on my side I
will go with the lie. I do believe that Harry is a Horcrux. That makes sense.
Ron and Harry are hotheads and are lapping up whatever they are told
happily. They need somewhere to focus their anger and they can’t focus it
on the Dark Lord anymore.”
“I am surprised Hermione, I wouldn’t think you would be OK with a
deception where Harry is involved.” Narcissa said. She had let the two talk
but her friendship with Harry made her interrupt.
“If it keeps Harry here and safe I am OK with it. There is no denying that
Harry is Horcrux and I won’t deny he is the only family I truly have left
besides Bella. I am being selfish. I want Harry and Ron to be my friends. I
don’t want to fight them. If it takes lying about who tipped the Dark Lord
to sell them to join Team Evil I am ok with it. Dumbledore clearly planned
for Harry to die. How else would he be able to defeat the Dark Lord?”
“So you won’t tell him?” Narcissa asked.
“You have become… well whatever is going on with you two that I don’t
know the details of, if he finds out the Dark Lord lied he will go after him
again. There are other Horcruxes, it won’t kill the Dark Lord to kill Harry
and now he knows how. This gives Harry a neat way to reconcile working
with his parents’ murderer. Which is more important to you the truth or
Harry’s life?”
“There is nothing going on with us! We are just friends. He is with that
red headed girl” Narcissa protested.
 “I don’t know what will happen with him and Ginny but of course your
feelings are purely plutonic. As his friend, what will you do?”
“Reinforce the lie. If it keeps them here I will reinforce the lie.”
“Them?” Bellatrix asked.
“Narcissa has become rather fond of Nymphadora over the last week
and the feeling seems to be mutual.”
“Our niece is impressive despite her parents.” Narcissa added. “She
hexed Andy to save you two.”
“I wish we had seen the trap. How could we have not seen the trap?”
Bellatrix said letting the tears well in her eyes again.
“Because we underestimated the power of their anger baby. Now I
understand. I understand their hate.” Hermione broke down again.
Narcissa left the two women to grieve and cry. The war was coming and
they would be at the front lines. They needed to cry now… they wouldn’t
be able to show their weakness then.

* * *

The missing professors and students were noticed immediately and by

the end of the week rumors were running rampant. Dumbledore needed to
figure out a way to cover the missing students. More importantly he
needed to find a way to deal with his missing professors.
He blew it and he knew it. He had been so concerned about the
prophecy and the power of the primal mages he had fulfilled it. It was the
Ministry disaster all over again but worse. He wondered if he had saved
Hermione and Bellatrix would they have stayed loyal. He presumed he
would have had to let them take their vengeance and kill their poisoners.
He now wished he had let them do it. He was debating killing Augusta
himself after that stunt.
It didn’t matter now. His two strongest allies were now with Tom. He
knew Minerva had been involved with him decades before but Albus was
surprised that she would return. They had ended very acrimoniously as he
became too dark for her to be around. Severus wasn’t a surprise. His
oath was to Harry, once Harry chose he would follow.
Now Dumbledore had to do damage control. If Tom and Harry had
talked about Harry’s mission Tom would know Albus was hunting his
Horcruxes. If they talked they might have even figured out there was a
seventh Horcrux. He had destroyed the ring and thanks to Hermione’s
interruption had done so without harming himself. He still needed to find
the locket, the cup and the diadem. He had a lead on the locket but hadn’t
found exactly where it was located yet.
He needed to find the others quickly. Harry would know he had to die
but he wouldn’t know that Dumbledore expected that he would come
back. Now it looked like killing him might be the only way to take out Tom.
The diadem was in the school still but he didn’t know where. He had
received a parley request from Tom and soon Harry would return. If the
boy got the diadem back to Tom they would have even more problems.
First thing was dealing with the issues at the school. He had tried to rally
support among the staff and the Ministry but it became clear that they
would be facing treason charges if the truth came to light. Tom had done a
good job blocking Kingsley’s efforts.
To make things worse, Minerva had gotten to Filius. His staff was
divided and many were angry about the attempt on Hermione’s life. Hagrid
had been furious about the whole thing. No one knew about the baby, but
just the attempt on Hermione was enough to infuriate his professors.
He thought the rumor that she was a primal mage would influence them
negatively but in the end it was still Hermione Granger. The fact that
Minnie was with her made things worse. They wanted Minerva back with
the students and some were even demanding Severus’ return. He had
noticed many of them testing their food and goblets for poison and curses
at each meal.
He needed to return things to the status quo or the Ministry would be
back at Hogwarts and Rufus wouldn’t send a clueless paper pusher like
Dolores Umbridge. Rufus would send a squad in and take over.
To add to his problems Nymphadora and Hestia had returned to the
Ministry but were avoiding coming back on duty at Hogwarts and it was
raising questions among the remaining Aurors. He needed to do
something quick or he would be fighting a war on two fronts.
He pulled out the parchment. He hated conceding to Tom but the other
options were unthinkable. He figured maybe he could eliminate the threat
from Severus while he worked this out. If would be one less issue to deal
with.

* * *
 “So they really just don’t know how to fight a war?” Hermione sighed.
Mulciber laughed, “I have spent whatever time I haven’t been locked
away fighting the Order. Think of them more as Unspeakables than
Aurors. They sneak around and move in the shadows. They were never
big on straight forward confrontations.”
“So he wants us back. Why? So he can kill Harry and Hermione?” Ron
asked.
“No. He won’t do it on the school grounds. He needs to get us back
before the rampant rumors of what happened to us gets out of hand. He
needs to reestablish control or the Ministry will.” McGonagall replied “It is
bad enough four students are gone but he is also missing two professors.”
“What does everyone think happened to us?” Harry asked.
“Filius said that Dumbledore has announced we are away on a special
project. The rumors among the students mostly involve Severus doing
something horrible to you.”
“Not too farfetched” Ron whispered under his breath.
“I agree with the mouthy ginger” Crooks added.
“You are more likely to be killed by Narcissa at this point if you keep
raiding the kitchens.” Hermione answered the kneazle and then turned to
the others.
“So we go back? I can’t go back.” Hermione said to the others. “I know
I need to. I know what He needs but how do I look Dumbledore in the eye
and not try and rip it out?”
“The same way Slytherins have for years. You bury it and do what you
need to do. How do you think Cray Rosier felt when his DADA class was
taught by Moody. It ended up being an imposter but he had to stare at the
face of his father’s killer every day for a year. Remus killed the Carrow
twins’ mother and he was also brought in by Dumbledore to teach DADA.”
Severus said.
They all looked to Lupin, “It’s true. It was a war… but I never really
knew what to say to them. What can you say?”
“I never thought about it.” Hermione said.
“What about the real Moody?” Ginny asked.
“He is loyal to Dumbledore and Dumbledore alone.” Minerva said. “They
have fought together for years. They have been in a lot of battles
together. Moody will probably be angry with him but he won’t budge.”
“I don’t think I can do this. I really don’t. I want him dead.”
 “Hermione you have worked too hard to let him keep you from finishing
your schooling. You are already scheduled to take your N.E.W.T.s early.
Once you finish there will be a place for you in the Ministry. If you truly
want to avenge your loss and fight this battle you need to take every
advantage you have.” Severus said.
“And you will both be going back?” Hermione asked.
“Yes. As much as Dumbledore hates it and tried to prevent it, he can’t
make the moves he wants to for now.”
“So what can we expect?” Hermione asked him.
“Confusion amongst the students, although the truth should be slowly
leaking itself into the school. Both sides will be actively recruiting the
N.E.W.T. students and you will soon find the school split.” Severus replied.
“I was a professor for the first war. The school felt the war if only on a
smaller scale. The houses were split down the middle, students learned
wards for their beds so they could sleep at night without worrying about
being hexed and the violence between students escalated.”
Minerva sat down as she continued, “But mostly it will be recruiting.
Teachers will let their bias be known and they will try and sell the
students.”
“I am going to have some issues aren’t I?” Hermione sighed.
“Yes.” Minerva admitted. “But you have your own quarters fortunately.
Harry and Ron need to be careful as does Ginny. I am worried really
worried about Neville. Augusta is using him to spread poison throughout
the student body. He doesn’t remember anything about that night. He
knows Hermione is with Bellatrix and as timid as was he is becoming a
threat. Augusta is fueling his anger and he has spread your alleged
betrayal throughout Gryffindor.”
“Then I will destroy what she is doing and then I will destroy her.”
Hermione said coldly.
“Hermione?” Harry asked confused.
“I will go back, I will find what the Dark Lord needs us to protect and I
will recruit. They killed my child and I will help him raise an army to rein
fire down on their hypocritical self-righteous asses.”
Ginny shivered a little. She knew how dangerous Hermione was mad but
she even she was taken aback by the venom in her voice.
“I need to go to Him.” Hermione said.
“Why?” Harry asked.
 She pulled up her sleeve, “because I am adding a tattoo to match
yours.”
She stood up and started to walk away when Ron cried out to her,
“Wait!”
She watched as he struggled with himself, “Fuck! We stay together until
the end right? Let’s go.”
Ginny looked at her brother stunned, “Really?”
“Yeah… like I said, mum made her decision.”
“I can’t… not yet.” Ginny replied.
“It’s OK Ginny. I understand.” Hermione replied. She then led Ron out of
the room to find the Dark Lord and take their marks.

* * *

Hermione smiled as she woke to soft kisses on her arm. Bellatrix was
thrilled with Hermione taking the mark.
“I have to go back tomorrow.”
“I don’t want you to go kitten.” Bellatrix moved up kissing the scar over
her heart from her bite.
Hermione ran her hand softly through her mate’s hair. “I don’t want to
go… I want to fucking kill him. I want to kill them all. They took our baby
but they are hiding and protected now… if I recruit for him, graduate and
take a place in the Ministry I can get to them… to Augusta.”
“He will try and get to you… and to Harry.”
“Of course. He is desperate, he just fucked up epically. He is doing
whatever he can to recover. Too bad his credibility is shot. Look what
happened with Severus.”
Dumbledore in his truce negotiations with Voldemort had ‘outed’ Severus
as a spy going as far to say that Snape was doing it all for Lily Evans.
Unfortunately for Dumbledore part of Severus’ cover story was that he
was a spy and everyone of his old classmates knew that Lily Evans
spectacularly public shunning of Snape was why he became a Death
Eater. Voldemort saw it as a desperate ploy to split his troops and
ignored it.
The two had negotiated their reentry into Hogwarts which included
Severus. They would be taking oaths that they wouldn’t instigate violence.
They still would be able to defend themselves but they couldn’t attack
anyone in the school while they were staff or students and the staff and
Dumbledore couldn’t attack them.
Hermione didn’t have much faith in such protections. They saw how well
they went last time but both sides would hopefully primarily be in recruiting
mode. The war was coming and now they needed armies. She would
need more than a handful of Death Eaters to get at the remainder of the
Order.
“I hate you leaving me and I won’t be able to see you now.” The floo had
been sealed and the shack was no longer neutral. It was part of the
concessions. They wouldn’t see each other again until the summer.
Bellatrix was determined to take advantage of their time together. They
had spent the morning curled up holding each other tight. Neither woman
wanted to lose the other, neither wanted to face their impending
separation. She had made her way down Hermione’s stomach feathering
her with kisses. Hermione purred as Bella reached her center.
“Fuck baby. So good… put your tongue inside me… ooooh. Just like
that.” Hermione growled. Bellatrix pushed her tongue deep into her center
making her buck against her. She grabbed her lover’s hair.
“More”
“Patience mate!’
“Please!”
Bellatrix smiled looking up her mate’s perfect body and into her eyes.
She entered Hermione with her fingers and began to toy with her clit. She
ran her tongue up and down the nub. Hermione motioned for her to flip
around.
Bellatrix positioned herself next to her and continued her explorations as
Hermione entered her with two fingers. She growled against Hermione’s
clit moving her body closer to Hermione’s mouth.
Hermione began to lick her clit as she pumped in and out of her. Bellatrix
began to match her adding a finger. She pulled out and spanked
Hermione’s cunt making her scream out her pleasure. Hermione added
another finger and pumped in and out of Bellatrix with force. Bella
exploded covering her face with juices.
Bellatrix returned to her lover’s center but Hermione was pulling on her
again. She knew her lover wanted her inside her. Hermione had been
spending every spare minute she had taking Bellatrix to bed. Bella knew
why. Hermione had lost a child and she needed the intimacy. She wanted
the promise of another.
Bella secretly had Snape make her a stronger potion. She knew her
lover needed to focus on the war and her studies. They would have
another child soon but they needed to avenge their lost child and destroy
their enemies first. They would take the Ministry and Hermione would be
her wife before she had her baby. She hated keeping a secret from
Hermione but she knew what her witch needed.
Bellatrix crawled up Hermione’s body and kissed her lover’s fallen tears.
Hermione cried too much these days and Bellatrix was going to destroy
those responsible. They killed her baby and almost took her mate. They
would pay.
Bellatrix nuzzled Hermione’s neck pulling her close as she slowly entered
her.
“My sweet little kitten you feel so good. I love you baby.” Bellatrix
whispered as she continued her slow pace. Hermione wrapped her arms
around her neck holding her tight. New tears dampened Bella’s cheek and
chin. “I am so sorry kitten.”
“I want them dead Bella, I want them all dead.”
Bellatrix pushed up so she could look Hermione in the eyes,
repositioning herself so she could continue to love her.
“They will be. I swear it my love. We will have our revenge.”
Hermione shuddered as Bellatrix pushed deep into her. The dark witch
knew her so well. She looked up into pitch black eyes and whimpered.
Bellatrix kissed her softly never breaking her pace.
The light kisses deepened as need overtook grief and Hermione’s hands
snaked down Bellatrix’s back grabbing her ass and pulling her deeper.
Bellatrix responded pumping into her mate harder, burying her shaft deep
inside her with every stroke. Hermione came hard, her walls tightening
against Bella’s clit and driving her lover to orgasm with her.
“You are my world now kitten.” Bella whispered as she came hard into
Hermione filling her.

* * *

They apparated to outside of Hogsmeade. Savage and Proudfoot were

the Auror’s on duty and fortunately friendlier with Tonks than Kingsley.
They nodded hello to the return students and professors already having
promised Tonks they would keep an eye on them. Dumbledore did not
want Tonks or Hestia returning to the school on Auror duty. They escorted
them to the castle gates where Dumbledore was waiting with Filius. The
Ravenclaw head gave Hermione a sympathetic smile.
“Welcome back to Hogwarts” the Headmaster said, “Do behave
yourselves while you are here. I expect you to abide by the pact that was
made.”
“And we expect the same of you Albus.” Minerva countered as she led
the group up the path to the castle.
 Chapter 22
There were only a few months until N.E.W.T.s and Hermione made
studying her primary focus but it was hard as she had to adjust to the
major changes in the castle and still felt the weight of her lost child
hanging over her. There were times she burst into tears for no reason.
She had started meditating to control her emotions when she was around
the others.
The tension within the school was palatable when they returned.
McGonagall was right. The houses were split except for Gryffindor which
was almost completely unified in their anger at the four returning students.
Neville had told anyone who would listen that his gran had said they
were all traitors and that Hermione was bedding Bellatrix Black. He told
them Harry had joined Voldemort and they were trying to take over the
world together. The hostility within the house was intense the first few
days. Their housemates made it extremely clear they were not welcome.
The four avoided the students and their questions as they got
acclimated to being back. Hermione was still vacillating between anger
and overwhelming sadness. The rest were coming to terms with what
happened and their choices. Ginny, Ron and Harry had to ward their beds
at night to sleep hex free. Minerva’s had taught them some simple but
effective spells to protect themselves at night.
Dobby was sneaking them food so they could skip the first couple of
meals and they were hiding in Hermione’s quarters or McGonagall’s office
in their free time. They had skipped classes for the first two days to get
caught up and give them time to adjust. Dumbledore didn’t object. He was
more worried about them rejoining the student body than their absence
from it.
 The rumors intensified and varied in absurdity during their time back.
They knew they would have to answer questions soon. They decided to
brave classes, and more importantly the Great Hall, on their third day
back.
They sat down at the end of the table, as far from the rest of the house
as possible, and helped themselves to breakfast, pausing to cast spells to
test the safety of the food. Neville had stirred up the Gryffindors and they
had to duck several items that flew in their direction. They were maybe
ten minutes in and they had to scourgify themselves several times when
Draco stood up from his table.
“Oi! Granger come over here. At least we know how to use silverware.”
Every head in the room turned as the four got up and grabbed seats
next to Draco, including the tow-headed Slytherin’s own house mates.
Their move was as good as a public announcement as to which side they
were on.
The Slytherin table was completely mute except for Draco. They had
heard the rumors about them switching sides but no one but the idiots
following Neville believed them. Snape eating them after losing control of
his vampirism or them running off with a wizarding circus were the front
runners for most of the school.
Hermione and Draco exchanged looks. It would be easiest to make it
clear what had happened. They started off casually.
“Thank you Draco.” Hermione said.
“No problem. I am surprised Longbottom managed to hit you with that
donut Potter, I think it’s the first time he has ever hit anything he aimed
for.”
“I think he was aiming at Hermione.”
They all chuckled putting on a show for everyone to see.
“So Granger, please tell me you kept Weasley from tainting my room
with any Cannons stuff while you lot were there.”
“Someone, who was not me, might have added a cannon to your door. I
am pretty sure it was Ginny.” Ron said wryly.
Pansy couldn’t take the conversation any longer, “What the hell is going
on? You really were at the Manor?”
“That’s a good question Granger.” Neville said from behind them. He
was flanked by a handful of Gryffindors including Seamus and Dean.
“Your gran decided to try and kill me, that’s what happened Neville. Did
she tell you that? Did she tell you she stood gloating over me as I was
dying?” Hermione didn’t mention her child. She couldn’t deal with
explaining that. There were gasps through the hall at the proclamation.
“Because you are a traitor! You are with Bellatrix Lestrange.”
“Black” Hermione and Draco said at the same time. Draco had hated his
Uncle Rod and was looking forward to when his mother went back to the
noble name as well. He had been debating a name change and losing the
Malfoy completely.
“Whatever. You are still with her.”
“Neville you don’t understand what any of this is about. We were loyal to
the Order but the Order wasn’t loyal to us. I am not the only one they
were after. They were planning to betray Harry.” Hermione answered.
The entire hall had quieted down to listen to the confrontation and
whispers could be heard at the mention of the Order and of their planned
betrayal.
“That’s bullshit Hermione.”
“Neville Longbottom. I have helped you pass your classes and have
been your friend since first year. You know I would never turn my back on
a friend. If you will notice Harry, Ron and Ginny are sitting next to me.
Augusta and Molly made their choices and we made ours.”
A small din erupted when Hermione used Molly’s name. No one had
realized the Weasleys had split from their family.
Students started firing questions at them.
“Enough!” Dumbledore demanded using his wand to amplify his voice “I
believe all of you have classes to attend.”
The students groaned and headed to their classes frustrated that they
couldn’t have their questions answered.
Hermione had Charms first and was happy to see that Professor
Flitwick held no anger toward her. He actually seemed to dote on her
more than usual and class went smoothly. He kept her after to offer his
condolences and support. He was one of the few that knew about her lost
child and he reached out in friendship to her.
The same couldn’t be said for Horace Slughorn. The man spent most of
class with his hands shaking as he constantly looked up at the ‘Golden
Trio’. He was a man who spent his life hanging on to the coattails of better
witches and wizards and the thought of such dangerous students roaming
the school frightened him.
 Arithmancy and Transfiguration went much better. Professor Vector had
been polite but distant with Hermione throughout her schooling despite
Hermione being the best student she had seen in years. Vector pulled her
aside after class and told her to come to her if she needed anything. She
was surprised the witch was so friendly.
Hermione soon learned why. Hermione had swung by Severus’ office
after dinner to get his read on the day’s events and the two were
exchanging notes. He told Hermione in confidence that evening that
Septima was half vampire and considered a ‘being’ for the purposes of the
Ministry. It was a fact she kept hidden otherwise she would be among the
jobless with Lupin. Dumbledore couldn’t expose her now or he would
expose his own complacency in her employment.
“So she is happy I am fighting on the side that will loosen the regulations
for them?”
“More than that, you are going to find that primal mages may be feared
by wizards but are well respected among many magical creatures
including vampires.”
“Really?”
“You will probably get red carpet treatment at Gringott’s as the Goblins
have a great deal of respect for primal mages. Vampires, werewolves,
veelas and centaurs all have whole parts of their history and mythology
that involve reverence of primal mages. The fact that you created
S.P.E.W., despite it being a colossal failure, has given the community of
magical creatures hope.”
“I can’t believe that! S.P.E.W. was a disaster.”
“Dumbledore knew that primal mages would be respected but he figured
that your allegiance to the Dark Lord would trump that. He forgot that you
have already fought for magical creatures even when the whole world was
against you. They see it as a sign that the Dark Lord intends to keep his
promises. They see you as their champion. The girl who fights for elves.”
“So he is seriously behind in recruiting?”
“He is seriously behind in everything. I don’t know what he will do. He
lost you, which lost him Harry. If you had killed Harry… well at least it
would have made his task easier. You managed to take three Weasleys
with you and the rest are staying neutral instead of following their parents.
The effect on the student body is becoming very clear. They are splitting
as we expected but it already seems as though the Dark Lord will pull
more of them than expected due to you”
Severus grabbed some lists from his desk.
“These are the students I now think we can keep neutral or more
importantly students we can recruit.”
She looked through each list. They were much larger than she expected.
“These lists are huge. Most of the muggleborns are on this list. You
really think you have a shot at these students?”
“The Dark Lord had to adjust everything to try and land you. Once he
started moving pieces around he realized he could gain more supporters
with this new plan of his than the old. What is a few dozen purebloods
compared to all of the magical creatures and a significant chunk of the
Wizarding world? With his caste system he will even get to keep most of
the pure bloods.”
“And the muggleborns?”
“Are already marginalized. Once word of what he wants to do with them
leaks most will jump at the chance. Their job will be to defend and control
muggles. Maybe some will resist but most will enjoy it. They may lose a
bit of their power in the Wizarding world but they will get an open invitation
to do as they please in the muggle one. I imagine more than a few will do
more than their two years in the Muggle Regulation.”
“You really think power will trump principle?”
“Doesn’t it usually? Why do you think Albus stays here? He is terrified of
what he would turn into if he had more power.”
“I can see why” she answered.
“Are we really that different?”
“I think you are Severus but I don’t know that I am.”
He looked at her confused.
“I can feel it in everything you do. Sense it now. Like an animal senses
another’s pack loyalty. You are completely loyal to Harry. I don’t know
why you are but I know you are. It’s why you chose us.”
“Hermione!”
“I haven’t told anyone and I won’t. We have protected you from the
beginning that won’t change. Interesting that you may be the most reviled
and yet the most noble person in this war.”

* * *
 Hermione spent most of her time studying and dealing with the fallout.
She had little time to mourn and for that she was grateful. Recruiting
efforts were heavily underway. Dumbledore frequently gave speeches at
meals that involved vague warnings of impeding danger, constant
references to Voldemort and urging them to “seek the light”.
Hermione was approached frequently by students which made studying
difficult but she knew that Molly and Augusta and the rest of the Order
wouldn’t be easily captured. They would be hiding and raising an army and
she would need one to face them.
The Dark Lord’s 180 in regards to his policies was selling well and no
one was reading the fine print. Hermione focused her free time on taking
the one group that Dumbledore thought was guaranteed. Muggleborns.
She had to admit Voldemort was a genius. His plan appeased the pure
blood fanatics because it gave them a legally higher status but it also
appeased the muggleborns who were being labeled protectors.
Most of the muggleborns were leaning towards the Voldemort now.
Their time in Hogwarts was enough to make it clear they were and would
always be treated differently in wizarding society but with Voldemort they
had guaranteed jobs. Muggleborns had to work harder and be smarter
just to get entry level jobs in the Ministry and Voldemort was offering them
their own department.
Of those leaning towards him most didn’t realize they would be clearing
the way for a despot to seize control of the country and then the world.
They thought they would be fighting a noble cause.
What surprised Hermione was the fact that those that did understand
actually became the loudest of those rallying around Voldemort. Justin
Finch-Fletchly was the ring leader of this new group and had basically
pledged his allegiance to her in Voldemort’s absence.
The two were sitting in the back of the library working on recruiting
ideas when he finally revealed the depth of his understanding and the truth
about some of their more loyal recruits. She had made a comment about
protecting the wizarding world and he had laughed. She cast a muffliato.
“Justin?” She was still nervous from her betrayal and she didn’t like the
laughter.
“Relax Granger. Can I speak freely with you? Will it stay between us?”
“Yes.”
“Most believe the bullshit you are selling but the strongest allies among
the half-bloods and muggleborns are those that don’t. My parents
disowned me. Did you know that? They disowned me because I am
magical. In the magical world I am a mudblood and in the muggle world I
am an abomination. My trust money is frozen for years and there will be
no inheritance for me. To quote my father, ‘No Finch or Fletchly will be a
freak, it is unbecoming of our lines.’ Meanwhile good luck getting work in
the magical world as a mudblood.”
“I am sorry to hear that.”
“I am not the only one. That isn’t my point, my point is I don’t give a fuck
about my parents or their world. I care about me. I understand what He is
doing and I understand that my job will to be to help him control and
conquer the muggles. Do you know what that sounds like to me?”
“Tyranny?” she laughed.
“Well that too but I am OK with that. It sounds like a power and wealth.
Those of us who serve him well, that control the muggles and further his
goals… we are going to be given almost carte blanche in the muggle
world aren’t we?”
She knew he was bright and rather devious but she didn’t realize how
much so. He was dead on. She wondered how the heck he ended up in
Hufflepuff.
“Yes with some limitations you probably will.”
“I will be a mudblood in the wizarding world no matter who wins but I will
be able to have a powerful job and be a rich mudblood in His. The choice
is easy.”
“How many?”
“Half Bloods and Muggleborns that have figured it out besides me and
are still in? For the Half Bloods we have Michael Corner, Tracey Davis and
Anthony Goldstein.”
“Let me guess Tracey is thrilled for a chance to jump up in the ranks
considering how much shit she must get from her fellow Slytherins for
being a half blood and Michael and Anthony just figured it was logical.”
She knew the two Ravenclaw boys well enough to know how they
thought.
“Exactly. For the muggleborns, it’s just Penelope. She was pissed she
couldn’t get an internship at the Ministry and ended up running a register
at the corner shop for a bit of shrapnel last summer. She is in it for the
money. The Creevy brothers are running around singing your praises
though. Clueless gits have no idea what they are signing up for but they
are happy to be protectors of something. They have rallied up quite a few
along with them. The Dark Lord certainly has outwitted Dumbledore on
this one, yeah?”
“It looks like it. What about the rest of the half-bloods? The ones that
haven’t really caught on?”
“That is more about their allegiance than about their blood. Dean and
Seamus seem like they are staying solid with Longbottom. Hannah is also
staying true to the light. They aren’t the only ones but it is mostly
Gryffindors that have chosen to go with Dumbledore. For the school I
would say 45% with you and the Dark Lord, 35% with Longbottom and
Dumbledore and the rest are undecided.”
“Perfect. I am sure our Headmaster is scrambling to find a way to
change the numbers.”
“Oh he is. Penelope says the last week of Muggle Studies has been
delightfully chaotic as Professor Burbage has spent the week teaching
how muggles dance on rainbows and sing with bluebirds and students
have been rapid firing questions at her like what is a thermonuclear
weapon.”
Hermione laughed. She had cut Muggle Studies from her classes to
lighten her load but she remembered how mystified the students were.
“Where on earth did the students learn that term?”
“Me of course.” He smiled smugly.
“I have told Him of your work Justin. He is pleased. You may find
yourself as the new role model for muggleborns in his world.”
“And find myself in a nice cushy job where I can shamelessly abuse my
power to rob my parents’ blind?”
“Among others.”
“I love the new administration already… can’t wait until they move in.”

* * *

“FUUUUUUUUUCK!”
“Bella that is disgusting.” Narcissa sighed as she turned her head.
“Do you want me to stop?” Bella asked.
“Yes please, please stop… oooh fuck! Please!”
“I wasn’t talking to you worm. Narcissa would you like me to stop?”
 Narcissa looked over to her husband who was naked and bloodied from
Bella’s latest torture session. With Hermione gone and no safe house for
them to meet in and no leads on the Order, Bellatrix had little to do but
torment Lucius. She wasn’t the only one either.
Bellatrix basically invited the Inner Circle to have fun with him at their
discretion as long as he wasn’t harmed irreparably. He had even been
buggered a few times, she never asked who did the deed but it pleased
her that he was living all of the misery he put Narcissa through. The Inner
Circle was ruthless and like sharks they became more aggressive once
there was blood in the water. Narcissa looked back over at Lucius who
was in the process of having his skin peeled from his cock like a banana.
It was disgusting.
“Does your mudblood know what you are doing to me? Does she know
what you are?” Lucius spat out.
“Yes. She said I can’t join in the buggering unless she is here. Rape is
apparently cheating. She also said to make you cry as often as possible.
We can’t get to the people who hurt us the most so you are their
substitute. My witch is still sweet in a way but she has changed now
Lucius. The others don’t see it because she hides it but she is angry. You
will see soon enough.”
He looked confused.
“School is almost over fool. Hermione will be coming here for the
summer. She is going to take out all that hate and anger she has for the
Order out on you.”
“Fuck… just kill me… please. Cissy… please.”
“Lucius, you destroyed me for years. You beat me, you raped me and
you tortured me for pleasure. You would have done worse if you could
have. I hope the pain never ends for you and if you think your son is
coming to your aid guess again.”

* * *

“Recruiting is going well I see.”

“How is the Headmaster taking it? He has been avoiding me since we
got back.”
“He is avoiding me as well now. He tried to talk me out of siding with you
but frankly Augusta was going to kill me and blame you. After all these
years how could he choose such a path? I was worried when he kept so
many secrets from Harry… and then the incident at the Ministry… I know
he was giving into his fear.” McGonigall lamented.
“How is the rest of the staff treating you?”
“For the most part I have had no issues. You may be one of the most
beloved pupils to grace these halls. Hagrid is beside himself at what
happened to you. I haven’t told him about your…”
“Thank you. I have spent some time with him since I came back. I didn’t
tell him about the baby either. I am surprised he chose me over
Dumbledore.”
“Dumbledore gave him a job but you, Harry and Ron have always been
his friends dear. I am not sure why Albus left so much on your shoulders
but every time Hagrid has been in the cross fire it was you saving him. He
won’t fight for Tom but he won’t fight against you.”
Hermione laughed.
Minerva looked perplexed.
“With all the people that are saying they won’t fight for the Dark Lord but
they won’t fight us we aren’t going to have enough people to even have a
proper war. The wizarding world is turning more neutral than Switzerland.”
Hermione’s laughter turned to tears, “I wish they could know. I wish they
felt what I felt. I want this war. I want… vengeance.”
“Oh dear!” Minerva wrapped an arm around Hermione. “It has been so
hard for you. You have been so strong since you have been back. You
need to mourn. You haven’t had a crack in your facade, you need to
grieve Hermione.”
“I mourn when I am alone, I can’t let them know I feel anything. I need to
be strong.”
“Hermione when you need a break from being strong you can come to
me. Always.”
“What about you? Will you be neutral too?”
“Tom and I spoke. I am no longer so eager to fight another battle. I will
be defending this school and when the time comes I will put the pieces
back together here. Hogwarts has been here for over one thousand years
and I want to make sure it will be here one thousand more.”
“Do you think the war will come here?”
“Tom said that you would be removing the last thing to fight over here. If
you are successful this school will continue without seeing battle.”
 “Tom… it sounds so strange. Are you two…”
“No Hermione. Tom doesn’t have the capacity to love. He lost it many
years ago. Make no mistake, his new recruits are there because of you.
He wants to rule, Bellatrix wants to make her mate happy. They are giving
concessions to you that would not exist otherwise. Don’t let your anger
overtake you Hermione, you are the sole conscience of that side of the
war. You will guide and help create the new world we live in.”
“It is so much to bear.”
“I know Hermione but I will always be here for you.”

* * *

Hermione was heading back from the library late as usual. She was
heading towards her rooms when she saw a couple snogging in the
hallway. She wouldn’t have given it a second thought if she hadn’t seen fire
red hair.
She paused, taking a closer look to confirm her suspicion. The man
sensed her.
“Granger.” Draco said smoothly.
“Oh shit!” Was the reply his companion gave.
“Oh shit is right Ginny!”
“Hermione… I… it just happened. Look I…”
“Ginny, I don’t care if you shag Draco in the middle of the Great Hall.
You want to get your wild on… go for it. Just stop stringing Harry along.
Let him go. The boy is patiently pining after you. Make a clean break and
be honest. You owe him that.”
Ginny looked down at her shoes shamed with what she knew was true.
“Granger, I am not trying to pick a fight with Potter… she is right. It just
happened.”
“Do me a favor Draco. I will owe you one.”
“What is that?”
“Don’t duck and don’t retaliate.”
He looked at her confused worried she was going to hex him. She rolled
her eyes.
“Ginny tell him or I will. Save your friendship.”
“I will.” The redhead acknowledged. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
The two women stepped away from Draco.
 “Hermione, Harry is my friend. I have always felt like… I don’t know…
we were supposed to be together. Mum was pushing us together when
they were trying to convince Harry to join them. Hermione… I am not
ready to settle down. I want to have fun. I want…”
“The bad boy? I understand the allure. My mate is as bad as they come.
Make peace with Harry and let him go free.”
“I promise you, I will.”

* * *

“So Ginny was actually making out with Draco whose mom Harry has a
secret crush on?”
“Yeah pretty much.”
“Humans are so complicated. So when does the boy-who-lived-to-not-
get-any find out?” Crooks knocked her quill out of her bag pouncing on it.
“Probably this morning before breakfast.” Hermione sighed and
grabbed her quill back from him.
“You know I like to take my morning nap at this time but this I have to
see.”
“You are a sadist Crooks.”
“Well yeah a little bit. I’m a cat. Doesn’t every cliché about toying with
your prey or tormenting someone involve us and mice?”
“Explain to me why I put up with you?”
“Because I am your familiar and frankly I am damn good at my job.”
She nodded her head. He was. They headed down to the Great Hall. As
they reached the doors she they saw Ginny and Draco talking to Harry.
Harry looked away for a second. She could tell he was angry.
He cocked back and hit Draco with a right hook putting the blonde on
the floor. Some of the Slytherins tried to intercede.
“No.” Draco stopped them. “I deserved that one. Sorry Potter.” Draco
wiped the blood from his lip and shrugged.
He looked to Hermione, slightly nodding his head. He had done the
favor. Hermione had just confirmed her suspicions that the do no harm
clause of the pact was clearly flawed. Satisfied with the knowledge sh
grabbed Harry and snuck him down to the kitchens.
“I am not hungry.” He pouted.
“Harry, I am a woman. I don’t know how men deal with heartache but
women usually go the chocolate route.”
“It is 7:30 a.m.”
“The perfect time for chocolate pancakes.” She nodded to Dobby who
was happy to oblige.
The two settled down at a small table in the corner of the kitchens
staying out of the elves way.
“I got dumped for the ferret.”
“Ginny is just not ready to commit yet Harry. You are a steady, loving
man who wants someone to be with. She wants to have a bit of fun.”
“Ferret.”
“Is actually rather perfect for her.”
“I thought you are on my side!”
“I am and the minute I saw Red locking lips with ferret boy I decided as
your friend you need to move your romantic interests elsewhere.”
“You saw them?” He looked offended.
“I gave her the chance to tell you first.”
He looked torn for a second and then nodded his head, “OK. So where
am I moving my romantic interests?”
“Well I do know an older woman who is very attractive and going to be
single soon. She is looking for someone introspective, steady and loving
after being married to a douche for years. Added bonus, ferret loses his
mind.”
“Are you serious? Narcissa would never really consider me!”
“I think she would. I think if you give her time she would. You are almost
legal.” She laughed. “Plus you are already friends and cradle robbing
could run in the family.”
“I can’t. I don’t know what to say…”
“Harry. We are going to be spending the summer there. Just be yourself
and enjoy your friendship. If something happens… it happens. Don’t push
it.”
“Easy for you to say… you have a girlfriend. Every time Ron comes
back from hanging out with Lavender he has that look of bliss and
stupidity. I want that bliss. I want that stupidity!”
The two laughed and finished up their breakfast, deciding to skip charms
and spend the morning goofing off instead.
 Chapter 23
Hermione spent the week prior to N.E.W.T.s growling at anyone who
dared come within fifteen feet of her. Between her grief and anger and the
normal nerves Hermione had for tests, she was unbearable. Even Crooks
was steering clear. She had sent him to the boy-who-lived-to-catsit after
Mrs. Norris came over for a social call while she was doing her
Arithmancy revisions.
She was completely emotionally scarred after hearing Crooks and Mrs.
Norris flirt for around twenty minutes. She had thrown Crooks out and told
him to guard the Chosen One. Crooks had agreed moved up to the
Gryffindor tower under the theory Harry he needed company considering
Ron was perpetually off shagging Lavender. Harry may not have needed
company but after a week with Crooks he needed new quills.
“I wish I could understand you cat. Hermione says you have some good
advice.”
Crooks meowed at him. He smiled and petted the kneazle.
“Dumbledore is trying to find a way to get me alone again. He said I
have to return to the Dursley’s because they have legal custody. He is
sending me back there but I doubt he plans to keep me there. I have
faced down so much and now this.”
Crooks nipped him.
“OW!”
The kneazle ran to the door and meowed again. Harry looked at him
confused. Crooks ran back and batted his leg and went back to the door
again.
“You want me to follow you?”
Harry was pretty sure the meow that followed was probably scathing
and sarcastic in nature and he was actually happy he didn’t speak feline.
He followed the cat down to the entrance of Hermione’s quarters.
“Oh no. Not a chance. She is in crazy revision mode.”
Crooks hissed and blocked his escape. Harry sighed and knocked on
the door. Hermione answered. Her hair looked like she had licked an
electric socket, there were bags under her eyes and she looked
completely frazzled.
“Your cat made me do it.” Harry had been willing to fight Voldemort and
was now willing to take on Dumbledore but Hermione in ‘study mode’ was
just a suicide mission. She glared at said feline.
“I know you hate being disturbed while you are reinforcing your
reputation as Hogwarts’ biggest swot but you have friend in need here.”
“What happened?”
“Dumbledore is sending him back to the Dursley’s. They technically
have custody until he becomes legal on his birthday.”
“What! The Order will try and get to him. They could have Vernon give
permission to take him to Headquarters. We can’t let that happen.”
“I know. Take a break from studying and save the idiot… again.”
“I have no idea what you two just said but I imagine that it was not
flattering to me.”
“He filled me in and he only called you an idiot once which is downright
friendly for Crooks. Harry we have to find a way to block this.”
“How?”
“Take advantage of the Order’s string of bad moves. I will deal with
this.”
“Do I want to know?”
“Not even a little bit. Go! I need to get back to my revisions.”
Crooks followed Harry back up to the Gryffindor tower and happily
resigned himself to eating Longbottom’s quills instead of Harry’s.
“You really are a good familiar Crooks. I wish I had one I could talk to.
Hedwig is great but it’s not the same.”
Crooks preened a bit and then gleefully tore a hole in one of Dean
Thomas’ socks.

* * *

Hermione was leaving her rooms for her N.E.W.T.s when she received
an owl.
It has been dealt with. Reports on your tutoring efforts are extremely
favorable. Well done.
The note wasn’t signed. It didn’t have to be. She knew it was the Dark
Lord. Justin had fully signed on to take over as recruiter for muggleborns
and half-bloods. Draco and Harry would also be continuing the effort over
the next school year. Together they had significantly increased the Dark
Lord’s ranks and due to Hermione’s burgeoning friendship with Septima
Vector, the vampires were now flocking to the Dark Lord.
Remus joining up had done more for getting the werewolves support
than Fenir had ever achieved. Fenir had been a poster child for everything
wrong with werewolves, Remus was proof of everything right with them.
Team Evil was doing well, mostly by pretending not to be Team Evil. If
there was one thing Hermione learned from the muggle world… it was all
about branding.
The new ‘softer, gentler’ Team Evil actually was being eaten up by the
masses. She couldn’t believe they were selling a caste system and people
were actually buying but after years of being completely oppressed by the
Ministry regulations or societal prejudice the tyranny they were selling
sounded like an improvement.
She nodded to Harry as she passed him in the hall.
“It will be OK.”
“Thank you Hermione.”

* * *

She finished up her N.E.W.T.s and had no question she would have
Outstandings on them all. The Ministry sent Lestion Gibbon, Amycus
Carrow and Seltan Selwyn as her testers. She would have done well
regardless but it didn’t hurt that the entire panel bore the Mark.
She learned later that Voldemort didn’t stack the panel. Kingsley had
tried to load the panel up with his people. The Order decided that
Hermione would be less dangerous if she wasn’t eligible for employment
at the Ministry. The only way to block her was to make sure she got all
Trolls on her exams.
Scrimgeour still didn’t know that she had switched sides and thought it
was Order shenanigans to try and give her good scores. He countered by
loading the panel with people he knew were enemies of the Order as
punishment. Once again a move by the Order cost them. It seemed like
every step the Order made they lost more traction.
Hermione was done with exams. She could leave early but she was
waiting to leave with the others and she had one more task to complete.
She needed to ruin Dumbledore’s summer. Harry and Ron were finishing
up their exams that day. The train was to leave the next morning but
Hermione was free to leave any time.
The two caught up with her when they were done.
“Are you ready for this?”
“Yeah. Do you think it will work?”
“I don’t know. I hope so. You slugged Draco right?”
They headed towards the Great Hall where students were gathering.
Harry saw Draco and Ginny whispering. His face contorted into pure
anger. He grabbed Ginny by the arm and started to pull her away. Draco
stopped him.
“What the hell Potter?” Draco snarled.
“Harry, just let it go. We are almost out for the summer. Come on.”
Hermione grabbed Harry’s arm. He pushed her off. Professors and
students were gathering around. Harry got inches from Draco’s face.
“Ferret, get out of my face.” the crowd thickened. Dumbledore
approached. Several students including Justin started spouting off at the
Slytherins. There was some pushing and shoving and soon the professors
were stepping between the students and Dumbledore was facing off with
Harry. That was Hermione’s cue. She had already moved to the back of
the crowd in anticipation.
Dumbledore was too focused on Harry and Draco to pay attention to the
real danger. Hermione channeled the demiguise and was quickly invisible.
She ran up the stairs to the seventh floor and slipped into the Room of
Requirements. She figured she had maybe a two minute lead on
Dumbledore before he caught on.
Dumbledore had been watching them closely hoping they would lead him
to a Horcrux. He had been scouring the castle for the diadem and hassling
the Grey Lady every moment he could. The ghost didn’t trust him anymore
than she trusted Voldemort. She had heard about the issues with the
bookworm. Poisoning a student… it was horrible.
If she had known that Hermione would be doing this she would have
stopped her or told Dumbledore where it was, but again it seemed like the
Order was cursed. Dumbledore’s secret keeping and games cost him
again. The truth would have given him victory.
Hermione found the diadem exactly where the Dark Lord said it was.
She ran to a window and hopped out of it as quick as possible. The
window started closing just as she made it out. She looked back to see
Dumbledore entering the room. He pulled his wand but she jumped from
the window plummeting towards the courtyard.
She transformed into a Hebridian Black, her hide easily deflecting the
hexes Dumbledore threw at her from above. He watched as she flew
away with the only Horocrux he positively knew the location of and cursed
under his breath. He debated going after her but he wouldn’t be able to
catch her before she cleared the wards.
He hadn’t fallen for her ruse long but it was long enough. After a minute
or two he realized all the students spitting jibes at each other were close
to Hermione or Draco.
She had gotten the diadem and since there were no real attacks, only
students hurling insults and some pushing, the best he could do was hand
out detentions. Nothing was going right since they had crossed sides. He
knew it was impossible to defy fate… to defy a prophecy.
He knelt near the window and cried out in frustration. He would do what
he could but now but he felt it wouldn’t be enough. Tom would win but the
prophecy didn’t say that the primal mages would live through it.

* * *

She changed back to human form midair once she left the Hogwarts’
wards and apparated to the gates of the Manor. She passed through the
iron gates and headed inside. She was greeted by Alecto.
“My brother says you did well. They didn’t have to give you points, you
were practically perfect. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” She knew the sycophantic witch was just trying to suck up,
but it was true. She had easily passed the exams. “Where is Our Lord?”
“He is in his study. I believe he is expecting you.”
Hermione made her way through the maze of corridors towards the
Dark Lord’s study. He had his own wing which was located deep within
the walls of the Manor and heavily guarded as well. She reached the
entrance and nodded to Selwyn. Crabbe Sr. tried to stop her.
“He is expecting her you idiot. Go announce her.” Seltan scolded. He
rolled his eyes as Crabbe scurried off. “Is his son as stupid as he is?”
“The only person to come close to the number of Dreadfuls and Trolls he
and Goyle have earned is Longbottom. Even with Draco’s help they are
idiots.”
“A little birdy told me Longbottom has gone from P’s and D’s to all Trolls
except for Herbology. Apparently without you helping and the staff cutting
him slack he may be one of the worst students in Hogwarts history.”
“The little birdy might be a bit biased considering how many cauldrons
Neville has destroyed of his but he is right, Neville’s performance tanked
without us helping him. More than half of the D.A. has sided with the Dark
Lord. Even some of the Gryffindors are having second thoughts.”
“I thought he was mad when he announced his new rules but the recruits
we have gotten, the changes and success we have had. The feeling in the
Manor now is victory is absolutely guaranteed. Your D.A. will be
welcomed with open arms, even the mudbloods. Um… no offense… uh.”
“Relax Seltan, no offense. I am surprised that you are so open to
muggleborns.”
“I saw Yaxley, Lestrange and Mulciber. They were a bloody mess. Hey
is there a way we can protect ourselves from those buttlets?”
“Bullets. Sometimes you can. If you know they are coming a shield will
work.”
“If we know… how do we know?”
“Stop hounding the woman with questions Selwyn, she just got in. Did
everything go smoothly?”
They both knelt before the Dark Lord.
“Relatively smooth My Lord. Dumbledore was too late but he did learn a
valuable piece of information about me.”
“Rise. Which form?”
“Dragon… it was the only way I could make my escape without his
hexes harming me.”
Selwyn gasped. Magical forms were thought to be impossible for
anamagi to achieve. Clearly his Lord was right, primal mages were to be
respected.
“It was going to happen sooner or later. You can answers Seltan’s
questions later. It will go with your new job.”
 “My Lord?”
“You will have a few weeks to relax and spend with your mate. You are
taking a job with what is currently the Muggle Liaison Office. For now you
will be working as an officer. I expect within the year you will be Head or
Deputy Head of the Office of Muggle Regulations until Mr. Finch-Fletchley
has gotten his bearings.”
“And then My Lord?”
“Your choice but knowing you I expect the Department of Mysteries is
going to get some fresh blood. ”
Hermione smiled. If she hadn’t sided with the Dark Lord the best she
could hope for was being a project in the Department of Mysteries. As
primal mages the Ministry would have locked them away on the ninth floor
to study like animals.
“Come Granger. Let’s get our business out of the way so you can go to
your mate. Selwyn, I will make sure Hermione gives everyone some
background on muggle weapons.”
“Thank you My Lord.” He bowed.
Voldemort lead her into his study. She pulled the diadem out of her bag
and handed it to him.
“Perfect. They are all protected now.”
“My Lord… may I ask what they are. Dumbledore will be trying to get to
them.”
“Time for your vows. CRABBE!”
“Yes My Lord!” The dimwitted man called out as he ran in.
“Go get Bellatrix and Narcissa.”
“Of course My Lord.” The man ran out with a speed that Hermione
assumed was normally reserved for meals and sweets.
A few minutes later Bellatrix and Narcissa appeared. Hermione and
Bellatrix gave each other a longing look and turned their attention to their
lord.
“You can say hello when we are done with business. Narcissa you are
binding them to me. We are making an unbreakable vow.”
Hermione went first. She locked arms with the Dark Lord.
“Do you Hermione Granger promise to devote yourself to me and me
alone?”
“I do.”
A golden band lit up around their wrists.
 “Do you swear to keep my secrets?”
“I do.”
Another band appeared.
“Do you swear your fealty to me and to remain my loyal servant?”
“I do.”
The gold shimmered again.
“Do you swear to carry out my orders and act in my interest at all
times?”
“I do.”
He nodded to her.
“Do you Dark Lord swear to protect my mate and I?”
“I do.”
“Do you swear to give us freedom from persecution and full rights?”
“I do.”
“Do you swear to protect our children and their children?”
He hesitated. She was worried for a second… then realized why he
hesitated.
“Do you swear to protect our children and their children as long as they
loyally serve you?”
He smiled. “I do.”
Their wrists flashed gold as the bond locked. They both looked down
stunned. There was a small gold band tattooed on both of their wrists.
“I have never seen this before. Fascinating.” He commented as he
looked at their wrists.
“Very Good. Bella’s turn.”
Hermione watched as her mate took her vows. After they were done he
made Narcissa take a secrecy oath and a vow of her own and warded the
room.
“The reason I moved up the time table on these vows was due to a
question Hermione asked.”
Bellatrix and Narcissa looked to Hermione confused. Voldemort pulled
out the diadem.
“She retrieved it for me. She asked about the others. As you know, I
have seven Horcruxes. Hermione is right. They will be Dumbledore’s
priority… and now the Order’s priority. He has lost and he knows it but he
will go down fighting. He will come for them and probably will share his
knowledge with the others.”
 “You have the diadem safe, Harry will be back here soon and Nagini is
here My Lord.”
“Come.” He ordered and led them to a small closet in the corner of the
room. He opened it revealing a pensive. He pulled strands of his memories
and placed them into the bowl. The four looked in falling into the
memories.
Memories began to flash in front of them as they stood together. The
first was Harry as a baby.
“Hopefully Dumbledore will be unsuccessful in his attempts. I will do
everything in my power to keep him safe.” Voldemort said.
The next was his diary. Hermione sighed earning a look from Bella and
Narcissa.
“We destroyed it second year.” She turned to the Dark Lord, “Sorry My
Lord but at the time…”
“I know. Lucius is the reason you even had the ability. I am sure it is
among the many decisions he is currently regretting.”
The next was a ring. They saw an image of it destroyed in his hand.
“Dumbledore destroyed it over the summer.” He replied.
The next image was a cup. Bellatrix gasped.
“I have that one.” She told Hermione.
“And clearly trusting you was wiser than trusting Lucius. It is still intact.”
Voldemort sneered still angered over the loss of the diary due to Lucius’
cowardice.
The next was his snake. That wasn’t a surprise. The diadem was sitting
on his desk so they quickly skipped to the last Horcrux memory. It was a
locket. Hermione gasped again. Voldemort didn’t like the sound of that.
“My Lord, I know where it is.”
“As do I, it is in a cave well protected.”
“No My Lord it’s not. I saw it two years ago. We were cleaning out…
ahhh secret keeper oath. The Order has it right under their noses and
have no idea.”
They popped out of the memories and back into the room. He looked
furious. He ran a quick pregnancy test. It was negative. He hit her with a
crucio. Hermione grimaced and took it. She knew it was coming
eventually. She had no illusions as to who her master was.
He nodded his approval at her actions. She didn’t question him nor did
she hold anger in regards to the curse. He had done well in choosing
them.
“Bella, I know I promised you Lucius as your toy alone but you have
allowed others to play with him. I would like to borrow him for a few
hours. I promise you he will suffer during it.”
Narcissa lit up at that thought.
“Of course My Lord.” Bellatrix bowed knowing he didn’t have to ask.
“Good. You two will come with me, Narcissa keep the others out of
trouble. You two will enjoy it. Lucius will not. Your homecoming will have to
be delayed for part of the evening.”
They headed to the dungeons and grabbed Lucius. Hermione almost felt
sympathy for the naked, shivering and clearly abused man. Almost.
Voldemort conjured some pants for him and they bound him, cast a
silencing charm on him and dragged him along. Voldemort closed his eyes
using his mark to apparate them all outside a cave. As they reached the
door Voldemort cut himself opening the door with his blood.
The inside was one of the creepiest things Hermione had seen. A large
dark lake stood before them. There was an island in the middle.
“My Lord, how…” Bella asked.
“Shhhhh… Don’t piss of the inferi.” Both witches eyes widened. “My
wards make us crossing impossible right now but I can remove them. It is
going to take me about twenty minutes to strip the protections. Go spend
time with your mate for a while. Keep an eye on Lucius. You lose him and
you drink the poison.”
Lucius started fighting against his bindings at that comment. He was
trying to scream but the charm prevented any sound from escaping.
Bellatrix kicked him in the face knocking him down. She rolled him face
down and sat on his back.
“He is not going anywhere. Come here love.”
Hermione smiled and straddled her lover’s lap, her knees digging into
Lucius’ kidney and neck. He twitched and tried to fight.
“Lucius you can either take our weight or our torture.”
He stopped moving. Hermione could hear his heavy breaths as he
struggled to breathe with both their weight on his back. Hermione cast a
charm to let her know if he stopped breathing. She imagined if they killed
him it would not bode well for them.
She looked down at her mate.
“I missed you baby.” She softly captured Bellatrix’s lips.
 “I missed you too kitten.”
They kissed again, exchanging soft and gentle kisses giving in to their
need as tongues sought entry and teeth scraped and nibbled. Hermione
was becoming aroused as was Bellatrix. She purred as a hand worked its
way under her shirt.
“Got it. Let’s go.”
Neither woman objected both knowing it was work first, play later.
Lucius sighed his relief as he was finally able to breathe freely. There was
a boat that had appeared before them.
“It was set up so only one wizard could use it. How could he have gotten
to it and made it back?” Voldemort mumbled.
They hopped into the boat and made their way across the dark lake.
Hermione’s eyes never left the water. She could smell the death in the
cave. They reached the small island. There was a vessel filled with fluid.
Hermione looked at the basin. There was something at the bottom.
“The only way to get it is to drain the basin. Imperio!”
Lucius stiffened and began to drink from the basin. His face contorted
with pain. They watched as tears rolled down his face and a silent scream
let loose from his lips. He was trying to fight the imperius curse but he
was too weak.
For the next twenty minutes the wizard alternated between writhing in
pain and drinking the cursed liquid.
“Don’t let him near the water. He is desperate for a drink.”
Hermione and Bellatrix held Lucius as the imperio was lifted. The Dark
Lord took out the locket from the basin. He opened it. There was a note
inside. Anger flashed through his eyes.
“Fuck. Now I know why Hermione can’t tell me where it is. It is at your
cousin’s Bellatrix.”
“My Lord?”
“That’s headquarters. Now it’s confirmed. Dumbledore cast those
protections but he may not trust them now. They will most likely find a new
Headquarters.” He held up the note. “Regulus got to it. Traitorous bastard.
It is still in one piece isn’t it?”
“Yes My Lord… oh the secret keeper oath didn’t block that.”
“It would only protect Order secrets. Neither the locket or Regulus
qualify as part of the Order and if Dumbledore knew it was there he would
have destroyed it.”
 “It was in good condition My Lord. They do not know it was there. We
found it cleaning.”
He cast a spell on the parchment clearing the writing off of it and then
wrote a note himself.
Good try old man, hope you enjoyed the drink.
“I need you to control Lucius while I reset the traps.”
The two women watched the bane of Narcissa’s existence who was
clearly in agony, while Voldemort reset the locket in the basin.
“We will need to find a way to get it, a way to break those oaths.
Hermione, I know you have a full plate but I need you to work on this as
well.” he told her as they crossed back to the other side of the lake.
“Of course My Lord.”
She knew no wasn’t really an option. It didn’t matter. She wanted to hurt
the Order now. She no longer had to play nice. School was over. There
was the added bonus that if she broke their wards she could get her
revenge. She was happy to find a way around their protections and then
she would make them pay for her child.
 Chapter 24
They had secured Harry’s safety unbeknownst to the Order but Ginny
would have to go back. Ginny was worried but she had decided to go
home after talking it through with the others. She was the last Weasley
her parents had a chance at ‘saving’. She would use the opportunity to
find out what the Order was up to and she was determined to find out
what was going on with her parents.
Hermione had tried to convince her to let them find a way to protect her
too but Ginny insisted. The conversation the week before had been
intense but Ginny was determined. Draco and Ginny had swung by her
quarters to discuss it.
“I need to understand why my parents are like this Hermione. I need to
see what is going on… what if Augusta did something to them?”
“You know it’s not true. What if they try and hurt you?”
“They won’t. I am all they have left.”
“You are also publicly dating Draco.”
“I know but… I don’t know how to explain. I know you are coming after
them and I know I can’t stop that but I just need to see them. I need to
know it is really them, both of them. They are my parents Hermione. I
have to try. At the very least I will get some intel. You know they will try
and turn me.”
“She is right. She is their last hope at getting a spy.” Draco said. He
didn’t like what Ginny was doing but he understood it.
Hermione was unconvinced. After her poisoning she didn’t trust the
Order.
“Ginny this is too dangerous. We can find a way to fix it.”
“Ginny, give me a minute with Hermione.” Draco asked. Ginny nodded
and left them alone.
“Hermione, we obviously don’t know each other well and our relationship
has been… um…”
“Antagonistic with sporadic bouts of violence?”
“Yeah. And what did I always say when I hassled you or Harry?”
Hermione understood where this was going, “My father says…”
“My father is a useless and abusive man who has treated me and my
mother like practice dummies and I still spent every second of my life for
years trying to emulate him and earn his respect. It took all of this for me
to accept what he is.”
“This is different.”
“Exactly. Molly and Arthur are not inherently evil. Would you have
expected them to do the things they have done?”
“No.” she admitted.
“I have spent time with Ginny learning about them. They are… well were
loving parents. This is a product of their fear overcoming their senses. I
don’t think Ginny is going to find the answers she is looking for but I think
she has to try to accept the reality of who they have become and to do
that she needs this last chance.”
“Killing my child wasn’t enough? She won’t be safe.”
“Do you know why Ginny was spending time with Harry and sneaking
around with me?”
“Anything I could say here wouldn’t be nice but she talked to me about
it.”
“Because her mother told her too. Ginny had a crush on Harry years
ago but it’s changed to friendship. Her mother told her to stay away from
him so she did and then she told her to date him so she tried. Ginny hasn’t
truly processed how manipulative they have been yet; she doesn’t see
how corrupted their fear has made them.”
“And this will change it?”
“The Dark Lord challenged you to confide in your parents didn’t he?
Mum told me.”
“Yeah, I had to obliviate the day away. Now we are back to exchanging
polite but distant owls… OK I get it. She needs to really face them to see
it’s a lost cause but how do we know she will be safe?”
“They will try and manipulate her again. She can forgive their fear
because they are her parents but she needs to understand it won’t
change. They will try and use her relationship with me or Harry. They
won’t harm her.”
He got up and walked to the window, his voice was cracking, “Even with
everything he did to my mother… to me, I still needed to see my father
melt down to the point of the abuses he committed on her when this
began before I could accept what was going to happen to him. You
needed your parents to do whatever they did before you coaway accept
the impersonal relationship that you have. They are our parents, we will
always want to give them leniency. She needs to see it isn’t an imperius
curse and it wasn’t a one-time mistake.”
“Alright. I just hope you are right. You know about your dad?”
“I don’t know the details. I don’t want to. I hate him but even now I don’t
want to know what is happening. I will attend his funeral when it comes
and I won’t stop this because he earned it for the things he has done to
my mother but I won’t be the one to put him in the ground.”
“When did you become ok with it Draco?”
“When I came home for the holidays and understood the depths to
which my father was hurting my mother. It wasn’t always like that. He
wasn’t that bad. This world… this war seems to reveal the worst in us.”
“And the best if you are any indication Draco.”

* * *

Harry arrived at King’s Cross Station extremely nervous and he wasn’t

the only one. Ron reached emancipation age in March but Ginny was still
underage too. Molly and Arthur had control of her. They were standing at
the station with Sirius and Kingsley. Harry took a deep breath and got off
the train, Ginny and Ron in tow.
“It is time for us to talk. Let’s go you three.” Molly said.
“Sorry mum I have a place to stay. Talk to you soon Harry.” Ron waved
at Bill and Fleur who had just stepped onto the platform and brushed by
his parents to greet his brother. Molly made a face but Arthur grabbed her
arm.
“He is of age Molly.”
“You two aren’t” Sirius said, “Let’s go.”
“I believe you are confused Mr. Black.” Pius Thicknesse was standing on
the platform with Narcissa, Selwyn, and Rowle. “I have a signed
Ministerial order; Harry Potter has been remanded to the custody of Mrs.
Malfoy until he reaches the age of emancipation.”
Thicknesse shoved the papers in Kingsley’s hands.
“What are you playing at cousin?” Sirius said confronting Narcissa.
“It isn’t my fault you’re a fool. Every time you… people try and overrun
the Ministry Scrimgeour strikes back. Once you had the Dursley’s sign
custody to you our beloved Minister became extremely nervous. There are
these horrible rumors the Order is planning a coup.” Narcissa answered.
“Rumors planted by you lot” he replied.
“My niece’s warning to him might have been convincing since her file lists
her as a known Order member. He was in such a state of worry he owled
my husband, with whom he has quite a rapport, but unfortunately Lucius
was unavailable. I had tea with him and volunteered to give Harry a neutral
and safe place to stay in the Manor.”
“You’re fucking kidding me! Rufus bought that bullshit? Cornelius I could
understand but Rufus? I thought he hated Lucius.” Kingsley was shocked.
The Minister was not a fan of the Order but was also fervently opposed to
Voldemort.
“You would be surprised at the depth of Lucius’ connections. I am only
just starting to discover them. You changed the game with your foolish
stunt. They are now more afraid of you then us. He thanks you for that.”
There was no question as to which He Narcissa was talking about.
Harry and Draco gave Ginny one last reassuring look before they
walked away with their escort. Molly turned her attention to her daughter.
“You are dating him, you have sided with them. I am surprised you aren’t
sneaking off with them.”
“I am coming home to find out what is going on with you. I am willing to
give you the chance that they will not. They didn’t want me to come. They
are worried about my safety. Don’t prove them right.”
Molly thought for a second and put her hand on Ginny’s shoulder, “Come
on… let’s go home. I will make us a cuppa and we can talk.”

* * *

She ducked under the curse with a roll coming out and striking at
Dolohov. He blocked her hex and shot one back. Hermione needed to
work on her combat skills and there was no better opponent to help her
stay focused even in the face of strong emotions than the man who had
almost killed her.
Mulciber popped out from the tree he was hiding behind and threw a
stunner at her. She let it hit her knocking her into the pond. She sunk
under the water. Dolohov, Mulciber, Nott, Gibbon, Crabbe, Goyle and
Rowle approached carefully. They had been practicing with her for over
an hour and had barely made a dent.
“Oi! What if she is dead.” Selwyn whispered.
“She isn’t dead. She is playing a trick on us.” Mulciber replied.
“You think she is a dragon in there?” Crabbe asked.
“In the water. How daft are you man?” Selwyn replied. “I bet she could
be some sort of water beastie though. Mind yourselves.”
They inched up to the edge. The perk of learning to channel a Kelpie
was that Kelpies were like primal mages of the water. They could take
any form. Instead of having to learn hundreds of creatures they learned
one and picked up all that comes with them.
“Hey I see something!” Goyle yelled. He saw a large brown circle under
the water. Crabbe, Nott, Selwyn, Rowle and Gibbon joined him moving
closer and training their wands on it. Dolohov and Mulciber took one look
at it, looked at each other and backed off ten meters.
The others were so focused on the big dark circle coming up they never
had a chance to stop the tentacles. The six men were swept up into the
air and tossed into the water by the giant squid that looked eerily similar
to the one in the Black Lake at Hogwarts.
Dolohov and Mulciber couldn’t help but laugh at their sputtering friends.
The distraction was enough to keep them from noticing the small snake
slither up the shore through the grass and behind them.
Dolohov ended up encased in webbing and Mulciber was hit with a
pertrificus totalus. Hermione ducked as a red light flashed over her head.
She looked and saw nothing. Bella had been watching her practice on the
Malfoy grounds for days and had never joined in. Hermione guessed she
had seen enough. She unfroze Mulciber and unwrapped Dolohov.
“Help the others and stay out of the way.”
Mulciber was all too happy to oblige deciding to take a seat in the shore
and see what happened. Another hex came out of thin air. Hermione
blocked it and threw one back which connected with a tree. Bellatrix was
somehow invisible and she was moving.
 “How do you battle an invisible opponent?” He shouted fascinated by the
fight.
“Infrared and echolocation.”
“What?”
All of a sudden Hermione’s face changed to scales. Small divots formed
near her nostrils. Hermione started to make strange chirping sounds. She
ducked another hex as she looked around and found her mark shooting a
stream of jinxes. Bellatrix laughed blocking them all and send a few back.
Bellatrix uncloaked herself, “Very clever kitten. What were those?”
“Rattlesnake and a bat.”
Bellatrix turned her attention to the Death Eaters. “You lot go inside. We
need some girl time.”
They grumbled their displeasure as they shuffled back to the Manor.
“You have been showing them a great deal of our powers.”
“Bella, the betrayal is done. We need to help the Dark Lord recruit. This
helps… plus for everything they see I have twenty more they don’t. Once I
turned into the dragon the Order was going to find out about the magical
creatures. Once they knew everyone else is going to eventually.”
“Crucio!”
Hermione changed to hide letting the curse bounce off her.
“Use your wand not your forms. You have done well in the channeling
but you need to improve your combat technique with a wand.”
Hermione nodded and the two went back and forth. Without her animal
forms to protect her, Hermione got nicked a few times. Bellatrix was right.
Her reflexes were lightning fast and she was good with a wand but she
still had room for improvement.
They dueled for another two hours. Hermione was drenched in sweat
and exhausted. All she wanted to do was lie down. Bellatrix hit her with a
tripping curse knocking her to the ground again. Hermione groaned.
Bellatrix climbed on top of her, “when you are defending against an
attacker you need to fight until your last breath. Once you surrender you
are theirs to do with as they please. Crucio!”
Hermione twitched in pain not expecting the curse.
“Bella what the fuck?”
“I need you to be strong baby. I need to know you are safe. When they
come they will try and take you from me. I can’t lose you.” Bellatrix was
on the verge of tears.
 “Bellatrix Black… most people say I love you with flowers not torture
curses.”
“Flowers won’t make you stronger.”
Hermione reached up and cupped the face of her lover with her hand.
“Your fucking nuts, you know that right? I love you but you are
completely off your rocker.”
“So I have been told.” Bellatrix kissed her hard.
Hermione yielded to Bellatrix’s affections. She knew she should be
angrier about the curse but she did take Bellatrix as a mate and Bella was
right. She needed to be strong. She had bound herself to a psychopath.
She understood the curse was Bella’s way of protecting her.
Their kiss deepened and Hermione moaned trying to push Bellatrix over.
Bella leveraged her weight keeping her down.
“I won, to the victor goes the spoils.”
“Am I your spoil?”
“You are my everything.” Bellatrix whispered as she pulled at Hermione’s
jeans. Hermione purred and ran her hands up her back.
“Baby we can’t do this here. If anyone is walking the grounds they could
see us.”
“Good. Let them.”
Bellatrix pulled her jeans and panties down to her ankles not bothering to
remove them completely. The effect bound Hermione’s feet. Bella pulled
her knees apart and pushed her legs open roughly rubbing her with her
fingers.
“I won. You are mine to do with as I please. I am going to fuck that tight
little cunt of yours right here. I hope they see. I want them to know that
you are mine. They can’t compete.” Bellatrix slid her fingers into her
easily. Hermione was so wet she was dripping on to the grass underneath
her. The rough treatment from Bella’s hand was driving her wild.
She reached for her fly unbuttoning her and pulling her clit out. It was full
size.
“Fuck your cock is so big baby. You are right, no one will please me but
you.”
Bellatrix smiled and thrust into her hard. Hermione screamed out as her
walls were stretched and she was filled completely. She tried to wrap her
legs around Bellatrix but her feet were still bound. She was kicking at her
jeans but couldn’t get position with Bella spreading her so wide.
 “Baby please?”
Bellatrix laughed and pulled out. Hermione cried out at the loss.
“The loser does as the winner wills. I like you bound.” She cast a web
binding Hermione’s hands together, “Even better. Suck.”
Bellatrix pushed into Hermione’s mouth. Hermione groaned around her
cock making Bellatrix roll her head back with pleasure. She sat down next
to Hermione and moved her to her hands and knees so she could suck her
off. Hermione tried to balance while bound and keep a good pace.
The bindings made it more difficult but along with the rough treatment
and public location it made it far more exciting as well. There was
something to be said for bondage. She bobbed her up and down Bella’s
cock trying to take as much into her mouth as she could.
After a few minutes Bellatrix grabbed her hair and pulled her up for a
kiss. Lips crashed together with passions fueled by the rough foreplay.
Bellatrix pushed her down in the grass and stood and moved around her.
She pulled Hermione upon to her knees pushing her face to the ground.
She lined herself up against Hermione’s slit.
Hermione ground herself against Bella trying to push it in her but Bellatrix
was physically keeping her at bay.
“I love when you are this horny kitten. You are such a hot little slut.”
Bellatrix thrust in her hard using Hermione’s shoulders as leverage to fully
impale the woman. Hermione gasped and whimpered as Bella sat in her
for a second before beginning to move.
Bellatrix slowly pulled out again until only the tip was in. She grabbed on
and plunged back into Hermione harder than before. Hermione yowled.
“How much can you take kitten?”
“Everything you got.”
Bellatrix smirked and began to pound into Hermione who was slowly
being pushed along the grass by ferocity of Bella’s strokes. Hermione had
nothing to hang on to and she had to use her powers to counter the force
of Bellatrix. It felt exquisite. Bellatrix was snarling and growling as she
pummeled Hermione.
“The lion isn’t the king of the jungle kitten. I am! You… are… so fucking
good. Take it… take it all. Fuck… good.”
Hermione couldn’t respond if she wanted to. She grunted as she was
impaled with each hard thrust. Her eyes were closed and burning from the
salt of her sweat as she was taken beyond the brink by her mate. Her
body began to shake as an explosion set off behind her eyes. The
pleasure coursed throughout her body. She registered warmth as her
lover filled her with come as she slipped into a semiconscious state.
Bellatrix wrapped herself around her whimpering lover who was still
shaking.
“I love you kitten.”
“I love you too baby.”

* * *

“Tea? Are you channeling house elves now?”

Hermione sighed as she put the tray on the table next to Narcissa, “It’s a
gesture. Just say thank you.”
“Thank you. Now what do you want? Don’t look at me like that. Tea? My
favorite biscuits?”
“Fair enough. How did you get Kreacher to betray the Order?”
The trap in the Department of Mysteries had been laid in part due to the
house elf. No one took the elves seriously even Dumbledore but Narcissa
did. Dobby had told Hermione that when she had started S.P.E.W. She
had made the mistake of maligning Narcissa and Dobby had come to her
defense.
She didn’t realize how extensive Narcissa’s knowledge and skills were
until Narcissa managed to manipulate Kreacher into going to visiting her
and lying to Harry. What amazed her is the fact that the elf was still alive.
He had sold out Sirius and the elf was merely scolded for it. Even the
Headmaster didn’t force the issue.
Hermione couldn’t break the wards or the secret keeper oath but she
needed that necklace. The only other option was for her to attack with
those bound by the oath but that left her, Harry, Ron and Severus taking
on the entire Order or dealing with whatever traps they left around.
“Elves are misunderstood and maligned creatures. No wizard or witch
has ever taken the time to learn about them.”
Hermione motioned to protest. Narcissa put up her hand.
“If you understood them you wouldn’t have been knitting all those little
hats. You tried to take their choice away and impose your will no different
than any other witch or wizard. Dobby wanted to be free. Not surprising
considering what type of man Lucius is but the rest generally don’t.”
 “They don’t have a choice.”
“You really think that after your little effort if there were any elves at
Hogwarts that wanted to be free they would have been stopped? You
never considered that their nature is to serve. As you have seen from both
Dobby and Kreacher their required obedience is something that can be
interpreted in different ways.”
“Dobby and Kreacher both hated their masters so they used any wiggle
room they could to betray them.”
“And they were both successful in their efforts. They are clever
creatures and very powerful. We are fortunate they are inclined to serve
and not rule. Kreacher hates Sirius. As you have seen Sirius is a bully and
Kreacher is where he got his start. If there is a way for Kreacher to help
he will.”
“There is a necklace in the house that belonged to Regulus that
Kreacher helped Regulus get. Tell him if Sirius finds out about it or gets it
he will destroy everything of Regulus’ in retaliation. I will trade him this for
it though.”
Hermione held up a beautiful necklace with the Slytherin house coat of
arms and the initials R.A.B.
“House elves don’t keep material items, especially necklaces and why
would he want Regulus’ necklace and how did you get it?”
“The necklace was given to Katrina Rowle by Regulus as a gift in
school. She never knew what to do it with it after he betrayed the Dark
Lord. I started asking around about Regulus and her brother filled me in.
They were promised to be married but things obviously didn’t work out. As
far as the elves and material items… Kreacher has a nasty habit of
pinching knickknacks and I believe he was extremely attached to Regulus.
Tell him he will make his Mistress proud. He cares more about that bloody
portrait than the people within the building.”
“Is this the missing well you know… the one we saw in His memories.”
“Yes.”
“Very well. I will do my best.”
“If you can check on Ginny while you are at it…”
“Don’t push your luck.”
Hermione put on her best pout.
“That may work on my sister but not me. Draco has become… fond of
Ginerva so I will try and find out if the girl is there.”
 “Thank you Narcissa.”
She left the woman to her paper. The Dark Lord was waiting outside the
room. She smelled him as soon as he had neared but she didn’t want to
frighten Narcissa.
“I hope you approve My Lord.”
“It was well handled. My approval will depend the result. I think that little
elf is how Regulus got around my protections. If it fails you will both
suffer.”
“Thank you My Lord.” She hoped it worked out smoothly. She didn’t
want to experience the punishment for failure.

* * *

“Hello Lucius.”
“Fuck! You couldn’t sleep again? Have you thought about a draught?” He
mumbled. Hermione would have nightmares and wake up crying. She
would be filled with rage, with sadness and she needed somewhere to go.
The first time she came down to the dungeons Bellatrix joined her but
now she always told her lover to go back to sleep. They both used Lucius
as the recipient of their anger and they weren’t the only ones but it
seemed to be a personal thing.
“A draught wouldn’t be as rewarding. Drink!”
He took the vial from her and downed its contents. Bellatrix loved the
cruciatus, Narcissa was fond of the whip, Dolohov liked slicing hexes,
Severus used him as a test subject to perfect potions and curses, Selwyn
buggered him, Ron Weasley came down and used his fists… Hermione
Granger replayed the same scene each time. He didn’t envy the Order
when she found them.
He was her test subject for potions as well but in her case it was always
poisons. She was creating a hybrid of the Magical Belladonna that had
been slipped to her. She wanted it to last longer and be more painful. He
got to test each new batch. Fortunately he only had to suffer for a half an
hour… maybe an hour max. She always wanted to make sure to keep him
alive.
The time he suffered was enough. Augusta wouldn’t get the reprieve he
did. The potion start working and he started screaming.
“Aaahgg what did you add?”
 “Lacewing flies. Do you like it?”
“Noooo… please! AAAAAAAHHHHHH!”
“Tell me how you feel?”
“Like I fucking drank a liquid cruciatus. Please Hermione… please…
PLEASE!” He was sobbing uncontrollably. Hermione felt her own tears
running down her face as she watched him twitch in pain. He lost
consciousness from the pain.
“Maybe a pepper up potion with it.” She mumbled to herself as she
administered the antidote. “It will be perfect soon. It will be perfect for
them.”
 Chapter 25
“Why would you move your knight there?” Harry was completely
puzzled. Hermione laughed as she walked in and grabbed a chair near the
two.
“Losing again Harry? What’s Narcissa’s record now?” Hermione asked
feigning innocence.
“I don’t want to go there. Let’s just say the percentage is in her favor.
Why are you here besides taunting?”
Hermione didn’t take offense at the question. Harry’s games with
Narcissa were sacrosanct. It was their time to be themselves, relax and
let go of what the world had placed upon them.
“I am not sure. Narcissa said to come by.”
“I did but I meant after the chess game. No matter. I spoke with
Kreacher. He is working on it.”
“How did you get into contact with him? Is there a weakness? Do we
have access to the floos? Can we…”
“Breathe Granger. This is why I wanted you to come by after. Quiet
yourself while I move.”
“But…”
“Shush woman. Just for a second.”
Narcissa studied the board. She moved her rook taking Harry’s poorly
guarded bishop. The piece trounced all over the other piece breaking it to
shards. Hermione hated wizard’s chess. Harry groaned in frustration and
tried to focus while Narcissa answered Hermione.
“I sent him an owl.”
“Seriously? What if it was intercepted? What if someone saw?”
Narcissa looked at Harry, “Is she always like this?”
 “You should see what she is like before exams.” He countered.
Hermione sighed. Narcissa laughed at her.
“You and Bella are perfect for each other. She is as impatient as you
are. I didn’t send him an owl. I am surprised that the girl with Team Evil
pennants can’t tell a joke. I sent one of our elves.”
“You can do that?” Hermione exclaimed.
“Elvish magic is very different than other magics. Perhaps you should
spend some time learning their magic. I will instruct Peyton to spend some
time with you and help you learn about them. He is the head elf in the
Manor. You can also make amends with him for your cat. Minerva is
bringing that menace back here tomorrow and I want my home in one
piece. Now go. Harry just doomed himself to checkmate in five and I want
to savor the victory.”
Hermione laughed and headed off to find herself an elf and make peace.

* * *

“Where are we in the Ministry?”

“Kingsley is losing traction within the Ministry. Rufus clearly regrets
making him Head Auror. He promoted him while he was still Head of
DMLE. Once he moved to Minister and made me department head I still
needed cause to remove him without having Scrimgeour becoming
suspicious My Lord” Pius replied.
They were sitting in a large hall in the Manor. The Inner Circle was in
attendance as was Hermione, Harry and Ron. Voldemort loved having the
entire Golden Trio bearing his mark and was slowly pushing them into
more responsibility. If they were going to last they needed to be
darkened.
“From what I hear Nymphadora Tonks has the respect of the
department. She is also expecting. She would need to leave the field soon
anyways. I know she came with over with us My Lord but now that she is
with child she is extraordinarily motivated to keep the Order in check.”
Hermione offered.
Tonks had been nervous when she told Hermione about her pregnancy
knowing her friend was still quietly grieving but the witch was genuinely
happy for her. Tonks and Remus had been trying for awhile and were
worried they couldn’t conceive.
 “Hmmmm! It certainly would make a bold statement. Does the Ministry
know of her pregnancy?”
“Not that I know of My Lord. She was worried there would be issues
concerning the child’s father.”
“There will be. Scrimgeour wrote several of the lycanthropy laws
including those dealing with children of werewolves. Which leaves us with
our biggest problems, Dumbledore and Scrimgeour. The only way to deal
with the Order is to take the Ministry and Scrimgeour is the last obstacle.
He will need to be dealt with.”
Voldemort watched the three intently to see how they would react. Ron
was backing Harry and Hermione. Harry didn’t like Scrimgeour from the
first moment he met the man and Hermione wanted revenge and was
willing to go through almost anyone to get it. They knew the score when
they walked through the floo that first time and they certainly knew what
would be required to fight a war, especially after taking the mark. They
were terrified but willing. They made sure to hide the terrified part.
He could sense their trepidation. He knew it would be there. Their souls
were still pure. He would have to correct that. This was a war. They
needed to fight. He was a villain; they needed to be able to kill. The best
way to learn sometimes was just to jump in.
“What do you propose My Lord?” Hermione asked trying to calm her
nerves and keep her voice steady. She knew this point was going to come
no matter which side they chose. Harry had been told from the day he
entered the wizarding world his destiny was to kill a man and Hermione
knew it was expected from the moment she found out about primal
mages.
“A raid. It is time for you three to earn your marks. Once Scrimgeour is
gone we will have control of the Ministry. With Pius in, I will be able to
make the changes I want and create what will be your new department
Granger. Bella you will lead them. Take Mulciber and Dolohov with you.”
He picked the two men because they seemed to be warming up to the
idea of primal mages the quickest and were well respected by the others.
If he could foster the burgeoning friendship between Mulciber and
Hermione, Dolohov would follow suit and the others would get in line. He
would lock up the pure blood support.
He needed to show that he was right to give the ‘Golden Trio’ the Mark
and the best way to do that was have them kill the Minister.
 “As you wish My Lord.” Bella responded. He dismissed the meeting and
everyone filed out. Hermione stayed.
“Check My Lord?”
“Hopefully. You really are clever. It’s nice having a few more around that
I don’t have to explain things to. Why are you still standing here? Hopefully
it’s for more than just showing me how clever you are. Crucio.”
Hermione fell to the ground. At first she had no idea how to deal with the
frequent hexing but she had learned quickly that you just dealt with it and
moved on. She had to admit it was an effective method of troop control.
She really needed to remember not to be cheeky with the Dark Lord.
“I need some time to practice with Harry and Ron before we go after
the Minister My Lord. I have far more…”
“Yes, yes. Get them in shape. You have until the end of the week. I want
Scrimgeour’s body on the front page of the Prophet by the Sunday
edition.”
“Of course My Lord.”
She left the room still a little woozy from the hex. Harry, Ron and Bella
were waiting for her outside. It was obvious she was hexed. She could
see their concern and shrugged it off.
“We chose.” She didn’t need to say more on the subject. They had
picked the side that was going to fuck them over the least. The hexes
were worth what they would be given. “I have a handful of days to get you
two ready for a raid. Bella round up some of the blokes. Harry and Ron
are going to be doing some combat training.”
Ron and Harry gulped hard at the gleeful smile on her face. They knew
that look. That was the look that Hermione had when they were being
marched to the library for their revisions. There was no getting out of this.
Bellatrix also looked gleeful.
“Should I invite Severus?” Bellatrix asked.
Both Ron and Harry groaned.
“Hmmmm I will take that as a yes.” She then started cackling.
“They aren’t up for this kitten.”
“I know. We need them ready to fight, not kill. I am not up to it either
but if I want my revenge on Augusta and Molly and I will have to go
through Scrimgeour. If I want Augusta and Molly I have to continue to
harden my heart. I need to do this. I will make the kill.”
“I love you kitten.” Bellatrix lips crashed against Hermione and tongues
battled for control. As they let their hands explore their mate’s body freely.
The others just stood around awkwardly watching. Harry finally cleared his
throat to get their attention.
“We are still here you know.”
“I know… I just don’t care” Bella replied.
Hermione swatted her lover, “Sorry Harry. Let’s go talk while Bella
rallies the troops.”
The three went into the sitting room connected to Bellatrix’s, and now
Hermione’s, suite.
“Hermione… I know what I agreed to when I took this Mark. I just don’t
know if I can…”
“Ron, relax. You and Harry are going to learn to fight. Harry still has the
trace. He is in a magical home and can practice but he won’t be able to
work on unforgivables. You work on learning the curses. We will all need
to earn our Mark at some point. We will all have no choice at some point
but you just need to fight well enough to defeat the Aurors standing guard.
We will take care of the rest. I don’t want you to have to kill yet. Not yet.”
“Are you going to do this? Scrimgeour?”
“Yes. I don’t want to but I need to become what I was meant to be. To
be the warrior that everyone fears I need more than stunners in my
arsenal.”
The three sat quietly contemplating their decisions as they waited for
Bellatrix to return.

* * *

Saturday night the three dressed in full Death Eater uniforms for the first
time. Hermione looked at herself in the mirror. Black vest, pants and robes
finished with a plain silver mask and hood. Their masks would be etched
with their individual pattern once they took a life.
The Death Eaters would pass the mask from member to member. Each
Death Eater would contribute a little to the pattern as the mask was given
to them. Once it was done the new member would have a pattern created
for them by their peers, each one unique. It was a tradition that went back
to the Knights of Walpurgis, the predecessor to the Death Eaters.
Hermione leaned back as leather clad arms wrapped around her.
Bellatrix no longer needed, nor wore, her uniform. She was back in her
leather corseted dress and was no longer bothering with a mask.
“You look fierce kitten.” Bellatrix said as she kissed Hermione’s neck. “I
will be by your side the whole time.”
“I don’t know if I can do this Bella.” Hermione admitted.
“Envision Augusta in his place. He dies we get the Ministry. We get the
Ministry I get pardoned. We get the Ministry we can get married, have
children and live free.”
“I know the stakes, I just don’t know if I am strong enough.”
“You are lover. You are. Just channel your primal, let your instincts
control. Remember the hunt. Remember how you felt. Let your animal
take over. You are a predator. He is prey. He would gladly destroy you if
he could.”
Hermione nodded and removed her mask softly kissing Bella, “I am
going to need you when I am done.”
“And I will be here, I will give you what you need.”

* * *

They approached the mansion quietly. Ron and Harry had spent a week
learning tactics from the others. They moved in a v formation with Bellatrix
on point, flanked by Dolohov and Hermione. Mulciber and Ron were on
one edge and Severus and Harry on the other.
Severus insisted on going. Hermione had no question in her mind that
Severus’ sole goal in life seemed to be protecting Harry. She just didn’t
understand why but he refused to tell her the story. Fortunately the Dark
Lord was none the wiser and pleased with Severus’ renewed blood thirst.
They reached the ward line and paused. Hermione had to admit the
warding was impressive. It would take them hours to break through them
and the people inside would be alerted within minutes. Fortunately, unlike
the Order, they weren’t warding against primals.
Wards would natural take into account any registered animagi and block
them as well but if you warded against every living creature you would
have piles of dead animals around your wards every day. That was why it
was such a grave crime to be an unregistered animagus; that was how
Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black snuck around Hogwarts.
The others hid in the bushes as Bellatrix and Hermione turned into two
doves. They easily flew through the wards and tried to find an opening in
his wing. There were none. The warding was tighter, nothing was getting
through.
They found an open window on the top floor. Once inside they changed
back and discussed the matter. They changed themselves to werewolves.
There was no way to bring the fight to Scrimgeour so they were going to
drive Scrimgeour to the fight. If there were werewolves in the building they
would assume all of the wards had been compromised.
Tonks had told them protocol with a dignitary whose security has been
compromised is to get them to an apparition point immediately. Floos
were never to be used in case they were spelled. Hermione likened it to
not using and elevator during a fire. They would drive him out and then
confront him.
“Werewolves!” The first Auror saw them. “Avada Kedavra!” Bellatrix
barely ducked out of the way of the spell. Hermione went on pure instinct.
She lunged at the man shredding him with her teeth and claws. The cry of
werewolves spread through the building as he crawled into a corner
bleeding and whimpering.
The Minister was one floor below them. They started to run through the
building. Hermione could hear shouts to get the Minister out. As they flew
down the stairs they were greeted by five Aurors. Bellatrix changed to her
dragon form. The men were no match for the Horntail’s fire and the next
line of defense was easily destroyed.
“They aren’t coming. Something is wrong.” Bella snarled still a
Hungarian Horntail.
“I can’t smell them. Scrimgeour is a paranoid man right? Former Head
of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and all that. He has a
better escape route.” Hermione turned to her human form and pulled out a
coin. “Harry, look for tunnels or something suspicious. They have another
route out of here.”
Will do.
Bellatrix joined her in human form again. Where was the Minister? They
continued to look around both using their other senses to try and find him.
After a few minutes the coin burned.
They are on the roof. They have brooms. They are flying away.
“We are coming. Tell everyone to get ready to hop on. ”
Bella blasted the closest window and the two women jumped out of it
changing to dragons. They swooped down to where the others were
waiting. Harry and Ron hopped on Hermione’s back. She had shown them
her dragon form before and they knew she was the Hebridian Black.
Harry wouldn’t have gone near a Horntail again either way.
Dolohov and Mulciber looked confused for a second but jumped on to
Bellatrix’s back. Dolohov yelled, “SNAPE SAID HE WOULD FOLLOW
THEM. DID YOU KNOW HE COULD FLY? I CAN’T BELIEVE THE DARK
LORD TAUGHT THAT GIT HOW TO FLY?”
Hermione was impressed. Voldemort was thought to be the only living
wizard that could fly unaided. Even Dumbledore couldn’t do it. The fact
that Snape mastered it was one more thing on her list of why the Potion’s
Master was an impressive ally. The fact that the Dark Lord taught him
showed his level of trust in the Potion’s Master.
They caught up to the men and the fighting started. Harry was at a
disadvantage and was sitting behind Ron trying to duck fire. If he used his
wand he would alert every Auror in wizarding England. The Dark Lord
merely wanted to see him be able to keep his cool in a fight; he wasn’t
supposed to engage anyone.
Ron was hit with a cruciatus from one of the Aurors and screamed
almost falling off Hermione’s back. Harry righted him and helped him get
control back. Ron was now thankful for the regular hexing that they took in
the castle. Without that training he would have lost all control and fallen to
the ground before Harry could stop him.
“I think I understand all the crucios now!” he called to Harry.
Harry didn’t like being powerless. He saw one of the Aurors directly
below them aiming at Snape. He jumped off the dragon and on to the
Auror’s broom wrapping an arm around his neck and knocking his wand
away. The broom began to spin out and the Auror had to put both hands
on it to keep them from crashing. Once he got the broom straightened out
he sent an elbow back trying to knock Harry off.
Harry tightened his grip grimacing, “Stop fighting. I won’t hurt you… just
stop fighting me.”
“Fuck you.” The Auror slammed his head back and collided with Harry’s
nose. Harry hung onto the man’s neck. His grip tightened as the pain shot
through his eyes. His nose was broken and blood was spurting
everywhere.
“Stop. Please!”
“The only way you are getting off this broom is me knocking you off.” He
swung back again trying to hit Harry. Harry pushed back to avoid the blow
and the Auror overcompensated his weight shift falling to the earth. Harry
tried to grab the falling Auror but he was too slow.
“NO!” He screamed as he watched the Auror fall away. He took control
of the broom and looked for the others. They were way ahead of him.
Dolohov was looking back watching him. He saw fire from Bellatrix’s
dragon form take out several Aurors and he hurried to catch up.
Hermione ducked down to stay on Scrimgeour. Ron was hanging on for
dear life while hexes and jinxes flew past him. He threw out a stupify
taking down another Auror. He saw Snape fly by and throw a hex at one
of the other Aurors. They were increasing their descent as Scrimgeour
headed towards the forest. If he could get below the tree line they
wouldn’t be able to follow on dragons.
An Auror was diving with them and trading hexes with Ron. He cast a
slicing hex and Ron deflected it back slicing the Auror and sending him to
his death. Ron grimaced at the sight but had no time to think about it. He
hung on tightly as Hermione increased her speed and moved into almost in
a straight dive.
Instinct took over and she didn’t slow as she approached the Minister.
She channeled all of her primal nature and let it control her. She took him
with one snap of her jaws killing him instantly and swallowing half of him.
His head and torso were hung up on her jaw by his arm. She circled as
she tried to pry him loose. She finally got rid of him watching him fall down
into what looked like a muggle arboretum. The home owners were going
to get surprise.
Dolohov, Mulciber, Snape and Bellatrix had dealt with the other Aurors.
They headed back to the Manor. Hermione changed back as they
approached the gate and found the nearest bushes to vomit in. She had
no idea how she was alive. She had half of man in her stomach. She
threw up again at the thought.
“You ate the Minister?”
“I know baby.”
“How? It must be the magic. How is your stomach holding him?”
“Not well.” Hermione again found the bushes. “Let’s go in. I need to lie
down.”
“Hermione…” Hermione looked over to Harry. She could see tears in his
eyes. Ron looked out of sorts as well. She pulled the two away from the
others.
“I know! I feel like shit too. Hold it back. No weakness in front of the
others. We can freak out once we get to our rooms.”
They nodded and the three walked up to the Manor. Bellatrix had
apparently already informed the others the Minister was dead and by the
time they got up the path.
“I hear we are having a mask ceremony for all three of you after tonight.
Congratulations.” Voldemort proclaimed from the stairs. The Inner Circle
was waiting in the foyer. The Golden Trio had earned their stripes and
Voldemort was going to bask in the glory.
Hermione gagged a bit and held it down.
“Oi! What’s with her?” Selwyn asked.
“I um… I errrrrr… didn’t Bellatrix tell you?” Hermione stumbled.
“She said you killed the Minister and the Potter and Weasley got a kill
as well. She said they would find his head in a muggle home. What did
she leave out Granger?”
She could tell from the Dark Lord’s tone that she couldn’t hesitate in her
answer, “A little more than his head but I… uh… ate the rest.”
Selwyn and Gibbon’s bodies were shaking as they were clearly holding
back laughter. Voldemort didn’t bother, laughing out loud at her
proclamation.
“Indigestion? Considering it’s Rufus I am not surprised. Come… it is
time for the marking ceremony.”
Hermione fought her nausea and all three fought their emotions. The
ceremony was grandiose and pompous as they each had a different
pattern etched into their masks. They kept themselves together while
everyone tied one on. The night was filled with gallows humor and pats on
the back.
Hermione finally got back to her quarters late.
Her nausea was gone but her remorse was not. Killing a man was
harder than she thought it would be. Bellatrix said nothing. She merely
removed her dress and stood before Hermione in a black negligee.
“You are beautiful.”
“I love you kitten. I love you enough to let go and give up control. Take
what you need.”
Hermione guided her back to the bed pushing her down and crawling on
top of her. She let her tears flow freely as she lightly grazed her lover’s
lips. She deepened the kiss letting her passion and anger loose on
Bellatrix.
She bit Bella’s lip drawing blood. She wanted the taste in her mouth
again. She let her beast free. She tore the negligee off of Bellatrix and
roughly spread her legs. She had learned the hyena but never channeled
the animal before. She closed her eyes and felt herself grow.
“Fuck” she growled.
Bellatrix reached down unzipping her pants and gave her a soft tug.
Hermione growled in appreciation.
“You are going to like it kitten.”
Bellatrix guided her to her center. Hermione moaned as she pushed in.
“You feel so good. So tight. Thank you.” Hermione sobbed. She pushed
in hard pumping in and out of Bellatrix releasing her pent up emotions and
accepting Bellatrix’s surrender and warmth. It was an amazing feeling.
She felt strong, in control, and powerful.
Bellatrix was writhing beneath her as she kept her pace steady.
“I didn’t know this could feel so good kitten. Come in me. Please baby.”
Hermione couldn’t resist her lover’s request if she wanted to. She
exploded inside her releasing the last of her anger with her load. Hermione
collapsed on top of Bellatrix curling up into her arms and sobbing
hysterically. Bellatrix comforted her lover as she dealt with the aftermath.
“Let it go now kitten. You need to be strong. We need to be strong.
There will be more bodies left in our wake.”

* * *

Harry poured the liquor with a shaking hand. A hand came from behind
him and tossed the glass into the fire.
“Lucius always cursed several bottles. An emergency precaution. Try
this one.” Narcissa poured him a glass of firewhiskey from a decanter
sitting in the back of the cabinet. “It’s his best bottle.”
Harry gulped the drink, coughing and sputtering as he swallowed.
“I am sorry. I just… I needed…”
She put her hand on his arm softly squeezing. “I know Harry. I have
already live through a war. I watched them all go through this, I have gone
through this. We will all fight before this is over… we will all kill. Come.
Set up a game. You need to take your mind off of it. It’s a war Harry.
Wizards and witches will die.”
He pulled out the board and began to set up the pieces. He had found a
place for peace in a world of turmoil and he would take any sanctuary
Narcissa offered.
Neither saw the shadow of the young blonde man as he walked away
from the door. Draco had heard the rumors. Now they were confirmed…
sort of. He walked down to the dungeons.
His father was wearing torn trousers with no shirt, shivering and
wrapped in a rough blanket that appeared to be shredded. Draco could
see his breath from the chill in the dungeons. The blanket offered his
father little relief from the cold. He had clearly been tortured by some
after the mask ceremony. Draco knew he was often entertainment now.
“Draco… I… what are you…?”
“I needed to think. I think mother has become smitten with Potter. I
didn’t know what to do or where to go so I came here.”
“Of course she is! She bloody volunteered to shag him. Now that slut is
still whoring herself with a filthy half-blood. You have the family name to
think of… our reputation. What are you doing about it?” Lucius’ rage
overtook him before he could stop it.
“Ah! There is the father I remember so well. You think I should take
revenge. Punish mother? Potter? Thank you. I think that is what I needed.
I needed to hear from you.” Draco replied.
“Of course. It is the right thing to do. So you are going after her?” Lucius
asked feeling a ray of hope for the first time since he had been dragged
to the dungeon.
“No. I am not going to do anything. Potter is soft and that is what she
needs for company after living with you for so many years. If my mother is
going to have a companion I would rather it be a man like him than a man
like you.”
“Go to hell you ungrateful twit. You clearly take after her.” Lucius spit
out.
“I probably will go to hell but I have a feeling you will make it there far
before me and telling me I take after her is the nicest compliment you
have ever given me.” Draco reached the top of the stairs ignoring his
father’s screams and curses.
He paused for a second and smiled pulling out his wand. “Accio
blanket.”
 Chapter 26
MINISTER AND GUARD KILLED IN ATTACK. MEMBERS OF THE
ORDER OF THE PHOENIX SUSPECTED TO BE INVOLVED
Rita Skeeter
The Minister was attacked in his home last night and tragically (and
brutally) murdered. Anonymous sources in the Ministry have stated that
the Order of the Phoenix has formed again and is directly responsible for
the attack. The Minister’s head was found in a muggle garden in Little
Stempington. The same anonymous sources told this reporter that
beheading is an Order trademark.
Pius Thicknesse has been appointed Minister in Minister Scrimgeour’s
stead. We at the Prophet wish the new Minister the best of luck in
dealing with the new threat and send our condolences to the family and
friends of Rufus Scrimgeour.

“I would have expected a more scathing article from Ms. Skeeter”

Voldemort commented.
“I flooed her first thing this morning and we had a chat. She will publish
what she is told My Lord. Consider yourself in full possession of the most
popular reporter on the Prophet staff. My new residence has solidified
that fact.” Hermione replied.
“I thought Skeeter hated you.” Bella said. They were sitting in the Dark
Lord’s study planning their next moves.
“She does, but I still have the ability to blackmail her. She wasn’t as
concerned with it until she heard where my loyalties now lie. It’s one thing
to have the mudblooded swot that is friends with Harry Potter know you’re
an unregistered animagus, it is another to have someone aligned with the
Dark Lord threatening you. I showed her my Mark, she fainted. When she
came to we had a meaningful discussion.”
“She will be open to our future suggestions?” He asked.
“You can have her write whatever you want My Lord.” Hermione
answered. Intimidating Rita Skeeter was one of the few pleasures she
had during the day. The morning had been spent with Harry and Ron
dealing with the aftermath of the raid. They were both extremely upset.
“They are handling the fight poorly.” Voldemort said knowingly.
“Damn!” Hermione cursed. Her raw emotions made it so much harder to
keep her shields up.
“Crucio! This is not because of your remorse or theirs; this is to train you
to keep your shields up. Far worse things will happen if you drop them
around the wrong person.”
“Thank you My Lord.” Hermione whimpered from the floor, Bellatrix
helping her get up. Even understanding the twisted logic behind the
frequent curses she still hated them.
“I didn’t expect it to come easy. Especially for them. You have the anger
of losing your child fueling you. Even with your walls up and your game
face on your pain is still palpable. It emanates off of you and you’re are
wisely turning it to anger, controlling it instead of letting it control you.
Harry and Ron are not killers. They will have to learn to come to terms
with what happened. You will help them.”
“Of course My Lord.”
“I can only coddle them for so long. Make them Death Eaters!”
“Yes My Lord.” Hermione and Bellatrix pledged.

* * *

Hermione was sitting in the window watching the snowfall and giving into
the sadness. She hated the life that was slated for them. They truly had
chosen the side that would fuck them the least. She knew it was the only
way for her to find happiness but she also knew if there was ever a time
the cliché about the road to hell applied it would be this.
That afternoon Peyton showed up with the Slytherin locket. She had
learned quite a bit about the elves but they wouldn’t teach her their magic.
They were a curious species, thought to be submissive and weak they
were extremely powerful and often very knowledgeable.
 They respected she was a primal but they still protected their magic
from her. If she could convince them to teach her how to jump through
wards the Order would never have a chance. Unfortunately under elvish
law, and they did have their own laws, teaching their magic to another
species was considered a violation of the greatest kind.
“Mistress Malfoy says this is for you. Kreacher says he has very little
work to do of late.”
“They abandoned Grimmauld Place. I wonder if they are still brave
enough to stay in the Burrow or if they have moved elsewhere. Thank you
Peyton.”
The elf wiggled his ears in pleasure and popped out.
Hermione walked down to the Dark Lord’s study. She waited while he
finished his meeting with Pius. The new Minister nodded to her as he left.
“See you soon Ms. Granger.”
Scrimgeour wasn’t even in the ground and the changes were already
happening. She smiled. She would have her revenge soon. They would be
free soon.
Hermione walked into the study. She looked at the boards on the wall.
One showed the Order and their connections. Each person was rated by
priority. She noticed Doge was on it and rated high priority. Voldemort
was clearly not pleased about losing his spy.
The next board was the Ministry. She could see the changes being
made. Nymphadora had been moved to Head Auror and Alecto Carrow
was now in charge of the DMLE. She wondered if Tonks knew she was
promoted yet. She saw the newly formed Department of Muggle
Regulation. Selwyn was currently listed as department head and
Hermione was listed as a Chief Regulator, Regulator 1st class.
“My Lord.” She handed him the locket. He looked at it, his joy clearly
showing.
“Very good Ms. Granger. Now the question is what to do with it. I think I
have a solution that will solve two issues.” He walked over to the Ministry
board “What do you think?”
“It looks like you have made moves that significantly weaken the Order’s
hold on the Ministry. Kingsley being moved to the Department of Magical
Sports is both effective and funny. You made him Department Head so it’s
a promotion but he is now useless to the Order. Emmaline Vance and
Arthur Weasley are now in the Department of Magical Transportation. I
am sure they aren’t happy.”
“Yes I could demote them and no one would care. I was surprised
Vance didn’t follow Hestia Jones over to my side. They were rumored to
be quite close.”
“They were. This ended their… friendship My Lord. I am curious My
Lord, Chief Regulator, Regulator 1st class?”
“Do you like it? I made it up last night. I made three classes, first class
being the highest and then made you Chief. It sounds snazzy and
important doesn’t it. All those little Ministry dolts will scramble to make you
happy so they can increase their ranking.”
She laughed, “Office politics are always the same aren’t they My Lord.”
“People are always the same Granger. Never forget that. You won’t be
Regulator long. I will move you up to Selwyn’s Assistant Head as soon as
the department is big enough for one and you will take over the
Department from him shortly after. Once you get it in shape you can have
that mudblood boy, the one who is so delightfully corruptible…”
“Justin My Lord?”
“Yes him, you will train him. He is bitter, greedy, and power hungry. He
will make the perfect Head for the Department and we will move you
wherever you want to go.”
“I noticed you sacked Smith from the Department for the Regulation and
Control of Magical Creatures My Lord, may I ask who you plan make
department head in his stead.”
“I am in the process of wooing the ginger boy, William Weasley over. I
want to make a bold statement and I think a man who has spent the last
few years as one of the goblins favorite employees and is engaged to a
woman who is part veela screams join Team Evil.”
Hermione was surprised he used her moniker again. It showed on her
face.
“I told you, it’s catchy.”
“My Lord may I ask a question?”
“You just did. What?”
“Doge? He was yours. What happened?”
“Doge is as conservative as they come. Once he realized both sides
meant to court you and not destroy you I imagine he decided to seek out
whoever would side with him. He was becoming cozier with Lucius leading
up to their attack on you. I am fortunate Augusta was quicker and more
efficient than Lucius was otherwise I might be the one trying to figure out
how to pick up the pieces.”
Hermione held back her pain at his cold admission.
“I told you who and what I am Granger. I am sorry you lost your child. It
was a waste of good magic. I am neither a sympathetic man nor a kind
one. I have shown you the truth and will continue to do so. We will never
be friends but I will give you what the others wouldn’t. Don’t be confused. I
am interested in your happiness because it is the key to my power.”
“Thank you My Lord.” They both knew she was thanking him for his
honesty not his statement.
“Now I am going to help solve your problem with training Potter and
Weasley.” He put his hand her mark. She could feel a force. It pushed out
of her and she could feel it beckoning the boys. They showed up two
minutes later confused and holding their arms.
“You now know what it feels like to be summoned.” He held up the
locket. “You two have the job of guarding this over the summer. I will take
it back once school starts. Take turns wearing it and mix up the times you
are going to switch. I do not want it to be predictable. It is extremely
important and valuable. It does not stay on one of you longer than a day.”
“Yes My Lord.” They answered. Harry took the locket and grabbed his
forehead. He knew not to say more but he realized what it was.
“Good. Now all three of you go find something useful to do. I have world
conquest to plan.”
They filed out of the study. Harry gave Hermione a knowing look as he
put the locket on.
“Hermione, make sure I am never like Lucius.”
“I will Harry. You don’t have to be. This will help with your grief, help you
adjust, not turn you into him.”
Ron didn’t understand what the locket was or why Harry was asking the
favor but he joined in, “Mate we have plenty of scoundrels to choose from
as role models. How about Selwyn or Rowle?”
Hermione smiled at Ron’s jibe but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. She
was battling her own darkness and she knew the purpose of the locket
was to darken her friend’s souls.
“Harry, take turns regularly.”
He nodded. He grabbed the locket dangling from his neck and held it up
in his hand, “This is really happening isn’t it?”
 “Yes Harry. I wish it wasn’t but it is.”

* * *

“What are you doing kitten?” Bellatrix said from behind her. Hermione
had sensed her entrance into the library but was far too engrossed in
what she was working on to look up. Her lover wrapped her arms around
her, softly kissing her neck.
“I start work on Monday. I am learning about all the incidents where
muggles and wizards have collided. Did you know Jack the Ripper was a
wizard?”
“Who?”
“Zanzach Deroian.”
“Oh why didn’t you say so. He was one of the Knights of Walpurga. He
is a Black. Quite the wizard. Had come up with a portion for regenerating
youth but the authorities had some issues with the ingredients and his
methods of procurement.”
“Methods of procurement! He was a serial killer. He was psychotic!
Torture, mayhem, a city held captive by fear…”
Bellatrix raised an eyebrow. “Nice description.”
“Oh fuck… I just described you. I am bound to Jack the Ripper. Bloody
hell!”
“Bloody hell is exactly what Blacks create love.”
Hermione sighed. She had found so many cases where the two worlds
crossed and it always ended badly. There was no question muggles and
the magical world did not mix. Hermione was studying the witch trials.
They had learned in class that the witches and wizards would use flame-
freezing charms to stop themselves from being burned. Wendelin the
Weird was allegedly burned 47 times because she enjoyed it so much.
That was what they were taught in History of Magic. Hermione found a
problem with what they were taught. She confirmed it through muggle
means as well as magical. Witches were traditionally hung before they
were burned. If a witch or wizard was caught and at the point of being
tried they had to have already lost their wand and they were not proficient
enough with wandless magic to escape.
There would never be muggle/magical relations. The nature of the
beasts that controlled both sides would always choose war. She had no
illusions of how muggles would handle the knowledge of magic. There
would be those no different than the witches and wizards she had aligned
herself with. There was a reason they called scapegoating a witch hunt.
Bellatrix was massaging her shoulders.
“It is hard kitten, turning on the world you came from is hard but if you
want us to exist you must.”
“You say it with such conviction.”
“I had to let go of my beliefs to love you. I was raised on centuries of
history bound by one belief, Toujours Pur.”
Hermione leaned back against her mate pulling her arms tighter around
her.
“I am becoming a monster baby.”
“You are a monster kitten. We both are. It was what we are meant to
be. It is how we will stay alive, how we will protect our family. No matter
whom we chose our path was always war.”
Hermione started to cry. She cried for her child, her life, the parents she
didn’t have, the things she had done. She even cried for Rufus
Scrimgeour, a man who would have locked her away or had her killed in
seconds.
Bellatrix pushed her out of the chair and to the floor. She pinned
Hermione’s hands above her head and licked away her tears.
“Be strong baby. You need to be strong.”
“Don’t tell me to be strong! I don’t want to be strong.” Hermione cried,
pulling free of the hold and pushing against Bellatrix who quickly pinned
her back down.
“I love you kitten. I would have happily embraced your mudblood loving
blood traitor Order for us, for our family. I would have killed every last
Death Eater to save us. Now we are here. They took our baby and we will
have our revenge.”
Bellatrix kissed her lips softly giving a soft growl.
“All that matters is us lover.” She could feel Hermione’s warm breaths
against her lips as her lover tried to calm herself. She licked her lips lightly
and nibbled on Hermione’s bottom lip. Hermione yielded and opened to
her, allowing her tongue access.
The kisses deepened and Hermione’s hands were released. She
wrapped them around Bella’s neck as the fire between the two grew.
Bellatrix ran her hands down Hermione’s body sending shivers in their
wake. Hermione gasped as teeth found her earlobe.
“Baby… quarters.”
“No kitten… now.”
Bellatrix began to unbutton her shirt letting her hands and lips explore
the newly exposed skin.
“I love the way you taste kitten.” Bella whispered licking a line across
her clavicle.
Bellatrix bit her shoulder softly. Hermione purred in response. Bellatrix
pulled her shirt off and was pleased to find green lace underneath. She
ran her hands along the lace smiling when she felt Hermione’s nipples
harden underneath.
“Slytherin colors kitten?”
“I know you love green baby.”
“You spoil me.” Bellatrix laughed as she lightly bit down on Hermione’s
nipple. Hermione arched into her touch pushing Bella’s mouth further on
her chest, moaning as Bellatrix suckled on her breasts.
Bella took her time, slowly claiming each breast. She unbuttoned and
pulled off Hermione’s pants pleased by the matching green lace
underwear. She slowly made a path down her stomach moving between
her legs. She waived her hand and the green lace was gone. She wasted
no time burying her tongue deep inside her lover’s center.
“You are so wet kitten” she moaned as she lapped up Hermione’s juices.
“You are so good baby.” Hermione cried out wrapping a leg around her
neck and shoulder. Hermione bucked as Bella’s tongue found her center.
Hermione let out a growl as Bella focused on her clit pushing against it
with the flat of her tongue. She came with a yowl.
Bellatrix climbed up her body. Hermione savored the taste of herself on
Bella’s tongue as their lips crashed together again. She unbuttoned
Bellatrix’s pants.
“Bella! I need…”
“I know.”
Bellatrix entered her slowly pushing deep into Hermione. She pulled
Hermione’s leg over her shoulder. The position gave her leverage to go
deeper and the ability to watch her lover’s pleasure as she took her. They
locked eyes as their bodies began a rhythm as old as time.
Bellatrix was mesmerized with every gasp, every twitch, every moan.
“You will be my wife. We will be together… forever.” Bellatrix vowed as
she neared release. She came hard bringing Hermione with her. The two
collapsed against each other.
Hermione dozed off with her lover curled against her chest. The two
were woken a short while later by Narcissa, Remus and Tonks running in.
“Granger come quickly.” Narcissa gasped as she ran through the door.
She paused at the sight before her. She was not expecting her sister to
be wrapped around a very naked Hermione Granger.
“Clearly she already has.” Tonks exclaimed.
“Really Dora now is not the time and you two… this is not the place!”
“Is there a reason you are interrupting us Cissy?”
“Ginerva appeared at the gates and she looks to be injured.”
Hermione cast a quick spell and was dressed and up in less than a
minute. Bellatrix was clearly not pleased with the interruption but
straightened her clothes out and followed her mate grumbling about
gingers and her beauty sleep.
They ran downstairs to the sitting room where Ginny was being tended
to by Draco, Minerva and Severus. Harry ran back in with a bag in his
hand.
“Here you are Professor.” He handed Snape the bag.
Ginny was bruised on her arms and legs and bleeding from a cut on her
head. She looked at Hermione trying to focus.
“I thought they would see reason but all they see is war. You were right,
my parents are lost.”
Ginny blacked out as she finished her message, going limp in Draco’s
arms.
 Chapter 27
Severus studied Ginny carefully. He seemed confused.
“Godfather? Are you going to help her?” Draco asked clearly panicked.
“I don’t know that I need to.” Severus was frowning. He briefly looked
around shooting Draco an apologetic look. “My Lord… a moment please.”
Severus and Voldemort moved to the other side of the room. The two
whispered for a few minutes and at one point it looked like Voldemort was
planning to hex Ginny at one point. They continued to whisper. Draco, Ron
and Harry all looked worried. Hermione noticed Narcissa put a hand on
Draco’s shoulder. She wanted to keep him from reacting if this ended
poorly for Ginny.
“Granger come here!” Voldemort ordered.
“Yes My Lord.”
Hermione walked across the room. Voldemort nodded to Severus who
clued her in.
“Granger her wounds are superficial. Too superficial. Almost painted on.
They forget my people are as skilled in the art of healing as they are in
the art of war. She was also given some sort of sleeping drought which is
why she is so faint. This is a ruse.”
“What do you say Granger?”
“I say heal her and let her wake. See what she says.”
“And?”
“And if she is a spy we use her and then kill her.” Hermione answered
coldly knowing that was the only chance Ginny had of staying alive.
Hermione knew that the girl lying on the floor would never pull a stunt like
this. If Ginny had returned to her parents she would have stayed there
and said so. She was Gryffindor through and through. She told the two
men as much.
“You think she is not capable of deception?”
“No My Lord but that is also a concern. She wouldn’t be able to deceive
the Order either. Something is going on.”
“And why is she still alive?”
“We should find out what happened My Lord. It may prove useful.
Additionally, the prophecy seems as much a curse as it does a foretelling.
Everything the Order has done has backfired on them. We may be able to
use this to our advantage.”
“Very well. Heal her ‘wounds’ Severus. Let’s see if Granger’s instincts
are right. If you are wrong Granger I will kill her and you will suffer greatly.
One of the first rules of war is learning who to put your faith in.”
“Of course My Lord.” she prayed her faith in Ginny was founded. Her
past faith in a Weasley had cost her a child.
The walked back over to where Ginny lay.
“My Lord?” Draco asked practically begging.
“Do it Severus.”
Snape healed the wounds and sprinkled a small amount of powder into
Ginny’s mouth.
“Once it dissolves and she absorbs it she will awaken.”
They waited quietly. No one knew what the three discussed but they all
understood something was about to happen.
Ginny awoke.
“Ginny, what happened?” Hermione asked cutting off Draco and Harry
before they could speak.
“I need Harry and Draco to leave the room.”
They all looked confused but Voldemort nodded and the two filed out.
As soon as they left Ginny started talking.
“We went back home. Mum and I had tea. We talked, we cried. She
said she felt bad for what had happened but she was protecting me.
Everything was going fine. The first few days were good.”
“How did you end up here?” Hermione asked becoming more nervous
her trust had been misplaced again.
“After a few days the others came by and started asking me questions.
Mostly it was Augusta Longbottom, Sirius and that Doge guy. The Order
is split. Dumbledore, Kingsley and Mad Eye came by once or twice… I
think… but they are clearly fighting with the others. Mum was really nice
since I have been home and then they asked…”
Ginny turned red and fidgeted a bit.
“Ginny?”
“The others… they convinced her but she let them do it. I am supposed
to use my relationship with Draco to spy for the Order. The bruises
weren’t real, it’s some kind of spell. I am also to manipulate Harry of I
can.” she turned to Ron, “they really lost it. They asked me to find out
what I can and report back. They know they are in trouble and they are
desperate.”
“What did you say?” Hermione asked cutting off Ron who was turning
bright red. She knew Ron was furious. He was ready to kill the chosen
one and Draco if either got past snogging with his sister. He would never
let anyone use his little sister like that.
“Yes of course! My mum has gone bloody mad. I wasn’t going to say no
and see what they were going to do to me. If I was lucky they would lock
me up and not let me leave and that’s my parents. Longbottom and Doge
are running things… mostly Augusta. They are scary. The plan was to
fake my attack and drop me here so I could spy. I figured why not. They
would drop me off where I wanted to go and I would be free of them.”
“They didn’t have you take an oath?” Severus asked suspiciously.
“Yes I am to tell them everything Draco and Harry tell me, oh and I can’t
tell them what I am up to. Mum is worse at secret keeping oaths than you
are Hermione.”
Hermione ignored the dig. Molly wasn’t the most skilled witch in England
but she was certainly a force to be reckoned with. There was definitely
more to it. She would never botch the Oath this bad. Clearly they thought
little of the witches and wizards on this side if they thought they would buy
the bullshit they were selling. Ginny’s naivety made her an easy mark but
it wasn’t going to work with the rest of them.
“So now what?”
“There is no what. I wouldn’t date Dean to make her happy and I am not
using Draco and Harry. I am not a whore and I won’t do it.”
“Good call Granger!” Voldemort said and turned to Ginny, “You can
thank her for your life Ginerva.”
With that he walked out. Ginny paled at the comment.
“Hermione?”
“You aren’t going to be able to coast any longer Ginny, you need to
commit to this side. Think about it. I am going to fill Harry and Draco in.”

* * *

After explaining everything to Harry and Draco, Hermione entered the

study to find Voldemort, Bellatrix, Severus, Narcissa, Ignis Mulciber,
Seltan Selwyn and Antonin Dolohov waiting.
“You took a risk today Granger.” Voldemort commented.
“I know My Lord. I doubt it will be the last unfortunately.”
The others were confused. Voldemort motioned to her and Severus to
explain. Snape looked to Hermione. It was her call and her story.
“Severus detected the wounds were a glamour of some sort. I knew
Ginny wasn’t part of it. Molly and Arthur have fallen prey to fear but I
know Ginny. She wouldn’t let them manipulate her like that. She loves her
parents and is closer to them than any of the boys. She would do a lot for
them but not whore herself out.”
“You think she is changed?” Mulciber asked.
“Yeah and I am glad they did it. They did one of the things that would
truly turn Ginny away. She said the Order is splintering. We will need to
get as much intel as possible from her but we can’t trust it.”
“I don’t understand. You said you knew she was trust worthy but you are
still worried. Do you think that ginger girl is playing us?” Narcissa asked.
Everyone in the room knew that what Narcissa meant by ‘us’ was Draco.
“The ginger girl isn’t capable of playing anyone. Ginny is the prototypical
Gryffindor. That is what has me concerned. How did she fool them?”
“You think the Order knew what she was doing?” Selwyn asked.
“Yes. I think they knew they wouldn’t be able to keep her. She would
never lift a wand against her brothers, me, Draco or Harry. Well at least
not in combat, her bat bogey hex is something to be feared. There is
more to this. Molly poisoned me and has disowned her sons over her fear.
They are erratic and consumed with anger and venom. Why is she making
tea for Ginny and playing mom when she won’t talk to Bill?”
“You really think they have turned on their children?” Narcissa asked.
“It wouldn’t be the first time. Percy was already kicked to the curb. It
isn’t all that unusual for war to split families. Sirius and Andromeda are
also proof of that. They lost Ron, Bill and now Ginny. They haven’t lost the
other boys, the twins and Charlie are staying neutral.”
 “What are they doing with Ginny then?”
“We can use her to deceive the Order. How are her occlumency
shields?” Voldemort asked.
“Horrible.” Hermione answered honestly.
“Your cousin is a Black. I am sure he was properly trained before he
decided to switch sides.” Voldemort said to Narcissa and Bellatrix.
“Yes.”
“Dumbledore still underestimates me and the Order underestimates
you.” He said. His anger clearly showing. “He always has to play the
angles. Black probably used legilimency on her. Severus tonight you check
and see if you see anything unusual.”
“Anything in particular I am looking for My Lord?”
“Memory modification charms and obliviation. The prudent thing to do is
use the piece in play. Not a bad ploy. Let’s assume the remnants of the
Order are unified in trying to save what’s left. They could use her to pass
us false information. Moreover, they would know she was going to tell us
everything. My play would be to use her as a double agent. They could
mine her for information when we send her back for ‘meets’. I admit it was
my first instinct but again Dumbledore hasn’t planned for anyone else in
this room.”
“Would Molly agree to allowing Ginny be used in such a manner?”
Severus asked surprised.
“Yes. She would if she thought it was the way to save her family. If she
destroys us she can save her other children, the ones that are neutral and
Percy, from us… from me. She also might be able to save Ginny and Ron
if she can just destroy me.” Hermione said.
“You assume she is focused on you.” Dolohov said pointedly. He was
learning to respect the witch but still had his reservations.
“She will be. Dumbledore will be focused on Our Lord. He has been
from the beginning. His goal was to destroy Him no matter what the cost
but Molly, Molly is about her family. A family she no doubt holds me
responsible for destroying.”
“We are going to give them what they want. You will turn Ginny into a
double agent but she will not be allowed access to anything sensitive. We
will feed her false information and expose her to false information. When
they cut through her layers they will see a lie within a lie. We will make
sure that some of what they see will be true. When the time comes we
will use this to destroy them.”
“My Lord, Harry, Draco and Ron…”
“Can’t know. You are right. We will have to create an illusion for all of
them… for everyone not in this room. We will find a way to use this to our
advantage. Severus you know what you need to do with the Weasley girl.”
He looked to the others and started handing out assignments.
“Ignis, Antonin and Narcissa, you are helping Bellatrix track the Order
and work on a way through their wards. Hermione, you start work in three
hours. You are working with Seltan to get the department in order, ease
the fears that need to be eased and scare those that need to be scared.”
“I guess my introduction to muggle weaponry is due My Lord.”
“Make it… impressive.”
“As you wish My Lord.” She answered and bowed her head.
Seltan bowed his head as well and the two walked out.
“So Granger I am not sleeping again. A fry up and work then?”
“Might as well.”

* * *

Hogwarts had not prepared her for the level of hostility at the Ministry.
Wizards and witches were snarling at each other in the lift. Departments
were divided and nothing was getting done as each side tried to
undermine the other. It was like walking into office politics hell.
She ran into Arthur Weasley, quite literally, as they were heading up to
Pius’ office. He shot her a dirty look which she returned.
“How is the world of magical transportation these days Arthur?” She
quipped to the amusement of Seltan.
“This isn’t over Hermione.”
“No Arthur, it’s not. I still have a debt to collect from you.”
The other Ministry employees in the hall had stopped to watch the
exchange. The whole Ministry had been turned on its head and the rules
had clearly changed. Seltan Selwyn was backing Hermione Granger who
was facing off with Arthur Weasley. The times had changed.
“Weasley what are you doing up here. Aren’t you supposed to be
working on the routes for the Knight’s bus? Selwyn. Granger, come on in”
Pius called from his door.
The two walked in and took their seats.
 “You are supposed to be doing a seminar on muggle weaponry on
Friday. You requested use of the Wizengamot chambers and to have the
room enlarged. Generally people come in and out of the symposiums.
There won’t be that many attendees. You are looking to seat the full
Wizengamot and hundreds more.”
“I have a feeling that I will have more than the usual attendees Minister.
We are creating a new department and changing the way the Ministry
treats its muggleborns.”
“Yes. The measures have not been received well on either side. No one
thinks we need muggleborns as some sort of defense force.”
“Please Minister, humor me and make the changes. I will draw the
crowd.”
“I hope you know what you are doing Granger. I am not the problem if
you fail.”
“I know Pius. He wants a show and I am going to make him one.”
“Good luck witch. You will need it. Most of this building wants you to fail
on principle.”
“Thank you Pius.”

* * *

“How are you feeling?” Hermione asked softly.

“Angry. I want to fight. Ron is the same. Ginny and Draco had to calm
us down after she showed up all bruised. We were ready to storm the
Burrow. I can control it though. I couldn’t at first. I avoided Narcissa for a
week. I wanted… dark things. Now it’s better, I have more control. Our
training is going well. Even your mate is impressed with our ‘fierceness’,”
Harry grumbled.
“How is Ron doing with it?”
“The same, maybe more hostile. I can’t wait until we get rid of this thing
but I guess it is doing what it needs to. We won’t go back to normal will
we? That’s the point isn’t it?”
“We are on Team Evil Harry. We need to be prepared to do what needs
to be done.”
“I have a feeling I will be prepared for anything after this. I can actually
feel it sometimes. It is like veins of ice are cutting into my soul.”
“Harry you will never be Lucius. Don’t shun Narcissa… she is good for
you. I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t… it is just going to be a new me.”
Hermione hugged him softly. She could feel the darkness from the
necklace against her chest. She couldn’t imagine what wearing it would be
like. She was glad her friends were staying strong.

* * *

“Bella… what are you doing?”

Hermione was angry. She was in the middle of fine tuning her spells and
warding for her presentation when Bellatrix had grabbed her, thrown her
over her shoulder and carried her back to their quarters.
“I am lonely and horny and I am taking you home.”
Hermione was trying to pull herself up but Bella smacked her on the ass
much to the amusement of Goyle and Flint who they passed in the hall.
“I am pretty sure caveman isn’t in our channeling repertoire. What the
fuck?”
Bellatrix opened their door with a wave of her hand and threw Hermione
on the couch. Hermione was still wearing her skirt suit from work and
Bellatrix reached a hand under her skirt and ripped her underwear off. She
wasted no time, plunging three fingers into Hermione.
“Fuck! I wasn’t ready for you baby! Stop!”
“Really?” Bellatrix smirked pulling out her glistening fingers.
“You look ready.” She said licking them slowly.
“And you taste ready. Don’t be confused luv, you don’t have a choice. I
am fucking you and I might just take that pretty mouth of yours too. The
only question is do you want me to lick that sweet little pussy of yours
before I go in you.”
Hermione loved her mate and as much as she hated to admit it, this side
of Bellatrix turned her on immensely. She spread her legs allowing
Bellatrix a full view of her dripping center.
Bellatrix knelt before her, shifting her on the couch to get better access.
She dove into her center with her tongue and she was rewarded with a
flood of tangy juices as Hermione responded to her ministrations.
“Fuck Bella! You are so good. Oh!” Hermione hung on as she rode her
lovers face to orgasm. “FUCK!”
Bellatrix didn’t wait for her to finish. She put both of Hermione’s legs on
her shoulders almost folding Hermione in half and plunged into her.
Hermione was still quivering from her orgasm and she came hard again at
the feeling of being filled so roughly.
“Oh Bella! That is so good. I love you baby. Fuck, that’s uh yeah…”
Bellatrix had been deprived for days but she attacked Hermione with a
fever that would indicate she had been sex starved for years. She didn’t
waste time with slowly strokes and building up steam. She fucked her
lover hard and fast, filling the air with sounds of skin slapping against skin
and her grunts as she finally took the pleasure she needed.
Hermione wanted to rest between orgasms but Bellatrix didn’t yield and
all Hermione could do was hang on to the back of the couch as she was
pummeled again and again as Bellatrix completely surrendered to her
primal nature.
“I can’t be without you. I can’t wait this long. I need you every day
lover.” Bellatrix growled.
“I know baby. I love you. Fuck! That’s so good.”
Bellatrix came hard filling Hermione. She released her legs and captured
her lips not pulling out. She channeled her powers not softening with her
release. She picked Hermione up still buried inside her. Hermione
wrapped her legs around Bella’s waist and wrapped her arms around her
neck.
She pumped up and down on Bellatrix as Bella carried her to their
bedroom. The feeling was too much for Bellatrix. She found the nearest
wall and pinned Hermione against it. Now partially sated Bellatrix thrust
into her slowly, grinding with each stroke creating friction against
Hermione’s clit.
Hermione moaned and cupped Bellatrix’s face in her hands.
“Whatever happens baby… I love you. I am happy you are in my life.”
“Fuck kitten, I love you too.” Bellatrix groaned as she came again, this
time bringing Hermione with her.
They collapsed against each other sliding to the floor. After a few
minutes Hermione channeled her powers and carried Bellatrix the rest of
the way to their bedroom. The two curled up together and Hermione fell
asleep purring in her lover’s arms.

* * *
 The floos were firing one after the other as the wizards and witches filed
in for work. It was Friday and the word around the Ministry was that most
were planning to skip Hermione’s seminar. They figured a big room with
no seats would make a point to the witch.
Little did they know the witch planned to make a point too. As the
wizards queued near the lifts, grabbed the morning edition of the Prophet
and milled around gossiping a few noticed Tonks and her Aurors station
about. Hermione had waited until she knew there would be the largest
amount of wizards and witches in the lobby.
She set off two flash bang grenades on the far side of the lobby blinding
and deafening many of the employees. She then began to take out people
with tasers. The wizards were stunned as the barbs bit into their skin and
the volts hit them.
Hermione put on a gas mask and released two tear gas canisters. At
this point wizards and witches were running in terror wands drawn.
Several tried to fire hexes to where they had last seen Hermione but she
was no longer there. She easily hit numerous workers with rubber bullets
and bean bags from her perch above.
The climbing harness and rope easily supported her weight as she took
down dozens of wizards alternating between an SA80 loaded with rubber
bullets and a Benelli shotgun to fire off bean bags. She had to admit it
was enjoyable and brought the cliché ‘fish in a barrel’ to mind.
“Alright enough!” Tonks yelled using her wand to amplify her voice.
“Clear it out Granger!”
Hermione cast the necessary spells and the Aurors and Hermione
quickly cast healing spells on those who were injured in the attack.
“Are you sure you don’t have to worry about muggles. Those were
rubber bullets and bean bag loads which are the equivalent of muggle
stunners. Had they been real bullets, which are what you will be facing,
every one of you hit would be dead. Everything I used this morning is
standard muggle equipment for their army. This is what you are facing.”
She released the tension in her line smoothly repelling back to the
ground. When she walked into the hall twenty minutes later; it was packed
to the rafters. She looked around. Almost the entire Wizengamot had
attended as well as most of the Department heads, and most of the
Aurors and Unspeakables.
She pulled out a Glock 19, which she had concealed in her waistband,
and put several rounds into a melon 10 meters away destroying the fruit.
“I think we should start with firearms and then move to the nastier stuff.”
“There is nastier stuff?” someone asked in the back.
“Oh yes. There is nastier stuff. Firearms first.”
 Chapter 28
“Checkmate.”
“How do you do that?” Harry sighed.
“Patience and planning Harry. I know your party is tonight but I wanted
to give this to you now. Be careful”
Narcissa held out box. Harry opened it to see a snake curled up inside.
“It’s beautiful.” He said. He hissed at the snake, “hello.”
The snake uncurled. It was magnificent looking. Its body was blue with a
white pattern and its head and tail were red.
“It is a blue coral snake. It is venomous but you are a parselmouth.”
“Hello. You wouldn’t happen to have anything to eat would you?”
“He is hungry.” Harry translated. She handed him a box with several
small mice. He gave the snake a few.
“Thank you young master. What is your name?”
“Harry. What’s yours?”
“Nachash. My last master had a sense of humor. I think I will like you.
The human woman has been droning on about you. She is quite fond of
you. Keep me fed and happy and I will make a brilliant familiar.”
“And if I don’t?”
“I am highly venomous and have really sharp fangs.”
“Fed and happy it is.”
The snake climbed up his arm curling around his shoulders and seemed
happy with its new perch.
“How did you know?”
“I wish I could take all the credit. You complained to Crookshanks you
wanted a familiar to talk to and he told Hermione. She let me know.”
“Thank you. I… I don’t know what to say.”
 “You don’t have to say anything Harry. I know.” Narcissa leaned in and
softly kissed him on the cheek. He felt the tingle go to his toes as he
raised his hand to his cheek and watched her walk out.
“I am in trouble.”
“Clearly we have a different definition of trouble.” Nachash replied.
Harry rolled his eyes. He now remembered Hermione’s warning about
smart ass familiars being a handful.

* * *

“This is bullshit Hermione! I don’t want her going back!”

“I know Ron but Ginny has agreed to do it. Frankly she is safest if they
think she is still aligned with them.” Hermione replied.
She was in the small sitting room in her quarters with Draco, Ron, Harry
and Ginny. Hermione hated lying to her friends but it was the only way for
it to work. Severus had waited until Ginny was asleep and performed
legilimency on her.
He may have learned to fly from Voldemort but he learned the arts of
the mind from Dumbledore and he knew if the old man took a look he
would sense Severus being there. By going in while Ginny was asleep his
invasion would be undetectable later. Fortunately it looked like Sirius,
Augusta or Doge did at least some of the mining and then cast oblivation
and memory modification spells. Their work was far clumsier.
He had relayed all of this to Hermione who was given the task of turning
Ginny into a spy and creating the illusion that Ginny was being included in
the planning so the Order would buy the lie. If she screwed up at all, if
somehow Harry, Ron and Draco got wind of what she was doing they
would be furious but this is what would keep Ginny safest.
“Ron, we have to do this. As long as they think she is a spy she is safe.
Molly and Arthur still have full parental rights and Ginny doesn’t become of
age until next August. They could require her return during the winter
holidays and the next summer. If they think she is giving them useful
information going to get useful information the Order will protect her.”
Hermione could explain that part. She left out the fact that Ginny was
being heavily manipulated by both sides. They were exposing Ginny to
information that would prove true. When Dumbledore did his surface
scans starting upon her return to Hogwarts he would hear her lies but see
that she was being exposed to ample information in the Death Eaters.
Everything she saw over her stay had been a deception but one
designed around truth. Dumbledore would find his plan working perfectly.
When the time came for the trap to be sprung the Order would completely
trust the images they were mining from Ginny’s mind.
Hermione was sure when Ginny found out that she had been used by
the Order in a deception within a deception she would understand why
they did it. Ginny chose her and she would keep the girl safe from her
mother.
Hermione smirked. She was lying to herself. They would never tell them
any of them, especially Ginny and Harry. The whole incident gave her an
understanding of what Dumbledore had been pulling their fifth year.
There was a chance that he could catch on which why Hermione was in
charge. He continued to underestimate her. He would assume that she
was foolishly sharing sensitive information with them just like they had
always done.
When her only goal was to stay alive she couldn’t understand the two
men, now that her life was dedicated to vengeance she fully understood
both men. She made a promise to herself to never be like them. She
would protect her pieces, they were her family. If this plan hadn’t
protected Ginny she wouldn’t have gone through with it.
“You really think they would do something?” Draco asked breaking her
from her thoughts.
She laughed bitterly, “Draco I, of all people, know what they are
capable. If this wasn’t the only way to keep Ginny safe we wouldn’t be
doing it. I don’t like sending her back to them but she is going back either
way.”
“She’s right. You need to stop it. All three of you. If I don’t do this mum
will probably lock me up in Grimmauld Place until I am of age. I can do
this Harry. I need to do this if I want to protect you three. Ron might be
forgiven but they will be coming for you just like Hermione is going for
them. They think they are protecting the world… saving it. Hell they might
be, I am just not willing to pay the price. Does that make me selfish?”
“No Ginny it makes you wise. When both sides wish to write their tale in
blood there is no longer a right side, only the side that you are on.”
Hermione said.
“When did you get so sage like Hermione?” Ron joked. Trying to lighten
the tension in the room.
“When they took my baby from me. War has made me see the world for
what it is.”
He nodded and bowed his head in concession.

* * *

“So have you kissed yet?” Hermione asked Harry who was hiding in her
quarters.
“Just the kiss on the cheek. I am leaving tomorrow, what do I do?” He
replied.
“You kiss the girl.” Nachash hissed.
“Give her a rat.” Crooks answered.
“Oh that’s good. Who doesn’t like rats? Give her a rat and then kiss
her.” Nachash replied.
“You do nothing. You keep that fly zipped and your hands to yourself!”
Harry and Hermione turned to see Bellatrix leaving the bedroom.
“Bellatrix Black you will not interfere. Do we understand each other?”
Hermione said putting her hands on her hips. “Don’t you want your sister
to be happy?”
“Yes, I just question her taste. He is barely legal. Something is clearly
wrong with my sister.”
“So let me get this straight… you are ok with cheetahs but cougars
bother you?”
Harry laughed and Bellatrix looked confused.
“I will explain what a cougar is later baby and will you please tell me
how to undo that spell that gives Crooks and Nachash the ability to
understand each other.” Hermione begged.
“No, they seem quite happy causing mischief together. Look at me
Potter. If you hurt my sister I will kill you boy.” Bellatrix stormed out
slamming the door.
“Hermione, I don’t want you to fight with her because of me.”
“Relax Harry, she is ok whatever happens… she is putting on a show
because she wants you on your best behavior. Look, Narcissa is picking
up and covering for Lucius’ to maintain his contacts since he is…
indisposed.”
“You mean the Death Eater punching bag.”
 “Don’t knock until you try it Harry. I find my time with him cathartic.
Anyways, Narcissa has spent her life being his punching bag and is now
stressed to the max trying to cover for her missing husband. You have
been and are the bright spot in her day. You make her happy. As long as
you don’t fuck it up, Bellatrix will be fine.”
He swallowed hard, “And if I fuck it up?”
“Don’t fuck it up Harry.”
“What do I do?”
“The same thing you have done since the first day I met you… be
yourself. Oh and ignore those two. No mice until the third date.”

* * *

Harry did get a proper kiss before he left. They were about to head to
the station and he cornered her in the study away from the others.
“I am… I am going to miss you.”
He leaned in softly grazing her lips. Narcissa smiled at him and kissed
him again, deepening the kiss. Harry finally understood the term fireworks,
this was nothing like kissing Cho. He groaned as she broke contact.
“I will miss you too Potter. You will be back here soon. Write me.”
They were interrupted by the others and Harry had to leave. Narcissa
told Hermione what had happened after they left.
“He is barely legal. What am I thinking?”
Hermione was happy that Harry had someone who liked him and
Narcissa had someone soft enough to help her recover from her time with
Lucius. They worked in a strange sort of way.
“You are thinking you spent your life with a cruel man who made you
hide everything you are. Now you found someone who likes you for you. I
believe you gave Harry the advice to value those interested in him for
himself. The advice applies to you as well.”
“I am old enough to be his mother. He is a young man. He is a vir…
um…”
“I know he is a virgin, but are you really any more experienced. You may
have more years but the only man you have been with is Lucius. I don’t
think beatings and rape constitute a relationship. In my mind this will be
the first real relationship for both of you.”
“Thank you Hermione.”
 * * *

Harry, Ginny, Draco and Ron had gone off to Hogwarts leaving
Hermione to focus on the jobs at hand. Her highest priority was to find and
destroy the Order but she needed to work on her department as well.
Her little introduction to muggle weapons had made the Prophet and the
rumor rounds. Fear of muggles was at an all time high. Tonks said she
was inundated for weeks with questions about muggles and how to guard
against them. It had worked, muggleborns and half bloods were now seen
as a necessary component to defend against the looming threat.
Hermione was now convinced that Voldemort may be the greatest
manipulator in history.
Seltan and Hermione only needed to establish the department, it
wouldn’t become fully active until after the Order was dealt with and
wizarding England was fully conquered. The ‘Regulators’ they brought
aboard were undergoing an extensive training program. Seltan had
deferred to Hermione as to who would be suitable for the start of the
program. It had taken a few weeks but she had put together a full
department for him. Among the additions were three people that she knew
would work to solidify the department and anger the Order.
Hermione convinced him to bring Craig Cresswell over. Craig’s father
Dirk was Head of the Goblin Liaison Office and very good friends with
Arthur Weasley who had been his mentor when he started at the Ministry.
Dirk had been in Gryffindor with the Marauders and he renewed his
friendship with Sirius Black during the last year. Craig’s older brother
Casey was also a Gryffindor and worked in the Goblin Liaison office and
was fluent in Gobbledegook just like his father. He was considered a
shining star and a chip off the old block.
Craig was the poster child for the alienated little sibling. He was sorted
into Slytherin where he had to struggle with his half-blood status while
fending off Gryffindor pranks and attacks. He had a huge chip on his
shoulder and hated constantly not being “as good as his brother.” He had
done well in Auror training but had been cited for overly aggressive
behavior. He was exactly who they were looking for in a Regulator. He
could even take Hermione’s spot as Chief Regulator eventually.
She brought in Penelope Clearwater who was currently serving as a
paper pusher in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Everyone
had underestimated her including Pius and Kingsley. When Hermione
recruited her Alecto didn’t even protest. Penelope was as much a suck up
and political wannabe as her boyfriend Percy, she was just more clever
about it.
She knew every secretary, assistant, runner and page in the Ministry as
well as every other ignored worker chained to a cubicle. She knew who to
go to for anything and how to reach anyone. Penelope was made
Undersecretary to the Department Head would be handling all of their
legislative proposals and liaise with the other offices. She would be their
in-house fixer.
The last person she added was Mary Cattermole. The move caught
everyone in the Ministry by surprise. Mary had never held a Ministry job
before and he was being trained as the ‘Muggle Liason’. Mary’s husband
Reginald worked for Ministry Maintenance. He was well liked but often
overlooked like so many employees that made up the bottom ranks of the
Ministry hierarchy.
Mary was a very nice woman and Hermione had every intention of
isolating and marginalizing her role in the department. When they wanted
someone to deal with muggles in a polite manner they would send her.
The point of hiring her wasn’t for her skill set, it was to rally the often
forgotten lower ranks. Hermione had run into Arthur in the lift the same
day the announcement was made and he was furious. Their little fight in
the elevator was the perfect end to a perfect play.
“Mary Cattermole? You hired Mary Cattermole? What the hell are you
lot up to?” Arthur had sniped at her. The lift was full including two of Reg’s
coworkers from Maintenance. Hermione smirked.
“Why wouldn’t I hire her? What is wrong with her?”
“What do you mean what is wrong with her? She hasn’t worked a day in
her life and now she is a liaison. What game are you playing?”
“Our office is dedicated to security. Not every problem can be solved
with a wand. Mary has the ability to sooth people in hostile situations.
Why do you have an issue with her Arthur? She is a very nice woman.”
“That isn’t what I mean… I can’t believe Reg is allowing this. He must be
mad.” Arthur’s face was beginning to match his hair. Hermione loved how
easy it was to tell when a Weasley was mad. Hermione knew she had
him.
“Are you saying that Mary and Reg aren’t capable of making their own
decisions?”
“No! Stop putting words into my mouth. I am just saying they don’t
understand the politics here.” Arthur spat out.
“Seriously? Are you really saying that because Reg works in
Maintenance he is somehow slower than you? Do you think his job has
made him blind or do you think that little of him as a man?”
The lift opened and everyone piled out to the lobby, several shooting
dirty glances at Arthur. He pulled at her arm as she tried to leave.
“I will figure out what you are up to with this.”
Hermione looked at the two lads from Maintenance glaring over their
shoulders as the walked out.
“Too late.” She smiled and whispered to him quietly, “who I am hiring is
the least of your concerns. What I am going to do to your wife when I
finally find that bitch is what should be worrying you. Oh don’t worry about
mourning her loss. I won’t leave you alive to grieve. Oh, I have to go.
Lunch with the Minister.”
She patted him on the shoulder condescendingly and walked off to meet
Pius.

* * *

She tried again focusing her energy on creating a pinhole. The magic
crackled and lashed out at her.
“Fuck!” Bellatrix growled in frustration.
“Baby, did you really think you were going to get around it that easily?”
Hermione laughed. She was in her cheetah form relaxing in the grass
enjoying the weather while it was still good.
“We are bloody primals. How fucking hard should this be?”
“To crack the Order wards? You know both Dumbledore and Moody
helped build those.”
“I don’t fucking understand why? Look at that shithole. I can’t believe
they live in that shack!”
Hermione looked over to see Crooks chase a gnome into the ward. The
small creature incinerated when it connected with the field.
“Crooks!”
“What? Better it than me. I wanted to see if it would let in a simple
creature.” He replied.
 “Good thinking.” Bellatrix complimented.
“Does that mean I am forgiven?” He meowed.
“For shredding my favorite pillow. Nope. You find a way through the
wards I will forgive you otherwise you may just replace that pillow.”
Bellatrix cackled.
He trotted off. They were sitting in the fields outside of the Burrow. The
Order may have abandoned Grimmauld Place but the made up for it in the
warding of the Weasley home. Hermione suddenly wondered if they were
even in there. Arthur apparated home from work so they couldn’t track
him.
“What if they aren’t there?” Hermione asked in English changing back to
her human form.
“What? Why would they ward so heavily?”
“To make us sit in a field trying to break through their wards instead of
hunting them down. They abandoned Grimmauld Place. Kreacher said he
had little to do. They could have warded Grimmauld Place as heavily. Why
stay at the Burrow?”
“Sentimentality?”
“I tell Arthur once a week that the last thing he will see before he dies is
his wife screaming as I torture her to insanity. I am pretty sure they are
over sentimentality. Maybe they aren’t but these wards are so thick it
would take someone ten minutes to get in minimum. It would leave them in
the open for too long.”
Bellatrix sat down next to her and curled up against her. Hermione
imagined.
“So where would they go?”
“Arthur makes it to work every day so it has to be somewhere that he
can apparate to and from. They are still in England.”
“We need a lead. The Dark Lord will only tolerate no results for so
long.”
“I think I might know who to ask. Feel like going shopping?”
“Depends on what we are buying.”
The two apparated to Diagon Alley. Hermione led Bellatrix up a flight of
stairs to a flat above Ollivander’s wand shop.
“Where are we?” Bellatrix asked unhappy about being dragged along.
“You’ll see.” Hermione knocked. The door was opened by a gorgeous
blonde. Bellatrix growled a little.
 “Bella please. Hello Fleur.”
“’Ermione. Come in.” Fleur smiled. She led them inside and offered them
drinks. Bellatrix was still staring her down.
“She iz jealous? Non?” Fleur asked Hermione. She then turned to
Bellatrix. “You ’ave nothing to fear. She is your mate… Bill is mine.”
“That I am” Bill said as he walked into the living room pulling on a shirt.
His hair was wet and it was clear they caught him in the shower.
“You aren’t jealous?” Bellatrix asked Bill surprised he knew.
“No. I am a man. I think it’s completely hot.”
Fleur swatted at him.
“What? I speak the truth.” He laughed. “So what brings you here? Not
work is it? Ever since I became Department Head I can’t find time to
breath. I promised Fleur that today would be an us day.”
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. Hermione laughed and kissed her neck, “Baby,
be good.”
“Sorry to interrupt Bill but I am here on far more serious business.”
“Shit! I knew this was coming. I kept hoping it wouldn’t but I knew. This
is about mum and dad isn’t it?”
“Yes. The Burrow is…”
“Completely warded. I know, I tried to stop by to talk to them. I
thought… you know… maybe they would see reason. That warding is out
of control. I have never seen anything like it.”
“Me neither.” Fleur concurred. “Zey are overkill.”
Bellatrix looked like she was going to make a scathing comment and
Hermione jumped in.
“Baby, until Bill took the job at the Ministry he was one of the two best
curse breakers at Gringotts. Fleur is the other. It is how they met. The
warding seems too strong Bill. It would take someone an at least ten
minutes each way in and out if they knew the wards and had them keyed
to their signature. How would Arthur get to work? How would Dumbledore
and the others go in and out. I don’t know if they are there.”
“I don’t know. Dad glares at me at work. He won’t talk to me at all. I
love Fleur and they… well they clearly disagree. I know them Hermione.
They still think they can save the others” Bill said wistfully thinking about
his siblings who were caught in the crossfire. “They have decided I am
corrupted… too far gone to save. Fleur has me under her evil creature
spell.”
 “I cannot believe zay believe zis.” Fleur sighed. “I am sorry… for what
zey did to you… both of you” Fleur said looking at Bellatrix.
“Thank you.” Bellatrix answered quietly. She didn’t know how to react
under the circumstances.
“Bill, how is drafting the new laws going?”
“Slowly. I am getting blocked from every direction.” He said, confused at
the change of topics.
“And you will continue to be blocked. As long as the Order still exist
those that oppose us in the Ministry have someone to rally around. I am
not asking you to take on your parents or anyone else. I just want to
figure out where they are.”
Hermione sniffed the air a little. She moved over to Fleur sniffed again
and smiled.
“Bill, you need a lot of change to happen before that baby is born or she
will be registered with the Ministry and treated like an animal. Help me.”
He put his head into his hands.
“The only places I can think of that they might use as a safe house are
Andromeda and Ted’s, maybe somewhere in Hogwarts… Emmeline’s is
too small, Kingsley also lives in a small flat, I don’t know. Doge’s?
Diggle’s?”
“They wouldn’t be at Andy’s. My sister is too much of a coward. I
already checked. Her place is abandoned.” Bellatrix responded.
“It can’t be Hogwarts, Arthur, Emmeline and Kingsley all have to get to
work. We tried Doge’s and Diggle’s.”
Bellatrix laughed. Bill and Fleur looked inquisitively at Hermione.
“She burned down Doge’s house once we found it empty. There has to
be somewhere Bill.”
“Shell Cottage! There is a place our aunt had. She died years ago. Mum
would be the proper heir. It is isolated enough for them. Cornwall… right
outside of Tinworth. Close enough to still apparate to the Ministry too. I
barely remember it. We went when Charlie and I were little.”
“Thank you Bill.”
“Just do me a favor Hermione.”
“What’s that?”
“I know what is going to happen to my parents… I just don’t want to
know. You understand.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
 She and Bellatrix wasted no time. The apparated to Tinworth changing
into the form of two mutts. No one would notice or care about two strays
wandering the streets. It took a few hours for them to locate the cottage.
They finally found a home with strong enough wards to be Dumbledore’s
and Moody’s.
The two changed to stick insects and stayed in the long grass outside of
the wards of the cottage. They sat and watched the cottage for hours. It
was a weekend and there didn’t seem to be any activity. Hermione was
ready to leave as dusk turned to darkness when they heard a faint crack.
She changed to a bloodhound. It was Dumbledore. She could smell him
but she couldn’t see him. He had somehow apparated inside the cottage
which was strange considering how strong the wards were.
They had a location. Now they needed a plan.
 Chapter 29
Hermione and Bellatrix spent the next few days canvassing Shell
Cottage. They found a flock of Black Redstarts that were in the area and
they switched over to their form. It took a little convincing to get the flock
to agree to let them join them; but with a promise of returning with buckets
of tasty worms and spiders the two witches were happily accepted.
Hermione had to admit being a primal was extremely convenient at times.
The flock agreed to stick around near the cottage giving Hermione and
Bellatrix the ability to monitor the cottage and the wards. Fortunately the
Dark Lord ordered them to stake out the cottage instead of striking as
they had wanted too. There were traps and alarms cleverly set throughout
the area that were virtually undetectable.
They hadn’t even considered the possibility until a sandpiper got caught
in a magical trap the first morning they were there as Redstarts. Doge,
both Andromeda and Ted Tonks and Mad Eye had come out a few
minutes later. The wards again took time to go through. Hermione couldn’t
figure out how they were apparating without being exposed.
The bird in the trap was clearly presumed to be them. The poor bird
was subjected to an imperio curse and numerous cruciatus before they
were satisfied it wasn’t one of the primals, but they killed it anyways. They
weren’t just guarding for Voldemort, they were guarding for primal mages.
Hermione and Bellatrix spent the next three days carefully examining the
area. They had found fourteen alarms and seven traps set up around the
cottage and they knew there were some they missed. The wards were
set to block all living things out. Each morning Andromeda would come out
and clean up the remains of whatever creatures might have flown into the
wards the night before.
 By the fourth day they had determined the height of the wards and were
able to do aerial surveillance of Shell Cottage. Hermione realized why she
wasn’t seeing the Order members leave for work. She saw Arthur step
out into the small garden out back take several minutes with the wards
and then walked into the middle of two boxwoods. He popped out
seconds later.
They had created what essentially was a donut hole in the wards to give
them the ability to apparate in and out yet still protect the integrity of the
cottage. An aerial attack would only take out the wizard in the spot. It was
genius. She should have known Mad Eye and Dumbledore together would
make almost unbreakable warding. By the time they cut through it the
Order members would be gone.
They need a plan. They needed a way to take down the wards or take
out the cottage. The other option was drawing them out like they did with
Scrimgeour.
“We can’t get them all baby.” Hermione chirped to Bellatrix.
“I know. You are thinking about the sandpiper aren’t you?”
“If we can draw a few out, we can take them. Maybe they will even
provide useful information.”
“Of course the rest will flee the safe house.”
“And then we are back to square one.”
“Let’s report back.”
The flock took flight with them escorting them further down the coast not
to raise suspicion. When they knew they were out of view from humans,
wizard and muggle alike, they landed and changed back. Hermione
conjured a bucket of worms for their very helpful feathered friends.
The two witches apparated back to the Manor and headed to the Dark
Lord’s study.
“Selwyn has been covering for you at the Ministry. I hope you have
some information for me.”
“We found a small gap in their wards they are using to apparate
through. We can’t find a way to penetrate the wards without them
escaping My Lord.” Bellatrix answered.
“I hope there is more.”
“Yes My Lord. There are traps and alarms throughout the surrounding
area. A sandpiper was caught in a trap and several of them came out to
deal with it.” She went into to detail about the attack.
 “So without the ability to break through their wards our best bet is grab
the few that we can?”
“Yes My Lord.” Hermione responded.
“What about the Weasley girl? Anyway we can use her?”
Hermione hated to admit the thought crossed her mind. Ginny was her
friend but at times her desire for vengeance overrode that.
“I thought about it My Lord. Even if they bring her to the cottage we will
never be able to get a weapon past the warding. They have even warded
against muggle technology.”
“Your new reputation clearly precedes you Granger. Very well. I want
the attack in the day, the weaker members are more likely to break and
you might be able to kill Moody while you are at it. The two of you make a
plan. You will present it at the Inner Circle meeting tonight. Choose who
you want, take what you need.”
“Thank you My Lord.” Bella bowed her head. She was happy. There
was a chance Molly or Augusta could come out and if not she might get a
chance to spend quality time with her traitorous sister.

* * *

“Explain to me why I am going to be ok with this?” Narcissa argued.

“Because it is for the greater good.” Hermione said with a straight face.
The whole table laughed at her joke. “Because it is the only way I think
this can work to bring out the people we need. Please Narcissa?”
“I told you the doe eyes won’t work with me. Fine! I don’t like giving this
up but it will allow me to take care of a few things I have been putting off.
”
“Thank you.”
Bellatrix crossed her arms unhappily. Hermione had spent hours trying to
explain bait and fishing with her. She didn’t’ really see the point of holding
a stick with a string attached for hours to catch a fish you could summon
with a wave of a wand but she understood the analogy. She just hoped it
worked like her lover planned it.
“We go tomorrow morning at the break of dawn. We might just catch
one of my little fish. My Lord, permission to take a small squad with us.”
“Of course Granger. Who do you want?”
“Seltan, Ignis, Amycus, Antonin, Marcus and Lestion”
 “Very well.”
“Thank you My Lord.” Hermione was a bit nervous about adding Marcus
Flint but Mulciber had taken the boy under his wing. Marcus’ father was
killed in the first war but had served the Dark Lord well prior to his death.
Marcus had yet to make Death Eater and was a very long way from the
Inner Circle. If they were successful he would earn his mark and his mask.
She hoped everything went well. If this was successful the gamble
would be worth it, if they failed she would have to deal with being on
Bellatrix and Narcissa’s bad sides as well as the Dark Lord’s.
She knew it would work.

* * *

The sun hadn’t made its way over the horizon yet but Molly was up
cooking breakfast. She missed her kitchen but was glad for the security of
Shell Cottage. Moody knew it. She said it every morning. He was up and
doing a patrol of the perimeter.
They had set elaborate traps throughout the area. It was only a matter
of time before the creatures found her and when they did they would find
themselves trapped and caged like they deserved to be. They had thought
they caught one last week. A sandpiper was snared in one of Moody’s
traps. It was just a bird.
Ted had a bit of a row with them after that incident.
“Have we now fallen to the point of torturing innocent creatures? It was
a bloody bird. What is wrong with you?”
“We are fighting a war and dealing with the fact that we have two primal
mages trying to kill us.” Molly had responded angrily. “And unlike you two,
we actually will have to fight them. You can’t run from every fight you
know?”
Andromeda hung her head in shame. “What have we become?”
“You are what you always were Andy. A coward.” Augusta replied
testily.
“Better than a murderer. A baby at that! We are hiding here because
you were too foolish to see anything but your own hate and fear. He will
win now and it’s all your fault. You betrayed me and you betrayed them.”
Andy answered.
“She is right Augusta. Coward or not, she is right. I won’t tolerate any
more fighting amongst the lot of you. We are now all wanted wizards and
witches and we can’t change that. All we can do is protect ourselves by
any means possible. They could be out there right now watching us. They
could be anything. Anything on its own or travelling in twos could be them
and I will kill everything within 50 meters of this cottage if I need to.
Constant vigilance!” Moody growled.
He was extremely unhappy that he had been stuck watching over
geezers like Diggle and Doge and a bunch of hens. It was made worse by
the fact that the hens put him in this situation. The stupid hens had to
poison two of the most powerful creatures in the world. He didn’t know
which pissed him off more, what they had done or that Dumbledore didn’t
just heal the primals and kill the lot of them including the Weasley woman
and Augusta.
After all of the battles he fought and sacrifices he made, Voldemort
would win and he would spend his final days with the insane and infirm.
Both Emmeline and Kingsley declined the protections of Shell Cottage as
had several members that hadn’t been around for all of the discord.
Mundungus had gone into hiding and Arabella Figg and Sturgis Podmore
both had refused to get involved. Hagrid was siding with the Trio. That left
him and Sirius to mind the rest of them.
Moody snorted at that thought. Sirius was the reason he was stuck
babysitting without Kingsley and Emmeline to help out. Sirius had put the
moves on the Emmeline not even a day after she broke things off with
Hestia. Even if she had fancied blokes in the slightest, she was in no
mode to deal with Sirius chatting her up. She found a flat the next day.
Kingsley was too angry with the current inhabitants of Shell Cottage to
share space with them. He had gone from Head Auror and shoe in for
next Head of the DMLE to dealing with quidditch disputes. He now had to
worry about two vengeful primal mages coming after him and he saw the
writing on the wall. He lost his life to Augusta’s anger and Molly’s fear. He
was keeping his head down and hoping they would let him be.
Moody picked up the scent of rashers coming from the kitchen. At least
Molly could cook. Breakfast was always served early to accommodate
Arthur’s schedule and Doge and Diggle’s preference for early mornings.
He finished his check of the perimeter and headed into the kitchen.
Elphias, Dedalus, Molly and Arthur were at the table. Andromeda, Ted
and Augusta made their way in after him. He knew Sirius wouldn’t wake
until lunch.
“Any more dangerous birds?” Ted asked cheekily as he filled his plate.
“Laugh if you will Theodore but we are facing creatures. They can be
anything. Every creature must be treated as if it’s a threat. There have
been a few flocks in and out of the area but I have taken out anything
flying solo or in a pair. You need to pay attention so you can do this in my
stead. If need be.”
Elphias and Dedalus looked at each other and laughed shouting
“Constant Vigilance” at the same time.
“Damn old fools! Be serious. You killed their child. We have no support,
we have little in the way of back up. They can come at any time.”
“They would have to find us first Alastor.” Arthur replied.
“Well considering one of your sons has taken the Mark and another is
now Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical
Creatures. Oh wait, that is now the Department for Magical Creatures
since we are no longer regulating. How soon do you think it will be until
one of them reveals the location of this place?”
“They were too young to even remember where it is if they remember
the cottage at all.” Molly answered.
An alarm went off making everyone in the kitchen wince. Doge ran to the
window.
“Good job Moody. Another sandpiper.”
“It needs to be dealt with.” Moody sneered.
“Fine, I need to get in anyways.” Arthur replied. Doge grabbed his wand
grumbling about bloody birds.
“Come on Dedalus, let’s go bird catching.”
“I will go too.” Andromeda said. “I don’t need you lot torturing poor
animals for sport.”
“You didn’t stop us the last time we did it.” Augusta answered pointedly.
Everyone knew she didn’t mean the last bird.
“I have had enough.” She replied.
“I will go with you. We can take a walk down the beach after.” Ted
answered smiling at his wife. The others rolled their eyes.
“Bloody hell! Let’s go!” Moody snarled.
They checked around. None of the other alarms or traps had been
disturbed and there wasn’t anything outside. The walked out to the trap.
Moody hit the bird with a cruciatus curse. It started squawking
desperately. Ted grabbed his wand.
“Enough.”
Moody hit it again holding it until the bird was shaking on the ground.
“Now it’s enough.”
Ted casually hit the bird with a finite incantatem expecting nothing to
happen. He was surprised when the bird turned back to a Death Eater
who promptly started firing off hexes as fast as possible while trying to
get away from them.
Ted went down to a slicing hex, grabbing his thigh and yelling. Andy
grabbed him and tried to apparate back to the cottage.
“They have Anti-Disapparition Jinxes set up!” Andy yelled.
The Death Eater got a shot in knocking Arthur to his ass before Moody
took him down. He removed his mask with a wave of his wand.
“Lucius! Fuck it’s a trap!” Moody yelled too late as spells came flying
from all directions. The Order members all found themselves on the
ground or scrambling for cover as the spells came out of nowhere.
Moody took a shot in the arm. Elphias tried to find cover behind a tree.
“How are they invisible? I thought you put anti-disillusionment charms all
over this area?” Elphias yelled out.
“I did!” Moody replied. “They must be using cloaks.”
“How did they get so many?”
“Because they have two bloody primals who can summon as many
demiguises as they need to get their cloaks made. Stop asking inane
questions and fight!”
Lucius was scrambling to get up and hexing anything he could. He
started running towards the bush. Arthur had hated the man from the day
he met him and he hit him with a stupify bringing him down. Lucius looked
over to Arthur who was also trying to get up and sneered.
“You should have gone for the kill fool. Good bye Weasley Avada…”
“Avada Kedavra!” Arthur didn’t feel the need to taunt first and had beat
Lucius casting the spell. The blonde man dropped to the earth. Arthur
didn’t have a moment of rest as the hexes were still coming in.
He found himself bound and saw that Ted and Andromeda were both
down. Elphias looked to be gravely injured or dead. Moody had struck one
and the Death Eater was revealed as his cloak flew off. It was Ignis
Mulciber. He just grinned at Moody and wiped the blood from his lip.
“You don’t stand a chance Mad Eye.”
 “You are no match for me Ignis. Are you going to hide behind those
lasses skirts?”
“Yeah that is pretty much the plan” Mulciber laughed as bolts of
electricity shot out on both sides of Moody. He shook and fell to his knees.
Hermione and Bellatrix appeared out of nowhere. Hermione spit a stream
of fluid at him while Bellatrix sent another bolt of electricity his way. He
could only block one. He shielded against the electricity. Whatever
Hermione spit gummed up around him. He realized the liquid was turning
into the webbing she had used on Ted at the Order meeting. He was also
feeling sick.
“Electric eel and spitting spider. I would have blocked the spider.”
Bellatrix quipped as she pulled his wand from his hand.
Arthur knew he had no hope. He looked around for Dedalus and saw
that he had crawled off. He had made it to the wards. Arthur closed his
eyes in relief knowing that at least Molly would be safe. They would head
to the next safe house before anyone could crack those wards.

* * *

“See Cissy, Lucius’ demise was well worth it. We now can have a
proper family reunion.” Bellatrix pulled a chair up to where Andromeda
was chained in the dungeon. She brushed her hair out of her face. “Good
to see you sis.”
“Bella, please. I didn’t know what they were going to do… please…”
“A coward until the end.” Narcissa said coldly. “Come Bella, you know
you can’t play until the Dark Lord has made his decisions. You were right
though, it certainly was worth sacrificing Lucius.”
“You put him in that trap?” Andromeda asked.
“Yes. Hermione’s idea. She knew whoever was caught in the trap would
be hexed and possibly killed while in bird form. Quite clever. She was
McGonagall’s top transfiguration student. The Aurors showed up an hour
after we left with you. They found an abandoned cottage owned by Molly
and Arthur’s family, Arthur, Moody and Ted’s wands, other evidence that
the Order was there and my husband’s body. The murder will be tracked
back to Arthur’s wand and I am now a widow.” Narcissa replied.
“He was your husband!” Andromeda protested.
“He was a bully and a monster.” Narcissa hissed.
 “And what are you?” Andy countered.
Narcissa leaned down to her ear, “considering what is going to happen
to you dear sister, I guess I am a monster too. Now I have a funeral to
attend.”

* * *

ORDER ATTACKS INCREASE!

Rita Skeeter
The vicious attacks by the terrorist group known as The Order of the
Phoenix have increased. Aurors located a safe house yesterday and
found Lucius Malfoy’s body. Several wands were found at the scene as
well as the Order members who were outnumbered and outwitted by our
brave Aurors, fled for parts unknown. It is believed the Mr. Malfoy was
captured and tortured by the Order who murdered him during an escape
attempt on his part.
A prior incantatem spell cast on the wands found that Arthur Weasley
cast the killing curse on Mr. Malfoy. Warrants have been issued for all
known Order members involved including Arthur Weasley, Molly
Weasley, Theodore Tonks, Andromeda Tonks, Augusta Longbottom,
Dedalus Diggle, Elphias Doge, and former Auror Alastor “Mad Eye”
Moody. Evidence has shown all of them were staying at the safe house.
There are rumors of investigations as to the involvement of other
suspected Order members including, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Emmeline
Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Arabella Figg, known criminal Mundungus
Fletcher and Headmaster of Hogwarts Albus Dumbledore.
Headmaster Dumbledore has previously been the subject of several
Ministry investigations and is the suspected ring leader. No evidence has
been presented yet that confirm Headmaster Dumbledore’s involvement
but hopefully the Ministry will take steps to protect the next generation
from this looming threat.
Anonymous sources confirm that the Dumbledore has taken to
recruiting students to join his cause and may have reconstituted the now
famous rebel group known as “Dumbledore’s Army”.
Head Auror, Nymphadora Tonks, said that Arabella Figg and Sturgis
Podmore willingly surrendered themselves for questioning and after
investigation the two were released under Ministry supervision. When
asked about issuing warrants for her own parents, Head Auror Tonks
replied, “I am doing what is right, not what is easy.”
The funeral for Lucius Malfoy will be a private service. He is survived
by his wife, Narcissa Malfoy and son, Draco Malfoy. The staff of the
Prophet extend our condolences to the family.

* * *

“Are you sure you are OK?” Ginny asked, wrapping her arms around
Draco.
“Yes. I knew it was coming. How are you with it? Well how are you?” He
replied.
“I knew it was coming. I don’t actually care if he did it or not. How sad is
that? I have accepted this so easily I don’t care anymore.”
“I understand Red. Most days I just feel numb.”
She gave a sad smile and kissed his neck, “I hate this. I just want it to
be over.”
He leaned back against her shoulder and enjoyed the comfort she
provided. Harry and Ron had swung by earlier to check on him. Their unity
made it clear where their allegiances were in the school’s eyes. He was
glad Hermione convinced Skeeter to keep his relationship with Ginny out
of the paper but he realized it would be public soon enough.
He realized the thing that had just happened was turning into something
more. If they made it through this mess he planned to propose to her. He
imagined Arthur was sitting in the dungeons now, he wondered how the
man would react if he asked his permission to marry his daughter. The
thought made Draco smile.
“Why are you smiling?” Ginny asked.
“Because I am with you.” He answered earnestly as he turned to face
her and proceeded to kiss any other questions away.

* * *

“So she doesn’t have a mate any more. You should send her
something… something romantic.”
“Really Nachash? Two days after the funeral? What do you propose…
a mouse?” Harry sighed.
 “No need to be such a smart ass Potter that is my job. I have spent
enough time around humans to know that jewelry works best for the
females.”
“Her birthday is coming up. Maybe I can get her something, but what?”
“Get some owl catalogs.”
“From who?”
“No wonder Crookshanks refers to you as the boy who lived not to get
any… Harry Winston Magical Department, Cartier Enchanted Gems and
no witch can turn down the little blue box.”
“Blue box?” Harry asked. The confusion was evident on his face.
“Oh boy, you really are clueless. Just send order forms to who I tell
you. We will get the catalogues and find her something.”

* * *

“Is he still breathing?” Mulciber asked.

“Yes. Watch this.” Hermione pulled out a syringe and injected Doge.
“What the fuck is that?” Selwyn asked moving closer. He had never seen
a syringe and was fascinated as she pulled the needle out. The Dark Lord
said nothing, giving Hermione full command of the room. He wanted this.
She was finally fully releasing her dark side. It was magnificent. Bellatrix
had even yielded to her mate.
Hermione had spent months work on the perfect revenge. A poison that
was excruciating, took hours to kill and she was even perfecting ways to
keep the victim awake.
“He is going into shock from too much pain. His body is shutting down.
That is a syringe. The metal point delivers whatever is in that little
chamber. In this case it is epinephrine mixed with a partial antidote. It will
slow the effects but he will still continue to die and the pain will still be
excruciating. Oh and it will wake him up.”
“When?” Mulciber asked.
Hermione stood back one step as Elphias Doge’s eyes opened and he
began to scream again.
“How does it feel? How does that pain feel? How does it feel to lie in
your own piss and know that you are dying? Oh wait, I know thanks to
you. I won’t let you die quickly. I did this almost every night to Lucius and
look how long he lasted. You will spend an eternity paying for what you
did?”
‘NOOOOOO! Make it stop… please. Oh god. Please.”
Voldemort stood up and walked over to Doge being careful not to get
any of the feces, urine or vomit the man had expelled over the last four
hours on his shoes.
“You betrayed me you fool. There is no respite for you. We will get our
information from Arthur… or maybe Moody.”
“Please My Lord. I am sorry. I will tell you whatever you want…
anything you want.”
“And what do you expect of me?”
“To make this stop.”
“Hmmmmm… I am not sure you are ready yet. Maybe after I have had
supper. Severus is stopping by and it would be rude to be late. Can you
keep him alive and suffering in the meantime?”
“Yes My Lord.” Hermione smiled. “I need someone to watch him…
someone who won’t fuck it up. Marcus.”
The young man swallowed hard. “Hermione.”
He had done well at the cottage and would be getting a mark. He had
made it through a brutal torture session and although he was a bit pale, he
hadn’t lost his lunch which was more than could be said about several of
the Death Eaters in the room. Goyle Sr. had almost fainted at one point.
Hermione giving him an assignment as important as helping her with an
interrogation would strengthen his standing among the rank and file. It
would also strengthen her alliance with Mulciber who had seen the boy as
a project. She figured Mulciber should find a nice lass and settle down to
have little Mulcibers instead and told him has much.
He had responded that he didn’t like nice lasses, he like the type of
women who did not settle down and acting as a mentor to Flint was
perfect. There were no diapers to change, no runny noses to wipe and if
he got bored with it he could just pawn him off on Goyle or Crabbe.
She couldn’t argue with his logic.
“Watch him. If he loses consciousness come get me.”
“Anything I should expect?”
She injected another 2 ccs of a glowing black liquid into his arm and
smiled at Marcus, “More screaming.”
Voldemort held out his arms and Bellatrix and Hermione each took one.
“You know if you fuck up Flint you both pay. She is putting her neck out
for you, do keep our friend alive.”
“Yes My Lord.”
Hermione allowed herself to be escorted to dinner with the delightful
sound of Elphias Doge’s screams filling her ears.
 Chapter 30
“Elphias, you look good.” Severus said evenly staring down at the man.
Elphias Doge had been a distinguished wizard and lifelong friend to Albus
Dumbledore. He was now just a sobbing old man naked and covered in
his own filth.
As a Potion’s Master Severus was impressed with Hermione’s work. As
a man he was disgusted with the level of horror she had created. She had
clearly been bottling up her emotions and devoting her pain to her work.
The potion made the cruciatus curse seem like a simple tickling spell.
She was a brilliant witch and now a cruel one. He did not envy the
others. Their suffering would be immeasurable.
“Elphias has been enjoying our hospitality.” Voldemort joked.
“Please… please… make it stop.” Doge begged. “I will tell you anything.
Please?”
“Hermione, ease our friends suffering a little.”
Hermione had spent months working on her potion, finding different
ways to change the effects, increase the effects, decrease the effects
and tried numerous combinations to truly control the victims experience.
She pulled another vial out and filled her syringe. He gasped as the potion
entered his vein.
His body relaxed.
“He will feel some relief My Lord but not complete freedom from the
pain.”
“How many other safe houses are there?”
“I don’t know” the old man sobbed.
“Don’t hold out on me Elphias, I will let Hermione have some more fun.”
“You know how Albus is, everyone is told different bits and pieces. I only
know a few of the properties. I can tell you the ones I know but that won’t
help. He won’t go to those.”
“Crucio. Stop being a fool. I know that. Tell me the ones you know… tell
me everything you know. You have nothing valuable enough for me to
spare your life but if you tell me enough I will spare you the pain.”
“Very well.” Doge replied. “Where do I start?”
“The safe houses.”
Doge spent the next hour listing all property he knew of including safe
houses, properties of Order members and properties of their relatives. He
also listed associates and people sympathetic to the Order. Hermione
didn’t understand why the Dark Lord was so eager to get the information
but she knew he had something up his sleeve. She was trying to figure out
the angle. She watched carefully. He finally stopped his questioning and
motioned for her and Bellatrix to join him.
“Do you know why I am doing this yet?” he asked.
“No My Lord.” Hermione answered. “I know there is something I am
missing. Dumbledore won’t use any of the properties those that are
captured know about.”
“There is a finite amount of properties they could be using unless they
are using muggle property which, considering the only muggle they had is
now here, I seriously doubt. During the first war I spent years gathering
intelligence on the Order. I did the same once I returned. I have numerous
lists of possible hideouts and associates. Who shall we introduce to your
potion next? How about Arthur Weasley?”
“One piece from each person… you can find where he hid them by
process of elimination.”
“Exactly. Arthur and Molly would have some, Ted and Andromeda a bit
more, Doge and Diggle were probably given the same information. We will
only need one out of Andromeda and Her mudblood and I like to make
spouses watch their loved ones die. She is your sister Bella, one will be
tortured but will be killed after a few hours, and the other will be
entertainment until Molly and Augusta join us. The choice is yours.”
“My family is reunited. I would hate to end that too quickly My Lord.”
Bellatrix giggled madly.
He smiled at her and cupped her cheek, “Your bloodlust is a thing to
admire Bella.”
Hermione didn’t respond. She wondered if she should feel bad for
Andromeda but she couldn’t make herself feel for the witch. All that filled
her was the anger. She wanted her vengeance and she was enjoying
making those who hurt her suffer.
Bellatrix wrapped her arms around her, softly nuzzling into her shoulder.
Voldemort smiled at the two.
“We have some laws to change… you two should marry soon” he noted.
“Thank you My Lord.” they both said.
“I am nothing if not a true romantic” he joked. He turned and cast the
killing curse striking Doge without looking his way. “Bring Ted and
Andromeda in here. Couples are so much more fun when they are
tortured together.”

* * *

“Fuck!” Hermione exclaimed. Bellatrix was merciless. She was on her

hands and knees with Bellatrix behind her. Bellatrix had her hand wrapped
in Hermione’s hair and was pulling hard.
“Fuck you feel good kitten.” Bellatrix groaned as she thrust in to her
mate. “I love you baby. Purr for me.”
Hermione purred. “I love you baby. You are so good.”
Each thrust was met by Hermione who dropped her hand between her
legs and began to rub herself in time to Bellatrix. She dropped to her
elbow with her free hand lowering her head on to the mattress and biting
the pillow to keep from screaming. She came hard collapsing against the
bed.
Bellatrix moved with her still thrusting into her. A few more strokes and
she joined Hermione, growling as she filled her lover.
“He is right, we need to be married.” Bellatrix rolled over and pulled a
box out from the drawer next to the bed. Hermione gasped.
She turned in the bed and pushed up so she could lean against the
headboard. Bellatrix curled up in her lap looking up at her.
“Marry me Hermione Granger.”
Hermione opened the box. The ring inside was goblin made. Hermione
could feel the power radiating off of it. There were ruins etched into the
band and a black tear drop stone was set on top.
“It is a family heirloom. It has been passed down from generation to
generation. It will give you the ability to call me to you when you need
me.”
Bellatrix revealed another gold band with a matching stone.
“Baby, I don’t know what to say…”
“Say yes.”
“Yes. I love you Bellatrix.”

* * *

She looked at the boards. The list of all the possible associates
accumulate by the Dark Lord was on one with the corresponding lists from
each of their guests on the other. They were more than happy to provide
information after a few hours of being exposed to Hermione’s potion.
Voldemort made sure each one suffered longer.
Only Doge and Ted got the promise and relief of death, the others were
kept for entertainment. The Dark Lord wanted to drag out their torture.
Ted was killed in front of Andromeda to draw out the experience. Ted was
killed to torment Andromeda further. Hermione wondered what services
Doge must have provided to Voldemort in his life to earn the mercy of
death even after his betrayal.
Moody got it the worst. Andromeda was saved for Bellatrix and
Narcissa, Arthur belonged to Hermione who shared him but not that much.
Moody, the most famous Auror in history, was fair game for everyone.
Lucius’ treatment had been barbaric but the things that took place in
Alastor Moody’s cell were depraved.
He had killed many friends and families of Voldemort’s followers
including Mulciber’s brother, Dolohov’s father, Flint’s father and Rosier’s
father. He was the guest of honor at every revel and would be for months
if not years to come.
At the end they had lists. Lists of properties, and lists of people. They
needed to go through and figure out where the Order was going. They
were making a puzzle and blacking out the pieces that were shared with
them. They needed to find the ones that were left.
“Any luck?”
Hermione turned and saw Seltan Selwyn walking up behind her. He was
sweaty and a bit out of breath. Hermione cast a scourgify.
“Nothing yet. What is it with you and all the buggering?”
Seltan paled a bit. “I… errr… I have certain very dark compulsions…
fortunately my career serves my needs. I don’t really much fancy blokes
much I just fancy the violence. I am glad Andromeda is now here… variety
is the spice of life and I like a little spice in my life.”
“You are really fucked up you know that?”
“Yes. What do you mudblood’s call it? A breakfast rapist?”
“A serial rapist. Good thing you have a job as a proper villain, comedy is
not in your future and you are quite the psychopath.”
“I really am aren’t I?” he laughed. “Come on, we actually have work to
do. The Regulators did what you told them. Penelope says ‘we are live’
whatever that means.”
“So Arthur or Andy?” she asked as they walked out the door.
“Arthur. I know you want him to suffer. I do like to keep you happy.”
“Fucking psychopath.”

* * *

They entered the Department of Muggle Regulation and headed into the
new secured area. Penelope smiled. The Minister of Magic was there with
Alecto and the Head of the Department of Mysteries in tow.
“I got it done boss. You were right… a few simple imperios and some
overalls and it was done easily.”
“So these are computers?” the Minister asked looking at the screens.
“Yes. We had to work a little magic to get them to work in here but we
need them.”
“What are we doing with them?” Alecto asked. As head of the DMLE
she was required to be the meeting but she didn’t really get what they
were doing.
“We sent squads to the headquarters of the various muggle Auror and
Unspeakable organizations. We used imperios to take control of key
members and get our teams in. We installed devices on all of the
computers allowing us to see them at any time.” Hermione answered.
“I don’t get what that means.” Pius admitted.
“Show them Penelope.”
The wall of screens lit up showing the feeds from all of the computers
and the internal camera networks of Scotland Yard and Thames House
among others.
“They are having coffee in a room, what is that? Are those their suspect
files?” Alecto marveled at the pictures.
“This is real time. We now have access to whatever they are doing all of
the time. We can issue orders and remove evidence. We can track what
they are responding to and if it involves wizards we can fix it easily.”
Hermione bragged. “We will have eyes and ears in every important
muggle building. When the time comes when they act we will be able to
counter it.”
“I like it.” Alecto smirked. “Is there a way to do this to witches and
wizards too?”
Hermione nodded and motioned for Penelope to explain the set up. She
turned and faced out the window to hide her smile. Just like that it was
done. The lure of the power of being able to snoop and know what others
were doing overrode centuries of bias. The end always seemed to justify
the means… Voldemort had that right when he had joked about wizards
spouting their superiority while riding the Knight’s bus.
People were predictable. They always followed the same paths. It didn’t
matter what they said people always picked the path that made them feel
safest.
“People always pick the paths that make them feel safest.” Hermione
whispered realizing her wife had the answer all along. She hated when
Bellatrix was right. Unfortunately a lull in the conversations around her
made the very private statement very public.
“Granger? What are you going on about?” Selwyn asked.
“Bellatrix was right. Molly is that sentimental or she will be without
Arthur. I know where they are. I need to go. Can you cover me?”
“Wait you know where… oh. Go. I will cover.”
Hermione flooed back to the Manor and hurried to the study. Goyle and
Crabbe were standing guard.
“I need to talk to him.”
Goyle yielded the way and let her in. The Dark Lord was rearranging the
boards.
“What brings you home from work?”
“I think I know where Molly and Augusta are… or at the very least Molly.
Bellatrix had made a joke before about them being sentimental and still
being at the Burrow. We nixed it and were right at the time. We are
thinking like Albus Dumbledore and at that time Albus Dumbledore was
calling the shots. Albus Dumbledore is still comfortably sitting at Hogwarts
while Arthur is here; Molly is the one that’s hiding. She lost her husband
and her children have turned their backs on her. She is alone.”
“She is a traditionalist. She would go home. Get your mate and find a
way through those bloody wards.”
“Thank you My Lord.”

* * *

“Fuck! I didn’t expect to be back here.” Bellatrix cursed as she pulled

her hand away from the warding. It burned even with her skin changed to
dragon hide. “We need a way in and we need to get in without tripping the
alarms.”
“We are primal mages. There has to be a way.”
“These wards will harm, repel and destroy any living thing that tries to
pierce them.” Bellatrix grumbled.
“I know.” Hermione said as she cried on Bellatrix’s burns. “Strong
enough to burn dragon.”
The wounds healed as the tears cleansed them. Although most of the
forms they learned were for offensive purposes they both learned the
Phoenix. The Phoenix tears could heal all wounds. Her lover’s hands
quickly healed up.
“I fucking hate this. I want my revenge now kitten.”
“We will find a way.”
Hermione paced the border. There had to be some way in and out. She
saw some gnomes near the wards. She knelt down and asked them about
the wards.
“Nothing gets through the invisible wall. We have tried everything.”
“Have you seen anything make it through?”
“Nothing. Everything dies. It burns up. Even rocks won’t go through.”
“How high does it go?”
“High. Really high.” Hermione rolled her eyes at the gnome. He crossed
his arms. “What? We are gnomes. We don’t use the metric system.”
They took off grumbling about the witches.
“What do we do?” Hermione sighed.
“We can’t go through it and it’s capped so there is no way over it.”
The gnomes pulled out and began to share what appeared to be one of
Molly’s prized peppers. Bellatrix smiled and looked at Hermione. Their
eyes flashed as they both came to the same recognition.
“What do we change to?” Hermione thought aloud.
“Nothing yet baby. You were too nice with those filthy little gnomes. I will
get them to talk to us.”
Bellatrix cursed and headed back to where the gnomes were to talk to
them again. Hermione could see one of the gnomes giving her a two
fingered salute. Her lover was a woman of little patience and turned
herself into a jarvey. The gnomes squeaked seeing ferret looking creature
that was also their natural predator.
Hermione came over.
“She will eat you.”
“Fine! Just don’t ruin the garden. We have been eating well now that
they don’t bother with us.”
“How are you getting into the gardens?” Hermione asked realizing she
had been too soft with the gnomes. Bellatrix was two for two.
“We go under. You need to go down a bit. We will even lead you there
if you let us be.”
“Deal” Bellatrix responded.
Hermione turned into a jarvey and the two followed the gnomes down
through their tunnels and out into the garden.
“They forgot to ward the underneath? It’s too easy. Another set of traps
maybe?” Hermione asked.
“Yes. Look around.”
There were traps everywhere. The yard was a mine field. There were
ashes in piles throughout the yard.
“Our friends. It took us a while to find the right path.” One of the
gnomes told her. “If something bad were to happen to those women
inside we wouldn’t complain. I lost half my clan trying to get back to this
garden.”
“We will do what we can.” Hermione responded, ignoring Bellatrix rolling
her eyes.
It took the two women hours to get near the Burrow door as the
burrowed their way around the traps. Hermione appreciated the fact that
they had to dig their way to The Burrow to get to it. They resurfaced and
changed to their human forms.
“I can smell Molly’s cooking.”
“They are inside. Kitten… this is too easy. Why would Moody and
Dumbledore fuck up the wards? Even with the traps. They could have just
warded the ground. It is like they wanted it to be hard enough to make us
think we are clever.” Bellatrix whispered back.
“Why didn’t they save us?”
“The greater good.” Bellatrix replied. “They were going to let us die for
the greater good.”
“There is nothing that says the losing king doesn’t take out one or both
of the mages on his way down. If he was willing to sacrifice us for the
greater good… Molly and Augusta…” Hermione replied knowingly.
“Extremely expendable.” Bellatrix whispered back.
“It’s a fucking trap.” Hermione sighed.
“It’s a fucking trap.” Bellatrix confirmed.
“How did he know?”
“We adjusted our planning for Molly, Dumbledore finally adjusted his
plans for us. He knew you would hunt her and we would eventually figure
out she would go home. Either way we would have inevitably cracked the
wards to look inside even if it did scare them off. He decided would try
and kill you in the process.”
“I wonder what they have in mind for us. Fuck. We could leave.”
Hermione said.
“Or send a patronus for back up.”
“We aren’t are we? We are going to storm the fucking gates. I don’t
care if I live if I can kill those two.”
“Yeah pretty much. Ready kitten?”
They burst from the grass casting spells blowing out the walls and
windows. The wall exploded raining debris on the witches inside. Molly,
Dedalus and Augusta all ran for the same spot. Dedalus grabbed a small
ceramic rabbit.
“Hurry.” he urged the others. Molly flicked her wand setting fire to a
small drape. It was near some large containers. Hermione saw the vats
and inhaled deeply.
“Baby, dittany and ashwinder eggs… it’s a Fiendfyre potion.” There was
no form that would protect them from that much of the highly flammable
and explosive potion.
They needed to get out quickly. Bellatrix hit Dedalus with an Avada.
“Accio Portkey.” Hermione called out. The rabbit popped into her hand
as the man fell dead to the floor. The walls were catching fire. The vats
would go up soon. “Stupify.”
Augusta blocked the spell. She fired back with a cruciatus. Hermione
threw Bellatrix the Portkey and changed into a dragon tearing the kitchen
apart as she morphed. She grabbed Augusta and Molly with her claws,
their spells bouncing off her as harmless as air.
“Now baby.” Hermione growled. Even as a dragon she wasn’t safe.
Bellatrix hopped on her back and activated the Portkey. The Burrow
exploded as they were carried away and the concussion and some of the
fire followed them through. Hermione hoped the key was strong enough.
The world spun and they landed with a thump. The force from the landing
sent Hermione rolling and the other three women flying. They dodged the
flames that followed them rolling out of the way.
Augusta and Molly used their momentary disorientation to run for it.
Hermione and Bellatrix finally got up and changed to their first forms and
started pursue them when they reached the edge of the woods. They paid
no attention to their surroundings and Hermione’s cheetah was gaining
quickly she almost had them when she realized where she was and
stopped.
Hermione pulled up, changing to her human form and grabbed Bellatrix.
Bellatrix changed, furious she was stopped.
“What!”
“Look.”
They were standing on the edge of the Forbidden Forrest. Molly and
Augusta were running through the courtyard. There were students
everywhere. The Portkey lead to Hogwarts. Dumbledore came out and
ushered the women in.
“Fuck.”
“Fuck indeed kitten.”

* * *

“Crucio!”
Hermione and Bellatrix grimaced under the curse. They had fucked up
and Hermione knew it was coming. The Dark Lord was pacing back and
forth at the edge of the forest. He finally lifted the curse. There were six
or seven dozen Death Eaters with them including all of the Aurors loyal to
the cause.
 Alecto had also let Seltan know what was going on and he had rallied
the Regulators. This wasn’t their jurisdiction but they were loyal to
Hermione and they would want to fight. The fighting was the biggest
problem.
No one wanted to destroy Hogwarts. On top of that, many of their
friends and family were still in that building. Narcissa put out a hand and
helped Hermione and Bellatrix up.
“You two fucked that one up.”
“I know.” Hermione sighed. “I walked into his trap and now he has
hundreds of students between us and them including your families and my
friends. We fucked up and now we have to find a way to fix it.”
Hermione looked at what was coming towards her and smiled.
“You must be tired.” She hissed to the blue snake. She reached out her
hand leaning down and the snake happily wrapped around her arm
allowing himself to be lifted raising his red head level with her eyes.
“The owlery has been closed. Dumbledore knows you are here and he
didn’t want them to make contact with you. Harry sent me. This is a really
big school.” Nachash replied. He was exhausted from having to cover the
distance to where they were hiding in the Forbidden Forest. “He has the
students locked in the castle. No quidditch practice, no herbology… no
outdoors. He said the school was going to be under siege and you were
coming to kill all the students.”
“Fuck” Bellatrix hissed.
“Where are the two witches? Molly Weasley and Augusta
Longbottom?” The Dark Lord asked.
“Harry said he thinks they are in his office. Harry and Ron have been
trying to calm everyone down but that Longbottom boy is rallying for
everyone to defend the school.” The snake replied.
“Dumbledore would use an army of children… manipulative old
bastard.” Hermione cursed. “I wonder how far he would go…”
“You have an idea Granger? Hopefully better than your last one.
Crucio!”
Hermione fell to the ground again. She screamed in pain. The curse was
strong, the Dark Lord was mad.
“Why is he hexing you? I thought you were on the same team?”
Nachash hissed trying to move to avoid getting crushed in Hermione’s
flailing.
 “Because I did something stupid. I am the reason we are having this
standoff.”
“Oh… well that makes sense. You bipeds are so cool with your
running. Do you know how far it is for me to slither to get here from the
Great Hall. I would hex you too if I could.”
“Fucking smart ass familiars, I should have told Narcissa to get Harry a
day planner or a new quill.”
“Well those would be crap gifts.”
“The snake has a point, about both the slithering and the gifts. If you
fail in this new plan I might just let him bite you.” Voldemort added.
Bellatrix had stayed quiet. She knew Voldemort was annoyed but she
also knew he wasn’t that annoyed. They had found the women.
“What is your plan Granger.” He said in English. The others had been
watching the two of them hiss with the snake but no one knew what was
being said.
“The Headmaster is protecting two fugitives with active warrants from
the Ministry. Something he has never done. He has yielded to every
warrant except his own. We have something they aren’t expecting.
Perhaps war is not called for and if it is let’s make sure he has only the
most hardcore believers backing him.”
“What do you propose?”
“It would be the duty of the Head Auror to capture the fugitives. I say we
send her with only one other Auror. Dumbledore is required by law to
release them to us.”
“Hmmm… tell me more.”

* * *

Tonks nervously pulled at her shirt. She was showing and even with
some help from Fleur her clothes didn’t fit right. She approached the
bridge with Dawlish to her left. She took a deep breath and began to walk
across it.
She entered the doors and walked into the Great Hall where the
students were eating breakfast. They had timed it for when the students
were there. They wanted them to see. The entire staff was in attendance
and looked nervous.
“Headmaster Dumbledore. You are providing shelter for two wanted
criminals. I demand you release them into my custody immediately.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.” He replied. The snake had
come back the night before and talked to Potter. He couldn’t read the boy
anymore but he foolishly told the Weasley girl what was going to happen.
She had no occlumency training. He saw everything they planned. He was
expecting this. They would fail.
“Ronald Weasley, have you seen your mother enter the premises?”
Ron sighed, “Yes. She came here with Augusta Longbottom yesterday
afternoon. They went to the Headmaster’s office. I haven’t seen them
since.”
“Your own bloody mother!” Seamus yelled.
“What the hell Ron? You bloody traitor!” Longbottom exclaimed.
“She tried to kill Hermione, they were going to kill Professor McGonagall
and then they were going to kill Harry. I can’t abide by that. They aren’t
heroes, they are the traitors. They made their choice, I made mine.”
“War brings out the worst in us all Mr. Weasley but there is little you
understand.” Dumbledore commented.
“What war Headmaster?” Tonks replied. “There is no war. The only
people we are here for are Molly Weasley and Augusta Longbottom who
are suspected in the murder of Lucius Malfoy. They also could be tried for
the attempted murder of Hermione Granger and Minerva McGonagall, a
woman you claimed to be your friend and your Deputy Head until they
tried to kill her.”
“And the students that will die?” He replied.
“Why should any students die? I have a Ministry warrant to search the
castle and arrest the suspects. I believe Dawlish was here on both
occasions we had to serve these before. When it was for you, you ran but
when it was for Rubius Hagrid you did not interfere. Why are you
interfering now?”
Dawlish nodded his head in agreement. The students broke out in
whispers. They had been told armies were coming. They weren’t
expecting an Auror who was expecting with just one side kick. They also
didn’t know McGonagall also had her life threatened. With the creature
laws being changed by Bill they no longer had to worry about
repercussions. They could testify as to what happened at Grimmauld
Place and the Wizgamot would be on their side.
“It is a clever move. I find it hard to believe that Hermione Granger
would hide behind a pregnant woman. Avada Kedavra!” The green jet shot
from Dumbledore’s wand hitting Tonks square in the chest. He expected it
to bounce off. Even the polyjuice potion that Granger and Black were no
doubt using wouldn’t trump their powers.
He didn’t expect her to crumple to the ground. Dawlish looked at him in
shock.
“What have you done?” Dawlish cried out.
The students were screaming and crying. They were jumping up from
their seats and moving as far away from the body as they could.
“QUIET!” Dumbledore screamed. They all froze where they were. “This
isn’t possible. She wouldn’t have sent Tonks. Ginerva was told they were
using polyjuice. It’s a trick. This is Granger and Black.” he mumbled as he
approached Tonks’ body.
Dawlish was cradling her, “She was pregnant you fool. Why? We are
just trying to serve a warrant.”
“Back off Bellatrix.” Dumbledore held his wand out at Dawlish. “Or are
you Granger?”
“What are you going on about old man?” Dawlish replied dropping his
wand and putting his hands in the air. He was never known as the bravest
of Aurors by any means.
“Polyjuice potion. She’s not dead.”
“She is bloody dead!”
Dumbledore looked down at her lifeless body. Who had he killed?
“It’s a trap… I know this is a trap. Mr. Filch close the doors. We need to
put up the wards. The army will come soon. Professors get the students
to their common rooms. They are to stay there.”
He reached down and touched Tonks’ neck. No pulse. He couldn’t see
her chest moving. She wasn’t breathing. She was dead. Granger had set
him up. Ginerva Weasley was given false information and he just
murdered a pregnant Auror in front of every student in the school. His
career was destroyed. He would never be able to escape prosecution for
this. He committed capital murder of a pregnant woman in front of
hundreds of witnesses. No one would hide him; no country would give him
sanctuary. He would get the kiss.
He didn’t think she would sacrifice a pregnant woman to get him but she
did. What kind of monster had she become?
“Fuck.” He whispered.
 Chapter 31
“She is bloody dead!”
Dumbledore looked down at her lifeless body. Who had he killed?
“It’s a trap… I know this is a trap. Mr. Filch close the doors. We need to
put up the wards. The army will come soon. Professors get the students
to their common rooms. They are to stay there.”
He reached down and touched Tonks’ neck. No pulse. He couldn’t see
her chest moving. She wasn’t breathing. She was dead. Granger had set
him up. Ginerva Weasley was given false information and he just
murdered a pregnant Auror in front of every student in the school. His
career was destroyed. He would never be able to escape prosecution for
this. He committed capital murder of a pregnant woman in front of
hundreds of witnesses. No one would hide him; no country would give
him sanctuary. He would get the kiss.
He didn’t think she would sacrifice a pregnant woman to get him but
she did. What kind of monster had she become?
“Fuck.” He whispered.
“Merlin’s balls! What the hell are you doing Albus?”
The hall stopped not expecting the tone or words to ever come out of
Filius Flitwick’s mouth. The diminutive Professor squared his shoulders
and glared up at his employer.
“You need to get your Ravenclaws back to their dorms Filius.”
“You kill the Head Auror, who happens to be bloody pregnant and then
you tell me to get my students up to their dorms.”
“Do it Filius, I won’t ask again.” Dumbledore said, his soft voice carrying
a menacing tone.
Filius exchanged a look with the other professors. Most seemed to
understand and agree with him as they suddenly started moving the
students towards their houses. Neville Longbottom came up to the
Headmaster.
“Sir, is my gran that they are after. I want to stay and fight.”
Some of the other Gryffindor’s started agreeing. Seamus and Dean
flanked Neville in support.
“Those that want to stay and defend the school that are of age may do
so. The rest go to their dorms. Horace, escort Auror Dawlish to the
dungeons. Poppy take Nymphadora’s body to the infirmary. GO!”
Harry and Ron were ready to protest and were backed by Ginny, Draco
and most of Slytherin among others. Severus grabbed Harry’s arm.
“I made a promise to Hermione to keep you safe. Come. All of you.”
Draco made a face which earned him a sneer in return. He looked into
his godfather’s eyes and knew there was no fighting this. He sighed and
let the professors lead them out. Once they left the hall Minerva and
Severus pulled the students aside.
“Dungeons. Everyone to the dungeons. If Dumbledore wants to commit
this folly you won’t be caught in the crossfire. I don’t want you fighting.”
They ushered the students all down to the Slytherin common rooms
regardless of house. If they weren’t standing with Neville then they weren’t
a concern. Harry and a small group walked up to Minerva.
“Professor. They murdered Tonks! We need to fight.”
Severus grabbed Harry by the shoulder and looked at the others. “I
have no idea what they have up their sleeve but for now I need you lot to
guard the others. Justin, you Pansy and Blaise watch the south entrance.
Harry, Ron and Ginny guard the main entrance. Keep your eyes open.
Taking on Aurors might not be what Neville and his friends have in mind.
Stay here. We will come back as soon as we sort out what that daft old
man has done.
He then leaned in and whispered in Draco’s ear. “Watch the rest of the
students down here, especially the ones you know were friendly with
Longbottom, make sure no one confuses their loyalties and attacks within.
Try and find out where they took Dawlish as well.”
Draco nodded.
Snape and McGonagall ran back up to the Great Hall where Filius was
trying to dissuade the remaining students from fighting. The numbers had
been reduced significantly from what they expected. Killing Tonks had
scared away many of the students that would have fought.
“Have you lost your mind Albus. You are bringing war to this school to
protect those fools.” he sneered and pointed to Molly and Augusta who
had joined the Headmaster.
“War was inevitable Severus. I am trying to protect the wizarding world.”
“By killing a pregnant woman? They were just trying to serve a warrant.”
“The wards are up and I have already cast Piertotum Locomotor.”
Dumbledore motioned to the numerous statues and suits of armor that
were ready for battle. “You cannot stop this.”
“We can if we stop you.” Snape said pulling his wand. Minerva, Septima,
Filius and Hagrid stood next to him along with several of the other
professors.
Neville and the remaining thirty or so students that chose to fight drew
their wands and stood in front of the Headmaster and Molly and Augusta.
They weren’t needed as the statues and suits of armor turned their
attention inward attacking the professors. Severus dodged an ax and
began firing reductos as hundreds of statues and suits of armor began to
attack.
The student army stayed clear of the carnage. A few cried out as
Septima was run through with a sword. She went down. Severus ran to
her side.
“I will be fine Severus, you know it will take more than that to kill me.
Fight.” she pulled herself into a corner and fired of spells while she tried to
stem the bleeding with her free hand. A sword to the stomach wouldn’t
end her but an ax taking her head would. She focused on staying awake
and keeping safe.
Hagrid moved near her and taking a large ax from one of the statues
before breaking it to pieces with his fist. He cut through the onslaught.
Even stone and metal was no match for the half giant’s strength. Minerva
and Snape were back to back and clouds of dust were flying as the sent
out reducto after reducto.
The numbers were daunting and the professors were being backed up
even with superior fire power. All of sudden statues started exploding
around them. Severus looked over to see Harry, Ginny, Ron, Draco,
Justin, Pansy and Blaise. He saw Dawlish with them. The Auror ran
through the fighting and up the stairs towards the infirmary.
“What are you doing boy? I told you to stay put!”
 “I am not a boy and the plans have changed. We need to get to
Dumbledore. Dumbledore dies the wards go down.” Harry yelled across
the din of battle.
“Slughorn is now Deputy Head. They will revert to him.” Snape yelled
back while pulling away from a sword. It grazed his arm and he hissed in
pain.
“Slughorn is now with Crabbe, Rosier and Goyle. He will do as he is
told.” Draco answered.
“We will have to go through the students. I was hoping to avoid this.”
Minerva yelled out while destroying the suit of armor that cut Severus.
“First we need to finish off these statues.” Filius yelled. He was having a
great deal of success. The slow moving statues were at a disadvantage.
They had to try and swing down to hit him and he easily weaved through
them carving a path made of rubble and shorn metal.

* * *

“You shouldn’t be here.” Poppy said pulling her wand on Dawlish.

“How can you stay loyal to him after all this time Poppy?”
“Don’t take a familiar tone with me young man.”
“Of course Madam Pomfrey. Now please get the fuck out of my way.”
Dawlish’s face started to mutate and Poppy gasped.
“He was right all along… it was polyjuice.”
A minute later Hermione Granger was standing in Dawlish’s place. She
screamed out a spell before Poppy could recover from her shock.
“Incarcerus!”
Poppy Pomfrey was completely bound. Her wand fell to the floor and
Hermione summoned it sliding into her pocket. Out of the corner of her
eye she could see Tonks turn into Bellatrix Black.
“Why? She is dead. There is nothing you can do. Why the polyjuice?”
“Because Dumbledore had easily two hundred students to hide behind.
Seeing him murder a pregnant woman… seeing who he was truly was
enough to turn most of them away. Now he has an army of thirty. The
statues won’t be a match for the others and the students will fail.”
“But she is dead. He said a killing curse wouldn’t kill you but she is
dead.”
“This is one of my favorite potions because when I was a child it was
one of my favorite stories. I had no idea it was based on a real potion…
that it was a real story. I always dreamed of being Sleeping Beauty or
Snow White awakened by my prince’s kiss. I never expected that I would
be the prince.”
Hermione took a swig of a potion from a vial and held the vial under
Poppy’s nose so she could smell it.
“Wiggenweld potion? That’s an antidote. She took the Draught of Living
Death? I didn’t see her even do it.”
“She is just that good. We tipped him to the polyjuice by telling Ginny we
were coming in that way. He had been monitoring her thoughts through
legilimency. I needed him to think he had killed her. A dead Tonks made
the illusion complete. He now thinks I set him up to murder a pregnant
woman. Fitting as that is what got him here.”
Hermione approached her lover. She smiled.
“As you know there is only one way to administer the antidote for the
Draught of Living Death. This is my favorite part.” Hermione kissed
Bellatrix delivering the antidote and waking her mate.
“Hi kitten. What did I miss?”
“A battle. Want to go get some revenge?”
Bellatrix pulled her in for a deep kiss.
“Mayhem… my favorite. Let’s go rack up a body count. What about
her?”
“She will be needed to heal the wounded.”
“Fine. Stupify!”
Poppy slumped to the floor still bound. The two witches ran down the
stairs. Dumbledore was in the center of his miniature army of students.
The professors were trying to knock the students out with stunners to get
to him while he Molly and Augusta were throwing unforgivables and brutal
hexes back.
“This really isn’t fair.” Bellatrix changed into a Horntail jumping off the
stairs and beating her wings to get aloft. She headed towards
Dumbledore causing half of the remaining student army to run for it and
diverting his attention. He started fighting the dragon. His spells were
strong and Bellatrix found herself knocked against a wall.
She got up and shot a jet of flames. Dumbledore jumped out of the way
and managed to avoid them but Dean and Seamus were burnt to a crisp.
Neville screamed out charging Bellatrix. He was taken down with a bolt of
electricity.
He turned to see Hermione stalking towards him. Augusta and Molly
both had evil grins on their faces as the stepped in front of Neville.
“It looks like we will finish what we started.” Augusta smirked.
“It looks like it.” Hermione grinned back.
Augusta started with an Avada. Hermione blocked it with her hand. She
breathed fire at the women making them dive out of the way. They both
threw hexes at her. She was brought back to her training. She dove
through the two hexes spinning out and kicking Molly sending her to the
ground.
Bellatrix had turned back to human form and was battling Dumbledore.
He shouted in pain and grabbed his ankle. He looked around but didn’t see
who hexed him. He didn’t have time to check his wound as Bellatrix was
still coming. The two were dueling hard. Spells were flying everywhere.
Despite her primal magic, Bellatrix was easily matched by the powerful
wizard.
The professors had restrained the student army. The students who were
still conscious were bound and watching the professors moved to help
Bellatrix and Hermione.
“Don’t get involved. This is our fight.” Hermione yelled.
She sent a sectumsempra at Augusta who cast a protego deflecting the
curse. She hadn’t paid any attention to where she had sent it and the
curse hit Neville.
“NOOOO!” she cried as she watched her curse slice through his body.
“Well what are you going to do now? You can save him or fight me.
Greater good… necessary sacrifices isn’t that right? What do you
chose?” Hermione taunted.
“She will kill you as soon as you turn your back on her.” Molly screamed.
“I will let you save him Augusta Longbottom, if you drop your wand and
surrender afterwards. You will stand trial in front of the Wizengamot for
your crimes. I give you my oath.”
Augusta looked back and forth between the woman she hated and her
grandson and last of her line. She dropped to her knees next to Neville
and began to whisper ‘vulnera sanentur’ over and over sighing with relief
as her grandson healed.
Molly and Hermione were fighting each other but Molly was no match.
She was backed up against the wall and Hermione was pummeling her
with hexes. Her shields were weakening. Augusta broke the promise and
raised her wand sending a slicing hex at Hermione.
It caught her arm and she turned to the traitorous woman sending a
stunner with all of her power behind it. The spell sent Augusta flying the
full length of the room and into the farthest wall. The sound of her bones
cracking could be heard as she landed with a thump.
“Stupify!”
The spell left Ginny’s wand and flew past Hermione’s ear. She turned
and watched as it collided with Molly’s chest stopping whatever curse the
woman had planned to hit Hermione with. The woman slumped to the
ground. Hermione nodded at Ginny gratefully and turned her attention to
her mate.
Dumbledore was stumbling around and fell to the ground.
“What did you do to him baby?”
“Nothing. We were dueling and then he just… well you see.”
All of a sudden Harry started laughing.
They looked at him confused. He held up Nachash. “He just reminded
me if the thing he said to me the first time we met.”
“What’s that?”
“He is very poisonous and has really sharp fangs. The great Albus
Dumbledore felled by my familiar.”
Hermione watched as the Headmaster gasped his last breath. She
turned to Nachash who was making himself comfortable around Harry’s
neck. She walked over to the Headmaster and looked at his bloodied
ankle. There were two puncture points.
“OK better than a day planner.” She hissed to the snake.
They could see the wards come down. Alecto came down with a large
group of Aurors including the real Dawlish. Selwyn and Mulciber escorted
Narcissa down as well. Voldemort stayed back. He knew not to make an
appearance. He wanted things to remain official and above board… or at
least appear that way.
They came into the castle to find only three people dead. Seamus
Finnegan, Dean Thomas and Albus Dumbledore. Augusta was being
tended to by Poppy and Molly was bound and gagged. Ginny had
apparently added the gag after Molly had woken up with some choice
words for her daughter.
When they arrived in the castle the rest of the students and professors
were present and milling about waiting to see what was going to happen.
Narcissa hugged Draco and then ran up to Harry grabbing his shirt and
pulled him in for a scorching kiss.
“I am fine Cissy thanks for asking.” Bellatrix quipped while wiping the
blood from her mates lip.
“Draco… your mum is snogging Harry.” Ron whispered.
“I know mate. I am trying not to look.” Draco sighed and wrapped his
arm around Ginny to comfort her as she watched her mum be picked up
by the Aurors.”
“Alecto. Please take Molly, Augusta and Neville to Azkaban where they
will stand trial for their crimes. I know it is not my department’s jurisdiction
but I ask as a personal favor that the rest of the students be remanded
into Hogwarts’ custody until the nature of their involvement can be
determined.”
“Who is the Headmaster now? Without Dumbledore…” Alecto asked.
“I am.” Slughorn said grunting as Goyle elbowed him in the ribs, “I am
however ceding my position to Minerva McGonagall.”
“Alright then. Take those three. Give me a list of the others. Clean up
the bodies” Alecto ordered.
“What happened to Auror Tonks?” Susan Bones asked.
“She is in her office. We knew Dumbledore would attack her but you
didn’t. You needed to see who Dumbledore really was. Only two students
lost their life today. It would have been worse if more of you fought. We
took polyjuice potion.” Hermione responded.
“And for once she did something without turning into a cat.” Snape said
snidely.
“How… how did you survive the killing curse? You deflected it with your
hand… and she was hit in the chest.”
“It is complicated but we are unique.” Hermione quietly answered.
The afternoon was spent cleaning up the rubble and dealing with the
students. Alecto did her job and the Aurors left. Minerva was left with the
clean-up and a promotion.
“Minerva… are my old quarters…”
The Headmistress rolled her eyes. “You two are incorrigible. Yes.
Please be discrete.”
Hermione promised and dragged Bellatrix off. So far none of the
students had worked through their shock and had registered that one of
the most dangerous and feared witches in history had just fought
alongside the Golden Trio.
Hermione smiled as she saw Narcissa leading Harry off to the
dungeons. He was about to become the boy who lived to finally get
shagged.
“My sister is a very naughty witch” Bellatrix whispered in her ear.
“So are you.” Hermione laughed pulling her lover towards her old room.

* * *

AUGUSTA LONGBOTTOM AND MOLLY WEASLEY PLEAD GUILTY!

Rita Skeeter
Augusta Longbottom and Molly Weasley plead guilty today to avoid a
trial. The two witches were given life sentences in exchange for the guilty
pleas. As part of the deal, Neville Longbottom, grandson to Augusta
Longbottom, was given five years community service and the other
students involved in the Hogwarts fiasco were pardoned.
The two witches gave no comment but sources inside the Ministry
revealed that they took the deals because they did not want the extent of
their crimes revealed to the public at large. The witches were transferred
to Azkaban where they will spend the rest of their days.
The search continues for the notorious Sirius Black, now number one
on the Ministry’s most wanted list. Head Auror Nymphadora Lupin has
promised to leave no stone unturned in the search for the dangerous
criminal. As Auror Lupin has shown in the past, she will not let family
ties get in the way of justice. There is no doubt Sirius Black’s days are
numbered.

* * *

BLACK WEDDING!
Rita Skeeter
The sisters of the Noble House of Black were married in a shared
ceremony last night. Narcissa Potter nee Black wed none other than the
boy who lived to be the best seeker in Chudley Cannons history. Her
sister, recently pardoned Bellatrix Black, married Head of the
Department of Muggle Regulations Hermione Granger. Ms. Granger has
taken the Black name.
The event, considered one of the most notable galas of the season,
was held last night and everyone who is someone was in attendance
including the Minister and all of the Department Heads, the Weird
Sisters, numerous quidditch stars including the entire Chuddley Cannons
and Holyhead Harpies teams and the Ministers if Magic of numerous
allied countries.
Among the wedding party were Auror Draco Black and Harpies chaser
Ginny Weasley who announced their own engagement last month,
Ronald Weasley attending with Lavender Brown, Headmistress of
Hogwarts Minerva McGonagall, and Deputy Head of Hogwarts and
Potion’s professor Severus Snape, Head of the Department of Magical
Law Enforcement Nymphadora Lupin and her Husband and DADA
professor Remus Lupin, and Head of the Department of Magical
Creatures William Weasley and accompanied by his wife Fleur.
We at the Prophet wish the sisters and their new spouses well.

* * *

Hermione grunted with each thrust.

“Fuck baby I never get tired of the way you fuck me.”
“Good because I never get tired of fucking you.”
Hermione was on her side with Bellatrix behind her. Her stomach limited
their choices in positions. She loved the way Bellatrix always cupped and
rubbed her stomach when she was near, especially when they were
making love. Hermione purred and moved her leg up giving Bellatrix the
ability to move deeper inside her.
“I love you kitten.” Bellatrix panted as she moved her hands up to
Hermione’s breasts. Hermione arched into her touch, electricity shooting
through her body as Bellatrix tweaked her nipple.
“I love you too baby.” Hermione replied reaching back and running her
hand along whatever flesh she could touch.
Bellatrix kept a steady rhythm, grinding against Hermione with every
stroke. Her hand travelled back to her stomach rubbing the protrusion. In
two months they would have a daughter… a cousin to Phineas, Narcissa
and Harry’s son.
Bellatrix groaned as she felt Hermione’s walls tighten around her. She
was close but she wanted her mate to come first. She lowered her hand
to Hermione’s clit, rubbing it in time with her strokes. She felt Hermione
quiver around her.
“Come for me wife.”
Hermione cried out her pleasure and Bellatrix quickly followed
shuddering as she reached her release. She pulled Hermione closer as
she drifted off.
Hermione waited until her lover’s breathing steadied out. She couldn’t
sleep much now days. Between the discomfort from the pregnancy and
the nightmares she rarely got more than a few hours. The nightmares
were the worst. It was what had fueled the passionate lovemaking that
night.
She had woken crying, thinking she had lost her child again. Bellatrix
knew and kissed away her tears. Hermione loved her wife and loved being
with her in every way but only one thing kept the nightmares away. She
got out of bed and headed downstairs.
Bellatrix opened her eyes. She knew where her lover was going but she
also knew she needed to be alone. She would be back in an hour or two
and would then sleep soundly for the rest of the night.
Hermione reached the bottom and lit a torch to see the occupants of the
cells. Moody was mumbling to himself and Arthur just curled into a corner
and wept. Andromeda had stopped talking months before and now just
sat mutely. None of them brought her to the dungeons. She summoned a
chair and put it in front of the last two cells.
The women were both chained to the wall. Hermione levitated the
potions bottles into the cells and forced the two women to drink it. She
smiled as she watched them twitch and cry in pain.
“Too bad that Seltan is now in charge of all prisoners including Azkaban.
Maybe someone else would have cared or noticed when you two
disappeared. I said you would get a trial in front of the Wizengamot and
you were given that chance. I never said you would serve your sentences
in Azkaban.” She put her hand to he stomach. “You can always hope that
when I have her the nightmares will stop and I will grow bored with you.
Until then you two are mine.”
“Neville…”
“Augusta he is being a good little boy. He shacked up with Hannah
Abbot and they are running the Cauldron. He still sends you letters. He
thinks you two are still there. They all do. I think Bill has an idea where
you really are Molly but he doesn’t want to know. Not really. You disowned
him for loving a woman because of her blood. It could have been his child
you murdered and he never forgets that. The rest of your children don’t
ask. You turned your backs on them… they have put you out of their
minds.”
Both women wept as their bodies twitched from the potion. Hermione
knew she shouldn’t take pleasure in such things but she did.
“So now I understand your smiles… when you stood over me you
smiled… I understand that joy now. I get that love of someone else’s
suffering. Thank you. You tried to kill me because you thought I was a
monster but I wasn’t, I was a naïve little witch filled with hope. Thank you
for making me the monster I needed to be for me, for my wife and for my
family. Now scream for me… Crucio!”
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31