Screams, loud soul piercing screams shattered the night. Narcissa bolted away and looked to the woman next to her. She thrashed and howled. Narcissa leaned over the woman trying to avoid being hit and tried to sooth her back to her but she couldn't. She was too lost. She sat up but Hermione just shoved her off. Narcissa climbed on top of Hermione and pinned her wrists to the pillows and rode the woman as she bucked up and shifted in her sleep. Narcissa shoved all of her weight onto Hermione's forearms and screamed back into Hermione's face. Then instantly she snapped awake. Narcissa's heart broke when she looked into Narcissa's eyes and pleaded for help and snapped her head to the side. Narcissa knew she was so enthralled in her dream that even awake she saw Bellatrix. With Hermione calmer she held onto her pulling the woman's head to her chest and shushed her and she moved Hermione's hair from her brow.
"Hermione, I need you to wake up," Narcissa spoke softly as if to an injured animal, "Hermione you are scaring me, please wake up." Narcissa rocked the damaged woman back and forth until she felt arms wrap around her own clutching Narcissa's arms around her body. Hermione sat up and pulled away from Narcissa and looked to her arms and then to Narcissa. Narcissa's hands were covered in red, and it was only then that she can smell the coppery tang of blood in the room. Hermione held her arms to her chest and slowly stood and went to the bathroom and stood at the sink. Narcissa followed and made Hermione sit down on the loo as she went to the cupboard to the right of the towels and came back with an antibacterial salve, and some bandages. Narcissa washed her hands and brought a warm cloth back to Hermione and wiped away the blood and then began to smear the salve on to Hermione's cursed scar. The blood didn't stop flowing but it slowed and as Narcissa went to wash her hands once more quickly of blood and salve mix she came back to Hermione as she held her arm out. Narcissa began to bandage the arm.
"Now you understand why I asked to have my accommodations built as far away from the rest of the staff and children as possible," Hermione looked at Narcissa's job and nodded. Narcissa saw the woman close down, and shut her out as she walked to her balcony holding her arm. Narcissa followed her and put an arm around the woman. It was her turn to be strong, it was her turn to take the pain.
"Let me in," Narcissa pleaded as she closed her arms around Hermione, "It's my turn to save you if you let me."
Hermione stepped from Narcissa and sat down in one of the chairs and Narcissa followed. She looked to Narcissa and didn't take her eyes from her.
"You look a lot like your sister. Did you know that?" Hermione began and Narcissa felt her heart clench, "When you were above me, pinning me down, I thought my nightmares had come true and I was back in Malfoy Manor." Narcissa looked down and her hands, her recently scrubbed hands and then clenched them into fists. She would kill Bella if she got her hands on the bitch.
"Theat is more than what I have ever told another living soul," Hermione looked to Narcissa and pulled her knees up to her chest and whispered, "Being branded, with this mark wasn't the worst of the torture. These bites on my neck and shoulder are also a smaller part of that torture. The cruciatus curse was only another part of the experience. She entered my mind and in there exacted some of the most horrible acts I could have ever imagined. When I woke Harry, Ron, and Dobby popped me out of there. It took weeks for me to be able to think clearly and months the sleep. I guess she raped my mind." Hermione stopped and sighed. Narcissa knew her sister was a skilled Legilimens and knew she used her skill for torture, but she had never been on the receiving end. Narcissa left her chair and went to the woman that was huddled in her chair. She looked so much younger, like a lost and scared little girl. She knelt in front of her and gently pulled Hermione's arms and legs frees from the ball she hand folded herself into.
"How often do you have dreams like this?" Narcissa asked as she continued to slowly unfold the woman.
"I have them that bad anywhere from once a week to once every two weeks. Other nightmares are almost every other night, sometimes more sometimes less," Hermione said as she let Narcissa take control her limbs. Narcissa slid her body between Hermione's legs and pulled the woman closer to the edge of the chair.
Hermione's body came in contact with Narcissa's and she sighed as Narcissa's arms encircled her waist and held her. Hermione spread her legs wider and closed all distance between the two women.
"I am sorry for pinning you to the bed," Narcissa pulled her head back to look in to Hermione's eyes, "I would never hurt you Hermione." Narcissa kissed Hermione's forehead as she let the woman bury her head in the crook of her neck. Hermione felt like some of her demons could finally stop chasing her, and never in her life had she felt as supported as she did in these moments with Narcissa.
"I know I came to you weak, and broken. I know I have a lot to heal, but I know this accident happened for a reason. I am a realist, and I hate romance, but I feel that love would be in our future. I feel my heart is already lost, and I will have to leave it here with you, in the future," Narcissa paused as she felt Hermione squeeze her tightly, "If I told you I loved you, after only two days of knowing you, would you believe me?" Narcissa stopped talking, and waited for a response. A few moments later she felt a warm wetness trickle slowly down her neck. She felt Hermione's shoulders shudder, and she felt her breathing hiccup.
"Oh my love, you do not have to answer me now," Narcissa pulled from Hermione and put her hands on Hermione's shoulders so she could look at her finally blue and brown met, "As a Black the word love was hardy uttered in our halls. As a Malfoy love is nonexistent in that manor. Here with you in the high quarters of a tower on a balcony, I feel loved. I feel stronger, and healthier for it. I feel saved." Narcissa stood to go into the living room. When she walked past Hermione she let her fingers linger and slid over her skin as she made her way to the bedroom. She felt lightheaded as she spoke her feelings, and let her emotions show. As a pureblood witch in a practically royal house in the wizarding world, one had to keep their true self hidden. Never show favor, or dislike. You had to be absolutely neutral and indifferent. Narcissa knew she had to give Hermione time to think and to get her wits back after suck a horrible nightmare then her claim of love. It was a lot, maybe even too much in one night.
She felt herself slipping back off to sleep when she felt arms wrap around her waist and a head rest on her chest. Narcissa stroked Hermione's brown mane.
"Thank you," Hermione said. Narcissa nodded and they both went back to sleep.
The next day saw Narcissa and Hermione in the potions lab early. They dressed in silence, and walked through quiet halls down to the dungeons in silence. Narcissa wished for Hermione to break the silence, it was driving her mad. It was Saturday and she leaves for the past tomorrow. Narcissa knew she was a fool for telling Hermione what she did, and an even larger fool for letting her loose her heart to the future.
They worked shoulder to shoulder making the Draught of Peace. Their early morning work proved quick as they got 3 cauldrons brewing before lunch. Since they skipped breakfast Hermione suggested lunch so that the cauldrons could simmer for the allotted time. They walked through the corridors and then to the Great Hall to absolute chaos. The four houses had been launched into a full blown food war. McGonagall was nowhere to be seen. Hermione raised her wand to her throat and cast Sonorus.
"Desist!" Hermione's voice rang out over the hall. Almost as if by magic every student stopped to see the late comer who dared to stop their fight. Silence passed in Hermione's wake as she made it to the Staff table above the students.
"What kind of Hogwarts is this where we throw our food, and wallow in such filth? Are we pigs?" Hermione looked over each and every table. The children began to sit down with their heads hung low, "Is this how heroes are made?" once again Hermione looked at the children and around the hall there was a muttered 'No Mumm.' "Do you think Dumbledore, or Harry Potter, or even Ron Weasley would like to come here to this Great Hall and see the children of Hogwarts behaving as ANIMALS!?" Hermione looked to the staff and then nodded. "Lunch is dismissed, Prefects take your houses to their dorms and see to it they are cleaned up for afternoon classes.
Narcissa stood off to the side of the hall and watched impressed by Hermione's command over the staff and the students.
"I remember a time when the Weasley Twins started a food fight and it was almost as bad as this one? What happened?" Hermione asked with a mischievous smile upon her lips. It was a vast change from the woman they had seem a few moments ago.
"Lions versus snakes again Hermione," Professor Flitwick said as he brushed lettuce off his shoulder. Hermione groaned.
"Is it really that time of year again?" Hermione shook her head. Damn Quidditch. She looked around and saw the house elves already half way through clean up. "Where is the Headmistress?"
"Minerva took a trip to the Department of Mysteries. She is going go to requisition that item you requested," Flitwick said as all the other staff members began grumbling and filling out of the hall.
"I see," Hermione looked at Narcissa and then went to her seat at the staff table next to Flitwick, and her favorite appeared, potato soup with a small hunk of bread. Narcissa sat down next to her and then smiled as a small chicken breast with a rice pilaf sat on a plate in front of her.
"Do you want to try my soup?" Hermione asked Narcissa. Narcissa was grateful for the small conversation and nodded her head. Hermione tore a small piece of the bread, dipped it the creamy soup and then handed to Narcissa. Narcissa eyes closed as she tasted it.
"It's wonderful," Narcissa took her spoon and stole some of Hermione's lunch. Flitwick observed the two woman and simply smiled. He knew when he was nothing more than a third wheel. "So how are you able to convince and entire great hall full of crazy children in the midst of a flood fight on an epic scale to stop?"
"Oh I don't know. I have high expectations for my kids, and a wonderful rapport is another plus in my column," Hermione blushed.
"And she too is a hero of the war and a Hero of Hogwarts." Hermione and Narcissa looked down the hall at the interruption and saw McGonagall walking toward them. 'I already heard of the episode Miss Granger and thank you for interfering. I have what you had requested but I had to call in Kingsley for a favor," McGonagall handed Hermione a time turner but it looked different that the time turned she used in third year.
"This is a time turner that can take you back years instead of hours, and you can come back as soon as Mrs. Malfoy is deposited in the past. This one works differently. You have to but spin it three times during the incantation and then the time and date in which you wish to arrive. This is one of a kind Miss Granger. I owe Kingsley a large, LARGE favor for borrowing this. So don't break it please," McGonagall turned to Narcissa, and looked her over.
"I believe that an apology is in order Narcissa," Minerva looked at Narcissa Malfoy and sighed, "Your father's and my feud should not have trickled down to the children. You are right. I apologize, "Then Minerva looked at Hermione and narrowed her eyes and a little gleam was found there in her blue eyes, "I see that you can take care of our guest Miss Granger." With that the Headmistress excused herself.
"What was that all about?" Narcissa asked as Hermione began eating again, "What did she say you were a hero of the war and a Hero of Hogwarts?" Hermione only shrugged.
"Harry, Ron, and I did the best we could and defended our friends and family the best we could," Hermione told her friend.
"You are someone important, aren't you?" Narcissa said as she scooped up some rice and look a bite being to feel full.
"I believe that every person that lifted a wand to save the life of another, on either side mind you, is important. I think what shocked most was that we were children fighting a war."
"How old were you?"
"I was 18 when we started our quest and 19 when the war had ended," Hermione pushed her soup away and then stood, motioning for Narcissa to follow her, "As I have said, we were children. It's something the kids look up to when they see me, Harry, or Ron."
"What do they see?"
"I want to think they see a standard of tolerance, and good in Harry. In Ronald they would see strength and loyalty. In me I would hope they see strength, and intelligence."
"I actually could see all of those qualities you mentioned in you Hermine and more," Narcissa said as they opened the potion lab doors. Hermione smiled and nodded then they went back to the potions.
"Please finish what you did to make the gold fluid in that bottles. I would like to have some in our stores, especially since it's the first quidditch match of the year," Hermione watched Narcissa's every movement. Watched what she put in the cauldron and what direction she stirred the fluid and how many times. Now it was another few moments of waiting.
"Alright it's finished, now all we have to do is test it," Narcissa said. Hermione took a little knife from her drawer and pierced the skin of her index finger before Narcissa could say anything. The blonde gave Hermione a solution of 4 drops in a cup of water and then gave the cup to her Hermione.
Hermione drank it and waited then all of a sudden Hermione began coughing, and then her breathing became labored, and her face turned red as Hermione Hunched over in pain and landed on her knees Narcissa ran to her side.
"What's going on Hermione!?" Narcissa's hands were shaking as she looked around the lab for something… then Hermione fell to the floor, no longer breathing. Narcissa's eyes swam with tears. She tilted her head to Hermione and listened for her breath but there was none. She pinched Hermione's nose and breathed into Hermione's mouth. Then hands entwined in Narcissa's Hair as lips moved against her own. Narcissa broke from the kiss and looked down to a smiling Hermione. Hermione held up her index finger and it was as good as new. Narcissa smacked Hermione on the shoulder and her breath shuddered and her tears came streaming down her cheeks.
"You ratbag bastard! I thought I killed you. I thought I killed you," Narcissa's words were silenced as Hermione's mouth claimed Narcissa's. This was a different kiss than the small pecks, or feather light touches they had shared. This was firm, and luscious. Sweet, and wet. Narcissa's hands went up to cup Hermione's face and a whimper escaped her throat as Hermione licked her bottom lip. Narcissa let her in, and it was exquisite. Their mouths molded and tongues danced. Narcissa had never felt so alive, and Hermione had never felt so much passion. Narcissa began to lower Hermione down when Hermione stopped and pulled back.
"I can't do this here," Hermione said as she thumbed a blonde lock behind Narcissa's ear, "I teach here and I can't teach these kids with memories of…" Hermione blushed. Narcissa laughed, a full side splitting belly laugh and Hermione smiled at the woman. "You are beautiful," Hermione looked at the cauldrons and stood with Narcissa.
"Let's bottle these potions, and then I would love to invite you to my chambers," Hermione said a little formally but she never lost that teenage love struck look on her face.
The walk to Hermione's quarters was long as they strolled down the halls at a decent pace so as not to alert anyone to the urgency both women desperately needed to explore. When Hermione let Narcissa into her living room Narcissa was swallowed up into arms and lips. She and Hermione fought for dominance, and control but in the end Narcissa won, and Narcissa guided them to the bedroom. She guided Hermione down to the mattress never letting go of her lips, and never breaking contact with her body. Narcissa had never made love to a woman and suddenly she found herself feeling unsure.
Hermione looked up into Narcissa's face and saw the internal debate upon her lover's brow. Hermione placed her palm on Narcissa's face.
"I love you," Hermione whispered and Narcissa smile brightly, "and if you don't want to do this I will not make you." Narcissa leaned down and softly captured Hermione's lips.
"I want to, it's just I have never," Narcissa began and then a matching smile shined back at her. Hermione pulled her down to lay next to her. They looked at each other and then touched the others skin and ran their hands up the others arms and hips.
"I'm glad you haven't," Hermione said as she looked at Narcissa, "Because I haven't either and this is something we can explore together," Hermione leaned forward and Narcissa met her half way.
Slow smoldering kisses sent tingles from lips through their bodies to their toes. Hermione slowly reached over to Narcissa and unbuttoned her blouse as they sat up. Hermione nodded as Narcissa reached over and copied Hermione's actions. When the blouse came unbuttoned Hermione shoved the shirt over her lovers shoulders and dipped her head to slide her lips over her pale skin. Narcissa tilted her head as Hermione slid her lips up her neck to her ear in tiny kisses.
"May I please touch you, Narcissa?" Hermione asked waiting for admittance to the rest of Narcissa's body. Narcissa nodded as she shed the shirt from Hermione's torso. Hermione stood them up. Both women lost their shirts, and stood in socks, jeans, bras, and panties. Hermione feasted her eyes on the beauty of Narcissa. And her eyes met Narcissa's blue. She stepped forward and unbuttoned the other woman's jeans, sliding her hands down her hips as the jeans slid down her legs. Narcissa reached out with trembling fingers and fumbled with Hermione's buttons. Hermione took Narcissa's hands and brought them to her lips. She kissed each finger and then slide them slowly down her chest, over her bra, and then to her hips. Narcissa's mouth had gone dry and she licked her lips and tried again.
She tucked her fingers into the waist of Hermine's Jeans and then slid them to her button. She noticed the excitement in Hermione's eyes and smiled. She felt her confidence rise as she unbuttoned Hermione's jeans and slid them over hips just as the woman before her had done to her. Then her hands slid up Hermione's body. Her hands slid over Hermione's hips, then the flat planes of her stomach and then her waist. She kept her hands planted at her waist as she leaned into Hermione. It was the first time noticed that Hermione was slightly shorter than herself. Narcissa ran her lips over Hermine's scarred neck and shoulder and felt Hermione shudder and heard a moan from Hermione as hands slid over her back and drew her closer to Hermione Narcissa stepped further into Hermione space and their bodies touched and it sent a shock through her. Hermione's fingers made quick work of Narcissa's bra clasp and Narcissa claimed Hermione's lips as she unhooked hers as well.
Both women stood there next to the bed, chest to chest, embraced, searching, taking, giving as they stood touching and feeling the other woman. Narcissa pulled back and of her own volition stripped the last article of clothing from her body. Hermione stood there entranced. Narcissa smiled and reached for Hermione and slid the last piece of clothing from her. Then they both got into the bed. They laid facing each other as they did earlier.
"Are you sure?" they asked at the same time, and both woman shyly smiled and nodded, but neither moved. They were both captured in the moment frozen. Hermione slid her hand over the bed between them. Narcissa watched that hand slowly slip up and press delicate fingers to her ribs, and then a full palm slid up.
"May I please touch you?" Hermione asked again. Narcissa nodded once more as Hermione's palm covered her breast. Narcissa's head fell back to the pillows as Hermine stroked her nipple and caressed her milky white skin. Hermione moved closer to Narcissa as she kissed her way from her shoulder to the clavicle, to the hollow of her throat. Narcissa's breathing became ragged, as Hermione slowly inched, down between Narcissa's breasts. Hermione looked up as caught Narcissa's usually light blue eyes several shades darker, and then watched as her eyes slammed closed when Hermione's mouth covered the tip of her erect nipple.
Narcissa's world just got a lot bigger. The feel of Hermione's mouth on her skin was a feeling she hand never known. Lucius was never as gentle. Even when they were intimate his touch had never made her pulse quicken, and his touch never made her flood with wetness. Hermione's gentle kisses and careful touches awakened in Narcissa something that slumbered and now it needed to be fed. It had been starved for many years, maybe even for as long as she had been alive, but it needed Hermione. Narcissa grasped her lovers head and pulled her too her. She felt Hermione suck harder, nibble, and kiss. She was devoured, and she loved it. Hermione shifted on top of Narcissa as she claimed her lips. Narcissa moaned as her mouth went through the same treatment and Hermione pulled back one more time as she lightly kissed her lips. It was then then she felt Hermione's hands on her lower abdomen and Narcissa's eyes flew open. Her hands were around Hermione's shoulders, her legs were open wide in invitation.
"May I please touch you?" She asked one more time as her fingers slowly inched lower to her core. Narcissa looked in to beautiful brown eyes and a tear fell down her temple as she looked up at her lover.
"I'm afraid Hermione," Narcissa confessed. Hermione kissed her and gently as possible and her hand traveled to her thigh Narcissa didn't know it but she began to rock into Hermione. Hermione closed her eyes and Narcissa watched her lover as she slid her core against the woman. Hermione began to roll into her and when thighs met centers then began a dance, a rolling rhythm. Breaths could be heard and bodies became slick with perspiration. Hermione picked up the pace and Narcissa knew the woman was getting close to orgasm, and as she rocked into Hermione's thigh she could feel hers mounting as well. Hermione took Narcissa's fingers and slid them down their bodies.
"Please, my love, I need you," Hermione whimpered. Narcissa watched Hermione as she slipped into her pool of sacred fluids and she gasped at how erotic it felt. Hermione groaned as Narcissa curled her fingers and began to move deeper into the woman, she felt her essence, felt her core, and she loved the woman more because of the trust she let her have. Narcissa moved in and out of her lover and moments later of excited rocking, and deeper thrusting Hermione's head threw back and a guttural groan passed Hermione's lips as she spoke her name on climax. Her name in ecstasy, in that pure moment of bliss shared between two people. Hermione didn't ask this time as she slipped into Narcissa gently and Narcissa's eyes slammed shut and she clutched at Hermione's shoulder and pulled her to her. She rocked into the body above her and felt the walls of her core clench and contract as Hermione gently increased the pace. Narcissa wrapped her legs around Hermione's hips as she rode the brunette's fingers to ecstasy. When her orgasm hit, she screamed Hermione's name. Lost in the throes of passion all self-control and training was thrown to the wayside as she let wave after wave of bliss wash over her. She had never felt anything like it before. Both women lay next to each other and looked at the other. Hermione slid her hand across the space and took her hand.
"I am sorry for not waiting my love," Hermione apologized softly. Narcissa smiled at the beauty before her.
"Never apologize got bringing me happiness, Hermione, and that is exactly what you did. You brought me absolute happiness," Narcissa leaned over and Kissed Hermione. Soon that innocent kiss led to more carnal delights. And By the time the morning came, both woman knew what love was, what it felt like, what it tasted like. They knew it was bittersweet, but it was the sweetness that would last them, and hold one of the women over for decades, waiting for her life to begin again.