Bella's eyes snapped to his face, shock evident in her expression.
"I don't say this lightly," Harry continued, his voice heavy and thick but not lacking in conviction in the slightest. "The atrocities they've already committed, the lives they've destroyed, the damage they've done to our world - it can't go unpunished, and they can't be allowed to keep running unchecked either. We can't risk them continuing to spread their poison to future generations."
"What exactly are you proposing?" Bella asked, her voice grave as she gazed at him with utmost seriousness.
Harry's expression was grim but determined. "Justice. True justice, not the mockery that plays out in the corrupt halls of the Ministry. Lucius, Rodolphus, Rabastan - they'll face the consequences of their actions. For too long they've enjoyed their power and the privileged position they hold in the society. Their actions demand consequences, and death is the least they deserve."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in as he stared at Bella who gazed back at him with a firm look on her face. "But it's not just about punishment. It's about prevention. I won't let the Malfoys claim Cissa, and if you agree, I won't let the Lestranges claim you either. I already know about Andromeda and your obligations, but I won't leave you on your own to face the consequences. Neither family can force a marriage or claim your children. But only if you are down for it."
Narcissa's gaze flickered between Harry and Bella, a mixture of love and determination shining in her eyes. She took a deep breath, squeezing Harry's hand gently before she turned to her sister.
"I know you've guessed it already, so I might as well come out and say it," Narcissa said, her voice soft but firm, and Bella gazed at her. "Bella, I've seen the way you've reacted to Harry today, and this idiot will be all too happy to agree. I'm not lying when I say that the connection between you will only get stronger."
Bella swirled the glass of wine gently, a calculating gleam in her eyes even though a faint blush colored her cheeks. "Go on."
"You're my twin, Bella. We've shared everything our entire lives. I want you to be as happy as I am, to feel the love and acceptance that I've found with Harry."
"You're serious about this, huh?" Bella asked softly.
Narcissa nodded. "I am. I want you to join us, in every way. To be a true partner to Harry. We won't have him all to ourselves, but we don't need to."
Bella let out a small sigh as she placed the glass of wine on the table and gazed at her twin. "So you're already sharing him, hmm?"
"I don't claim him, Bella," Narcissa replied. "I don't care what Harry does or who he is with as long as he treats me with more respect than anyone else would, cares for me like he does, and… well… makes love to me like that."
"You sly minx, you've already done the deed with him?" Bella let out a small laugh, and all Narcissa did was shrug unrepentantly.
"It was a gradual process, but yes. I've given myself to Harry, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Bella sat in silence for a moment, her gaze darting between her sister and Harry. Finally, she spoke, "Why can't you be exclusive with us? Two beautiful women not enough for you?"
Harry sighed. "There's something about my magic that makes me… unable to permanently commit to a partner. I don't fully know why it is, but… yeah."
"Quite a perk you've got there," Bella commented, earning a chuckle from Harry.
"That doesn't matter, Bella," Narcissa replied. "I would have cause for complaint if Harry was neglectful toward me. But it's the exact opposite. He always makes sure to make up for anything if that's the case."
Harry leaned forward confidently, his green eyes intense as he looked at Bella. "I'll be real, Bella. I truly care for Cissa, and although we don't know each other yet, I'm sure I'll come to care for you as strongly in no time. You're both extraordinary women, and I'd be honored to have you both in my life."
Bella's expression softened, but she still stared at Harry calculatingly. "Cissy's always been the gentler of us two, and your words might have been enough to fully convince her, but if the two of us are going to do this, I need more than just words."
She stood, drawing her wand. "I need a vow, Harry. A magical oath that you'll never betray Cissy or me. That no matter how many women you decide to court or whatever, you'll never be neglectful or abusive to us. I want an oath that you will stand by us no matter what comes."
Harry saw no reason to decline and rose to meet her, his wand in hand even though he did not need one. Narcissa followed suit, her eyes wide as she gazed at her sister who looked adamant.
"I'll do it," Harry said firmly. "I'll make the Unbreakable Vow if that's what you need."
Bella's eyes widened at his willingness, but she shook her head. "No, not the Unbreakable Vow. I don't want to risk your life. But a binding magical oath, one that will strip you of your magic if you ever betray us. That's what I ask."
"I accept," Harry said without hesitation.
Bella nodded and added, "And in return, I'll make my own vow. To always remain yours, to fight by your side, and to never betray the trust you're placing in me. It's only fair."
The Room of Requirement seemed to pulse with magical energy as Harry and Bella raised their wands, the tips touching. Narcissa stood, placing her hand over theirs, acting as the binder for their oaths.
In a voice filled with power and conviction, Harry spoke: "I, Harry Peverell, do solemnly swear on my magic to never betray Narcissa and Bellatrix Black. To never be abusive to them, and to stand by them through whatever trials we may face. So mote it be."
A brilliant golden light enveloped their joined hands as Bella responded with a satisfied smile on her face, "And I, Bellatrix Black, do solemnly swear on my magic to remain true to Harry Peverell. To fight by his side, to support his cause, and to never betray the trust he has placed in me. So mote it be."
The magic swirled around them, sealing their vows before dissipating in a shower of sparks. As the light faded, the three stood in a tight circle, their hands still joined.
Narcissa's gaze shifted from her sister to her lover, tears of joy shimmering in her eyes. "Together, then. Whatever may come."
Harry nodded as he leaned forward and gently kissed her. "And I will fulfill that other promise as well."
"Other promise?" Bella asked.
A wicked gleam entered Narcissa's eyes as she turned to her twin, smirking. "I've asked Harry to make sure he kills those bastards after they've seen how they never had any claim on us. I want them to know that we belong to Harry, and only then will they die."
Harry nodded as he planted another soft kiss on Narcissa's lips. As he pulled away, a certain dark-haired witch immediately tackled him, sending them tumbling over on the sofa. Harry's eyes were wide as he gazed up, and Bella smirked down at him as she straddled him, their faces almost touching as their hot breaths mingled.
"Now then, how about you put that confidence of yours to good use and really show me what you've got to get Cissy so crazy for you?" She whispered, and Harry smirked as he reached up and cupped her face. The brunette smirked and met him halfway, their lips pressing together in a searing kiss that took her breath away.
Harry was quick, and he reached around, grabbing hold of her perky rear over her clothes. Bella kissed him harder as he squeezed her ass, mauling her cheeks as he kissed her back. His tongue pushed forward, swiping across her lip, and she eagerly opened her mouth, pushing her tongue out and meeting him in an openmouthed kiss, their tongues rolling and swirling about passionately.
Her hands fisted on his shirt as she pushed herself against him, rolling her hips on his lap as he guided her expertly, squeezing and fondling her rear over her robes.
Bellatrix stroked his cheeks as she kissed him, feeling that hard shaft that pressed hotly against her pussy through her clothes, and she eagerly ground herself against his erection as they explored each other's tongues.
She let out a moan into his mouth as he got more comfortable and demanding, his hands roaming over her arse and stroking her sides, and she gasped when he reached up to grab hold of her breasts over her clothes. Both his hands were now squeezing and fondling her tits, his thumbs pressing against her hardening nipples as they kept kissing.
Harry's hands were filled up perfectly with her supple tits and he loved how she was breathing heavily and moaning softly into his mouth as he played with her tits.
He reached up further and pushed his hands under her clothes, intent on sliding them over her shoulders and down her sinful body, eager to get her naked, when suddenly, Bella pulled away from the kiss and hovered over his face, a wicked grin dancing on her lips as she breathed heavily.
"Alright, you can fucking kiss, and you know how to work a woman up. I'll give you that," she whispered, and to his surprise and disappointment, she leaned back and climbed off him. As she smoothed her clothes over, her eyes fell on his massive erection straining against his trousers and she gave him a teasing grin. "But I'm not going to give you what you want so easily."
"Pretty sure I'm not the only one who wants it," Harry responded easily as he pushed himself upright and sat back up, regarding the woman who stared him down, pretending as if she hadn't heard what he said.
Off to the side, Narcissa took her seat on the sofa and stared at them in amusement and no small amount of arousal.
"Anyways," Bella continued, eyeing Harry with a smirk. "You ain't coming close to this unless you take me out." She caressed her curves over her robes for emphasis, slowing down on a couple of spots and smirking when his eyes lingered on her body.
"You want me to take you out on a date?" Harry asked with a chuckle. "You got it. I'm sure it can't be in the wizarding world, so the muggle one it is. Anything you want in particular?"
"Surprise me," Bella replied, smirking. Reaching out, she grabbed her sister's hand and pulled her to her feet. "I'll see you later," she called out, blowing him a kiss, and Harry watched in amusement as she dragged her sister with her, walking out of the room. The door shut behind them as they left, and Harry leaned back comfortably on the sofa, a satisfied smile tugged on his lips.
As Narcissa had told him, the Bellatrix here was nothing like the maniacal witch that he had known her as, and he was both glad and excited. She would be his and nowhere close to Voldemort, and he found her personality captivating. She was a tease, that much had been made clear to him, and he found her a lot of fun.
However, he found himself wondering where to take her. He knew it wouldn't be a good idea to take her to a wizarding establishment without resorting to glamor charms, and he didn't want to fake anything, which meant somewhere in the muggle world was their only option. He did have a few places in mind, and as he thought it over, a smirk overtook his features.
It might just be the perfect place to take a woman as wild and confident as Bellatrix Black on a date, and then, wherever their desires will lead them.
-Break-
After his conversation with Narcissa and Bellatrix, Harry soon left his room and made his way over to the Arithmancy classroom for another session with Septima. The beautiful brunette was surrounded by stacks of parchment and open books as she stood at her desk, her brows furrowed in concentration as she scribbled something on a sheet.
For a moment, Harry simply stood at the door and admired the sight of the woman. She was dressed casually in a shirt that strained against her impressive bust and a pair of black jeans that seemed to be painted over her curvaceous rear and long legs that seemed to go on forever. He watched her as she bit her lower lip gently while she focused, catching his bearings before he lost himself too much.
Coughing gently, Harry entered, smiling as he asked, "Ready for another session?"
Septima jumped slightly in surprise as she turned to him, and a smile lit up her face at the sight of him. She could not help but blush slightly as she recalled how she had all but thrown herself at him after their last session.
"Harry," she greeted, surprised when he initiated a hug instead. Her heartbeat quickened when he gently held her close to himself and her arms automatically came up to wrap around him. It ended too soon for her liking and she gazed up at his smiling face.
"Thought you might use some help," he commented as he released his grasp on her and glanced over at what she was working on. "Hmm? What's this?"
"A thesis on predictive matrices that are mostly used in enchantments," Septima replied, picking up the sheet she had been writing on. "It's sixth-year curriculum and is a bit challenging. I was thinking of the best way to introduce the topic and progress so that it doesn't become too overwhelming. A bit of it is expected, given it's a NEWT topic."
Harry nodded and walked over, taking a seat and gazing at her expectantly.
"Well, I'm ready when you are," he smiled.
For the next few hours, they worked on the lesson plans, and Harry, being a newbie to the topic, played his part expertly. Together, they broke down the complex concepts into more digestible instructions, with Septima taking a leaf out of her former professor's notebook. They also worked to define lecture outlines as well as create sample problems for the students to solve on their own.
As the sun began to set, the light trickled through the large windows of the classroom, casting long shadows all around them. Harry stretched as he stood up and approached her at her desk.
"I think that's enough for today. You're making great progress, Tima," he said, and Septima smiled approvingly at the name he called her.
"Mm-hmm, thanks to you," she replied as she flicked her wand, sending all her stationery to where they belonged. "I really don't know how I would've managed without these sessions."
"You give me too much credit. I'm sure you'd have managed just fine," Harry replied, smiling. "Say, how about you join me and Narcissa up in my room for dinner tonight?"
Septima's eyes widened slightly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks that remained unnoticeable in the evening sunlight. For a brief moment, her heart raced at the thought of having a private dinner with Harry, but soon she registered that Narcissa would also be there, and she felt an odd mix of relief and… was it disappointment?
"Oh… uh… sure," she said, trying to keep her voice steady and normal. "That sounds lovely."
"Great," Harry smiled. "Let's go then."
Septima nodded and gazed around, ensuring the classroom was properly fixed. Together, they left the Arithmancy classroom and slowly made their way over to the Grand Staircase that would take them to the seventh floor where Septima knew Harry had his room. All the while, she pondered on her reaction. She was confused as to why she had felt that way. She didn't think she had any reason to be disappointed with Narcissa being present. It wasn't as if she and Harry had anything going on between them apart from a cordial friendship.
Another feeling coursing through her was excitement at the prospect of finally seeing where Harry stayed in the castle. She had never been to his room before, and she wondered what it would be like.
Finally, she could not help but think why Harry would be having dinner with Narcissa. Sure, she had seen them talking cordially whenever they interacted in front of her, but Narcissa was betrothed. Surely, she would not have dinners with someone else in that case? It was confusion and it made her suspicious as to what the true nature of the relationship between Harry and Narcissa might be.
However, there was another voice inside her that told her she was thinking too much about it. Harry and Narcissa were just cordial colleagues and there was nothing untoward going on between them. He had invited her as well, after all. Why would he include her if there was something between them?
Her thoughts remained with her until they were walking through the seventh-floor corridor, and she noticed that she found herself in a part of the castle that was rarely frequented by anyone at Hogwarts. She could barely recall herself ever being in these corridors.
They stopped in front of a large, ornate door with intricate runic engravings covering the metal, and Harry reached out, pushing the door open. They entered together and Harry shut the door behind them as Septima cast her gaze around in wonder.
It was a massive room, easily five times the size of hers, and she was shocked to discover that a room this big existed at Hogwarts. Hell, it was bigger than the Great Hall, for Merlin's sake!
"Welcome," Harry said amusingly as he gently led her forward, and Septima spotted Narcissa already present at the cozy dining table, seemingly waiting for them. The blonde rose from her seat and nodded as they approached her, earning a smile from Harry. Septima failed to notice the knowing look Narcissa gave the man next to her or the smirk that appeared on his face.
"This can't be a normal room," Septima said softly as she gazed around, and Harry nodded.
"You're right," he replied. "It's called the Room of Requirement."
"Room of Requirement?" Septima asked, fascination clear in her voice as she turned to regard Harry who grinned.
"It becomes whatever you want it to, and gives you whatever you ask for, obviously under magical constraints," Harry replied and gave her a quick demonstration of the room for good measure.
Septima's eyes were wide in wonder by the time the room reverted to its previous state, much to the amusement of her companions.
"Come on, let's eat now, shall we?" Narcissa prompted, and Harry nodded as their dinner appeared on the table.
"I have so many questions right now," Septima muttered as she helped herself to some nice steak.
"I can imagine," Narcissa replied, smiling. "It's a true work of wonder. Tells you how much we still don't know about Hogwarts, am I right?"
As they continued their dinner, talking animatedly about one thing or the other, a pair of owls swopped into the room and dropped two sealed envelopes on the table next to Harry's plate.
"Post at this hour?" Narcissa asked, raising an eyebrow.
Harry picked the letters up and his lips quirked as he saw the name on it. He put it away to read later and opened the one with the Ministry's seal on it.
He quickly read the letter and a contemplative look appeared on his face.
"What does it say?" Narcissa asked, spotting the official Ministry seal on the envelope. Septima also gazed at him curiously, and Harry put the letter away.
"Who's the healer they usually send with the representative to the circuit?"
"Why? What happened?"
"Apparently the healer has declined to join me. Personal reasons."
"Well, last year, it was Morgan Carrow," Narcissa informed him.
"Mmm…" Harry mused. "Figures. All right, it's fine. No issues taken."
"Who's the replacement then?" Septima asked.
"I've been told that I can take someone of my choosing with me. The Ministry will grant all necessary clearances and accommodations with me," Harry replied. His eyes immediately fell on Narcissa, a meaningful look shared between them, and Septima couldn't miss it even if she tried. Her suspicions only grew.
"I've got to tell them who my healer would be by tomorrow evening," Harry continued. "How about it? Wanna join me?"
Narcissa gazed at Harry with mirth shining in her eyes, although there was no mistaking the look of excitement that she sent him.
"It could be an excellent opportunity to gain some practical experience in a high-pressure environment," Narcissa mused aloud. "Madam Pomfrey has already told me that my diagnostic and quick-healing skills are already at the level of a professional."
"And if I'm not wrong, isn't it quite normal and even encouraged for trainee healers to put their learning into practice? This could indeed be a remarkable learning experience for you," Harry replied.
"Madam Pomfrey would have to approve it though," Narcissa mused. "Not to mention my parents. They might be okay with me learning healing here at Hogwarts, but traveling internationally in such a high-profile event might be too much for them."
"I'd be open to broaching the subject with your father in my capacity as the Lord of House Peverell," Harry proposed, and this time, Septima's eyes widened.
For Harry to be willing to invoke the power of his position so that he could have Narcissa with him as his personal healer… she was now a hundred percent sure that something was going on between them. She had not missed the looks they had been sharing since they had arrived in the room, or how Narcissa had already been present in this room, looking perfectly at ease with everything.
Septima eyed them discreetly over the rim of her glass, taking in the looks they were giving each other. They were trying too hard to be courteous and formal with each other but she could see flashes of familiarity and tenderness in their gazes. The same disappointing feeling from before resurfaced within her and she forcefully quashed it, quickly composing herself.
"I'm sure Madam Pomfrey would also be willing to explain the importance of practical experience in such a situation to your parents, Narcissa," she stated with a cordial smile, earning herself the attention of both her companions. "And it isn't as if there is any lack of security at the event that your parents need to be concerned. The British aurors will also be joining you, after all."
"That's right," Harry smiled at Septima who gave him a nod and watched him turn back to Narcissa. "So? You up for it?"
"Might as well," Narcissa shrugged, smirking.
Roughly fifteen minutes later, Narcissa and Septima left the room together, bidding Harry goodnight. As they walked toward the Grand Staircase, Septima remarked casually, "That's some room, isn't it? How do you reckon Harry found it?"
"No idea," Narcissa shrugged. "He seemed to know about it when he came to Hogwarts though."
"Curious," Septima muttered. "He never went to Hogwarts and still knew about a secret room like that? Think it could be something his family knew?"
"Maybe," Narcissa replied thoughtfully. "It doesn't matter though, does it?"
"Yeah, I guess it doesn't," Septima replied. "Hey, would you like to come with me for a bit? It's been a while since we had a nice long chat, just the two of us."
Curious, Narcissa glanced at Septima as they descended the stairs, and she gave her a small smile.
"Sure," she nodded, and together, they made their way past the library and into the Arithmancy classroom. Septima led the way across the desks and held the door to her private quarters open, allowing Narcissa to walk in before she followed suit, pulling the door shut behind her.
They took their seats on the small couch and as they turned toward each other, Septima regarded the blonde sitting beside her. She wondered whether she should do it for a moment before she decided to just get on with it.
"There's something I want to talk to you about," she began, and Narcissa gave the woman her undivided attention, nodding. There was some hesitation in Septima's demeanor and she took a deep breath. "What's exactly going on between you and Harry?"
Narcissa's eyes widened slightly as she gazed at Septima who kept her expression even as she regarded her. She quickly composed herself though and remained confident as she replied flippantly, "I think you know exactly what's going on between me and Harry if you're asking me this, which brings me to my question. Why are you asking me about it?"
Suddenly, Septima found herself on the backfoot as she stared at Narcissa with slightly widened eyes. Meanwhile, Narcissa leaned back comfortably on the couch as she regarded the brunette, a small smirk dancing on her lips. She had a feeling that she was about to have a very interesting conversation with her dear friend, and she was looking forward to what came out of it. She had a feeling that things were about to change drastically with her, and even if they didn't, it would at the very least be the start of something big.
-Break-
A shocked Septima Vector found herself sitting on the couch by herself, with Narcissa having left her quarters a few minutes ago. Her eyes were wide, staring at the crackling fireplace, as she ran Narcissa's words in her mind.
The woman had confirmed her suspicions. She and Harry were indeed involved with each other, and although it had been a disappointing revelation, what truly shocked her was whatever else Narcissa had told her.
She was not the only woman Harry was involved with. There were multiple women, and according to Narcissa, getting together with any woman was neither in Harry's plans nor theirs. Indeed, they all were happy being together the way they were without putting a label on their relationship.
Septima had been shocked when Narcissa informed her about Harry's budding relationship with her sister Bellatrix as well, and how things would soon escalate between them. She did not need things to be spelled out for her to realize what that meant, and for Narcissa to openly admit that she had been with Harry in every way spoke volumes of how committed she was to him.
She knew about the Blacks and how conservative their worldview was. They had cast one of their daughters out of the family for going against their wishes and, in their eyes, sullying herself with a muggleborn wizard. Narcissa associating herself with a man on such an intimate level while being betrothed to someone else meant she had no intention of going ahead with the betrothal.
The woman had told her that Harry planned to take care of both her and her sister's betrothals, and although she had asked how he was thinking of doing that, she had been told to ask Harry if she wanted. Well… she didn't think she was ready to face him right now, not after everything Narcissa told her.
It had taken her a while, but she had realized by now that she was indeed falling for Harry. However, he was involved with multiple women and she knew he would not give them up just because she wanted him. It was his life and he had the right to live it out the way he wanted. She could not control or impose her will upon him. It was disappointing, but in a way, she was relieved that she had come to know about it before things could progress further between them. Her feelings were still in the budding stage and it would be easier to pivot from him now, and that was a cause for relief.
Yet, she could not bury the sense of disappointment that surged within her at the thought that she could not explore the possibility of a romantic relationship with the first man she found herself truly falling for. He was the perfect wizard in her eyes, and he had always been respectful and helpful toward her. If there was someone whom she could envision spending her entire life with, Harry would be on top of that list. Alas, it seemed things would end before they could begin.
She recalled what Narcissa had told her before leaving, and a frown grew on her face at the nonchalant way the woman had said it.
"I've not missed how you've been looking at Harry lately. You two seem to spend quite some time together and it's natural to feel attracted to someone as brilliant as him. But if you think you could have exclusive rights to him, then I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed," Narcissa said softly, earning a surprised look from Septima.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, how do I put it?" The blonde looked thoughtful for a moment. "Hmm… Let's say Harry's magic is… different. I don't know what's the reason, but I don't believe it is possible for him to be committed to one woman. I realized it a while ago, and I'm sure any other woman he's been with knows this as well."
"You too?" Septima blurted out in surprise. She still had a hard time believing that Narcissa was okay with being one of the witches, and not the only one, in a man's life.
"I can't exactly go against magic, can I?" Narcissa asked with a small smile. "I know it's something he can't help either. As long as he doesn't forget or neglect me, or takes me for granted, and keeps treating me with the respect and consideration he does already, I don't care what he does when he's not with me."
Septima stared at Narcissa, stunned. She simply could not comprehend how a thought process like that worked. Monogamy was the norm, not whatever these women were willingly engaging in.
"Tell you what," Narcissa smirked. "Take a leap of faith and try out the forbidden fruit. I guarantee you it would be the best decision you'll ever make in your life."
"You do realize what you're proposing here, right, Narcissa?" Septima asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I do," Narcissa nodded. "And I can tell you for sure that it's the only way you can be with Harry. Otherwise, you can forget him. I'm sure he'll never have any shortage of women in his life."
The words were true, and they stung. She had realized as much, and yet, no matter how much she thought about what Narcissa had proposed, she could not bring herself to imagine being in such an arrangement. She did not think she had it in herself to tolerate her man being intimate with another woman when he was not in her company.
She knew Narcissa knew it was the norm, and the woman had done nothing to pressure her either. She had told her that she had the right to make her decisions, and all she had done was lay the facts straight in front of her. It was not something she could judge her over.
Sighing, Septima pushed herself off the couch and walked over to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Her mind was in turmoil, and she was not in the state to think clearly about such an important topic right now.
-Break-
Leaning back against the headrest, Harry pulled out the letter he had received during dinner and stared at the name scrawled on the envelope with an expectant smile.
Amelia had a nice flourish in her handwriting.
"Well then," he said and he slowly turned the envelope over, pulling the letter out and unfurling it in front of himself. "Let's see what the lovely Miss Bones has got to say to my invitation."
Expectantly, he read her letter over and his smile slowly widened as he finished reading it within seconds.
"Interesting," he whispered to himself and leaned back, putting the letter away. As he thought of the possibilities, he couldn't help but feel more and more excited about what was to come. "Well… Miss Bones… you certainly won't find me complaining about this."
TBC.
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