Disclaimer- I own nothing. Thank you J.K. Rowling for creating this magical world for us to play in.

a/n: Here is your next installment. Fair warning, this gets a little deep. I hope you all enjoy this. Grammarly is my beta at the moment, and I am sorry for any other mistakes you may find. I have done the best I could with making this worthy for all of you.

Hidden Desires

'Thought'

"Conversations"

Chapter 15

Narcissa's Quarters-

After Narcissa left Hermione with the headmistress, she slowly made her way back to her quarters. Weaving her way through the halls, her mind was constantly in motion. 'How can I share a connection to someone I just met? How can I get her to trust me? How can I get her to be completely honest not only with me but also with herself? Is all this heartache truly worth it? Is Fleur right in that I have finally met my one true love?'

Coming around the corner, she heard, "You are the only one who can say if Hermione is your one true love. As for what I said earlier, we both know that I am right."

Looking up, she found Fleur casually leaning up against the wall next to her door. Giving her new fellow professor and friend a warm smile, she replied, "I hope you can forgive me for doubting you… let's just blame it on my upbringing. Where's Harry?"

Fleur returned the smile as she replied, "He decided to visit Madam Hooch for a bit." As Fleur was speaking, Narcissa moved them through the door, and Fleur took up what was becoming her usual seat and asked, "Do you have any more of that delightful wine we enjoyed the other night?"

Narcissa soft chuckled as Fleur made herself at home while she found an unopened bottle and two glasses. Pouring the each a healthy dose she asked, "Are you ready for the first day of classes? You teaching the First through Third years correct?"

Fleur graciously accepted her glass and replied, "As ready as I'll ever be. Thankfully Filius has helped me refine my lesson plans and has been incredibly patient with me. I just worry about the Third years… my allure tends to cause some problems with those going through certain changes. How about you? Are you ready?"

"I'm sure it will be an experience. Hopefully, there won't be too many people who attempt to push their luck by disrupting my class," she replied before drinking deeply.

Noticing that Narcissa was staring off into the abyss, Fleur put a soft hand on her forearm as she softly asked, "Do you want to talk about it? What is on your mind?"

Narcissa slowly shook her head. With a heavy sigh, she replied, "How can I get Hermione to open up to me? I know she has been through a lot, and this is all new, but I feel like I take two steps forward and ten steps back. How is it even possible for us to have developed this connection so quickly? No, I am not questioning you, I'm just worried that all of this was a mistake."

Fleur's brow creased in confusion and asked, "What do you mean?" Seeing Narcissa's shoulders slump as if she was defeated and it broke her heart. These two have been to hell and back and deserved to be happy. Trying to change the direction she asked, "Do you want me to tell you what I know about the bond you two share?"

"Perhaps another time Fleur. I think I'm just going to turn in for the evening." Narcissa said as she was getting to her feet. Walking Fleur to the door, she added, "I'm sorry for tonight. How about we get together tomorrow night and trade battle stories?"

Fleur wrapped Narcissa up tightly and replied, "Sounds like a plan." Pulling back she added, "Just be patient, and follow your heart. Are you sure you'll be alright tonight?"

"I'll be fine," Narcissa quickly replied with a false smile. Truthfully, she felt completely lost and found the entire situation to be unsettling. Once she bid Fleur good evening, she made her way to her bedroom to change into something more comfortable. Grabbing the pile of notes from her desk as she left, she started to head back towards the living room but then decided to sit in front of the fire in her study. Just as she was about to sit down, there was a knock at the door. With a heavy sigh, she quickly went to the door and as she was opening it said, "Really Fleur, I'm…"

"I'm not bothering you, am I? I can always come back another time."

Narcissa was so stunned at the sight, she was briefly rendered speechless. Stuttering she asked, "What are you doing here? I thought you were going to head back to your quarters?" Searching those warm chocolate eyes, she found that the woman before her felt just as lost as she was. Noticing Hermione beginning to shuffle from foot to foot she said, "I'm sorry, my manners have seemed to have escaped me. Would you like to come in?"

Hermione gave her a nervous smile as she replied, "I would love too." Walking past the Blonde, she shook her head at the fact both of them had turned into nervous teens who were simply bumbling along, desperate not to screw any of this up. Seeing the two glasses on the table, she asked, "I'm not disturbing anything am I?"

Narcissa followed her closely and put a hand on her shoulder as she replied, "Fleur stopped by earlier, but I wasn't really much company. I was just going to sit by the fire in my study and go over some things." She beckoned Hermione to follow her, and when they reached the fire in her study, she forced the younger witch to turn and look at her as she asked, "Are you alright?"

Hermione smiled at Narcissa's concern. Taking a step closer, she replied, "I'm just as lost as you are right now, and that terrifies me." She ran both of her hands up Narcissa's arms, and then pulled her closer once she reached her biceps so that their bodies were flush. Seeing the fire burning in those icy blue eyes, drove her own arousal up ten notches.

Narcissa wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist when she was pulled in. She watched as Hermione's tongue darted out to wet her lips. Instantly, it felt as if her body was engulfed by flames as the heat in the room continued to climb. To clear away some of the fog, she said, "Hermione," but was cut off before she could continue when Hermione moved in for a steamy kiss. Any objection she had quickly melted away as her senses were completely overwhelmed by lust. She held onto Hermione tightly as the witch began to move her hand north, and eventually lacing her fingers through her hair as she pulled her even closer. The moment she started to pull on her hair was the moment Narcissa moaned, inviting her tongue in. Eventually needing air, Narcissa pulled back, only to find Hermione turn her attention to attack the pulse point on her neck. Feeling her knees begin to buckle she managed to groan, "Hermione, we need to stop…"

Hermione's lips moved around Narcissa's neck as one hand stayed clasped behind her head and the other trailed down until it was wrapped around her waist. Feeling Narcissa's legs give out the moment she hit her other point, Hermione gently guided her down to the rug before finding herself on top of the older woman who wrapped her legs around her and pulled her close. Feeling Narcissa push against her shoulder's she pulled back completely puzzled.

Seeing Hermione confusion, Narcissa panted, "We should stop. There is no need to rush. I have no plans on going anywhere for a very long time. When we do finally make love, I want us to fully be with one another." It killed her to say this. As a matter of fact, she has never wanted someone more than she did right now. It took every ounce of control not to rip her clothes off and roll her over so that the witch was trapped beneath her.

Hermione laid there, searching those lust filled eyes. Both of them were so turned on at the moment and apparently wanted the same thing. She pushed off Narcissa and kneeled between the Blonde's legs, sitting back on her heels. Continually reminding herself that she wasn't being rejected, she almost jumped when Narcissa cupped the side of her face and wiped away the lone tear that slowly traveled down her cheek. In a soft voice, Hermione said, "I am so scared."

"Of what my darling?"

"At how quickly I find myself falling for you, that I will end up broken-hearted and alone once again. More so once you see the real me." Hermione replied as she tried to look away, not wanting to show how hurt she was, but also in an attempt to avoid seeing the potential pain in Narcissa's eyes.

Narcissa was having none of that and guided Hermione's head and ultimately her eyes so that she could see the warm smile that was lighting up her face and the love that her eyes shone. "I know this is difficult for you, and I want you to know the same goes for me. No matter what has happened to you, I promise you that I am not going anywhere. Nothing could make me care for you any less. I know that all of this is difficult for you, but I want you to trust me."

Hermione continued to gaze into Narcissa's eyes as the gears of her mind were swirling madly. Right now, her mind was at odds with her body. She kept telling herself that she could trust Narcissa, that this time was different. That it was ok to trust the beautiful woman who had her wrapped up. Her heart was trying to tell her the same thing but was having a difficult time being heard behind the think barriers she built around it as she wanted to protect it once more. Feeling entirely off-kilter, she finally said, "I trust you."

Narcissa knew that this was huge for their relationship and felt Hermione's body begin to tremble. Wanting to make sure Hermione was utterly comfortable she said, "I have a few scars myself that no one has ever seen before," while taking off her shirt. Since she thought she was going to be alone, so she had already taken her bra off and removed her own glamor. Hermione's eyes started to travel down, first stopping at her neck where there was a thin line across. Feeling Hermione's hands gently touch it she said, "The first time I had a miscarriage, the first Heir to the Malfoy Family." Next, both eyes and fingers moved down to the thin lined scars that lined her chest and arms, followed by the thicker ones on her stomach. Every few spaces were start shaped scars. Narcissa's hands toyed with the bottom of Hermione's shirt, not wanting to push her too far too soon. But she saw the smallest shake of her head and felt Hermione's place an unsteady hand on top of her own. Slowly lifting it up and over, the first thing she saw was the remnants of her insane sister's work. Running a finger over it, she asked, "Does it hurt?"

"A bit, but nowhere near as bad as when it first happened."

"I'm so sorry that I couldn't stop her." Narcissa quietly replied. Taking in the rest of her beautiful body, she saw only a few scars here and there and asked, "Are you wearing a glamor?"

Hermione's eyes faltered and replied, "I'm… I can't look at them."

Narcissa's heart broke a little hearing that. "Oh sweetheart. Those marks only show what you've been through, that you are a warrior who dares to move on. They do not define you." Narcissa knew that she had to tread carefully. "Do you trust me?"

Hermione found herself on the verge of an emotional collapse and merely nodded her head. Taking a deep breath, she said, "There are more scars than anyone knows of. Harry and Fleur have only seen the ones on my back… they don't know of the others. Only one person knew the truth, and in the end, she left me."

Narcissa pulled her in for a soft kiss before she said, "Now you listen to me Hermione Jean Granger. I am not going anywhere. I am not her. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is the truth… I and falling for you and terribly fast. It bloody terrifies me to be in another relationship after all I've been through with my marriage. Look, it's not just that I am falling, but the heart of the matter is that we have only truly known each other for a few days but I am falling in love with you, and no matter what nor where your scars are, they won't change a thing. Do you hear me?"

Hermione felt her eyes stinging. She knew Narcissa meant every word. Even without this damn connection, she knew that she could trust her. Narcissa tried to puller her close once more, but she held her hand against her chest to stop her. Before she lost her nerve, she gripped her wand tightly and cast a Finite Incantatem. Removing all of her glamour's, she lowered her head so that her hair fell to cover her face and turned so that the other woman had a clear view of her back. She almost jumped when she felt a warm touch between her shoulder blades. Sensing her question, she said, "I don't remember much, but from what I can recall, I remember feeling three things… a belt strap, a knife, and a ridiculous amount of heat. It was as if parts of my body were on fire. He wanted to completely disfigure me so that no one would ever love me again."

Narcissa placed a small kiss between her shoulders and at the base of her neck. Noticing the wide scar encircling her neck, she went to move her hair, only to be stopped. "It's ok sweetheart. There is no rush. I'm not going anywhere. When You are ready, please turn around… I beg you. You already know that you can trust me." Seeing Hermione's shoulders tremble, she pulled her back and wrapped her tightly in her arms making it a point not to see her neck or face. "It's alright darling. I'm not going anywhere. I'm here for you."

"How can you stand to touch someone who is permanently disfigured? You keep saying that you're here for me, but I'm so afraid that once I turn around, you will push me away as well." Hermione said while trying to prevent her sobs from escaping.

"I am here for you, and I'm not going anywhere," Narcissa softly repeated as she rocked back and forth. She only stopped when Hermione put her hands on her arms, letting them fall as Hermione pushed them away and slowly turned. Narcissa made a conscious effort to keep her breathing even as she moved. She saw the thick belt mark, and when she finally turned all the way, she slowly moved away the thick hair. Hermione's face slowly came into the open, and she saw the true extent of what was done to her. It looked as if someone burned away half of her face and then tried to remove it. A lone tear snuck out and slowly traveled down her cheek as she said, "No matter what you think, you are still beautiful to me." This only made Hermione break down completely and sob hysterically. Hearing a knock at the door, Narcissa muttered a curse and tried to pull away to get dressed. "Shhh… It's alright. I just need to answer the door." The knocking turned into banging that was desperate, setting both women on edge.

Narcissa managed to get both of their shirts on, but found herself unable to detach Hermione nor get them up off the floor, when the door suddenly flew open and a called frantically called, "Hermione? Narcissa? For the love of Merlin tell me that Hermione is here and safe."

Hearing the panic in the male's voice, Narcissa replied, "Hermione is here with me. Whatever you do, don't come…" One moment it was just the two of them, and the next they found themselves joined by Harry, Fleur, Minerva, and her Auror guard. Narcissa tried to hide Hemione and coldly said, "What in the devil is going on? Have you never allowed someone the opportunity to answer the bloody door? Could you at least wait in the other room while Hermione has a chance to compose herself before you being your assault?"

Harry caught a glimpse of the young witch and didn't recognize her at first, same with Fleur and Minerva. The Headmistress had stepped forward and seen the way Narcissa was trying to protect the young woman said, "I apologize for our manners. However, we have a dire situation on our hands, and the castle is under lockdown. We needed to make sure everyone was safe." Taking a step forward she asked, "Is that you Professor Granger?"

Hermione tried to bury her face even further and replied, "Don't come any closer."

Of course Harry didn't listen and crossed the room in only a few strides before softly falling to his knees as Fleur was right behind them. "Hermione, it's only us. Please, you don't need to hide from us, we're your family, and we love you." He looked over his shoulder and asked, "Can you both wait in the other room for us?" Auror Bailey and Scott gave him a nod in understanding, they saw only a few of the scars and didn't want to make the Gryffindor Princess anymore uncomfortable.

Everyone held their breath as Hermione's guard left. Once they were alone, Narcissa whispered, "I know this is a bit much darling, but perhaps you should tell your family the truth. They would never push you away, and I'm right here."

Hermione just held on tighter, attempting to hold back her unfound fears. "Why is the castle under lockdown? What's happened?"

Minerva looked to Harry and Fleur before she said, "Someone has tried to sneak onto the grounds through a weak spot in the wards. We think they were trying to get into your rooms Hermione since the breach was so close to the accompanying courtyard."

Narcissa looked Minerva in the eye and asked, "What of him?"

Everyone knew which "him" she was referring to. Harry cleared his throat and replied, "As far as we know, he is still at the Burrow and is closely being monitored." He tried to reach out and put a hand on Hermione's back, only for her to shy away. Softening his features and voice, he said, "You are my sister Hermione, and nothing is going to change that. You never left my side, and I'm sure as hell not going to leave yours. Neither is Fleur who I know not only loves you as a close friend but also sees you as a sister."

Before Harry could continue, Minerva stepped forward and said, "As I have already told you once, I view you not only as a colleague but as my daughter Hermione and will remind you every time you need me too."

Narcissa shifted slightly and allowed Hermione to burrow closer. Kissing the top of her head, she said, "Every single person in this room cares for you in the deepest way possible. Right now, you are allowing the fear to control you darling. You know you can trust each person in this room with your life."

Ever so slowly, Hermione began to lift up her shirt. If she was going to show them her true self, then Minerva needed to see her back as well. Keeping her eyes on Narcissa's, she pulled off the shirt and clutched it tightly to her chest, trying to ignore the gasp that came from Minerva. She saw Narcissa giving her an encouraging smile and nod. Taking a deep breath, Hermione slowly began to turn, keeping her head down so that her face was covered. She slowly lifted her head, pushing the hair behind her ear so that there was nothing to hide behind. Looking around, she saw that Minerva had tears in her eyes and that Fleur was gripping Harry's shoulder tightly, who looked like he wanted to surge forward and wrap her up in his arms. "This is who I truly am. I need you all to understand that it's not that I don't trust you, far from it in fact. I'm… I can't stand to look at myself and have these constant reminders."

Harry gave Hermione a warm smile and replied, "I wish you showed me this earlier when you showed me your back. This doesn't change a thing. You are still my sister, and I'm not going anywhere." Hearing the shuffle of feet behind them, he added, "Why don't you… what was it you said Narcissa? Ah, compose yourself, and we will see who is trying to get past your guards. Did you know that they are getting rather protective of you?"

Fleur quickly added, "Don't worry, I'll take care of him," before slapping the back of his head. Seeing Hermione's lips twitch despite the sadness in her eyes, she knew that Hermione was slowly coming back to them. "Take your time Mon Ami, I'll see to some drinks."

While Fleur was pulling Harry to his feet, Minerva took this opening to kneel in front of Hermione and said, "Nothing has changed lass, we are still family. You are not alone in wanting to hide what has happened to you. Don't let your scars hold you back. They are a testament to how hard you have fought and the long road that you have traveled. I'll tell you the same thing I tell myself… You are a warrior and have truly won more battles than anyone knows."

Seeing Narcissa give her a nod, she gently patted Hermione's shoulder before slowly getting to her feet and joining the others. Once they were alone, Narcissa cupped both sides of Hermione's face and gazed lovingly into those captivating chocolate eyes. "I want you to know… you never have to hide from me. I'll be by your side for as long as you'll have me. Now, how about we join the others and find out what is going on?"

Hermione nodded numbly, feeling completely drained. She had expected Narcissa to shy away once she saw the extent of her disfigurement. Not even Fleur knew how bad the scaring was since she had sworn her healers with an oath almost as tightly as an unbreakable vow not to reveal the true extent of her injuries. She was so absorbed with her thoughts, she jumped when she felt a soft touch to her arm. Looking up she asked, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Narcissa rubbed her arm and replied, "I asked if you wanted to recast your glamour or do you need me to help you with it. There is no reason to be ashamed, but I also know that you didn't want others to see you like this."

Hermione leaned into her touch and took a deep breath before waving her hand that started from the top of her head and flowed silently down to her torso. Seeing the amazed look in her lover's eyes said, "I was able to master the spell pretty quickly since I cast it so often." She let Narcissa wrap her up in a fierce hug and breathed deeply, allowing the scent of lavender to calm her for the most part.

Pulling back Narcissa leaned and said, "You never cease to amaze me," as she was hovering just above Hermione's plump lips. Sealing her declaration with a steamy kiss, only to be drawn away from the knock at the door. Pulling back, she muttered, "Every time."

a/n 2: I wanted to take a moment to say that Hermione is a strong, beautiful, courageous woman. All that has happened, has taken a toll on her- understandably- and she hasn't been able to truly move past it, despite the front she puts up. Narcissa is the key to everything.

Edited: 7/4/18