Heirarchy of Love (Previously Claim for Life)

Disclaimer: I don't own this and am not making money.

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Chapter 16

The boys were silent as they began their trek to the kitchens to fulfill the brunette’s request. Draco was brooding, Blaise was planning and Harry was fidgeting. What was a Gryffindor suppose to say to a couple of Slytherin’s? Especially when one of them had worked to make his life miserable for the past 6 years? Students passing the unusual trio kept giving them odd looks. What was The Great Harry Potter doing with the Slytherin Princes, who had been missing from school the entire day, causing rumors to spread as to whether or not they had dropped out to go join the Dark Lord. This reappearance was odd to say the least.

The Slytherins seemed to be content in their silence as they approached the entrance to the kitchen. Harry tickled the pear and entered first. As soon as his foot passed the threshold Dobby was jumping up and down and yelling “Harry Potter is here! Harry Potter has come to visit Dobby!” His gleeful cries were cut short as Harry continued into the kitchen and Dobby saw who was with him. He immediately cowered and whimper, “Master Draco, Mr. Zabini, sir! What is you doing here with Harry Potter, sirs?” Dobby’s eyes were as big as saucers as he looked fearfully back and forth between his former master and his liberator.

“Don’t worry, Dobby, nothing is wrong,” Harry reassured the elf, “We’ve made a truce, of sorts,” Harry watched the Slytherins from the corner of eyes, seeking a reaction to the words he had just spoken, the only thing he noticed was that their eyes squinted slightly. He turned his attention back to the attentive elf, “Would it be too much of a bother to have dinner for 5 sent up to the Head Dorms?”

Draco audibly scoffed and sent a glare at the once again terrified elf, Dobby cowered, “Of course not, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby will take it himself. Does yous want something special or just the regular dinner?”

Draco opened his mouth to bark out a command but Harry spoke first, “Just the regular dinner menu would be fantastic Dobby, thank you!” Honest gratitude colored his voice, causing both Blaise and Draco to grimace.

“Dobby will have everything ready in 20 minutes sirs!” and with that he leaped up and ran to do his set tasks, desperate to escape before he was ordered some meaningless punishment.

The Slytherin’s just glared at the elf’s retreating back before turning and sweeping out of the kitchens to return to their mate. They still didn’t say anything to the Gryffindor Golden Boy.

Harry knew he had to do something, break the ice, for Hermione’s sake. He turned to Draco, “So Malfoy, you still going to play Quiddich even though Hermione hates it?” he asked airily.

Draco shot him a glare, his face disbelieving, “How can anyone hate Quiddich?”

“I have no idea, and Hermione’s excuses just don’t make sense to me,” he shrugged, “Crazy girl would rather read a book than watch a Quiddich game.”

“She’ll watch when it’s me versus you for the Quiddich cup this year!” Draco challenged.

“Maybe not,” Harry countered, “She wouldn’t know who to cheer for so she would do the honorable thing of missing the match so she didn’t run into a conflict of interests.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me, right?” Blaise laughed.

“If it were anyone other than Hermione, then I would have to say yes. But….” Harry shrugged again, turning to hide his grin as he witnessed the shock on the faces of his friend’s mates.

“She’ll change her mind,” Draco said confidently.

“Don’t be so sure,” Harry warned, amused, “If 6 years around me and Ron couldn’t encourage her to develop an interest in Quiddich, and not to mention Viktor Krum, then I highly doubt you will.”

The Slytherins’ faces hardened. “Yes, and what about Krum?” Blaise asked coldly, “What did an 18 year old want with our Hermione when she was 14?”

Harry regarded the irate Italian for a moment, “According to Hermione he asked her to the Ball because she was the only girl who didn’t swoon at the sight of him. They kept up a correspondence for a while but it finally broke off last year.”

“Why didn’t you stop her from going with git?” Draco inquired accusingly.

Harry laughed out loud, “The day Hermione doesn’t get her way in the end will be a very cold day in Hell. Don’t think because she’s a Gryffindor it means she isn’t crafty. You may think you have an advantage on her but she can turn any situation around, and make it seem like it’s your idea.”

“Thanks for warning us, Potter,” Blaise said, but Harry couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or sincere.

“I figured you might as well be aware as to what you’re going to be dealing with,” Harry said levelly, “You’re better off just letting it happen though.”

Draco let out a snort, “You’re sending mixed advice Potter. First you warn us then tell us it’s useless to fight, what are you trying to say here?”

“As I said already you might as well know the way her manipulations work.” Harry repeated, “That way you can anticipate and keep on her good side in the end, or at least be able to work yourselves out of the dog house later.”

“Dog house?” Draco asked, confused and slightly disgusted, “She’ll try to transfigure us into dogs?”

“It’s a muggle term used to describe being out of favor with someone who holds the key to your general happiness, or bedroom.” Harry explained, grinning smugly.

Draco began to argue further but Blaise cut him off, “Thanks again for the advice Potter.” Draco stared at his mate with open shock for a moment before he schooled his features and glared in askance at his dark haired lover, who remained silent as they approached the Head Dorms.

***

“I’m just so angry with both of them right now!” Hermione yelled, now that she was away from the Veela and their raging pheromones their behavior seemed appalling to the independent Gryffindor.

“Feel better now?” Ginny asked, her calm voice betrayed by the fire in her eyes.

“Not yet, but as soon as you and Harry leave tonight I’ll give them a piece of my mind and when they’re begging forgiveness then I might feel a bit better,” the brunette ranted, pacing in front of the couches, “They need to realize that even if a triad has a hierarchy it is still none the less a partnership of equals!”

“Hermione, you don’t need to convince me,” Ginny sighed, “They sound power crazy, not surprising coming from Slytherins, I must say though.”

Hermione plopped down on the sofa across from Ginny, “I know, Gin. I guess I should save some of my anger for them.”

“What are you doing? Slowly letting them develop a tolerance for your anger? They’re going to have to deal with the full force of it someday,” Ginny joked.

“I think I may be as afraid of them abandoning me as I theorize they are about me abandoning them,” Hermione admitted.

“Hermione!” Ginny scolded, “You know that’s impossible. And I don’t see why you shouldn’t stand up to them now; if you wait it will only be more difficult. Believe me, I have 6 brothers, you have to be blunt when dealing with men. Don’t let those Slytherin’s have the upper hand for a moment. You have to remember, you’re out numbered here.”

“It’s hard to forget that fact” Hermione responded sullenly, she started to speak again but was interrupted by the sound of one of her own personal wards being breached, “Looks like their back. Hopefully next time we want to talk I don’t have to trick them into leaving.”

When the boys walked into the room they all knew something was off, but they weren’t sure what. Harry eyed his girl friend curiously, noticing the glare Ginny briefly sent the Slytherins. Hermione’s demeanor was interesting as well, irritated and edgy, though she was covering it well. If he hadn’t known for her for the better part of six years he may not have noticed. Draco and Blaise noticed it, but Harry could tell they didn’t know what it meant; their ears would be hurting before they got the luxury of the bed tonight.

The Slytherin Princes sat down on either side of Hermione, Blaise gently resting his hand on her leg. Hermione brushed off the touch, ignoring Blaise’s confused look.

Harry shared a look with Ginny. He was more than certain that the two Veela had done something terribly wrong, and he was definitely sure they were going to learn the truths of his warnings before the night was through. He was brought out of his reminiscing by Hermione asking him about the classes she had missed from that day. He rolled his eyes and shared an amused grin with Ginny before briefly running over the material they had covered that day, which didn’t remotely satisfy the Head Girl who proceeded to grill him until all he could recommend that she just go speak to the professors on Monday. Hermione’s barrage of academic questions and tirades about not paying attention and NEWTs was interrupted when Dobby arrived with their dinner.

“Here you go, Sir and Missus’” Dobby said, laying out the mini feast on the coffee table after enlarging it with a quick spell.

Dinner passed relatively amicably. Draco brought up the topic of Quiddich, still not believing that someone could hate the sport. The result was 1 annoyed Gryfffindor, 2 laughing Gryffindors, an indignant Slytherin, and a mildly amused Slytherin. Hermione then purposefully started a conversation about muggle technology with Harry and Ginny, mocking the blonde Slytherin by imitating his previous indignation when he asked what her interest was in that “silly and useless muggle trash.”

By the end of the meal neither Draco nor Blaise could deny the storm brewing beneath the calm façade their mate was projecting. As soon as desserts were finished Ginny and Harry exchanged a knowing glance before excusing themselves on the basis of having homework to do, despite the fact it was Friday night. They promised to meet up with Hermione the next day and slipped out of the common room.

Both Draco and Blaise got up following the exit of the Gryffindors and began placing wards on the entrance, and leaving strict instructions with the portrait that he was not to let anyone through, even if they had the password, without first obtaining their permission to grant the person access to the room.

When they turned back they were shocked at the picture that Hermione presented. All traces of calmness and indifference were gone from her appearance. She was sitting stiffly in the middle of the sofa, her legs crossed, her mouth set in a firm frown and her eyes were smoldering with rage.

“Hermione…?” Blaise began tentatively, unsure of what his mate was going to do next.

“Sit,” Hermione ordered, gesturing to the sofa across from her. The boys ignored the command and settled themselves beside her. She stood up and stormed to the other side of the coffee table where she whirled around to face the Veela, her fists digging into her hips, her entire stance dominant and defiant.

“We need to set down some limits,” she said in a tightly controlled voice.

Draco and Blaise exchanged a confused look before turning, inquiringly back to the outraged girl.

“What happened last night shouldn’t have,” She stated outright, not helping the confusion the boys were feeling.

“You agreed…” Draco began.

“This is partly my fault, I know,” Hermione admitted, “I should have discussed this with you before, or fought back harder, but 20/20 hindsight, that doesn’t matter anymore, what does is that you pushed me too far last night, you humiliated me in a way that I can’t condone. Yes I agreed to this Dom/sub sexual relationship, but that does not mean that I will always be in the mood for it. I enjoy it to a point, but once my choice to enjoy it is taken away and I’m forced to endure it and spew out meaningless vows just to appease your egos then I am forced to reconsider the veracity of my trust in you and in my decision.” Blaise tried to say something, but Hermione continued to pummel them with her points, “Last night I was sore, and tired and even though you healed me you never gave me the chance to agree or disagree with your advances. I will not be denied my free will, and what you did to me last night could be considered rape by some.” Shock spread across Blaise and Draco’s faces at the mention of rape, “I can’t honestly deny that the idea of being sexually subservient to you both turns me on, but that does not mean that I will be turned on every time you demand sex. You shouldn’t be demanding sex, you should be earning it.” She paused for a moment, sizing up the boys and their reactions, “Now that’s that said, you have a choice. Agree to giving me the option of saying no and not passing my personal boundaries and I will willingly submit to you so that we can all enjoy it; or you can try to deny me my free will and my self respect and you won’t be able to make it within 5 feet of the bedroom until I choose to lower the wards.”

Hermione stared the boys down, waiting for their response to her demands. Both were shocked, and extremely aroused by her show of spirit and outright defiance. They also both felt somewhat ashamed.

“Hermione…” Blaise began, trailing off as the girl’s fierce gaze settled on him. He fidgeting in his seat, he wasn’t used to being in this disadvantaged situation he wasn’t sure what to do or how to placate the irate Gryffindor. Thoughts of Potter’s warnings from earlier came flooding back to him. He sighed, resigned; he knew there was only one way out of this. Hermione was still watching him and Draco had turned his attention to his superior, he would follow Blaise’s actions. “You’re right Hermione,” he admitted slowly, “I knew Draco for a long time before we bonded, I knew what he had dealt with, I knew what turned him on and I knew what his limits were. I knew he wouldn’t leave once I had him, but you….” He paused, searching for the right words, “You I wasn’t so sure about, you I couldn’t predict with any certainty. And I got scared, scared that you would reject us, fears that you would break the triad and destroy us…” he trailed off.

“I’m not going to leave you two,” Hermione reassured, her eyes a little softer, “But I am not going to lose my identity either. I don’t know my limits for sure, but I know they were breached last night. From now on all I insist that is you give me the option of saying no.”

“No punishments?” Blaise asked.

“Well,” Hermione said, grinning slightly, “Maybe some, I didn’t mind the spanking, but you are never to hit my face or do any serious damage to me. And no whips or canes or chains or whatever else.”

“We would never seriously hurt you, love,” Draco beseeched.

“I want to believe you, Draco,” Hermione sighed, “but you need to realize that serious damage can occur on more than just physical levels. I do not want my mind broken.”

Blaise and Draco nodded demurely. Hermione studied their eyes for a few moments before speaking again, “I believe you, but a repeat of last night will have you in the dog house for a very long time.”

Blaise and Draco each gave out a snort that had Hermione eyeing them curiously, “What?” she asked.

“Potter used that phrase earlier,” Blaise explained, grinning, “When he was giving us advice on how to get along successfully with you.”

“Harry gave you advice on dealing with me?” She asked, incredulous.

“He also said some crazy things about you not going to the final Quiddich match if it’s me versus him so you wouldn’t have to openly cheer for one side or the other,” Draco silently begged her to deny it.

“Oh,” Hermione thought for a moment, “That would be a decent solution to that problem though, that way I don’t have to openly betray anyone.”

“So you’re telling me that you wouldn’t cheer for one of your mates in his final Quiddich match of his high school career?” Draco asked, scandalized.

“Well I am a Gryffindor and I have gotten quite fond of seeing the Quiddich cup in Professor McGonagall’s study.” Hermione quipped, “Honestly Draco, as long as you played your best and didn’t maim anyone I wouldn’t care who won!”

“That’s no kind of an answer!” Draco screeched.

“Actually, it’s a very diplomatic answer,” Blaise cut in, sharing an amused smile with Hermione at Draco’s outrage.

“Alright Hermione,” Draco stated, “I will agree to your terms on one of my own!”

“And that is?” Hermione asked, already knowing the answer.

“When it comes down to Gryffindor and Slytherin in the final match of the season, you will stand in the Slytherin stands, wear Slytherin colors and cheer for me!” he demanded.

Hermione pretended to think about it for a moment to tease the blonde, “Alright then,” she agreed.

Draco sat back and smirked confidently, feeling he was getting the best of the bargain. Blaise chuckled to himself at the way Hermione handled Draco, it seemed Potter knew what he was talking about.

Hermione’s expectant gaze was now on the golden skinned boy and he nodded, “Alright, Hermione, I agree to your terms.”

“So…” Draco began, looking at the curly haired witch coyly, “How ‘bout a bit of fun now?”

Hermione looked him straight in the eye and said a simple, “No.”

Draco pouted and made puppy dog eyes but that only encouraged a laugh to escape from Hermione’s lips and Blaise basically looked amused.

“Draco, no,” Hermione reiterated, “We have to meet with the aurors about your father still. I have no intention of being caught under the covers by Professors or professionals. And besides, you still have to make up for your behavior last night!”

Draco now looked confused and just a tad bit worried, “What do you mean?” he asked.

“I mean no sex tonight,” Hermione stated, “And no more sex until I want it!”

Draco turned to Blaise, his expression begging the dominant Italian to step in. Blaise was watching their witch closely; processing everything she was saying and doing. It was obvious that he had underestimated his mate, even when so many people warned him not to, and for some reason he couldn’t be any more pleased. He loved her intelligence and wit, even her indomitable will and the way her eyes light up when she was challenged and chose to fight back. The true anger and hurt that had colored her eyes when she had been ranting at them had been like poison in his heart, he knew he would cave to this witch; he would always cave into her, she was too important to lose. She presented an interesting challenge though and he fully looked forward to the games that lay ahead.

Draco would figure this all out one day, and hopefully one day soon, but for now he expected Blaise to step up as a voice of authority and subdue the rebellious witch. Draco wasn’t used to relationships of equals; everything for him had always been a strict hierarchy. His father on top, often turning to violent punishments for the slightest bit of insubordination from his underlings, and unfortunately Draco and his mother were on the top of Lucius’ hit list. Blaise had played up on that in their initial bonding, Draco felt an almost insatiable need to be dominated, and who better than the initiator of their triad. Blaise certainly enjoyed the Dom/sub play with the gorgeous blonde, and he knew that Draco did too, and their roles easily transferred over to their everyday interactions. Hermione was different, she would submit, that much she admitted and displayed, but she wouldn’t lose herself. Blaise briefly wondered what her parents were like; they certainly had raised an amazing daughter.

Blaise turned to the blonde and smirked, “If you’re that desperate for sex, Draco, there is plenty we could do without our witch,” he said, “Or, as she watched.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Hermione, who honestly looked intrigued at the idea.

“Wait! You mean…?” Draco left his words hanging, unspoken, not wanting to believe what Blaise was telling him.

“Yes,” Blaise said firmly, “We already agreed to her demands, and even if we are Slytherins, we can’t go back on our word now.”

Draco pouted and sulked and Blaise shot an indulgent grin at Hermione. He was pleased to see the honest happiness and relief that flooded his witch’s face at his reaction. If he played his cards right and kept Draco in line that ban on sex wouldn’t be lasting very much longer.

“Oh, and Draco,” Blaise warned casually, “If you don’t behave I’ll let Hermione punish you.”

Draco looked up at his violet eyed lover, startled, before turning his gaze to the Gryffindor witch on the couch across from them. Hermione was smiling deviously back at the two. He didn’t try to argue.

“Heh-hem!” The trio were interrupted by the entrance portrait, “Young Sir and Miss, the Headmaster and a group of aurors have arrived and wish access to the room. May I grant them access?”

Blaise nodded, “Yes, thank you, Sir Kennelworth.”

They spent the next few hours going over the attack with the aurors and, with a little encouragement from Blaise and Hermione, Draco detailed the abuse he had received at home as well as all he knew about his father’s illegal activities, whether it concerned Voldmort or not. When they were done the aurors had more than enough evidence, as well as permission from the heir of the estate to go and confiscate certain dark materials and artifacts that Draco revealed his father to having and describing the exact locations of all of them. He was well aware that since he was of legal age if his father was incarcerated he would become the proprietor of the estate and head of the family. Once that was secured he wouldn’t have to worry about being disowned from the family and losing his inheritance.

Throughout the entire interview Blaise casually flirted with Hermione, trying to arouse her without being too obvious. The brunette certainly was flustered by the end, but when the aurors finally left she declared that she was going to go to bed to sleep, stressing the word sleep and sending Blaise a smug grin. Draco raised his eyebrow inquiringly at the brunette and Blaise explained his loophole, of sorts, to Hermione’s ultimatum, woo her into wanting it. He knew from her exit that she was just refusing on principle so she didn’t lose the edge of her words by giving in too soon. Draco smirked at this solution and together the boys beginning planning a dual seduction to begin the next day.