Hermione made her way downstairs, her mind still reeling from Harry's revelation. The scent of cooking food drifted from what she assumed was the kitchen, and her stomach growled despite her emotional turmoil. She hadn't eaten properly in days.
She found the dining room easily enough—a grand space with a long mahogany table that could seat twelve. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, and tall windows let in the morning light. It was far too elegant for just the three of them, but then again, everything about this place seemed excessive.
Celeste was already there, arranging plates and cutlery on the table. Hermione's eyebrows rose as she took in the woman's attire which was predictably provocative.
The black dress was so short it barely covered her thighs, the fabric clinging to her curves like a second skin. The bodice was cut so low that it left little to the imagination, displaying an expanse of pale skin and the full swell of her breasts. A white apron was tied around her waist with a large bow, emphasizing her hourglass figure rather than concealing it. White stockings climbed up her long legs, held in place by garters that were just visible beneath the hem of her skirt. Her crimson hair was pulled back in a neat bun, though a few strands had been left loose to frame her face.
Hermione had to admit that she was breathtaking, especially with those love bites on her skin that Harry had left, and try as she might, she could not fault Harry for seeking pleasure and comfort from someone like her.
"Good morning, Miss Granger," Celeste said with that same sultry smile, not seeming the least bit self-conscious about her revealing outfit. Her purple eyes sparkled with amusement as she took in Hermione's expression. "I trust you found your way down without difficulty?"
"Yes, thank you," Hermione replied, settling into one of the chairs. She tried not to stare at Celeste's outfit, though it was hard to ignore. Her every gesture was somehow sensual even when she was just setting down silverware. It was as if she couldn't help but make even the most mundane tasks look like a seduction.
"I took the liberty of preparing a proper breakfast," Celeste continued, smoothing down her apron. "I'm sure Master must be very hungry after our lovemaking this morning."
Hermione's eyes widened at the flippant way she just said it. She kept her emotions in check, merely nodding. What else could she even do?
Harry appeared a few minutes later, properly dressed in clean clothes that Celeste must have provided. The shirt was a deep blue that brought out his eyes, and the trousers fit him perfectly. His hair was still damp from what was obviously a recent shower, and he looked more refreshed than Hermione had seen him in weeks. The dark circles under his eyes were still there, but they seemed less pronounced. He'd clearly slept better in one night here than he had in months of camping.
His eyes immediately went to Celeste, and Hermione didn't miss the way his gaze lingered on her. She saw his pupils dilate slightly, his breathing becoming just a bit more shallow. The reaction was entirely unconscious, she was sure, but it was there nonetheless.
"Hello," he said, his voice slightly rougher than usual.
"Welcome, Master," Celeste purred, moving to pull out his chair for him. She stood close enough that her hip brushed against his shoulder as she guided him to sit.
The title made Hermione's jaw clench, but she forced herself to remain silent. She'd already decided not to comment on whatever dynamic was developing between Harry and Celeste. It wasn't her place, and frankly, she wasn't sure she wanted to examine too closely why it bothered her so much.
"I've prepared breakfast for you," Celeste continued, her hand resting briefly on Harry's shoulder before she moved away. "I do hope it's to your liking."
Harry sat down, looking slightly uncomfortable with the formal treatment. He'd never been one for ceremony or being waited on.
"Celeste, you don't have to... I mean, you don't need to wear clothes like that if you don't want to. You can wear whatever makes you comfortable."
Celeste's smile widened. She placed one hand on her hip, the pose emphasizing her curves, and Hermione's eyes widened.
"Oh, but Master, I don't mind wearing it at all. In fact, I rather enjoy it."
Her voice dropped to a purr on the last words, and she leaned forward just enough to give Harry an even better view of her cleavage. Her tits jiggled as she dipped, pressing against the tight fabric. "Especially when I can tell how much my Master likes it."
Harry's cheeks flushed red, the color spreading down his neck and disappearing beneath his collar. However, Hermione noticed he didn't look away. His eyes were fixed on Celeste with an intensity that made something twist uncomfortably in Hermione's stomach.
"I... well... if you're comfortable..." Harry stammered, his voice trailing off.
"Oh, I'm very comfortable, Master," Celeste said, her smile becoming even more sultry. "I want to please you in all things. This outfit pleases you, doesn't it?"
Hermione rolled her eyes but bit back any comment. This was going to be a long breakfast. She could already tell that Celeste was going to spend the entire meal flirting shamelessly with Harry.
Celeste moved around the table with that same sexiness, serving them eggs, bacon, fresh bread, and fruit. Everything looked delicious and smelled even better. The eggs were perfectly cooked, the bacon crispy, and the bread was still warm and smelled heavenly.
"Thank you," Harry said as Celeste set his plate in front of him, and Hermione caught the way his lips quirked slightly when Celeste's hand brushed his shoulder again.
"It's my pleasure to serve you, Master," Celeste replied, her fingers lingering on his shoulder. "Your satisfaction is my only concern."
The double meaning in her words was impossible to miss, and Hermione saw Harry swallow hard. She focused on her own breakfast, trying to ignore the raw, sexual tension in the room. The food was excellent, better than anything she'd eaten in months. Celeste was clearly a skilled cook, among her other talents.
They ate in relative silence for a few minutes, the only sounds the clink of silverware and the soft rustle of Celeste's skirts as she moved around the table, refilling their cups and making sure they had everything they needed. She hovered near Harry's chair, finding excuses to touch him which he didn't mind in the slightest.
Hermione was a different matter altogether. Her curiosity was eating at her. The questions that had been building since the previous evening demanded answers, and finally, she couldn't stand it anymore.
"Celeste," she began, setting down her fork and fixing the other woman with a direct stare. "I have to ask. What exactly are you? You said you're bound to this property, but you don't feel entirely... human."
Celeste paused her refilling of Harry's cup, her purple eyes flicking to Hermione with interest. "How perceptive of you, Miss Granger. You're quite right to question. I'm not human, though I can take human form when it suits me."
"Then what are you?" Harry asked, leaning forward slightly.
Celeste set down the coffee pot and moved to stand behind Harry's chair, her hands resting lightly on his shoulders. She leaned forward, resting the back of his head on her large breasts.
"I am what your kind would call a succubus, Master. A creature of desire and pleasure, bound to feed on the sexual energy of others."
Hermione nearly choked on her orange juice, coughing and sputtering as the liquid went down the wrong way. "A succubus? You're a demon?"
"Not precisely a demon, though I understand the confusion," Celeste said, her hands beginning to massage Harry's shoulders in slow, circular motions. "The terminology your kind uses is... imprecise. I am a being of the in-between places, neither fully of your world nor the otherworld. My kind exists to fulfill desires, to bring pleasure and satisfaction to those who call upon us."
Harry's eyes widened but he didn't pull away from her touch. If anything, he seemed to relax under her ministrations, his shoulders losing some of their tension as he leaned back against her soft mounds.
"How did you end up here? Bound to this property?" Hermione asked with wide eyes.
Celeste's expression darkened slightly, though her hands never stopped their gentle massage. "That is a less pleasant tale, I'm afraid. It was nearly two centuries ago when Arcturus Black—not the recent one, but his ancestor of the same name—sought to gain power through the old magics. He was a vile man, obsessed with control and dominance over others."
Her hands drifted lower, massaging Harry's upper chest. He relaxed further into her cleavage as he ate, inhaling her delicious scent.
"He performed a summoning ritual," Celeste continued, seemingly oblivious to the effect she was having. "Calling me from my realm with promises of mutual benefit. He spoke of ancient knowledge, of power that could be shared between our kinds. Foolishly, I came, intrigued by his magical strength and the potential for... partnership."
Her voice took on a bitter edge. "But the moment I manifested in this world, he enacted a binding curse. Clever, really. He used my own nature against me—the fact that I am drawn to powerful magical signatures—to trap me here. The binding prevents me from leaving the grounds."
"That's horrible," Hermione said with genuine sympathy in her voice. She knew what it was like to be trapped, to have your choices taken away. "I'm sorry that happened to you."
Celeste laughed and waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, my dear girl, don't waste your pity on me. The Blacks soon learned that they couldn't stand against me, binding or no binding."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, though something cold was settling in her stomach. She had a feeling she wasn't going to like the answer.
Celeste's smile turned predatory, her purple eyes gleaming with dark satisfaction. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees, and Hermione felt a chill run down her spine.
"Why, they simply weren't capable of lasting in my presence," Celeste said, her voice taking on a cruel edge as she draped herself over Harry from behind, one hand stroking his chest and the other drifting down to his thigh.
"None of them were worthy enough, you see. They would come to me, thinking to use me for their pleasure, believing they could control me through the binding. But I am what I am, and my very nature demands... intensity."
Harry glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as she continued speaking while stroking his body gently.
"They were weak, pathetic creatures who couldn't match my needs. Oh, they tried. Arcturus himself lasted one minute before his heart gave out. His son managed only half. One by one, they came to me seeking pleasure and power, and one by one, they discovered that I was more than they could handle."
Understanding dawned on both Harry and Hermione simultaneously. Harry seemed to take it more easily, exchanging a glance with Celeste, while Hermione quickly grabbed her juice glass and took a long drink, trying to distract herself from the implications of what Celeste was saying.
"You killed them," Harry said quietly. "During... during sex."
"I fulfilled my nature," Celeste corrected, though she didn't sound particularly remorseful about it. "They came to me seeking ultimate pleasure, and I gave it to them. It's not my fault they were too weak to survive the experience."
"That's why this property was eventually forgotten," she continued. "Why no Black has set foot here in generations. Word spread, you see. Whispers about the beautiful woman who lived here, who drove men to madness and death with pleasure. The family learned to stay away, to pretend this place didn't exist. They were too proud to admit their ancestor's mistake, too afraid to try to break the binding, and too cowardly to face me themselves."
She turned to Harry, her expression softening into tenderness and utter devotion. "But you, my magnificent Master, you are different. Your magic called to me the moment you set foot on these grounds. The very air sang with your power, and I knew immediately that you were not like them."
Despite everything, Harry felt his pride soar at those words, even though his cheeks were burning in embarrassment. This felt like a personal talk, not one they should be having in front of his best friend. "Celeste..."
"You are greater than any Black ancestor I have ever encountered," she continued, shifting to stand behind him again. Her hands found his shoulders once more, and she began to massage them gently. "Your power, your strength, your magic that sang to me—it's like nothing I've felt in centuries. And your vigor..." her gaze dropped meaningfully, "You have the virility to match your magic, the stamina to withstand my nature."
The awkwardness in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Hermione was determinedly focusing on her breakfast, cutting her eggs into smaller and smaller pieces to avoid looking at either of them, while Harry looked like he wanted to disappear into his chair.
"I felt a hint of it when my innate magic first recognized you as the heir," Celeste went on, seemingly oblivious to their discomfort. "That intrigued me. But the moment the property's wards accepted you, acknowledged your blood claim, I knew. The binding that holds me here recognized you as the new master, and I couldn't be happier about it."
She leaned down, her lips close to his ear. "Even then, before I even saw you, I could tell you would be powerful enough to satisfy me, magical enough to match my intensity. Strong enough to survive what I am."
Harry's breathing had become shallow, and Hermione could see a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead. "I... that's... I mean..."
"Master Harry," Celeste purred, her breath warm against his skin. "You have no idea how long I've waited for someone like you. Someone worthy of what I can offer. Magically potent, virile beyond measure. Capable of satisfying me… and more."
"Right," Hermione said loudly, setting down her fork with more force than necessary. "Well, this is all very... illuminating."
Celeste straightened, her smile widening at Hermione's obvious discomfort. "Oh, Miss Granger, I do hope I'm not making you uncomfortable. I tend to be rather... direct about these matters."
"So I've noticed," Hermione muttered, taking another sip of her juice.
"But enough about the past," Celeste said, her tone becoming more businesslike. "I find myself curious about the present. I have been bound to this property for so long that I have no knowledge of what transpires in your wizarding world. I could tell yesterday that the both of you have been through quite an ordeal. What brings you here, Master? What dangers do you face that would drive you to seek refuge in such a remote place?"
Harry and Hermione exchanged glances. The question was reasonable, and if Celeste was going to help them—and it seemed she was determined to, whether they wanted her help or not—she needed to understand what they were up against.
It was Harry who began the explanation, telling Celeste about Voldemort's history and his importance to the story, his presumed death and return. He spoke of his years at Hogwarts when he'd encountered him or his shade, and what happened during the Triwizard Tournament in the graveyard. Finally, he told her about the war that was tearing their world apart. He spoke of the night Dumbledore died, of their flight from the wedding, and of the months they'd spent camping and searching.
Hermione filled in details when Harry's voice grew too rough, explaining about the Horcruxes they'd been hunting—the diary that had been Tom Riddle's first attempt at splitting his soul, found in the Chamber of Secrets and destroyed by basilisk venom. The ring that had belonged to his grandfather, found by Dumbledore in the ruins of the Gaunt shack and destroyed at the cost of his hand. And the locket that they had finally recovered from Umbridge.
"We need to find a way to destroy the locket," Harry continued, his voice growing stronger. "Salazar Slytherin's locket. It nearly drove us mad, the three of us taking turns wearing it, trying to figure out how to destroy it. Ron..." his voice tightened slightly as Hermione grimaced. "Ron left us, and that was when I discovered about this place in Sirius' letter."
Celeste listened with growing intensity, her purple eyes darkening as the full scope of the situation became clear to her.
"The dark soul fragment within your scar," she said when they'd finished. "The abomination I felt when we joined. A fragment of this vile dark wizard is clinging to you like a parasite."
"Yes," Harry said quietly.
Celeste's expression transformed into something fierce and protective. Her eyes blazed with an inner fire, and for a moment, Hermione caught a glimpse of something inhuman in her features—something ancient and powerful and definitely not human.
"Then we will remove it," she declared, her voice firm with determination. "This abomination will not remain in my Master. I vow this to you, Master. I will help you destroy this fragment of darkness that dares to taint your magnificent soul."
"How?" Hermione asked, leaning forward. "How can it be done? Everything we've read about Horcruxes suggests that destroying one usually destroys its container as well. The diary was in Tom Riddle's memory, but when we destroyed it, the memory died too. The ring was just an object, but you're not just an object, Harry. You're alive."
Celeste smiled, that sultry, knowing expression returning to her face. "Oh, Miss Granger. Isn't it obvious? Through ritual magic, of course. Sacred acts that will strengthen Master Harry's own soul while weakening the foreign one. Through the joining of bodies and the sharing of magical essence. Through pleasure so intense it will burn away the darkness like sunlight burns away shadow."
"What are you saying?" Harry asked as he saw Hermione's eyes widen slightly.
"Isn't it obvious, Master?" Celeste asked, her hands slowly sliding down his chest until she reached his groin. Her lips were hovering over his as she whispered, "Through carnal rituals."
Hermione groaned aloud, dropping her head into her hands. "I told you so, Harry! I bloody well told you it would be something like this!"
Harry's face was a mix of embarrassment and amusement, his lips twitching as he glanced at Hermione. "Yeah, yeah, you did. Are you sure about this, Celeste?"
"Oh, I am," Celeste purred, stroking his thigh under the table. "Sex magic is some of the most powerful magic there is, Master Harry. The joining of two souls, the sharing of life force, the creation of new energy through the oldest of human acts. It can cleanse, it can heal, it can strengthen what is pure while destroying what is corrupt."
She kept caressing him gently, her lips kissing along the side of his neck. Hermione pointedly averted her eyes, exasperated.
"The dark soul fragment is weak, parasitic, Master. It feeds on negative emotions—anger, fear, hatred. But what we will do is the opposite of all that. Joy, pleasure, love, life itself. The foreign soul cannot withstand such purity of experience."
"And you're certain this will work?" Hermione asked, though she had a sinking feeling she already knew the answer.
"I am certain," Celeste said confidently. "My kind has performed such rituals before, though admittedly not for quite this purpose. But the principles are the same. We will perform the sacred acts, again and again, until Master Harry's soul is strong enough to expel the intruder."
Harry swallowed hard, though he could feel excitement coursing through his veins. "How... how many times?"
Celeste's smile became downright wicked. "Oh, Master Harry. As many times as it takes. We must be very thorough, very dedicated to the process. I estimate it will require at least seven women, all involved in intensive... sessions."
"Seven women!?" Hermione asked, aghast.
Celeste nodded. "Seven is the most powerful magical number, and it is my hope that it would be enough."
"B-But what about you doing it with Harry?"
"Oh, I will, Miss Granger," Celeste laughed. "But I alone won't be able to do it. Master Harry would require more women who wholeheartedly love him. It is with the power of love that we will conquer this parasite, strengthening Master Harry's soul one at a time until he can discard it like the leech that it is."
Hermione sat shock still, utterly speechless as Celeste nibbled on his earlobe.
"Such delicious, necessary work," Celeste purred, her eyes fixed on Harry with undisguised hunger and devotion. "I do so look forward to beginning, and welcoming more guests into our home."
xXx
The dining room fell into a stunned silence after Celeste's bombshell about the ritual. Hermione's fork hovered mid-air, her meal forgotten, as she stared at the table like it might sprout wings and fly away. Harry, meanwhile, looked like he'd been hit with a Stunning Spell, his face a mix of embarrassment, curiosity, and something else Hermione didn't want to name.
'Oh, to hell with it. The idiot's excited,' she thought, exasperated. But could she truly blame him? He was a hormonal teenager, no matter how mature he acted at times.
Celeste, of course, stood there with that infuriatingly smug smile, her hands still resting on Harry's shoulders, like she hadn't just suggested a magical orgy to save his soul.
Hermione cleared her throat, trying to break the tension. "So, let me get this straight. You're saying we need seven women to… to…" She couldn't even finish the sentence, her cheeks burning.
Celeste's purple eyes sparkled with amusement. "To fuck Master Harry senseless, yes. To channel love and pleasure so intense it'll burn that nasty soul fragment right out of him. Seven's the magic number, Miss Granger. Powerful, potent, and perfect for a ritual like this."
Harry choked on his juice, coughing loudly. "Celeste, can you not— I mean, can we maybe ease into this a bit?"
"Oh, Master, there's no easing into something this deliciously necessary," Celeste purred, her fingers trailing down his chest. "We should start right away. The sooner we begin, the sooner we free you from that vile parasite. Why waste time when we can get to the good stuff?"
Hermione's jaw dropped. "Right away? As in now? You've got to be joking."
Celeste tilted her head, her crimson hair catching the light. "Joking? Oh, darling, I don't joke about pleasure or magic. The ritual chamber will be ready in no time, the runes too, and I'm more than eager to get started. Aren't you, Master?" She leaned down, her lips brushing Harry's ear, and her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "I can feel your magic humming already. It's begging for release. So potent, my dear Master…"
Harry's face went scarlet, and he shifted in his chair, clearly trying to keep his cool. "I… uh… I mean, it's a lot to take in, Celeste. We just got here, and we're still figuring things out. Maybe we should, y'know, plan a bit first?"
"Plan?" Celeste let out a rich, throaty laugh that made Hermione's skin prickle. "Planning's for boring people, Master. This is about instinct, desire, and raw magic. We strip down, we connect, we let the magic flow. Simple as that."
Hermione slammed her fork down, her patience finally snapping at the sheer lack of tact she'd been seeing from this woman—No! Succubus!
"This is not simple, Celeste! You're talking about some kind of… sex ritual with seven women! We don't even know where to find six other women who'd be willing to— to do this! And you want to start now? Have you lost your mind?"
Celeste's smile didn't waver. She sauntered over to Hermione's side of the table, her hips swaying with every step, the tiny dress barely containing her curves. "Oh, Miss Granger, you're adorable when you're flustered. But don't worry, I'm not suggesting we round up a harem this instant. We can start small. Just you, me, and Master Harry for now."
Hermione's eyes widened, and she shot up from her chair, nearly knocking it over. "Me? Me? No. Absolutely not. I'm not— I can't— I'm leaving." She turned toward the door, her heart pounding, but Celeste was faster. In a blink, the succubus was in front of her, blocking the exit with a single, elegant step.
"Now, now, don't be so hasty," Celeste said, her voice smooth as silk. "You're not just a bystander here, Miss Granger. You're essential to this ritual. Someone needs to channel the magic, to power the runes and guide the spells while I… well, while I take care of Master Harry's needs." She winked, and Hermione felt her face heat up again, although sense of profound relief coursed through her at the realization that she would not be expected to directly participate in… that. Even then…
"Essential?" Hermione sputtered. "I'm not— I don't even know how to do that! And I'm definitely not going to sit there while you two…" She gestured wildly, unable to finish the sentence.
Celeste stepped closer, her purple eyes locking onto Hermione's. "You're a witch, aren't you? A brilliant one, from what I can sense. Your magic is strong, precise, perfect for anchoring the ritual. You don't have to join in the fun—though you're welcome to, of course." She smirked, clearly enjoying Hermione's discomfort. "All you need to do is lend your magic, keep the runes stable, and make sure the energy flows where it's supposed to. Think of it as… academic supervision."
Hermione's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. "Academic supervision? You're insane. This is— this is ridiculous!"
Harry finally spoke up, his voice hesitant but firm. "Hermione, maybe… maybe we should hear her out. If this is the only way to get rid of the Horcrux, we can't just ignore it. I mean, it's not like we've got a ton of other options."
Hermione whirled on him, her eyes blazing. "Harry Potter, are you seriously considering this? You're okay with… with this?" She gestured at Celeste, who was now leaning against the table, her dress riding up just enough to show the tops of her garters.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck, his ears red. "I'm not saying I'm thrilled about it, Hermione, but if it's the only way to get this thing out of me… I mean, we've done crazier things, haven't we?"
"Crazier things?" Hermione's voice rose an octave. "Harry, this isn't like going past a trap door or sneaking into the Ministry! This is— this is—" She cut herself off, too mortified to continue.
Celeste chuckled, stepping between them. "Come now, both of you. Let's not bicker. Miss Granger, I promise you, your role is purely magical. No need to get your knickers in a twist—unless you want to, of course." She winked again, and Hermione groaned, rubbing her temples.
"Fine," Hermione said through gritted teeth. "Fine. I'll help with the runes and the spells. But that's it. I'm not— I'm not doing anything else."
"Perfect!" Celeste clapped her hands, her excitement almost infectious. "Then let's get to it. The ritual chamber's waiting, and I'm itching to get started." She grabbed Harry's hand, tugging him out of his chair with surprising strength. "Come along, Master. Miss Granger, you too."
Harry shot Hermione a helpless look as Celeste dragged him toward the door. Hermione followed, her stomach churning with a mix of dread and curiosity. She couldn't believe she was actually doing this, but Harry was right—they didn't have many options. And if this was the only way to save him… well, she'd just have to grit her teeth and get through it.
The walk to the ritual chamber was awkward, to say the least. Celeste led the way, her hips swaying with every step, while Harry and Hermione trailed behind, avoiding each other's eyes. Hermione could feel the tension radiating off Harry, and she was pretty sure her own face was still bright red. Neither of them spoke, too mortified with everything that was going on and what they knew was coming.
The ritual chamber was tucked away in a secluded part of the manor, down a spiral staircase that led to a heavy oak door carved with intricate runes. Celeste pushed it open, revealing a circular room lit by flickering torches. The walls were lined with shelves of ancient books and strange artifacts, but the centerpiece was a large stone altar in the middle, covered in glowing runes that pulsed with a soft, golden light. A plush velvet cushion sat atop the altar, and Hermione tried very hard not to think about what it was for.
"Bloody hell," Harry muttered, his eyes wide as he took in the room. "This place is… intense."
"Isn't it marvelous?" Celeste said, practically bouncing with excitement. "This chamber was designed for powerful magic, and it's perfect for what we're about to do. The runes are already charged with the ley lines around here, but they'll need your magic, Miss Granger, to keep them stable during the ritual."
Hermione's academic side kicked in despite herself, and she stepped closer to the altar, studying the runes. "These are… ancient. I recognize some of them from my studies, but others are completely foreign. What do they do, exactly?"
Celeste's smile turned approving. "Oh, you're going to be fun to work with. The runes are a mix of old Celtic and demonic sigils, designed to amplify magical energy and channel it into a specific purpose. In this case, they'll focus Master Harry's soul energy, strengthening it while weakening the Horcrux. Your job is to keep them active, feeding them a steady stream of your magic. Think of it like… powering a magical circuit."
Hermione nodded, her curiosity overriding her discomfort for the moment. "And the spells? What do I need to cast?"
Celeste moved to a nearby shelf, pulling down a dusty tome and flipping it open. "It's less about specific spells and more about intent. You'll be chanting a series of incantations to guide the energy. I'll show you the words—they're in an old dialect, but you're a quick study, I'm sure. The key is to keep your focus on Master Harry's soul, on strengthening him. The runes will do the rest."
Hermione took the book, her fingers brushing against the worn leather. "This is… fascinating. I've never seen magic like this before. It's almost like a blend of Arithmancy and ancient runes, but with a… a primal edge."
"Primal's the right word," Celeste said with a grin. "This is raw, unfiltered magic. The kind that comes from the deepest parts of us—desire, love, life itself. You'll see, Miss Granger. It's powerful stuff."
Harry coughed, clearly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking. "So, uh, what do we do now?"
Celeste's grin turned wicked. "Now, Master, we get ready." Without a hint of hesitation, she reached behind her and untied her apron, letting it fall to the floor. Then, slowly and sensuously, she unzipped her dress and let it slide down her body, revealing nothing but smooth, pale skin underneath. No underwear, no bra—just Celeste, completely naked and utterly unashamed.
Harry's eyes nearly popped out of his head, and Hermione let out a strangled gasp, her face burning as she tried to look anywhere but at Celeste. The succubus was breathtaking, her curves perfect, her skin flawless, and her crimson hair cascading over her shoulders now that it was free from its bun. The love bites Harry had left on her neck and chest stood out starkly against her pale skin, and Hermione couldn't help but notice how they seemed to enhance her beauty rather than detract from it.
"Merlin's beard," Harry muttered, his voice hoarse. He glanced at Hermione, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and embarrassment, and she returned the look, her own expression a mix of mortification and reluctant fascination.
Celeste stretched languidly, her body moving in a way that was almost hypnotic. "Don't be shy, you two. This is all part of the ritual. We need to be open, vulnerable, and connected. No barriers, no shame." She beckoned to Harry, her voice dropping to a sultry purr. "You were so good last night and this morning, Master. You claimed me thoroughly. Now it's time to take it further. Come here, Master. Let's get you ready."
Harry hesitated, glancing at Hermione again. She just gave him a small, helpless shrug, her face still red. "Just… do what you have to do, Harry. I'll… I'll focus on the runes."
He nodded, swallowing hard, and took a tentative step toward Celeste. She met him halfway, her hands already reaching for his shirt. "That's it, Master," she murmured, her fingers deftly unbuttoning his shirt and sliding it off his shoulders. "Let's get you out of these clothes. They're just in the way."
Hermione turned away, her eyes fixed on the rune-covered altar, but she could still hear the rustle of fabric as Celeste undressed Harry. Her cheeks burned, and she mentally cursed Celeste for putting her in this position. Of all the ridiculous, embarrassing situations she'd been in, this had to take the cake. She tried to focus on the runes, tracing their patterns with her eyes, but the sounds of Celeste's soft laughter and Harry's labored breathing were impossible to ignore.
"Miss Granger," Celeste called, her voice teasing. "You don't have to look away. It's just a body, after all. We're all friends here, aren't we? The ritual needs you to be at ease, to let the magic flow freely. No tension, no shame."
Hermione gritted her teeth, keeping her gaze firmly on the altar. "I'm fine, Celeste. Just… just get on with it."
Celeste chuckled, clearly amused. "Oh, you're adorable. But suit yourself. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself curious later." She turned her attention back to Harry, her hands now working on his trousers. "There we go, Master. Much better."
Hermione risked a glance, and she immediately regretted it. Harry was down to his boxers, his lean frame tense but undeniably fit from months on the run. Celeste's hands were on his hips, her body pressed close to his, and the sight made Hermione's stomach twist in a way she didn't want to think too deeply about. She quickly looked away again, focusing on the tome in her hands, her fingers gripping it tightly.
"Alright," Celeste said, her voice all business now. "Let's talk about how this is going to work. Master Harry, you and I are going to make love on the altar. Exactly like this morning. The runes will amplify our combined energy, and Miss Granger will channel her magic to keep them stable. The goal is to flood your soul with pure, positive energy—pleasure, love, life. That energy will strengthen your soul and weaken the Horcrux, making it easier to expel."
Harry nodded, though he looked like he was trying very hard not to think too much about what they'd done a few hours ago, no matter how pleasant a memory it was.
"And… what exactly do we do? I mean, besides the… obvious."
Celeste's smile was downright wicked. "Oh, Master, it's all about the obvious. We're going to fuck, long and hard, letting our bodies and magic merge. I'll guide you through it, don't worry. You just need to let go, give in to the pleasure, let it consume you. The more intense it is, the better it works. We'll start slow, build up the energy, and then… well, let's just say it's going to be a wild ride."
Hermione groaned, her head dropping into her hands again. "Merlin, Celeste, do you have to be so blunt?"
"Blunt?" Celeste laughed, her hands still on Harry's hips and her naked front pressed against his bare chest. "I'm being honest, Miss Granger. This is sex magic, not a tea party. It's raw, it's primal, it's real. You'll be chanting the incantations, keeping the runes active, while Master Harry and I get down and dirty on this altar. The more pleasure we generate, the stronger the magic. It's simple, really."
"Simple," Hermione muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Right. Just… tell me the incantations."
Celeste handed her a slip of parchment from the tome, the words written in a flowing, ancient script. "Here. Start with these. They're phonetic, so just sound them out. Focus on Master Harry, on his soul, on making him strong. The runes will glow brighter as the magic builds, so you'll know it's working."
Hermione took the parchment, her eyes scanning the words. They were strange, unfamiliar, but she could feel the power in them, like a hum in the back of her mind. Her academic side was intrigued, despite the mortifying context. "And… how long does this take? The ritual, I mean."
Celeste shrugged, her breasts bouncing slightly with the motion. "As long as it takes, darling. Could be an hour, could be longer. Depends on how… enthusiastic Master Harry is." She winked at Harry, who looked like he wanted to sink through the floor.
"Great," Hermione said, her voice flat. "Just great."
Celeste clapped her hands, her excitement palpable. "Alright, enough talk. Master Harry, up on the altar. Miss Granger, take your place at the head of the altar and start chanting when I tell you. Let's get this party started."
Harry climbed onto the altar, his movements stiff and awkward, while Hermione took her position, clutching the parchment like a lifeline. She kept her eyes on the runes, trying to ignore the fact that Celeste was now climbing onto the altar with Harry, her naked body practically glowing in the torchlight.
"Ready, Master?" Celeste murmured, her hands sliding up Harry's chest as she straddled him.
Harry nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "Yeah. Let's… let's do this."
Hermione started chanting, her voice shaky at first but growing steadier as she focused on the words. The runes began to glow brighter, their golden light pulsing in time with her voice. She could feel the magic building, a warm, tingling sensation that spread through her body. It was powerful, intoxicating, and she had to admit, despite everything, it was fascinating.
Celeste leaned down, her lips brushing Harry's as she whispered something too soft for Hermione to hear. Harry's hands moved to her hips, hesitant at first but growing bolder as Celeste pressed herself closer. The air in the room grew thick, charged with raw, sexual energy, and Celeste began to pepper his neck with large, openmouthed kisses as Harry stroked her curves.
Hermione tried not to look, but it was impossible to completely ignore what was happening. Celeste's movements were slow and her body was moving with a grace that was almost otherworldly. Harry's breathing grew heavier, his hands caressing her perky rear, and Hermione felt a flush of heat that had nothing to do with the magic.
Focus, Hermione, she told herself, her eyes snapping back to the runes. This is for Harry. For the Horcrux. Just focus.
But Celeste's voice broke through her thoughts, low and sultry. "That's it, Master. Let go. Let the pleasure take you. Feel me, feel the magic. It's about to start."
Hermione clutched the parchment tightly, her cheeks burning, but she forced herself to calm down. She needed to remain in control of her wits. The moment she uttered the first syllable, the runes glowed brightly, the magic surging inside the chamber, and she could feel the wheels getting set in motion, feel the power building around her. It was unlike anything she'd ever experienced, and despite her embarrassment, she couldn't help but be drawn in by the sheer intensity of it.
This was going to be a long ritual.
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