"An Unexpected Proposal"

Hermione's eyes widened as Bellatrix's words hung in the air, the tension in the room thickening like a palpable fog. She felt Ron and Harry's gazes on her, their faces set in concerned expressions. But before she could respond to Bellatrix, Snape's voice cut through the silence, his tone low and measured. "Miss Granger, I believe it's time we discussed the... specifics of our proposal. You see, we believe that your unique skills and perspectives would be invaluable to our quest, but we also believe that a certain... intimacy would be beneficial to our partnership." Lucius leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a smooth, practiced charm. "Yes, Hermione, we believe that a close relationship between us would facilitate a deeper understanding and trust. One that would allow us to share our knowledge and resources more freely." Hermione's mind reeled as she processed their words. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her. She glanced at Ron and Harry, who looked like they'd been similarly blindsided. "What are you suggesting?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, but it trembled slightly. Snape's eyes locked onto hers, his expression intense. "We are suggesting, Miss Granger, that you enter into a... polyamorous relationship with us. A relationship that would involve the three of us, working together, sharing our knowledge and resources, and supporting each other in our quest to stop the Dark Lord." Lucius smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We believe that this arrangement would be mutually beneficial, Hermione. We would offer you our guidance, expertise, and protection, and in return, you would share your insights, skills, and... affection with us." Hermione felt like she'd been transported to a different world, one where the rules of reality no longer applied. She looked at Snape, then Lucius, trying to read their expressions, but they seemed completely serious. "Bellatrix, what do you have to do with this?" she asked, trying to deflect the conversation, but Bellatrix just smiled, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Oh, I have everything to do with this, Hermione. You see, the Dark Lord has plans for you, plans that involve your... unique gifts. And we believe that by working together, we can not only stop him but also bring about a new era of peace and prosperity to the wizarding world." The room seemed to spin around her, the air thick with an almost palpable sense of possibility. Hermione felt like she was standing at the edge of a precipice, staring into an unknown abyss. She glanced at Ron and Harry, who looked like they were struggling to process what was happening. "What do you say, Hermione?" Lucius asked, his voice low and persuasive. "Will you join us, be a part of this... arrangement?" Hermione hesitated, unsure of what to do, but as she looked at Snape and Lucius, she saw something in their eyes, something that made her heart skip a beat. It was a glimmer of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, this was the key to stopping the Dark Lord and saving the wizarding world. But at what cost?