A/N: Ladyfun: Thank you for the responses, so far!
TiAdoro914: Very excited to share the second chapter, thanks for all those who have shown interest.
CHAPTER 2: Friendships Formed
Almost two weeks had passed, with an effortless friendship blossoming between Narcissa and her two younger colleagues.
The junior professors, a constant source of amusement for the former Lady of the Manor, came to the appreciation that underneath her ice-cold exterior of the past, today, the Narcissa they reconnected with was a woman who was beautiful, gentle, and genuinely
caring. Underneath her previous public façade, a much softer interior existed; a woman who often laughed unexpectedly, amused by Hermione's rants and Gaby's dirty and inappropriate jokes.
This particular evening, as with the majority of their evenings, the trio found themselves hunkered down, in Narcissa quarters. Hers became the default choice, as she had the largest domicile for their evenings of ostensibly "preparing lesson plans for
the week" which generally deteriorated into the three of them tipsy and laughing about decidedly non-academic topics.
"Merlin's beard! You actually hit my son? " Narcissa howled, in amusement. "With your actual fist?"
"This one, right here." Hermione demonstrated, balling up her right hand to display the referenced fist, the witch a tad wobbly.
Gaby, having positioned herself in Hermione's lap, laughed. The Magical Creatures professor spluttered out her usual drunken Franglais. "Mais alors, 'ermione, don't you know violence iz not zee answer, vous bagarreur embaumé?" Gaby snorted.
"Oh, violence is always the answer." Narcissa replied, a teasing lilt in her voice. She lifted the wine glass to her lips, punctuating her sentiment.
"Wow. Spoken like a true Slythern." Hermione retorted, pointedly.
Narcissa allowed a cool smile to slide across her face. "No," She corrected, "spoken like a woman interested in job security," the healer grinned. "Violence...it's good for business."
The three laughed, Gaby nearly spitting wine on Hermione's cheek. Nonplussed, the french witch asked, "Oh! Zat reminds me! Whatever 'appened to zat younger 3rd year Bullistode girl, who I sent to you wiz zee bloody nose?" Gaby wondered. "Qu'est
que c'est? What waz zat all about?"
Narcissa raised her chin, haughtily. "That would be a violation of healer/patient confidentiality, Professor Delacour," Narcissa replied with a faux offended tone.
She was immediately pelted by sofa pillows by both Gaby and Hermione.
"Ferme la bouche, Healer Black! Spit eet out!"
"Agreed!" Hermione said, taking another drink of Narcissa's expensive wine. "Out with it, Healer Black! What did happen? I coincidentally had a third year girl in transfiguration that also had a bloody nose, but dismissed any questions, and she
rather sullenly refused to go see you. I decided to pick my battles, and I just spelled a cold pack and she sat through Transfiguration class, pouting." Hermione added.
Narcissa took a thoughtful drink of wine, and spoke. "What do you conclude... happened?"
Gaby melodramatically threw her arms up into the air, nearly hitting Hermione's nose. "Sans blague! I don't know! Zat iz why I'm asking, crazy lady!" Gaby huffed. Hermione gently slid the tipsy frenchwoman off her lap, and on to her own cushion of the
couch, without her noticing she had been displaced.
Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Hormones….children….hormones and children. Am I clear?"
"Oh, Bloody hell," Hermione groaned. "let me guess. A boy?"
"None other than Gregory Goyle's younger brother, Ernest." Narcissa grimaced. "It was the proverbial girl fight."
"Over zat toad?" Gaby said incredulously. "You must be keeding me! Zat boy makes my eyes 'urt, just to look at 'is pathetic face!"
"Wow, that's harsh…even for you, Gabs." Hermione chuckled.
"Vat? Iz it not true, zen?"
Narcissa chucked. "Well, it's not…untrue. He is rather, um, aesthetically challenged, I suppose." She took a reflective drink of her wine, and spoke matter of factly. "But then again, not everyone is graced with your Veela good looks, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle huffed. "Pleeze. Give me ze break, Cissy! I zink you, Madame, are actually Veela, wiz your looks, oui? I zink ze Black family tree must have deviated somewhere in France, oui?" She waggled her eyebrows, for emphasis. "Fact: I'd do you,
and I'm not even ze gay!"
Narcissa's eyes widened.
Gaby winked. "And stop being so stingy with ze beverage, non?" She added, holding out her empty glass.
The younger blonde grinned, clearly pleased with herself, as a silent Narcissa refilled her glass. The boisterous girl looked to her Gryffindor colleague for solidarity, winking. "Well, GG, am I wrong?" She asked Hermione, for clarification. Gaby
began pointing at Narcissa for emphasis, just in case Hermione hadn't "gotten it," the first time.
Hermione mused to herself, it would be easy to consider Gabrielle Delacour a pig...were she not so damn sweet, and loyal. Hermione smiled back at the Frenchwoman, indicating for her to stop pointing at the embarrassed Narcissa.
"Well? 'ermione, look at zat ass! Can you believe she's, like, 80 years old... and had a child?"
Merlin's Beard, she is definitely is a pig. Hermione confirmed silently.
The Pureblood's perfectly-tweezed eyebrows arched. "Normally...I would take offense to that statement, but I realize the education system in France is far inferior to Britain's, and that your math skills are not up to snuff."
Hermione's eyes widened, then the Golden Girl attempted to temper the discussion, while remaining neutral. "Well, Gaby, er...no, you're not wrong, I suppose. Although…I haven't really considered Narcissa's …um, shagability quotient, before."
Both blondes swiveled their heads to look at Hermione, incrediculiously, forgetting the previous discussion altogether. "Mon Dieu!" Gaby blurted out. "Shagability quotient? Only you, GG, could reduce sex appeal to arithmancy, for Merlin's
sake! Must you make everyzing so scientific?" She asked, huffing.
"You do have a real knack for that, dear." Narcissa agreed.
"Exactement!" Gaby said, clinking her glass against her fellow blonde's.
"Oh, bloody hell, you...blondes...you!" Hermione stuttered, in her own defense. "I'm going to recuse my scientific arse, now, and go use the loo."
Hermione extricated herself from the probable embarrassment that would likely ensue if she stuck around, and headed off to freshen up in the restroom. As she finished up, she couldn't help but to chuckle to herself, as she listened to bits and pieces
of Gaby's passionate arguing with the generally proper Narcissa.
Heading back to the living room, she blushed as she heard the off-color topic of conversation.
"Non! Zat is not correct! Younger men 'ave no clue what to do wiz their moutz in a woman's center, Narcissa!"
"I disagree! You cannot generalize like that, Gabrielle. It is person to person dependent."
Gaby shook her head, in disagreement, clearly tipsy.
Narcissa paused. "Well," she offered, "Let me put it another way, my French harlot….consider this. There are plenty of older, so called "experienced" men that still have no clue what to do with their…"moutz," as you like to say." She took a long
meaningful drink of wine, while looking at Gaby. "Trust me, I speak from…experience."
Gaby let out a cackle. "Mère de l'enfer! Are you telling me, after sixty years, Monsieur Malfoy never got ze 'ang of eet?" Gaby melodramatically slapped her forehead. "Mon Dieu! Zat iz like…'ell on Eartz!"
Narcissa snorted, indignantly. "Actually, Gaby, try twenty-one years. Hardly sixty. And secondly, to answer your eloquent speculation, why, yes. It was hell on Earth."
She let out a wry chuckle, as she stood to go uncork another bottle, winking at the returning Gryffindor, who had turned red as a tomato, listening to their randy discussions. Gaby patted the seat next to her, a tad too enthusiastically for Hermione's
liking, while flashing an evil grin. "La bas, here, Mademoiselle Granger!"
"Hmmm. I'm actually thinking I should sit a little further away from you two…like down the hall. Or in the library, perhaps."
She could hear Narcissa chuckling in the kitchen.
"Oh, mais non, 'ermione. Not so fast! Settle our argument, zen. Who do you zink sucks at Dévorant sur la minet? Ze older men, or ze younger ones?"
Hermione blushed, even deeper. "Well, um, that's an interesting question, Gaby. If I remember my French correctly, I assume you asked me, who is worse at performing fellatio on a woman's genitalia comparing older versus younger males?"
Gaby rolled her eyes. "Granger, fucking 'ell! How can you take all ze sex out of ….sex? Eet iz incredible!"
"It really is!" Yelled Cissy, from the depths of the kitchen.
Gaby raised her hand, in acknowledgement towards the kitchen. "See?"
"Well, it's good you two finally agree on something, then, I suppose." Hermione chuckled nervously.
"Non, non, non!" Waggled Gaby's finger. "You don't get to escape, 'ermione! Answer ze question!"
Hermione became thoughtful, looking as though she was considering complex theory from Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration and not Gaby's drunken musings on sex. Finally, Hermione offered a measured, "Well,
I suppose the older male has the advantage of experience, whereas the younger one has the advantage of enthusiasm. Conversely, the opposite axiom is true, in considering their weaknesses towards the endeavor, one would surmise. Confounding
the argument further, I would have to say, that it comes down to the individual themselves, and cannot be an answer that is generalizable to a population as a whole."
Gaby looked as though she was going to fall asleep.
Narcissa returned, a cheese and cracker tray in hand, with their third bottle of uncorked wine. "Well, congratulations, Hermione. That has to be the longest non-answer I've ever heard, in my life. "
"Mon cul!" Gaby uttered, looking more awake at the prospect of a fresh bottle of wine. "I zought eet waz just me."
"No, that was a distinctly non-answer answer, Gabrielle." Narcissa confirmed.
"So?" Gaby demanded. "What do YOU zink GG? Who iz better or worse, in your actual opinion?"
Hermione answered quietly, "Oh, well...I guess I don't really have an opinion, Gaby."
"What?" Gaby asked, stunned. "You 'ave an opinion about everyzing, Golden Girl! You 'ave argued wiz me about ze actual 'istory of ze Veela, for Merlin's sakes!"
Hermione grinned at her apoplectic friend. "Well, in that particular instance, Gaby, you were actually wrong."
Gaby let out a melodramatic gasp. She turned to Narcissa. "Next she will be telling you how to be ze stuck up Pure-Bred!"
"Pure-Blood." Narcissa corrected, amused.
"Mais oui, zank you. Pure-Baked." Gaby corrected.
Hermione huffed. "I would only correct her, if Narcissa was wrong about the facts, Gaby."
"Whatever, GG. On topic. What is your opinion, zen? Why do you not 'ave a point to argue, for once."
"Well, I guess because I have no basis of opinion with which to argue, I supposed. I've no idea who is better or worse."
"What?" The two witches said, simultaneously, staring at Hermione in disbelief.
Hermione looked a little defensive. "What, what, you two? So I've never done that…so what? Not everyone has been married for sixty years," she said, gesturing at Narcissa, "or is some French siren slut who men rip their eyeballs out to do that particular….activity,
with. I'm just….me. I have no opinion, one way or another." She took a calming drink of wine, arching her eyebrows at Narcissa then Gaby. "Happy, now?"
Narcissa chuckled, and leaned over, pushing closed the agape mouth of Gabrielle Delacour. Once she closed the younger witch's gaping jowels, the older witch responded, "I take offense to the sixty year comment, Miss Granger! Again, it was twenty-one
years." She said, a twinkle in her eye.
Gaby was not "twinkling", however.
Rather, the blonde was glaring at Hermione, instead. "And moi, aussi! I take offenzze to ze fact you labeled me ….a siren!"
Hermione laughed, out loud.
Gaby continued, her umbrage up. "I mean, 'ow dare you? I take great offense to zat!" Gabrielle huffed. "I am Veela, damn it!"
"But you don't take offense to any of the rest of it?" Narcissa clarified, clearly amused.
Gaby waived her hand, nonchalantly. "Of course not, ze remainder waz accurate. But not ze Siren part! I am not a Siren!" She insisted.
Hermione and Narcissa laughed. Narcissa rested her hand on Hermione's wrist, gently.
"I hope we haven't offended you, dear. Have you really ….never….?"
Hermione looked ruefully at Narcissa, shaking her head. "I just have never felt the …need to, I guess."
Gabrielle looked at her incredulously. "Zis is terrible! You mean to tell us, zat you 'ave fought ze dark lord, killed a Basillisk, rode a dragon, and dated Viktor Krum…and you never…."
"I think I was pretty clear, on that topic. I haven't felt all that…intimate….with someone, before."
"Tragique! Zat's all I 'ave to zay on ze matter!" Gaby looked meaningfully at the older woman, next to her. "Narcissa, we 'ave to DO somezink about zis 'orrible situation!"
"Indeed?" Narcissa responded.
Hermione's eyes widened with horror. "No! NO WAY, Delacour!"
"No way, what, 'ermione?"
"There is NO WAY I'm having a three-way, with the two of you! Nope. Not going to happen, not in this lifetime!"
Narcissa spit out her wine, and Gaby started to weep with her ensuing laughter.
"What?" Hermione said, getting irritated.
"Well, eet iz good to know zat option iz…hmm? Off ze proverbial table, comme ca?"
Narcissa leaned over, whispering to Hermione. "I don't think it was actually ever on the table, for what it's worth."
Hermione looked between her two friends, mortified.
Gaby, for her part, merely shrugged. With a wave of her little french hand, she declared, "Meh! Never zay never…one never knows! Alors, vat I meant to zay, waz zis: we need to get some, ze three of us, n'est-ce pas?" The French Veela grinned
lewdly at her two friends. Gaby proposed meaningfully, "It's been too long, mes amie! Too long my friends… and in 'ermione's case, even longer, nearing crisis! I am proposing zis: We must get some, 'ow do zey zay 'ere, some of… ze ass!"
"Hear, hear!" Narcissa agreed, raising her glass to toast.
XOXOXOXOXOX
The next day, the three woke up, with heads in varying degrees of pain, in their respective quarters.
After taking a hangover remedy and a pepper-up potion that Narcissa had provided the night before, Hermione knew she had to get ready for the day. Her students needed her, and today would be tough as her fourth-years were going to start attempting their
own transfigurations in class. She chuckled as she recalled her own first transfiguration drama and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Upon arrival, she giggled when she met Gaby, sunglasses covering her eye, despite the Great Hall's ceiling projecting a rather cloudy day. Equally entertaining was Narcissa, of course, looking beautiful as ever, who was insisting the younger witch drink
another hangover remedy.
At Hermione's appearance, Narcissa grinned. "Good morning my fellow wine aficionado."
"Hardly an aficionado...we just like your expensive wines, Cissy!" Hermione said, playfully.
Gaby could only grunt, as the witches heard her mumble, "too much of zee talky-talk peopzes."
After the conclusion of their meal, while the bell began to ring, Gaby, (who had finally perked up a bit after some solid foods and realizing she had to go teach shortly), asked her friends if they could meet again tonight. She announced her big sister
was coming for a visit, and she was looking forward to seeing Hermione. Gaby quickly added she wanted Cissy to meet her officially, because the last time, well, it didn't go so well.
"Fleur is coming?" Hermione questioned.
"Oui, my sexy older sister will grace us with her prezence tonight! I never 'ave much notize az to when she vil appear, so tonight zee four of us must get togezer. She is looking forward to seeing you again 'ermione, since she mizzed you on 'er previous
visits to 'ogwarts, regrettably."
"That sounds lovely Gabrielle. So, dinner in my quarters again I presume?" Narcissa inquired.
Without hesitation, Gaby stated, "Of courze. Zere's more wine, c'est-vrai?"
"Miraculously, yes, there is some left after the French invasion last night," Narcissa chuckled. "See you all for dinner."
As Hermione made her way to class, she realized it had been quite some time since she had last seen Fleur. After making quite an impression on her during their fourth-year, she saw her again at her wedding to William, and of course at Shell Cottage. The
marriage between the blonde and William, however, was not destined to last, as she heard from Ginny that William had found someone else after the war ended. They came to the realization that, while they had a mutual affection for one another, a lifelong
commitment was not in their cards. Fleur had taken it relatively well, from what Ginny had said; hearing about her escapades from Gaby, in her position as an Auror, partnered with Tonks no less. It seemed like Fleur had finally come into her own.
She realized she was looking forward to reconnecting with Fleur, as she walked into her classroom to start her day.
XOXOXOXO
"Fleur! You are 'ere!" Gaby yelled, as she threw herself into the arms of her big sister. "Oh, ma soeur aînée! I'm zo very 'appy to zee you again, I feel like itz been forever!"
Fleur laughed at the sight of her once adorable, now stunning, little sister. As always, Gabrielle was as cute as ever to her big sis, peppering kisses all over her face, and petulantly reminding her it had been three long months since their last
visit.
"Too long! Three montz... ça assure pas, Fleur, zats too long when it comes to zeeing my Fleur! We 'ave so much to catch up on! 'ow waz your last mission? Tonks iz...well, I prezume? 'ow are you feeling? How long are you staying? Oh, and zat reminds me...Fleur,
you are staying witz me, in my quarters, tu comprende?"
Fleur's head was spinning with the rapid fire attack of her sisters verbal assault.
Gaby pressed on, unfazed by her sister's entertained look. "Of course, you understand, you silly sister! Because I refuze to let you out of my sight, while you are 'ere!" Gaby, after managing to get that all out in one breath, stopped finally,
and smiled at Fleur.
"Yes, mon petit, I will be staying with you." Fleur acknowledged, with a grin. "Az for 'ow long, mais alors, I'm not sure at zis moment. I do need to get back to my flat in London, at some point, but I confess...I 'ave missed you, too, my Gaby!
I could use a break after the intensity of ze last mission."
"Well zen! Come, Chère Soeur, let'z get you settled, before I 'ave to 'ead down to my last class of ze day!" Gaby let out a beaming smile, excited. "We will be 'aving dinner, witz my two dearest amis tonight, and 'appily the wine will be tres délicieux,
too!"
After showing Fleur her quarters, Gabrielle took some time to update Fleur on her work with Magical Creatures, and some of the funny anticidotes she had collected, so far. She then launched into the disclosure regarding her and Hermione's new friend,
Narcissa Black. Fleur had been initially shocked to hear at the start of term that Narcissa was the Healer at Hogwarts; the last she had heard of her was that Lucius had passed away shortly after the war ended, and she was rebuilding her life,
amidst some suspicions of the public. Even though she and Tonks were quite close as Auror partners, they rarely spoken of either of her aunts. The protective big sister in Fleur thought the friendship between Gabrielle and Madame Black sounded a little,
well, bizarre...but seeing as how Gaby spoke of her animatedly, and always with a huge smile on her face, she would not pass judgment until they met.
Well... met formally, anyway, without Death Eaters as accessories, that is.
XOXOXOXO
Fleur busied herself with unpacking taking some time to dive into her latest novel, until the conclusion of her sister's classes. Gaby appeared, late in the afternoon, a little ray of sunshine at the door.
"Bon après-midi, Fleur! Are you feeling settled, now? Ready to go to dinner, and more importantly, are you ready for some of Narcissa's délicieux wine, as well?" Gabby giggled at her big sister.
"Oui, off we go," agreed Fleur, grabbing Gaby's arm, letting her lead the way.
Gaby, being Gaby, busted straight into Narcissa's quarters, without a solitary knock, shouting sweetly. "'allo? Cissy, we are here! Have any wine?"
The sounds of chuckling preceeded the appearance of the perfectly coiffed older blonde witch. Narcissa was used to Gaby's boisterous enterances, but they still entertained her, as she came around the corner to greet her guests.
She extended a hand. "Well, hello, Fleur. It's been a long time." She held Fleur's hand tightly. "I'm so pleased... to, well, I hope officially, meet you today. Your Gaby speaks of you, non-stop, and I'm thrilled to have you here," she stated quietly
as she passed Gaby a wink.
"Bonne soirée, Narcissa, zank you for 'aving us!" Fleur said, simply. "Gaby 'as spoken of you, in 'igh regard. Tonight, I'm looking forward to…well, getting acquainted," the Veela acknowledged.
Gaby made a beeline, directly toward the kitchenette in pursuit of her favorite wine. At that moment, Hermione quietly appeared in the doorway, that had remained open. Peering in, she saw two blondes speaking to each other, down the hallway. Interested,
she entered through the threshold, her movement causing Fleur to turn her head towards her, their gaze meeting for the first time in many years.
Fleur smiled.
As the Frenchwoman smiled in her direction, Hermione felt like the world stopped turning, in that one little moment. Fleur, it seemed, was also feeling something as well; it was as though she was rooted in place, her eyes unable to break contact
with Hermione's gaze. Narcissa intuitively broke the silence by gracefully walking up to Hermione, and putting her hand on her shoulder.
"Hello, Hermione, my dear! Would you like some wine?" Narcissa, ever the hostess, asked. "With the caveat, if there is any left... I know Gaby already ran off to the kitchen to pour herself what I'm sure was a... generous helping."
Mercifully, the silence was broken, and the three women laughed.
Narcissa, her hand protectively on Hermione's back, gently ushered her off to find Gaby. The group entered the kitchenette, and Narcissa found her way to Gaby, who appeared well into her second glass. Fleur hung back, taking the opportunity to softly
touch Hermione's hand, whispering, "Ah...'ello, 'ermione. It'z so good to see you... itz been too long." Fleur's eyes took her in. She found herself honestly admitting, "You look, ah...you look beautiful, ma belle."
Hermione cheeks felt hot, suddenly. "It's so good to see you too, Fleur, it really is! I...um. I'm sorry to hear about the...about your breakup, with William." Hermione felt awkward, but felt it was the right thing to acknowledge the change.
"Zank you, ma belle. I am doing very well." Fleur let out a wry laugh. "I guess 'sisters-in-law' waz never meant to be, for us, oui? Gaby mentioned you and Ronald did not last, eizer."
Dinner was to be served shortly, and the four women made their way to Narcissa's living room with full glasses of wine in tow. They settled into the couch, Fleur sitting with her sister tucked closely in her side, and across from them Hermione sat close
to Narcissa. As the four women began to chat, they fell into easy banter. As typical, Gaby was cracking jokes that had them in tears at one point; Hermione kept sneaking glances at Fleur.
What is it about her? Hermione mused. I realize I've not seen her in some time, but wow... Fleur looks beautiful.
Fleur, for her part, with her sister cuddled up next to her, found her eyes sparkled, as they dared to capture Hermione's from time to time as well.
Narcissa spoke with Fleur, interested about her job as an Auror; Fleur explained that while her heart was always fond of curse breaking, following the war and the ending of her marriage she realized that working for the Ministry was just the type of challenge
she wanted. She detailed to the older witch how over the course of a few years, she had partnered with Tonks. She realized the metamorphagus was unique, with her unpredictable style, her fierce intelligence, and her fighting abilities matched Fleur's
more refined approach, quite well. They had blended together as a tough, quick, and daring pair.
"Ahhh," Narcissa interjected in realization. "You are the french woman my niece, Nymphadora, has spoken of!"
"Oui, zat iz me," Fleur smiled and further explained her life to the group. Her and Tonks dove into whatever case they were assigned, despite the work being difficult at times. Fleur acknowledged, modestly, that their jobs had become quite dangerous as
they were sent out all over the world to 'right the wrongs, save wizards and muggles alike, and work with the International wizarding community' propaganda, yes, but it was rewarding to know they were making a difference, Fleur felt.
Narcissa was fascinated. She was deeply interested in learning more about her "little Gaby's" sister, and her niece, Nymphadora. Narcissa, after some time, finally pressed. "Fleur, how is that lovely niece of mine? Can you tell me a bit more about Nymphadora?"
"Oh, Tonks!" Fleur grinned. "Tonks iz wonderful, bien sur. We are a formidable pair, at least zo we've been told," stated Fleur. "She and Remus are zo in love, and zeir little Teddy is quite ze 'andful for botz of zem, and Andromeda."
Narcissa, looking off for a moment, thought of her sister, Andromeda. The youngest Black realized how blessed she felt, that they were finally forging a tentative friendship again, after being estranged for so many years. While they were not yet as close
as Narcissa had hoped, the fact that they were friends again- at all- was more than she could have dreamed.
Smiling, with thoughts of Andromeda and Nymphadora on her mind, Narcissa pressed. "So, how often are you settled in one place? Do you travel all the time, Fleur?" She frowned, briefly, asking, "How is that... for Nymphadora and Remus, to be separated
so often?"
Fleur proceeded to explain that their lives tended to be rather unpredictable for the past few years, honestly. Fleur admitted she knew Tonks and Remus were looking to settle into something "more regular" soon, and as a result, she knew was going to have
some big decisions to make about her own future as well.
The French witch lightened the mood, unleashing a dazzling smile, and said she was just grateful for the small break she was on now. Fleur said she wanted to spend some quality time with her family, whom she had only seen intermittently for the past few
years. She knew she could be sent out on another case at any given moment, but Kingsley had assured her and Tonks, both, that he would give them as much of a rest as possible- this time.
Chuckling again, Fleur said in a conspiratorial manner, "Oh, and Narcissa...s'il vous plait, if I may, eet might be advisable to suggest, uh...never, ever, ever call Tonks "Nymphadora", again. I swear, zat woman will just feel you
zinking zee name, and hex you for your audacity!" Fleur playfully winked at Narcissa, and stated, "eet iz just a suggestion, my friend."
The women all laughed at Fleur's careful warning.
Dinner was served, and this time, Fleur took the lead. She asked her three companions about their lives as professors, and healers at Hogwarts, respectively. As the three exchanged stories of their students, and of Narcissa having to heal so many hurt
during those "devious and vicious" Quidditch matches, Fleur found the passion and enjoyment of the three women evident.
She was slowly coming around to the idea that Narcissa was actually quite a wonderful woman.
Narcissa seemed, to Fleur, to be kind, graceful, and earnest. Most importantly, she seemed enamored with her Gaby, as evidenced by the easy teasing and affection between the two.
Fleur corrected herself. It was actually the three women, and their affection struck her. Their banter and caring for one another was unexpected. The Veela found herself thinking how grateful she was that Gaby had found two such wonderful friends,
to keep her safe and happy at Hogwarts. Now, with Gaby settled, in that sense, Fleur turned inward, thinking her sister's romantic situation. If only she could find someone to love her, Fleur thought. Love like the way she saw love, and utter dedication, between Tonks and Remus.
If she had that, Fleur thought, it would help her big sister feel better about her Gaby, whose heart had been broken only a few short years ago. Broken, by that man who should never appear before Fleur in his life-unless he wanted to be hexed within
an inch of his stupid Christian Louboutin shoes.
"Gaby," Fleur asked, "any luck finding zome love and romance, while 'ere, teaching zese rowdy students?"
"Fleur! You know 'ow incredibly beautiful and enthralling I am, right? I can barely fend off both ze witches and ze wizards alike, who are continually throwing zemselves at me, night and day! Including zees two, zeesh!" Gaby laughed and
pointed at Hermione and Narcissa.
Narcissa chuckled at Gaby, now used to her bawdy sense of humor. The pure-blood replied quickly, "You wish, my little French vixen, you wish!"
But Hermione felt her eyes immediately drawn to Fleur, hoping that she realized that Gaby was only joking.
The conversation then turned to the fact that at the moment, all four beauties found themselves quite single. Narcissa, being the well-read pureblood that she was, took this opportunity to ask the Veela a little more, about their secretive culture.
"So, is it safe to say, that neither of you have found...what do you label it? A mate?" She inquired, frankly. "Forgive me for being so forward, but the Veela community has always fascinated me."
Fleur and Gaby both paused for a moment, looking at each other and then back to Narcissa.
"Non, no mates for us, and frankly, I don't even believe zat to be true!" Gaby blurted out. "Growing up, we heard stories of 'when a Veela found zeir mate, they were set for life'. But ze mate iz feared, az well...if zey do not reciprocate, zee Veela
will die, wizout ze reciprocation of zat love and devotion. Itz iz so rare to find zat 'one true love', zat I've dedicated myself to trying out az many suitors az possible!" Gaby laughed. Looking more serious, she added, "finding
ze love of a mate is so rare, in fact, zat I don't even zink zat my Maman ever found hers. Even zoe eet waz quite clear our parents did love each ozer immensely."
Fleur, the complete opposite of her boisterous sister, quietly interjected. "Eet would be so lovely, to find a mate; your one true love... but, at zis time..." Fleur paused. "Non, none of zee three of us, 'ave been zat lucky. Ze idea of unending
love iz somezing I've always dreamed of…" Swatting Gaby, she narrowed her eyes on her baby sister, and playfully added, "Alzough I'm not sure who will be left, to consider... if Gaby 'as her way wiz all zose who play on 'er fancy!"
Narcissa took a moment. Somewhat out of character for her, she shared something with the three women, on a topic she had never before spoken.
"While I fancied Lucius when I was young, and at Hogwarts; and while I will be forever grateful to him for giving me Draco... our love was never of the passionate, or all-consuming type. I, myself, have longed for that too, Fleur."
Hermione looked at her stately friend, trying to conceal her shock amidst the revelations. She probed gently, her curiosity getting the better of her. "So, then, Narcissa? Fleur? Neither Lucius or William were your, well... your mates? Your true loves,
then?"
"Non" and "No" were uttered simultaneously.
Gaby, sensing it time for another terrible American pun to break the mood, started crooning a loud rendition of You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling to the chagrin of the other women, who all who protested loudly. For as beautiful as Gaby was, her singing
voice... well that left something to be desired. Finally silencing the off tune witch, the evening continued on until late in the night, until they all turned in to their respective quarters, promising to continue the very next night... with more
wine and festivities in Narcissa's quarters once again.
XOXOXOXOXO
Fleur went to sleep that night, slightly restless.
She had felt something in her gut but was not quite sure how to explain the sensation. As she recalled the events of her evening with Gaby, Narcissa and Hermione, she was so pleased to feel a peace for her little sister. She had grown quite fond of Narcissa
that night as well, much to her surprise and delight.
But, it was Hermione who took up most of the thoughts in Fleur's mind, as she tossed and turned in bed, thinking of the brunette witch.
The beautiful, brunette witch.
Hermione, for her part, was not fairing much better in her quarters, either. She tossed and turned, as well, with thoughts of those captivating blue eyes, and the gentle touches of Fleur's hand, as they caught up. Restless, she finally got up. After pacing
around her quarters, she made a cup of soothing tea, and stared out at the moon, lost in thought. After a time, the brightest witch of her era finally exhausted herself falling into a dreamed-filled sleep.
XOXOXOXOXO
The next day the two professors were quite busy with their students, their classes and keeping an eye on the boisterous bunch getting ready for a rival Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor this upcoming weekend. Narcissa spent the day tending
to two little wizards who had gotten caught up consuming one too many candies from the Weasley boys joke shop and preparing the draughts and potions she would need on hand for the upcoming Quidditch match.
While they were focused on their tasks at hand, Fleur enjoyed a day full of peace she had not seen in quite some time. She walked the grounds of Hogwarts, taking in the beauty of the Castle she remembered from her time here as Triwizard Champion. However
this time, she was able to appreciate the beauty and peace of the Castle as an adult and not a young student focused on staying alive. The lake was stunning as she walked down to sit in quiet reflection. As she sat, enjoying the peace with her novel
in her hand, she felt something stir inside her. Again not knowing what this feeling was, she turned and at that moment her breath caught once again as she saw Hermione making her way down the path toward the lake as well.
"'ermione, 'ello" she smiled brightly at the young witch.
"Fleur! I didn't expect to see you until tonight," she smiled, the smile reaching her eyes, "what a, well, truly lovely surprise." How this woman manages to look gorgeous at every turn is something that continually surprises me, Hermione thought.
Taking a moment, she noticed Fleur's body covered in tight black jeans and a warm cream jumper, her golden hair pulled back in an effortless and soft ponytail. Wow…and wait…when did I ever notice a woman like this before? She stopped herself
mid-thought.
Clearing her throat, Fleur, looking slightly flustered herself said, "'ermione, while I'm delighted to see you, I didn't expect it. Vat are you doing down here at zee lake?" She inquired.
"Oh, well, I had a short break between classes and coming down here on clear days helps me clear my head," she explained.
"Ahhh, I understand ma belle. Water 'elpz me to clear my 'ead as well. Pleaze, join me…"
As Hermione sat, she looked out at the water and smiled, a feeling of peace overcoming her.
"Its really so good to see you Fleur, it's been too long."
The two women proceeded to talk, and talk some more, enjoying the beauty of their surroundings and the peace they found in each other's company.
The time passed quickly for the two witches, who were growing increasingly enchanted with one another. Realizing it was time for her to head back to the castle, Hermione slowly began to pull away from her unexpectedly close position to the blonde, "Oh
Fleur, this has been an unexpected treat to spend this time with you," she said shyly. "Unfortunately my students await."
"Of course, ma belle. Itz been delightful, and I very much look forward to seeing you again zis evening."
As both witches stood, Fleur leaned in slowly to Hermione, her eyes traversing the short distance between those luscious brown orbs and her delicious pink lips, and placed two delicate kisses on both of Hermione's cheeks.
A suddenly disoriented Hermione leaned further into Fleur, her hand gently petting the silky blonde hair, muttered into her ear, "Until then."
XOXOXOXOXO
Dinner in Narcissa's quarters was rowdy and delightful for all four witches.
They consumed a healthy amount of Cissy's wine, ate some delicious food, and found themselves in a healthy discussion about the intellectual fortitude of Hogwarts students versus the Beauxbatons ladies. The witches argued, quite passionately, trading
slight jabs between the Veelas and Hogwarts alums. However, three of the witches finally realized the conversation would never end, as Hermione continued to quote line after line from Hogwarts: A History.
The three blondes finally threw up their hands, exasperated and laughing, with the realization Hermione would not stop until the entire book had been recited, end to end.
Gaby decided enough was enough, and she got up, retreating to the kitchenette, determined to find something stronger than the wine she had already consumed. Narcissa, seemingly attuned to the young blonde, got up and followed her, leaving Fleur
and Hermione quietly sitting next to one another.
Fleur broke the silence first.
"'ermione." The Veela breathily whispered, turning to face the brunette.
"Yes, Fleur?" Hermione responded, wondering just how and why the way Fleur had said her name caused an immense amount of pleasure to course through her system.
Staring at those intense blue eyes, Hermione found herself lost in their depths. She felt like she could stare into them for hours. As her thoughts swirled around in her mind, she slowly started to realize that what she was feeling was not like anything
she had ever felt before. Her senses were heightened, her eyes were slightly unfocused, and as she nervously bit on her lip, she was pulled from her daze hearing Fleur continue.
"You look beautiful tonight, ma belle. You 'ave grown into quite a stunning woman, eef I may say so… T'as de beaux yeux, tu sais?" Fleur stated.
Hermione's face flushed. She realized what was happening...this was desire she was feeling. Bloody hell! Desire! For Fleur.
As if on cue, Cissy and Gaby giggling together, returned into the room. Gaby was gently hitting Cissy's shoulder, over some joke the two shared. Fleur looked up, and smiled, seeing the genuine happiness on her sister's face. Everything she had feared
she would find when arriving at Hogwarts had not come to pass, instead, Gaby was happier than ever.
The blondes, carrying with them a platter of delectable desserts, sat back down at the table and continued their rather animated discussion about the latest wizard fashions.
"'ow can robes be sexy?!" Gaby exclaimed passionately. "Zey 'ide everyzing zat iz worth showing! Zee tits are 'idden, ze curves are diminished, ze legs, covered up! Itz a crime, eef you ask me!"
Narcissa chuckled, "Oh little Veela, while yes... robes do cover the 'sexy parts', to which you refer, I believe? But there is something to be said, for being left wondering what delicious bits one will find if they are put in a position to remove them?
Everything must not always been shown so blatantly to be enjoyed."
Popping a strawberry into her mouth, Narcissa continued, "and considering the number of times you have thrown yourself at me, little one, you must find something sexy about robes."
"Mon Dieu, Cissy, fine! You are sexy, for zee old lady zat you are," she giggled. She promptly got up, ready to defend herself for whatever she knew was coming, from her provoking statement. The three women all laughed watching
Gaby, as she raced to hide behind her big sister.
Narcissa, barely containing herself, motioned to Gaby, "Oh, sit down, little one. For you are correct. I'm damn sexy."
Hermione, watching the exchange, suddenly contributed to their conversation rather unexpectedly. "While I agree, robes are not the sexiest... there is nothing like a pair of tight black jeans, that leave little to the imagination."
The room suddenly became quiet, all eyes on the brunette.
After realizing what she had said, she realized that one person... one very beautiful person, who happened to be sitting next to her, was wearing said tight black jeans. Hermione's eyes widened with fear.
A sudden brisk knock on the door immediately changed the mood in the room, and Hermione let out a contained breath, as the attention moved from her statement, instead, to the door.
Cissy headed to the front of her quarters as the three looked. A hushed, and rather swift conversation ensued and Narcissa turned and called for Gaby. She and Minerva quickly explained that one of Gaby's favorite students had found herself on the receiving
end of some harsh words and had fallen apart, asking for 'Professor Delacour', as no one, from her head of house to the Headmistress was able to calm her down.
Gaby, steeling her nerves, asked Narcissa for a quick pepper-up potion, and with that, kissed her sister on the cheek, asking Hermione to accompany Fleur back to her quarters. With a nod and smile, Gaby left. The sudden turn in the evening, coupled with
how late it had suddenly become, had Fleur and Hermione thanking Narcissa again for a lovely night.
"Thank you Cissy," Hermione quietly stated, as she hugged her dear friend. With a smile and nod, the beautiful blonde and brunette headed out, together.
TBC
