SEDUCED BY A VEELA
CHAPTER NINETEEN: TALKING IT OUT
Her mind made up, Fleur relaxed and waited for Hermione to come back to bed.
When she did, no more words were spoken. Fleur kissed her softly and they cuddled as usual. It took a while, but eventually, they fell asleep.
0-0
A week later, Hermione called Harry and asked him to meet her for dinner. Once he saw her, he knew something was very wrong. She seemed lost and couldn't seem to hide her anxiousness. There were dark circle under her eyes and she looked tired and drawn.
It had been a difficult week for her and it was beginning to show and take its toll.
"If we are having dinner by ourselves, something major must have happened," Harry commented quietly after they had ordered dinner.
"You know me too well."
"Did you have a row with Fleur?"
"No, nothing like that. I'd actually prefer that at this point."
Hermione took a sip of her wine for courage and started telling him what had happened. Like a good friend, he listened attentively. Not once did he interrupt or act surprised. Hermione was grateful for that since she wasn't sure she would have been able to finish her tale otherwise. The only interruption was made by their server when he brought their food.
By the time she was done, Harry had refilled her wine goblet twice.
"I don't know what to do, Harry."
"Do you love her?"
"You know better than anyone just how much I do love Fleur."
"Is this really an obstacle?"
"What do you mean by that?" she asked with a frown.
"Would it really be that horrible to do it just once so a child can be created out of the love and devotion you feel for each other?"
"I don't know. It just seems unnatural."
"Is that the real problem? You don't think it's natural?"
"That's part of it, yes."
"I see. Then it's safe to say you haven't made love using a strap-on?"
Both of her eyebrows rose in surprise at his blunt question and she blushed.
"How in bloody hell do you even know about those? Or would I be better off not knowing?"
"I read. I've also seen a couple of movies," he said with a carefree shrug and a sly smile.
"No, we haven't gone that route yet. Besides, it wouldn't be the same and you know it."
"But its close enough and it could get you used to it. I think it's worth a try."
"I don't know, Harry."
"Oh, come on, 'Mione, it wouldn't be the first time."
"What are you talking about now? Of course it would be."
"Did you forget you were me once?"
"That doesn't even count. What's more, I transformed into you, not just a part of you."
"Right you are. But you still grew one and as far as I know, everything went back to normal once the potion wore off. Am I right?" he smirked.
"Of course you're right, you boor!"
Harry laughed at her.
"Then you know what it would feel like. Even though you were me, it was still you all along. What you have to do in order to have a baby with Fleur is almost the same thing. You're still going to make love to her, body and soul. It's just that one body part will be different for a little while. It's not like it's permanent. And from what you explained already, you might just have to do it once."
"I guess," she relented.
"By the way, was it fun being me for a little while? I've never thought to ask any of you."
"Let's just say Gabrielle is one very lucky girl!"
That comment made Harry laugh even harder.
"That's one of the reasons I love you so much, 'Mione. You're so good to my ego!"
"I try."
"Now, let's get back to the issue at hand in all seriousness. Listen to me and listen well. If you love Fleur like I know you do, you will take this into consideration."
"You really think so, Harry? It's not weird to you in the least?"
"Look, babe, we're the only Muggles out of the bunch. I know I'm only half, but I was still raised like one until the age of eleven. However, we left that world behind and became part of the magical one, knowing all along how different it would be. So far, we have dealt with it just fine. It wouldn't be the first time you face a tough challenge and came out on top. I'd say buckle up once more and go with the flow."
"Just like that, huh?"
"I know it won't be easy. And I'm also pretty sure Fleur knows how difficult it is for you as well. But if it is the only way you can have a child with the woman you love, I'd say it's worth considering it."
"If it was the other way around, if it was you instead of me making the decision, what would you do?"
"For Gabrielle, I would do anything because I love her with all of my heart. There wouldn't be much to discuss as long as it made her happy. Hermione, she could ask me to go to the deepest pits of hell and I would, just to see her smile. So I guess you have to decide if you love Fleur enough to do this for her."
Put that way, Hermione suddenly felt like a fool. Did she not love Fleur enough?
Since entering the Wizarding world, she'd had to make one difficult decision after another. Sacrifice after sacrifice. To help Harry, she had taken many risks and done things she wasn't always proud of. During the war, she had killed for the greater good of mankind.
If she had given all of herself for her friends and their world, why wouldn't she do it for Fleur? She had opened her heart to Fleur, and in doing so, she had found the greatest love of her life. Another difficult decision to make, but one she would never regret.
Harry watched her as she thought. He was sure she was breaking everything down and considering the pros and cons of the situation. At least he'd been able to get through to her. He knew something had happened, since Gabrielle had mentioned that Fleur seemed sad and withdrawn. It had never occurred to them that this was the problem. And while it was different, it didn't mean it was bad.
He covered her hand with his and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"Do you want us to go and talk to your mum? Maybe Emma's input will help you out as well. It could be that if she gives you her support you won't feel as guilty making the decision. Other than us, no one else needs to know how your child was conceived."
"You don't think mum will freak out?"
"I think Emma will handle it just fine. And I bet once William finds out that this is the only way he will have a grandchild, he'll be the one to buy you the strap-on so you two can practice!"
"Harry!"
"What?" he asked innocently.
"That wasn't funny at all. Oh, gods, the horrid images that brought on. I would simply die of humiliation if he ever gave me a gift like that."
"Sorry, 'Mione, but it is entirely possible and you know it. Your dad is quite the character."
Hermione shook her head in exasperation.
"Pay the bill while I call mum to let her know we are coming by. She might be sleepy enough not to scream bloody murder when I tell her."
0-0
A few minutes later, they were knocking on the door of the Granger residence. Emma opened the door and smiled warmly at them.
"Darling girl, it is so good to see you again. Although I'm really surprised by the late night visit. This must be really urgent."
"I'm sorry to bother you so late, mum," Hermione apologized as she hugged her tightly.
"Never apologize for coming home, poppet." She turned towards Harry. "Hello, dear. It's good to see you as well."
Harry kissed her cheek dutifully and smiled at her. "It's good to see you, too, Mrs. G. You're looking beautiful as usual."
Emma Granger smiled at the nickname and his praise and stepped aside to let them in.
"I'll go make us some tea," Harry offered once they were in the living room and the women nodded.
"Where's daddy?"
"He's already asleep. He was knackered after a long day at work."
"That's good. It's not that I don't want to see him, but I wanted to speak to you alone."
"Oh oh, what happened now? The last time you wanted to speak to me alone the news was monumental. Not in a bad way, you understand. But still monumental," Emma said with a smile.
"Well, this will probably outdo that time. I need your motherly advice on a fairly delicate matter."
"I'm all ears, darling girl. But why is Harry here with you instead of Fleur?"
"Because he is my best-friend and I asked him to dinner so I could tell him. He was the one that suggested we come and see you."
"Goodness, this must be really awful."
"Well…"
Harry chose that moment to come back with the service of tea. He had made sure to spike it liberally with whiskey and for that Hermione was more than grateful. She started explaining the situation as simply as she could and Harry helped here and there.
When she was done, Harry offered to go call Fleur and Gabrielle to let them know they were okay and to give Hermione and her Mum some privacy.
"What do you think?" Hermione asked when she was done.
"Frankly?"
"I'm tempted to say no, but I really need to know how you feel about this. Once I know your reaction, I'll decide how to tell daddy."
"Well, poppet, this one has to top them all."
"That bad, eh?"
"Honestly, Hermione, I don't know what to tell you. It's surprising and amazing at the same time. No one would believe it possible, but then we live in totally different worlds."
"So I won't have your support if I decide to do it?"
"I never said that, darling girl. I will support anything as long as I know it makes you happy. Besides, I can't deny being curious about it from a medical point of view."
"I really don't know how to feel about it, mum. I honestly want to make Fleur happy, but I don't know if I can do it once I take the potion and it grows."
"So you're scared of the actual act of making love to Fleur once your body is altered?"
"Yes."
"Poppet, was Fleur your first female lover?"
"Of course she was, mum. I've never been with or interested in another woman."
"I don't mean to pry, darling, but how was your first time with her? And please forget for a moment that I'm your mother. It's obvious you need to talk to someone."
Hermione blushed furiously. As much as she trusted her mother, and no matter how close they were, it was still difficult to talk about certain subjects.
"It was a bit nerve wracking at first. But when the actual moment came, it was unbelievable. I've never felt anything like it before. The passion between us was almost overwhelming and I basically went on instinct."
"Did it happen soon after you started going out? I know how careful you are about those things."
"Yes. It's the first time in my life that I threw caution to the wind and went on gut feeling alone."
"And Fleur satisfies you?"
"Completely. No one else can compare, mum."
"And do you satisfy her?"
"I think I do. She's never said anything to the contrary."
"Then, if there are no complaints from either side, wouldn't you approach this the same way? The passion would still be there. It'd just be a little different."
"What if you know…" Hermione tried, while gesturing with her hands, too embarrassed to say the words out loud.
"What happens if it doesn't get hard?" Emma asked, amused.
"Mother!" she exclaimed.
"Hermione, just because I'm older doesn't mean I've stopped having a sexual relationship with your father. In fact, we are still quite active."
"Oh, gods, I did not need to know that, mum," Hermione groaned while covering her ears.
Emma laughed.
"Stop being so childish, darling girl. It's a part of marriage you should never neglect. You're engaged to Fleur now, so it'd be wise to pay attention."
"I promise, mum, but please don't give me any more details. I don't think I can handle it."
"Fine. Let's get back to the subject at hand. Hermione, since you've been with Fleur, has there ever been a time when you didn't do it because you didn't want her?"
"Goodness, no. It's the opposite, in fact. I can never get enough of her and I already told you it's never been like that with anyone else. She makes me want her with just one kiss, or a heated glance."
"Darling, then why do you think that growing a penis one time will change all of that?"
Hermione just looked at her mother. She didn't know how to answer that question. After everything she had talked about with Harry, and now her mother, her doubts seemed inconsequential. Was she really willing to break Fleur's heart by not having a baby with her?
"I don't really have and answer for that, mum."
"I think that's answer enough."
"Yeah."
"Poppet, have you ever tried using a strap-on?" Emma asked suddenly.
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Not you, too, mother. Harry already asked and the answer is no."
"I'll buy you one, then."
"What?"
"So Fleur and you can practice."
"Absolutely not. Don't you dare, mother."
"Lighten up, Hermione. It'd do you some good, darling girl."
"That's it. I'm going home." Hermione got up and looked towards the kitchen. "Come on, Potter, we're leaving," she called out.
"As you wish," Emma said with an amused smile. "I'll just send it over with Aries tomorrow."
"I gave you that sweet owl so you could write to me anytime you wanted, mother. Not to send pornographic material!"
"Aries is a lovely owl. He won't mind at all. I really think it would do you some good to practice for when the big event happens. If you're not able to do it with that, then you'll have your answer."
"Mum, I'm begging you; please don't send me a strap-on. I'd die of embarrassment. I promise to look into it myself."
"I will call you next week, and I not only expect to hear that you bought one, but that you put it to good use."
"Mother, I'm really going to go now. I need to get home to Fleur and this conversation is completely out of control. I appreciate all the concern and the advice, really, I do. I just can't take any more tonight."
"I know, darling girl, and I'm sorry I was so forward. I just want you to be happy. I want Fleur to be happy. A baby can only complete that happiness, poppet."
"I know that, mum. And I appreciate it. Even when some things are difficult to talk about."
"I'm only going to say one more thing," Emma said as she got up and walked up to Hermione. She cupped her cheeks with her hands and smiled. "The moment we found out we were pregnant with you was the happiest of our lives. We have to be two of the luckiest people in the world to have someone as beautiful, caring and smart as you as our daughter. I just want you to experience that at least once. Please think about it, okay?"
Hermione's eyes welled up with tears.
"I promise. Thanks, mum."
"Anytime, darling. I love you."
Hermione lost it then and hugged her mother as tears fell down her cheeks. Emma hugged her tightly and rubbed her back softly, while whispering comforting and loving words to her. Harry watched from the hall way, cell phone to his ear, tears welling in his own eyes.
"Everything is going to be fine, Fleur. Just fine. We'll see you both in a bit," he said softly before hanging up the phone.