The Power of Four: A Coven's Tale
C20: The Hand of Marriage
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters
The following morning Fabian woke up with a smile, cuddling into the body in front of him, which was surprisingly above the covers. "Fabe, I know you are a cuddler in the morning, but I would appreciate you not trying to grope me." Hermione said softly.
"Morning sis, what are you even doing here? Did Dora kick you out of bed?" He asked softly as he sat up.
She smiled at him. "No, not really. Dora got called into work so I figured I'd come and cuddle with you since your lovers have already locked themselves in the Potions Lab or have taken your mother to Diagon. I'm surprised you didn't join them."
He smiled at her. "There is a reason for that 'Mione. Today I am actually going to do something very important that I can't have the girls around for."
"You make it sound like you are preparing to propose to them." She said softly.
"That is exactly what I am going to do. I'm going to Xenophilius, Jean-Paul and Sirius to ask them for the hands of Luna, Fleur and Bella. I plan to propose to them on the evening of the New Years Ball." He said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled and hugged him tightly. "That's great Fabian. I promise to keep quiet. I always knew you would want to get married as soon as possible once you guys discovered you were the new Coven. I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks sis. That means a lot to me, but you know that you and Draco will both have a vital role to play, right?"
She smiled and nodded. "If you are asking me to stand next to you on your wedding day, you know my answer already."
"Why of course that is one of them, but I will also need both of you guys' help on the day of my proposal." He said with a soft smile.
"Of course I will help you propose to your lovers. Just tell me what you need me to do on the day." Hermione said with a smile.
He nodded and pressed a kiss to the top of her head before getting out of bed, which made Hermione giggle a little as she saw his penis standing to attention. "Are you sure you want to face Xeno and Jean-Paul with that, Fabe?"
He smiled at her. "Since this is mostly morning wood, it'll fade soon enough."
Hermione smiled at her brother. "Fair, I'll go and make my way to my room and get dressed. I've been wanting to scour the library again for months."
He nodded at her. "I'm sure that Dora will know where to find you when she comes back." He said with a wink.
Hermione smiled at him before rolling out of bed as well and gathering up her robe, not even noticing the loving stare Fabian gave her.
In the time that it had been revealed that they were related and had bared it all to each other, both of them had become a lot more comfortable with each other and would sneak glances when they knew no one else was watching. Not out of lust or anything, because they had already established that no one could ever top their lovers, but more out of interest for their sibling. Fabian could easily admit that the bushy haired bookworm had become a very beautiful woman in recent years and to see her so free now that everything was out in the open, warmed his heart.
He quickly took care of his morning business before getting dressed in his best clothes, the note that had come with the rings tucked in his jacket pocket, since he still needed to read it.
Figuring it would be easier to go to Xenophilius and Sirius first, since he had to go to them by Floo, he made his way downstairs, smiling when he saw his mother curled up in the corner of the couch with a book. "Good morning sweetie. Did you sleep okay?" Eliza asked with a smile.
"I did, thank you Mum. I trust you and Mom did as well?" He asked with a soft smile.
Eliza nodded and looked him over. "You're looking overly well dressed today. Did you have something planned?"
Figuring it wouldn't hurt to let his mother know about his plans, he sat down next to her. "I did actually. I was planning to go to Xeno, Sirius and Jean-Paul to ask them for the hands of Luna, Bella and Fleur. I plan to propose to them on the evening of the New Years Ball."
Eliza smiled brightly at him. "I'm very proud of you for still wanting to follow protocol even with your Coven." Eliza said as she hugged him.
"Thank you Mom, it means a lot to me that you approve, given my age." He said softly.
She smiled and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Sweetie, we knew this was an option the moment it was confirmed you all were revealed to be the new Coven."
He smiled and kissed her cheek before making his way to the Floo so he could make his way to the Rookery.
He tossed a little powder into the fireplace and said the password for the Rookery. "Hello Fabian, what a nice surprise. What can I do for you?" Xenophilius asked with a kind smile.
"I was hoping I could talk to you for a bit. There is something very important I need to talk to you about." Fabian said with a smile.
"Of course, son. Come on through." Xenophilius said as he stepped back.
Fabian smiled and Floo'ed to the Rookery, smiling at the familiar sight of organized chaos that was the Lovegood home. "It's good to see you again Xenophilius, you look well."
"Thank you Fabian, I must say the last few months have been good for you as well, although that is expected with the return of the Coven." Xenophilius said with a kind smile.
Fabian smiled at him. "Yes, the Coven has given us a lot over the last few months, which is part of the reason I am here today."
Xenophilius smiled knowingly at him. "I know why you have come Fabian, I knew this was inevitable even before Luna was revealed to be a part of the Coven, although I expected that to happen as well, given the dark times ahead of us, but for the sake of propriety, ask your question." He said kindly.
"Thank you Xenophilius, and indeed I have come today to ask you for Luna's hand in marriage. I know it might seem a bit soon, but given everything that has already happened, it would do a lot for all of our sanity if we knew for sure that everything was taken care of legally." Fabian said with a smile.
Xenophilius nodded and smiled at the man he saw as his own son. "Of course you have my permission to ask her to marry you. I know you and Luna have been inseparable for years, so I've had a lot of time to come to terms with the fact that you two would get married young. I have one request though. I want you to try and call me father, or at least Xeno. I have always seen you as a son, and I know it would mean a lot to Luna as well."
Fabian smiled at him. "I will certainly try Xeno. You know better than almost anyone I would do anything to make Luna happy."
The man smiled at him. "There is one other thing. I intend to give you before you propose to my daughter. As you well know, her great-grandmother was a part of the last Coven, and she had left something to Pandora to give to Luna when her time came, but unfortunately when Pandora died, Luna was too young to know. I want you to take a painting of her grandmother and present it to Luna. I am sure she will recognize it and that it will help all of you in the years to come."
"Thank you Xeno, I promise to give it to Luna as soon as I see her later today." Fabian said with a soft smile.
Xenophilius smiled and waved his wand, a sizable package floating into his hands. "I trust you will Fabian, you have always looked out for Luna for as long as you two have known each other. I have the utmost confidence that you will continue this in the future."
Fabian smiled at him. "I will, that is a promise."
"I know you always keep your promises, but I have to ask, is it true what my Moon wrote to me. Was Dumbledore responsible for my wife's death?" Xeno asked softly.
Fabian focused for a moment, feeling nothing in terms of charms on Xeno's mind. "I'm afraid it is true, among other things. We have learned that he is responsible for everything our Coven has already gone through. He also orchestrated Bellatrix' imprisonment, Fleur's illness, and the rape of my mother and my Aunt Andromeda by my 'father'. The same man who is now rotting somewhere in a Ministry cell awaiting interrogation after he tried to attack us yesterday."
Xeno smiled at him. "Thank you for being honest with me Fabian. I trust your mothers are already pursuing legal actions?"
Fabian nodded at him. "They are, and they have the original memories as evidence. Madam Bones will have a field day against he Headmaster and the Minister, and it is thanks to the Coven that we were able to salvage and heal the people affected."
"That is a soothing thought. I will talk to Narcissa come Christmas about everything." Xenophilius said with a smile.
Fabian nodded at him. "I think she will send you an owl with news later today. I believe she had an appointment with Madame Bones today."
"Then I will wait for that, but I am afraid I have some editing still to do for the next issue of the Quibbler. It is our Christmas issue and that usually sells good." Xenophilius said with a kind smile.
"I understand Xeno. I have two more stops to make, so all that remains for me is to say thank you for your blessing and we will see you in a few days for Christmas." Fabian said kindly.
Xeno only smiled and patted him on the shoulder before Fabian made his way to the Floo to go back home.
…
Stepping out of the Floo at Grimmauld Place half an hour later, he was met with the smiling face of his aunt Marlene. "Fabian, it's good to see you, sweetie. How have you been?" She asked with a smile.
He smiled and hugged her. "I've been doing great aunt Marlene, even though that Toad is making our lives miserable every single day."
"Soon enough she'll dig her own grave, sweetie. I am sure of that. That toad of a woman has always been too ambitious for her own good. It is exactly the reason I quit my job at the Ministry, but what brings you to our home today?" She asked with a soft smile.
"I was hoping I could talk to uncle Sirius for a bit." Fabian said with a smile.
Marlene smiled at him. "He is in the Tapestry room. Something recently has been added that wasn't there before and he has been trying to make sense of it now that his memories have been brought back."
Fabian smiled at her. "I think that might have something to do with the Coven coming back. Is it okay if I go and see?"
"Of course sweetie, I trust you still know the way?" Marlene asked with a soft smile.
He nodded and gave her a hug before he made his way to the Tapestry room, surprisingly not as nervous as he was when he asked Xeno.
He heard his uncle mutter to himself and he couldn't help but grin as he stepped into the room. "I figured only Professor McGonagall could have you on edge so much, uncle."
Sirius turned to him with a smile. "Not a lot of people could ever get me on edge, Fabian, but Minnie was certainly one of them. It's good to see you again."
Fabian smiled at him. "It's good to see you too, uncle. I trust you are feeling a lot better?"
Sirius nodded and smiled. "Yes, I am feeling a lot better after Bella cleansed my memories. I can't believe that Dumbledore screwed with my head like that."
Fabian smiled as he came to stand next to his uncle. "I'm afraid it is only the start of his betrayal though, I am sure a lot more will be brought to light in the coming months, but as you always taught me, one disaster at a time, and right now Umbridge is that disaster."
Sirius smiled and nodded. "Yes, she is quite good at being a disaster wherever she goes, but I am sure you and your friends will do something about it. I know you well enough after all."
Fabian smiled at him. "We are planning something, but nothing is set in stone just yet, but there is something important I need to talk to you about."
Sirius smiled at him. "You know you can ask me anything Fabian, except for real serious things, we both know I am incapable of that."
Fabian laughed lightly at that. "Well it is kind of serious, I came today to ask you as the Head of House Black for Bellatrix' hand in marriage."
Sirius looked shocked before he smiled at his nephew. "I should've known this was coming sooner or later given everything. The Coven has always been a special thing in our family, and I know even if I would deny you this, you all would still get married anyway, not that I would ever dream of that. Bella has been through enough and deserves every scrap of happiness she can get. So of course I will give you permission to marry Bellatrix, but I want to be there when you propose, I want to see the look on her face."
"You will, since I plan to propose to the girls on the evening of the New Years Ball." Fabian said with a soft smile.
Sirius nodded at that. "While I usually find the New Years Ball a dull affair, don't tell Narcissa that by the way. I think it is the perfect moment to propose to your lovers, but perhaps you can help me with something. The portrait of Uncle Phineas has been asking about you four, do you know why?"
Fabian smiled and nodded. "I think that it is because of Dumbledore wanting to stick his nose into our business. We'll come and talk to him after Christmas if that is okay."
"You guys are always welcome here, Fabian. I do hope you know that, but aren't you afraid that Dumbledore will get to know things about the Coven from Phineas' portrait?" Sirius asked softly.
"Phineas can't talk about the Coven to people that we don't trust with our secrets, so we are confident that Dumbledore will remain ignorant for the time being, and with him the Minister as well." Fabian said with a smile.
Sirius smiled and nodded. "Thank Merlin for that. The last thing we need is that old fart knowing anything about the Coven."
"Since he is responsible for bringing us together, I want to make sure he will know what his meddling has wrought before he is charged with his crimes. Even Fudge can't get him out of this and the consequences for everyone involved will be severe, and of course Tom and the Death Eaters aren't sitting still either." Fabian said softly.
Sirius nodded at him. "With Dumbledore having proved his true colors, the Order has divided a bit between the people that are still loyal to him, and those that believe the truth as it has been revealed. Of course Molly and Moody are still loyal to him, as is Remus, although he is starting to see the truth as well. Snape is undecided as of yet."
Fabian nodded at that, having felt the conflicting emotions in his Godfather, and while they had some theories about that, he knew it would be safer to not share those just yet, not until they had a way to make sure everyone's secrecy. "I figured, but the people that know the truth are the ones that we have healed, for a lack of a better term, or have always doubted his motivations. I get the feeling that it is not the first time Dumbledore has tried to control everything this way."
Sirius nodded and smiled at him. "You are right in that. It shows in the way how for he has gone to extend his control over the years."
Fabian only nodded at him as he examined the wall again, like he had done when he was younger, tracing the portrait of Bella with a soft smile.
Sirius noticed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I think it's amazing how much you love her and she loves you in return. I've had so many conversations with Bella about you when you were younger and every time we talked it felt like you were more as a son to her than a nephew."
Fabian smiled at that. "I've believed for so long that I had three mothers, because Bellatrix has always been such a big part of my life, but now to have the opportunity to marry her is something I never would've thought was possible."
Sirius smiled at him. "She has waited years for the love she wants and needs after what her parents put them all through, but Bellatrix always took the brunt of it because of her need to protect her sisters. I am glad she has found the love she deserves with you. I'm sure you will all be very happy and bring new blood into the family before we all know it."
"First we have a lot of hurdles to overcome before we can even begin to start thinking about children, but someday I would love to be a father." He said with a soft smile.
Sirius only smiled at him as they walked back towards the den, where Marlene was curled up on the couch, smiling at the two when they walked in, kissing Sirius on the cheek as he took a seat next to her.
Fabian stayed for a little while longer to catch up with them a little, but after a lunch Marlene insisted he stayed for, he made his way back home, since he still had a visit to Jean-Paul to do today.
…
When he walked into Delacour Mansion a little while later, he was surprised to see Juli waiting for him. "Bonjour Monsieur, ze Mistress is waiting for you."
"I didn't know I was expected. Please take me to Maman, or Gran-mere, depending who has been expecting me."
Juli smiled and led him to the Solarium, since Jean-Paul and Apoline had made sure to make Delacour Manor a near identical copy of the Chateau in France.
To his surprise both Apoline and Juliette were already waiting for him. "Bonjour Fabian, I trust zis must be a surprise?" Juliette asked with a smile.
He smiled and nodded. "Indeed it is, if I had known you were expecting me, I would have been here sooner."
Apoline smiled at him. "Zat is okay Fabian, 'ermione told my mozer of your plans today, and that is why we want to talk to you. You see, in Veela culture, as you might expect, the Veela in family 'ave to give the permission for marriage. Which is why we are 'ere now."
"I expected that to be honest. I thought I read something like that in one of the books we read back in France." He said with a kind smile.
The two women smiled at him. "Zere is a small passage in one of the books, oui. I can see you share more than blood with 'ermione." Juliette said with a smile.
Fabian smiled at that. "We have always shared a love of learning, even before it was revealed that we are siblings. It all just made more sense then. A love of learning and books runs in our family, but usually it is condensed in certain subjects, like Draco and his love for Potions."
"Yes, Fleur 'as told me zat Draco is a very advanced brewer and still 'angs on everything she and Severus explain." Apoline said with a smile.
"I never really had the aptitude for Potions like Draco or Luna has. I took more of an interest in the theoretical classes, much like my mothers." He said with a soft smile.
They smiled at him as Apoline motioned for him to take a seat. "Now Fabian, you know zat we 'ave no issue with you marrying our Fleur, but we do 'ave to instruct you on the ritual you all will partake in on your wedding night. You know zat myself and Apoline will be present, but after the confirmation of Ginny and Gabrielle being mated as well, Gabrielle will also be required to participate. It will also be the only night you will be required to make love to not only your mates, but also to me, Apoline and Gabrielle. We 'ave looked at past records around times the Coven was active and we have found zat this will not 'ave any repercussions for your Coven Bond, it seems to recognize the necessity of the Veela marriage ritual." Juliette said with a smile.
Fabian smiled at that. "I figured as much since your family consists purely of Veela, it would make sense that the Coven found a way to work with the rituals, but I will admit I am a little bit nervous about the ritual."
They two women smiled at him. "Zat is understandable, Fabian. We understand it is far from normal to be expected to also make love to your mother, grandmother and sister-in law. We will do everyzing in our power to make zis as comfortable as possible for everyone." Apoline said kindly.
"I have no doubt about that, but I was wondering something, if you don't mind my curiosity?" He asked softly.
"Ask what you want Fabian. We will always answer you truthfully." Apoline said with a kind smile.
"I know now that it has been revealed that Ginny is Gabrielle's mate that Fleur will need to be present for their first time, but how would this affect our Bond, I wonder." He said softly.
Apoline and Juliette smiled at him. "Your Bond is indeed a rarity in the Magical world, but we are almost certain that it will only strengthen it. Fleur and Gabrielle 'ave always been very close and both of them knew eet was bound to 'appen at some point in their lives. The fact zat this time the Coven is included in our rituals does not really matter. Our familial Bonds, and by extension your Coven Bond can only grow stronger because there is no shame between everyone."
Fabian smiled at that. "Yes we have noticed that with Hermione and Nymphadora. We have recently found a way to erase any shame between us."
"You don't 'ave to spell it out sweetie. 'ermione 'as told us about zat already. Eet is normal in a family as close as ours. Eet is one of ze reasons we moved 'ere in the first place. Once we knew for sure ze Coven 'ad returned, we knew zat eet would be in everyone's best interest to 'ave especially Fleur be close to you, and knowing 'ow Gabrielle's absence would affect 'er, it would be easier for everyone, although I 'ad never expected to find my mate in Andromeda." Juliette said with a smile.
"I for one am glad you did. You deserve to be happy and so does my aunt. After everything Dumbledore has put our families through, we all deserve this happiness, but you and my aunt most of all because of this." He said with a soft smile.
Juliette smiled at that. "Eet is true I 'ave waited many years to find my true mate, but what do you mean by everything Dumbledore 'as put our families through. I thought 'e was only responsible for what 'appened to Andromeda, Eliza and Luna's mozer."
"We have found out through Fleur's memories that he was also responsible for her illness, and had every intention to let her perish because of it. All to make sure the Coven could not come back so he could take the glory of ending the Dark Lord. He just never thought of our gifts, and that Fleur's healing can cure any curse he could put on her. It merely took time." Fabian said softly.
Apoline looked absolutely furious, and even Juliette looked very upset, both of them muttering angrily in French.
"It will all be added to the case we are already building against him, Maman, Gran-mere. He will not get away with this unpunished. We have discovered that our Coven holds quite a bit of sway in the magical world." He said with a soft smile.
The two women smiled as they moved to sit next to him. "We know Fabian. We 'ave talked to Eliza and Narcissa about zis already, and we will work wizt zem to bring that man to justice, but 'aving said zat, zere is somezing I am very curious about. Apoline told me of 'ow well versed you are in pleasuring women. May I inquire who taught you?"
He smiled and nodded. "Of course, Bellatrix and Nymphadora taught me everything I needed to know about loving women and always put their pleasure before my own. My mother taught me how to be a proper husband though."
The two blondes smiled at that. "They 'ave taught you well from what we 'ave seen and experienced. We are 'onestly excited to see 'ow your wedding night will unfurl, but I zink we 'ave kept you long enough. May we ask when you plan to propose to your mates?" Juliette asked with a smile.
"I am going to propose to them on the evening of the New Years Ball, so that our entire family can be witness to the moment." He said with a smile.
They smiled at him. "That certainly sounds very romantic, but we will let you go for now. We shall see you and your mates tonight." Apoline said with a smile.
He nodded and gave them both a hug as Juli silently waited at the door to take him back to the entrance hall.
…
A little while later he was back at Black Manor looking for his brother, because he figured now would be the best time to question his brother a little.
Figuring the best option was to just go to Draco's room first, he softly knocked on the door. "Who is it?"
"It's your dear brother Draco, I was hoping you would be free to talk for a bit?" Fabian said with a soft smile.
There was a light shuffling before Draco opened the door. "Of course I am, please come in Fabe." The blonde said with a smile.
Fabian felt some conflict in his brother's emotions, which surprised him a little. "Are you okay Draco? I am getting some conflicting emotions from you."
Draco smiled and motioned him to sit. "I think I am, there are just some feelings I can't really explain. I don't know what is happening to me."
"If you want, I could try and help you make sense of things. It has become easier for me to distinguish emotions since we have been granted our gifts through the Coven." Fabian said with a smile.
Draco nodded at that. "I would like that. I really don't know what to make of these feelings."
Fabian smiled at him and focused on the different emotions that he felt in Draco's mind. Confusion was prevalent, but there was also a bit of hope there, which told Fabian still nothing. "Can you explain what exactly you are so confused about Draco?"
Draco blushed slightly. "I suppose there is no easy way of saying this, so I am just going to go and say it. I think I'm gay, and I have feelings for a boy at school."
Fabian smiled at him. "You know Draco, if there is one thing I have learned over the past couple of months, it is that love is just love, no matter who you happen to feel it for. I think you're very brave for confiding this in me. May I ask who it is you are having feelings for?"
"I think you know Fabe. Who else could it be?" Draco said softly.
"It's Harry then. That is the only one who makes sense." Fabian said with a smile.
Draco nodded solemnly at that. "Of course it is, but I know it can never be anything."
Fabian smiled and slung an arm around his shoulder. "You know Draco, do you know the actual reason Harry and Ginny broke up?"
He shook his head. "Not really, we didn't really have a chance to talk before the break."
"Harry was fucked over by Dumbledore just as much as Ginny was. They're both gay and as you know Ginny is now very happy with Gabrielle. Harry confided in me that he has feelings for you too, and asked me to prod around a little to see if there was any chance that you felt the same, so all I will say is tell Mom and Mum about this, the rest of the family and then talk to Harry when you feel ready." Fabian said softly.
Draco smiled and hugged him. "Thank you Fabian, I'll tell everyone tonight, and I will talk to Harry once we are back at school. I hope I can count on your discretion until then?"
Fabian nodded and smiled at his brother. "Of course Draco."
Draco smiled at him. "Thank you brother. It means a lot to me that you took time out of your day to come and talk to me, given how much time you like to spend with your girlfriends."
"You're my brother, Draco. No matter what is going on, I will always be there for you." He said kindly.
Draco smiled at that. "I know, but you know me, I don't want to bother people with my issues."
Fabian smiled at him. "I know, we're both very much a product of our mothers genes and are both very stubborn at times, and not just us too. Hermione is equally stubborn at times. But there is something you can help me with, now that we still have the time. I am planning to propose to Fleur, Luna and Bellatrix on the evening of the New Years Ball, and I need you and Hermione to distract my lovers a bit while I prepare the last things."
Draco smiled and nodded. "Of course Fabe, just give us some kind of signal on the evening, but if you don't mind, I need some time to think about things before dinner, but again thank you for helping."
Fabian only smiled and gave him a hug before taking his leave, figuring a nap couldn't hurt before dinner, since he had not seen, heard or felt his lovers yet.
