Mid week Update. HECK YEAH!

Well I hope you all took last chapters bump in the road with Bella and Fleur as a turning point for those two. Fear not, Narcissa is smart. That's all ill say about that. LOL Please keep in mind... Sometimes with healing, grief, psychological, or even physical pain... it is sometimes two steps forward one step back. Narcissa and Fleur are experiencing some of those moments in this chapter.

Reviews are like catnip... (wink) lol

Please Enjoy,

Snow


McGonagall and Narcissa

"I want you there," Narcissa said to the stoic woman before her as Narcissa flitted about the infirmary. The school was due to open in two months and she needed to get her stores ready. The battle took the brunt of the provisions, but Narcissa knew of suppliers for potion ingredients, and first aid materials. She just hated leaving things to the last moment.

Minerva knew Narcissa was throwing herself into the role she had accepted. But to be asked to take part in this aspect of Narcissa's life was daunting. Minerva didn't expect this. She was never at the forefront, the beginning of anything. She was a soldier. She was there as a cushion, a reprieve, basically she was the supporter, and champion for her fellow comrades. But when Narcissa Black asked if she would do a muggle from of activity to make sure of parentage of the child and to also go to the muggle doctor to take advantage of their technology, Minerva was stripped of all station. Then Narcissa Black looked at Minerva. She was shocked, but it was the slight finger on her crossed knee that solidified an invisible thread that Minerva need to …. Wanted to be there. It would be a great granddaughter. Thoughts of being there for Hermione, her wife, and family kicked her Scottish derriere into gear. Hell, yes, she was going.

In about 3 weeks, when Minerva's scheduled cleared, they showed up at a muggle establishment for Narcissa's August 2nd appointment. Narcissa checked in. Payed, and then waited. Minerva wasn't sure what she would do. She was an old, traditional witch, wearing muggle clothes in the muddle of a muggle doctors office, around muggles that didn't know what the hell she was. Part of her liked the anonymity, but another part of her was on high alert, and fidgety. She whipped at her own Deep green slacks, and then pulled on the neckline of her crimson cotton blouse.

"Gods, you are nervous," Narcissa joked, then gasped. Minerva's hands flew out and Narcissa clutched onto it.

"Just some cramping," Narcissa soothed as she looked at the older woman. Minerva's features furrowed and the older witch sighed. She couldn't help it. She was worried about the child in Narcissa's belly and the witch that protected the little one. What if… what if… but her thoughts were broken as they were, finally called to the back. Narcissa and Minerva grasped each other's hands and followed the nurse.

One Hour Later

When both women left, they wore glazed over expressions. Narcissa was perfectly on time in her pregnancy, perfectly healthy, and glowing. It was the most intimidating sensation hearing her unborn child's heart boom in speakers that surrounded them.

"That was incredible," Minerva blinked as she walked with Narcissa. Narcissa could only nod. The older witch let her walk, but she watched Narcissa like a hawk.

"Narcissa, are you alright?" Minerva asked as they took an infernal cab to the Leakey Cauldron.

"I just heard my child's heartbeat," Narcissa toned and then blinked as she looked toward Minerva in the cab. Tears fell, and the older woman let out a breath of relief. For a second she thought Narcissa slid back in her recovery.

"Shh, Oh Lass. Yes, you did, and it was… Gods, I have no description," the older witch soothed as she wrapped her fingers around Narcissa's. Narcissa shook the woman's hand with a smile. It was bright, and gorgeous. Almost like the old Narcissa's. Once to Diagon Alley they flooed back to the school where they walked to the Headmistresses Office and ordered a tea service. McGonagall watched the woman and tapped her teacup and then launched into her plan.

"Narcissa, your request for your quarters," McGonagall paused as Narcissa's blue eyes flashed toward her. The older woman waved a hand, "They are nearly completed. I would say one more week, and you could completely move in there. But I have a question," Minerva waited until the woman took her sip and Narcissa waved her hand for her to continue.

"Did you want it decorated the same exact way as your memories?" Minerva paused and watched the way Narcissa placed her cup down and then leaned back, and placed her chin on her hand that rest on the arm of the chair she sat in. She looked out the window, and Minerva could see the pain, and longing in those eyes. Then Narcissa turned back to her.

"No, I would like the same layout, with an extra room, naturally, but the lay out, please I would like the same. I will decorate it the way I want," Narcissa picked up her teacup, her hand had a small tremble to them, but it was minimal.

"No matter my history with Hermione and this castle, I have found that trying to reawaken the past will be more problematic than the necessary," then Narcissa paused and tapped her nail on her cup, unfocused eyes, "And I need to let her go," she whispered.

"Are you sure? What if she comes…" Minerva didn't finish her thought when Narcissa placed her cup down and stood.

"I can't live my life waiting for my wife to return to me with no way to be certain she would. Please, let us bury her, honor her, and celebrate her, but let her die. Let me have peace," Narcissa whispered her plea. Minerva stood with the woman and walked to the floo.

"I'll be here for you. I'll give you something to directly contact me," Minerva smiled and then Narcissa turned.

"Is it anything like a coin, charmed with the thoughts of the bearer?" Narcissa asked and Minerva McGonagall was speechless. She nodded. Narcissa nodded and then charmed another coin and then, that moment forth Minerva was on their network.

"Now you are in our circle," Narcissa said and McGonagall was surprised, but grateful to be on the same wavelength as the family. Before Narcissa grabbed the powder to go home she turned.

"Would you like to be my witch or wizard for this part of my pregnancy?" Narcissa asked. Hoping Hermione's proclaimed Grandmother would want this.

"YES… yes. A thousand times yes," Minerva McGonagall did something to a Black she never thought possible. Minerva kissed Narcissa on the forehead. She cuddled her close and embraced her Granddaughter-in-law.

A week Later…

"FLEUR STOP!" Narcissa had to demand. She was surprised to find the wand actually stop. Wait a tick…

"Did you want to stop?" Narcissa asked as she held up a shield.

"No, I wanted to cause destruction," Fleur admitted and then her features softened. She threw herself to her knees, then wrapped around Narcissa. Fleur nuzzled Narcissa's belly, kissed the stomach that shown in a small bump under Narcissa's shirt. She lifted Narcissa's shirt and rubbed her nose over her skin and Narcissa flinched.

Something was off, something was wrong. Narcissa detached Fleur's arms from around her and took a step back. Her hand slid into Fleur's hands and held them in the space between them. She made the Veela stand and walked to a sofa and made them both sit. Narcissa looked at Fleur. Her eyes, so blue, were blown, and nearly navy in color.

"My sweet love, you need to talk to me. You came to my home, nearly blew up my parlor," Narcissa looked to her abdomen, "Your rage is rather explosive my dear. So please talk to me," Narcissa asked gently.

"The bond, its breaking," Fleur closed her eyes, and let go of Narcissa. Narcissa placed a hand on Fleur's shoulder, "she has pulled away from me. It happened after our party at Dan's," Fleur clenched her eyes shut, and then curled onto the couch and fell into Narcissa's lap. Narcissa stroked blond hair. She felt Fleur relax, but barely.

"Talk to me, my love," Narcissa softly urged. Fleur stretched out, and then lay on her back, as Narcissa continued to play her fingers through her hair. Her hand reached up, and stroked Narcissa's face.

"Do you love me?" Fleur asked Narcissa. Narcissa closed her eyes against the touch. She grasped those tempting fingers and then kissed Fleur's palm. She looked into Fleur's gloriously blue eyes, slowly becoming her regular shade of ocean.

"Yes," Narcissa said. Fleur lifted her abdomen up toward Narcissa but Narcissa placed a hand over Fleur's chest. Fleur lay back down in Narcissa's lap.

"Give me time, my little Veela," Narcissa whispered and then placed a kiss on Fleur's forehead, then the left eyelid, then the right, and then on her lips. Narcissa felt her guts stir, and desire crawl through her veins. Then she pulled away, stroking Fleur's cheekbone.

"Give me time to break the bond the four of us have created," Fleur turned her head. Narcissa saw the rejection but Narcissa gently pulled on Fleur's chin, blue on blue, "She is your soulmate Fleur. She is your Veela's mate. Bella is your other half my dear," Narcissa explained as she slipped her fingers back into Fleur's hair. Fleur closed her eyes, and sighed.

"You are right, mon amour," Fleur spoke softly, resolute, and mildly defeated, "But what if she doesn't want me any longer?" Fleur asked, and Narcissa blinked and then tilted her head. So that's why her Veela came to her, asking her for love, and acceptance.

"She will want you. She does want you, and she has always wanted only you since she met you," Narcissa ran a finger down Fleur's jaw, "but does she know you want her to? Does she know you love her?" Narcissa asked and saw something in Fleur's eyes break.

"You must show her, my love. She has always been taken, molded, and shaped to be a weapon. She was never loved. My dear sweet witch, you must teach her how to love, but more importantly, you must show her you do love her," Narcissa said and then slipped her fingers back into Fleur's hair.

"I love you so much, Narcissa," Fleur whispered, "I am afraid that if I let myself love her the way I am supposed to with the four-way bond intact it would break me," Fleur whispered her fear. Narcissa looked down.

"I will always be here for you my little Veela," Narcissa kissed Fleur's lips once more.

Immediately Narcissa snapped forth grasping her stomach in pain. Fleur flew off her, and then reached for Narcissa. Narcissa gasped as she felt a stabbing in her kidneys, and then her lower abdomen.

"Narcissa what? How can I help?" Fleur begged to be told what to do. Narcissa could only gasp. She could only breathe through the pain. Narcissa pulled out a coin. One thought. The floo burst to life. Out came the Headmistress of Hogwarts frazzled and unkempt, with eyes wild and searching.

"Fleur help me stand her up. We are going to St. Mungo's," ordered the older witch and Fleur did as she was told.

"Minerva," gasped Narcissa and then another lightning rod of pain lanced through her but this time it was her chest. It dropped her to her knees, but she gripped Minerva's hand, "Tell Scrollblade to expect a visit," Narcissa said as her vision swam.

"None of that now, we need to get you help," Minerva chided softly. Fleur slipped under Narcissa's arm and the woman leaned heavily on her.

"Fleur don't leave me," the woman begged as if she where a small child afraid of the unknown bogart called 'the Unknown.' Another slice hit Narcissa and she whimpered as she went to her knees and clung to Fleur. Fleur got her to her feet, and Narcissa begged over and over like a mantra, don't leave me, don't leave me, don't leave me.

"I will get her there, you need to tell the others of her collapse," Fleur grabbed the floo powder as McGonagall nodded.

"Fleur, this isn't the baby," Narcissa gasped and then fell against Fleur unconscious. Fleur looked to McGonagall, and they nodded. Then flooed to them to the hospital.

The nurses bustled around Narcissa, and Fleur was forced to relinquish her hold on the woman. She watched as they took her away. She felt part of her heart tug toward the woman, and she tried to follow, but was stopped.

"Are you immediate family?" a nurse asked and Fleur blinked. Was she immediate family? It felt like part of her soul was sped down that hallway. Fleur made a decision that will regret for months to come.

"Yes, she is my bond mate," Fleur said and then the nurse had her follow.

"You must stay out of the way, please wait here and when we have an update, you will be the first to know. When and if she is moved to a private room, you will be admitted. I am sure you have the power of attorney and can make medical decisions?" the nurse asked. Fleur shook her head.

"No, I think it will be Andromeda Tonks," Fleur erred on the side of caution.

"Contact her. Only you two will be here in this room," the nurse nodded and then raced off after Narcissa. Fleur took out her coin, and then thought. She was so very relieved that Draco and Narcissa gave her a coin. As soon as she saw Andromeda walk into the Maternity ward she looked up. She swallowed. This could go two ways. Scathing disapproval, or not.

"How is she? Where is she? What happened?" Andromeda fired off question after question.

"I just brought her here. It is only you and I that are allowed here. I had a feeling you would be next in line for the head of house," Fleur stopped as Andromeda raised a hand.

"Actually, it was Draco, but I don't think he could focus on anything but his mother and his sister, so I think you did the right thing by calling me, and lying," Andromeda jarred Fleur from her rambling, "You are her bond mate?" Andromeda raised an eyebrow. Gods, she looked just like Bella.

"I lied, sort of…" Fleur took a deep breath as she saw Andromeda motion for her to continue.

"When Hermione healed Bella of her mark, she inadvertently bonded all four of us together," Fleur groaned and then slouched in her chair.

"So, you are not lying," Andromeda looked around, and then focused on nothing, and yet everything.

"Not really no, but I don't know what the repercussions will be when Bella finds out I told the doctors that," Fleur sighed then leaned a hand on her chin.

"Fuck my sister, Fleur," Andromeda said as she placed a hand on Fleur's shoulder.

"She is my bond mate, my Veela's soulmate Andromeda. I can't just NOT take Bella's feelings into consideration," Fleur growled.

"Andy, you may call me Andy, and my sister is a bitch to the highest degree," Andromeda placed a hand up as Fleur went to stick up for her lover, "You don't know her darkness Fleur. Gods, I wish you were not her bond mate due to the path she will blaze for you both if she were to take you down that trail. So yes, fuck my sister, she will get over it. You did the right thing in a time of crisis. If she can't understand that, then she doesn't deserve you," Andromeda, chided. She watched with her dark eyes, and Fleur took a deep breath.

"She may have been horrible, but she is not any longer, something changed," Fleur titled her head, "And I know for a fact she is no longer the witch you know," Fleur gritted. Andromeda nodded.

"Gods and Merlin know I hate her. I can never ever forgive her, but she needs an advocate, a champion if you will. I am happy she has one," Andromeda said with a finite nod. Fleur narrowed her eyes.

"Almost every interaction we have been has been a test hasn't it?" Fleur asked beginning to understand.

"Fleur you must understand. We are Blacks. We plot, we take, and we manipulate. That woman that was taken into those doors is the best manipulator of us all. But know this Fleur," Andromeda met blue eyes, "If a Black loves you, proclaims their love for you. You are theirs, for all time, and they are yours. You are never given the love of a Black. You earn it. You bleed for it, you die for it, and you lose a bit of yourself to the love of a Black. Never forget that," Andromeda lectured. Fleur just stared at Andromeda. She had such presence, such power, and the only other person with such a presence she had ever known was the blonde witch they waited for and they loved oh so dearly.

"What was she talking about before she took a turn?" Andromeda asked as she thought. Fleur shifted, and then dark eyes fell on her blues and she felt small.

"I told her I loved her. I asked if she loved me," Fleur swallowed, "she said yes," Fleur shook her head.

"The soul bond, her tie was breaking," Andromeda whispered and then she tapped a finger to her lips, "What else did she say?"

"She asked for time. She asked for the bond between the four of us to be broken, and I…" Fleur blushed.

"You poor girl," Andy shook her head, "You love three women," she stated softly. Fleur nodded.

"She wanted me to show Bella that I love her, show her how to love," Fleur's voice cracked. Andromeda placed a hand on her shoulder. Then a nurse came through the doors.

"You may come with me," he looked to the two women.

They followed the quick nurse to Narcissa's new room. When they arrived, Fleur went to the right of the bed and Andromeda went to the left. Narcissa's eyes were shut. They both took a hand and Narcissa's eyes opened. They were glazed, not really seeing. Narcissa looked to Andromeda. She smiled.

"I was told I am next in line for the head of house?" Andromeda asked joking.

"No, it's Draco, but I'm glad you came. He couldn't handle this," Narcissa winced as she closed her eyes. Then she opened them and turned toward Fleur.

"My sweet Veela," Narcissa said with so much love. She let go of the witch's hand and tried to gesture to the side table. Fleur looked toward the gestured direction. There was a vial, small not even a quill thick of red fluid in it.

"What is it?" Fleur asked as she took it.

"Mine and Hermione's blood," Narcissa slurred as sleep began to war with her open eyelids. Fleur's eyes popped open. "If I do not make it to the time my lover comes back, or through this pregnancy, I want the bond broken," Narcissa said. Fleur fell back into the chair.

"You don't want me?" Fleur asked. Narcissa raised a hand and Fleur took it, kissed her knuckles.

"We don't know who we love right know Fleur," Narcissa swallowed and fought the sleeping potion, "I will always love you my Veela, but you deserve to be free to love with your whole heart the one you are destined to be with," Narcissa said as she felt her eyes droop.

Then her eyes flew open. Lips, tongue, nips, and then the feeling of one's love, their heart and their soul. She opened her eyes and found Fleur's passion, desire, and love. Oh, dear gods. A part of her wished she was not the selfless twit she was, but she knew it was right. She felt Fleur then take her lips again softly, chastely, and then Narcissa licked her lips after Fleur pulled away.

"Scrollblade will help," Narcissa said and then pushed Fleur away. With her half-glazed eyes, she told the woman to go. Fleur balked, and Narcissa pushed with a small bit of her magic. "Please my love, go," Narcissa said and then closed her eyes. Fleur paused, looked to Andromeda, and then walked out the door.

"You are a far better woman than I am," Andromeda said, as she squeezed Narcissa's hand. Narcissa opened her eyes, eyes still dulled by potions, but fully awake.

"Yes, well this has to stop, and the child was grown enough to draw just a small amount of fluid from, and then combined that with other fluids, you can guess," Narcissa quirked a devilish grin.

"I told that woman you were the best manipulator of the Blacks and you didn't prove me wrong," Andromeda quipped as she watched her fully awake sister, "You played the sleeping potion card very well sister," Andy grinned and then leaned back, "Do you really love the girl?"

"Yes, but we need our bond to be broken to know how that love relates to us," Narcissa smiled as she remembered, "Before she found Bella, she was always trying to get Me and Hermione in her bed. The little witch had better be thankful I only had eyes for Hermione, or I would have taken her up on that offer," Narcissa smirked as she thought of it and then shuddered, "The thought of it to this day sends spikes of lust and desire down my spine," Narcissa grinned.

"Yes, well, I can see why. Fleur is gorgeous," Andy said then Narcissa cut in.

"Not only that, but her heart is so pure, and her mind, gods, only Hermione can actually match her intellectually. It's quite funny to watch them debate," Narcissa chuckled.

"I rather like you on pain potions," Andromeda smirked as she tilted her head.

"Why is that?" Narcissa asked looking toward Andromeda.

"You talk about her so freely when you are drugged," Andromeda chuckled when she saw Narcissa think about it.

"It doesn't hurt so much when I am drugged, I guess," Narcissa said and then took Andromeda's hand, "Andy, what if I am alone after this bond break?"

"Oh Cissy, you will never be alone," Andromeda soothed Narcissa's tears. Narcissa nodded. She will allow herself to believe in the woman. Then she collected herself.

"What is this about you dragging Dan through a floo while he was half drunk?" Narcissa asked smirking wetly. Anything to take her mind off Hermione, her bond, or anything about being alone.

"Oh that," Andromeda sighed, "I would not leave Bella alone with Dan, no matter how reformed we may think she is," Andromeda said and then Narcissa shook Andromeda's hand, "Alright, I might have feelings for the man, and I hope to god it's because of the Blacks being tied to Grangers through your bond," Andromeda confessed.

"And if it wasn't?" Narcissa asked.

"I don't know if we could do it knowing he is her father, and you are my sister," Andy said and looked away, then Narcissa shook Andromeda's hand. It was difficult.

"I also feel something rather oddly toward another I never thought I could ever in my entire life feel things like that for," Andromeda said. Narcissa smiled. It was like they were back at Hogwarts and gossiping like little girls.

"Please don't tell me its McGonagall," Narcissa chuckled, and then she saw Andromeda's face fall and then swallow, "No way?!" Narcissa nearly screeched. Then Andromeda smirked devilishly.

"No, but she is beautiful for an old cat," Andromeda joked but then she saw Narcissa's look. Andromeda rolled her eyes.

"What do you think of Severus?" Andromeda asked and then watched as Narcissa grew pale. "Who the fuck haven't you slept with?" Andromeda joked as she belly laughed. Narcissa blinked and then tilted her head. Severus had always been there, had always been a backup plan of sorts. But then she thought long and hard for a moment. Why shouldn't Severus be happy?

"Have you and Sev had any interactions?" Narcissa asked carefully avoiding Andy's crass question.

"We have spent time together. Tea here, dinner there, and walks around muggle London. Other than that, nothing," Andy asked as she looked at Narcissa.

"Has he been cordial, reserved, or awkward?" Narcissa asked

"All of the above?" Andy said with a question at the end. Then Narcissa smiled.

"Good, it means he likes you. I say go for it, you both deserve to be happy," Narcissa smiled brightly for a doped-up witch in a hospital bed.

"Good, because I have a date tomorrow with him," Andy smiled, and Narcissa only smiled back.

Narcissa took her sisters hand and closed her eyes. She let sleep take her and she dreamed of brown eyes, curls, and a smile so astonishingly beautiful she fell in love with it every time she saw it. Her love reached out to her. She could feel her as if she were real, and yet Narcissa knew this was a dream, and then there was a panic in Hermione's eyes. Then Hermione dove for her, wrapped her arms around her.

"I'm coming," she said in Narcissa's ear.

SNAP!

Narcissa flew awake reaching out into the shadows of the night screaming Hermione's name. A hand took hers. Her eyes flew toward Andromeda.

"You didn't leave," she stated and then she clutched her chest, it was dull, but fading. She paused and took in the area around them, and then waited.

"Andy," Narcissa clutched at her sister's hand, "It is gone," Narcissa said as she looked to Andromeda, and tears fell.

"What is gone, Love?" Andromeda asked swiping runaway tears from Narcissa's cheeks. Then Narcissa looked at her. Narcissa's eyes practically glowed bright blue for a moment after she flew awake and now, they eased into her normal blue, but the shape of her eyes, the scrunch of her brow. They dulled, then she saw it. Loss.

"Our bond," Narcissa voiced out with no tone. Andromeda watched as her sister sat there in her bed, eyes seeking, trying to find anything, and then Narcissa lay down, curled on her side away from Andromeda. Andromeda watched as Narcissa's shoulders shook.

She lost the only thing that kept her together. She lost her anchor, she parts of her soul, she lost her bond.