Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
For those still tuning in, thank you so much for hanging in there, and a super double thank you for those leaving your wonderful reviews. They are like Scooby Snacks on crack for me and just light a fire under my ass to get chapters out for ya'll. We are starting to get back to the story. Yeah, its a love triangle between our girls, but it is also about Hermione's story with this twist on GOF.
I was asked if I would stop at the end of Goblet of fire. I wrote back no. Hermione's story doesn't end at the end of this book. So I will take this story to the end of the books, BUT I might do some skipping forward because this is also a story about our three wonderful ladies and their journey to being together.
I was asked if I was going to kill a main character. I also replied not Narcissa, Hermione, Fleur or Harry. Everyone else was fair game. haha
I was also asked why Madame Pomfrey is letting all of this stuff happen. Well, these three geeks need help, and Poppy is the only one really on the grounds with knowledge of Veela bonds, and mates. She knows what happened to the people in the relationships if they were rejected of injured. So, she is the realist person in the story right now who keeps people sorta legit.
I hope I answered some questions, and I hope you enjoy this longer chapter. Thank for still supporting the little beast of a story.
~Snow
Mustard ~ I am hurt
When she asked to return to Hogwarts the day after Narcissa visited, Hermione's parents only looked to each other and asked her one question. Would she be alright? Hermione nodded as she stepped toward her parents and let herself be wrapped up in their love, and protection. Someday she would have to make a choice. To let them in slowly into her magical world, or completely keep them separate. Someday she would have that conversation with her parents, but not yet.
Her parents took her to the Leaky Cauldron, with her trunk shrunk and stored in a backpack, along with the books her mother gifted her with a mischievous smile.
"I read them. They were educational," Jean said as she swallowed but smiled lovingly to her daughter. Hermione grinned as she shook her head at her mother's support as she stuffed the books into her bag.
"I'll write you soon," Hermione promised when they stood on the sidewalk in front of the pub. Dan looked at his daughter and brought her to his chest. They stayed like that. Somehow her parents knew this was going to be different, things were going to be different for their child. They knew it by some innate sense or a tug on their feelings. It was crazy, but they did. She was sometimes in awe of how wonderful her parents were when it came to her choices, her decisions, and her being so different than them. Letting her trudge through a world, essentially alone in, that they knew nothing about.
Finally, Hermione released her parents, tugged on her backpack straps and went into the pub. She walked straight to the back and tapped on the bricks. She inhaled as Diagon Alley opened before her. Hermione went to the bank and exchanged her pounds for galleons and went to a shop. She looked around and smiled. She inhaled as parchment, ink and books filled her senses. Hermione browsed and picked up a gorgeous quill set and purchased extra ink. She asked if it could be gift wrapped and the shop keeper smiled and nodded.
With one parcel in her pack she went to another store and walked to another. She was on visual sensory overload as she found colors she had never seen before. She lifted her hand and let her fingers skim over fabric and smiled at the softness of such gems. Hermione browsed the racks and picked the cloak off the rack and took it to the counter. Once again, she asked if it could be gift wrapped and once more the shopkeeper smiled and nodded. Hermione walked the streets of Diagon ally to the neared Floo and sighed before the fireplace. She picked up the powder, stepped into the space and clearly as she could told the destination he wanted.
She was spit out in the Three Broomsticks and ducted herself off.
"What are you doing here, girl?" asked madam Rosmerta. Hermione smiled as the tavern own chuckled at the smudge of ash on Hermione's forehead. She offered Hermione a towel and Hermione scrubbed the mark from her forehead.
"I have somethings to do. Thanks. Maybe I'll come back for a Butterbeer soon?" Hermione offered as she made her way to the door.
"Sure, I'll also let Minerva know you are your way up to the castle so the gates will let you in," the woman smiled, and she Hermione nodded her thanks.
Hermione took out her wand and cast a warming spell over her muggle winter gear. Truth be told she was perfectly fine, but walking in the snow might change that tune by the time she got to Hogwarts. She slid her wand up her sleeve and inhaled looking around. Hogsmeade really was beautiful dusted in a recent snow fall. Hermione took this time to look around and enjoy her time. She was not able to take her time when she was at the school, constantly attacked, or studying, or the damned tournament. For a few more hours she wanted that peace. Hermione smiled when her favorite professor met her at the gates. McGonagall opened the gates and Hermione steeped onto the grounds. When the woman closed the gates back the student and the professor looked at each other. Hermione smiled softly and Minerva mirrored her smile.
"You look tired, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said softly as she and Hermione turned to walk toward the castle. Hermione nodded.
"I realized recently that I am uncertain of many things. My head is jumbled and tossing around ideas as if it is a racquetball court in action," Hermione turned and smiled at her professors lost look. "Racquetball is a game with two players usually, and a very bouncy ball played in a small enclosure and you take a racket to hit the ball against the wall in hopes of the opponent not being able to get to the ball in time," Hermione informed. Understanding lit on Minerva's face.
"Does any of your uncertainty have anything to do with why you left the ball abruptly?" the older woman asked.
"Yes, it is a large part but there are other things," Hermione pursed her lips and sighed, "Personal things," Hermione said trying not to shut out her professor but hopefully letting the woman understand that was not up for conversation.
"Yes, well I am sure you will be welcomed with open arms," The professor nodded up the hill as the carriage opened and then closed. Fleur stood there, unaware of Hermione and her choice to come back to the castle. Hermione slowed to a stop.
"She almost took this castle apart looking for you. She is very special Hermione," Professor McGonagall said as she then turned to Hermione.
"Yes, she is," Hermione whispered as she stared.
"I'll be sure to let the Headmaster know you are back," The professor walked toward the great doors leaving Hermione standing on the path watching Fleur walk toward the lake. Hermione's feet moved before her mind was made up as she walked after Fleur. Fleur stopped at the lakes edge and sighed.
Hermione could see her shiver. Hermione pulled her pack to her front and pulled out the package then zipped it back up and then put the pack back on her shoulders. She walked toward the blonde. She wasn't trying to be stealthy, or to frighten the girl, but Fleur was so lost in thought. Hermione was a few feet from Fleur when she stopped.
"May I keep you warm?" Hermione asked to Fleur's back. She watched as Fleur started with a jump and whipped around. Fleur's left hand clenched over her chest and her right hand had her wand clasped in her fingers. Hermione and Fleur looked at each other not moving, not speaking, until Hermione clutched the package in her hands tightly making the package crinkle with sound. Hermione held out the object and Fleur reached out slowly and took the package. She didn't even look at her hands. Her eyes never looked from Hermione's. Fleur finally moved. She slowly closed the space between them and slowly lifted her arms up and took Hermione into her arms. Hermione let Fleur wrap around her. It was warm, and gentle. Hermione breathed in, lifted her arms and closed her eyes as she hugged Fleur back. It was perfect.
"You are here," Fleur breathed against Hermione's ear making the girl shiver, and then nod against Fleur's shoulder. Fleur felt the nod and held Hermione tightly. They stayed like that for a long while.
"Never leave me like that again," Fleur gritted as she finally released Hermione and held her at arm's length with the package on Hermione's shoulders. Hermione smiled and nodded then looked at the package.
"Happy Christmas," Hermione said as she watched Fleur look at the gift. The blond smiled and then tore into the wrappings. Hermione laughed and took the trash from the girl and put it in her backpack as her eyes lit up as the black velvet cloak was wrapped around her shoulders.
"This is wonderful," Fleur said as she snuggled into the fur lining, "To answer your question, yes, you may keep me warm," said trying to buckle a clasp and Hermione reached out and fixed the toggle and clasp on Fleur's shoulder and under her chin. Hermione's hands slipped up and cupped Fleur's cheeks. The blond leaned into them.
"I am sorry for leaving," Hermione leaned in and placed a sweet gentle kiss on Fleur's lips then pulled away. "Something happened, something pushed me to run away," Hermione tried to explain. Fleur clasped Hermione's hand and pulled her along onto a path around the lake.
"I felt it. I know," Fleur said sadly, "I understand why you can't take her into your arms," Fleur said and watched Hermione's shoulders fall in relief, "Oh love, I understand, it is alright," Fleur drew Hermione close to her and they walked arm in arm.
"She came to my home," Hermione said, and Fleur tensed as they continued around the lake, "She met my parents, came into my house, talked to my mother," Hermione whispered, and Fleur clutched Hermione's hand.
"It was petrifying knowing that she would probably be the death of me, but there she sat in my house as if nothing loomed over our heads. We drank tea. I laced the teas with verataserum, both of our cups so we could not lie to each other," Hermione stopped as Fleur tugged on her hand.
"Did she know she was given the potion?" Fleur asked with her brow furrowed.
"Yes, she could have backed out at any time if she wished not to have that conversation with me," Hermione let go of Fleur and looked to the castle.
"We were completely honest with each other," Hermione looked back to Fleur, "I told her that someday I wish I could love you both the way you both deserve to be loved. She said she wished the same thing. We hugged and then she left. It was that visit that made me come back. I don't want my magical world to bleed into my muggle world, at least not yet. It's enough that my parents know about you, both of you, but magic and bonds. It was too much," Hermione sighed and looked to Fleur.
"You are right, and this isn't very fair to you either. Actually, it isn't fair to any of us," Fleur walked toward Hermione and took her hand and they continued their walk, "I wanted to find my mate and love them completely for the rest of my life. One single soul, all mine, and now I have two. I don't know what to do sometimes, and throughout the whole thing you seem to be the only one with their head still attached to their shoulders," Fleur said.
Hermione nodded. She did notice her mentor seemingly fall apart at the seams, and Fleur want nothing more than for them to bond together. Hermione sometimes wondered if her analytical and ever rational brain made her incapable of loving.
"Come on. I don't have much time with you all by myself," Hermione smiled and tugged Fleur along, "If I am to spend the rest of my life with you, I want to know everything I can about you," Hermione smiled and then grinned as Fleur beamed at her.
"If you promise me one thing, Ma Chere," Fleur bantered and Hermione's eyebrow lifted in challenge, "I get to learn everything about you too," Fleur countered. Hermione smiled.
"I'll answer any question honestly I promise," Hermione said.
"Will I need verataserum and tea?" Joked Fleur and Hermione growled as she launched after Fleur when the girl took off.
Weeks pass:
Hermione's life went back to normal after the glorious winter and New Year's break she shared with Fleur. They took walks, ate meals together, and if anyone where there they would have seen their love and relationship blossom. The staff, shared looked, even Madame Maxime commented to Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster how cute they were together.
When students began slowly trickling into the castle Hermione and Fleur regulated themselves to the Room of Requirement. Hermione stood shocked one evening when Fleur mentioned it to Hermione, and she shook her head at Narcissa and her folly for allowing Fleur to follow her there. She half-jokingly asked Fleur if she met Narcissa in the room. Fleur smiled teasingly and pushed Hermione a little too far with her insecurities until Fleur grabbed Hermione's shoulders gently and promised that she had not touched Narcissa and Narcissa had not touch her further than that of a recognition bond. Hermione felt better, but she did see something fall in Fleur's eyes.
"Fleur, do you want to… ya know… um?" Hermione tried using her hands to convey her thoughts, but Fleur was quick.
"Yes, I do," the Veela confessed and then Hermione pulled her hands back and to her side.
"I don't think I am ready for something like that. Not yet," Hermione looked to Fleur and bore into her blue eyes, and then let out a breath then she stood and paced.
"What is wrong?" Fleur asked as she watched her young lover expend her energy and think. She began to learn how to handle Hermione and her quirks. She was delighted to say this was a courtship, not a bondmate, turned lover turned partner, turned soulmate deal. Fleur could honestly say she did it right with Hermione. She courted her, she loved her, she would be in love with her. Not fall into bed, and then realize with the bond that it was a moment of falling into love with your entire soul. Nope, it was like one of those muggle romances, with a few additional people.
"I want to, oh God Fleur I want to touch you, I am just…" Hermione took a breath.
"Not ready yet, and that is alright 'Ermione," Fleur helped, and Hermione felt arms pull her to Fleur, and she put her forehead to Fleur's pulse in her neck.
"Is that ok? Will you leave me because I…" Hermione never let the end of her question be voiced as lips softly kissed away the offending question.
"I will never leave you because you do not want to get physical with me, amore," Fleur swallowed for she knew the confession will be difficult for Hermione, her self-sacrificing little witch, "There is one thing Cherie," Fleur swallowed and Hermione felt the movement, and pulled back from Fleur looking at the woman she knew her future lie with.
"Tell me, I am right here," Hermione coaxed. Fleur sighed.
"Veela's have horrible reputations for a good reason," Fleur paused and then looked to the fire that lit their little room, "We do require sexual release to remain healthy… to an extent if we are not bonded. Even then its…" Fleur looked down. This is when her little witch will run for the hills. Then hands wrapped around her from behind and Hermione kissed her shoulder and the nape of her neck.
"I will do what is necessary for you to be healthy love," Hermione said softly. Fleur's heart leapt. Hermione has yet to tell her or Narcissa for that matter that she loved them. Those three little words have not yet left Hermione's lips, and judging from Hermione's question she could tell by, but it was difficult for Fleur to constantly say she loved the girl, and get a kiss in return, or a nod. When Hermione came close, or called her love, or my love it made part of Fleur's heart soar.
"I will not use you, ma Lionne," Fleur said turning in Hermione's arms and placing a kiss just to the side of Hermione's lips. Hermione sighed and Fleur saw the sad thoughts and a trace of resolution skim over Hermione's thoughts.
"That is why I wish you and Narcissa would bond, so you would have what I am not ready to give you," Hermione said as she pulled from Fleur's arms and sat down on the edge of the chair. Fleur looked to Hermione. She never really knew why Hermione pushed them together, but it was as plain as day now that Fleur let those words sink in.
"I could not…" Fleur whispered as Hermione leaned back and slouched in her chair. She was open, and defenseless. Fleur walked to the younger witch and straddled her legs. Hermione looked at Fleur through her fingers covering her eyes. Her breath stopped. Fleur eased onto the chair, that plush oversized chair in the room, and then sat back on Hermione's knees.
"I will never take from you what you don't want to give, and I don't know if I can take Narcissa without you there?" Fleur whispered as she sat looking down on Hermione. She watched the girl gulp.
"Together? As in all of us?" Hermione squeaked in a small whisper. Fleur smiled gently and pulled Hermione's hands from her face and made Hermione look at her.
"We are bound together, 'Ermione," Fleur said softly, "I am not bound to one and not the other without half of my self being lost, and I know you are each other's mate as well. She has confessed as such," Fleur said trusting Hermione.
"She spoke of me?" Hermione asked lifting a brow untrusting. Fleur reached out and smoothed that eyebrow down.
"She only spoke of the unfairness you have thrusted upon you and how she cannot let herself become yours because of ours and your current dilemma," Fleur said truthfully. Hermione looked away.
"I love her too Fleur, just as I love you," Fleur gasped and Hermione looked up and Fleur looked down at her with watery eyes, "You are special to me, as is she, but… you, Fleur Delacour, I love you," Hermione finally said it. Fleur looked down into Hermione's eyes and she saw it, she meant it, Fleur lunged forward and connected their lips sealing this moment, this perfect confession. Moments lapsed and Fleur broke from them and Hermione looked at her wonderful Veela.
"What was that for?" Hermione asked.
"You told me you loved me, it made me lunge," Fleur said happily as she smiled and laughed desperately, and Hermione smiled and chuckled.
"I am sorry I haven't told you, but this is a lot for me, and with Narcissa. I am yours Fleur, always, our other half however…" Hermione felt the statement stand. Fleur nodded. She could not get off the high of Hermione confessing her love, but the Narcissa factor did set a damper on the festivities. Fleur slid off of Hermione and Hermione stood, as they straightened out their clothes. Something about the room always made them get ready to see the world. They didn't need clocks. It was like a gentle nudge that they needed to separate.
"Today we …" Hermione began and then Fleur looked at the door like it was the enemy.
"Today we go back to being mere acquaintances," Fleur looked over to Hermione, "But we will meet, and we will be more," Fleur said, and Hermione shook her hand and nodded smiling.
"Always more," Hermione said. One more kiss and then Fleur walked from the painting. Hermione waited and then followed. They will be fine.
The Night Before:
"Where is he?" Hermione asked as she went to Professor McGonagall. The older witch put her quill down and assessed her student.
"Miss Granger..."
"Cut the shit, where is Harry Potter?" Hermione growled. She watched her professor and saw her taken back expression, and reigned in her rage and frustration. "Forgive me, he is important to me," Hermione said as she sat in one of the professor's chairs.
"How important is he Miss Granger?" Hermione gave her a cutting glare, "Hermione, I understand you are out of sorts," the professors paused so Hermione began.
"No, I am not. I planned this. Did you take him into the lake?" Hermione asked and Minerva's eyes grew to the size of saucers.
"How did you know that?" she asked looking at her pupil warding her door and silencing the chambers.
"Please, Luna and I knew from the engravings on the egg that it was Merfolk. Then we opened it and deciphered the meaning. I know someone I loved had to go, and you knew Fleur could not, and I went for Harry, and he is nowhere to be found. So, did you take him?" Hermione asked softly never breaking her professors steely gaze.
"Yes," she whispered then spoke rapidly, "You can't tell anyone," she told the girl. Hermione stood and then smiled.
"You forget who is in it the tournament. Victor has all avenues at his fingertips, Fleur has a headmistress willing to do what she can for her, and then there is me and Cedric. You do realize we are the only one's sort of playing by the rules. Between you and I, I have given as many hints to Cedric and Fleur to keep us on an even floor as Victor. We are fighting the schools and information, not each other, and that is infuriating," Hermione smiled and stepped to the door, but her professor called out.
"How has your defense lessons been?" she asked, and Hermione turned to her professor.
"As well as can be expected," then Hermione left. When Hermione was in the hall, she took a breath. It was as well as can be expected for a lesson that never happened. It never did stop Hermione from taking the hour to practice new spells. But she did miss the challenge. She also missed her mentor.
Hermione found herself at the beginning of a corridor and she felt the small presence beside her. Blake had taken to letting her know he was there subtly, but she was in control and he would back up or save her. She pulled her wand. It was too quiet, and she walked forward. She cast Protego maxima. She could not afford to be less than 100% for tomorrow.
Step by step, she knew it was an ambush, she knew it was going to happen and if it didn't happen then she was abiding by Professor Moody's 'Constant Vigilance' rhetoric. Hermione walked what she felt like was the gauntlet. She was simply waiting for the first to act. She was a quarter of the way down the hall. Then a red hex blasted against her shield and then all of a sudden, a barrage of spells from almost every alcove. She could not seek shelter and then she took her magic into herself with the last remnants of her shield and then thought of that spell she saw in the restricted section. Expulsion of dozens of shards. Your magic can become shards, and if taken in and harnessed in the heat of battle you can project your shards out in a random, yet explosive manner. Hermione spent many hours on this spell in her room without Narcissa.
When she let go of her magic, she heard at least four sharp intakes of breath as she turned and ran down the corridor.
"Diffindo!" Hermione heard and that voice made her pause but that proved folly. The diffindo grazed her hip but she kept running. She made it to the infirmary. It seemed like the infirmary was home base. Madame Pomfrey slid into the room on her rolling stool and shook her head and motioned to the bed.
Hermione began to take her shirt off, and then dropped her skirt down. Poppy shook her head.
"Has to come off," she directed, and then Hermione rolled her eyes in the back of her head and then went to take the skirt and hose from her frame and gasped.
"Ok, let me take that," Poppy said. She salvaged the skirt, but the hose never had a chance.
"On the bed, facing you and grit because this will be painful. Got it," Hermione said as she stared into the infirmary.
"Yes, quite a bit," Poppy began healing the little witch and saw her stern look, "What has you all serious, and wanting to run out of that door as soon as I heal this? I will also tell you not to do it, or you will split the skin apart," Madame Pomfrey chastised her protégé.
"I am not moving from this bloody bed," Hermione gritted and then looked to Poppy, "The challenge is tomorrow, and this seems like a safe place. So No, I am not moving from the infirmary. Get ready for a roommate," Hermione informed. Poppy blinked.
"Surely they won't attack you in the hall again so close to the challenge?" the medi-witch tried to reason. Hermione grabbed the pillow in her fists as the burn and yank and stretch of her flesh and parts of her muscle fused back together.
"You would think so, when it was not Narcissa firing the diffindo after my ass," Hermione gritted quietly in case anyone was in the infirmary. Poppy literally stopped treatment.
"NO don't stop, this hurts enough, and if you stop it will hurt more when you begin again," Hermione said keeping the witch working.
"Are you sure?" Madame Pomfrey whispered, and Hermione lifted her wand and cast a silencing ward. Poppy nodded.
"Hell yes. I know her voice as well as I know my own," Hermione gritted as the 7-inch gash slowly closed, "By the way, the dry humor, the techniques, even the way she talks and writes. The newest book was written by Narcissa. She would have done well in Muggle medicine, she should never have given it up," Hermione gritted.
"She had obligations," Poppy said as she watched the wound halfway close.
"Be that as it may, it's interesting that you make one of your required books Narcissa's book. She wrote that to get her masters in healing. Let me guess she also has a master's in DADA," Hermione asked and then Poppy sighed.
"You are too damned smart for your own good," the medi-witch focused as she mended muscle and skin. The door open and then Narcissa came through the doors. She looked to Hermione and then went to the bed.
"Stay away from me," Hermione growled, and blue met brown.
"Hermione, I meant to graze you, but your spell it rendered us…"
"Silence Madame Malfoy," Hermione gritted as she breathed through the pain she was enduring, "You are not wanted, nor are you needed," Hermione said as she faced away from the witch. Poppy looked up to Narcissa disappointed and shook her head and then turned back to Hermione. She had a bit more left on Hermione. After a while Hermione felt the warming sensation of healing and then turned to look at Poppy.
"Am I closed up?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, but you are still tender," the medi-witch inferred.
"Good, now please, go and tend to Narcissa. I never want her in pain," Hermione said as a small tear ran from her eye to the pillow. Poppy looked at the girl and then nodded.
"As soon as she is well enough, I will come back to you, fair enough?" the asked and Hermione nodded and then made herself comfortable. One more night in the infirmary. It's not so bad. She practically lived there anyways.
Poppy made her way to Narcissa behind the curtain. Narcissa looked up but didn't cover herself. She was laid bare from her shoulder to her hip. She took waved her wand near her shoulder and then to the fleshy side of her abdomen, but nothing was working the way it should.
"Little witch is much more powerful than I give her credit for," Narcissa said as she sat there with her wand trying to close the bleeding gash at her side.
"You are an idiot, Narcissa," Poppy said softly as she administered field aid. This was beyond first aid. This was in the trenches war field aid. She would not be able to heal her, only the magic user who shot the shards could. So…. Hermione had to heal her. All Poppy could provide was comfort and magical sutures.
"You are not helping yourself," came a voice from behind the curtain. Narcissa's eyes grew wide as she was stripped bare to her waist bleeding, and punctured. Hermione threw the curtain aside and limped in. Hermione took in Narcissa. Glorious, golden, and bare for Hermione's eyes to feast upon…. If Hermione was not irate, and betrayed.
"You hunted me, you hurt me. Thank you for being honest about that," Hermione said as she lifted her wand and Narcissa flinched at the look on Hermione's face and the wand raised in her direction. She closed her eyes at the warm healing essence. Hermione stayed for a moment wand raised, healing and then she threw open the curtain and left Narcissa and Poppy.
"You are such a lucky woman," Poppy said as she looked over the wounds which closed by 70% since Hermione took her magic back and then healed Narcissa with it.
"The girl unloaded a magical bomb on us, oh yes I'm very lucky," Narcissa panted as Poppy administered murlap, and a numbing potion.
"You idiot. She could have turned your ass in, but she healed you. She despises you, and then loves your screwed-up ass. She is not stupid Narcissa. Stop treating her as a child and begin treating her as a woman. She is sensitive, wonderful, and brilliant. Why in Merlin's sac have you not noticed this before?" Poppy growled at Narcissa as she patched the woman up.
"I have, but I cannot let her love me, my friend. Now you know why," Narcissa confided. Poppy looked down into those bottomless lost blue eyes and shook her head.
"She already does you nitwit. Put your shirt on, you are dangerous even for those who are straight," Poppy said as she eyed Narcissa. Lady Malfoy flashed a smile and fixed her robes and then went out into the infirmary. She looked and found Hermione on the bed. She saw the witch on her stomach as Poppy took over her healing. Narcissa placed a hand on Poppy's shoulder and looked at Hermione. The girl nodded.
Narcissa sat and lifted her wand. She watched as Hermione watched every movement, every sound, and every nuance that came from Narcissa. Hermione reached out and caught Narcissa's wand hand. Their eyes caught.
"Thank you," Hermione said with a look of gratitude but Narcissa was lost.
"I did nothing but attack you as I told you I would. I am nothing more than the vagrants who…" Narcissa was pulled down to Hermione's level.
"I planned for it. My magic would only truly harm those I don't know, and would not really harm those I love," Hermione looked at Narcissa, "You were essentially safe. I am not completely absent in this triangle Narcissa. Someday?" Hermione asked and then Narcissa looked on the little witch and swallowed and covered their hands over her wand.
"Someday… hopefully. You know…" Narcissa smiled as she tapered off. Hermione nodded. She will never promise me something she cannot give, but that hopefully was just that … a maybe.
"Bond with Fleur Narcissa," Hermione said softly and Narcissa looked down on Hermione and then shook her head.
"For some reason it would feel wrong if you were not there," Narcissa said softly. Hermione shook her head with a slight grin as she thought of Fleur's words.
"Go to Fleur, preferably tonight. I have a feeling Gabrielle is missing. Comfort her, give her strength," Hermione advised on her way to a dreamless sleep.
"What about you?" Narcissa sked.
"Heal me, then go. I am utterly useless. I have a feeling Madame Pomfrey did this on purpose when I got up. She did something. Can't figure it out, but she did something. Go she will need it," Hermione said drowsily, words slurring, and then her chin sank into the pillow further. Narcissa healed her as much as she could. Hell, she even shoved more magic into the girl to replenish her core from the magic expanded and the magic spent on healing.
Narcissa, no matter how much she wanted to run to the Veela, she knew her place was right there just in case. Hermione would understand in the morning. Narcissa shook her head and spared a look out the window and then back to Hermione. Fleur would hate her if she didn't tell her of Hermione. Narcissa took a deep breath.
"Blake," she whispered. The little elf appeared on the foot of Hermione's bed.
"You are supposed to keep her from harm," Narcissa gritted quietly so no one could hear them.
"I didn't know there were 6 people going to attack her all at once with invisibility cloaks on. I have guided her to offensive and defensive magic books in the restricted so she can defend herself and I can root out the attackers. She is proving to be a very cunning and innovate opponent," Blake came back. Narcissa looked to Blake.
"Do you like her?" she asked and the Elf never took his eyes from Narcissa. If he were a simple house elf it would be considered defiance, but he was not. He was a warrior.
"She is very capable, and learning quickly," Blake said.
"That is not what I asked. I asked if you like her," Narcissa countered.
"Yes," the little elf said with no reservations, and clearly not to be misunderstood. His yes was a deep solidification of a shadow elf to a master.
"I want you to swear yourself to her," Narcissa said as she watched the elf. He nodded and then looked to Hermione.
"I will after she gets out of this mess," he lifted his hand and magically moved the covers higher around Hermione's shoulders. Narcissa watched the motion and her heart fluttered at such gentleness coming from a veritable assassin.
"Go and retrieve Fleur. She would want to know of her state, and she would want to be near her future mate," Narcissa instructed.
"Will you remain?" Blake asked before he popped away.
"Your sole purpose is to protect, not ask questions," she glared and then she stood there, and glared back, "Yes," she whispered as she saw his calculating look.
"Good," he said. Narcissa nodded.
"Now go and retrieve Fleur," Narcissa directed.
"Yes, Mistress," Blake said as he popped away. Narcissa let her shadow elf go and get Fleur. It was with a pop that Fleur and Blake returned.
"'Ow iz she?" Fleur's French accent came out thickly due to stress.
"She will need you, just as you need her tonight," Narcissa stood, but Fleur's hand flashed out and they looked at each other, "I am not leaving Little Veela, I am simply getting the infirmary squared away. It is still rather early," Narcissa patted Fleur's hand.
"Do not leave us this night," Fleur softly demanded. Narcissa nodded her head. She turned and then helped Fleur into the bed beside Hermione.
"Can you not join us?" Fleur asked.
"No. The bed is too small and this is a very public place where I work," Narcissa smiled. Fleur smiled back but saw the exhaustion in Narcissa's eyes.
"Why do you look so weary?" Fleur asked as she settled next to Hermione. Narcissa took a deep breath and looked away. Fleur looked down to Hermione and then to Narcissa.
"You did it, didn't you?" Fleur asked hoping the answer would not be yes, but alas Narcissa nodded her head. There was a snap of little fingers and two sets of eyes looked at Blake.
"There is no need to square away the infirmary now. Miss Hermione would like it if you were both there," Blake said then vanished.
"He is such a strange little elf," Fleur said and Narcissa nodded, "I wonder who his master is," Fleur mused. Narcissa looked to Hermione. All she did was nod as she had before. No one needed to know Narcissa was Blake's master, and has been since before the first war. He had been with her for many years. That is what saved his life with Draco in the broom closet that day.
"I don't care who his master is as long as he protects our little witch," Narcissa whispered and then her eyes found Fleur's.
It was electric. Narcissa looked away and Fleur began to breathe once more.
"I am happy he came and got me. I just found out Gabrielle is missing," Fleur whispered and Narcissa saw the worry etched upon the girls face. Narcissa reached out and stroked Fleur's hand that rested on Hermione's back. Fleur clutched it, and then laced their fingers and rest then on top of Hermione. If anyone asked, they were gently supplying some magic to heal the girl, nothing more.