Roar of the Lion

by LostParkMih

When Hermione Granger find out her father arranged a marriage for her, she should choose to marry by duty or lost everything she work for.

Important Author's Note: My dear readers, I'm sorry for the long delay in actually bringing new content here... FF net is no longer a site I'm using a lot, sorry for that, I've massively migrated to AO3 where I can be found with my projects more recent and updated, unfortunately here on FF net I will continue to have sporadic and probably massive updates like what happened today. If you want to accompany me there my username is the same as LostParkMih, you will find my newest projects

Roar of the Lion

- Prologue

"You can't be serious," the young woman responded flatly to her aunt, who neither frowned nor blinked at the frustrated tone. The older woman sighed softly and rubbed her temples in mild exhaustion.

"Hermione, I've been running this household since your parents died. Does this sound like something I would joke about?" she asked with another sigh. "I never wanted something like this to stop you from being the leader of this House. Never. My wife and I tried to discourage this crazy idea from being enacted, but it was established by your parents when your mother was still pregnant with you. We pushed back telling you until now because I was hoping to annul it, but I was unsuccessful." Hermione crossed her arms as she listened, maintaining a cool expression. "The Healing Master MacLance predicted that you would be a boy, not a girl, and as a result, your father promised that his only son would marry the Delacours' daughter."

"What if I don't accept it?" Hermione inquired gruffly.

"Then after my death, Kate will take over this House," her aunt replied calmly.

"An arranged marriage when I wasn't even in this world yet," Hermione mumbled in exasperation. "I don't know this girl. God, I don't even know her name!" Hermione's tone rose slightly and she lifted a hand to her eyes, feeling a terrible headache incoming.

"From what we have heard so far, she is a good person, kind-hearted, warm-spirited, and moreover, she has been trained all her life to take on the duty of being your second in command. She has also been described to me as 'stunningly beautiful,'" the older woman continued. "And Fleur, her name is Fleur." Hermione nodded in resignation and stood up.

"Aunt, I truly am very grateful to you for trying to object to this ridiculous agreement, but I will be the leader of this House and if I need to get married because of a promise made by my father, I will do as he wished." Minerva smiled sadly and stood up as well, unfurling a roll of paper that had a cracked wax seal.

"This is the contract, and there is a letter as well." She handed the parchments to Hermione. "Read them both and then make your final decision, my child." Hermione grabbed the documents, smiling wanly and turned to leave. When she was almost at the door, she turned around, closed her eyes and spoke.

"Thanks Mum." Tears welled up in Minerva's eyes and a wide smile formed on her lips. She didn't have time to reply before Hermione left, but her parting words warmed her heart. She knew more than anyone that Hermione had been ready to be the next head of House since she was fifteen years old. Minerva also knew that her niece would not like the idea of such a marriage, but she foresaw the potential of a good friendship building between the two brides.

Hermione frowned as she settled into a window seat holding the two parchments. First, she read the official contract documenting the statutes of her marriage to one Fleur Delacour. The form stated that as spouses they would sleep in the same bed, spend as much free time together as possible, at at least once a week, participate in some activity outside the house, and finally, attend official events together. With a sigh, she turned to the letter in her other hand.

Hermione, my dear and beloved daughter,

I am writing this letter because I know that there will be no courage in my heart to tell you this in person, in plain words. I cowardly resorted to these papers I inscribed to try to make you understand my decision.

When your mother was pregnant with you, there was a prophecy declared by MacLance. He predicted that you would be a strong and unshakable warrior, who would rule our home with honor and strength. And he also saw a woman with blond hair beside you, who would bring out the best in you. I believed his words and when I met Apolline and her wife, I knew that they were the right family to provide the right woman for you, for you were still a boy in our eyes.

I was ahead of myself when closing the contract that is attached to this letter. But this, my sweet Hermione, is a contract of blood and honor, and I ask with all my strength and with every fiber of my being that you not break it.

I again ask for something great from my little warrior and future Leader. Accept my hasty and unfair actions, and please honor your future wife. Treat her with care, with respect, and listen to her. Listen to her, as I should have listened to your mother when she told me not to do what I did. Love can flourish in the most unexpected situations. Make it your strength. I ask your forgiveness, my daughter.

With all my love and affection,

Your father,

Alexander IV

Hermione felt a small, wet droplet land on her hand, and suddenly realized she was crying. Her father, always honorable and just, did something she would never have imagined. He promised her as a prize to a stranger. She really couldn't comprehend how he could have done this just because of some vague prophecy. And she hated him at that moment for dying in a bloody battle to protect his home before making his daughter aware of such promises.

Hermione's mother, Jean, died while giving birth to her, and her father's death happened when she was just three years old, leaving her to be raised by Minerva and her wife Rolanda. Hermione frowned once more and wiped away her tears with the handkerchief she carried in the back pockets of her pants. She sighed and returned to her aunt's office.

"Hermione! I imagine you've read the letter now?" Rolanda asked calmly, seeing the young woman in the door frame. Rolanda sat on the arm of the chair her wife sat in.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Hermione said, when she noticed that they had been talking about something before her arrival stalled their conversation.

"You didn't interrupt, and anyway it's advantageous for you to be here. Did you make your decision?" Hermione nodded instead of replying verbally.

"May I meet my future wife, or is that something that will only happen during the wedding itself?" Minerva hesitated for a second in her answer.

"The wedding already has a set date and is close," Rolanda responded for her.

"Yes, on the first of May," Minerva finally spoke.

Hermione appeared to remain calm. "That gives us..." she counted mentally, "five weeks," she tallied coolly.

"The Delacours' journey here will be a long one, and because a good part of the family will be coming to the celebration, we need to organize everything efficiently so that the ceremony, reception, and household is ready. We have been waiting for your permission to send the invitations."

"Do it," Hermione asserted bluntly, sealing the fate for herself and Fleur. "It looks like I'm going to be married soon."

- 1.

Hermione was nervous. She stood at the end of the church aisle where the wedding was to be held. It was close to the main house, about ten minutes by wagon, carriage or horse. She was sweating. Her hands were shaking with anxiety. She hadn't even caught a glimpse of her future wife yet, nor had she exchanged a single word with the bride's family.

Rolanda helped her get dressed, seeing that her niece was too preoccupied to close the cufflinks on her shirtsleeves by herself, let alone arrange her tie. Hermione wore her father's old military suit, tailored especially for her that day. The military uniform was made of black fabric. The shirt was white, and the tie matched the suit in black. She wore a comfortable pair of black striped shoes and trousers of the same fabric as the suit. It was a warm outfit, and compounded by her nervousness, she was already uncomfortable in it.

She scanned the side of the church where the Delacours sat in the front row. On the far right she saw an elderly lady who seemed thrilled to be there, but did not appear to be Fleur's grandmother. There were a few other guests that Hermione found less relevant. She kept scanning faces until she saw a woman who she assumed to be Fleur's other mother, Abby. A woman with dark skin and brown hair, she didn't seem to be very happy and gave Hermione a tight smile when their eyes met.

Also on this side were Fleur's groomsman and bridesmaid, two figures that Hermione knew by sight, Luna Longbottom and her husband Neville. Luna was shorter than her husband by at least thirty centimeters, with loose blonde curly hair. Hermione knew from various tidbits of gossip that Luna was an excellent fencer. Neville, on the other hand, had a robust build, though he was not quite as strong as most other men in the North. He had hair cut close to his head and a bearded face. The man was an old acquaintance and he nodded politely to Hermione. Behind Hermione was the minister who would carry out the ceremony and Kate Hooch, Hermione's cousin and Minerva's daughter, who had such light brown hair it almost looked blonde and an extremely tall and slim figure.

And finally, Harry Potter, one of Hermione's best friends and someone she trusted with her life. He was not very tall, but he was known for his intelligence in battle. Harry was a kind man, and both were happy that Hermione was getting married. Hermione felt herself smile when she saw that Harry had a few ornaments - several ribbons of many colors - attached to his clothes.

Hermione continued shifting uncomfortably, only to freeze when the bridal march began to play and the door at the end of the hall opened. Never in her life had Rolanda seen Hermione as tense as she was at that moment. The best description she could think of for her niece at that moment was that she looked like a deer waiting to be brought to the slaughterhouse. Hermione swallowed when she saw her bride enter, accompanied by an older woman.

The older woman was tall, about six feet in height, with dirty blonde hair. Hermione assumed she had blue eyes (it was hard to tell from where she was standing), a strong build as required by a house leader, and she wore a beautiful formal outfit in various shades of dark blue. She had gentle features though and Hermione felt a little bit more comfortable about the woman wanting to kill her over her daughter's hand. The woman smiled widely at her, and Hermione relaxed slightly. Then Hermione's brown eyes were drawn magnetically to her future wife.

At that moment, she couldn't agree more with her aunt's description about Fleur Delacour. She was stunning, with long, light blonde hair swept into a complex up-do that rivaled even Hermione's series of braids. She had a nervous smile on her lips, and took careful, cautious steps towards Hermione, as she kept looking between the floor and the woman in front of her. Her white dress had a few sky blue lace embellishments incorporated. It was a beautiful dress, starting in a modest neckline, lace trailing down to the hips, where a thin fabric with small flower details overlapped the main material of the skirt in a swirled style. The gown had three-quarter sleeves, exposing her arms showing off the silver bracelets Fleur wore on each wrist. Hermione discerned that the color of Fleur's house was blue, since the dress Abby was wearing was the same shade, along with the lace details and Apolline's tie too. Hermione made a mental note about it.

When the two Delacours reached her, Apolline beamed, and extended her free hand to Hermione, who accepted and took the two small steps down, when she was pulled into a small hug.

"Take care of my girl, Hermione," she whispered softly to her, and Hermione noticed how scared Apolline actually was at that moment.

"I promise," she affirmed quietly. The older woman moved aside to make way. Hermione smiled as sweetly as she could at Fleur, and held out her hand. Fleur hesitated for a second and then grasped the hand stretched out to her. When she got close enough, Hermione found herself leaning in and whispering to her future wife. "It will be okay, I promise." Fleur relaxed somewhat and the minister started to speak.

"Good evening everyone!" The old man spoke, smiling broadly. "We are here today to celebrate one of the best things in life; the trust, the hope, the companionship, and the union of this couple. You were invited to share this moment with Fleur Delacour and Hermione Granger, because you are the most important people to them. Respect, understanding, and affection will always be the basis for sustaining a relationship that is to be born today. Therefore, it is an honor for the couple to count on your presence, here, today." He took a deep breath and looked at the two brides and smiled.

"Today we create a new bond before God that is unbreakable. Happiness is knocking on our doors every day, and it depends only on ourselves to seek that joy. Every marriage, my sons and daughters, has its difficulties. There are battles to be won every day, small or large, but these battles are what guide our life to such felicity. Remember, joy is not only at the end of the road, but on the path that we take to the end. Life is filled with gladness and sorrow, but do not fear, for you will be together in every step of this beautiful journey that is 'life.' That united by God, no man or woman is able to separate." Hermione didn't believe in a god, and the minister's words made her a little uncomfortable. "I ask you to face each other."

They turned to stare at each other for the first time in their lives, and Hermione watched Fleur swallow apprehensively. She herself slightly tensed with the nervousness emanating from her future wife's vivid blue eyes.

"Hermione, do you willingly accept Fleur as your wife?"

"Yes, I do," she asserted with a conviction beyond herself.

"Fleur, do you willingly accept Hermione as your wife?"

"Yes, I do." Fleur's voice shook a little, and Hermione felt her own tension spike.

"Hermione, you may commence your wedding vows." The brunette cleared her throat, and for a second, forgot all the words she had written to Fleur during the past few weeks before the ceremony.

"Fleur, I know that what we have here today may be far from ideal. Our union is very new, and we must build our history together from the ground up. But I promise you that in me, you will be able to find a friend, and the most steadfast companion you could have dreamt of. I vow that I will work hard for every day of our lives together. I promise to dedicate myself so that our days together will be of satisfaction and joy, and that I will always be by your side in difficult times. This union is being witnessed by everyone we love, and I give my word here to you and to them, that I will do everything in my power to make you happy, for as long as I live." She released a shaky breath, and nodded ever so slightly when she saw that Fleur gave her a watery, thankful smile.

"Hermione, today I welcome you as my wife, with an open and cheerful heart, for someone as honored as you to accept me as yours. I promise to make our home a peaceful place, and a foothold for everything we can create together. I will give you my affection and my devotion, so that you can count on me in moments of strife and trust me in moments of calm." Fleur's speech was shorter, but no less significant.

"Now the alliances," the minister announced with a wide smile. With that, a girl of fifteen, with blonde hair and blue eyes, who Hermione assumed was Gabrielle, Fleur's younger sister, approached the brides with a small pillow in her hands... and there lay the rings. The two turned to exchange rings with shaking hands.

"Fleur, receive this ring as a sign of my dedication, loyalty and affection." She slid the ring onto Fleur's finger and smiled slightly.

"Hermione, receive this ring as a token of my dedication, affection and loyalty." Fleur did the same with Hermione's finger.

"Love is patient, love is kind, love is born out of the most strenuous circumstances and is the greatest strength of any man. Love does not envy, does not boast, is not proud. It doesn't mistreat, doesn't look out for its own interests only, it is not rash of temper, it doesn't hold a grudge. Love is not happy with injustice, but is happy with the truth. Everything suffers, everything believes, everything hopes, everything endures. Fleur and Hermione, having witnessed their exchange of vows before everyone who is here today, it is with great joy that we declare that you are married. Seal the union with a kiss."

They looked at each other nervously, and Hermione leaned in for a short, extremely chaste kiss. Everyone in the church hall applauded. Hermione took Fleur's hand with focused carefulness, helped her down the steps, and guided her back down the aisle where everyone embraced them and pulled at the pair lovingly, wishing them well.

They barely had a second for conversation as they moved to the larger ballroom attached to the cathedral. The reception area was beautifully decorated with several arrangements of spring flowers. There was even a small flower passage that highly amazed Fleur as she looked around in wonder.

"Do you like it?" Hermione asked, seeing that her now-wife was delighted with the decorations.

"It's beautiful," Fleur answered softly, uncertain about how to act around Hermione.

"I'm happy to hear it. I helped choose the decorations, and I wasn't sure if you would like how it turned out," Hermione revealed calmly.

"That was very kind of you, Lady Hermione."

"Hermione...please, call me Hermione?" She smiled encouragingly, and Fleur nodded.

"Of course, Hermione." Fleur returned the smile.

"My Ladies, we have the waltz next, and then dinner will be served." A servant approached and then bowed to Hermione.

"Thank you, Stuart." She smiled at him and he nodded and left. That caught Fleur's attention, the fact that Hermione seemed to know the names of the servants. Hermione held out her hand to Fleur.

The waltz was simple and the two were surprised to be able to dance so proficiently together, even though they had never danced together before. Soon after that, the banquet started. Apolline and Minerva spoke together for a quick word, and within only a few hours, Hermione and Fleur were sitting alone in a carriage. Fleur played with the edge of her right sleeve, and Hermione kept her eyes out the small window.

When they arrived at the manor, Fleur felt her eyes widen at the place. It was built from a kind of gray stone, with hundreds of small torches and stoves lighting up the place. The Granger house was a large place, with dozens of bedrooms, several bathrooms, a large dining room, a large library, and even an indoor pool, which Hermione had commissioned a few years ago. The outside was surrounded by many gardens and high walls. From the main gate to the entrance, there was a road of almost 150 meters, which was surrounded by trees. If Fleur paid attention, she would hear the animals in the house and the wild animals outside making lively noises everywhere. It was a peaceful home, and the blonde thought she would like it there.

When they arrived at the main door, the man who had driven the carriage stepped down and opened their door, helping each of them over the small steps. Fleur guessed that she was going in with Hermione, but a lone servant took her into the bedroom to bathe and dress for the night. Hermione moved to her father's office. She spread her hands on the desk and considered what she should do. In less than half an hour, the same servant guided her to her own bath. Hermione quickly washed, entered the room, and felt herself lock up when she saw Fleur sitting uncomfortably on the bed.

"I think this is it?" Fleur hesitated as she started to speak. "I don't know what to do. I know what we should do, but..." A sigh from Hermione made Fleur look up at the other woman. Hermione took a few steps towards the blonde on the bed and sat down by her side.

"Fleur, I know this is a complicated situation but I told you, it will be okay," Hermione said, looking at her hands. "I wish this was something that we both chose, and I know it's not ideal, but I meant it, I'm going to do my best to make you as happy as possible."

"I don't know what to do now," Fleur said hesitantly.

"I don't know either, but can we find out together?" Hermione offered gently, and Fleur held her hand tentatively.

"Of course."

"I know what's expected for us tonight, but we don't need to do anything that we don't feel comfortable with." As if predicting what Hermione was going to say, Fleur yawned at length. "Come on, let's go to sleep," Hermione offered kindly and soon the two were lying down. The blonde was not far from slumber, but Hermione stayed awake for a few more hours, until sleep finally pulled at her.

"Lady Hermione," a voice called softly and Hermione felt her body wake up in a snap. "Lady Fleur is already up and in the dining room." Hermione felt automatically awakened.

"I need fifteen minutes," she spoke, already rolling out of bed and hearing the door click at her back. Hermione got dressed in record time. She then washed her face and went downstairs to the dining room. Two servants opened the doors for her. When she entered, she saw that the end of the table, a place usually occupied by Minerva, was vacant and on the right side of the place was Fleur. "Good Morning." She spoke to everyone there. She saw that Fleur's family was there, Apolline, Abby and Fleur's younger sister, Gabrielle. Minerva, Rolanda and Kate were sitting at the table too. Hermione approached Fleur and left a small kiss on the blonde's head. She sat in the vacant seat and Minerva smiled widely at her.

"Mione, the Naming Ceremony for your title of Leader should be tomorrow." The brunette nodded and realized she was the only one who hadn't eaten yet, so she quickly helped herself.

"How does this ceremony work?" Abby questioned, breaking the strange silence of the room.

"It is a simple passage of power." Rolanda started, but Hermione cleared her throat slightly.

"Could I?" Rolanda nodded in answer, smiling shortly. "And a ceremony where I will receive the sword of my ancestors. There will be a war painting that is traditional to our warriors that will be passed down to me and I will be given the title of Leader."

"Alexander linked his rise of power to marriage, correct?" Apolline spoke firmly.

"Yes, my father did that. I have been trained to govern our land and home since I was young, but only with marriage could I take power."

"In that case, it's just a formality." Fleur spoke in a disgusted tone.

"Formality or not, I plan to keep my promises to you..." Hermione spoke kindly to Fleur, but she saw that the blonde held a small snort. Apparently Hermione's new wife had a strong personality. Hermione held an amused smile when she saw that Fleur was much more than a pretty face. She liked that her wife had personality.

"Hermione, our families are connected from generations back" Apolline spoke in a more gentle tone, seeing that Hermione was really committed to Fleur's happiness. "When the war broke out, your father was one of the great generals of the united front to expel the invaders from the South. He defended Beauxbatons with all his strength, and it was in this battle that he died." Hermione swallowed. "He saved my life on that cold, dark night and I promised to do everything I could to protect our southern border."

"It all started with a contract to sell our horses to you, correct?" Apolline nodded. "That was way before our generations. I know that the Delacour and the Granger clans have had a good relationship for many years. It was one of the first alliances between houses that we know of and this is something that I really want to keep. Even if I didn't have my connection with Fleur, I want to make it clear that you are valuable partners and friends in my home," Hermione spoke in a formal tone. Apolline smiled with satisfaction. "And I was serious about everything I promised at the ceremony yesterday. Fleur's happiness is one of my priorities." Fleur opened her mouth to say something, but a servant came in quickly and approached Hermione.

"We have a problem at the training center." Hermione nodded and stood up, plate half eaten. With a simple excuse, she withdrew, leaving everyone in the hall.

"She looks like a good woman." Apolline spoke, breaking the silence again. "I hope she respected you as much as she shows, daughter."

"She was very kind." Fleur chose to keep to herself that the marriage was not yet consummated. Apolline smiled contentedly. "I just don't quite know my place here..." She told Minerva, who was the only person she knew there besides her family.

"Well, this is something that Hermione will probably sit down to decide with you in the next few days. I know her well. She will give you time to explore the house until the formalities are done. I know that tomorrow, she will present our land to you and introduce the people who matter. " Minerva spoke with a smile. "Hermione is a good woman, Fleur."

A few hours later Hermione returned to Fleur. She found the blonde tucked away in the library of the house with a copy of one of the books in the collection. She was completely immersed in the story and Hermione leaned against one of the shelves to watch her wife shamelessly. Fleur was really beautiful and Hermione felt a tug towards the blonde. She wanted to meet the woman with all her strength, but the situation was so uncomfortable and she didn't know how to fix it.

"My God!" Fleur shouted as she looked up and noticed Hermione near the closest shelf.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you..." Hermione felt her cheeks lighten and her face heat up. "Can I sit?" she asked with a burst of courage.

"Sure, but please don't do it again. I almost had a fit," Fleur still spoke in a high tone. "Jesus, I don't need someone sneaking up on me in an unfamiliar place, Hermione," she scolded and Hermione felt ashamed.

"I didn't mean to disturb your reading. I'm sorry," she spoke, approaching in two strides and sitting next to Fleur on the small sofa. "I would like to talk about something..." Fleur frowned. Hermione was very different than she imagined. The people of the North were known for being tough, unyielding. It was as if the cold of the North had hardened the hearts of the northerners. And she imagined that Hermione would be just like the many soldiers she had known in her lifetime. Cold, calculating, without much regard for the feelings of others and without subtlety or delicacy. Hermione, on the contrary, was kind. she concerned herself with what Fleur was feeling and the simple fact that she asked for permission as much as she did, made the blonde more comfortable.

"Sure..." she agreed, not quite sure what it was about.

"I know the situation is strange." Hermione insisted on reaffirming for the infinite time and Fleur almost rolled her eyes. "And I want to know the limits that we have with each other at this point, because I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable with me doing something or the other way around."

"I don't know what you expect from me as a wife," Fleur spoke after a few moments.

"Fleur..."

"I know that I will have official duties here and I am confident that I will handle anything that you want me to do well, but with respect to us..." She pointed between the two of them. "I don't know what to expect. What do you expect from me?"

"I want you to be happy." Hermione's sincerity made Fleur shy.

"Yes, but most husbands and wives expect their partners to lie down with them, to kiss them and..."

"Serve?" Hermione cut in, and the blonde nodded. "I want you to do what you're comfortable with, Fleur." The brunette sighed. "I'll be completely honest, okay?" Fleur nodded. "You are beautiful, but I don't know anything about you. And I refuse to be moved by my physical desires for you to somehow lie with you or demand something that is beyond your comfort. For me, we have to build something for something physical to happen if we ever feel like doing it. " Hermione ran a hand over her face. "It would be ridiculous if I wanted to demand that you perform your 'carnal duties' with me." Hermione made quotes with her hands. "I want you to feel comfortable with me if we ever get to that..."

"My feelings are the same. I want to meet you halfway. It's weird to be married to a complete stranger. And even though I feel the same way about you physically, I don't want to…" Fleur sighed. She thought Hermione was beautiful, obviously. The brown hair, the warm brown eyes and the tan skin, all together with the slender build, made the brunette extremely attractive. But the two agreed that it was strange to be intimate with the other without even knowing the basics. "I want to meet you halfway so we can do this." Hermione nodded. "I know it's a strange position, Lady Minerva told me that you only recently learned about this agreement between our parents."

"I am outraged that they did this. If marriage was so necessary to strengthen the bonds of our people, why not speak to me before? Why not allow us to know each other during our creations? Why not create a bridge between us so that at least a friendship was founded? I would never fail to fulfill my duties as a future Leader. And I mainly feel ashamed of making you so uncomfortable with this." Fleur felt Hermione's frustration coming out in waves from the brunette. A touch of the woman's hands beside her saw the entire tense construction of Hermione relax slightly.

"It will be okay," Fleur guaranteed. "I feared that you were just like the many soldiers who passed through our lands in the south. But you are different and that is a big plus, because I feared that..."

"Were you afraid that I would end up raping you as what often happens in the far south?" Hermione saw the small nod. "Oh, Fleur, I would never touch you without your permission." Hermione reached out to touch Fleur's shoulder and hesitated. The blonde nodded briefly. "I will never disrespect you like that. How about this. I will propose a deal. I will limit myself to imitating the physical acts that you do to me, ok?"

"What? I am not sure if I understand," Fleur answered.

"If you touch my hands, will I know that you feel free to do the same spontaneously, and so on?" Hermoione tried again to make herself clear.

"So, for example, you won't kiss me until I start?" Hermione nodded. "Not even if I ask?" Hermione hesitated and thought to finally answer.

"If you ask, I will understand it as consent. I will never do anything without your consent," said Hermione and the two smiled slightly. Hermione rose and Fleur followed suit. "I apologize for having to leave now," she said hesitantly. "Rolanda commented that your mother said..." Hermione sighed. "What a network of gossip." At that, Fleur laughed lightly. "I was told you like to paint and draw?"

"Yes, it is one of my hobbies." Hermione smiled when she saw the blue eyes sparkling.

"So, I ordered a carriage to take you, your mother and Rolanda to the markets, it's half an hour from here. Can you buy your art supplies there?" Hermione smiled when she saw that the blonde looked excited. "Don't worry about spending too much, okay?" Fleur hesitated. "Consider it my wedding gift." Hermione smiled and Fleur nodded, grabbing Hermione's hand.

"Thank you very much, Hermione." The brunette smiled when she saw the wide smile on Fleur's lips.

"Have fun. I also set up a room in the same corridor as our room for you to set up your studio." Hermione smiled and then walked away. "Ask one of the guards or servants to take you anywhere you want inside the house. Just, I ask you to wait to explore the lands when I'm with you? It's still dangerous here even in moments of peace." Fleur nodded. She didn't like being trapped in the big house, but she thought it was a fair request and considering the big gift Hermione just gave her, she knew she would be entertained for a long time with the paints and canvases.

Fleur's journey through the city was a long one. When she returned with a carriage full of art items, it was early evening and soon dinner would be served. She asked one of the guards to take everything to the selected room and another servant took her to the bathroom, where she took a shower that was long enough to let her body relax in the large stone bathtub.

She went down to the dining room, which was made of stone walls. Like many other houses, there were several oil paint paintings hanging on the walls, as well as old battle armor, shields and swords. At the back of the room was a large drinks cabinet, where Apolline and Minerva poured liquor. When analyzing the room she saw that everyone was already there casually talking and that the food had not yet been served. Hermione saw her come in and apologized to Apolline, with whom she had been talking to, and approached, smiling slightly at Fleur.

"I heard you had fun."

"The word flies around here quickly," Fleur joked and Hermione smiled.

"What can I say? We like good gossip," Hermione countered the joke and the two smiled.

"Thanks for this." Fleur smiled and felt Hermione's fingers take hers.

"I'm really glad you liked it. It's a good start, right?" She spoke hesitantly and Fleur nodded, which made Hermione's little smile widen slightly. Dinner was then served and they ate. Afterwards, with a quiet invitation, the brunette led Fleur to the back gardens of the house. "It is a beautiful place. Your artistic soul will like it."

The back garden was large, with a small artificial pond where Fleur could see fish swimming in even at night. There were several rose bushes of different colors. The roses were big and beautiful and she felt her eyes fill with so many colors. She noticed herself walking in the garden without Hermione next to her and when she turned she saw that the brunette was holding out a small white rose for her. With a smile she took the small flower from Hermione's hand and raised it to her nose to inhale the sweet smell of the flower. She saw that Hermione was trying very hard to make her feel warm and comfortable. Andit was working. Maybe it would take a while for total comfort, but intimacy would come over time. However, she knew she could totally like the brunette. Hermione guided her to a bench hidden behind a red petaled rose bush, with a hand on the small of her back. The two sat side by side and Hermione sighed.

"My father made this garden for my mother." Fleur remained silent as she listened.. She knew that Hermione had lost her parents at a young age and that Rolanda and Minerva had raised her practically from when she was a small baby. "Rolanda told me that my father and mother were deeply in love and that their greatest joy was when they found out they were expecting me." Hermione sighed and Fleur grabbed her wife's hand. "My mom loved flowers, I was told." She saw the brunette frown. "My father made this garden so that she would always have her favorite flowers around. Minerva told me that my mother spent hours here with my father during pregnancy. Maybe that's why I feel so much at peace when I come here." Hermione gave a watery smile.

"Thank you for sharing this with me." Fleur thought for a moment. "I heard about our future marriage very early. My parents were always very direct about it and my mom, Abby, never liked the idea. I think it is because of everything the northerners have already done to the people of the south." Hermione nodded, knowing how tense those connections were. "My mother, Apolline, insisted that you would be different even though she'd never met you. My mom was totally against it, but the contract was signed with blood and honor, so who were they to break something like that, right?" Fleur spoke the last sentence softly. "My mom is a healer, and she taught me everything she could about everything so that I was prepared to take over whatever position you demanded." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Now I see that you are very kind and concerned about my happiness and security, but before, I didn't know what to expect..." Fleur sighed. "When I grew up I felt trapped in this agreement made by our parents. I didn't feel that I could be myself because I had to learn etiquette, politics, and many others. My mother gave me as much freedom as she could, but I still had a lot to learn to be a good wife. "

"I feel like you will do that exemplarily." Hermione tried to give some assurance and it made Fleur feel a little more confident. "It is strange that our peoples are so interconnected by favors and exchanges, is it not?" she commented and Fleur resounded in agreement. "But I'm glad that my wife is you."

"Me too, Hermione, me too." The two exchanged a smile.

"Tomorrow, after the ceremony, we can talk about what you feel comfortable doing around the house and I want to show you our animals. Your father said you have a taste for horses." Hermione smiled when she saw that Fleur's attention was turned entirely towards her at the word 'horses'. "Tomorrow we will talk about it."

"We have a deal." Fleur yawned lightly, "Sorry. The walk through the mall was exhausting."

"Let's go to bed?" Hermione suggested. The two went to the bedroom, where they slept fully dressed on each side of the bed. That night was more comfortable for Hermione to fall asleep.

When Hermione woke up the next day she was awakened by the singing of a bird at her window. She grunted and resettled on her pillow, but when she felt something nudge her nose, she opened her eyes to find herself drowning in a golden sea, finally noticing that she was lying against Fleur's back, with her hand pressed under Fleur's pillow and the other arm around the woman's waist. Fleur was clutching the hand around her waist. She let a content sigh, pulling Hermione's arm tightly against her.

Since they didn't wake up together yesterday morning, Hermione didn't know if the position had been the same as the say before or if it was a new development. But if she were honest with herself, she liked the feeling of waking up with Fleur in her arms. Unfortunately, Hermione's bladder was just as awake as Hermione herself. She loosened herself free from Fleur whilst sighing and left the room, still yawning and with her hair tousled. She pulled on her robe and went to the shower room where there was water already waiting for her. She washed her face, combed her hair and realized that in a few hours she would rise as a Leader. A pit of ice formed in her stomach. She would honor her ancestors and most of all, she would honor her wife as she had promised herself that night she read her father's letter.

- 2.

Fleur woke up late, later than she'd ever woken up before. It made her extremely uncomfortable. She jumped out of bed when the servant who took care of her room called her a third time. She had no idea how she managed to sleep in so late. She ran to the bathroom and dressed as quickly as possible. She skipped the morning bath, combed her hair, and threw it into a side braid. A servant guided her with hurried steps to the dining room.

Upon entering, she saw that the room had changed and that the big table had been removed. There were some chairs facing a wooden and steel throne, as well as a big black and gold carpet spread across the floor. Hermione's family shield hung over the throne. Fleur quickly searched for someone she knew. She didn't find Hermione, just Kate standing next to the throne. She moved there in quick steps and the taller blonde smiled as she approached.

"Lost track of time?" Fleur felt her cheeks heat up strongly at the woman's mocking tone.

"I was always terrible at getting up early," she explained ashamedly.

"The Northern dawn is dark so it is normal for those who are not used to waking up with night at their door to miss the time in the morning," Kate spoke calmly. "The ceremony will start in a few moments." She pointed discreetly to a hidden door at the back of the room. "Your wife is in there, probably freaking out." Fleur frowned and nodded, moving away from Kate and heading for the door.

"Fleur, my daughter, where are you going?" Abby asked, appearing next to Fleur, who was always surprised at how discreet her mother could be when moving.

"Hermione needs me." She frowned at how naturally the phrase came out of her mouth. Abby opened and closed her mouth in a tight line, thinning her lips.

"Go then," she spoke with a grunt. Abby didn't really approve of Fleur's marriage, but she had her hands tied now that the wedding had already taken place. In part, the blonde was happy to leave her mother's domain. On the other hand, she understood that her mother was frustrated with the situation.

She moved to the door, pushing the latch open without a sound. She studied the scene in front of her, closing the door quietly behind her. Hermione had her back to Fleur, her hands supported and flat on a dark wooden table. Fleur saw her wife's tense shoulders, her brown hair tied like always in an infinite number of braids and wraps that Fleur wanted to have time to appreciate. Perhaps in the future, she thought.

"Hermione," she called in a low tone and saw the brunette hopelessly bend further. Fleur frowned when the brunette didn't turn around or react verbally. From what she'd noticed, Hermione was a woman who always gave an opinion and would never leave anyone without a decent answer. Fleur questioned for a moment what she should do.

She sighed slightly and approached Hermione. In an act of courage beyond herself, she wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist, resting her head on her shoulder and pulling her into a hug, until Hermione was forced to relinquish her hold of the wood in her hands. Fleur felt Hermione tense at the movement, hesitant, until she relaxed enough to allow herself to be held by Fleur.

"It's all right," Fleur promised without knowing for sure what was wrong. She knew that the decision to hug her wife was right when she felt Hermione's hands support hers, which were still wrapped around Hermione's waist. Hermione donned a type of battle armor with leather and metal. It was a beautiful and exotic outfit and Fleur wanted to step back to see the details of the outfit.

"I'm nervous." Hermione swallowed. "What if I'm not good enough for the role I am due to soon have?" Fleur frowned, she was amazed that Hermione trusted her enough to open up, because let's face it, they didn't know each other. At the same time, she found the other woman's fear to be rather silly since everyone agreed that Hermione was the best choice for the role of Leader.

"Hermione, you will be perfect for what needs to be done. You don't have to be that nervous." She pulled away slightly and Hermione spun around within her arms. She saw the agonized and nervous brown eyes. "Hey," Fleur frowned. "Why are you so nervous?" she questioned gently. Hermione leaned in slightly and Fleur felt Hermione's nose touch the hair just above her ear.

"I'm afraid of not being good enough for my people, not being able to do my duty, to protect and care for everyone as they all deserve. Not being enough..." Hermione paused for a long moment of silence. "For you." She spoke in a tight tone. Fleur felt a rush of warmth in her chest. She knew that that woman in her arms would do anything to make her happy, but Hermione's insecurity was so much stronger than anything else, because it showed Hermione's real fear of not being able to keep her promises. Fleur pulled Hermione closer into a tight hug that Hermione took a few moments to reciprocate, but eventually Fleur felt steady arms wrap around her shoulders and back, and pull her tight.

"I will be by your side every step of the way. We will make everything work." Hermione felt herself relaxing with her wife's confidence in her person and in their growing relationship. She already felt a special affection for the blonde. It was as if they were made to meet at some point in their lives no matter what. And she was happy that Fleur was with her at that moment.

However, their conversation was broken by a small knock on the door. Minerva entered and froze when she saw the two hugging and standing so close. Part of her was so happy to see the scene and another part was a little confused, because the two did not seem so physically close before.

"Hermione, it's time." The brunette nodded and Fleur took a step back to make room for Hermione to move. She was surprised when the brunette reached out to her in a clear invitation for them to go out together. When the two entered the throne room, everyone looked surprised to see the two of them standing side by side.

"You are my equal, never an inferior or superior," Hermione whispered softly to Fleur. "You will be by my side as my wife and as the second leader of this house." Fleur frowned in confusion for a second and then nodded slightly.

Hermione guided her by the hand to the throne. She frowned when she saw that there was no place for Fleur to sit and decided that this should be resolved as soon as possible. She should sit, by tradition, but instead she turned to face everyone, grabbing Fleur's hand.

"I am grateful that you are all here for this special moment in our lives. Today, I, named Hermione Granger at birth, will have the honor of ascending to the position of Leader of the Granger house. Our house is known to be invincible in battle, fierce and untamed. Some call us savages. Others tremble just at the sound of our battle cry. But today, today I will be honored by the presence of everyone here." A lady in her seventies walked down the black carpet with a guard escorting her through the door, her hands clinging firmly to his arms. She walked over to Hermione, who, to Fleur's surprise, fell on her knees in front of the lady. The woman smiled slightly and, visibly trembling on her legs, let go of the man and took a small step towards Hermione.

"Oh Hermione, I watched you grow up into this fantastic woman." The lady held Hermione's cheeks with gentle care. "I watched a little girl become our Leader. And you will be a Leader that we will take to history even when God takes you away from us." Then, with hands shaking with age, she took a small vial from one of her pockets and opened the small jar. "You endured under so much pressure, so many tears and so many fears. You fought as if fear and pain were not in your chest. You showed everyone what a leader should be, and for that reason, your war paint will be the mask you always used, neither for loss nor for fear, but for all the reasons that your being has been strengthened without allowing itself to be weak." She soiled her fingers with black ink and drew a mask. "Today you will become our Leader." She pulled away. Hermione got up on her feet and the guard knelt with both knees on the floor. In his hands, he held out a beautiful black metal sword with red accents. The sword had a golden cloth on the pommel. Hermione accepted the sword with a flourish and then placed it in its new place on her belt.

"ATTENTION!" An extremely loud rallying cry came from all the members of the Granger house present, which made all southerners jump at their feet. "Kneel down!" The scream was repeated a few more times and everyone fell to their knees, including Fleur's family. When Fleur went to do the same, Hermione's hand grabbed hers and pulled her to her side while standing. Hermione smirked at her wife and the two walked down the corridor to the center of all the people.

"Get up," she ordered in a firm, cold tone. "Today, a new era is rising, and with the blessing of the gods we will live longer prosperous years. I know that everyone has their jobs and that some still have a long way home. We will continue our days." She dismissed everyone and with Fleur's hand in hers, she walked to Fleur's family.

"Very threatening," Apolline spoke, whistling to Hermione and smiling widely.

"That's the idea." She smiled and accepted a long hug from Minerva and Rolanda. Kate was next. Then Apolline followed suit and grabbed Hermione tight. Abby gave a small nod and a short congratulations. Then everyone turned their eyes to Fleur. Feeling the pressure to congratulate the brunette, the blonde grabbed Hermione's free arm and pulled her over to lightly kiss the woman's lower chin. Hermione felt her cheeks heat up and cleared her throat. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with one of the farm leaders. Fleur, there will be a meeting with the currency master before lunch, if you could please come?" Hermione asked gently, and Fleur nodded with a smile. "Apolline, Abby, I will come and say goodbye to you after lunch." She smiled at both of them and kissed Fleur's temple. "See you later."

Fleur entered the currency master's room just before the set time. His name was Albus Dumbledore from what Minerva had told her and he didn't seem to be the nicest man in all the Granger lands. He was a tall, slim, pale man with no beard, and long white hair.

"Hello, good day," Fleur greeted in a polite tone when entering the room.

"Hnft." He crossed his arms and looked at her in disgust.

"Hermione asked me to come here for the meeting." He snorted and gave her a disgusted look. She felt as if his eyes got even uglier. "Look, I know that my presence is not wanted by many here-"

"You confuse the kindness of the Leader with you being welcome here," he said stiffly and curtly. "You are a contract, a kind of object that should not have a relevant opinion here in these lands, to speak in simpler terms. Southerners always think they can do what they want in the land of others."

"Look, Hermione asked me to be here."

"Just because she has to maintain an image before her family." He spat out the words. "You will soon be treated as you deserve, an invader and usurper from a place that is not yours. Get out of my office." He turned his back towards her, robes fluttering behind him, and left Fleur's side, heading for the living room balcony. Fleur felt her eyes fill with tears and her cheeks heat up in shame. She left in quick steps, barely seeing where she was going.

Hermione came into Dumbledore's room with hurried steps, feeling guilty for arriving ten minutes late. There had been a little problem with her conversation with the farmer and it delayed her. She hated being late. She was surprised to enter the room to find only Dumbledore there, sitting with his usual bored expression and looking at some notes he had made. She looked around for Fleur and frowned when she didn't see her. She considered for a moment that Fleur might not show up, but Fleur had said she would.

"Oh, Leader." He bowed his head in submission. "Can we start discussing the distribution of this month's currency?" he asked anxiously.

"As soon as Fleur comes." She watched him frown.

"Your wife," he spat in an irritated tone. "It will not appear." Hermione frowned, slightly confused.

"What do you mean she won't appear?"

"She wasn't in the mood," he spoke in an annoyed tone and all previous interest Hermione had in discussing the distribution of the month's profits went down the drain. She was overcome with concern for her wife.

"I will see you later," she said with a frown. "Leader, with all due respect, this is more important," he tried to dissuade her.

"I will see how my wife is doing, master of the coin," she said in a definite tone and saw Dumbledore's face scrunch up in disgust. She knew she was going to have to talk to him about it, but Fleur was her priority right now.

Hermione left in quick steps to their bedroom but when she got there she did not find Fleur. She frowned, even more confused, and started asking everyone she met, until one of the guards said that he had seen her going to the outside garden. Hermione was already extremely worried about what was happening and when she saw that Fleur had her back to her facing the small pond with fish with her arms around her body, she became even more worried.

"Fleur?" Her tone was low and gentle as always when directed at her wife. She saw Fleur stiffen and restrained from reaching out to touch the woman in front of her. "Is everything okay? Dumbledore said you were not doing well," she said, trying to break the tension emanating from Fleur.

"Ah, of course he said that." Hermione frowned. She took a step closer to Fleur, and saw that she was crying.

"What happened?" Hermione questioned, starting to be not only worried, but also angry at what had made Fleur cry. She pulled out her handkerchief and held it out to Fleur, who refused.

"Oh, now you're going to play coy." Hermione was confused. "Dumbledore already explained to me how things are going to work now." The irritated tone almost made Hermione take a small step back, but she held on. She knew Dumbledore. The man could be vindictive, cruel and completely out of line and it was not unexpected that he had said something to Fleur. Hermione was only surprised that her apparently strong wife was affected by him.

"I don't know what Dumbledore said, but I assure you, he doesn't speak for me," Hermione spoke in a firm tone. "What did he say to you?" Fleur looked at Hermione for the first time and saw the worried face of the woman in front of her. She felt that all her anger was misplaced and hesitated for a moment. Hermione saw that Fleur's anger had faded a little. The blonde accepted the handkerchief, drying her tears and turning sideways to Hermione, as if she didn't want to face her.

"He made it very clear that his kindness is an act for my family and that soon I would be treated how a Southerner deserves to be treated. That I am just a tool for his power and that is all."

"How dare he!" Hermione's irritated tone made Fleur look at her, startled. "With what right does he have to speak these absurdities." She saw Hermione bring her hands to her face and then look at Fleur with a sad expression. "Fleur, I never would have allowed him to speak these absurdities to you. They are unfounded lies. Gods, my mother was from the South, Fleur." This information made Fleur hesitant to remain irritated with Hermione. "And I married you of my own free will. Yes, there was the contract for me to ascend as a Leader. But I would never link my life to someone I am not willing to deserve to have in my life!" Hermione threw her hands up in exasperation. "You are my wife, Fleur! You deserve all the respect in the world not only for that, but you are a person, a human being who deserves to be respected. Southerners are no less than northerners. They never were and I hate this backward and superior mentality that many have." Hermione placed both hands on Fleur's shoulders, making her turn fully towards her. "You are not an object, or a tool to be used. You are important. You have your voice, your opinion and I want to hear everything you want to tell me and learn everything you want to teach me." Fleur felt her eyes fill with tears again and she moved forward, hugging Hermione around the waist, letting herself cry against the woman's shoulder in her arms.

She allowed herself to cry away all the nervousness of the past few days, the past few years. She felt safe with Hermione. She felt safe as she didn't think she would feel with anyone. Hermione was so open about what she felt and what she thought about her that Fleur didn't want to let Dumbledore's words do so much damage to what they were slowly building. She looked happily towards a future with Hermione. At least, it was something she deeply desired. Hermione pressed her arms against Fleur's back and shoulders as she felt Fleur shiver and sob against her. They held each other for a long moment, until Fleur pulled away and gave a tremulous smile.

"I'm sorry." Hermione smiled sadly, drying the tears on Fleur's cheeks with her thumbs.

"It'll be okay, Fleur. I'm here for you every step of the way," she said in a sweet tone and kissed Fleur's forehead. "You don't have to apologize for anything. If anyone has to apologize here, it's me. Dumbledore completely crossed the line. And now let's get this over with." Fleur felt herself tense. "Trust me, please?" Fleur nodded hesitantly. Hermione started to guide Fleur by the hand to Dumbledore's office, but Fleur pulled back.

"Let me just wash up." Hermione nodded. She was tense and ready to just behead the coin master. He had no right to interfere in Hermione's relationship and make Fleur cry and feel inadequate. She allowed Fleur to enter one of the bathrooms in the house. When Fleur emerged several minutes later, she seemed practically composed.

"Let's go?" Hermione held out her hand and Fleur accepted with a nod. Hermione guided her through the corridors. When they reached Albus's office, she felt Fleur pause. "It's going to be okay. He will never speak to you like that again." Hermione opened the door in front of her and Dumbledore smiled when he saw her.

"Leader, I'm glad you gave up on the idea of looking for your wife-" The man stopped talking and frowned when he saw Fleur come in right behind Hermione. "Ah, she came along," he said in an irritated tone.

"Silence." Hermione's sharp tone made Albus's blood run cold and Fleur looked at her in fright for a moment. "I want to make something very clear, very clear, Dumbledore." Hermione let go of Fleur's hand and with closed fists at her sides she took a long step towards Albus, who felt his body grow even tighter. "If I hear of any more of your tricks and lies towards my wife, I will have no mercy on you."

"Leader, I don't know what was said to you but-"

"Don't take me for a fool, coin master." Hermione took another step towards Albus, who took a step back and ended up falling down in his own chair. Fleur was surprised and chilled by Hermione's change of posture. "I've known you since I was a young girl. I know your antics and your way of thinking, especially with regard to southerners." Hermione placed a firm hand on Dumbledore's shoulder. "But I will remind you for the last time." She made a point of emphasizing the last words. "The South is a good and prosperous ally, and my wife, whether southern or not, will be treated with the highest degree of respect. Or I will pull your tongue out of your mouth right after expelling you from this position that you are so passionate about."

"Leader, that will not be necessary," he stammered.

"There are many other possible currency masters in my home, Albus. But there is only one wife for me. Remember your place." He nodded shakily. "Now, apologize to Fleur."

"But Leader..."

"Did I stutter?" She spoke coldly and again Fleur felt her body shiver with the power emanating from Hermione.

"Fleur, I-" Hermione cut him off.

"Mrs. Fleur," she corrected him. "She is the second leader of this house."

"Mrs. Fleur," he spoke shakily. "I apologize for my previous behavior. I was out of line and it will not be repeated." Fleur nodded wordlessly. Hermione took a step away from Dumbledore, and again reached out to Fleur.

"Our meeting will be rescheduled. You will have time to think if what I demand is too much or if it will be easy to accomplish. Come to me after you're done thinking." Albus nodded. "Remember your place. And especially, remember who is the Leader." Dumbledore swallowed and dropped his gaze to the floor. "Come on, Fleur. We're done here. We'll have this meeting another day." Fleur stayed in heavy silence while being guided by Hermione. She let herself relax when the door to the room they shared closed behind Hermione.

"You didn't have to do this..." she spoke, uncertain about her retaliation.

"He must remember that his place is below the Leader and below you."

"Do I get a special name?" Fleur spoke playfully, trying to break the heavy mood that Albus had made.

"Consort."

"Consort?" Fleur asked confusedly.

"Unlike the other kingdoms around ours, the Granger kingdom doesn't exactly function as a monarchy. Power doesn't revolve around a family. I'm the second in my family to assume the post of Leader and it's not even guaranteed that it will happen with heirs." Fleur looked confused. Hermione sat on the love seat in front of the fireplace. She looked at Fleur in silent invitation. Fleur approached and sat down beside her. "Consort is a genderless term. Many may tell you that the meaning is 'princess'. But it is actually the equivalent of the king or queen's spouse."

"So when someone calls me a Consort, is it because of that?"

"To be quite honest this title has never been used formally, but I would like it to be your title."

"If it is not used, why use it for me?"

"Because here we have dozens of backward thinkers. Though none are as severe as Dumbledore. They will turn polite when they hear that you have a Granger title." Fleur felt her eyebrows go up. "And I always liked it." Hermione felt her cheeks heat up slightly.

"So, will we be Leader and Consort?"

"Yes." Hermione felt excited by the phrase and Fleur saw her brown eyes sparkle with excitement.

"But will they call me Consort only?

"Well, in general they will call you Consort Fleur, or just Consort. Some may choose to use Lady, both for me and for you. But if you see that someone is lacking in respect or being sarcastic and ironic I strongly suggest you demand to be called Consort." Hermione frowned and thought for a moment. "I think making Albus call you Consort will be funny." She laughed lightly.

"You don't like him very much, do you?"

"He's a necessary evil. I like to piss him off as much as I can," Hermione confessed.

"A necessary evil?"

"Albus is an idiot – arrogant, self-centered and narcissistic, but he understands the numbers of the house very well. The house has always been very profitable in general. Sales of both animals and production have always been favorable. However, he knows where to charge taxes and most importantly when and how to charge it. It makes the wealth circulate, optimizes sales of products, and ensures a cyclical tax structure where the more fortunate pay more tax and the less favored pay less. It works perfectly. Soon, whoever paid less will pay more and everything circulates. "

"He's a good currency master, then." Hermione nodded. "Does he steal?"

"I was never able to prove it." Hermione shrugged. "Rolanda hates him with all her might, so she checks every report he sends her and is practically a shadow on the back of his neck at all times. He might be able to steal something, but I find it incredibly unlikely."

"Rolanda looks intimidating when she wants to be." Fleur frowned and Hermione nodded, smiling slightly.

"How does the economy of your house work in the South?"

"It is noticeably less organized. But we have fixed productions for almost every year. So the highest taxes are always spread on these productions. But there are wealthy groups that pay less taxes because they consider themselves financially superior than others. It is difficult politicking, to summarise." Hermione nodded. "And what would be your home's weak point?" Hermione sighed and leaned on the back of the love seat.

She smiled. "My home has many social problems that I will try to solve." Fleur questioned what they were. "Children are taken out of their homes very early to train for war, even in times of peace. Education, the books you love so much, are considered rubbish for the common population. Fifteen years ago, Minerva tried to implement the idea that everyone should learn to read and write in the common language. There is still a lot of evasion at this point and it is difficult to convince past and even current generations that education is the tool for peace. "

"You have your mind firmly on it. I like the idea of education being the basis. Wars ravaged the North for a long time, before clearly defining houses. It is difficult to disconnect from the machinery of war. Education and culture is the first step. This is such a big difference between south and north and perhaps it generates a little prejudice. The South has always been considered gifted, with universities of knowledge. It is confusing for us in the South to understand how the North deals with so many bloody battles and resolves so much with blood and steel. "

"You guys talk about everything. We don't understand how to solve a problem that a battle for honor would solve a lot easier."

"I think this is a funny difference from you talking, as we have been talking so much recently," Fleur pointed out in a playful tone.

"I learned to talk, but that doesn't mean I don't want to cross someone with a sword."

"Where does Albus rank today on the 'wanting to slash at' scale?"

"He was well outside the acceptable range."

"Will it become a problem?" Hermione sighed and reached out to Fleur in a silent question for them to hold hands. Fleur did not hesitate and grabbed her wife's hand.

"I apologize again for his attitude. And I will make sure he doesn't become a problem..."

"How will you do that?"

"Fleur, I value you very much, and I will ask for extra attention from the guards towards you. My house guards are trustworthy and I guarantee you that I will kill anyone before they touch you."

"Hermione, you are a trained warrior. I have never practiced anything like that." The brunette frowned.

"You want to learn?" Fleur hesitated, thought for a few moments and nodded.

"Kate will be your tutor. She can look tough and be sarcastic, but she is known for being a great teacher for children."

"I'm not a child."

"She will teach you as the warrior you are." The two looked at each other and then Fleur started to laugh lightly. "What is so funny?" Hermione asked.

"I imagined myself running with the children holding a wooden sword and Kate screaming against a children's revolution!" Fleur said between chuckles, starting another round of laughter.

"She would probably hit them all with the wooden sword," Hermione said when the two calmed down.

"Did she really?"

"Probably not. Kate is strong and brave and especially loves children. Maybe she'll hit you." Hermione shrugged.

"Would she hit the Consort?" Fleur asked, trying out the new title.

"You wouldn't be a Consort there, just another young warrior learning something they never saw in their life," Hermione explained calmly, before a long yawn came out of her.

"Come on." Fleur got up and pulled Hermione by the hand to the bed. Fleur sat down against the headboard and pulled Hermione to sit across from her. Hermione hesitated, not quite understanding Fleur's intention. "Sit down," Fleur laughed. Hermione did as ordered. They sat side by side. Fleur pulled Hermione by the neck to lie against her chest. "Relax." Soft fingers made contact against Hermione's scalp, massaging lightly. Hermione took a long time to relax, but eventually, she got comfortable. She didn't know when she fell asleep. When she woke up hours later, Fleur was still running a hand through her hair. She opened her eyes, confused, and saw Fleur reading with her free hand, her body resting against the pillows and Hermione lying against her chest.

"Hey," Hermione spoke hoarsely and sat up slightly.

"Hi." Hermione heard that it was raining heavily outside. "My family will travel as soon as the rain passes. There is a storm outside. A servant has made a fire." Hermione felt the atmosphere was warm and smiled, resting her head against Fleur's chest again. "Sleep again," Fleur whispered as she heard another yawn from the brunette.

The two remained in that position for a long time. When Hermione woke up again, she saw that Fleur had long since given up on reading and was sleeping with Hermione lying on top of her. Hermione allowed herself to stay in that position for a long time, before having to wake Fleur for dinner, since they both skipped lunch.

- 3.

The next day started earlier than usual for both women. Fleur's family left before dawn, claiming that due to the rain the night before, they were already half a day late.

The farewell was clearly painful for Fleur. Hermione managed to some extent to understand how the blonde was feeling. She was saying goodbye to the family she had been with her whole life. She saw Fleur crying against Apolline's chest and hugging everyone in the family tightly. Tears showered that farewell. Hermione was courteous and polite to everyone, wishing them a good trip and providing soldiers to accompany them to the border between the south and north. Of course the Delacour brought their own soldiers, but Hermione insisted on the extra convoy. In a few days, maybe a week, Apolline would send a message informing them of their arrival home.

Fleur then retired for the rest of the morning to the studio where Hermione had yet to enter. When her wife didn't show up for lunch, Hermione ordered a dish made from the food served to one of the girls in the kitchen and went up the stairs to the studio with the tray of food.

She knocked awkwardly on the door while balancing the large tray. When she heard Fleur's permission for her to enter, she pushed the latch forward. The large, solid wooden door gave way and opened, creaking and scraping the floor slightly. Hermione made a mental note to have that door fixed.

"Hey." She spoke in a low tone, seeing that Fleur was painting near the window. She couldn't see what it was, since Fleur was blocking her view. Hearing Hermione's voice, Fleur swiveled around, smiling awkwardly when Hermione raised an eyebrow at the sight of the wide, button-down shirt that Fleur was wearing.

It had seen better days, and was paired with old riding pants. Fleur was also barefoot. All of her clothes and face were spattered with green and blue paint.

"Someone seems to be enjoying themselves," Hermione jokingly commented.

"Hi Hermione," Fleur greeted timidly.

"Do you have a few minutes to eat?" Hermione offered the tray containing the food she had collected from the kitchen, and Fleur smiled sheepishly. Leaving the brush on the easel, she approached Hermione. "You know, it's not warm enough here to be walking barefoot." Hermione thought for a moment. "I could provide some bear or wolf skins for the floor," she said uncertainly.

"Wouldn't the skins get very dirty with the inks?" Fleur asked as they walked over to a small table that had two stools.

"Furs can be changed, Fleur. There is only one of you and if you get sick I would be very worried," Hermione said calmly while Fleur ate.

"I don't understand." Hermione tilted her head sideways in doubt about what the Fleur didn't understand. "How can you dedicate yourself so much to my well-being and safety? Even fighting with an old member of the house...For me." Fleur stopped eating and looked at her plate. "I've been here for just a few days and you treat me as if..."

"As?" Hermione asked curiously.

"As if I were yours... Special in some way." Fleur felt her cheeks heat up.

"This will sound very possessive, but you are mine. My wife, my companion. I have sworn loyalty and dedication to you. And I feel affection for you, even after such a short time. I may not love you, as you deserve to be loved, but I do care," Hermione explained as her fingers played with a thread on her pants. "I don't know how to explain this very well, but it's not just the feeling of matrimonial obligation. I really want you to know that I'm here, that you can count on me."

"I don't feel totally safe to demonstrate how important this is to me, that intention you have. But it's a lot, okay?" Fleur grabbed Hermione's hand, but the moment was broken when Fleur's stomach made a loud growl. Fleur turned red in the face and Hermione laughed lightly.

"I'm going to let you eat and go back to your painting. I have a meeting outside the house, close to the city. I should be back by mid-afternoon. Could we talk then?" Hermione asked whilst getting up. Fleur nodded and said that she would wait for Hermione in the library. With that, Hermione withdrew and Fleur was left alone with her thoughts.

She could see herself being happy with Hermione in the future. The comfort that Hermione gave her was so strange. She was so insecure with her family leaving and about the northerners' reception of her.

A few hours later she went down the stairs to go to the library, but before she could even enter, she heard a clearing of a throat and when she turned she found Minerva smiling at her.

"Hello, Lady Minerva," she felt herself automatically reciprocate the smile back.

"I heard you won a new title, Lady Fleur," Minerva commented, still smiling. "Could I exchange a few words with you?"

"Of course, I came to await Hermione's return." Minerva nodded and they both entered the library, going to a table that was still lit by sunlight. The candles were lit, however the fireplace was out, which made the room cold. Fleur felt herself shiver, so she pulled her coat tighter around her. Minerva, having noticed the movement, moved to the fireplace and started a fire there. "Thanks," she thanked her with a happy sigh when she felt soothingly warmed by the heat. "Did you want to talk?" she asked, uncertainty reeking from her voice.

"I just wanted to see how you are. I know my niece. She will treat you well, but that doesn't mean much if you are not comfortable," she said, sitting next to Fleur. Minerva was a tall, slender and visibly powerful woman who made Fleur feel like a little girl. "You are still young and in a complex situation. I just wanted to check on you." She smiled kindly.

"Hermione is incredible. She is always so concerned about me and my well-being. I even feel overwhelmed at times," she spoke calmly.

"Overloaded?"

"Nobody has ever done so much for me, at least not after such a short period of getting to know me. She always seems to be two steps ahead of what I could think of, and I feel like I don't do the same thing she does for me... "

"You didn't notice, did you?" Minerva spoke thoughtfully.

"What?" Fleur felt herself missing something.

"Since your arrival here, how many people have you seen touch Hermione?" Fleur hesitated to answer. "Only our oldest lady, during the ascension. Because she had to," Minerva replied seriously. "The loss of her parents made Hermione grow up under our tutelage, and even though Rolanda and I tried very hard to be physically affectionate with her, Hermione would hardly let us touch her. She loves us. We know that. She would die for us if it meant she could protect us. We know that. But she's not physically tactile. She never was. She confessed to Kate that being physically tactile is uncomfortable for her. She feels invaded and threatened whenever someone hugs her. My brother was a good man, a great leader and a good warrior, but a mediocre father. He taught Hermione not to let anyone in and hurt her. He misplaced his own anger over the loss of Lira onto his only daughter at the age of three." Fleur thought about saying something but saw that Minerva needed to vent. "It was a surprise to see that she holds your hand by choice, and especially surprising that she lets you hug her, or touch her in any general way." She sighed and ran a hand over her long hair. "You wouldn't have been able to know that before, but I see that you're doing her good, even if you're not sure how to act. Hermione needs to be loved, cared for, and nurtured, and you can be that person, especially because she allows you to initiate physical contact." She blew out a breath.

"Doesn't she let anyone touch her?" She hesitated. "If I stop to think... Not even at the wedding. People just waved or at most offered handshakes, which she rarely accepted. In the waltz, she got so tense and I associated this with the tension of the arranged marriage. I am still surprised at how well she accepted to be married to me."

"Fleur, I suggest you talk to her, but please, I beg you, don't say that I talked to you about it. Just say that this was something you had noticed. " She nodded and the older woman stood up. "She doesn't tend to be late, so I imagine she must be arriving soon. I'm going to leave." She walked away and stopped at the door. "Thank you for taking care of her, Consort," she said, leaving a thoughtful Fleur behind.

"You need to satisfy your wife," said Harry while carrying out a heavy sword attack on Hermione, who dodged and retaliated with an attack of her own.

"What does that mean?" she replied, completely lost. "I do everything I can."

"Hermione, have you ever kissed your wife?" Kate, who was sitting close to the clash, stopped what she was doing. When Hermione stopped too, Harry held back an attack and sheathed his sword. Hermione sighed and did the same. They both approached Kate and sat next to the older woman.

"No," she spoke while looking away. "You know it's difficult for me..." Hermione sounded embarrassed.

"Mione, you never liked physical touch, but I have to tell you that it is a natural progression from your marriage. It will happen, and you will have to kiss your wife and most likely have sex with her. Or allow her to find someone else who will satisfy her." Upon hearing what Harry said, the two saw Hermione go dangerously taut and rigid, her hands clenched to the point that her fingers turned white.

"Yes, you will have to find someone to satisfy the Consort. You know, women generally like to be touched and kissed and you will be left wanting in that." Kate pushed the buttons.

"I'm afraid, okay?" she spoke in a high-pitched tone, wildly mixed with anger and shame. "I was just with Ron. You know how awful it was for me and him. I had a panic attack almost every time we were done." She sighed, looking at the floor. "I want to... be the person who is going to make Fleur feel good, and I know what to do, but I'm afraid she'll want to return the act and I'll have a damn nervous breakdown," she spoke quickly while looking at her hands.

"Mione .."

"She deserves to be loved, and I'm really enjoying being with her. But I hardly know the woman."

"So you need to spend time with her and especially get in touch," Kate appeased.

"She hugs me," Hermione confessed and the two others looked at each other. "We walk hand in hand and I managed to initiate some touches. But she hugs me and I don't panic," she continued.

"And how do you feel?" Harry asked calmly.

"It's good," she admitted and then stood up. "I have a meeting with her, by the way." They realized that they had crossed the line of comfort that Hermione had on the subject and let her go without much of a goodbye.

Hermione freshened up and then headed for the library. When she opened the door, she felt the heat engulf her body and loosened the buttons on her coat. She headed inside the library and found Fleur reading again. This time Hermione cleared her throat to get her wife's attention.

"Hey," Hermione greeted softly and smiled sheepishly.

"Hermione, hi!" Fleur smiled and put the book away. "Come, sit with me," she requested delicately and felt victorious when Hermione did as she asked. "How was your meeting?" Fleur opted for a calmer approach. Hermione looked tired.

"It was productive," Hermione said thoughtfully. "I missed you." The phrase caught Fleur by surprise, but it was positive. Fleur smiled widely, which Hermione missed as she was looking at the bookshelf in embarrassment.

"I missed you too." Fleur leaned over slightly and kissed Hermione's cheek. She was pleased to see that Hermione only tensed slightly and then relaxed. "Can I ask a question?" Her tone was calm enough for Hermione not to worry.

"Of course."

"I noticed something, but maybe I'm wrong." Hermione stayed silent, continuing to pay attention. "No one but me touches you." Hermione sighed and then held out her hand to Fleur in a request and invitation to hold hands. Fleur readily accepted her wife's hand, wrapping their fingers together. She liked how their hands fit together.

"It isn't a misunderstanding. I have difficulty touching and being touched. Physical contact has always been difficult. I can't explain it very well. But if someone catches me by surprise I will have a very strong fight or flight reaction." Hermione sighed. "I don't know how I'm so comfortable with you, but I like it when we touch." She swung their hands together. "I like feeling comfortable enough for you to touch and hold me." Fleur accepted the explanation without pushing for more details. Fleur might seem oblivious, but she was beginning to notice what subjects were comfortable enough to talk about and when she needed more time to prepare Hermione for the conversation. And this was definitely a subject that would need more time for the brunette to open up.

"What if I said I would like to kiss you?" She saw Hermione's mouth drop open slightly and then the brunette swallowed. When Fleur saw this reaction, she immediately regretted it the way she phrased it. "We don't have to if you're not comfortable."

"No, no!" Fleur froze when Hermione released their hands and grabbed her own. "I want to, but..."

"It does not need to be right now," said Fleur, trying to assuage the anxiety Hermione was showing. Their conversation was cut off by a loud knock on the door followed by sounds of reasonably hurried steps approaching their way. Hermione frowned and rose when she saw that it was an anxious guard.

"Leader, I'm sorry to interrupt." He spoke quickly and looked at Fleur. "Consort, I'm sorry." He spoke after a moment. "That's right John, interrupting the Leader and Consort, very good." He spoke to himself and Fleur held back a laugh.

"Everything is fine. What happened?" Hermione asked, steadying herself not to laugh. John always had the habit of talking to himself and the brunette was always amused.

"Lord Ron just arrived." He spoke, swallowing hard when he saw Hermione's expression freeze and her body tense. Fleur, seeing her wife's reaction and the lack of words, rose to stand beside the woman.

"John, please let the kitchen know that we will be receiving guests. Ask them to prepare a snack for Mr. Ron," Fleur spoke up, taking the position of second leader so naturally that John nodded without question. "Also ask them to prepare a room. We don't know if he's going to spend the night. Anything else?" He denied the last question and withdrew. Hermione was still tense and sporting an empty look. When Fleur touched her shoulder, she jumped slightly, returning back to reality.

"Excuse me," Hermione whispered.

"No harm done. Who is Ron?" Fleur asked calmly, feeling her wife's tension. It was surprising that Hermione turned to face Fleur and wrapped her arms around her wife's waist, pulling her tightly against herself, making Fleur stand on tiptoes and place her hands clumsily around her wife's shoulders to regain her balance. Hermione buried her face against Fleur's neck and sighed. Fleur lowered her feet fully onto the ground. She squeezed the woman lightly, pulling Hermione's face even more against her neck.

"There may be a lot of tension with Ron," said Hermione without mentioning her outburst of affection towards Fleur. "He and I ended a romantic relationship peacefully, at first. But his mother, Molly, disliked it very much." She spoke with a sigh. "Come on, let's deal with this together." Hermione held out her hand, which was readily accepted. The two left the library together, went down the stairs where Fleur got her first glimpse of Ron.

Ron Weasley was a tall man, but thin and Fleur could tell he was handsome, with red hair and green eyes. Him being the very opposite of Fleur made the blonde slightly insecure about her physical appearance being so opposed to someone that Hermione had previously had relations with.

The red-haired man looked lost when he saw Hermione descend the stairs hand in hand with a woman he did not know. Hermione gave Ron a strained smile that was not reciprocated since the redhead was too busy staring at their joined hands.

"Ron, it's a pleasure to have you here." Hermione said politely and everyone there could see that she was just being cordial.

"Hermione, I'm happy to know that my presence is still welcome," he spoke, smiling falsely at the brunette woman. "I heard it from the mouths of the people that you ascended." He said, still looking at Fleur. "I was not invited to the ceremony."

"It was a ceremony for my house and a few guests," Hermione replied calmly. She invited Ron into a warmer room to talk. They entered Hermione's personal office and Hermione was happy to see that there was finally a second chair beside the metal and wood throne. She guided Fleur, still by the hand, to the large, comfortable, wooden, leather upholstered chair beside the throne, which had now been upholstered in the same brown leather tone as Fleur's chair. The two women saw the surprise in Ron's eyes.

"Could we speak privately?" Ron requested, tense at the sight of the blonde unknown to him still holding Hermione's hand.

"There is no need for Fleur to leave," Hermione said calmly. "I didn't introduce you before. Fleur, this is Ron Weasley, lord of the North Mountain. Ron, this is Fleur Delacour Granger, my wife and Consort of the Granger house." Fleur nodded. She watched as the color of the man's already pale face disappeared even more. Ron evaluated her top to bottom, an observation that Fleur wasn't comfortable with. She instinctively tightened her hold on Hermione's hand a little, which was linked to hers as if someone had glued their hands together. Fleur looked quickly at Hermione. She saw that her wife was extremely tense and she made a mental note to urgently talk to Hermione about how she should act in these situations.

"You got married?" Ron's high-pitched tone was not lost on either of the two women. Hermione flexed her jaw in an onset of irritation. The question was left unanswered and Ron was clearly annoyed. "I thought you would at least have the minimum courtesy to inform me."

"I am not accountable to you," Hermione countered.

"Not even the kindness of inviting me to the ceremony?"

"Your mother made it very clear that the Weasleys do not want relations with the Grangers."

"You married a southern woman!"

"That is not your concern."

"Hermione, we have a history together!"

"That is in the past and will stay there."

"Ah, I see you want to spare your dear wife from the details of our intimate relationship," Ron disdained Fleur. "I didn't think you would take an immaculate and chaste wife to the point of humiliating me like that."

"If you're not satisfied with what you're getting, I suggest you leave." Hermione said, irritated.

"I thought I was welcome here."

"You are welcome." Fleur cut off the harsh exchange and the two looked at her. "However, considering the current position of your home with ours, I suggest that you take caution with what you say and how you say it." The blonde had spent very little time with the man in front of her and already she had a huge dislike for the redhead.

"Hermione, how dare she say that to me!" Ron spoke up trying to push Hermione's buttons.

"I have every right to say anything I want in my goddamn home." said Fleur, rising from the chair and putting herself in a higher position. "Don't think that just because my wife cares enough to be courteous, that I will not defend myself in our own home," Fleur spoke dryly. "I am the Consort of this house and you will behave with respect towards me, Lord Ron. And remember your place as a guest in our house, otherwise, I will be very happy to have escorted you out of our lands. " Her tone was menacing and Ron looked at Hermione waiting for her to say something, but her expressionless face made his blood run cold.

"So you dug up the title of Consort for her? But for me you said it was something too formal." Hermione sighed slightly.

"Do you remember what our relationship was like?" Hermione guided Fleur to sit down again by hooking a finger around Fleur's pinky. When Fleur sat down she grabbed her wife's hand. "It was bad Ron." Hermione sighed at length. "I don't know what you want here to be honest. All relations with your family have been severed by your mother's desire. And if she knows you're here, you know she'll chop you up."

"What if she asked me to come and negotiate?"

"I then ask you to make your proposal quickly. I still have an appointment with my wife that I would like to meet." Hermione spoke, feeling her patience diminish severely. Fleur didn't know what the negotiations were about, but she nodded in agreement.

"Hermione, we need the southern border open for business." He spoke quickly and it was Hermione's turn to see her wife deeply tense. Weasley House and the South had many political problems. The border being closed was an Apolline requirement for Alexander. Hermione would never open that border, but before she could say anything, Fleur intervened.

"The southern border will remain closed." Fleur's tense tone slightly concerned Hermione, but she refrained from saying anything against what her wife had said.

"You don't speak for those lands," Ron spoke in a dry tone.

"On the contrary, Mr Ron," Hermione spoke in a formal tone, "My wife is the second in command of this house. When she decides something, even I will not disagree." The redhead realized how wrong he had played with Fleur and that it had offended Hermione and mostly reduced all business chances to zero.

"Hermione, I'm sorry," he tried, but was cut off by Fleur.

"Leader." Fleur corrected curtly. "I am one of the only people who has the right to call my wife by her given name. Call her Leader." Fleur's irritated tone was not lost on either person in the room. When Ron looked to Hermione, she merely gazed upon him coolly.

"I suggest you follow my wife's instructions."

"Are you serious?" he asked Hermione.

"Did I stutter?" Fleur's tone turned icier and Ron looked irritated.

"You barely just arrived and already you think you have a right to say something!" Ron began to lose the little composure he still had.

"I will remind you for the last time. I have full right to say whatever the hell I want."

"She's clearly controlling you, Hermione!" Hermione rose from the chair and for the first time in that meeting, her voice rose in irritation.

"Pay attention to your tone!" Hermione scolded. "I will reinforce it, because apparently you are not listening to what my wife is saying. She has the same power as me in this house. She makes decisions just like me and from what I heard, she gave you a clear instruction not to call me my given name, and yes by my title, so I suggest you follow it. " Hermione spread her hands on the table, looking coldly at Ron. "I am the Leader, and my word is law in this land. Either you treat my wife with total respect or I will have your tongue pulled out." She spoke, starting to get increasingly angry. "I don't know why the hell you think our old relationship has any weight greater than mine with Fleur, but I'll make it clear that it doesn't. If she decides that the southern border will be closed, the damn border will be closed, even if I have to dig a damn well with my own hands in that place forgotten by the Gods. " Hermione was silent for a few more seconds. "Is that all?" She asked with an air of finality.

"I thought I was welcome here. Clearly I was wrong. I will be leaving."

"You were welcome and you lost that status when you decided to disrespect me and the Leader." Fleur rose beside Hermione and placed a hand on Hermione's forearm, which still held her hand flat on the table. "Your request to open the southern border has been denied. Is there anything else you want?"

"To talk to the Leader, alone," He spoke, gritting his teeth.

"It won't happen." Fleur cut off any response from Ron. She circled the table and walked over to Ron. The redhead took a step back towards the entrance door when he saw Fleur's angry expression. "I'm going to make something clear to you, Mr. Ron. I don't know what you want to achieve by talking to my wife alone, but it won't happen for a simple reason.."

"Why?" Ron asked irritably.

"She is my wife," Fleur spoke in a sweeter tone. "And besides I don't want her to talk to you alone-" Ron cut her off.

"Are you afraid of losing your wife?" He asked in a tone of laughter. "Is the little girl from the South afraid of losing her most worthy Leader to this Lord of the North? Or is she unsure that she is not able to satisfy the Leader? Or is she afraid of me? You seem to be so weak and incapable." A loud slapping sound was heard and Hermione quickly moved next to Fleur, who was still holding her hand high after hitting Ron's right cheek.

"How dare you?" She was furious now and Hermione decided to intervene. She stood between Fleur and Ron and prevented both of them from getting into a physical confrontation.

"You be gone right this second. Yan!" Hermione called out loudly and a guard quickly entered the room. "You and your soldiers must escort Lord Ron's party out of my land. For better or worse." He nodded and approached the redhead.

"Let's get going." He spoke in a dry tone and Ron found himself in a complicated position. Hermione had her hand on her sword, ready to defend Fleur or herself. The guard was in a defensive posture and clearly suspicious. He raised his hands in surrender.

"This isn't over," he threatened, retreating.

"This is more than finished." Hermione took the final word and kept a wary eye on Ron until the door closed. She sighed and turned to Fleur who had her hands on her face near the window. Her posture was small and Hermione promptly approached in concern. "Fleur?" she called lightly and put her hands on Fleur's shoulders. "You haven't done anything wrong," she assured her calmly. "Ron was out of line in unbelievable ways."

"I hit him," she spoke, embarrassed.

"I would have done the same," said Hermione. "He deserved so much more than a slap. For everything he said I would have really pulled his tongue out with my own hands." It was Hermione's turn to curl up against Fleur's back, pulling her by the hips so that their bodies were pressed together. "You didn't do anything wrong, I swear to you." Fleur removed her hands from her face and allowed herself to lean against Hermione's torso, with the side of her head resting on the woman's cheek. She sighed contentedly when she felt Hermione's arms tighten a little more. Hermione turned her head and kissed the Fleur's.

"I totally imposed, didn't I?" Fleur grunted. "I should have left the room."

"Fleur," Hermione spun Fleur around in her arms. "Look at me." Fleur looked shyly at Hermione. "You are the lady of this house. You can participate in my meetings. You can make decisions. I just ask that future decisions be discussed with me," Hermione said smiling slightly.

"Would you have made a different decision about the border?" Fleur's body tensed.

"Never." Hermione spoke in a definite tone. "You, my beautiful wife, didn't do or say anything wrong in this ridiculous meeting we had with Ron. Unfortunately the Weasleys don't know how to behave and he deserved every choice you made today." Hermione put her hand on Fleur's face. "Relax, please?" she asked in a low, sweet tone, and Fleur felt herself melt against her wife.

Hermione saw the change in mood even before Fleur's action. The blue eyes softened to a light tone and Fleur smiled slightly. She brought one hand to Hermione's hand, which was still on her face, and then the other hand to the brunette's shoulder.

The kiss came delicately, chaste and gentle. And Hermione, who feared panicking, felt herself relaxing under the tender affection against her. Her lips parted slightly and Fleur took her permission to gently pull Hermione's lower lip between hers. The kiss deepened slightly. It was not a heated kiss, but it meant so much more than a rushed or lustful kiss.

The kiss continued gently until Fleur placed both hands on Hermione's neck. From that touch, it was as if everything was electrifying. Hermione advanced towards Fleur's body, as if they were no longer glued to each other. Fleur took a clumsy step back, and felt her back slam against the large window of heavy glass and wooden frame. Shemoaned slightly when she felt Hermione wanting to deepen the kiss. She nodded and soon the kiss evolved to heavy and hot and the two women were totally lost in the kiss. When the heat of the moment was reduced and the kiss lost its intensity and speed. Hermione parted her mouth and smiled.

"Was this a good time for a kiss?" She spoke, smiling and pecking Fleur's lips.

"I don't think so, but I don't care." With that Fleur pulled Hermione against her again and kissed her for the second time in their lives.

- 4.

The two parted after an indefinite time, their lips swollen and their cheeks flushed. Fleur was incredibly aroused, but she knew that it was too early for such an advancement of this kind of desire in their relationship. They heard a knock on the door and Hermione moved away from Fleur with a shy smile. The blonde pecked her wife's lips and then asked whoever was at the door to enter.

One of the kitchen girls reported that the afternoon snack was ready. Hermione looked confused, until she remembered that Fleur ordered it for Ron's entourage. They went to eat, still exchanging shy looks.

After this breakthrough in their physical relationship, both of them got used to waking up practically on top or under each other every morning. They hadn't woken up together yet but Hermione was planning to change that as soon as possible.

Several days later, due to a forecast of a drier climate and less snow, Hermione cleared her meeting schedule and chose to take the day off in order to introduce the land to Fleur.

She was lying on her back with Fleur curled up next to her. She sighed contentedly, hearing the way Fleur breathed evenly against her. She did not know how Fleur managed to break through her emotional barrier, but she had discovered that she was very fond of Fleur being kind to her. After that kiss in the office, the two of them had no more intense kissing sessions, but the kisses were there, brief but oh, so sweet. They were comfortable and frequent throughout the day. They didn't kiss with other people around, but whenever they were alone, they would indulge in chaste and occasionally deeper kisses. Fleur took gigantic pleasure in kissing Hermione's cheeks and jaw. She liked making the brunette blush. Hermione, on the other hand, was always pecking her wife's full lips with small kisses and it was common for the brunette to kiss the blonde's forehead as well as the crown of her head. It was a clear sign of affection that they both enjoyed.

She felt Fleur's breathing change as the blonde slowly woke up. Fleur yawned and pulled even more against Hermione. Hermione smiled and waited a few more moments. When Fleur spoke up, voice hoarse from sleep, her grin widened. .

"Good morning," She had never heard Fleur's newly awoken voice before. It had a husky quality to it. Hermione thought it was cute and sexy at the same time.

"Good morning, beautiful." The endearment came out naturally, and Hermione didn't feel the need to stop it from slipping out. After all, Fleur was her wife.

"I usually wake up after you," Fleur said, rising slightly onto her elbows, only to be pulled back against Hermione's chest. She giggled and snuggled back into the brunette's chest.

"I decided that we deserved a late morning and a day together." Hermione kissed Fleur's head lightly. They stayed there for a long time until enough time had passed and Hermione decided that the day should start soon. "Come on, come on. Get up! We have a lot to do," Hermione spoke excitedly.

"I'm just going to take a bath," said Fleur, rising to her feet.

"I suggest you do that later." Fleur looked at her wife confused. "We are riding through our lands so that you can get to know our breeding processes." Hermione saw the blue eyes light up and Fleur hurried to get dressed.

In less than half an hour, the two had fed and were riding on two beautiful horses. Hermione's horse was fully black, long mane flowing in the wind and eyes such a dark brown that they could have passed off as black. Every feature the horse possessed was dark as night. It was a slightly irritated horse, which only humoredHermione. The brunette had named him Midnight, so she took it for herself. Fleur's on the other hand, was a gray horse. The coat was gray with small white spots, while both the mane and the tail were black. The horse had dark brown eyes.

"This is a good mare." Fleur spoke soothingly when she felt the horse pay attention to her. "What is her name?" she asked Hermione curiously.

"She doesn't have a name yet," Hermione explained by placing Midnight parallel to Fleur's mare. "I didn't tell you about it. This mare is yours and it is only fair that you choose her name. She is newly tamed, extremely meek and obedient," Hermione spoke calmly and felt proud when she saw Fleur's eyes light up in animation.

"Mine?" Hermione nodded. "Who chose her?" The brunette just looked at her as if it were obvious. "Oh, Hermione, you didn't have to." Fleur looked at the mare. She thought for a moment. "I don't have a name for you yet, girl." She passed her hand between the mare's ears, earning her a happy sound and a hair shake. "But we will resolve this soon." She then turned her attention to Hermione. "Tell me about her?"

"Well, she was born a few years ago and has always been very peaceful. She is not a battle horse, like Midnight here." She patted the neck of the black horse who just snorted. "She is a mare for walks and runs. She is fast, obedient and precise. Extremely loyal. As soon as she gets attached to you she will be able to follow you without any kind of rope or guide. She still follows our horse master here and there. She is affectionate. It is common for her to nibble with her lips and lean her head or even her body against you. She always does this to me. She leans in as if we weigh the same and I usually end up being unbalanced." Hermione smiled. "I chose her for you because she is kind and sweet. She is a good-natured and good-minded mare. I figured you would like her. She is as fast as my horse, but she is afraid of battles. The only time she had battle training, she ran away and knocked over her rider. So we switched her to just riding and racing events."

"She is a lady," said Fleur. Hermione laughed lightly and nodded. Fleur gasped. "Lady!" The brunette looked confused. "That will be your name, won't it, Lady?" The mare whinnied and shook her clapped her hands in joy. Hermione nodded in acceptance and continued to guide the blonde down the trail.

"We are some time away from the main house. To the south we have the house of the Dog Master, Ryu. And to the east we have the house of the Horse Master, Anita. Farther ahead, we have the farms. Next to that we have the collection of animals for slaughter, such as sheep, chickens, oxen and cows. There are also dairy cows there. And next to that we have cheese and meat producers. "

"So we have food for the house produced right here. Do we have other animals?"

"We have some hunting game There's a variety of animals in this region. Rabbits, raccoons, deer, wolves, bears, we have all kinds of animals. Of course, winter reduces the whole harvest, but they are out there. We hunt only what's necessary for some banquets and for the fur trade, which we don't use much."

"And the town?"

"It's to the east. It's a bit far. We send caravans for sales there every week. We can go together next time, if you wish." Fleur nodded.

"I would really like that." Fleur smiled.

"Where do you want to go first?" Fleur wanted to visit the farms. They headed off and soon wandered everywhere. Fleur found that some weavers were talented with wool and made various types of clothing. They also sewed fabrics that Hermione traded with the south, which made various pieces of clothing. There was a stock of skins and fats for different uses. Hermione also explained that next to the main house there was a forge, where shards and horns were sent to be made in weapons. Fleur liked the way the farm was organized. She was curious about the house's main source of business , which were dogs and horses. Hermione's family bred war dogs and horses, as well as guard and companion dogs. The blonde was excited about it and saved that part for last. They visited everything, until Fleur decided she wanted to see the horses.

"Leader, it's a pleasure to have you in my ranch." The horse master spoke politely, with her head bowed and a quiet nod.

"Ginny, this is my wife, Fleur. Consort, this is our horse master, Ginny." Ginny was a woman with red hair, green eyes and a slim build. She was tall and Fleur knew that the woman was probably extremely kind, since you can't tame a horse with brute force.

"Consort, you honor me with your presence. I see that the little gray mare is serving you," She spoke, smiling broadly when she saw the mare and the horse grazing nearby. "Midnight, always beautiful." She studied the animal fondly.

"She is called Lady now," Hermione offered. "Fleur chose the name."

"It is a suitable name for this mare. She is a lady."said Ginny, laughing lightly. "We had some newborn foals. Would you like to see them?" Ginny took them to a large, fenced area where there were five mares and six small foals of various sizes. "Those two, the white and the brown ones, were born yesterday." She pointed them out and Fleur felt the urge to approach to grab the foals.

"Oh God, Hermione, they are so cute!" she squealed excitedly,huggingHermione's arm tightly, an act that did not go unnoticed by Ginny or the others who worked in the stables, but Fleur did not notice the curious looks.

"In a few years they will be war horses or riding horses. We will see how they develop. Midnight is the father of three of the six foals we have here. Hopefully they will all be war horses."

"Are they more valuable?" she asked the woman directly.

"Battle horses are elite horses. They are the most expensive type that anyone can breed. They are good battle horses because they are brave. Then comes the horses of trials, from running, jumping, lasso. We produce few of these. There are a few markets that ask for them. From time to time, we produce some and sell them when they are ready. The least valuable horses, like Dama, are simple riding horses. They are used for walks and transportation of non-warriors. They are used for wagons and services in the field. They are not very expensive. Well, less expensive than Lady. "

"Lady is an exception?"

"Gray horses like her are very rare, Consort. We were negotiating for a princess from the south, when our Leader chose her for herself," Ginny said, almost disgusted that the deal had not been finalized. "It would have been sold at a good price."

"And now she is for our Consort." Hermione spoke, ending the matter. "She is a perfect mare for my wife and will remain so." Ginny bowed her head politely.

"Of course, Leader." Fleur noticed that despite Hermione's gentle aura, the woman was firm in her decisions. She left little room for argument. After that the two moved to the kennel, where Remus waited in front of the main shed with two puppies firmly seated in front of him. They both had an almost wolfish, grayish coat and Fleur found herself watching Remus teach the animals.

"COME BACK HERE!" A female voice shouted. Barking, sounds of things falling, and running could be heard until a small, soapy, wet puppy ran out of one of the smaller huts.

"Oh God," said Fleur when she saw the dog somehow heard her, and ran over,crying and trembling. It placed itself at Fleur's feet. The blonde crouched down and put her hand against the puppy's head. "It's okay, calm down." As if listening to the woman, the little dog slowly stopped crying and cuddled even more against Fleur's hand.

"Leader, I'm sorry. The little creature ran away from my hands during the bath!" The woman spoke in fear. She moved to pick up the puppy, which screamed and practically climbed onto Fleur.

"Stop," Remus spoke soothingly. "Look at this scene. This puppy hasn't allowed anyone to catch him since he started walking."

"He's scared," Fleur said, seeing the little animal tremble and nestle against her.

"And wet, and soapy," Hermione stated. "Allow Tonks to finish washing you." The woman reached her hands out towards the struggling animal.

"Hold it." Everyone froze under Fleur's firm order. "I will do this. Just guide me to the bath." Tonks looked at Remus, lost.

"What Consort wants, Consort gets," Hermione ordered firmly and everyone nodded. The woman led Fleur towards the baths. Fleur calmly placed the animal in the tub. The others watched in still prolonged silence as Fleur quietly talked to the animal. Remus waited until Fleur had dried the puppy and placed it on the floor.

"Consort, please walk with me. I would like to take a test." Fleur nodded, confused, but did as requested. They walked out of the cabin, as Hermione and Tonks stood watching. "How curious," Remus spoke looking back. "Walk ahead alone, please." He indicated to the blonde that was still confused, but she did what he asked. She walked another twenty meters. "Look behind you." Fleur looked back and saw the little puppy walking behind her. When she stopped, he she walked, he walked.

"Remus? What's going on?" Hermione asked approaching.

"Leader, forgive me for introspection. But, I think the Consort found a mate," he spoke with a frown.

"Should this dog really have an appropriate family?" Hermione asked.

"He is the smallest of the litter and the one with the worst temperament. Today, the bath scene was a typical one. He bit all his possible buyers, who ended up opting for others in the litter. I even thought about training and keeping him here for protection of the house but he refuses to listen to anyone. "

"No," Fleur ordered simply and directly when the dog jumped on her. The animal stopped and looked at her. "Sit down." He did as ordered and Fleur smiled. "Good boy!" The little animal shook its tail, still staring at Fleur. Hermione, seeing the scene, approached Fleur.

"Hon, you have just been chosen as a master," she spoke with amusement when she saw Fleur get excited.

"He is mine?" she asked in disbelief.

"He chose you, Consort," Remus spoke calmly. The little dog sat next to Fleur. When Hermione knelt and tickled the little dog's ear, it wagged its tail and licked Hermione's fingertips. "He likes you too, Leader," Remus noted with satisfaction. "This little one is three quarters of a wolf. He and his brothers came from an inappropriate breeding of a pure wolf with a half wolf. They are fierce and faithful. The ones you saw before sitting in front of me are the brothers of this one. The puppy knows the basic orders and commands, Consort. It just chooses not to hear them. " Remus rolled his eyes. "It will be the size of a hunting dog, and as robust as an adult. It does not have an aggressive streak, so I thought about using it as a splurge dog. It is intelligent and will bark and bite only when necessary. It is a good dog, Leader."

"It looks like you have one more name to choose, Fleur." Hermione laughed lightly. "Now, the tour?" Remus nodded and guided them around the kennel. There were several dogs already sold, and a few litters that were newborn or almost ready to start training. Fleur questioned everything with curiosity. her new puppy kept very close to her, following her around with dedication. Hermione thought it was cute and grabbed her wife's hand, staying close to her. She left Fleur free to question anything she wanted. Since she had plans for the future of the kennel she would like to talk to Fleur later to discuss some ideas.

The two returned with the puppy on their laps. Hermione ruled that he would not sleep in the room, but could stay in the outer corridor. Fleur tried to argue, but a sharp look from her wife made the blonde sulk and accept it. They ordered a set of bear skins and blankets for the puppy, as well as food and firmly ordered the dog to stay in the newly made bed for him. The dog whimpered a little when the bedroom door closed. He even scraped the door, but soon grew quiet in his bed and fell fast asleep.

In the meantime, Fleur and Hermione washed and dressed into comfortable clothes. The brunette invited the blonde to sit in front of the fire. The afternoon had come quickly and the winter chill was still there. They were given a tray with two plates of soup, bread and wine. They ate, talking about anything that came to mind.

"I wanted to check with you on one thing in particular." Hermione spoke as she stared at the fire in the fireplace. The two were sitting on animal skins in front of the fireplace, their backs resting on a small blue upholstered sofa in the room. Hermione saw that Fleur quickly swallowed what she was chewing and smiled.

"About?" The tone was curious, but Hermione saw the small degree of concern in the blue eyes.

"Nothing bad, I promise." The blonde relaxed slightly. "I am extremely busy with the end of the war." The brunette frowned and sighed discontentedly. "Even though the Grangers withdrew from the senseless war going on in the west, we provided weapons and horses for the other houses. Neither I nor the previous command of the house sent soldiers for a long time. But the war exists. In parts, our marriage has weakened the effects of the war, since no one wants two of the largest houses in our region united on one front against someone." Fleur nodded. "Even so, I have not been able to handle certain things here with the attention I would like." The blonde frowned. Everything seemed to be going well in her eyes and she hadn't seen any problems during the entire time she was there. "I would like you to manage the interior of our home, employees, food and especially in partnership with Remus and Ginny, to try to leverage our animals even more." Fleur retained an excited and surprised reaction. Hermione was giving her responsibilities and she would finally stop feeling like a trophy wife.

"And what exactly would my duties be?"

"The house needs groceries and I don't have a lot of patience to hear the girls complaining about products and shopping," Hermione admitted sheepishly and Fleur almost laughed. She smiled at her wife. Hermione's lack of patience with complaints was something Fleur had already noticed. "I end up losing patience when they complain endlessly about something that was purchased that didn't fit the parameters they needed. And let's face it I have no idea how to deal with a bunch of women complaining in my ear about the soap they bought being bad." The blonde laughed lightly and Hermione smiled sheepishly.

"Manage the women who run the household sectors so you don't have to hear complaints?" Hermione nodded.

"That sounds awful when you put it like that," Hermione sulked. Fleur leaned over and kissed Hermione's mouth lightly.

"I was prepped for this. It is not a difficult thing to do after I am able to define what the requirements are." She saw Hermione relax. Apparently the woman felt guilty for giving Fleur this role. "Don't worry so much. I will inform you if I feel the terrible desire to eliminate someone's life." Hermione laughed lightly and nodded. "What about Remus and Ginny?"

"They do well on their own and unfortunately it fell on them to buy feed, blankets, saddles, guides, and everything else. I trust them both with my full heart, but I wish they didn't have to worry about that. Their reports are detailed and there's never been any lost or missing coins. But since this role was passed on to them, I've noticed that part of their performance has fallen and they're more tired. "

"Dealing with reports and purchases, and on top of that, doing everything they do within their jobs. Anyone would be tired. So would I answer to Dumbledore?" she asked calmly, already disgusted by the idea.

"You will never have to answer to anyone," Hermione said in a louder tone. "Fleur, you are the Consort of this house. People respond to you, not the other way around." The brunette frowned. "If Dumbledore finds it unappealing, he'll have to face me." The firm tone made Fleur feel goose bumps. She liked that Hermione trusted her with the house finances and shopping. "If you decide that we should increase the outflow of coins with something that can benefit the house, it will be done." Hermione went on talking, barely noticing Fleur's predatory look at her.

The brunette stopped talking when she felt her wife kneeling beside her and pushing her shoulders with both hands until she was sitting on the floor with her back against the sofa. She thought about questioning what was going on, but then Fleur threw one leg over Hermione's hips, and went to kneel over the woman. Hermione did not have much of a reaction. However when the blonde raised her hands to her neck and leaned over, the brunette knew what was about to happen and she felt herself melt against the couch.

Their mouths joined in a calm kiss. Fleur wanted to convey so many different emotions into the kiss. She was grateful that she was married to someone like Hermione. The brunette was kind and special. She trusted Fleur like the blonde never thought anyone would. She was loving and caring. And even the defect of Hermione's stubbornness made the brunette, to some extent, extremely cute. Fleur did not know how to deal with the fact that she was falling in love with her wife. She thanked any god or strength above them that existed, that she was falling in love with the woman she would spend her life with.

Hermione put her hands on Fleur's waist, not absolutely sure what the acceptable limit was. She would do as she always did with her wife – follow the woman's directions. She didn't know what her heart pounding in her chest could mean. She didn't know what Fleur wanted to demonstrate here. It was such a heavy kiss and the situation quickly took hold. The kiss slowed and their lips parted.

"You..." The blonde looked curiously at her wife, who had red-flushed cheeks. "How do you make me feel so free?" Hermione asked quietly and leaned over, bringing her lips up under Fleur's chin. Fleur tilted her head back, making room for the woman. "I always felt so trapped in myself. It was like I had my head in the water for a long time, always closed in this small world of solitude that I built from my fears... but now I can see the world at last. " Hermione's teeth made light contact with Fleur's throat, eliciting a gasp from the blonde. "I feel like I can finally be me." The blonde smiled widely and pulled Hermione in for another deep kiss.

"You don't realize what you did to me, do you?" Fleur pecked her wife's pink lips below her. "You welcomed me. You took care of me at all times. You made me feel so special in these months that we were together and it is so impossible for me not to fall in love with you a little more each time." Fleur felt as if a huge weight was lifted from her chest when she said those words to her wife. Hermione felt her heart racing even more. Was Fleur in love with her? Was it possible that this arranged marriage was heading towards two people truly falling in love with each other? Was this real? Hermione felt herself contesting the thought for a mere second and then a wide smile appeared on her lips and she pushed off the couch, hugging Fleur by the waist. Hermione buried her face against Fleur's neck and got comfortable there, gathering the courage to talk about what she felt. "I think I love you," she said in an uncertain tone. "I've never loved anyone before. But I know that I have never felt what I'm feeling for you, for anyone else." Fleur felt her eyes fill with tears and the only reaction she had was to pull Hermione in for another kiss. a full, slow, soft kiss.

"I think I love you, too," she said, smiling broadly. They looked at each other for a long time, surprised by what the universe had done to the two women who previously thought they were trapped in a cold and sad fate. Today they saw themselves in a pure and loving construction of a relationship. They felt like two puzzle pieces that met and little by little they saw that they fit together.

Fleur was still hovering over Hermione. She relaxed against her wife and leaned in for a new kiss. Soft and comfortable, that was how she would describe that kiss. Things seemed to have settled. They came together in a friendship and marriage that would have everything worked out. The blonde took her hands to Hermione's hair, pulling her insistently against her. Hermione went to her wife without regret. She liked the soft kisses, their mouths dancing together and she was always surprised when the pangs of desire went up her body. She wanted to touch and be touched by Fleur and for the first time during their married months, Hermione felt that touching her wife freely would not create discomfort in Fleur. She let her hands go up Fleur's back and then down. Fleur purred in pleasure when she felt Hermione touch her freely. The kiss quickly heated up. Tongues and teeth made contact and Fleur's hands roamed down and up Hermione's neck and back.

The blonde let out a little squeak when Hermione, after placing one hand onto the back of Fleur's neck and the other onto the middle of her back, spun them around quickly, laying Fleur on her back. Hermione fit between the blonde's legs, who smiled widely as she felt Hermione's mouth link with her neck. She let her wife explore her neck and bust with her mouth and tongue, until the exposed skin was not enough and she started a battle against clothes and fabrics.

"Bed?" Hermione offered gently, to get away from the scratchy fabric of the couch against her nearly naked skin and into their comfortable bed. Fleur nodded in agreement and when they got up, she pulled her in for a deep kiss. Their practically naked bodies came together and they shivered in each other's embrace.

Hermione felt herself being pushed back and fell onto her back on the bed. Fleur followed her and kissed her deeply. They rolled over, hands exploring the newly discovered skin. Hermione allowed herself to descend with her mouth, exploring every part of her wife's body. She started at the neck. She loved that neck, the collarbones covered with soft white skin, then the breasts. Fleur's beautiful, voluminous and beautiful breasts. Her mouth joined with one nipple while the other hand played with Fleur's stomach and hips. She let her hand explore between the legs of her wife, playing and teasing until the moment the blonde grabbed her hair and pulled her to make eye contact.

"Do something soon or I will do it myself," she grunted. Hermione smiled widely. She let her fingers run in deep. Fleur moaned loudly and let herself be exploited by her wife. She was a sight to behold when the climax of pleasure hit her, Hermione allowed herself to watch her wife with every little detail. She longed for the touch of her wife, and it didn't take long.

Fleur returned every affection and touch she received with total dedication. She wasn't sure what she was doing, but she allowed herself to explore every small part of her wife's body. Hermione was always silent and soft, but in the moment of affection with Fleur, she allowed herself to speak, moan and even beg for her wife's touch. In the end, she found herself lying against Fleur's chest.

"I love you," Fleur whispered, kissing Hermione's head.

"I love you, too, hun," Hermione said fondly, kissing the skin below her lips. Shefelt sleep embracing her and soon they both slept.

- 5.

The next day came to light through the couple's bedroom window. They were asleep, entangled together like always with Hermione clinging to Fleur's back and Fleur holding Hermione's hand against hers between her breasts.

Fleur heard a slight growl coming from the door and assumed it was the puppy that was feeling lonely. She saw that it was still dark, and assumed it must be dawn, which she had to remind herself was later than she used to. She learned upon coming here that unlike her original homedawn came a bit later in the day. . She came out from under the covers after a brief struggle against Hermione's arms around her. She stopped by the edge of the bed and looked down fondly at Hermione. She was surprised by the woman. Hermione was sweet and caring and last night proved to Fleur that she was really lucky with the wife she ended up getting.

She loved Hermione, despite how little time they had been married. She loved her and imagining the rest of her life with Hermione was something she loved. Fleur pulled the cover over her wife's body, making sure to tuck her in. She then leaned over and lightly kissed Hermione's forehead.

Fleur pulled on some warm clothes and left the room. The puppy perked up excitedly at his mistress's presence and followed her to the bathroom door. Fleur stroked the fluffy ears and cute nose of the almost wolf dog. He was a beautiful dog and would become an even more beautiful dog in the future. Fleur ordered him to stay at the door and saw that the dog promptly took guard by the bathroom door. Fleur went in and took a quick hot bath. She mentally thanked whoever made sure hot water was always readily available in the bathrooms.

"Consort," one of the servants called from outside the bathroom. "Forgive me," she said. There was a hint of fear in her tone. "The Leader asked me to inform you that she is waiting for you in the hall for breakfast." Fleur observed the servant girl for a moment. She was a young girl, perhaps younger than she was, and seemed extremely shy.

"What's your name?" It was the first thing that came out of the blonde's lips.

"Allana," the young woman stuttered.

"Thank you for passing on the message to me, Allana," Fleur said gently. "Anything else I can help you with?" Fleur noticed that the young woman had purple marks around her wrists and was noticeably leaning her entire body weight onto her right side. .

"N-no, Consort," Allana stammered heavily and Fleur felt obliged to find out what was going on. She approached the young woman and placed a light hand on the girl's shoulder. Allana completely shuddered and strained under her touch.

"You can trust me, Allana. If you need a helping hand, I'm here." Fleur offered with a gentle smile. .

"Nothing out of the ordinary is happening, Consort," she stammered, obviously lying. Fleur nodded. She needed to talk to Hermione about this, to at least understand whether physical abuse was normal in the Granger lands. Fleur turned away from the girl and retired to the drawing room. She smiled to herself when she saw that Hermione was alone, waiting for her. The puppy followed Fleur into the lobby.

"Good Morning." Fleur came over and leaned over, kissing Hermione's cheek.

"Good morning, Hun." Hermione smiled sweetly. "I was waiting for you for the meal."

The smile on Hermione's face widened as she took in the sight of her wife. Shen oted the puppy closely following Fleur and frowned at the animal. "Hey, come and say good morning," she said to the dog who stared at her. He waved his tail and approached, sticking his nose against Hermione's hand. "Good morning to you too." He sat down and rested his head against Hermione's leg.

"I thought of naming him Cadimus," said Fleur. Hermione nodded, agreeing to the name. The two started to eat and Hermione noticed that something was not quite right with Fleur.

"What is happening?" she asked in a low, gentle tone,taking her hand to Fleur's and touching it gently. "Are you having second thoughts about..." Hermione's insecurity did not go unnoticed by Fleur, which raised a red flag in her mind. She didn't want Hermione to think that her concern was with their relationship.

"No, no." Fleur smiled slightly and reached for Hermione's cheek. "It was perfect."

She leaned over and kissed Hermione's cheek. "You're perfect." Hermione relaxed and smiled.

"So what's on your mind?"

"Do you know one of the girls, Allana?" Hermione nodded knew of the girl. .

"She just recently arrived at the house. She married one of the soldiers and was transferred to services here as a result." Hermione recalled.

"Hermione." The sudden serious tone caught Hermione's attention, making her tense. "How common is physical abuse here?" The question caught Hermione off guard and she found herself momentarily silent.

"Not very common." Her tone dropped to something a little darker. "Minerva made a point of punishing that kind of behaviour" she explained, trying to understand what was going on. "What happened?" Her eyebrows furrowed into a grave expression. Upon hearing that it was considered a serious matter here, Fleur relaxed considerably.

"The girl, Allana, has marks on her wrists. As if someone had squeezed her tightly and grabbed her arms. She stuttered a lot when I asked if something was wrong and was terrified when she denied that anything was happening. I'd wondered if this was common or an isolated case and I want to know what I cando to help." Hermione sighed deeply.

"We are reasonably aggressive people, Hun. But violence is not usually directed against our own people. Cases of domestic abuse are treated as a crime of treason with severe punishment. If a man or woman has committed this crime... "

"What happens?"

"They are given a chance to redeem themselves with society. They will be taken as prisoners and will do unpaid work for a long period of time, and if after being released, the action happens again..."

"They are killed?" Hermione nodded. "Who determines the penalty?"

"I do," Hermione said coldly. "I do not tolerate physical violence against spouses, children or anyone who does not have a strong enough reason for it." Hermione contemplated for a moment. "I will have someone investigate Allana's situation. If what you are telling me proves to be true, that someone is physically abusing that girl they will have to respond to me." She spoke with heavy conviction and the frown fixed on her face made the blonde think again about how lucky she was.

"In the south it is common," Fleur admitted thinly, eyes averted away.

"How common?" Hermione frowned, focusing entirely on Fleur.

"Common enough that the leader's daughter has suffered an attack," she confessed in a low, choked voice, swallowing hard. Hermione frowned and leaned over to Fleur. She didn't touch her wife, but saw blue eyes go up to her.

"You?" She already knew the answer, but she needed to make sure. Fleur nodded. "What happened?" Hermione hesitated to touch Fleur, but the blonde reached out with her hand and their fingers intertwined quickly.

"He was a teacher, someone I considered a friend, you know? I was a little girl, eight years old or so. I think he was a lot older. You know how predators have specific preferences." She sniffed nervously. "He touched me... there. When I pulled away he slapped me in the face saying I was asking for it that I had been teasing him for so long." She swallowed and Hermione reached out to hold her face tenderly. "I ran away and told my mom. I never saw him after that."

"You, my love, are incredibly strong and brave." Hermione stood up and approached Fleur fully. She guided the blonde onto her feet and pulled her into a tight hug. "You did the right thing. Never think about anything other than the fact that you did it right. I'm so, so sorry that that bastard touched and hurt you, my love," Hermione murmured against her young wife's hair. "You are safe with me," she promised softly.

"Thank you." Fleur leaned against Hermione and they both sighed in content.

They held each other for a long moment.

"On another note," Hermione guided the conversation two sat down again and went back to eating. "Today I would like to introduce you to the house staff. I know it's a little late and we have barely finished our previous conversation..." she hesitated.

"I'm looking forward to starting to make myself useful," Fleur spoke excitedly.

"Great, great." Hermione smiled at her wife's cheerfulness. "As a precaution, I want Harry to be with you during the times when I'm not there." She waved at the door and her best friend came in.

"Consort." He spoke respectfully, bowing his eyes to the floor.

"I know that our land is safe, but I prefer to have someone with you at all times." Fleur frowned and nodded.

"I will serve you with dedication, Consort Fleur." Harry smiled slightly.

"Harry grew up with me and is my best friend."

"After Kate," Harry countered and Hermione rolled her eyes. Fleur smiled at the exchange.

"I hope you will be able to guide me through the grounds, Harry. I have been walking with Hermione so far and I would like to make daily visits to the stables and kennels." Hermione saw that Fleur was taking to the role of second leader very naturally. She just crossed her arms and smiled, leaning back into her chair as she watched her wife work.

"What about the house?" Harry asked calmly.

"I find an attack against me inside my house an unlikely event, but as it is Hermione's desire, I would like you with me when I am handling things. I'm sorry if the task will be too boring." Fleur looked at the floor sheepishly.

"It is my honor to serve you, Consorte." He spoke in a warm tone that made Fleur smile slightly. "I'll be around when you need me. Just call me." He nodded and left through the door.

"He seems like a good guy," Fleur said softly. "You don't have to give me a bodyguard," she said shyly.

"Fleur, I guarantee you that it is much more for my peace of mind than for any risk you are taking." Hermione leaned over and took Fleur's hand. "I feel much more confident about your safety if Harry were to be with you. I know you have a desire to learn how to fight, so until then, please, humor me?" Fleur relented and nodded.

"Will I still be free to come and go?"

"Sure, wherever you want," Hermione stated calmly.

"And can I make decisions for the tasks you gave me or should I report to you?"

"Your decisions are yours alone, Fleur. I'll be here if you want a second opinion, but I trust you to decide." Fleur felt her heart warm with the phrase. It was valuable to her that Hermione trusted her at this point. She smiled and leaned in until their lips touched slightly.

"When will I start training with Kate?" she asked excitedly.

"As soon as I talk to her and you decide what your daily routine and your tasks will be. In a few days I hope everything will work out between the two things and our time together." Fleur nodded. They finally finished breakfast and Hermione guided Fleur lightly by the hand to the kitchen. When they entered the kitchen, all the women froze in their places until the older one stepped forward.

"Leader, what can we do for you?" she asked, slightly nervous.

"Aida, everything is fine," Hermione spoke in a calming manner. However, Fleur did not see the women relaxing. "You have told me a lot about small complaints recently." Fleur watched as everyone turned even more rigid. "I know that I am not the most suitable person for this role, so from now on, the Consorte will be responsible for solving these problems. Just one thing."

The serious tone made even Fleur tense slightly. "I want you to treat my wife with total respect. Any action that negatively influences her will have severe consequences to deal with." Everyone swallowed. "Harry will be with Consort at all times." The veiled threat did not go unnoticed by anyone. "Now, I'm going to let Fleur conduct this conversation." Hermione then took a step back and stood next to Harry. The man kept a close eye on everyone in the room. His arms were relaxed at his sides, ready for any necessary action. Fleur saw that no one's attention was on her. She forced a tight smile.

"A word, Hermione?" Hermione frowned but nodded, following Fleur out the door.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes and No." The dubious answer left Hermione confused. "I mean, Hermione, let me run this meeting on my terms?" Hermione frowned. "I know you want to help and protect me, but I need them to trust me." She was silent for a second. "And honestly, you are terribly scary in Leader mode."

"Do you fear me?" The tone was low and tense.

"No. I know that you are my teddy bear." Fleur rolled her eyes and held Hermione's angry face. "I love you." She quickly pecked Hermione's lips. "They are afraid of you, not me. I need them to relax and talk to me. Now, go be a good wife and keep doing your chores. We will meet at lunch, as usual." Hermione nodded slightly and leaned over to kiss Fleur lightly.

"Stay safe."

"You too." Fleur watched the woman walk away, briefly admiring the figure of her wife. With a sigh, she dried her sweaty hands on her skirt and turned to the kitchen door. She opened the door and saw that everyone was still quiet and tense.

"Okay, now we can talk." Fleur smiled. "I am Fleur. I know everyone knows me here because, of course, I am married to Hermione. I know she made a point of instilling fear in you when dealing with me, but I want you to trust me with your needs and problems." She looked at each of the women as she spoke. "The purpose of Harry's presence here is more to alleviate the Leader's fears than for my own safety so I guarantee that he will do nothing more than necessary." Harry, still serious, nodded briefly. "Now, what are your names?" Fleur gestured for them to introduce themselves and one by one they said their names. After that she asked about each of their fixed jobs.. Harry was surprised to see that, little by little, the women relaxed and soon they were all at ease with the Consort.

Not that he doubted Fleur's ability to deal with the cleaning and cooking girls, he was just surprised at how easily she made each of them relax and calmly talk to her about the problems they were having with products and materials. Fleur smiled and nodded, paying full attention to the needs of the women around her. With a calm smile, she assured them that she would go to the city as soon as possible and look for the materials requested from her.

After that meeting Fleur went to the stables and kennels. She took all the financial books and took it upon herself to assess the cost of their jobs and products. She sat down with Remus and Ginn and discussed what would be a good improvement and what was doing more harm than good to the coin and their patience. Both of them grew noticeably more relaxed as she took the task of purchasing supplies out of their hands.

After she was done with her tasks, Fleur approached the hall. She heard a curious movement from within , but was not sure what was happening. Upon entering the hall she saw that Hermione had her sword pointed at a soldier's neck, her eyes cold and somber. Fleur silently slipped into the room, trying to understand what was going on.

"You know the punishment for what you were doing," Hermione spoke calmly and the man stammered.

"She is my wife," he defended weakly, unsure of himself.

"That doesn't give you the right to hurt her." Hermione pushed the sword under the man's chin. "You will be a prisoner until you understand the weight of your actions. You will pay the consequences with sweat and labour. Your marriage will be annulled and your now ex-wife will stay here for protection. Your assets will be hers and hers only and you will not be able to get any of it back. You are now a prisoner indefinitely until I feel like revising your sentence," she declared , waving at the guards to remove the man out of her sight. "Make sure the girl is being treated well in the infirmary." Fleur frowned and let herself be noticed. "Hun, I didn't realize you were here," Hermione said sheepishly.

"What was that all about?" Fleur asked. Hermione sighed as she looked at her worried and curious wife.

"I sent one of my soldiers to check on Allana, and you were right. The husband, well, ex-husband, was beating the girl. My soldier caught him during the act and brought him here for trial." Hermione's lip pursed in disgust. "She's in the infirmary right now. Pomfrey is treating the girl. She was badly hurt." Hermione saw Fleur's eyebrows go up for a long time.

"I will see her." Hermione nodded. "She is my responsibility as much as yours." The tone made Hermione thoughtful.

"Well, I punished the joke of a man. You could help lift the girl back to her feet." Hermione offered calmly, to which Fleur nodded. "Come on, I'll go with you to the infirmary." The walk was noticed that Fleur was introspective about what had happened.

"Sometimes being right is the worst thing," said Fleur in front of the infirmary door. Hermione silently agreed. They entered the infirmary. The young woman was unconscious in bed, resting. Her face was wounded, the arm bandaged tightly. She had chapped lips and a swollen eye. Fleur grew anxious at the sight. . Pomfrey assured her that the girl would make a full recovery and that the lack of awareness was due to the herbs for pain she had given the girl. With a clinically detached coldness, she reported that the damage to the girl would be greater than just physical. Apparently the abuse had been happening some time before the wedding, probably during the couple's time together or during their flirtation. Fleur saw Hermione's fists tighten and the woman cooled even more in irritation.

After the meeting with Pomfrey and Allana, Fleur gently pulled Hermione by the hand into the bedroom. She smiled sweetly at Hermione and asked her wife to wait there. With Cadimus by her side, Hermione did as she was asked. The brunette sat on the bed and waited patiently for Fleur to return. Both needed a new perspective, a good thing to focus on and Fleure had a gift for her wife.

Fleur returned with a large painting of a wolf and an eagle. She offered it to Hermione as a gift and the young woman happily accepted. They were good together, they both knew it and they couldn't wait for their story together to continue. Hermione was deeply anxious, in a good way, for the future and the present with her wife, as was Fleur.

-Epilogue

"Mom." Hermione woke to her daughter's small voice next to her ear. She opened her eyes and looked at the small blonde girl. Even though Ally was not her biological daughter, the little girl had undoubtedly won Hermione's heart. She rolled over and spread her arms, which were quickly occupied by Ally.

"Can't sleep?" Hermione asked soothingly. The little girl whimpered. "You do know that your mom will be back from her trip in a few days, right?"

"What if she doesn't come back?" Her daughter's panicked tone made Hermione wrap her arms around the little girl.

"She will return," she snorted in amusement. "Where did this fear come from?"

"James was saying that I would have to learn to be big because you were going to die." Hermione rolled her eyes at Harry's son.

"My love, someday we will die. But we will still have many, many, many years until we reach the age to move on to the next life."

"But are you going to die?" She asked, rising over Hermione to look at the older woman in front of her.

"We will all go," Hermione said softly. "When the time is right, the way it should be. But I assure you that your mother will return to us in a few days and that we will live long, long years with you."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

Ally was adopted a few years earlierFleur and Hermione went through a lot of effort to fight for the little girl and give her a chance at living. She was underweight, extremely ill with pneumonia and an orphan.

Hermione and Fleur found her in Granger territory, in the midst of one of the longest and heaviest winters they had. The girl's family had frozen to death and she'd been practically more dead than alive when Hermione found her.

It was almost a year before the girl fully recovered. And in the meantime, the two women adopted her and decided to make the orphan girl their daughter. Today, if any outsider looked, they would see a little mix between Hermione and Fleur in the girl. Blond hair and green eyes. A sweet, calm and determined temperament, such as Fleur, but energetic, kinda bossy and intelligent like Hermione.

Even with Fleur away for a few days on a business trip outside Granger's territory, Ally's sweet temper was steady, only a little more shaken because James decided to bother the little girl with silly insecurities.

When Fleur finally got home, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. Ally spent the days following their conversation anxious to see Lady and Fleur appear inside the gate. The blonde was welcomed by everyone in the house. Everyone loved the Consort. Hermione was never surprised at how easy it was for Fleur to take the hearts of everyone in the house. She was so happy to be married to Fleur that she was never able to fully express how happy she was. Now she sent silent words of gratitude to her father for the absurd idea of arranged marriage.

She loved that the two of them were raising Ally to be a leader, in the distant, far future and in full function of governing. But especially, they were raising Ally to be a good, kind and fair person.

And for the first time in her life, Hermione was not worried about the future. She was focused on living every moment of her life with her family and especially, being happy.