The Power of Four: A Coven's Tale

C13: Head to Head

Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.

A few days later Fabian and Luna walked into Defense Against the Dark Arts, both of them a bit glum because they had been separated from their mates for most of the day. Add to that the fact that they had been basically segregated by Umbridge on the first day, they had plenty of reason to be agitated, even Luna, who was usually the picture of calm.

"Good morning children" She said as she stepped in front of the class and pointed her wand towards the board. "Ordinary Wizarding Level Examinations. More commonly known as O.W.L.'s. Study hard and you will be rewarded, fail to do so and the consequences may be severe." She said as she started floating four stacks of books towards them. "Your previous instructions in this subject has been disturbingly uneven. But you will be pleased to know that from now on you will be following a carefully structured, Ministry approved course of Defensive Magic. Now before we begin, are there any questions?" She asked once everyone had their books.

Several students raised their hands, including Hermione, and for some reason she picked her. "Yes, Ms. Granger?"

"There is nothing in here about using defensive spells?" Hermione asked a bit confused.

Umbridge let out a light giggle at that "Using spells? I can't imagine why you would need to use spells in my classroom?" She asked as she approached Hermione.

Hermione quirked an eyebrow at that. "Perhaps because practicing spells will prepare us for what is out there, for protecting ourselves from people who want to hurt us?"

Again Umbridge giggled. "Who would want to hurt innocent children as yourselves?"

Harry snorted rather undignified. "I don't know, he-who-must-not-be-named perhaps?"

Umbridge abruptly turned to him, her left eye twitching a little. "Now let me make this quite plain, you have been told that a certain Dark Wizard is at large once again. This is a lie." She said as she walked through the rows.

"No, that is a lie. I saw him with my own eyes and I fought him. There was a lot of evidence that was presented to the Ministry in the wake of the Triwizard Tournament." Harry said irritably.

Umbridge smiled with feigned sweetness. "I have seen this evidence and I can only conclude that it is fake, as is the story you are telling me, Mr. Potter and for that you will serve detention, tonight after dinner. I will not tolerate lying in my classroom."

Harry looked like he wanted to say something but wisely kept his mouth shut after a pointed look from Hermione. "Yes Ma'am."

Umbridge's eye once again twitched but said nothing as she turned around. "Now, for today I want you to read the first two chapters. It will cover the basics for this subject, and you will do so in silence."

Fabian wanted to say so many things, but kept quiet for now, and in his mind he could see the annoyance drifting of Hermione and Luna, and that matched his own sentiments exactly. 'You'd think that we weren't fifth years with letting us read this.'

He silently read the idiotic book when the classroom door opened to reveal Professor Flitwick. "I'm terribly sorry to disturb your lesson like this, but I'm afraid I need to borrow Ms. Patil and Mr. Black for a moment, as well as Ms. Granger. There is a Prefect meeting that requires their attendance.

Umbridge quirked an eyebrow at that. "I wasn't informed of a Prefect meeting. Who decided this?"

"The Headmaster of course, and the reason you weren't informed is because it quite frankly does not concern you, merely the Prefects, Head Boy and Head Girl and the Heads of House, and since you are not either of those, the Headmaster did not see it fit to inform you." Flitwick said very matter of factually.

Her eye twitched again but nodded, much to the relief of Fabian and Hermione, and even Padma had a relieved smile on her face.

The three followed the diminutive Professor out of the classroom and followed him to the Headmaster's office, where the rest of the Prefects and Heads of House were already waiting.

"Good morning everyone. I have called you all here today because of the incident with Mr. Potter at the end of last year, and the ramifications of that. As many of you by now know, the Dark Lord has indeed returned by means unknown to us at this time. However, this means everyone will have to be on alert for increased activity, and that is where you all come in. I want a monthly report on any suspicious activity related to the Dark Lord and the Death Eaters, anything, however minute may help us in the coming battles." Dumbledore said once everyone had taken a seat.

Everyone shared a look with each other. "This may be difficult to do, Headmaster, with Umbridge roaming the Halls regularly to try and catch people doing illicit things, we would not want her to think we are undermining her and increase the Ministry's presence even more. I do not even understand why you agreed with letting her teach here in the first place." Minerva said with a quirked eyebrow.

Dumbledore sighed softly at that. "I had little choice Minerva. Cornelius pressured me to find a long term teacher for the Defense post, and I had no choice but to accept this. I know this is less than ideal for everyone, but I am sure it will all be okay."

"Since she has already targeted our Coven specifically and clearly has it out for Harry, I wouldn't be so sure of that." Fabian said softly.

"What exactly do you mean Mr. Black?" Dumbledore asked confused.

Fabian looked up at him. "She laid into Fleur and I over holding hands on Saturday, she was the one responsible for sending Bellatrix to Azkaban without a trial and I am sure at some point she will say something about Luna and I as well, and just before Professor Flitwick came to get us, she laid into Harry about the presented evidence of the Dark Lord's return. She even gave him detention because of his supposed 'lying'.

Dumbledore frowned a little at that, something unreadable in his eyes, but his emotions were quite clear to see for Fabian. They were laced with suspicion and worry, and he also saw his need to keep control, which worried him and was something he was going to discuss with his lovers later today. "I will have a word with Madame Umbridge and get to the bottom of this. She was informed of the circumstances between you and Ms. Delacour at the start of term and there would be no reason for her to react like this."

Fabian nodded at that, but said nothing. He didn't want to give anything more away after all.

Dumbledore stared at him for a moment longer but couldn't find anything in Fabian's eyes, which concerned him a little. He needed the Coven of Light on his side and preferably under his control. That was the only way he could guide them towards the greater good. It was imperative to his goals. "I think for now that this is all. If anything comes up I will let you know. Mr. Black, a moment of your time, please."

Fabian nodded and shared a quick look with Hermione, which held a promise to talk later.

Once the others had left Dumbledore turned to Fabian. "Now, I noticed you mentioned your Coven in your explanation. Who else knows of this?"

"Those we trust, so Hermione, Padma and of course Draco." Fabian said softly.

"I must advice you not to let too many people know of this. We do not yet know how wide spread information about your Coven is." Dumbledore said sagely.

Fabian sighed softly at that. "Like we have explained already, Headmaster, the information about our Coven is consolidated to books within the families of the Coven, books that have now united in one book that is only available to us. The stories of the Coven have also remained in the three families and it is impossible for someone to talk about it if it may do harm to us as a Coven."

"How can you be sure of this, my boy?" Dumbledore countered.

Fabian smiled at him, feeling Dumbledore's emotions pique with interest. "Because we can test this. The portrait of Headmaster Phineas is surely somewhere here. You can ask him about the Coven, and see if he will answer your questions about our Coven, but I doubt he will."

Dumbledore stood and walked to one of the paintings. "Good day Phineas. I'm sure you've heard our conversation."

The man in the portrait nodded. "I have and he speaks the truth. I cannot divulge information on the Coven to anyone not involved in the Coven, which at this moment does not include you."

"Very well. It seems the secrets of your Coven are safe, Mr. Black. I will for the time being not ask questions about it anymore, but know that my door will always be open if you or your mates would need me." Dumbledore said with a kind smile.

Fabian nodded and smiled, although Dumbledore's emotions betrayed him once again, showing him that need for control and secrecy again. "Of course Headmaster." He said before standing up and taking his leave.

A quick Tempus revealed that it was time for dinner and he really needed his Moon to calm his own emotions, if he didn't want his emotions to carry over to his mates later tonight.

Walking into the Great Hall a few moments later, he immediately spotted a few things. Luna's smile when she saw him enter and how close Ginny and Gabrielle seemed to be, seeming completely immersed in each other, which sparked an image of nostalgia, since that is how he and Fleur started their own relationship around the same time last year, the only difference now being that the two girls were roughly the same age.

He was happy for the young Veela. She deserved her mate in her life and he was glad that it was Ginny, who unlike Ron had some sane thoughts left and was not at all under Dumbledore's thumb.

He took his seat next to Luna and kissed her cheek softly. "I've missed you love." He said softly.

She smiled and rested her head against his shoulder. "I've missed you too. Defense was even worse after you guys left. She kept her eyes on me and Harry like a hawk."

"We'll talk about this when we get back to the room. Right now I just want to spend some time with you and let my mind calm down a little." He said softly.

Luna smiled and cuddled into him. "You know I never mind having you this close, but Gabby asked me to tell you she has something to tell us after dinner, so she'll come back to the room with us. It sounded important."

He smiled and nodded as dinner appeared, the two lovers eating in silence.

After dinner they walked back to their room, Fabian and Luna hanging back with Gabrielle a bit, and the nerves were clearly readable on her face. "You don't have to be nervous about anything Gabrielle. Whatever it is no one is going to think less of you because of it." Fabian said softly.

She smiled at him. "I know, but I'm still nervous. Whatever happens, it will change everything."

He smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "If you need to talk, you can always talk to your big brother." He said softly in French.

She smiled and gave him a one armed hug. "And if you want to know some of Fleur's weaknesses, I will gladly tell you. One thing is that she is heavily ticklish." She said softly.

Both Fabian and Luna smiled at that. "We'll keep that in mind." Fabian said with a smile.

As they entered the room and had made sure to include Gabrielle in its wards, they had to smile on the look of awe on the blonde's face. "Merde, I never knew your Coven came from such wealth."

Fleur looked up at the voice of her sister. "Bonjour, ma sœur, what are you doing 'ere?"

She smiled and went to give the blonde a hug, following that up with a hug to Bellatrix. "I have something to tell you, it's kind of important, and I was hoping you brought the books with you."

Fleur smiled at her as Gabrielle took a seat. "You 'ave found your mate then?" She asked softly.

"I think I have. But I just don't know how Papa and Maman will react. I think my mate is a girl." She said softly.

"You know that they will 'ave no problem with your mate being a girl Gabby. All that will matter to them is that she will be your mate." Fleur said with a sweet smile.

Gabrielle smiled at that. "I feel things for her that I never felt before with anyone. Could you explain what you felt when you met Fabian?"

Fleur smiled and nodded. "Of course, ma sœur. When I saw him for the first time, it was like everything inside of me felt the need to be close to him for as long as possible. It felt like without him, I wouldn't be able to live on."

Gabrielle gasped softly at that. "I feel exactly the same when I see her. She is the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last one in my thoughts when I go to sleep. I now also get why you fought so hard to have Fabian stay with you in the Beauxbatons carriage all those months, I"m having a hard enough time with her in the same room."

"So she is someone in your year then, now I am really getting curious. Who is she?" Fleur asked softly.

Gabrielle blushed a little at that. "Her name is Ginny Weasley."

Both Fabian and Hermione looked wide eyed at her. "Wow, that was something I never saw coming. I seriously thought Ginny had a thing for Harry. I can see this work though. Ginny is about as fiery in temper as a Veela. You two will fit well together." Fabian said with a smile.

Gabrielle smiled at that. "Ginny confided in me a couple of days ago that what she felt for Harry was nothing more than a little girl crush, but that she has known for a while that she likes girls. I just don't know if she likes me back yet."

"Give it time, ma sœur, your 'eritage has not revealed itself yet and when it does she will know instinctually you two are meant to be. Just be 'er friend for now. Your 'eritage should make itself known soon enough. It usually 'appens close to the Veela's fourteenth birthday, which I am sure you are now very grateful of, since you will only 'ave to take part in one of our customs, which is still a ways off." Fleur said with a sweet smile.

Gabrielle blushed and smiled. "That's true, but you do get to be a part of my customs as well, which honestly I am grateful for. I could use the guidance."

Fleur smiled at that. "It is up to Maman and Gran-mere to teach you everything. I unfortunately am not allowed to do so, nor am I allowed to give you advice. But to answer your original question, yes, I do 'ave the books with me. I've asked Maman to lend them to me for just this reason. I figured the chances of you finding your mate at 'ogwarts were quite big. So I took a page out of my mate's book and thought ahead."

Gabrielle smiled and hugged her sister tightly. "Thank you sis. Could I bring her here when we confirm everything?"

"Since Maman and Gran-mere need to be present, I think our opportunity will be during Christmas Break. It will 'urt your bond with Ginny if they are not there." Fleur said softly.

Gabrielle sighed softly at that. "All these Veela customs, I can't believe there are so many for a species mostly pointed to sex."

Fleur smiled at her. "I know ma petite, and I promise Maman and Gran-mere will explain everything in detail when we come 'ome for the 'olidays. They did the same to me when it was revealed that Fabian was my mate, but you might want to send them a letter to inform them that you might 'ave found your mate, they'll be thrilled to know this so they can start preparing."

Gabrielle nodded at that. "I'll write them tonight. Might as well get that over with. But what do I do with Ginny, Fleur, I've never done something like this before. I don't know how to court someone."

"Trust your 'eart ma petite. It will never lead you astray. Just do what feels right. If she feels the same, which I suspect she will, things will work itself out soon enough. I 'ave seen the looks she gives you and she is certainly interested." Fleur said softly.

Gabrielle smiled at her. "Thank you sis. I'll try to do that. I just hope she'll feel the same for me as I feel for her. I won't be able to breathe without her."

Hermione smiled at the blonde. "If I know Ginny a little, and I would like to think I do, she is trying to muster up the courage to talk to you. She is terribly shy around new people and having someone as pretty as you pay attention to her is definitely a new one. You may want to prepare for some backlash though, Ron will no be happy with this."

"I'm ready for anything he can dish out. I will not let some boy stand in the way of my happiness, or else he will know what it is to cross a Veela, like my sister already demonstrated on that idiot brother of theirs." Gabrielle said with almost steely determination.

Fabian smiled at that. "Ginny was actually cheering Fleur on for that. She along with Hermione and Luna were the only ones that supported Fleur and I in those first months. It even took the twins longer than that."

Fleur smiled at that. "That bastard deserved it for openly claiming me when it was clear I was with you and I spurned 'is unwanted advances more than once."

Fabian smiled and kissed her cheek. "Most Weasley's seem to need that little bit of extra coaxing to see reason. I just know Ron is going to flip his lid when it comes out that Hermione likes the fairer sex too."

Hermione blushed at that. "While you are not wrong, your phrasing could be different, Fabe."

He smiled at that and behind Hermione, Nymphadora grinned as well. "What's wrong love, I never figured you'd be embarrassed to come out to the school, you certainly weren't when you told you parents what you thought about their views."

Hermione smiled at her. "That's true, but then I had you next to me, and I won't have that when I confront Ron, at least not until the Umbitch is gone since we can't let her see you here."

Nymphadora smiled at that. "I know, but you'll have Fabian, Harry and Ginny by your side. That should suffice until you can collapse into my arms later that night."

The brunette smiled at her lover. "I certainly enjoy falling into your arms, my love. It always leads to more amorous activities."

Nymphadora grinned at that. "It's all well and good that you two are so eager to get your night started, we would appreciate it if you didn't embarrass my little sister." Fleur said with a soft smile as Gabrielle blushed darkly.

"Sorry Gabrielle, like your sister and her lovers we usually forget our surroundings a bit when we get started." Hermione said with a soft smile to the blonde.

"That's okay, I'm used to Fleur and Fabian making love eyes to each other." Gabrielle said with an adorable squeak.

"Come, I'll walk you back to your dorm before this turns into a scarring experience for you." Fleur said with a soft smile.

Her sister nodded and smiled at her. "Thanks sis. Who knows what Umbridge might have said if she caught me after curfew."

Fleur smiled at her. "Exactly, and I don't want that to 'appen, I'll be right back my loves."

Fabian, Luna and Bellatrix smiled at her. "Then we'll prepare some things for when you get back, mon amour." Bellatrix said with a flirty wink.

Fleur nodded and flashed them a wink as she led Gabrielle back out of the room and back to the Gryffindor Dorms, while Fabian, Bellatrix and Luna gave Hermione and Nymphadora a hug before they moved to their bedroom.

When Fleur walked into the bedroom fifteen minutes later, she had to smile at the sight that greeted her. Luna and Bellatrix had draped themselves around Fabian, caressing his muscular torso. "Welcome back love, we've been preparing our lover for you, we figured you might want to have some fun with him." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.

Fleur smiled at her. "I actually had an idea that might work. We 'ave both been deprived of our mates attention for the day, I was 'oping we could do something a bit different. Instead of us focusing all our attention on Fabian, we could 'ave Fabian and Luna pleasure us, if you two are okay with that of course."

Fabian and Luna smiled at that. "We would love to. We would never miss an opportunity to pleasure our mates." Luna said dreamily.

Fleur smiled and crawled onto the bed, taking her spot next to Bellatrix who she kissed deeply.

Fabian and Luna gave each other a far more chaste kiss before they decided on their lover for tonight, which for Luna was Fleur and Fabian would bring Bellatrix to heaven again.

Luna kissed her French lover deeply. "It's been a while since I had time to pleasure you, my love. Is there anything in particular you want tonight?"

Fleur smiled at her. "I actually want to try something with you, my love. Bellatrix told me of a thing she once did with Narcissa when they were young, and I really wanted to try it with you, and the best part is that it will give us both pleasure. Straddle my waist a little and position your pussy over mine, Bella told me that grinding our pussies against each other will feel absolutely amazing."

Luna smiled at that. "I've read about that. I would love to try that with you."

Fleur smiled and kissed the petite blonde as Luna kissed her way down Fleur's body, paying very special attention to her breasts, making Fleur moan.

Luna then positioned her pussy against Fleur and interlaced their fingers, both of them moaning as they started grinding against each other.

Fabian meanwhile was already eating Bellatrix out with vigor, almost drunk on the sweet taste of her juices, making the raven haired witch moan loudly. "Please love, I need to feel you inside of me again. Please fuck me hard."

He pulled back and smiled at her. "Is that really what you want, my love?"

She nodded and moaned as he slid himself into her in one go, which was something he had never done before and what surprised her more was the relentless pace he set, while also groping her breasts roughly. "Talk dirty to me love. I love that."

"I was planning to, you slut. Don't get greedy." He said as he slapped her breasts.

She moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist as he kept slamming into her. "I'm sorry Master, please forgive me."

"I don't mind dirty talk, but I don't want to get into that kind of roleplay yet." He said softly.

She smiled and pulled him into a loving kiss. "That's fine love, it is something we can work towards."

He smiled and settled into a more gentle and loving rhythm. "I can't do this rough stuff with you just yet, my love, not after everything you have done for me."

She smiled sweetly and pulled him to her breasts. "All I have ever done for you was done out of love. I might not have known what the Coven was and thought that all the stories I heard of it were just that, but I knew what I felt for you was more than an Aunt usually feels for her nephew. What we share now I wouldn't change for anything in the world."

He smiled at her. "I have loved you for as long as I can remember, and that is probably also the reason I agreed to those extra pictures so easily. I know in our family incest is not really uncommon, but I really think our circumstances are different."

Bellatrix smiled and moaned as he latched onto her nipples. "Fabe, I'm so close. I'm going to cum."

"Me too love. I can't hold it anymore." He said softly.

"Then fill me up my love. It's been a while since I felt you explode your load inside of me." She said softly.

He smiled and kissed her. "Then I want to hear you scream, my love."

She smiled and nodded as he sped up a little, groaning loudly as he came deep inside of her, while Bellatrix screamed out his name as she came with him.

Next to them Luna and Fleur had switched positions, with Fleur grinding into Luna from behind while she played with the petite blonde's nipples.

Luna moaned loudly from the very pleasurable friction and knew she was as close as Fleur was. "Fleur, I'm so close, please make me cum." She moaned out softly.

Fleur smiled and bent forward to kiss her lover's neck softly. "Will you scream for me like Bella did for Fabian, because that will push me over the edge as well."

Luna nodded and tangled a hand in Fleur's hair as she screamed out the Veela's name as she came hard, shuddering against her lover as Fleur let the petite blonde ride out her orgasm gently. "I take it you enjoyed yourself, cherí?" Fleur asked softly.

Luna smiled dreamily and cuddled into the blonde Veela as they lay side by side. "Immensely so, my love. It was certainly something different."

Fleur smiled at her as Bellatrix and Fabian laid down next to them. "That was certainly an amazing way to spend the night, but there is something I need to talk to you girls about. Earlier today, we were called into the Headmaster's office for a Prefects meeting, and while that went well in and off itself, Dumbledore held me back to once again question me about our Coven. I saw in his emotions while we were talking and his need to control shone through brightly. He wants to use us for his ends and I think we can all agree we can't let that happen. I refuse to let him use us like he does with Harry."

The girls smiled and kissed him softly. "We won't let 'im, mon amour. This 'as proven that 'e is not worthy of knowing what we are doing and that we need to do this without 'is supposed 'elp. 'e only thinks about 'is greater good, but we can see the big picture, a life after this coming war. We will 'ave to be very careful who we trust and I would like to think that we are a very good judge of character." Fleur said with a smile.

He smiled at that. "I would like to think that as well, my love, but I think we'll get plenty of help. He actually tried to ask Phineas some questions about the Coven, and Phineas said he cannot answer any questions about our Coven to people not trusted by the Coven. Dumbledore seemed okay with it, but again his emotions betrayed him. His need to control is almost all-encompassing."

Luna smiled at that before gasping softly, her eyes glazing over a little, cuddling more into Fabian as she came out of her vision. "I saw Dumbledore's fall from grace. It will come at the end of the year together with Umbridge's fall. People will see his true colors in the wake of Umbridge's fall and he will be brought before the Wizengamot for it, and it will not go well for him. He will not be Headmaster by next year."

Bellatrix smiled at that. "Then we'll have to watch ourselves only this year. We need to make sure that he does not get too much information on our Coven, because that can be disastrous afterwards."

They all nodded at that. "Then we'll make sure he doesn't find out anything he isn't supposed to, and play to his game as much as we can without him actually exercising any control over us. Maybe we'll find some spells or potions in our Chronicles to help us shield us even more from his probing." Fabian said with a smile.

"We'll talk with Hermione over the weekend. She and Dora might want to give some insight on this as well." Luna said softly.

Fabian smiled and nodded. "We can do that, but the weekend is four days away and we have to survive the week mentally if we want to do that. We'd do well to talk to them tomorrow at the latest. Hermione was there for the meeting, so chances that she has talked to Dora about it are pretty big."

Fleur smiled and kissed his cheek. "Knowing 'er, she will 'ave done that. She'll probably come to us tomorrow to talk about this, and scold you about forgetting to talk about it today at the same time, so that will be amusing."

"And you as my mates will let that happen?" He asked teasingly.

The girls smiled at him. "Of course we will, because it will be done teasingly. Hermione has always known how to push your buttons, my love. You've told me plenty of stories of that over the years." Bellatrix said with a loving smile.

Fabian blushed at that, hiding his face in Luna's hair. "You're tired, aren't you love? Because you usually don't get so easily embarrassed unless you are dead of your feet." Luna asked with a soft smile.

He nodded and curled into her, effectively pinning her body with his. "Yes, I'm dead of my feet after everything. Not only Umbridge, but also Dumbledore's shite burned me out."

The girls smiled at him as Fleur cuddled up on the other side of Luna and Bellatrix pressed herself against his back. "Then we'll go to sleep, love. You will need your energy tomorrow evening for Astronomy, and we wouldn't want to disappoint Professor Sinestra on our first class of the year." Luna said with a smile.

He smiled and nodded as he pressed a kiss to her lips, leaning over her to kiss Fleur and lastly Bellatrix. "Yes, it would look very poorly on us. Thankfully my rounds with Padma aren't until Thursday, so we'll have plenty of time tomorrow to talk to Hermione and Dora."

The girls again smiled and cuddled into each other as they fell asleep, all of them tired after a long day in one form or another.