AN: Many thanks to all who are still reading this story. Covid has taken a bit of a toll my end lately and despite wanting to post more regularly, this story is a labour of love and development for me this past year. I hope you're still enjoying the writing and the couple's journey, and I love to hear from you in your reviews - a thousand thanks for taking the time to write these, some days they are a lifeline.
I hope you are all keeping well and safe during this challenging times xx
She stepped out of the fireplace and smiled at Neville gratefully for the quick cleaning spell he sent her way to get rid of the soot. "Hey," she greeted softly in case Kyra was sleeping and accepted the fierce hug he bestowed upon her.
"Hey yourself. How have you been?" He asked, not having seen her for near over a week, as he guided her to a seat and poured her a cup of tea.
"Better," she shook off her large scarf and pushed up the sleeves of her loose jumper. "We are going to mate," she revealed, wondering how he would take the news.
He blinked in surprise before nodding. "That's good news, right?" He asked, not wanting to presume how she felt about it.
Her soft laughter filled the room for a moment. "Is that the best you can do?" She teased.
Nevile grinned. "Well, since Kyra is sleeping, I guess I shall have to provide girl talk. Hold on," he shrugged his shoulder to relaxed them and beamed at her brightly. "Merlin's pants, that's amazing. Tell me EVERYTHING," he flutter-clapped and waited excitedly for her response, only making her laugh harder at the silliness. She was wiping tears from her eyes when he shuffled to sit beside her and pulled her sideways into his chest, just hugging her comfortably in support. "Sorry, couldn't help myself. Really, I'm just very happy for you. It's a big step but it will make you happier, right?"
She nodded, leaning her head back into his shoulder comfortably. "I hope so. We really don't know what will happen, you know? It could be a Veela-type situation where we'll have to stay close for a while until the bond settles, or it could be more tied to magic, I don't know. We know so little but Pansy is decided. We'll take the plunge and see what happens."
"When are you doing this?"
"In two days. We've both taken a four-day weekend and hope it will be enough to complete the bond and take some time to let it settle. In the meantime, I have some news," she opened the folder and pulled out a short summary report on the 'Rosecot' crossbreed, as she called it for the moment.
He flicked through it, looking at the pH levels and comparing it with some of the other samples of individual rosehip and apricot plants. "I think this is definitely a step in the right direction," he nodded. "What are you thinking in terms of texture?" He asked.
"Maybe a peel or scrub? Possibly a serum or oil if we can try the cold-press method once we have enough fruit harvested. I'm working on composition and did some comparison samples of compatible ingredients. It combines well with some healing powerhouses such as aloe vera, yarrow, marula but doesn't blend well with stronger extracts such as tea tree. I am waiting on tests for resveratrol and almond oil compatibility before I begin magical ingredient compatibility tests," she added, showing the empty slots.
"Interesting. Based on this, perhaps an oil would be the best option - something to the tune of the new bougie brands that are proposing oil blends for maintenance and minimisation of scars?" He suggested.
"Maybe…maybe even a line of products," she mused, looking at the results. "An oil for upkeep and prevention of scarring, perhaps a salve if I can get the magical ingredients to work with it, specifically for reduction of older and cursed scars. I'll have to talk about possible formulas with Kyra, she knows best what forms hold best potency," she admitted, an area she was still expanding her knowledge on.
The beauty sector was absolutely booming in the muggle world. The wizarding world still relied on oils and herbal remedies, soaps and scents, especially Britain was very traditional that way. France was a bit more advanced, but it was usually avoided to combine both types of care - you used muggle skincare and magical haircare for instance but never different types of products on the same areas. The muggle market was something else entirely - from Boots basics to luxe brands, online beauty websites that even used artificial intelligence and targeted questions to help you identify ideal skincare routines. It was mind boggling the advancement over the past couple of decades since the war, and Hermione was more than ever grateful for her heritage helping her straddle both worlds.
"She was awake earlier but fell asleep again, we've had a bit of a rough night," Neville admitted and she turned to look at the circles under his eyes.
"Anything you want to talk about?" She asked gently.
He shook his head. "It's a high risk pregnancy, we're working our way through what that means to us. I don't think I'm ready to share just yet. But maybe another day?" He suggested.
She nodded with an encouraging smile. "I'm always here for you," she promised. "How about I leave these here for Kyra to review when she feels better? In the meantime, you can show me the greenhouse. I fancy getting my hands dirty today," she grinned and patted his knee.
"Do lets," they took their tea with them and headed down, working for a couple of hours steadily on cultivating the Rosecot plants and observing growth for some of the other cross-breeds before she headed to the lab with a couple more fruits to test and hope that her dear friends will withstand the trials of this pregnancy.
She missed Kyra, her creative other half in the lab, dearly and wished they could have more time together to work on the formula. Perhaps once the mating was completed and Kyra got well underway with the second trimester, her nausea will even out and they could consult more often. It was but a hope right now but it will have to suffice.
Byron looked around excitedly at the array of pups and dogs around him. It was his favourite boarding school where Hermione first worked to train with him, and ever since he fell in love with it, she made sure to use the same place for him when she want for a holiday and wanted him to be cared for and have some training and fun time with his furry friends. And the Welsh valleys with countless hills and reservoirs to explore were the perfect setting. She thanked Cerys, who ran the family business, for her time and promised to pick him up on Sunday afternoon.
"Be a good boy for Cerys," she rubbed his ears and kissed his snout before heading off despite the soft whine from him, knowing he would soon be too busy to miss her.
They decided to complete the bond outside of London, somewhere private where they could explore the impact on the creature within her. Thankfully the Parkinson family grounds were near Brynteg in Anglesey so they would have plenty of free space and no neighbours in either direction.
Packed bags for long weekend, check.
Crates of food, wine and other little comforts, also check.
She had even put together a small medical bag with additional items such as restraints and magic dampening cuffs, just in case the harpy got out of hand. She hoped they wouldn't have to use them, unless the silk ties from their bathrobes counted, she hoped they might use those at some point…
Hermione felt restless, that would be the easiest way to describe the flutter of the harpy's wings wanting to break free, sending a ripple down her spine every time she tried to flex her back muscles. The closer they got to the bonding over the past week, the more she grew in this restlessness, though knowing today was the day made the anticipation burn all the brighter.
They agreed to meet in Muggle London for breakfast before traveling together so she found a quiet spot to apparate near one of her favourite breakfast places with a Middle-Eastern twist - 215 Hackney. Pansy was already seated at one of the tables in the corner, the sides of her usually sleek bob a little wavy and pinned back from her face, framing her sharp cheekbones beautifully. Her lean legs were crossed elegantly, the black jeans she was sporting were the most casual she'd seen the woman yet and Hermione was most certainly not complaining at the sight. She was scrolling on her phone but looked up as the brunette approached, as if sensing her presence.
"Hey," Hermione leaned down and her lips brushed Pansy's cheek in greeting, breathing in her tantalising scent of lilacs. As she pulled back and took a seat, the notes of desire and apprehension were both clear to her in Pansy's dark gaze despite her features being perfectly schooled.
"Is Byron settled?" Pansy asked after they ordered, feeling a flutter of nervous energy in her own stomach. She wasn't sure how much she was going to be able to eat but if anything, the shakshuka sabih she ordered would do the trick.
Hermione nodded to the waitress gratefully as her pot of tea arrived, and eyed the stark double espresso placed in front of Pansy. "He loves the place and Cerys is a great trainer. She trains dogs for emotional support and assists sometimes at the academy for guide dogs as well," she explained as she wrestled her curls up into a messy bun and pulled a burgundy bandana from her satchel, wrapping it around with a tie at the top to support the weight of the copious curls.
Pansy watched the process, secretly rather enamoured with the wild mane, so different than her pencil-straight locks. And her gaze may have admittedly dropped a little to the pink lines across soft décolletage, grateful to whomever thought of inventing thin tank tops that the brunette seemed to prefer. "I never really considered having pets but I must say Byron is a good companion," she admitted.
"He's a sweetheart. And since I can no longer get on with cats, dogs were the next best choice really," Hermione agreed, taking a deep breath once their plates arrived. The smell of the spices, homemade pickle and eggs soothed her earlier disquiet and she focused on fuelling her body ahead of the busy day and night. "I saw Neville earlier this week by the way. I was going to leave Byron with him and Kyra again but she's not doing well," she admitted a little worriedly.
Pansy nodded. "I face-timed her yesterday and she admitted her body is struggling. I offered our resources at her full disposal, she's given me and the business so much, I hope this can come true for her," she sighed, the small frown of worry between her eyes making the crinkles around her eyes appear deeper for a moment.
"I've been trying to keep her motivated and involved with the research but it's been slow progress and I think it makes her miss the lab too much," Hermione admitted with equal worry.
"Let's hope they get through it. Speaking of which, we never really discussed the next steps."
Hermione looked at her in surprise. "The next steps? What do you mean?"
Pansy shrugged as she set her fork down and reached for the dark roast, breathing it in for comfort. "Well, we will be mated, but we don't know how that will affect us. Should we move in together straight away or eventually? Get married in the eyes of the Wizarding World as well? Do you want children?" She asked.
Through their conversations, it was clear they shared many values and interests including hard creative work and innovation, travelling, museums and occasional night life as well. They even liked similar workouts and outdoor activities, perhaps that could be the next weekend getaway - a good hike to let the harpy get her wings out. But they'd not had a chance to discuss some of their other hopes and aspirations just yet.
Hermione observed her for a long moment before setting her cup down as well. "I think moving in together soon would be useful but I would like for us each to have space of our own as well as space to be together. I don't need marriage if I am bonded to you already but I'm not opposed to it if it makes life easier. All I care about is that you are my mate, and that we are one," she admitted, thoughtful for a moment. "As for children, I don't think any are part of my journey, especially now with the harpy inheritance that I am yet to find out more about. I'm open to having a discussion if you'd like but I would rather focus on us to be honest."
Pansy nodded, feeling more centred than she did this morning heading into this bonding. "I think we're on the same page at least. We should hopefully know more after this weekend and make arrangements accordingly. Are you still up for the International Business gala in two weeks as our announcement of sorts?" She asked.
Hermione nodded. "Provided everything goes well and you are happy for me to appear with you, I'm happy to accompany you."
Pansy's gaze narrowed at the words, seeing through the double-meaning. "And why would I not be happy for you to appear beside me?"
Hermione shrugged. "I know we briefly touched on this but I just wanted to make sure you're absolutely certain of this. I'm not fishing for compliments and I am used to the way I look. To our society, I'm the reclusive, scarred potions mistress who is suspected to be a werewolf of all things. I wouldn't want you or your business to suffer reputational damage on my behalf even though I'm proud of my work and our bond. If you need me to work from the shadows and be your partner privately, I will not ask you to sing it to high heavens," she replied.
Pansy sat back in her seat before shaking her head. "No, this is not how we do things. We will be mated and you will be my partner. I will not hide you like a dirty little secret, that would do both of us a disservice. The only thing I would worry about is your safety. You are….unusual," she said, cautious not to actually call her a harpy despite being in a Muggle setting and fairly anonymous. "If you wished to be hidden for that reason, I would be happy to attend all future engagements by myself and for you to keep far from spotlight, but I will not hide our relationship. If anything, my name and political sway could act as a deterrent to any ill-intent towards you," she pointed out.
Hermione considered her words for a moment before inclining her head in agreement. "I think that should work well," she finally decided and pick up her fork once again.
They finished their meal in companionable silence, both a bit more relaxed about going ahead with the bonding.
The night was dark but not too cold, the moon bright and full above them as they made their way to the clearing which held the Parkinson family runic circle. Pansy could feel the familial magic saturating the grounds, pulsing beneath her bare feet in recognition of her claim to the land. She carried a lantern on their path as they approached the large stone slab surrounded by small stones with runes carved into their surface;
Othala, to signify their heirloom, heritage and the land where many a family member was born;
Berkano, for new beginnings, birth, fertility and growth, for their lands and family to be fertile;
Jera, for prosperity and fruitful harvest of the lands her family owned and protected;
Fehu, for wealth, abundance and foresight that helps the family navigate any troubles;
Algiz, for protection of their hearth;
Sowilo, to welcome the sun into their life in balance to the darkness in their blood;
And across from this last rune stood the seventh stone of the circle, with Hecate's wheel marking the balance of the world, symbolising the night and carrying their magical powers.
The moment she stepped foot into the circle, the torches around them burst alight with fire, casting a soft glow across the clearing and their cloaked forms. Hermione hesitated by the edge as the powerful magic pulsed in the air, wondering whether her blood would be rejected by a house of pure blood. But when Pansy offered her a hand and she took a step onto the cool stone, she magic in the air positively hummed in recognition of her power.
Pansy smiled at her encouragingly. "Lady Hecate has been a patron to our family for many centuries, she will welcome you," she promised and removed her cloak, splaying it out onto the ground for them to lay on.
Hermione followed suit and sat down, unconcerned for her nudity as the air around them warmed up with the magic and her eyes trailed Pansy's slim form as she moved around the circle, adding a drop of her blood to each rune before stopping before the stone with the Goddess' mark. She pressed her bloodied palm into the stone and looked to the moon, wishing for the blessings of her Goddess. She felt her palm and the tattoo of the key heat and an answering pulse of magic welcoming her intentions this eve.
They could have just done this back in London, in a comfortable bed on a quiet night. They could have but they wouldn't deny themselves this - a true bonding to welcome Hermione into the family with a soul and magical bonding. It showed intent, blessed their union and honoured their magical ancestors.
Pansy had never felt more right than in that moment, stepping back into the circle and walking towards the woman she knew was her future. They hadn't discussed anything beyond this point, and they needn't have done so as they came together as naturally as the sea waves met the shore. Their lips met in an ardent kiss, tasting sweet relief and desire to finally be joined as they wanted to be. Mating magic only recognised two things - blood and orgasms. And they were intent on satisfying both demands thoroughly.
A gasp left Pansy's lips as she landed back against the soft cloak, eagerly pulling the brunette's weight atop her and into her arms as her thighs parted for her eagerly, awaiting her touch fully. Gods she'd wanted - no, needed to feel her touch again, her body thrumming with the powerful magic surrounding them and arousal making her heart pound in her ears. Their peaked nipples brushed against each other, eliciting soft gasps and little hums of pleasure, her back arching when the brunette's patch of coarse curls rubbed against her swollen clit. She wanted to take it slow and enjoy every moment but her body was already so highly strung, she wasn't sure they would last.
Hermione rubbed their hips together, biting her bottom lip in an effort to stave off her own pleasure as she watched the beautiful woman below her arching into her touch, hips flexing against hers. She made her way down the slim column of her throat until she reached the small handfuls rocking with each arch of Pansy's back, taking a rosy nipple between her lips and flicking it with her tongue sweetly. Eager fingers wound into the messy bun of wild curls atop her head, gripping tightly and encouraging her touch as her lips and tongue made their way down Pansy's flat belly and nipped her hipbone, chin grazing the dark curls at the apex of her thighs.
She'd wanted to taste her mate desperately and pushed on one of the thighs until it rested up on her shoulders before diving in, her tongue licking the sodden entrance all the way to up to the swollen bud that had Pansy arching in pleasure with a soft cry. So she did it again, and again, the flicking the clit with the tip of her tongue, first sideways that with little licks upwards and watched the soft, pleased mewling transform into shuddering whimpers of pleasure when she got the angle right.
Just as she was about to shatter, Pansy felt her touch near her entrance and nearly sobbed with relief as first one and then another finger entered her, smooth and deep, her already fluttering walls gripping onto the digits firmly, pulling her closer.
"Fuck you feel perfect…my mate…." Hermione panted, curling her fingers a little to once again find that tender spot and returned her lips to the feast before her, narrowly avoiding a knee drawing too close to her temple.
Pansy looked down to the woman bringing her such pleasure, meeting a gaze that was dark and bottomless, the harpy sensing her pleasure and coming to the forefront to witness her mate's pleasure. She felt the coil of pressure snap in her belly, eyes closing tightly as she rode wave after wave of pleasure, her body succumbing to the rippling orgasm.
Hermione felt the strong muscles nearly push her out and gently pulled away, licking her fingers with a delighted hum as she let the rising magic around them prickle at her skin. It was practically humming in the air, she could feel the magical energy of the circle pulsing stronger beneath her calves where she knelt. The harpy within her would no longer be contained and she felt her shoulders roll and wings unfurl into their full length, enveloping them as she leaned down to kiss her panting mate.
Pansy moaned softly at the taste of herself on her tongue and reached up to caress the fine feathers, seeing the shudder of pleasure the action brought to the harpy. She pushed up until she was seated and pulled her into another kiss, weary of laying the woman down and harming the wings.
Instead she pulled her astride her lap, toned but nonetheless softened thighs spreading for her touch as she nuzzled a dusky nipple and pressed her face between the plentiful bossom before her. Her hands couldn't stop roaming the curves before her, slender waist giving way to more rounded hips and a jiggly arse that she had been watching in those blasted muggle jeans for months now. She knew what she liked and finally getting her hands on this woman made her confident touch almost eager. "I need to feel you…" she panted, reaching between them and caressing the slick slit, eyeing the brunette in wonder at just how wet she was.
"Will you have me, mate?" Hermione's voice was not only her own, the creature coming through as clear as herself, the duality reflected in the dual voice speaking to the woman who held her. Weeks ago she had yearned to be taken in return, to be mated fully, but it was not their time and they denied their magic and souls to bond to each other.
Not this night.
Pansy captured her lips in a deep kiss, nipping her bottom lip as she carefully thrust two of her fingers into the hungry heat awaiting her touch. "As I am yours, you are mine. And we shall be one," she recited the lines needed to complete the bond, feeling her magical core pulsing and stretching towards the woman in her arms.
Hermione shuddered and her hips pressed into the touch eagerly, seeking more, harder, deeper, the creature within her clawing at her human shell. "As you are mine, I am yours. And we shall be one," she recited back, gasping at the steady rhythm of the thrusting fingers as her magical core reached out to Pansy's in response, the magic around them shimmering.
Whispers rose around their joined forms, ancestors of this great house joining them to witness the offering to their Lady Hecate as the winged woman and her human mate forged the bonds that would see their House blessed for centuries to come.
But Hermione didn't hear anything beyond the rush of her wild heartbeat and the screech of the harpy in her ears, her hands slipping on Pansy's damp shoulders as she tried to desperately ground herself, hold onto the moment and give herself to the pleasure she felt building fast. Only when she opened her eyes did she see the shimmering figure at the edge of the circle, serpent coiling around her arm, key in hand and proud smile upon lips as she observed them.
Fly my child, the soft breeze whispered to her and she felt something snap within, a beautiful melodious cry leaving her lips as she tipped over the edge and shattered at Pansy's touch.
Their magical cores connected and the circle beneath them pulsed and hummed as their souls bonded to each other in that very moment, feeding the bonding magic and the family circle equally.
Pansy held her close through her pleasure, her hand still and cupped against her mound to help her ride it out. She couldn't move even if she tried, the fullness in her chest stealing her breath away, almost as if she couldn't expand her lungs at the size of her magical core accommodating both their powers before finally settling back. She couldn't describe the feeling of live-wire in her veins if she tried to find the words, and the taste of the harpy's magic on her tongue - pomegranate molasses, sweet and tart with a darkness that had her eager to taste more.
She flexed her fingers gently, and felt Hermione grip her shoulder tightly in response, her gaze back to its beautiful whiskey colour and focused on her features. She was about to speak but Pansy thrust her fingers gently, forcing a gasp from her lips.
"I don't..I don't know if I can go again just yet…" Hermione panted, her nails digging into the pale skin of Pansy's back as her sensitive body negated her very words by eagerly tightening around the touch.
"You can…this time just the two of us," Pansy whispered, seeing the wings flexing before retreating into the brunette's back. "She is magnificent, you both are, but now that we're bonded, I'd have you to myself for a moment." Her words were coupled with another gentle thrust of her fingers and Hermione allowed herself to be pushed back onto the ground, pulling her bond-mate, her lover, her partner into another deep kiss.
This time they were truly slowing down to savour each other as the magic around them hummed gently, matching their languid rocking movements underneath the light of the full moon and with the blessing of the Goddess that watched over them for the rest of the night.