There's Love In Information
C2: Taking Care of Business
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters
The following morning the two lovers woke up completely entangled in each other, with Dora having ended up half on top of him while his hands had found purchase on her ass. "Good morning Fabe. You're feeling frisky this morning."
"Hey Nymmie, good morning. Of course I'm frisky when I'm in bed with you, I thought that was a given between us by now. In all the time we've shared a bed I've always woken up touching you in some way." He said softly.
She smiled and snuggled up to him. "I never mind you touching me Fabian. I'm so glad we can finally do this every day from now on." She said with a content sigh.
He smiled and pressed a kiss to her neck. "And every day it will be my Nymph. I can't wait, but unfortunately I can't stay in bed too long today, because I really don't want to keep aunt Cissa waiting too long."
"I know, but I'm just so comfy right now. Do you really have to go so early?" She asked with a slight whine.
He nodded and smiled at her. "The sooner we get that over with, the sooner we can start planning for how we are going to deal with the Death Eaters, and I need to pick up something from the Black vault anyway, so I can easily combine that with aunt Cissa's paperwork."
Nymphadora smiled at that. "Then I'll at least come with you to Diagon, I need to pick up some morning after potions."
"That's fine love. I don't think aunt Cissa will mind you tagging along. It will probably be safer too, because I don't think they will shy away from violence against anyone at this point." He said softly.
Dora nodded at that. "That's what I fear too, and I worry that we are all in danger. They know where we live and what's to stop them from coming here where we will be outnumbered."
He smiled and kissed her. "That's why Mom and Hermione altered and strengthened the wards last night. Wards were never my strong suit and Mom controls the wards of the Manor, so it was easier to let her strengthen them, and we're kind of hoping they will try anything because I think my false trails from the war will still lead them to Black Manor, which is empty and cursed enough to at least take care of a few of them, and if it doesn't, we'll have fun watching them flounder to get through our wards, which in turn gives us plenty of time to contact the Aurors."
She smiled at that. "That should go well, since the entire Auror Corps is probably already on the hunt for them, probably floundering about like usual."
"Isn't that exactly why you quit?" He asked with a soft smile.
Dora nodded at that. "One of the reasons, yes. The other one was Moody of course. Cantankerous old bastard."
"Don't I know it. Even those last few weeks of fourth year when he taught us Defense he was insufferable. I can only imagine what it must be like to have him as a partner for so long." He said softly.
She smiled at that. "I know it might sound cruel, but a part of me is glad that he died. The Auror Corps is better off without him bringing everybody down."
"Do you miss it Dora, being an Auror?" He asked honestly.
She shook her head at that. "Not really, I liked some parts of it, but the assignments were usually way more than we could handle with just a team of two, while the assignments where larger teams were put to use did not call for larger teams, like when we picked up Harry from his Muggle relatives. It only painted a bigger target on our backs."
"That was mostly Dumbledore though, his machinations cost us so much more than just the lives lost in the war. Everything he did not share with us cost lives, and he was too arrogant to admit it before the end, still believing his way would work until the moment Snape killed him, so no, you're no cruel for wanting people dead that were more of a burden than anything else." He said with a soft smile.
Nymphadora smiled and kissed him softly as she sat up and stretched, which of course got the attention of her lover. "You're such a temptress, Dora. No wonder you've talked so many girls into bed."
She smiled at that. "I only did that because I couldn't be with you. They just liked me because I could be whoever they wanted me to be. It made me feel cheap and slutty every time. Which is why I love what we have, because you would never force me to be someone that I'm not."
He smiled and kissed her. "Why would I ask you to be anyone else when you're the perfect woman already?"
"That right there is why I love you Fabian. I have always felt that I can just be myself with you, which does not mean we can't play every once in a while." She said with a wink.
He smiled at her. "That goes without saying Nymmie. We've both been denied closeness to each other for too long to not have fantasies, and I just want you to know that I'm open to try anything with you."
"And I hope you know that the same is true for me. I've had so many dreams where we would do anything to each other that came to mind, and I can't wait to find out if you are as kinky as my mind thinks you are." Dora said as she got out of bed to get dressed.
He smiled and got out of bed as well, wanting to fix his hair before he got dressed, because with his luck, since the one thing he had in common with his girlfriend was the fact that they were both quite clumsy. "I think your mind may have gone into overdrive over the years, baby, but I will try and live up to your fantasies."
She smiled and wrapped her arms around him as she too stepped into the bathroom. "I have no doubt about that Fabian, and I will try to live up to yours as well, including, but not limited to dressing up for you."
He just smiled as he pulled his hair into his trademark ponytail. "That's sweet of you Nym, but you don't have to dress up just for me. I know how much you despise being in a dress."
"I thought you would read between the lines there Fabian. I'm obviously talking about lingerie and sexy underwear. There is only one occasion I will voluntarily wear a dress for." She said softly.
He just smiled and kissed her softly, the two making out for a little while longer before he too got dressed.
…
When they walked into the dining room for breakfast, they were greeted with the sight of Bellatrix and Hermione sitting side by side, books opened on the table in front of them while the Prophecy sat between the pile of books, both witches not even noticing them entering the room. "This is certainly a surprise to see first thing in the morning. Am I right in assuming you both have already talked about the Prophecy?" Fabian asked with a smile.
Both Hermione and Bellatrix looked up and nodded. "We talked yesterday before dinner, and we've agreed to see what happens. We already find it difficult to stay away from each other, but we also know that we can't form a relationship just on that, so we're going to see how it evolves. From what we've learned so far we apparently are destined to stop 'the war after the fall of darkness' which is telling in and of itself." Hermione said with a smile.
Fabian smiled at her. "So I don't have to start calling you Mom just yet?"
She glared at him. "No, and I hope you will never do that to begin with, no matter what happens. It's weird to even think about after everything we've been through."
He smiled at her. "Sorry 'Mione, I just couldn't resist. It's been a while since I've been able to tease you at least a little."
"You and Luna enjoy that way too much at times." The brunette muttered softly.
He smiled at her. "It's all in good fun, 'Mione. It's not like you haven't done the same to me over the years."
The brunette smiled at that. "True, but I suppose that now that we're somewhat mature we should cut back on the teasing."
He smiled at that. "Probably, but it's unlikely. Dora and I have been known to be quite good at pranks when put together."
"You two will be far too busy humping each other into oblivion to prank anyone, because I think the entire mansion heard you two last night." Hermione said with a slight blush.
Both Fabian and Dora smiled at that. "What can we say 'Mione. We've danced around each other for years and it had to come out at some point, quite literally last night I might add." Nymphadora said with a wink to her lover.
That darkened Hermione's blush a bit, and Bellatrix decided to save her young love. "If you two are quite done. Cissy is waiting for you Fabian, and you know she doesn't like to be kept waiting."
He smiled at her. "Okay Mom, we'll see you later today. Don't do anything that we wouldn't do." He said with a wink.
Bellatrix merely quirked an eyebrow at him. "Young man, I know you did not just suggest what I think you did."
"Of course not Mom, I wouldn't dare. I just know that you two have similar academical interests, I meant nothing more." He said with a soft smile.
The two smiled at that. "Fine, I believe you. I just thought you meant something a bit more sexual, since that is usually the case with you and your cousin." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
He only smiled at her. "We would never dare to debase what you and Hermione share to something purely carnal, aunt Bella, and even if that evolves naturally we wouldn't dare." Nymphadora said with a smile.
Bellatrix smiled at that. "Fine, now go before Cissy blames me for stalling you two again. We'll talk about all of this when you two get back.
Fabian and Dora nodded before taking their leave, leaving the two witches alone with their mountain of tomes.
"Finally, I seriously thought I would have to resort to drastic measures again. Will you be joining us Dora?" Narcissa asked a bit annoyed when they walked into the hallway.
Dora smiled at her aunt. "Only to Diagon. I have some required shopping to do now that Fabian and I have decided to move forward together, and I would rather not have anymore scares until we're ready."
Narcissa smiled at her. "That's understandable sweetie and I also get why you two want to take precautions. I just want to say that I am very proud of you both."
They both blushed at that. "Thank you aunt Cissa. We have a lot to make up for and we just want to enjoy each other safely." Fabian said softly.
Narcissa smiled and nodded. "Which is very understandable given everything going on, and if I am being very honest, I don't think you're ready for children just yet. A bit more life experience wouldn't hurt."
"We know, and that is one of the reasons we want to wait a little while longer. We're both still young and have a lot of emotions to work through with each other, and I also still don't know if I'm going back to school to at least get my N.E.W.T.S. so that is something we'll have to discuss as well, but shall we go before the Goblins decide we're late." He asked sweetly.
Narcissa nodded at that as they apparated to Diagon Alley, the blonde glad that today she would finally be rid of Lucius bloody Malfoy and would be back where she belonged, with her dear sisters.
…
Meanwhile Bellatrix and Hermione had relocated their research to the living room, since they would have more space there, and Bellatrix had asked their House Elf Jupi to bring them the rest of the books she had prepared in the library.
"Even though I know you pay him well, I still think it's abhorrent that you own a House Elf." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix smiled at her. "We don't own him Hermione. He chooses to work for us. As you know we pay him well, and he can do whatever he wishes. He has told me many times that he chooses this and is honored to serve us in the capacity we allow him to. I have tried many times over the years to get him to accept a higher wage, but he will not hear of it. He is almost as stubborn as I am in that regard."
Hermione smiled and her. "Well, you're in good company since your son insists that I am also quite stubborn."
"I have known that for years Hermione, I just don't particularly mind, since that would be the pot calling the kettle black." Bellatrix said with a smile.
Hermione giggled at that. "You would be right in that Bella, but I do think we've earned a break from all of our research."
Bellatrix smiled at that. "I would agree with that. Is there anything you have in mind Hermione?"
The brunette smiled and scooted closer to the raven haired witch. "The only reason I blushed so hard at Fabian's words was because they were pretty close to the truth of what I had planned this afternoon."
Bellatrix smiled at her. "Already? Don't you think it's a bit soon for us to jump into bed with each other Hermione?"
"We don't really have to jump into bed with each other just yet, but I would love to get to know you a bit more… intimately." Hermione said as a blush worked its way up her neck.
Bellatrix smiled at that. "I have just the place for that, something I know you will absolutely love. Would you like to see my private library?"
Hermione nodded and followed Bellatrix to her bedroom, where she assumed the raven haired witch's private library was located, and when she stepped into Bellatrix's bedroom, she couldn't help but smile. Everything she saw confirmed what she had known about the raven haired beauty. It was all dark wood, but had some splashes of light green and silver to not make it feel like a dungeon, even with the heavy black drapes shut tight as not to let any sunlight into the room. The walls were lined with bookshelves and bookcases, all of them filled to the brim with books and tomes of various subjects, as far as she could see in the quick glance she got. "You know, this is exactly what I expected your room to look like."
"Thank you Hermione. This is my sanctuary and the one place I can get some peace and quiet from the constant storm in my head, as well as the only place only one other person in the house is allowed to come into." Bellatrix said with a smile.
Hermione smiled at that. "It suits you, all Slytherin pride and books, from what I've seen this is everything that you embody. Pride and knowledge."
Bellatrix smiled and pulled the brunette into her arms. "We're quite similar in that then. All I see when I look at you is Gryffindor courage and a brilliant mind. And while I have never liked the Gryffindor colors, I have to admit they look very good on you."
Hermione blushed at that. "It's a shame I have never seen you in your house colors. I bet you look dead sexy in silver and green."
"I think with a bit of imagination we can recreate that, with a bit of luck I still have my old uniform somewhere that I can adjust to fit again. I wouldn't mind showing off for you." The raven haired witch said with a teasing wink.
"We'll see what happens, because as you know I am a very big believer in equality and of course I want to show off for you too." Hermione said with a smile.
Bellatrix smiled at her. "I can't wait for that day, but I believe you wanted to see my inner sanctum?"
Hermione nodded at her as Bellatrix pressed a small switch next to her bed which made one of the bookcases slide open, but Bellatrix blocked the doorway before she could step in. "I just want to say before you enter, that you will be the first and only one beside Cissy who will ever be allowed in here. Even Fabian does not know about this room, and I would appreciate you not telling him about it. It is the one place that I can have privacy in, and now you're welcome to it too."
Hermione smiled at her. "Of course Bella, I won't tell him, and thank you for trusting me with this too."
"I'm not entirely selfish in this Hermione. I want us to be able to be completely open with each other. That's why I trust you with this, and of course I hope you will find the same solace in this room as I have over the years." Bellatrix said with a soft smile as she stepped aside to let the brunette in.
Hermione only smiled and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "As long as I have you by my side, I could find solace on the bottom of the Black Lake, and in light of us going to be open with each other, I have to admit that last night I had a dream in which you were the star, and I have to admit that I haven't been able to think of much else."
Bellatrix smiled at her as she took a seat in the ornate sofa, patting the seat next to her. "Tell me about your dream Hermione, then I'll see if it matches with the one I had, because I have a feeling it does."
Hermione smiled at her. "I dreamed that we were lying in bed together both completely naked, and I was heavily pregnant. You were whispering sweet nothings to me while you rubbed my belly before you made love to me over and over again."
"That was the same dream I had, and like you I haven't been able to think of much else but the thought of your gorgeously naked body." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione smiled at her and moved to sit in her lap while slinging her arms around the raven haired witch's neck. "If you are willing to wait and you are okay with it I would love to spend the night with you tonight, and hopefully a lot more after that."
"Of course Hermione, but I want you to know that I prefer to sleep naked. I hope that isn't a problem for you." Bellatrix said softly.
"I prefer that as well, and at school I have never been more thankful for privacy spells, given who I shared a room with." Hermione said with a soft smile.
Bellatrix smiled at that. "Tonight then, and I would love it if you chose to spend the night with me from now on."
Hermione smiled at her. "I would love that. From everything that we've read today, one thing has become obvious. We are bonded through this Prophecy and I know that if we are close that bond will continue to grow, and that will beneficial to both of us, especially with this looming conflict with the Death Eaters."
Bellatrix nodded at her. "We are bonded through more than the Prophecy. I saw the passage soul mates in our Prophecy multiple times and I'm starting to believe it is true, especially after what we felt yesterday."
Hermione nodded at that. "I am very much inclined to agree with you. I've always been at least a little bit skeptical about soul mates, but I'm also very much aware of everything your mere presence is doing to me."
Bellatrix smiled at her. "It is the same for me, has been for quite a while actually. I've felt this pull towards you for while now but I've never been able to pinpoint the reason why."
Hermione only smiled and nuzzled the older witch's neck, taking comfort in the closeness she felt with her best friend's mother.
…
By the time Narcissa and Fabian stepped out of Gringotts, three hours had passed, but in her mind it had been very much worth it, because she was once again a free woman, no longer a Malfoy, but a Black once again.
She had also been pleasantly surprised with her nephew's attitude when dealing with the Goblins, making sure that everything was handled in the best possible manner, all the while staying polite and courteous with them. "I have to say that went better than I thought it would, wouldn't you agree Fabian?"
He smiled at her as he hooked his arm with hers. "I would say so. We got what we wanted and managed to get everything taken away by him back as well. It's more than I could've hoped for. Your lessons really helped us today."
She smiled at him. "I'm glad you've gotten some other use of those etiquette lessons besides the New Year's Ball."
He smiled at that. "I'll admit that diplomacy is not my strong suit, but thanks to your lessons I'm able to get through most of the situations that require diplomacy, but I'm also very much my mother's son and sometimes let my temper get the best of me."
Narcissa smiled at him. "I know my sweet, and that's why Dora is good for you. She is to you what I have always been and will continue to be for Bella, because I have noticed that she tempers you at least a bit."
He smiled and nodded. "I suppose there is some truth in that, beside the obvious of course, since I'm sleeping with Dora and I am pretty sure you haven't slept with my mother for at least a decade."
Narcissa blushed a little at that. "Not in the way you're thinking, no, but there have been many nights in the last ten years where I chose to spend the night with Bella. Usually it was when Lucius was drunk of his ass after a raid."
"You're finally rid of that bastard, and with the funds we have taken back we've made sure their plans will at least be a little set back, since I am pretty sure all of their assets are still frozen by the Ministry." He said with a soft smile.
Narcissa smiled at that. "I hope so, but they are as bold as they are stupid, and that will be enough for them to try and cause tons of damage."
He nodded at that. "I know, but we can hope that they need some more time to recuperate."
Narcissa smiled at him. "Let's hope they do, but I don't think we should tempt the fates, shall we go home?"
"Of course, Dora said she would meet us at home anyway." He said with a smile.
Narcissa smiled at him as she apparated them home, the two appearing in the living room a moment later. "No matter how many times I do a side along, it never gets easier on the stomach." She said as she tried to stabilize himself.
He smiled as he guided her to the couch. "Can I get you anything aunt Cissa?"
She smiled and shook her head. "No sweetie, I'll be fine in a few minutes, but I do have some questions for you, if you don't mind."
"Of course, we've got plenty of time, since I'm pretty sure Mom and Hermione are still working on their research, and I think Dora is trying to decide how exactly she is going to seduce me tonight." He said with a soft smile as he took a seat next to her.
Narcissa smiled at that. "I'm sure she is already quite proficient at that, at least as far as I've heard from your mother, but I am very curious to know if you plan on going back to school for your last year."
He smiled at that, having expected that question. "I'm honestly still in limbo. I can think of a thousand reasons to go back and finish my education properly, but on the other side of that coin I can think of just as many reasons not to go back. I know Hermione and Luna want to go back and finish school, and Harry and Ron most definitely won't, and now with my relationship with Dora thrown in I need to talk about it with her before I make a decision, but no matter one way or the other, I honestly think Hogwarts has taught me all that it can."
Narcissa smiled and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "I think so too. You've certainly mastered more spells and charms than anyone beside your best friends, and with our available funds you won't really have to work if you don't wish to do so, and I think that the Ministry would jump at the opportunity to have you in any department."
He smiled at her. "It's going to depend on what Dora wants to do. She also isn't sure about wanting to go back into the Auror corps, and it's something we are definitely going to talk about in the coming days."
Narcissa smiled at that. "I'm sure you will, if you two can find time between the undoubtedly many passionate nights you're going to share."
He blushed a little at that. "It's not like Nym and I do nothing else besides have sex. We do plenty of cuddling, albeit naked, but cuddling none the less."
Narcissa smiled and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I was teasing sweetie. I know you and Dora have a deeper relationship than that."
"She's my everything, and I never thought I could feel that for anyone." He said softly.
Narcissa smiled at that. "I can understand that Fabian, and I know you two will be very happy together."
He just smiled at her as they talked until Dora apparated into the living room an hour later, her arms full of bags, which he of course offered to take up to their room for her.
…
After dinner Bellatrix and Hermione almost immediately retired to what they had already dubbed their room, the two women wasted little time in taking their Prophecy to hand again. "I think we've put this off long enough Hermione, let's hear our Prophecy in full." Bellatrix said with a soft smile as they got comfortable.
Hermione nodded and smiled at her. "I'm ready Bella. Let's listen if anything has changed since I heard it first."
The raven haired witch smiled as they both put a hand on it, a soft blue glow emanating from it as a soft voice came from the orb.
The two brightest will find each other at the end of conflict, bound together through Soul and Destiny.
One born of Muggles, the other of the Darkest House.
Together they will bring down the Dark One's henchmen
Aided by two Snakes, a Badger, a Lion and a Raven they will bring true change to the Magical World.
Only together they can finish what was started so long ago.
Bellatrix had paled even more upon hearing the voice. "That's Katerina, Luna's grandmother. This all makes sense now."
"What does Bella? I'm not really following." Hermione asked softly.
"I had a bit of a crush on Luna's mother back in school, but she always said while she was honored, and remained a great friend throughout the years, we weren't meant to be together and that I would one day find that one that would complete me. That's why I was so happy to be named Luna's Godmother when she was born. She said that I would always have a piece of her that connected us. It's like she knew what was going to happen." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione smiled and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. "From what Luna has told me about her mother, she probably did. You yourself said that Pandora was a Seer. She probably saw us being together and did not wanted to get in the way of destiny."
Bellatrix smiled at her. "That and she probably didn't want me to grieve her death more than I already did. I'm pretty sure I would've been a shell of a woman if we had been together before she passed. I've always taken loss of people I was close with very hard, with some notable objections of course. I didn't shed a tear when my parents passed away."
Hermione smiled at that. "I know. Fabian told me how horrid they were. I don't blame you for that."
She smiled at that. "It was worse than you think Hermione. My father always said that my greatest accomplishment was giving birth to Fabian. He was the apple of my father's eye because he was a Black, and not a Malfoy like Draco, even though he set up the arrangement for Cissy to marry Lucius. He hated Abraxas Malfoy and showed that by marrying his youngest daughter off to his abusive dickhead of a son. Shows you what he thought of Cissy too."
"Never again Bella. No one will ever hurt you or your sisters again as long as I have something to say about it." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix smiled and kissed the brunette softly. "I know, and I on my turn promise that anyone who is stupid enough to hurt you will get my signature hex. One of my own design in fact. I'll show it to you sometime on one of our test dummies."
Hermione smiled into the kiss as she moved to straddled the raven haired witch, neither of them conscious of the fact that they were only in their underwear. "You're so beautiful Bella."
"So are you Hermione, and for once I am so glad that a Prophecy regarding our family will not end in death, but rather in love." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled and tangled her hands in inky curls while pressing herself closer to the raven haired witch. "We should probably talk about the Prophecy more, but being around you is overriding all reasonable thought."
"I know, but is there so much to talk about? It seemed pretty clear to me. I have a very good idea who our two Snakes, Badger, Lion and Raven are." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
"So do I Bella, that's not the part that puzzles me. It's the last line. How can we bring an end to something that has probably been going on since before either of us were born." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix smiled at that. "I don't think it's that deep, Hermione. Prophecies are rarely are to be taken literally. We, together with our friends and family will bring an end to the Death Eater movement once and for all, and after that we will help Kingsley finally usher in a new age for Magical Britain."
Hermione smiled and kissed her before repositioning herself a bit, so that she was more in Bella's lap, instead of straddling her. "I can't wait to see what that new age brings, especially if I can enjoy it with you."
Bellatrix only smiled at her, more than content to bask in the relaxing aura her soulmate gave off. They would deal with everything else another day.