There's Love In Information
C14: Yule Time Parties
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.
A week later the entire Department looked like a regular winter wonderland, courtesy of Narcissa who had spent many more hours making sure it looked absolutely perfect for the party today.
They had also locked up all case files until after the holidays and would spend the entire day in a festive mood, and since this would be their first office party, they had also agreed to keep it a bit more informal, so when Bellatrix and Hermione Floo'ed into the Department, both wearing a Christmas sweater that had already caused somewhat of a ruckus before leaving the house, since Narcissa had proclaimed not wanting to be found dead in those.
Of course that had led to Bellatrix teasing her sister about it and promising if she wore one today, Bellatrix would not make a fuss for the New Year's ball.
Hermione still didn't understand that particular promise her lover had made, and since they had a little bit of time she wanted to get to the bottom of this, preferably without her lover noticing so that left her to wait until either Fabian or Narcissa would arrive, or better yet Dora, since the Metamorphmagus would be glad to spill the beans on the New Year's Ball she had heard so much about.
Thankfully she didn't have to wait long until her best friend arrived with his lover and since they weren't actually hadn't planned on doing any work today, she swooped in to take the Metamorphmagus aside. "Good morning to you too Hermione. Is there any particular reason you practically tore my arm off?" Nymphadora asked with an amused tone.
"Yeah sorry about that, but something that Narcissa said this morning has been bugging me, and I don't think anyone else will tell me what I want to know, and since I know you are always up for at least a bit of family gossip, I figured I would get the most complete story from you." Hermione said with a smile.
Nymphadora smiled at that. "This is what aunt Bella promised aunt Cissa this morning isn't it?"
Hermione nodded at that. "It is, I just want to understand why Bella would make such a promise to Cissa."
"It's a bit of a long story, but I suppose we have time for that now. Aunt Bella loathes the New Years Ball with a burning passion, and has done a lot to either skip it, or sabotage it in some way in the years that I have been allowed to attend. Not major sabotages, but more along the lines of 'accidentally' booking the wrong band, or the wrong caterer. Those sort of things. Of course Narcissa fixes everything, since the Ball is her brain child, but she is always livid with her sister for a couple of weeks whenever aunt Bella pulls something like that. So for her to promise to not do anything to sabotage it this year is big promise. What did aunt Cissa have to do in return I wonder?" Nymphadora said with a smile.
Hermione smiled at that. "That's the thing, all Narcissa had to do is agree to wear a Christmas sweater for today."
Dora laughed at that. "That's going to be epic for sure. Aunt Cissa loathes Christmas sweaters, stating they're undignified, which is why my mother and aunt Bella love them. It's a way for them to temper their sister's ball craziness, and of course Fabian, Luna and I don't mind going along with that. Aunt Cissa goes positively mental around the New Year's Ball, something you'll experience first hand in about a week."
Hermione smiled at that. "Yeah, I'm still not sure on what exactly to expect. It's probably unlike anything I've ever experienced."
"I think the closest you can compare it too would be the Yule Ball a couple of years ago, or at least the formal part of it. Expect a lot of pompous purebloods and a Narcissa being the Ice Queen she has always portrayed herself as." Nymphadora said with a smile.
"How do you know about the Yule Ball even? As far as I remember you weren't there. Did Fabian tell you?" Hermione asked with a soft smile.
Dora shook her head at that. "I was there. I was Fabian's date actually."
Hermione's eyes widened at that. "But Luna was his date that night. I remember that clearly."
Nymphadora smiled at the brunette. "Luna asked me if I could go in her stead because she didn't feel like going. She sometimes has issues with large crowds, and of course Fabian didn't mind having to dance with me."
Hermione smiled at that. "You know, it makes sense now that I think about it. You two were closer that night then I was used to seeing from Fabe and Luna."
"That also was by design. We knew no one would bat an eye at them being a bit closer than usual, and we figured it could be a great test run for what we have now." Dora said softly.
Hermione smiled at her. "You two have been in love with each other for longer than everyone thinks, haven't you?"
Dora nodded and smiled at the brunette. "If I'm very honest, I have always been in love with him. It's been this constant pull for nigh on fifteen years that I couldn't explain if I wanted to, and I think you are one of the few people who can truly understand the depth of my feelings for him because I am pretty sure you feel the same for my aunt."
"If it is that all encompassing, all consuming love, then it is very similar, but I suppose that is a redundant statement. I have seen how much and how completely you two love each other, not to mention that Bella and I have been witness to a lot of let's say… intimate moments between you and Fabian." Hermione said with a smile.
Dora blushed at that. "We sometimes forget Silencing Spells when we're feeling particularly amorous, but if all goes well in a couple of months that shouldn't be an issue anymore."
Hermione only smiled at that as Fabian pressed a kiss to his lover's cheek. "If you two have a moment, our first Department breakfast is ready."
The two girls nodded and as they turned they saw that everyone was patiently waiting at the lavishly decorated table where a spread of breakfast was prepared that even Hogwarts would be jealous of.
As the entire Department ate and talked about anything and everything that came to mind not related to work, Fabian stood. "I would like to make an early morning toast, to this team that despite chaotic beginnings it can call itself one of the most efficient teams in the Ministry, if we are to believe the numbers I was presented a couple of days ago. I am proud of each and every one of you for diving into this job without any of us knowing the full details of the job we were supposed to do, and I particularly want to thank Andromeda and Daphne, who have created what is probably the most efficient filing system the Ministry has ever seen, but of course everyone has been instrumental in the success we've had so far, and to show our appreciation, we have a little gift for everyone. As a thank you for all of the hours everyone has put in for the arrest of the Lestrange brothers, Dora and I have given everyone an extra week off after the New Year, fully paid of course."
Everyone smiled brightly at that. "I think I speak for everyone when I say that it is very much appreciated Fabian, but can we do this with the threat of the Death Eaters still looming?" Fleur asked softly.
He smiled at her. "Amelia has two trusted Aurors watching him every moment of the day. If something were to happen, she will let me know, and in turn I will let you all know, but so far it seems that he has taken the loss of Greyback and the Lestrange brothers very hard, and from what intel we've gathered is seems to be rebuilding his forces again with what he has left. So I doubt he will be able to mount an attack on the Ministry soon. But let's not talk about work today. It's the holidays after all."
The blonde smiled and nodded at that. "Of course Fabian, I was merely wondering is all."
"I understand Fleur, it is something that is constantly on all of our minds and since our minds all kind of work the same, we can't turn that off even if we wanted to. Let's at least try to do something about that, and I think I know just the thing." He said as he waved his wand to the corner where suddenly soft music started playing, after which everyone broke off into smaller groups to talk and in Fabian and Dora's case, sway softly in each other's arms as they watched their entire Department have fun.
…
A couple of days later the entire family was preparing to go to the Ministry Yule Celebrations, which was a black tie event, which was met with mixed reviews in the family.
It was well known that Bellatrix hated anything to do with fancy dress parties, but Hermione had a particularly crafty idea to get her lover into a dress that wouldn't involve a corset and it involved her newfound seduction skills. "Oh Bella, you know you can't hide from me forever. I'm pretty sure you will love the dress I've picked out for you."
From the bathroom she could hear Bellatrix groan. "But baby, I don't want to go. You know I hate fancy parties."
Hermione smiled at that. "I know love, but I promise that you will love it this time. We get to show off and look amazing while doing it. I know Narcissa will approve of this even though it is something unconventional."
Bellatrix poked her head out of the door. "Okay, now you've gotten me interested. What are you planning, little lion?"
Hermione grinned at her before pecking a kiss to her lips. "If you are done pouting in the bathroom I will show you."
That mad Bellatrix pout as she stepped out, wearing nothing else but her panties. "Okay, I'll bite. What type of robes have you gotten me?"
"I didn't say anything about a robe, my love. I am talking about a proper evening gown that I took great care and admittedly pleasure of acquiring for you. I think you will absolutely love it since it is in your favorite color." Hermione said with a smile.
Bellatrix quirked an eyebrow at that. "You got me a Muggle dress? There is no way my sister will approve of that."
"Trust me that she will, it's on the closet, because I'm not missing a single second of you putting that on. You also might want to reconsider wearing a bra tonight." Hermione said with a lustful look in her eyes.
Bellatrix smiled at that as she eyed the black gown, and while she had to admit it looked amazing, she had some reservations about putting it on, but deciding to bite the bullet since the one thing she hated more than fancy parties was being late, and they were cutting it close as it was.
She felt Hermione's eyes on her as she pulled the dress up, and she had to admit that it was a beautiful gown, albeit a bit tight on her breasts, which was nothing quick spell didn't fix.
Hermione gave her lover a lecherous grin. "So love, how do you like it?"
Bellatrix smiled and turned to face her lover. "I love it baby, and judging by the look on your face, you do too."
Hermione nodded and removed the glamour she had place on her own clothes, revealing a dark red gown that looked very similar to that of Bellatrix, and she couldn't help but smile at same lecherous look on her lover's face now. "I think I chose well when I picked these out for us, don't you think love?"
Bellatrix nodded and pulled the brunette into her arms. "You certainly have baby. I think my loathing for fancy parties has just lessened considerably. Perhaps we could go shopping for a few more of these. I certainly don't mind wearing these more often."
Hermione smiled and kissed her lover softly. "I figured as much, and I don't think Cissa will mind these. They're sexy while still being flattering and I know we are going to make a definite impact tonight."
"Let's go and do our make-up and then present ourselves to Cissy's scrutiny. I would hate being late for a Ministry party." Bellatrix said with a smile.
Hermione nodded and followed her lover into the bathroom, where they spent quite some time applying their make-up and choosing accessories for tonight, after which they made their way downstairs where everyone was clearly waiting for them.
"Finally. I really thought that I would need to come and separate you two." Narcissa said as she eyed the two women up and down.
Hermione smiled at the blonde. "Sorry Cissa. Bella took a bit of convincing to come out of the bathroom. I swear nothing sexual happened."
Narcissa nodded at that. "I believe you Hermione, and I have to admit that you two look amazing. I will admit I had some doubts when you told me of your plan for tonight. As you know I am not a fan of Muggle clothing, but admittedly these look stunning."
"Thank you Cissa. I knew you would approve once you saw them." Hermione said kindly.
The blonde smiled at that, not needing to say anything else as they apparated to their Department, figuring that was a better idea than to go by Floo tonight.
As they appeared in their office, they immediately made their way downstairs, since Daphne, Draco and Astoria would be waiting for them in the Ministry Atrium.
After meeting up with the three blondes they paired off and made their way into the Great Hall of the Ministry where the party was held.
As they entered the Hall they all had to smile. It was already busy but not overly so and as they all got a drink, they started to mingle, with Fabian and Dora making their way to Kingsley. "Good evening Minister. I see you've spared no expense tonight." Nymphadora said with a smile.
Kingsley smiled at them. "Indeed I haven't. I would say that everyone has deserved a night where they can just let go for a bit, and I must say that you certainly dress up well, Dora."
Nymphadora smiled at that. "Thank you, I don't usually like dressing up, but when I can show off with my boyfriend for a bit, I of course am not going to let that opportunity slide."
Kingsley smiled broadly at that. "Yes, I've known you to not do anything small Dora. It certainly shows itself in the way you two have built up the D.M.I.I. and I can honestly say that you have created probably the most efficient Department in the entire Ministry."
They both smiled at that. "That's honestly because of Andromeda and Daphne have created such an efficient system for our administration. We honestly had little to do with that."
Kingsley only smiled at that. "I've also heard from Madame Bones that there have been some issues with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. Care to elaborate on that?"
"Well, Harry and Ron both seem to have an issue with my mother and Hermione being together, so the details you would have to ask them, but it appears that they also have a problem with me being in charge of the D.M.I.I. while they believe they deserve something similar instead of having to go through Auror training, but that is honestly not our problem." Fabian said kindly.
Kingsley nodded at that. "I was afraid you might say that, but I don't want to be too forward about asking them about it so I can take proper action. Madame Bones has asked me to look into it and discreetly ask around a little."
"To be very honest Minister, you should ask Hermione and Bellatrix outright what happened. They'll gladly tell you everything that happened." Dora said softly.
Kingsley nodded at her. "I'll make my way around to them at some point during the night. One thing I really hate about being Minister is the amount of schmoozing involved."
"I think that is one of the requirements of the job." Fabian said with a soft smile.
Kingsley only smiled at them. "I know, but if you would excuse me, I have some schmoozing to do."
They nodded and smiled at him as he made his way into the crowd. "That wasn't weird at all." Dora said with a soft smile as they walked over to the buffet table to get a light snack.
He smiled at her. "Perhaps a little, but what I am about to suggest may be even weirder. Want to dance?"
Dora smiled and nodded. "Of course I do, it's a party where we won't be scolded for dancing too close to each other."
He smiled and handed her a glass of champagne. "A little bit of liquid courage will help us then." He said with a wink.
Dora only nodded and clinked her glass with his, the two talking softly to each other while they gathered the courage to dance with each other in such a big crowd.
Elsewhere in the hall Bellatrix and Hermione were talking softly to Narcissa and Andromeda, all four of them with a glass of champagne in their hands. "I have to say Bella, I think this is the first time I've seen you drink alcohol since the end of the war." Narcissa said with a soft smile.
"I had no reason to drink after the war Cissy, but tonight I think I have deserved one or two, since there is also no reason to get drunk off my face anymore." Bellatrix said with a smile.
"Although I have to admit that I would love to see what you are like when you're at least tipsy, my love." Hermione said with a soft smile.
Before Bellatrix could even answer they heard a scoff, one very familiar to the brunette. "Problem Ronald?" She asked as she turned to the red faced man.
"Of course I have a problem with you being all lovey with that Death Eater bitch. She tortured you, or has she brainwashed you to the point you don't even remember that?" He said angrily.
Hermione just shook her head at him. "I know you're not going to believe even if I say it for the tenth time by this point, so I'm not going to waste my breath. What I am going to say to you is that you should just leave us alone at this point, because one of these days you fill find yourself on the wrong side of my wand, and we both know that it would not end well for you."
Ron sputtered in anger as he drew his wand. "Why delay what we can end right now? I don't even know why they let you two in here. You don't work at the Ministry."
"And that is where you are wrong Mr. Weasley. Both Ms. Granger and Ms. Black are valued members of the Department of Magical Information and Intelligence, and I believe I have warned you about the consequences of when you would approach them again." Madame Bones said sternly as she summoned his wand to her hand.
Ron growled at that. "Like I care. I'm a war hero. You can't fire me."
Amelia quirked an eyebrow at that. "Really, I can't arrest you? We'll see about that. Take him down to the cells." She said to two Aurors that were standing beside her who immediately moved in to bind Ron.
"This isn't over Hermione. One day soon you will realize the mistake you made." Ron said with a growl as he was dragged away.
"We'll be waiting Ronald." Bellatrix said with a grin.
Hermione just smiled at her lover as she took a sip of her champagne. "Thank you for your quick intervention Madame Bones."
"Don't mention it Ms. Granger. He was duly warned of the consequences when he would step out of line again, and I had a feeling that he would try something tonight. He is nothing if not predictable." Amelia said with a soft smile.
"That he is, but I wonder why he still doesn't give up on this ludicrous fantasy of us being together. I would've thought that I had been clear enough last time." Hermione said softly.
"Stubborn is as stubborn does, I'm afraid. I knew he had been planning something for a while but didn't have any evidence, and thankfully he gave me enough tonight to get him at least suspended and keep him in lock up for at least a few more days, unfortunately this also means I will need to go and do some paperwork now, so I'll speak to you on Monday if that's okay." Amelia said with a smile.
Hermione and Bellatrix nodded before Madame Bones made her way out of the hall presumably to her office.
…
The following morning Bellatrix woke up with only a slight hangover and a still slumbering brunette draped over her body, providing an extra layer of warmth to stave off the chill in the house, and she just couldn't resist nuzzling her nose against the pulse point in Hermione's neck.
Hermione moaned softly and pressed herself against Bellatrix even further. "Good morning Bella."
"Good morning love. How's the head feeling? You had quite a bit to drink last night." Bellatrix asked with a soft smile.
The brunette smiled at her. "It's manageable. Nothing a hot shower and a proper breakfast won't fix, and unless Cissa demands we make an appearance, we're going straight back to bed afterwards."
Bellatrix smiled and kissed her. "Unfortunately we will be required to be primped and primed in less than two hours. Cissa will be absolutely furious if we dare miss Christmas breakfast."
Hermione groaned as she finally opened her eyes. "Fine, but tomorrow we're staying in bed no matter what happens."
Bellatrix nodded and smiled at her as she scooped up the brunette into her arms before getting them out of bed and making their way into the bathroom.
In Fabian and Dora's bedroom, the two lovers had also only just dragged themselves into the shower, and as was usual, they had a lot of trouble keeping their hands to themselves, although they tried very hard to keep it tame since they wouldn't want a repeat of what happened a couple of years ago when Narcissa had dragged them both naked into the dining room for Christmas breakfast.
But even the fear of a repeat of that day didn't stop them from having a heated make-out session as they used their bodies to wash each other. "Why haven't we done this before. It feels so intimate." Fabian said softly as he gave her butt a healthy squeeze.
Nymphadora moaned and kissed him softly. "Because even though we're both very comfortable making love to each other, we both have clear issues with intimacy."
"That's true, but I think we've both come a very long way in that aspect, and I can't wait for us to take the next couple of weeks to catch up on a little bit of one on one time." He said with a loving smile.
She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "That and the fact that we still need to inform the others that we're going to move out in a few months. I don't think it would be appreciated if we leave that to the last moment."
He smiled at her. "I was thinking we could do that today while we're giving out gifts to the family. It's probably the best time since everyone will be distracted by the tree aunt Cissa will undoubtedly have put up in the living room."
Dora nodded at that. "Oh I have no doubt about that, and I am willing to bet that it will be even bigger than the one we had last year."
He nodded and kissed her as they turned their attention back on getting each other clean before Narcissa would drag them from the shower, and after they had rinsed themselves off, they stepped out, drying each other with a quick spell.
While Nymphadora did her make-up and decided on how she wanted her hair to be today, Fabian got dressed, choosing an outfit that his aunt would approve of for today. He knew they had all been given a bit of leeway a couple of days ago, and he had no issue in doing exactly what his family expected of him today.
When he noticed Dora come back into the room, he had to smile. Her hair was it's regular long brown, but styled in such a way that it framed her face perfectly. "Wow, I don't think I've ever seen you with the same hairstyle two days in a row, my love."
She smiled and kissed him as she put on her bra. "I figured it would be appropriate with the dress I intend to wear. I don't want to get aunt Cissa on my case for not having my hair match the style of my dress."
He only smiled at her as he watched her put on her dress, surprisingly going without underwear today. "Going commando on Christmas morning love? That's daring even for you."
She blushed and pulled up her dress. "You see, that right there is yet another reason why I love you so much. You always remind me of things I usually forget." She said as she summoned a pair of panties and put those on, fixing her dress afterwards.
He laughed lightly at that as he pulled her into his side. "I'll always be here to remind you of the important things love, although I suspect underwear will soon not be one of those things anymore." He said with a wink.
She only flashed him a wink in return as they made their way downstairs so they could present themselves to their aunt's scrutiny, although they suspected that they would be fine, since they were both dressed appropriately and on time for once.
As they walked into the dining room Narcissa smiled at them. "Well isn't this a wonderful surprise this morning. It's a rare occasion where you two are ready before your mother, and in such wonderful outfits too. It's almost enough to bring a tear to my eye." The blonde said with a smile.
Both Fabian and Dora smiled at that. "We know you have allowed far more this Christmas than any other, so we only thought it would be right for us to be on time and presentable. I'm sure Mom and Hermione will be down shortly. They had a bit to drink last night if you remember."
Narcissa smiled at that as Bellatrix and Hermione walked in, followed quickly by Luna and Fleur. "Sorry we're late, getting up was a bit difficult after last night." Bellatrix said softly.
"That's okay Bella. After everything that happened we're all allowed a bit of leniency. I'm just glad we can all share a nice breakfast together." Narcissa said with a soft smile.
Bellatrix smiled and hugged her sister. "Merry Christmas Cissy, but I do have to ask. Where is Andi? It's unlike her to be late."
"Andi and I have been slaving away all morning to make this a Christmas Day we will never forget, since it is likely it will be the last one where we all live together." Narcissa said with a soft smile.
Bellatrix only smiled at her as Hermione wrapped her arms around the blonde witch. "Merry Christmas Narcissa."
"And a Merry Christmas to you, Hermione." Narcissa said with a soft smile.
The blonde smiled at her as she accepted a hug from her nieces and nephew, wishing them all a merry Christmas too, and after the season well wishes they made their way to the lavishly decorated table laden with food, while Andromeda carried in the last tray of food. "Good morning everyone. How nice to see everyone be on time for once." The brunette said with a soft smile.
"Since this is the first time our family is actually complete, I think we all put in some extra effort to be on time today, no matter how tempting it was to just stay in bed for a little while longer." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Andromeda smiled at her older sister. "Don't I know it. I can't remember any of us had that much to drink, or how absolutely giggly my daughter gets when she's in close proximity to her boyfriend while under the influence."
Nymphadora blushed a little at that. "It's been a while since I had a reason to drink at all, but you all know that I love a party, so I figured it was okay."
Fabian smiled and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I certainly didn't mind how touchy you were afterwards, baby."
Her blush darkened a little at that. "That must be a family thing, because Bellatrix was also very touchy last night." Hermione said with a wink to the Metamorphmagus
He smiled at that. "I'm well aware how my Mom is around alcohol, Hermione, I've been held hostage in her arms many times when she had something to drink."
Bellatrix smiled at him. "That's because you're always so delightfully warm sweetie, and if there is one thing I love more than anything else it is warmth."
"Can we keep these conversations until after breakfast? Because I know how you all get when we are going to continue down this line of conversation." Narcissa said with a soft smile.
Bellatrix and Fabian both nodded and smiled as they dug into breakfast, all of them sharing soft conversations while enjoying each other's company.
After breakfast they took a seat in the den, where indeed a gigantic Christmas tree had been set up. "Before we start the yearly gift exchange Fabian and I have an announcement to make. We've come to the conclusion that we're ready to strike out on our own as it were, and we have found the perfect place for us to make our home. We intend to start moving in a couple of months." Nymphadora said with a soft smile.
"We had a feeling this would be coming at some point, am I right in assuming that you two have claimed the cottage?" Bellatrix asked with a smile.
They both nodded at that. "We have. It has always been a place of happiness for us and we would love to make more happy memories there with a family of our own."
"While it will take a bit of getting used to, it's not like we won't see each other every day at work, and while we're on the topic of rehousing, so to speak, Hermione and I are also looking into something where we can build a life for ourselves, and while it may sound a bit weird, the Manor is feeling a bit claustrophobic at times." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
"To be honest we feel the same way sometimes, and while I have a feeling which of our properties will be absolutely perfect for you and holds your preference, I will of course let you all have any property you wish, besides the cottage of course." Fabian said with a smile.
Bellatrix smiled at him. "You know which one we want sweetheart. The country home with the big library, because if there is anything Hermione and I want in a home, it will be a space to put all of our books."
He smiled at that. "I figured as much. I'll have the deed signed over to you and Hermione after the holidays."
Bellatrix nodded and smiled as she gave him a hug. "Thank you sweetie, but there is no rush. We plan to start our move once we have captured Lucius and the remaining Death Eaters."
He only nodded and smiled at her as Narcissa stood and took the first gift from the pile to give to Fleur.
By the time all of the gifts had been distributed, unwrapped and fawned over, it was well past lunch, so they all let the House Elves bring them some light snacks before they would go out to eat later tonight.