AN: Oh well... Here we are... The last chapter of this beautiful awesome (at least I think it was) adventure... Over two years posting and the story basically got out of hand. But then again, I had fun! Hope you did too.
AS A WARNING: this chapter contains a few NSFW scenes.
Apparently the planning had started as soon as Fleur had asked her and if she was to be honest, she was quite glad she wasn't completely involved. She was more than willing to help their plans come to reality... But this was a bit too much.
"Why the heck would I need this?" she was getting annoyed and knew her mate didn't like the idea in the least.
"Hermione, it's a Black's tradition..." Andy said, trying to appease her.
"That's an old costume for old families." Cissy added.
"It's absolutely useless and very repulsively old fashioned." Hermione mumbled.
"Can we let this out?" her mother tried to reason.
"Ah, yes. Please. It makes no sense moving loads of gold to each other's families once both stated it would simply go to me and Fleur?"
"And we don't need eet."
Cissy sighed, and Andy seemed to agree completely with all that.
"We need Harry to decide this." The blonde sister said.
Ginny, being part of the entourage to fill the two of them about the wedding plans that had already been made, moved to the door.
"HARRY! YOU ARE NEEDED HERE!"
It was Christmas and she and Fleur had been teaching for almost half a year now. The holiday was being spent at the Delacours' Château, as usual, but the scene was absolutely unexpected. All female members of all their families were convened in the meeting room, discussing a wedding. If you were to be completely honest, the room did not resemble a meeting room as it seemed that a wedding bomb had been unleashed there.
"Coming!" Harry hurried in, having been put on hold since the beginning of their special meeting. "Should I be worried?"
"Now, Harry... As we have discussed a few times, according to the old ways, marriage requires the bride's family to pay the other family for their will to take her into their family." Cissy started and Harry nodded. Hermione noticed a small smile on his lips. "Your sister seems to think she is above all this."
"'er bride agrees." Fleur added.
"Yes. Now you and Madam Delacour need to solve this."
"Uh... I'm not sure how this could be solved. I see Hermione and Fleur both have objections since they are their own and shouldn't be dealt as things to be traded..."
"When did my brother become so wise? The girls are doing a great job..."
"Thank you!" both Luna and Ginny exclaimed.
"Oi! I'm right here."
"Yes, yes. Go on."
Apolline sighed. "If it is absolutely necessary, a vault can be opened in their names..."
"You think it would do, Minerva?" Cissy asked the elder of their own culture.
"Yes, I believe that is what used to be done before we suffered the intervention."
"Intervention?" Harry asked.
"When Magical Rome invaded the UK, a lot of the rites the families used to do was modified or lost. That's commonly called 'The Intervention' by history and feminist scholars. Since Rome was mainly patriarchal, women's rights and free will was almost erased. That's why female children are betrothed at a very young age." Hermione lectured, Harry nodded.
"Okay. So why do you need me? It seems to me that it's a solved problem."
"Well..."
"You, as the Head of the House Black, need to agree to this."
"Ah, okay. Sure, I do agree." Harry smiled at Hermione. "I need to say, though... I'll do as Hermione asks. It's her day, after all. You don't really need me here. If she agrees... I trust her implicitly, with my life. Literally..." he snickered.
Cissy and Andy nodded.
"We need to go to Gringotts then." Molly said, jolting it on their to-do list. "Thank you, Harry."
The men beamed at Hermione and left the room at once.
"Now, on other matters..."
"Wait." Hermione narrowed her eyes. "All of you are going to Gringotts?"
"Yes."
"But... Why?"
"Isn't it obvious, Ma fille?" Apolline smiled. "They all need to move gold to your vault. All of us, actually. It's a Veela costume to give the mating pair a certain amount of gold."
"But..."
"The Blacks are your family, legally, but you are bound to the Weasleys too, since Molly has practically adopted you ever since first year. And I... I'm your magical sponsor, Hermione. Rolanda and I feel responsible for you, in many ways." Minerva explained, Rolanda nodded at the last bit. "We took this place only a few times, no matter if Magical or Muggleborn... Moire is one of them as you are." Minerva smiled tightly.
"..."
"Hermione, you were one of the most promising students I've ever had. It was a choice I made with great joy." Minerva added, making Hermione blush deeply.
"It does help you are a Gryffindor, tho. That woman had a serious problem with favoritism. If you were into quidditch, you probably would have had a... third mother by the end of first year." Rolanda smiled.
"Ah, I remember Lily was one if I'm not mistaken..." Molly added.
"Yes, she was." Minerva smiled. "Your sister was too, until..."
"Until she ran off to the Dark Lord. I remember her being proud of it..." Andy filled the silence, Cissy simply nodded.
A low growl reverberated and Hermione felt Fleur's arms wrap around her.
'It's ok, love.'
'No, it's not.'
Hermione moved her head to look into Fleur's eyes.
'She's not here. I'm safe.' Fleur nodded, though she didn't release her.
"I'm sorry. We shouldn't..."
"It's really not a problem, Cissy. I understand she was your sister and I share the title with her undoubtedly. She was an extremely talented witch and an amazing dueler." Hermione swallowed and smiled tightly.
"On another note!" Molly came to rescue. "You girls are expected to go to your second fitting today. As you already agreed on all decorations, you are free to go." the Weasley matriarch smiled at them. "Oh, be ready at 3pm."
They were having a Spring wedding, a day before Ostara. Traditionally speaking, the day of Ostara was to be spent with family and friends, but the holiday was also commonly chosen to have weddings (traditional wixen families were no exception) as its symbolic meaning being new life, fertility and new beginnings. The veela ceremony would take place the day after Ostara. And their honeymoon... Well, it was scheduled to happen after the school year ended. Being professors made their schedules quite complicated.
The end of the spring term both came too fast and not fast enough. Fleur spent the last day with a smile on her face. She honestly couldn't stop smiling. She was getting married. She was getting married to Hermione, her mate! She felt herself beam.
"Love, the train just left." Hermione smiled at her after entering their quarters. "What made you so happy?" Hermione joined her on the sofa, resting her head on her lap.
"Oh, nothing. I zink eets just zee 'olidays." The blonde answered nonchalantly.
"Uhm... I see. Not because we're getting married?"
"Non. Well, eet could be a tiny reason."
"Tiny?"
"Oui."
"You remember I can feel you, right?"
"And?"
"And I know how you feel."
"Oh? And how do I feel now?" Fleur made sure to broadcast her desire for the other woman and smirked as she saw Hermione's pupils blow up.
"Fuck. Come here."
Fleur moved quickly. In less than a second she was on her mate's lap, smiling widely. She was suddenly smacked by Hermione's own desire, which made her moan without being touched. A commanding hand reached across her neck and tugged her down, joining their mouths. Both of them moaned as their tongues merged together and they lost themselves in each other.
Fleur felt Hermione's hands all over her. Her head dropped back as nails scrapped at her side and back. The brunette's mouth quickly attached itself to her neck, with open-mouthed kisses and small bites. She clung to her mate instantly.
'Bed.' she couldn't bother to speak out.
A groan left her lips as she felt Hermione got up, still holding her. Before she could register she was being carefully placed on the bed, her robe being removed, and she moved deeper into the bed. She sighed against her mate's mouth after feeling their skin touch. The lioness had vanished her own clothes after disrobing her, then climbed into the bed and fit her body between her legs. Fleur moaned deeply as she felt the other woman's belly against her center.
"You are so beautiful." Hermione said quietly against her ear. Fleur couldn't contain the louder moan. "I love when you do that. I love your voice and the sounds you make. I love you so much..." The care was clear in the lioness' voice, and it only made her get even more wet. She could recognize that moment. Hermione always made sure to say and truly convey what she felt before she allowed her dominance to take control and the blonde felt so completely secure in the other woman's arms… She signaled her willingness by showing her neck, fully submitting. Fleur felt her body relax instantly as it usually did when submitting to her lioness, letting go of her worries. Knowing implicitly she could let everything go and that she would be taken care of was something to be valued and cherished, and she knew it. She heard the other woman growl and felt a wave of pride and power coming from her, which made her smile and relax further. Hermione's touch instantly got a bit heavier, making Fleur moan. She moved her hands to hold the brunette's butt but instantly got them restrained.
"You know the rules, baby." Hermione said in a commanding manner and she nodded. "I'll be kind and give you one more chance, cub." Fleur whined and felt even more wetness between her legs. The brunette raised an eyebrow and smirked. She knew what her tone did to her.
"Yes, 'ermione." She half moaned and half spoke.
The lioness held both of her hands above her head. The blonde closed her eyes as soon as she felt her mate's lips on her neck, showering it with open-mouthed kisses and light nibbles, and then moved her head just so the other woman could have better access. "Such a good girl..." She heard and felt the hot breath against her skin. She always got surprised with how much of a mess she would get when Hermione got like this. Hermione released her wrists and started exploring her bosom, her nails lightly scratching Fleur's sides, making nonsensical drawings. The blonde shivered as her hand reached just under her right breast and Hermione chucked. Feeling her mouth leave her body made her whine.
"So impatient..." Hermione reached up and took her mouth in a deep kiss, making her moan. Fleur couldn't help but try to make the kiss keep going and to press herself into her mate by moving her upper body.
Hermione sighed and stopped kissing her. "What you think you are doing, love?"
Fleur let herself drop back onto the mattress. "Nozing."
"Well, if you were doing nothing, I'll do nothing either and we can get ready to go..." Hermione said, moving from her lap into the mattress. Fleur felt herself freeze. Her body was still humming from her mate's attention, and a small whine left her lips without her permission. Hermione looked at her with fire in her eyes.
"What were you doing?"
The blonde quickly moved, grabbing Hermione and rolling her so she was under her. "I need you."
"Uhm, that's a shame. I was doing something to you until I was rudely interrupted. By you."
"..." Fleur let her body join Hermione's and whined, letting her nose go to the brunette's neck. "S'il vous plaît. (Please.)"
"Ah, now you beg." She felt her hand travel, then leave her body and then clash against her butt in a second. The sting made her moan deeply. The Gryffindor moved and turned them. "You know what you did was wrong. Hands." Fleur's body was buzzing, but she didn't move. "If you are going to be that way..." Hermione took her right hand and gave it a soft kiss and stretched her arm until it was close to the headboard and manually tied her wrist to it with a magically conjured rope. Then slowly made the same with her left arm, slowly. The care that came from the other woman doing everything manually made her relax further into her subspace. 'Good?' Fleur nodded. "Your words, cub."
"Yes." She said half moaning thanks to the ropes' bite on her wrists.
"Yes, what, cub?"
"Yes, Hermione."
"Uhm..." Hermione checked the bindings to make sure they weren't too tight then smiled at her, making her squirm. "Good. Now, where was I?"
Fleur tried fighting the restraints as soon as her mate resumed her position over her, straddling her waist, but stopped short as she saw the raised eyebrow and glare she fixed on her. Hermione gave a light peck on her lips, then moved to sit. The blonde could feel the wetness present on the Gryffindor center, she felt herself get impossibly wetter. She noticed her mate observing her, plain desire written all over her face. As they locked eyes, the brunette smiled, and she felt a wave of Hermione's desire come through their shared link.
"Merde! Fuck!" She felt her body burn with desire and squirmed a bit. On top of that, Hermione's fingers and nails began to roam through her body, making her fight against her instincts to raise her upper body, looking for more contact. The lioness was alternating between light and firmer touches, though completely missing the places she wanted her more. Goosebumps travelled through her body every time the brunette got closer to her most sensitive parts. Though she soon felt like they rose at every touch she felt.
"So sensitive..." Hermione smiled.
Fleur was on the verge of begging once more, her breath was absolutely shallow and she could feel the sweat on her skin. Hermione had done virtually nothing to her... She pleaded silently once they locked eyes. Hermione smirked and descended, linking her mouth to Fleur's breast. She gasped at the sensation and moaned as the other woman bit her nipple lightly. She was left a worse squirming mess as the seconds passed and Hermione slowly moved down her body.
"Merde!" She half moaned as her mate placed a light kiss over her clit then moved to her left thigh, smirking. Damn, she would pay dearly for her sass early… Fleur closed her eyes and swallowed, feeling her mate's lips on her, ultimately surrendering to her touch and giving up any possibility of holding any coherent thought. Then the lips paused and left her skin altogether.
"Fleur..." Her tone alone made the blonde squirm. Opening her eyes, she was met with her mate's caramel yellowish eyes and one raised eyebrow. "Eyes on me, babygirl." Hermione moved to give her a peck on the lips. The movement made the lioness' body press itself against Fleur's center, forcing a loud moan out from her lips.
"Ok..." Fleur whispered, absolutely out of breath.
"Ok what, cub?" The other woman grabbed her ass toughfully.
"I'll keep my eyes on you, mon amour." She gasped.
"Good." Hermione slowly resumed her movements.
Fleur watched the brunette travel through the expense of her leg then move to the other, alternating between soft kisses and small bites. She felt herself get lightheaded, her breath impossibly short.
Without warning, Hermione entered her with one finger and she suddenly felt her body taut as a string. She screamed at the sensation; it being almost too much. As suddenly as it entered her it left, leaving her feeling empty, she gasped.
"Fuck, you are so wet..." Hermione smiled at her, repeating her movements, slowly penetrating her and then leaving her empty. By the fourth time she had done that, Fleur gasped, then groaned.
"S'il vous plaît... (Please...)"
"Please what, cub?" Hermione whispered as she laid her body over Fleur, her thigh lightly pressuring her center.
Fleur gasped for air, distinctly feeling the pressure. "Please fuck me!" She managed.
"Good girl." The praise made her preen.
Hermione entered her, this time with two fingers. Not giving her time to breathe, she bent her fingers instantly, making her scream and moan and roll her eyes in pleasure. She felt herself so close that she tried grasping anything close to her hands, though she couldn't reach anything. Her lioness continued fucking her hard while she fought against her own body to prevent herself from coming too early. Hermione entered her with another finger and she screamed again. She gave up fighting as she felt the brunette's thumb touch her clit.
"Come for me, babygirl."
Fleur felt the wave hit her instantly and hard, making her scream in a high-pitched voice. Her mate's name fled freely from her lips. She felt more than heard the praise that always came after she obeyed the lioness. "My good girl," was whispered after a kiss close to her hips.
Only then Fleur noticed Hermione hadn't stopped her ministrations. The woman was still slowly fucking her, her mouth leaving open-mouthed kisses all over her belly. She gasped again, sharply feeling her fingers inside her, fucking her. Trying to work her breath enough just so she could say something, she missed the brunette's mouth traveling further down.
"MERDE!" She screamed as soon as she felt Hermione's mouth on her.
A second, even stronger, wave hit her quickly after. This time she felt her mate come with her, Hermione opening their bond connection.
The two of them gasped for air together, Hermione had her head against her bottom belly and smiled sweetly up to her. The ropes tying her up were gone with a non-verbal spell from Hermione and Fleur felt her arms hit the mattress tho she had no energy to move them. The brunette climbed her, leaving sweet kisses along the way then softly kissing her lips.
"You did great, love." Fleur only had energy to whimper. "Did I wear you down?" Fleur weekly nodded. "Cuddles?" Another nod. "Okay, we cuddle, then I'll run a bath for us. How does it sound?"
"Good." She managed.
"You are still speaking English? I guess I didn't do my job well enough…" She teased, lowering her hand. Fleur squirmed and whined. "Ok. Cuddles. Beautiful cub…" Hermione smiled sweetly. "I love you." She added, moving to spoon her.
Fleur felt herself slip into a light slumber. A moment later (or what she felt like a moment), Hermione awoke her softly with small sweet kisses.
"The bathtub is waiting." She said softly. "Come, baby girl." Hermione motioned for her to hug her neck and after making sure she was securely holding her, the brunette carried her to the bathroom then carefully lowered her into the bathtub and joined her sitting behind her. The brunette started humming while she washed Fleur's body. Fleur felt herself relax and sighed happily.
"Zank you. Je t'aime, ma lionne."
"I love you too, love." Hermione reached for her wand and with a flick she started the record player. The soft, quiet tunes reached them and the blonde smiled.
After the bath, Hermione made them tea, and they relaxed on the couch before they had to leave. Fleur fell back into her slumber, wrapped in her mate's arms and melting into her.
They spent the first three nights of the holiday at their flat. She had given up on the pretense of calling it Fleur's since they had been living together for more than three years. The two of them were separated very early the next day (it being the day before their wedding), with Gin and Gaby grumbling about how early it was and how it shouldn't be allowed to happen. After a lot of discussions, it had been agreed that they would spend the day separated. It was a family day. And that's how she found herself surrounded by the Grangers, the Weasleys, the Black's and the Hooch-McGonagalls. With Molly stating the Burrow was the one place spacious enough to fit together (outside), Ginny had been sent to the flat to retrieve her since she lived closer and they all knew if it was up to them, Fleur and Hermione wouldn't get separated.
Hermione couldn't help but feel strange. Feeling Fleur close to her was something she was used to. But she allowed herself to enjoy the dotting from her families. They were all sharing stories of her, laughing with her. At some point, by the end of the day, she had been allowed to retreat for a short time. They all knew she sometimes needed to recharge her social batteries.
She had been sitting near the pond near the house, reading a book for quite a while. She half expected someone to come make her get back to everyone. What she didn't expect was to feel the warmth she now recognized as Fleur's presence near her. Looking up, she beamed at her bride-to-be.
"I thought we were to spend the day apart, love."
"Oui. And zee day ees almost over, lionne." the blonde smiled softly. "Social recharge?" she nodded. "Well, I've been sent to retrieve you. Molly and 'arry say dinner ees ready and apparently zee plan ees to go clubbing after eet. I zink Ginny, Bill and zee twins organized zee night…"
"Oh, Merlin…" Hermione mumbled.
"I'll be zere with you."
"My savior." Hermione smiled and pecked her lips. Fleur pulled her into a deep kiss.
"Eef we don't go soon, we won't be able to eat."
"Says the woman holding me." She laughed. "I missed you." Hermione sighed, letting her head rest against the blonde's chest.
"Me too, ma vie. Je t'aime."
"Je t'aime aussi."
A few minutes later, "OI! Mom says dinner won't be served without you. I'm hungry. And we are on a schedule here!" Ginny shouted from afar.
"Coming!" they laughed.
"You better!"
Dinner had been a (not at all) quiet affair and now all off-age were assembled inside, listening to Forge's directions (the twins always spoke together so…).
"Alright, we are going to muggle London."
"So disguise your wands."
"No robes."
"No 'muggles are strange' complaints."
"Let's have some fun."
"And make sure those two are always with their hands holding a drink."
"Just say Leaky Caldron, folks."
"We go from there."
Hermione held back her laughter as she looked around. Harry sighed from her side. The British side of the assembly was wearing whatever they called 'muggle clothes' (except for Harry, Ginny, Luna and her), they all looked like they had just come from a time machine.
"Ginny…" She started.
"I told them to use muggle clothes, Hermione. I have no idea where they got all this." Ginny giggled.
"At least Fleur's side knows how to muggle dress." Harry murmured.
"We are French after all." Fleur answered, smiling.
"We don't have much time. Mio, can you…" Ginny grimaced.
"Sure. Help me, love?"
"Oui."
Hermione had gone half-way through them when she was face to face with Draco.
"You… Made a decent job." She nodded. "Just lose the jacket and roll up the sleeves." He shrugged and did as she said, silently casting a disillusionment charm over his tattooed forearm.
"We are ready to go?" Ginny asked. Everyone nodded. "OK, let's go!"
Hermione and Fleur walked next to Ginny, who was directing everyone to the club. The lioness gasped as soon as she stepped into the establishment.
"Ginny?"
"Yes, Mio. It is what you think it is. Relax and enjoy."
They were directed to a group of tables next to the stage and drinks began to be served. Both brides decided on wine. Once the club got a bit more crowded, the host appeared on stage and thanked everyone for their presence, stating they had special guests (he looked at them at this point) and a very special show. Lea and Ginny had gone MIA once they got their first drink, and it worried Hermione to no end.
She and Fleur were sitting together, holding hands and Hermione's right leg resting over Fleur's left one. The minute the first attraction came onto stage was the minute Ginny and Lea came back smirking. Hermione squeezed the blonde's hand as she noticed the dancer on stage walking in their direction.
"Ginny!"
The dancer reached them and extended her hand to help Fleur get onto stage while a chair was put on stage. Hermione smiled. Seeing Fleur flustered was a joy to her. Lea and Ginny had done a good job choosing the dancer too. A sexy music began playing and soon Fleur started getting flustered by the woman dancing on her lap. Halfway through the music, the mate's eyes locked, and the brunette smirked. The smirk she got back let her know the blonde noticed how hot it was for her. Fleur redirected her attention to the dancer soon after.
As the music ended, the blonde was directed back to her seat. After sitting, Fleur leaned closer to her.
"Did you enjoy zee show, kitten?" Hermione held back a gasp and nodded. "Bien. Now be kind and put up a show for me."
Hermione squirmed in her seat, Fleur's tone and usage of her pet name making her freeze slightly. The blonde smiled and pecked her lips. A moment later another dancer got on stage and made Hermione sit on the same chair Fleur had.
She was flustered even before the dancer could make her first move. The woman in front of her was beautiful, but Hermione could not concentrate on anything to be honest. Her mind kept going to Fleur and her voice saying that word to her… She looked off stage and saw her fiancée with an eyebrow raised. Only then the words the blonde had said right after her title echoed in her mind.
Hermione felt her face warming up and saw Fleur smirk. Forcing herself to focus on the dancer, the lioness squirmed a bit more. The woman giving her a lap dance was seductively mounted on her lap. Her eyes followed her movements, but her mind was basically shut down. Before long she was being helped out of stage with her friends and families screaming and applauding. She made a beeline to her seat and, on a last-minute decision, sat on Fleur's lap, completely ignoring her own chair. The group hollered and whistled and laughed. Fleur simply put a comforting hand on her lower back and caressed.
"Overwhelmed?" The blonde questioned in a whisper , she only managed to nod. "Eet's ok, kitten." She assured her in a tone that only she could hear. "You were magnifique up there, bébé. Want us to go get some fresh air?" She shook her head slightly, sinking further into Fleur's arms. "Je t'aime, ma petit chaton. You did great." Hermione smiled into the blonde's neck.
The brunette spent the rest of the night on her blonde's lap.
The day of the marriage had everyone that went with them to the club on a hangover, except for Hermione and Fleur… They had gone back to the Burrow after leaving the club, everybody had drunkenly slept in the living room and were woken up by Molly saying breakfast was ready. Cissy gave each of them a pepper-up potion, saying she expected more of them since they hadn't managed to get the two brides drunk enough.
"Zose kinky bastards were role playing all night." Lea rolled her eyes and smiled at them.
"Good work, by the way, Fleur." Forge said together.
Fleur felt her face getting red and looked around. She thanked Merlin that the Grangers had decided to go home for the night. Hermione nervously laughed by her side, hiding her face in her hands.
"Way to go, Fleur. I never thought I'd see Hermione in that space." Draco said smoothly after downing his potion.
"'ermione can dominate me as much as I do 'er." Fleur answered defensively.
"Draco is only teasing us, love."
"Can we please stop talking about your sex life?" Harry grumbled, making everyone laugh.
"To zink 'e'd get used to eet…" Lea teased.
Molly hollered from the kitchen for them to get to the table already because they should be leaving in less than an hour.
Fleur was incredibly nervous. No, not nervous. She was anxious. Yes. She had no idea of how Hermione had chosen to dress. As far as she knew the stylist who had done their outfits, it could be anything. More probably a dress or a suit, no magical robes though, this being a compromise to fit both Hermione's worlds. Then she was anxious to see her mate. They had been separated once again as soon as they got to the marriage site. Despite being able to keep their connection, they both kept it on an emotional level, wanting to keep the surprise.
"Fleur! You are wonderful, dear!" Charissa entered the room she was in. "And clearly very nervous!" She laughed. "Are you ready, darling?"
Fleur exhaled and nodded. Apolline had left the room five minutes prior to go to Hermione. The Grangers matriarch beamed.
Fleur got up and smiled, looking at the mirror in front of her. She left the room, followed by Gabby, Lea and Charissa.
She had never been to a wixen wedding before and though she had been informed of what would be happening, she didn't have any idea of what to expect.
Upon entering the area she was rendered speechless. The circular area was beautifully decorated with a selection of dusty blue, light red, white and golden flowers all perfectly arranged just so they formed a unit representing Hermione and her. Her eyes took the room in and met those of her family, all beaming at her. The guests sat in a semi-circle facing the centre where the ministry officer was standing along with Gaby and Harry, Ginny and Luna and Lea and Bill - as the couples had been chosen to give them the blessings. She saw the limits between the open space and the guests area glowing lightly. A circle had been drawn there ages ago and had been used to celebrate marriages ever since. As her eyes circled the room, her eyes met her beaming bride.
Hermione's eyes were glistening. She was absolutely stunning. The Gryffindor had chosen a three-piece suit with red and gold small embroideries with heeled white boots. A Beauxbatons blue handkerchief could be seen in the pocket. Their attires were similar, though Fleur opted for a two piece also white with powder blue embroidery and white shirt. She beamed as Hermione noticed the tie she was wearing. Her borrowed item, a red and gold Hogwarts tie. Hermione smiled at her, eyes sparkling.
They walked towards the center by themselves, eyes locked and smiles threatening to split their faces. Pausing close to the glowing border and looking at the officer.
"Fleur Isabelle Delacour and Hermione Jean Granger-Black, you enter this sacred space by your own free will?"
"Yes." They spoke together, beaming, and started their way to them once more.
After blessing them, the ministry official asked them to think about what they would be committing to with the ceremony after three whole minutes they were directed to stand facing each other and hold each other's left forearms. He asked them to speak their vows.
"Hermione, we can't say we fell in love at first sight, that's for sure. But I might have to admit that I have admired you ever since I caught wind of your deeds. My entire life I wondered if I'd ever get to meet my mate and who they might be and the day I realised that it was you who my veela yearned for stand among the happiest days of my life. You accepting me to share your life with made my soul sing the happiest of all songs. I promise my love, trust, protection - not that you need any - devotion and strength, so you can trust you'll always have someone to share the weights of your life that will always fight by your side sharing strength and courage. I love you with all my being and soul." She smiled after sharing her heart's contempt in the most confident voice she could muster, having had to take a few calming breaths as she went.
Hermione smiled through her happy tears and, after a moment to gather herself, "Fleur, I never thought I'd find someone that would compliment me as much as you do. Throughout the years, I didn't really think I'd be able to get older. Imagine my surprise at finding myself still alive and fancying you… I should have suspected that you were trying to tell me something after you gave me that book, leave it to you to know how to help me understand everything better. Being with you feels natural, right, and absolutely fulfilling. I trust you with my life and heart. I promise to you my love, trust, protection, devotion and strength, so you can trust you'll always have someone to share the weights of your life that will always fight by your side sharing strength and courage. I love you with all my being and soul." The last part was repeated, since it was part of the ceremony, but they spoke it with truth and love. Fleur noticed the circle's glow get slightly golden and smiled. The only thing she could think of was how absolutely gorgeous her mate was in that light.
The official held her wand over their linked arms and started making intricate movements. Fleur felt her magic begin to move and saw a thread of it dance its way to their arms, coming from her heart, the same happening with Hermione's magic. As soon as both threads touched they became one, assuming a white-gold-silver weaved appearance, and Fleur felt her veela sigh. As the official kept his wand movements, their magic weaved more around themselves and their arms, securing them together. The magic remained there, glowing, though the direct connection to their hearts was interrupted and its end merged together forming an endless thread. Smiling, she got her attention back to the official.
"A marriage is something to be celebrated and cherished. Especially when you love each other so deeply and completely. But you share your lives, not only your happiness. So this ceremony must remind you that you won't only find happiness in it." She smiled at them both. "Now you share what life can bring to you. Salt, representing what makes everything more enjoyable in life. Lemon, as a life shared, is not only about good experiences but sour ones too. Honey, its sweetness symbolises all good moments in your lives. And bread, as lives sustenance is important and impossible to forget." As she said each, she made them feed each other and taste it all. Hermione laughed as Fleur almost dropped the lemon slice she was trying to get it to the lioness mouth. "Magic is something we keep trying to understand fully, but is also something that goes beyond any living being understanding. We can seek our own magic and so get in touch with only a small part of the whole, we can seek it in other people and still we see only a fragment. But we can see magic working its way when we take part in celebrations of life. And that's what marriage is about. Celebrating a magical moment of unifying two different beings and watching it become one. Today you two decided to become one and invited us to celebrate your lives." The ministry woman signaled for the three couples to get closer and raise their wands over their heads, casting a charm to bless the union. She saw them beaming and their eyes glistening - Gabby and Harry were almost sobbing - as they solemnly recited the words and moved their wands. After they stepped back, the official continued speaking. "Congratulations, as now you become one with one another. May your magic enforce this choice. So mote it be." Fleur watched in awe as their magic moved so they were only around their fingers and wrists and morphed into wedding bands and torcs as soon as the ministry woman said her last words. She heard Hermione gasp and felt her happiness invade her. Soon she noticed they could move their hands. "You may kiss now."
As soon as their lips touched, all the noise Fleur was sure their friends and families were making got mute and she could only focus on her now wife. They embraced, their foreheads touching.
'Hi, wife.'
'Hello, beautiful wife. You look stunning.'
'You do too, love. That's a Gryffindor tie?'
'Oui. Your tie to be exact. Gin got it for me. The handkerchief is from Beauxbatons?'
'Yours. Maman got it.'
The ministry official touched their shoulders, making them get back to the present. "Congratulations, dears."
Fleur noticed the glowing circle had now faded, allowing the guests inside. They were quickly directed by their mothers to the party room. And waited for everyone to join them, receiving one by one. They couldn't stop beaming.
The party was to start with a dinner, Fleur thanked all possible gods for it, as she was starving. Her nerves hadn't allowed her to eat much during the day… Hermione snickered as soon as they sat on their table, then kissed her cheek.
'Hungry, love?' Fleur only nodded, feeling her cheeks warm up. 'Gods, I couldn't eat a lot the whole day… I'm starving.'
After eating, and after everything was cleaned up, her Maman and Charissa stood in sync - Fleur filed the scene in her mind to ask them if they had rehearsed it. They were both beaming as they raised their glasses.
"It is with great happiness that I thank you all for coming to this beautiful celebration. I'll be brief, as I'm sure many speeches will take place here." Her Maman began, making everyone laugh. "And I'll do it in English, as I'm pretty sure there's a majority of English speakers here. I cannot express how delighted I am to see my older daughter get her dream loving marriage. You two complement each other perfectly, and it's clear to everyone that you love each other dearly. Legends of a love like yours have been sung for ages now, and to see it come true to my daughters was always a dream of mine. Congratulations, my beautiful daughters. Charissa, merci for letting me speak first."
"You speak as if we hadn't taken hours of discussion until we reached a stalemate and Minerva came up with a solution..." Hermione's mother laughed. "Following Appoline's suggestion, I too will be brief - or at least try. I've always known you were destined to live great things in your life, Hermione. I got the confirmation of such a thing when a strange woman wearing a pointy hat and even stranger robes knocked on our door the day after your tenth birthday." A few snickered and Minerva exclaimed 'oi' - with Rolanda holding back her laughter. "Then again, when you showed up in Australia explaining about the war and putting yourself back into our memories. You were always brave. You always did anything you could to protect those you thought were in disadvantage. And you rarely stopped to think about yourself and your own safety, relying on your knowledge to ensure everyone's safety. Now you found someone to just that to you. Someone to care and protect you, even though you believe you don't need it. You never dreamed of a grand love, but I always knew you'd get one epic love story because it's just what you deserve. And I end up earning another daughter as a plus. I'm so deeply happy for you and for the love you found… Now you have your entire lives ahead, and I'm absolutely sure you'll never stop surprising me. Congratulations, darlings."
Fleur felt tears flow freely as she heard both speeches, her face hurt tanks to the smile that wouldn't leave her lips. Hermione held her hand tightly, she too was crying and smiling. Both silently thanked their mothers for the speech as they sat back down.
"Now we have the best part of any marriage." Gaby exclaimed as she got up, with Lea and Bill following. Fleur groaned. "We 'ave a story to tell. You see, veela are raised with epic love stories."
"And honestly, we all end up hoping to find a love as beautiful as the ones in those stories." Lea added.
"I might not be a veela, though it's hard to tell." Bill Laughed. "But I happen to be the veela bride's best friend. And I was the first to know that she had indeed found her one love. In the middle of a war. Actually, in the very middle of a battle. Fleur came to me and said she had found 'her' She couldn't take her eyes from the golden trio, so I took the mental leap and concluded it was Hermione she was talking about. Couldn't be Harry, as I'm quite sure he identifies as a man and honestly my bullheaded brother… Well, it couldn't be him either." That elated an 'oi' from Ron (who had been apologising ever since they had caught Lucius) and a nod from Harry. "After it was all over, Hermione came to me asking for help to retrieve her parents. I saw Fleur's heart breaking after hearing why she needed to do so. As we got to Australia, I accidentally introduced her to her parents as Delacour. I almost laughed as I said that. Anyhow, everything went fine and we managed to get back to Hogwarts with them. The next day, Fleur was gone. She left to see her own family after spending two whole years apart from them."
Harry stood and Hermione gasped. "I might need to make an observation here. If you excuse me." He said, beaming. Bill nodded. Luna put a hand on Harry's and got up too.
"I must say Fleur had a huge infestation of Wrackspurts while they were away and almost fainted when I instructed her to think about Mio. The day after Fleur left for France, leaving me to give Hermione a book on veela." Luna spoke before Harry.
"Hermione couldn't stop talking about her. When she left to spend some time with her parents, she confessed her confusion about Fleur. I might be a bit slow, but I'm certainly not clueless. Not completely, at least. It took Hermione a whole week to figure out what she was feeling. To anyone who has spent a day with her, that's exceedingly slow for her usual rate." Hermione groaned and hid her face.
"Though now is where our common suffering begins. It took Fleur more than two months to gather courage to ask Hermione out." Gaby smirked.
"And we all had to hear one gushing about the other. I don't really know how they didn't notice it before..." Bill added. The six best people, or maids of honour and best men if you may, shortly telling their story - a short version, obviously. Until the day they announced their engagement.
"Fleur, as your sister, I need to say how happy I am that you found Hermione and the love we used to dream together. Seeing you two reignites the hope in me that I too can find mine. I love you both, and with the best life possible." Gabby finished.
"Hermione, I'm so very happy you found happiness and love and someone that can give you everything they have as much as you give them. You are my sister, you saved my life many times, I couldn't hope for a brighter future for you. Fleur, you better take care of her." Harry said, his eyes glistening.
"I'm glad you found each other. You make each other happy and perfectly complement each other." Bill stated.
"Please remember putting up a silencing spell tonight." Ginny beamed, earning a 'Ginevra Weasley' from Molly, a 'taken care' from Grand-mére and laughs from around the room. Fleur felt her face warming up a bit.
"Congratulations, dream couple." Lea smiled and winked at them.
"We love you." Luna wrapped their joined speech. "To the brides!"
After sharing the toast, the band got on stage and invited everyone to watch their first dance as a married couple.
Fleur smiled at her wife. They were married now. And offered her hand, winking once. As soon as they were in the middle of the dance floor the music began, a slow lovesong, one they used to dance to while they were living in France.
"I can't imagine being married to a more brilliant person." Hermione whispered in her ear. Fleur felt her eyes change colors. "I'm so lucky to have you. You brighten my days whenever I see you smile, no matter how they have been. I… I'm so very lucky…" the lioness smiled at her, looking into her eyes, her thumb caressing her cheek. "Thank you." Was whispered against her lips.
"Zank you, ma belle. I'm zee lucky one 'ere."
"So now you're back with the accent?"
"I'm aware of 'ow much you like it, ma reine."
Hermione raised one eyebrow. "Oh, I do. Cependant j'adore t'entendre parler ta langue natale encore plus... (Though I like you speaking your mother tongue even more…)"
Fleur exhaled. "Ah, oui. Ce que tu me fais quand tu parles Français... (The things you speaking French do to me…)" The blonde captured her mate's lips in a deep kiss.
"Oi! There are other people here!" Ginny exclaimed teasingly.
They were so lost in their own world that they had failed to notice that everyone had joined them on the dance floor or that the music had already changed. After that, every single person from their families that was present took them to dance - or at least it seemed like everyone... Only after dancing with all of them that she was able to wrap her arms around Hermione once again.
"Well, 'ello beautiful." She wrapped her arms around the lioness' shoulders and let the younger witch lead them through the next dance. "Long time no see."
"Ah, sorry, I'm married. Happily so. I doubt my wife would like me dancing with other people."
"Lucky she is. To 'ave such a beautiful partner."
"Silly." Hermione laughed. They wrapped themselves around each other and danced the rest of the song. "I think I need to sit for a bit…"
"Yes. Please. You have an enormous family, ma reine."
"And that's 'Zé entire clan ees my family' miss talking." The brunette laughed as they got to their seats.
"Ma reine, you literally 'ave three families. Four, actually. I even danced with Minerva and Rolanda."
Hermione chuckled, earning a questioning look.
"Ronald had to dance with Minerva once after the Yule ball was announced during the tournament. It was… entertaining, to say the least."
"Oh, I wish I could 'ave seen it."
"I'm pretty sure the twins have the memory somewhere. I'm pretty sure they store those embarrassing memories for future blackmail…"
"We sure do." The twins sat on each side of them. "Which memory were you talking about?"
"I'm hoping it's Ronikins."
Fleur and Hermione chuckled at their eagerness.
"The one of him and Minerva dancing." Hermione smiled at them fondly.
"Oh, yes. One of the best."
"Now we should go."
"Mom is coming this way. Bye, lovebirds! Congratulations." They spoke as if every line they could ever say were previously rehearsed, just so they could finish each other's thoughts. The duo left in a hurry before the Weasley matriarch could reach the table.
"I wonder what they have done now." Hermione mused, watching Molly pursue them.
"Oui…" Fleur looked around, seeing the band playing entertained most of their guests and that no one was paying attention to them. "Would you like to go for a walk, ma belle?"
"Of course, love." Hermione smiled sweetly at her, making her heart jump inside her chest - just like it did every time she noticed the attention from her mate.
The two of them walked to the door and then into the garden, hand in hand and smiling contently. Suddenly, Fleur felt herself being dragged by the tie to some more secluded part of the patio. She gasped at being pressed against a tree and smiled at the feeling of her mate's lips against hers in a fervent kiss. Letting herself be guided, as Hermione's hand was still on her tie, pulling her slightly down just so the brunette could clash their mouths together. She moaned, feeling short nails drag on her scalp. Then she chased Hermione's lips as the brunette pulled away. Fleur felt herself look at her mate in confusion.
"You look cute when you are confused…" The lioness smiled. "I've been wanting to do this ever since I saw you in my tie. Gods, I love you."
"Je t'aime aussi." Fleur answered in a whisper. Then her mate pressed herself into her and closed the gap between their mouths, and she lost any possibility of processing a single thought. Sneaking out to snog her wife on the night of their wedding day was the last thought she crossed her mind, then said wife bit her pulse point, making her moan loudly.
"Shhh…" Hermione whispered against her skin. "Somebody could hear us…" Fleur nodded, gulping at the tone the brunette had assumed. "You like this. Don't you, pup?" She nodded again, before correcting her mistake - made obvious by the slow rise of Hermione's eyebrow.
"Yes. I like eet, 'ermione." Barely managing to get her voice out.
"Good girl." Hermione went back to snogging her. Her hands working fast as she pulled her shirt out of her trousers, Fleur gasped as soon as she felt her mate's hands on her torso. Feeling her arousal get to another level, she bit her lip in order to keep a loud moan from leaving her mouth.
"'ermione…" She could hear the longing in her voice.
"Patience, pup." Hermione whispered against her throat.
"I definitely didn't need a visual of this!" Draco exclaimed from the entrance of the nook they had found for themselves.
Both their heads snapped to him. Fleur chuckled and Hermione eyed her.
"I told you she could dominate me, Draco." She calmly said, making her brunette snicker.
The blonde men had turned away from them, but Fleur could swear his face was almost as red as an embarrassed Weasley.
"Uh, mom is looking for you two. Seems like it's time for you to leave?"
They had left the party rather early, Cissy said something about not wanting to flash the guests with their horny doings. They were not sure how she had gotten the information…
Hermione had spent a few hours worshiping Fleur's body, after they got to the chateau in France. Both blacked out in complete exhaustion. The lioness woke up, cuddling her blonde and holding her close. With a sigh, she kissed her shoulder lightly, careful not to disrupt the veela's slumber, and prepared to sleep some more when the gleam of their torcs and wedding bands caught her attention. She focused on them for a bit, feeling her sight change so she could focus on its details. The torcs were quite simple, three metal threads circling each other. One golden, one silver and one white gold held together by a golden lion and a silver harpy's heads. No engravings, just the plain metal. The wedding band, on the other hand, was quite full of engravings. The symbols that she recognized as the Ogham Alphabet were beautiful and, as far as she understood, they were blessings to their union. She could see their names too, which made her smile. She could barely believe. She was married to Fleur now. Hearing the blonde sigh as she arose, Hermione smiled.
"Bonjour, Sleepyhead." She whispered after kissing her shoulder once more.
"Uhm… Bonjour, ma vie." Fleur turned in her arms, hugging her.
"How much longer will the door hold the family out?"
"Je m'en fou. (I don't really care.)" The blonde smiled against her chest. Hermione kissed the top of her head, holding her closer. She gasped as she felt the blonde's lips closing around her left nipple and closed her eyes, letting the pleasure wash through her body. The light touches from the blonde's hands only ignited the fire in her lower belly, making her moan deeply. Feeling her lips traveling made her tug at the blonde's hair and ask for a kiss. The kiss ended abruptly thanks to the blonde's hand brushing against her center and her back curving thanks to it. She saw the blonde smirking and settling herself between her legs. Her hands wrapped themselves into Fleur's hair, and she let her head fall back as lips met her center. As they linked their minds and bodies, Hermione felt the absolute love the blonde felt for her and it was almost enough for her to reach a peak. Almost. Fleur noticing it slowed her administrations.
"Fleur!" She gasped, pulling the blonde against her center in a silent plea. The veela then slowly penetrated her with two fingers, making her groan loudly and curve her body into her. With an infinitesimal pause, the blonde doubled her efforts, sucking her clit into her mouth and fucking her into oblivion. She came with a high-pitched scream as Fleur groaned against her. Feeling another orgasm building as the blonde continued fucking her, Hermione gasped for air. Her hands released the veela's hair and held the sheets tightly. She felt her release reach her in lightning speed, living her seeing white while she gasped for air.
"You are so beautiful…" Fleur murmured, kissing her temple. Before she could say anything, they heard a knock on the door and she magically spelled the comforter to cover them.
"You decent?" Ginny opened the door just slightly after Fleur suspended their locking charm.
"Kind of?" Hermione answered hoarsely.
"Damn… Your voice, Hermione…" Ginny smirked after fully entering the room. "Apolline wants you for breakfast and Har, Lun and I want to see you before you leave for the lands."
"Right… We'll be down in 30." Hermione said, slowly getting out of bed after Ginny nodded and left, closing the door behind her. Or trying to, as Fleur emitted a low growl and pulled her back.
"No." The blonde wined.
"Love?"
"I…"
"Come, we'll take a shower together." Fleur groaned at this, but relented.
When they joined the breakfast party, they noticed all their families were there. As the bonding ceremony was a veela only event, the wixen and muggle part would have to stay behind and they would celebrate Easter only the day after. The meal was filled with loud conversation and laughs. As it ended, Harry smiled at Hermione and hugged her.
"I'm so happy for you." He said, his eyes glistening. "See you tomorrow, ok?"
Hermione beamed at her brother and nodded.
"Ah, my revenge is so coming once you get married…" She said, raising her eyebrow at him. She knew he understood she was talking about their joined speech the night before, and he gulped. With a laugh, she kissed his cheek and moved to say goodbye to everyone else.
Lea and Gabby approached them, smiling, and asked if they were ready to leave.
They were separated right after arriving at the Veela Lands. Lea took Hermione while Gaby and Apolline took Fleur with them. About four hours of preparation - the ritual was very specific and had loads of steps to follow - and after eating a light lunch, Hermione was declared ready for the ceremony. Draped in only a robe - it was quite beautiful and followed the theme established by her three-piece suit from the night before - Hermione left the room she had been in with Lea and began being directed to the celebration site.
This time they would make the journey to the celebrant together. So, as she stopped by the beginning of the chair line, she was joined by a beaming Fleur. Who took no time to hold her hand and interlace their fingers.
They walked to the altar where a beaming Isabeau stood, under the voices of the entire clan singing in veelan. Hermione couldn't stop smiling. In slow paces, they reached the veela leader. The altar marked the highest spot of the lands and faced a cliff.
"The bonding of two mates is extremely rare and cherished among Veelas. Being one of the few species that can actually recognise our true mates makes us long for this connection. It is with a great amount of joy that I come to celebrate your bonding. Two extremely unique and special souls who found each other in a moment of pain and sacrifice. Strong beings carry strong spirits. Only you could forge such an unique connection and symbiosis. Hermione and Fleur, today you become one once more, reinforcing a third time a union that started in love and trust." Isabeau smiled and moved to draw a symbol on their foreheads. "You join your minds, spirits, and beings today. Your trust and love are bigger than ever." She motioned for them to take their robes off. "Today you fully join each other in this and future lifetimes." Lea took their robes. They turned to each other and, as Appoline had said it would, lines began appearing in Fleur's body. Following the woman's instruction, she reached for the blue paint in Isabeau's hand with her wand-hand and let her magic flow to it - Fleur doing the same. After the older woman nodded, the mates reached for the two brushes and started drawing the lines that were only visible to them. The tattoos from their necklaces were visible now, the paint was slowly joining the pattern, Fleur let Hermione finish drawing first. No one had any idea of what the bonding would do to them - especially to Hermione, since she had developed quite a few veela traces throughout the years. As the blonde finished painting her body, Hermione smiled. As her mate got back up, she had transformed once again. Her wings were majestic, and Hermione reached for it on a whim. The purr that followed the touch warmed her heart. Fleur looked at her grand-mère then back at Hermione, a glint in her eyes. In a fraction of a second, Hermione saw Fleur beam at her, run and jump into the cliff. Before she could think, she screamed in pain.
The silence that followed allowed Hermione to hear the reason she was feeling such pain. Cracking resounded around her and she felt herself almost black out.
Fleur regretted the surprise leap as soon as she heard the pained scream and turned back, her wings flapping strongly, desperate to aid her mate.
She did not expect what she found.
Her mate gasping, but beaming. Stunning white-golden wings on her slightly bloodied back.
'Veela?' She was stunned as she saw her mate nod. Beaming, she lowered herself in front of Hermione. "Impressive." She said, kissing her forehead. 'How are you?'
'Great. Shocked, but great.'
'Try it a little, ma vie.'
She stared as Hermione flapped her wings, figuring out its mechanics, gaining height, and then got back down.
Hermione winked at her and ran to the cliff. It took her a second to follow her mate.
'Crazy woman!'
They gained height together, after diving for a bit into the cliff. As they circled each other beaming, Fleur could hear the clan applaud them.
'You never cease to amaze me.'
THE END
A/N: Hey, my dear readers! It's I, your friendly neighbour Celtic! SO... You liked the finale? I'm excited to hear from you! Also, a shout out to LostParkMih for helping me write some scenes and her opinions though the process of this past chapter, her blind choices included...
I have a couple of one shots meets-related planned already but:
Do you want any specific one-shot? I accept suggestions!
Please review (and answer me...), I'm always pleased to learn what you think!
;3
Think this is goodbye on this fic... See ya...
PS: WK: final chapter! xD Hope you enjoyed the jorney!
Sophia: Welcome! Thanks for reading!
PPS: If you feel like sending me requests suggestions or prompts, feel free to reach me by PM or email me: celticdaughterfics (gmail)
