Authors Note:
No Letters this time around BUT we have an interaction. Hope you enjoy.
Snow
"Luna, please explain to where I can understand it," Hermione asked, her heart pounding in her chest, and her vision darkening about the edges. All that kept her from passing out was Fleur draped across the back of the sofa, and Luna's Blue eyes focused on her brown.
"I found her," Luna said and then Hermione grasped one of her hands shook it, "I found her in the lower levels of the Department of Mysteries. She was being tortured and experimented on," Luna said, and Hermione's head tilted back and rest on Fleur's hip as Fleur leaned on her elbow watching the girl.
"Hermione," Luna said but Hermione would not respond to her. Luna lifted and she straddled Hermione's hips as. The woman in her lap slipped her hands to Hermione's cheeks and Hermione opened her wet eyes and looked at her, "No matter what she has done, how often it was done, the murders, the tortures, we are not like her. No person deserves to be experimented on, tortured, broken down to nothing, revived and brought back screaming from your own hell, over and over," Luna said to Hermione.
Hermione rest her head once again on Fleur's hip once more and took a chance and reached out for Luna and breathed out loud when the girl simply let Hermione take her to her frame and hold on to her for dear life.
"I told Kingsley," Luna whispered against Hermione's neck, "he didn't seem to care all that much, but he knew it was wrong what they were doing to her. He and I walked to her lab, and what he found made his dark skin grey, and mouth run dry. He blasted the door open and took a bloodied Bellatrix into his arms and took her to the ministry infirmary," Luna sighed, "He ordered Bellatrix to be healed. She came to them. They didn't have to hunt her down. She lost the will to fight, Hermione. As Kingsley looked over her broken form, he came to the conclusion she lost the will to live as well," Luna said.
"How long ago was it since Kingsley saved her," Hermione whispered eyes closed.
"Weeks, no more than three," Luna said.
"All of that time she was torn apart, mon dieu," Fleur said from behind her.
Hermione sighed and clutched Luna to her tightly. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she suddenly had a massive headache. Luna pulled from Hermione and Fleur rolled off the back of the couch. They took their witch to bed. Hermione ran to the loo and Luna and Fleur looked to each other.
"This is going to be 'ard Luna," Fleur said.
"Yes, she is so strong, but I am glad she asked you for help earlier," Luna said.
"I think she only asked me for help because she knew she couldn't do this once she found out more about Bellatrix. Just this morning she rejected my help. Then you came and told her all of this," Fleur raked her hand through her silvery blond hair, "She didn't want to jeopardize my correspondence relationship with Narcissa. I can see why she didn't want help now but damn her, she is so stubborn," Fleur gritted. Luna reached out and grasped her hand still looking at the bathroom hearing the retching from behind the door.
"She has us now. We got her through this back then, and we will get her through this now. Let's get ready for bed," Luna said. Fleur blinked as she watched Luna. It was one of the few moments where Luna was completely lucid with them. Well lucid was a strong word… and who the hell is normal. But it made sense and Fleur was grateful she didn't have to wade through her nonsense.
The Next Day
"Bella Come on," Narcissa prodded as she popped them to Diagon Alley. She pulled her sister along the alley, but she bulked as she looked around. Narcissa sighed heavily.
"Bella, I need to gather writing supplies, and go to the apothecary, but I have to go to Gringotts to do that. I am not leaving you alone in my house. So, you can stay right here out of sight, or you can come with me," Narcissa offered. Bella's eyes almost lit up.
"May I please stay here?" she asked as her dark eyes flew about the bustling streets. Narcissa looked at her sister. She was never in her life this scared to be in public.
"Alright, in 10 minutes I will be right back. Stay here, do you want me to glamour you?" Narcissa watched Bella think on the option and nodded. Narcissa cast a glamour on her sister. She was a light brunette, almost mousy, with light brown eyes, a round face, and a crooked nose, and thin lips, with very dark skin. Bella looked to her hands and felt her face and nodded.
"10 Minutes," Bella said and Narcissa nodded.
Narcissa shook her head as she walked into Gringotts. The goblins opened a teller just for her. She was asked for her wand, but a drop of blood from the prick of a finger was now required since the Golden Trio robbed the place. Now that she thought of it, it was actually very smart leaving Bella outside. She got her Galleons and left to the alley. She looked around and found a person hunched on themselves slightly rocking and Narcissa approached. Bella's glamoured face looked up shyly. Narcissa reached down and Bella let Narcissa pull her up to her feet.
"Can we go shopping now?" Narcissa asked irritated, but as gently as she could. Bella nodded and took a deep breath. Narcissa walked with her for a while. Narcissa felt that the apothecary was the easiest to hit first. Not many people go there unless they need rare potion ingredients. She wanted to do something for her little creature since she has been rather magnificent. She thought about her wish for her friend. She can't take away the woman's pain, but maybe she can make a drought for the woman to sleep easier without the addictive qualities of Dreamless Sleep and send the ingredients and instructions, so she knows its not poison.
Bella was practically glued to her back. So much so that when she went to open the door, she rammed into her. Bella slipped into the door and looked around. Narcissa was exact in her ingredients and watched the shopkeeper find them for her to make this as hasty affair as possible. Bella looked out the window watching people, back taught like a bowstring ready to fight, or run.
"Cissy we could have had a house elf to get these things," Bella said.
"True, but you need to get out," Narcissa said as the shopkeeper packaged up the ingredients and gave her the total. She paid and then left the shop.
Bella almost lingered in the window but Narcissa glared at her and the witch sighed and slumped out of the store. Narcissa made her way down the sidewalk. People to this day still moved aside for her. Then they came to the stationary, ink, quills and books store. Narcissa turned around but Bella was nowhere to be seen. She walked back, a panic setting in her chest. She found an alley with Bella leaning against the wall. Her eyes were closed and her breathing shallow. Bella heard her steps. Her eyes flashed open hand raised to defend herself if she needed it. Narcissa and Bella stared at the other, but Narcissa clasped her sister's hand.
"It is me, Narcissa," Narcissa said softly waiting for Bella to calm.
"Please can we go home," Bella begged, and a small tear slipped from her eyes. Narcissa raised her fingers to her sisters face and took the tear from her cheek.
"How about we go to a smaller village? It is in the middle of the week, Hogsmeade will have no children milling about and it should be less hectic. Would you be willing to give it a try?" Narcissa asked. She hated seeing Bella in distress, but she could not stand for her sister to be afraid of society. She could move elsewhere if need be, or take one of the other estates, but she needed to do things for herself. She couldn't be a damn shut-in. Bella nodded and Narcissa held out her arm and Bella took it.
They popped to the outskirts of the little village. Bella immediately found Hogwarts, and she shivered. She looked around. The placed looked untouched, but the people… they wore the scars of war in their eyes. That bone weary 1000-yard gaze. The gaze of one who saw too much. A peasant made into a soldier. A child that was made into an adult. Bella's throat constricted with sorrow. She did this to these people.
"Come Bella," Narcissa said softly. Sure, enough there were hardly any bodies in the village and those who were there held the ravages of war upon them, but one man cordially tipped his hat to her. She blinked and nodded in return. Narcissa watched the interaction amused until Bella sped in her direction not paying attention. Narcissa's hands flew up to keep Bella from running into her. Bella looked to Narcissa. Her eyes where wide, and frantic.
"Come, it's this way," Narcissa said and Bella nodded. Bella looked down. Narcissa did not let go of her hand. Bella squeezed it and she got a gentle squeeze in return. Narcissa and Bella entered Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop. Bella slipped in and Narcissa let go of her hand to let her browse if she so chose. She was glad she brought her sister all the way out here. Narcissa picked out three new quills. Her tips were starting to dull and leave errand marks along her script. She looked at ink color and picked up two more black and one blue just on a whim. It looked pretty. She walked to the stationary. She liked an off-white parchment, and then she touched them. She grimaced as the roughness of one and then smiled as she slid her fingers over the next. She looked for Bella and found her looking at some books that lined the walls.
"Would you like a set to write back to Kingsley?" Narcissa asked lowly as she approached her sister. Bella thought about it, furrowed her brow, and the first small flicker of her lips twitched upon her lips. She nodded. She did the same as Narcissa. Three quills, black ink, but she chose plain white paper for her correspondence. Narcissa smiled then Bella and Narcissa looked up as the bell on the door jingled.
"Bonjour, Roger. How are you today?" a blonde came into the store and strode up to the counter, "You have 'Ermione's order? Wonderful! Give me a moment. I need paper and ink as well," the blonde turned around and their eyes slammed into the other.
Narcissa placed her body between the woman's and Bella. The woman simply looked at her, she was not rude in her lingering gaze, but her eyes ran over every inch of her. She waited for the screams, the yelling and scathing remarks.
"Bonjour Madam Malfoy," the woman said and Narcissa was thrown back. She was well known yes but this is one of the few times in the past few months where someone greeted her respectfully, if not cordially in months, if not years.
"Hello, I do believe you have the advantage," Narcissa said still on the defense. The blonde reached for black and blue ink. Then she slipped her fingers over the parchments and picked a rather tasteful antique color.
"I am Fleur Delacour. A pleasure to meet you," then Fleur turned around and went to the counter, "Alright Rodger, I am ready," she said. Narcissa noticed her voice was gorgeous, her hair like a silvery mane of … Veela tresses. Narcissa swallowed. French… creature… oh shit. Bella placed her hand on Narcissa's back. Narcissa nodded she knew she was getting nervous.
"No, 'Ermione couldn't come down. She wasn't feeling well," Fleur offered. Narcissa felt Bella's hand clutch her robes at the name.
"Let her know she was missed," Rodger smiled as he gave her the packages.
"Oui," she flashed her smile then looked over to them, "Have a good day Madame Malfoy," Fleur said and exited.
Narcissa was beyond freaking the fuck out, but there are many French creatures on the island. Right? Not only was this possibly the woman she had been writing to, but her roommate was the woman she watched tortured by her batshit crazy sister, that just so happened to be a meek cowering mess of a woman behind her. Narcissa took a deep breath. Just get home, then dissect the entire episode.
Narcissa went to the man and placed their items on the counter and he smiled to her, but his was more of a customer service smile. It didn't carry any warmth. Not like the warmth the woman's simple hello gave her.
Narcissa paid and they walked from the shop. She looked at Bellatrix and noticed her looking around, this time taking in the scenery, and not looking for possible threats.
"Was that so bad Bella?" Narcissa asked smiling, but her guts were all over the place.
"No, Love, but can we start smaller like here before throwing me into the middle of Diagon Alley? I would appreciate it," Bella said and then Narcissa nodded.
"I think it would be a better idea, but if I am this close to Draco I need to write him," Narcissa looked back to the castle, "I cant stand being this close to him and not see him," Narcissa sighed and felt Bella's hand on her arm.
"Come love. Let's go home, I am tired, and hungry," Bella tried to smile for her. Narcissa sighed as she saw Bella trying to do as no one has done for her in many years. Bella tried to take care of her.
Castle
Fleur sped her way to their portrait, and it opened as she threw out the password. She placed Hermione's and her things on the table in the small dining alcove they had. Fleur swallowed as she placed her palms on the table and then breathed deeply in and out.
How in the hell was she supposed to handle her pen pal being in the village? Why the hell was she in Hogsmeade anyways? Who was that behind her? Fleur swallowed once more. She could see a glamour from a mile away, and the way the woman hid behind Narcissa, and the way Narcissa shifted to place herself between the other person and herself. It could only have been Bellatrix.
Fleur's breathing caught as she felt small arms slide around her and place hands on her diaphragm and their thumbs up between her breasts. She jolted around but those tiny arms were strong.
"Stop, just breathe and think of positive thoughts. If you don't the Wrackspurts will fester in your ears," Luna said, and Fleur blinked. She did as Luna asked and mimicked her breathing pattern. Fleur felt herself slip into Luna's embrace.
"There, much better," Luna said, and Fleur looked at Luna.
"Luna, I have to ask, and I want an honest answer. Are all of these creatures real?" Fleur asked and Luna pulled away and Fleur immediately kicked herself. Luna took a deep breath. Fleur can see that the young woman was tired of not being believed in,
"In a manner of speaking yes, but only a few people can see them," Luna said and then looked around then closed her eyes and nodded as if she heard something Fleur didn't, "It's how I found Bella. They led me to her. You see there is a certain type of person that can see them. My family and Newt Scamander's Family can because we are not normal," Luna said and then looked into Fleur's eyes.
"Luna you can tell me," Fleur said but Luna shook her head.
"Not yet, I want Hermione to be the first to know, but if you are there when I tell her I will not mind," Luna smiled, and Fleur nodded. Then pulled the girl into her arms.
"You, me, and Hermione, we are a family, Cheri, never forget that," Fleur whispered, and Luna nodded under her chin, and wrapped her arms about the Veela's waist.
"Would you like to tell be why you were panic when you came through the door?" Luna asked into her shoulder. Fleur swallowed.
"I saw Narcissa Malfoy, and who I think was Bellatrix Lestrange, in Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop not more than half an hour ago," Fleur said. Luna pulled from Fleur.
"What did you say?" Luna asked as she nodded to Fleur and helped put Hermione's supplies in her room and they sat down at the table with a cup of peppermint tea.
"Hello," Fleur grumbled.
"I think that was a fine greeting Fleur," Luna said as she sipped from her cup.
"Yeah, I guess so," Fleur said as she gazed into her teacup.
"What did she say back?" Luna asked.
"She said hello in return and asked me who I was. Luna there are not many French creatures on the island. In fact, I think I am the only one. What if she finds out?" Fleur asked and Luna looked at her, into her, through her.
"Would that be a bad thing?" Luna asked. Fleur thought about it. Through their letters Narcissa proved to be a wonderful correspondent. Witty, dark humor, and pleasant. She didn't seem to care about her creature blood, but that is on paper, it is another thing in reality.
"How did you feel when you saw her?" Luna asked.
"I felt my stomach drop out, and then warmth, glad to see her, for I knew she was my Dark Witch," Fleur said. Luna lifted and eyebrow but let Fleur have her moment. She would not push the possessive description of Fleur's Dark Witch. Luna wished she could have been there. The portal opened.
"Hey," Hermione said, and Fleur and Luna looked at their witch. She came in and flopped in the chair at the table.
"You looked tired, Cheri," Fleur said. Hermione nodded.
"I feel better than yesterday thought. Thank you for helping last night," Hermione said as she blindly reached for Luna's cup of tea. Fleur tilted her head as Luna quirked a small smile and took the cup back and sipped from the same little cup.
"How was your day?" Hermione asked as she kicked off her shoes.
"I helped Fleur get rid of Wrackspurts," Luna said. Hermione looked up and then to Fleur.
"Why did she need help with that?" Hermione asked, then Luna looked to Fleur. Fleur glared at Luna then looked to Hermione.
"I went to Scrivenshaft's and picked up your order of books. I ran into someone," Fleur said, and Hermione watched her patiently. Fleur sighed.
"Narcissa Malfoy was in Scrivenshaft's with someone getting writing supplies," Fleur said barely loud enough for Hermione to hear but she did. She shifted in her chair.
"Oh? Well… how did that go?" Hermione asked as she looked to Fleur with a small smile on her lips. Fleur rolled her eyes.
"I think it went rather well," Fleur said sipping her tea.
"She said hello," Luna told Hermione and Fleur elbowed her blond making the smaller blond chuckle, "Fleur it was hardly a bad experience. You said hello, she said hello back. It was perfectly civil and pleasant," Luna said smiling.
"Do you think she knows you are her pen pal now? Not too many French witches in England, or Scotland for that matter," Hermione asked, and Fleur shrugged.
"Its alright love, I have a feeling about her," Hermione said, and Fleur's eyes lifted to Hermione's browns, "Draco and Narcissa are very similar in their letters. They are genuine people if you can scratch away that tarnished aura their last names bring about them," Hermione said.
"How do you know?" Fleur said. Hermione smiled and waved her wand and wordlessly a stack of letters flew to her. She riffled through the first several and gave them to Fleur.
"Don't tell him I let you read them, but I think you will see some similarities. They are good people," Hermione said and then went to the couch and stretched out. Luna followed and Fleur heard Hermione chuckle as Luna lay on top of her.
"Ill keep the bad dreams away. You need rest," Luna said. Fleur heard Hermione sigh and Fleur turned to the letters. She opened a few and she noticed that yes, they were cut from the same cloth. Fleur didn't need to read any more. She thought of Narcissa. She could admit to herself that the woman was gorgeous. She could admit there that she wanted to walk across the store and wrap her in her arms. Take her discomfort and worries away just as she does with Hermione. She wanted to sooth that ridged posture and see her relax and smile. But to admit it out loud. No, not yet.