Hey everyone,
This is one of the longest chapters I have written in a very long time. I just couldn't find a good place to stop. Blame this on VERY late nights, Evanescence, and 80s ballads. I wanted alot of stuff to get handled and soon. This story was never meant to be long. It was a fleeting idea that I honestly grew bored with. I do like the Bella I have going, and my Luna kinda rocks. haha
Anyways, I am trying to finish my stories. I dont want any left open. Tying up loose ends I suppose. So I hope you dont mind the monster chapter.
Enjoy
Snow
Kingsley,
It is Bella. I am not good at this. Letters make me nervous, almost like talking to a person but not really. Narcissa told me that sometimes having a person to write to, who you trust can help with things.
She tried to make me go out into public the other day. It was horrible, damn witch. It was too much. Too many people, too many eyes… too many wands. I am not afraid, no, but I don't trust myself around people. I think Narcissa thinks I am afraid of people. No. I am afraid I will want to kill again. I snapped my wand for a reason, Kingsley. But you know I can still do damage with just my hands. We both know without a wand I am not helpless. You saw that firsthand.
I don't care if they live or die. When I woke from what they did my magic lashed out, seemingly crushed them. It felt… good to defend myself, but I also felt remorse for inflicting pain.
Kingsley, what is happening to me? I have been more lucid than I have been since I was a teenager. Grant it I was a firecracker, no I was a Bombarda Maxima, but still, I don't feet… weighted. I guess that is a good word. I don't feel like me.
Aside from my weak ramblings… how are you? I bet you are enjoying having wittle ol Bella out of your hair… well office since you are bald. Yes, I am attempting you jest. Merlin, even humor my humor is strange to me. Forgive me.
Kingsley… just, don't forget about me.
Bella
Bella ended her letter just as Narcissa came into the library where Bella set up a small writing desk of her own. Bella watched her sister. She was definitely gifted with the Black charm, and beauty for days, but something was different about her. Narcissa's posture was never relaxed around her and Bella understood why. Narcissa came around the desk stood beside her with her arms crossed and looked down to the letter.
"Do you want to read it?" Bella gritted. She sometimes felt like a prisoner.
"Not unless you want me to," Narcissa said softly. She saw it was to Kingsley. She was comfortable with that. Bella looked up in to Narcissa's eyes.
"Do you think I am irredeemable?" Bella asked. Narcissa looked down into brown, almost black eyes. She truly looked and tried to see past her hate, and dive into the depth of the woman before her. She would not read her thoughts, she refused, and she kept Bella out of her head as well, but Bella's eyes. They screamed at her. Narcissa took on hand and reached out and ran a finger over Bella's eyebrows, down her nose, and under her eyes. Narcissa's hand dropped.
"I don't know," Narcissa whispered. Bella's shoulders slumped forward.
"At least you didn't lie to me," Bella grumbled.
"I will never lie to you. You and I have a dark and painful past, dear sister," snapped Narcissa. Bella's back went ramrod straight at the tone and Narcissa moved to walk from her, but Bella's hand reached around her hip and stayed her sister. Narcissa immediately tensed. Then she felt Bella place her head on her waist, her hand over her hip over the scar she gave her. Narcissa's fingers itched for her wand.
"I am sorry I wounded you so deeply," Bella whispered and then let go of Narcissa. Narcissa let go of a breath she didn't know she held. Bella heard it. She felt the tension in her sister. She let her go.
"You hurt me Bella. You have no idea what you have done, and how deeply," Narcissa whispered as she stepped from Bella. She couldn't be near her, and Bella noticed the way Narcissa held herself, and placed a hand on her hip, just where Bella's hand was. Bella looked away.
"We need time to heal. My heart… Bella… In your madness you broke it," Narcissa said and then looked away and turned tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. Bella leaned back in her chair and looked at the ceiling.
Healing would be nice. It was just… she didn't know how.
In the Office
Narcissa's breathing came in rapid, shallow bursts, and her heart hammered in her chest. Damn Bella! She couldn't help the reaction she had to her sister. Her touch made her entire body and soul scream out in terror. She knew she was in the position of power, not Bella, but she also knew Bella… or the old Bella. She would relish in the feel of your blood on her fingertips, grin maniacally, and then lick said fingertips clean.
Narcissa moved from the door and pulled out her wand and locked and warded the door. She watched as the glow appeared as the ward was completed and then walked to Lucius's chair, flopped down and sighed as the scent of him embraced her. She wanted, needed her old friend. She shook her head of her wants and desires for her dead comrade and tilted her head back on the chair and tried to open her chest to take deeper breaths.
Her shaking fingers reached out for her quill. She pulled one of her new parchment papers to her and she took one more breath, swallowing, and then began to scratch out a letter.
Hogwarts the next day -Breakfast
Owls streamed in through the windows on a wonderful Saturday morning and swirled around the rafters. Hermione looked loads better. Luna had shared her bed for the past few nights. Fleur offered to close her door, but Hermione told her not to… just in case. Luna smiled at Fleur as Fleur shook her head, but Hermione and Luna were almost inseparable unless Hermione was teaching.
Luna stood from breakfast and Hermione reached for her.
"I have a meeting to attend with the Headmistress," Luna informed, and Hermione let go of her hand, shaking slightly. Fleur took the hand and held it as Luna nodded to the Headmistress and then walked from the Great Hall.
"Do you know why she has a meeting?" Hermione asked. Fleur shook her head. Fleur instantly saw circles begin to darken under Hermione's eyes, and Fleur reached to Hermione tilted her chin and looked into her eyes. She sighed and shook her head.
"When she leaves you, you get dark circles under your eyes. Why?" Fleur asked and Hermione blinked and lifted her fingertips to her cheeks.
"I didn't know," Hermione turned away but held Fleur's hand, "Maybe it's because I think she will leave me any day now and I don't think I am ready for that Fleur," Hermione confessed.
"Is that what you thought when she stood?" Fleur asked softly. Hermione nodded slightly.
"I know it is ludicrous, but I am waiting for her to tell me she is leaving," Hermione said looking out over the room, spying kids and mischief, and laughter, and innocence.
"It's not ludicrous. You are in love, and you don't want to let her go," Fleur said softly. She did not tell Hermione that Luna was harboring a secret from them. A secret she wants to tell Hermione first.
Her thoughts were broken as a familiar owl dropped a letter in her lap. Fleur smiled as she thumbed the envelope and was about to open the tab when she saw Hermione's eyes as she heard her friend take in a breath. The same black owl from last week hovered beside Draco and when Draco took the envelope carefully the owl sat on his shoulder. He took some bacon and fed it to the owl. He spoke to it and the owl hooted and flew to the rafters and out of the window. Draco's eyes shot to Hermione's. Fleur saw that look. That's how Hermione found out about Bellatrix. Fleur nudged Hermione and Hermione looked to Fleur breaking eye contact with Draco. Hermione looked back and Draco placed the envelop into his inside jacket pocket.
"Fleur, I think I need…" Hermione said, and Fleur rubbed her friend on the back and nodded.
"If you have issues today come and see me," Fleur said, and Hermione grasped her hand and squeezed it. Hermione stood and walked to the Great Hall doors and cast one last glance at Draco. It was an offer. If he needed her, or a quiet place, her classroom door was open. Besides she had marking to do, and she found her classroom the best place to do it. It separated home from school seeing as she never took her marking to their chambers.
Draco almost shot out of his seat and chased after her, but he didn't. Fleur watched the boy mull over the letter in his jacket. She had never in her entire life seen some one so unsure of anything in her entire life. Well, aside from Hermione unsure of Luna's true feelings for her best friend. Fleur caught Draco's eye and she nodded. He nodded back. She got up and walked to her infirmary. Time for work. Ravenclaw verses Gryffindor today. She had to be ready. They don't fight dirty, but they do fight hard.
Later…
Hermione looked at her watch, the same watch her parents gave her on her last birthday with them. It survived a war, like hell she was going to take the damn thing off. It might be a lucky charm of sorts. She didn't have to wait long. There is was. The knock on her door. She waved her wand and opened the door. She smiled as she looked up from her marking. She blinked and squinted several times getting Draco into focus.
"If you keep holding those scrolls so close to your face for so long, you will need glasses like McGonagall," Draco joked with a smile on his face. Hermione laughed and tossed the scroll on her desk and leaned back in her comfortable chair.
"You might be right," as she shifted back in her chair, tilted her head back, closed her eyes, and pinched the bridge of her nose between her eyes. Draco laughed. Hermione smiled and looked to her friend. He looked back. Sometimes the way they seemed to sit and simply be around the other made Hermione sigh at the warmth she felt for her friend. Draco sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He looked around and Hermione lifted her wand and wordlessly transfigured one of the seats into a very plush looking stool with arms so that Draco could be comfortable as he sat on the other side of her desk. He looked to the chair and shook his head and retrieved it. He pulled himself into the stool and looked down on Hermione. She didn't mind the position of power in terms of seating. She knew she could kick his ass and so did he. She did it to make him feel in control.
Draco slipped his hand into his jacket and pulled out the envelope. He thumbed the corner as his leg began to bounce up and down on the rung of the stool.
"I can't," he said and then threw it at Hermione and hit her in the chest with it. She was about to yell at him when he stammered forward, "You open it."
Hermione blinked at him and then picked up the envelope from her lap where it had fallen. She placed it on the desk, and both looked at it like it would curse them. Hermione looked up just as Draco looked up and they looked into the other eyes. Hermione took a deep breath and slid the envelope across her desk within his reach.
"Read it with me or with out me, but you, my friend, have to open it," Hermione said softly. Draco nodded and swallowed.
"We can wait…" Hermione began but Draco held up his hand. His trembling hand picked up the envelope, and his fingers shook as he slid his thumb under the flap and lifted. It popped open as if it was waiting just for hit touch. He clenched his jaw and pulled out the neatly folded paper and placed the envelope on Hermione's desk. He placed the letter on his knees and shook out his hands. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he picked up the letter Hermione watched as her friend's grip on the paper tightened, and his eyes hungrily read his mothers words. He gave her the letter as he leaned back. Hermione look it.
"Are you sure you want me to read this?" she asked, and he nodded.
My Dearest Son,
No words can express the sorrow I have in my heart on not seeing you. Talking to you or corresponding with you. My good boy, I know you wanted to save your father, and I held you back. I know you hate me. I know you see me as the enemy interfering with fate and took your father from you.
I suppose I did. I suppose I am to blame for his death, and Draco, I torture myself daily with thoughts of what if. What if he survived? What if I let you go? What if I lost you both? How could I have changed fate? How could I have taken those moments on the battlefield and saved you both?
I chose my son. I chose you. I will live everyday of my live regretting not having Lucius alive, but I chose my heart. I chose the one I loved most. I chose my son over my husband. Forgive me for having a mother's love, please.
I have thought the war was gone from our home, but it has been dropped once more on our doorstep. Your… Bellatrix is not dead, my love. She is very much alive. Changed, yes, but alive. She resides here with me in the manor as a request from the Minister. I understand your reservations to return home before I gave you this information, but I understand even more non that she is roaming our halls.
I needed to tell you this my son. I will not keep secrets from you any longer. Another reason why I am writing is because Bella is trying to integrate slowly back into society. Actually, I am trying to shove her into society so that she can be on her own. Diagon Alley was too much, so we went to Hogsmeade to finish up a bit so shopping… quills and paper and the like. I am part of the pen pal program you see. My counterpart is very pleasant.
I digress… When I was there in the village, I could see the castle and knew you were there, just beyond my reach. I knew you were there, and I wanted nothing more than to walk to those heavy gates and request admittance to the headmistress's office and schedule a meeting if only for a moment to see you.
I miss you my Little Lord.
All My Love,
Your Loving Mother
Hermione put the letter down on the desk and Draco picked it up and put it back in her jacket pocket. Hermione's head swam. Bellatrix was in the village. So close. Hermione took a breath and swallowed her tempest of emotions and focused on Draco.
'What do I do?" he whispered.
"What do you want to do?" Hermione asked and Draco glared at her and she glared back, "Seriously Draco. What do you want? It is ok to let her back in. It is ok to let go of that hate, even if it is in baby steps," Hermione said and Draco nodded as he stood, cast a finite on the stool and put it back. He came back to the desk and looked into her eyes.
"You better gobble up on of your blonde witches, or I might just have to begin wooing your muggle born ass," he said with a glimmer in his eyes. Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"Off you go Mr. Malfoy," she said as she took her wand and opened her door. Draco smiled as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned from the teacher.
"Oh, Mr. Malfoy…" Hermione called, and he turned around, "If you want my advice," she paused and he nodded, "Write her back," she said as she picked up her quill to resume marking.
"I had a feeling you were going to say that," he said and turned back to the door and walked to his quarters. He had a letter to write. He just didn't know how to write it.
Hermione tossed her quill on the parchments and closed her eyes. She could not focus. She stood but her legs were wobbling. She tried to take one more step to the left, but found her knees buckling. She sank into the chair, and her sight swam, and images flooded her vision.
Blood… screams… pain.
Hermione closed her eyes. That was the biggest mistake she could have ever made. She was trapped behind her eyes. Trapped back on that cold marble floor. Trapped beneath her body. Oppressed by hate and nailed to the floor by magic and screams.
Rip… screams… hands…
Hermione was terrified. She could smell it around her she could practically inhale the stench of her own terror. She was in her class…. She was in her class… she was in her class… but no she could not open her eyes.
Her eyes slammed shut when Bellatrix slammed into her. Bearing her weight onto her. She shut her eyes in hopes of never seeing the woman's face, close, breath hot on her cheeks.
Then it was as if she was looking, watching the scene unfold. She looked to her right as she heard a whimper. Huddled on the floor, shaking and bawling was a woman in a white flowing, loose, comfortable robes. She screamed and covered her ears. Hermione sprang to the woman suffering on the ground and slid on the marble and clutched the woman to her. She held her and then her sobbing stopped amidst the screams. Hermione finally pulled the woman's hands from her head and their eyes clashed.
"You!" Hermione gasped staring down into black eyes.
"Please make it stop," Bella pleaded.
Hermione looked over her shoulder and watched as Bellatrix took more than her blood from her. Hermione clenched her jaw and looked down into the woman's eyes. Something shifted. Bella's hand came up and placed her cold spindly fingers onto Hermione's cheek. Hermione gasped. Bella blinked back tears that still filled her eyes.
"How are you here?" the dark witch asked.
Bella… wake up Bella…
Hermione blinked, Looked around at the voice.
"We are in your dreams?" Hermione asked looked around. Her stomach threatening to roll. Bella pushed Hermione away and then stood.
"Leave, please. You don't need to be here, you don't need to relive this," Bella pleaded as she pushed Hermione away. Hermione grabbed her arm and they locked in a gaze once more.
Bella! Wake! Up!
Hermione looked around once more then right back at Bella.
"I dream of this almost every night. I can't run away," Hermione said with a strength she forgot she had. Then Bella turned away when another scream was ripped from the girl's lips pined to the ground. Bella folded on herself as Bellatrix licked the blood from her fingertips and then cackled. Hermione watched the woman. Her chest clenched. Her breathing caught. It was heavy. The memories sank onto her chest and prevented her from breathing.
CRACK!
Bella was gone.
CRACK! CRACK!
Hermione flew awake. Her hand went to her cheek as Minerva, Luna, and Fleur looked at her. She rubbed the sting and looked around and saw Luna shaking her hand looking away with guilt in her eyes.
"You struck me?" Hermione asked Luna. Luna swallowed and nodded not looking at Hermione. Fleur rushed to Hermione. Looked her over. She saw bruising. Her brow furrowed as blood slipped from the corner of her mouth and hissed in a wince as she saw the blood seep through the clothes of her arm. Hermione looked down, and blinked.
"It doesn't hurt," Hermione said but Fleur tried to roll the sleeve, but Hermione picked up her wand and muttered Diffindo.
The sleeve split and Fleur could see the damage.
"Dear God, Lass!" Minerva said as she saw the wound of her arm. It was bleeding in rivulets, and Fleur was doing everything she could to stop it. Hermione blinked looking at her arm, she lifted it before Fleur could stop her. Hermione chuckled.
"It doesn't hurt," Hermione cracked. It was the strangest sensation seeing all of that red and having no pain to associate with it. Fleur noticed that Hermione's lips where loosing their color, and her pink cheeks where growling pale. Hermione blinked and rolled her head.
"I need to see Bellatrix," Hermione said whimsically with a bit of a slur to her speech. Fleur and Luna looked to the other, but Minerva scoffed.
"She clearly has lost too much blood. The crazy bitch is dead," Minerva gritted. Then the headmistress looked to the two blondes and saw the exchange of looks, "Right?" the headmistress asked worried. Fleur shook her head.
"Luna help me," Fleur said, and Luna slipped under Hermione's arm just as Fleur slipped under Hermione's other arm. Hermione looked over to Luna.
"You are not normal, are you? I don't care. I will love you forever. No matter what," Hermione slurred and giggled. She caught Luna's lips in a kiss, shocking the girl, and then her head hung forward limp. Luna eeped as Hermione became dead weight.
"For the love of god," Minerva said and cast a feather weight spell on Hermione and Fleur sighed in relief. Luna stood taller and then looked to Fleur.
"Please, Let me?" Luna asked, and Fleur pulled from Hermione, and Luna was relieved. She weighed not more than a child. She slipped her arms under Hermione's knees, and shoulders and pulled her to her tightly. "If she gets too heavy, please help me?" Luna asked Fleur and Fleur nodded.
"I am right here," Fleur promised.
Luna, small petite little Luna carried Hermione all the way to Fleur and Hermione's quarters. Minerva lead the way shielding the couple from most of the students clearing a path. The students looked on in confusion and horror. Whispers of Miss Granger and blood. Miss Granger and another lover, poor Ms. Delacour.
Fleur threw those students a glare and they shied away but Fleur did pay attention to one of the murmurs. The blood. There was a tiny almost miniscule trail of blood droplets that followed them down the hall. Fleur only needed to get Hermione to the bed. St. Mungos could not help, and the infirmary was just a pop a way for Fleur. Minerva waved her wand at the portrait not needing a password, but the portrait took one look at Hermione and swung open on its hinges. Luna walked through to Hermione's room and set the limp woman on the bed. She didn't even stir once.
Luna stood back away from Hermione and it was the first time Hermione muttered or whimpered in her journey.
"Luna on the other side of the bed, lay with her," Fleur ordered then turned to the Headmistress, "In the bathroom behind the mirror in the medicine cabinet. I need murlap, and bandages, oh and the salve in the green jar," Fleur took over and Minerva sped to the bathroom. Fleur sat next to Hermione and cursed. Hermione's wound began to soak the sheets.
"Fleur, that's a lot of blood," Luna said, and it was then that Fleur heard the woman's worry. Fleur nodded and ran a diagnostic spell she picked up the first time she had to nurse Hermione back from near death. Luna saw Hermione's breathing grow shallow and she placed her head over her shoulder, but Hermione gasped. Luna flew off the woman on the bed. Fleur picked up her wand and magicked the clothes from Hermione's torso leaving her in her bra.
Luna's breath caught, Fleur's jaw clenched, and Minerva came to a halt as she saw the scared flesh of Hermione's body become molten and bruised before her very eyes. Luna reached out to place a hand on Hermione's shoulder, but Fleur grasped her wrist in lightning reflexes.
"How?" Luna asked as she watched the old scars open, and blood began to flow.
"Accio blood replenishing potion. Minerva can you pop to the infirmary and bring me three more bottles and more murlap? Also, the dreamless sleep potion?" Fleur asked as she looked on in horror as Hermione's body slowly transformed into the body of the woman that landed in the sand dunes of her seaside cottage.
"Be…lla..." Hermione croaked out.
"Luna," Fleur began but noticed Luna's normally grey eyes shift to a inky lack with speck of light like stars painted on a night sky. Fleur swallowed and reached out. Luna's eyes spun on Fleur and Fleur brought her hand in between them and spoke low and slow, "Luna, I need you to find Draco Malfoy. Only he can get us to Malfoy Manor where Bellatrix is," Fleur said, and Luna blinked and nodded. Before she knew it, she watched a coyote stand in her room. She sniffed the air, then once more, and then bounded out of the portrait.
Fleur looked to the woman on the bed as she worked on her friend.
"My love, please open your eyes, come back to me. Luna has gone for help. I need you awake," Fleur talked to the unconscious Hermione.
Inside… once again
"I told you to leave!" shouted a youthful and less insane Bellatrix clad in white.
"I did then I passed out!" Hermione yelled back as the door they both stood against shuddered against the barrage of magic from the other side, "What in the hell is going on?" Hermione yelled as Bella slipped and Hermione had to put more of her back against the wall.
"I … I don't know. Since I have left the ministry my dreams have been more vivid," Bella explained.
"When was that?" Hermione asked.
"Officially about a week and a half ago," Bella said gritting. Hermione reached for her wand. Bella looked at Hermione and scoffed.
"What? Is it because I a mudblood?" Hermione growled. Bella gasped as the wood began to splinter behind them. Hermione looked to Bella and sighed. She gave her wand willingly over to her torturer. Bella jumped from the door wand at the ready. Her hand tingled for a moment as she felt her power gather around her. She held up her hand with three fingers, then two, then one. Hermione jumped out of the way reaching for a heavy artifact… which just so happened to be a book.
The door splintered off the hinges. Bella fired rapid shots into the doorway. But nothing was there.
"Accio mudblood!"
Hermione flew with a jerk through the door and then the door flew back over the portal. Bella yelled and screamed and blasted spell after spell at the door. Then they began.
Screams. Those haunting soul wrenching screams. Bella pounded on the door, clawing, drawing blood underneath her nail.
"Please," Bella begged as she slid down the door exhausted. The door then teetered and fell on top of her, into the room. She scrambled out from under the door, looked for a second on why it would not move. Her blood coated the door. It had to have been a blood ward. She sprinted to the room where her journey began. Where the screams began and would never leave her. Hermione was once more pinned to the floor under her past self. She cried out as she watched herself take pleasure from the girl in the form of pain.
This time she would not freeze or curl into a ball. She sprinted to her dark self and kicked so hard that she winced as she felt teeth dig into the top of her foot as the dark witch's head snapped back.
"Come, Little One, time to go," Bella said as she pulled Hermione from the floor. The Bella looked back as she felt Hermione's hand in hers no longer. She stood there looking at herself. She cocked her head to the side. She remembered this, the knife to the girl's throat, and teeth on her shoulder. The dark witches looked at each other. Then Bellatrix began to press the blade harder against Hermione's neck.
"Stop!" Bella yelled dropping Hermione's wand Bellatrix smiled. And pulled the knife down Hermione's body.
"Beautiful little mudblood, isn't she?" Bellatrix asked and Bella stood up and looked at Hermione and nodded her affirmation.
"We can share her here, in our dreams, in YOUR dreams. I know you dream of me, of the power we had. They split you down the middle Bella. Come home to Bellatrix. We can have it all again. We can have her together," Bellatrix enticed Bella as she bit once more into Hermione's shoulder drawing blood. Bella licked her lips and shook her head lifting her fingertips to her lips. They came back red. Bella shook her head.
"No," she gasped.
Then the entire room shook. Hermione vanished, and Bella smirked at Bellatrix.
"I'll always be here Baby Bella," Bellatrix taunted, but Bella gasped as Bellatrix threw the cursed blade toward her.
"HERMIONE!" Bella shot out of the bed. She looked over and found no one. Nothing. She threw herself back on the pillows. But she smelled something, then she licked her lips. The taste of iron and copper. She lifted her fingertips to her lips and her eyes flew open. They came back red. She heard yells.
"Damn it all Mother! Help her this moment or I swear I will not talk you ever again. To think I was about to owl you today," Draco yelled. Bella jumped from her bed. She felt like she ran miles, and her legs were wobbly. She threw open the door, and made her way down the wall, and then the stairs hugging the wall.
"Draco, I ... I am going to help you, and her, she will be helped for the love of Merlin, but you must understand…" Narcissa was cut off as Bella croaked out one word.
"Hermione…" Bella whimpered. She walked toward Luna holding her, and the girl glared at her, but it was Fleur that got in her way.
"Don't you touch…" Fleur went for the threat.
"Fleur, move," Luna said in in soft voice. Luna's eyes slammed into Bella as Bella went to take her, but Luna pulled the woman away, "I love her. I will eat your guts for dinner if you harm her," Luna growled. Every witch in the room plus Draco froze. Bella nodded. Luna placed Hermione gently into Bella's arms. Everyone held their breath as Bella kissed Hermione's hot sweaty brow, held her with the gentleness of a mother, and then turned.
"Come little witch. She will need your love," Bella said and carefully carried Hermione to Bella's room. Luna was there in case they collapsed for Bella didn't look any stronger than Hermione.
Bella placed her precious cargo on the bed gently.
"Little witch…"
"Luna, my name is Luna, Bella. It is a pleasure to see you again," Luna said as she began to feel comfortable in Bella's company. Bella cocked her head and stared into Luna's eyes. Luna felt the pressure and let Bella see, then shut her down. Bella closed her eyes.
"Thank you, Luna. I own you plenty. May I examine her?" Bella asked. Luna smiled dreamily and nodded.
Bella swallowed as she slowly began to peel off Hermione's layers. Bruises, and scars, and marks and gashes.
"I did this, oh Merlin how could I have done this?" Bella wept as she saw the damage, she has done firsthand.
"She healed actually but in the past few days her dreams have been leaving their mark," Luna said and then Bella nodded.
"When we dream together it's worse," Bella looked up and found Luna's eyes, "It is everything I have done in those dreams, exacted up on her, you may want to get rid of your wand and call my sister and your other friend. Minerva and Draco can stay out of this," Bella said as guilt and pain washed over her.
"Why?" Luna asked.
"Were you there when she healed? I know they saved you," Bella asked, and Luna nodded. "Did she tell you everything that happened…. Everything that I did?" Bella asked and then Luna's brow furrowed, "Call the witches, Little One. I make myself scarce."
"Bella what did you do?" Luna asked as Luna grasped her wrist. Bella looked down into her eyes with an expression of pure self-loathing.
"I took from her which should have never been taken from a witch or wizard," Bella spoke these words and watched as Luna's eyes swirled black and then slipped back to her silvery blue.
"That was not you," Luna said, and then Bella shook her head patting Luna's hand.
"It was little witch… Little Luna. It was me. I will take my leave, I have a feeling I know what happened, and how to fix it. I'll send your blonde witch and Narcissa here to help her. If she wakes, I may not be some one she wishes to see," Bella said and walked from the room.
Bella closed the door and her heart broke. How? It was all she could ask. How could she do this? How did this happen now? She walked to the parlor and saw Draco, his mother, Minerva, and Fleur having tea. Bella cleared her throat and they all look to her. Narcissa was the first up, but the other three looked at her in various states of shock.
"You are alive," Minerva said. Bella nodded.
"Is she ok?" Draco asked. Bella shook her head.
"Take me to her," two blonde women said at the same time.
"Narcissa will take you… Ms. Delacour," Bella said, and Fleur stood straight. Fleur nodded but Bella took Narcissa's hand and pulled her to her.
"Check her thoroughly. You know what I did to her. Every single one of her wounds has returned," Bella looked into Narcissa's eyes, "Every single one. I'll be in the library. I think I know what happened," Bella said and Narcissa stood there. Narcissa grit her teeth. From nowhere Bella's cheek exploded.
Fleur reached for Narcissa's arm as the blonde sister glared at Bella, but Bella held up her hand to stoop Fleur.
"I deserved that and so much more," Bella said and then walked down the hall to the library.
"Come Narcissa, she needs our help," Fleur said and Narcissa looked to the hand on her arm and up into Fleur's eyes. Fleur jerked her hand from Narcissa's arm and apologized. Narcissa reached out for Fleur's shoulder.
"Its alright, I have not been touched by someone outside of the family in a very long time," Narcissa said walking beside Fleur at a brisk pace
"I should have minded your personal space. Forgive me," Fleur said feeling her heart hammer in her chest.
"Nothing to forgive dear," Narcissa said as she opened the door. Luna looked up and the two witches gasped as they watched Hermione's appearance seem to get worse.
"Dreamless sleep," Narcissa said.
"We already dosed her before we came," Fleur said. Narcissa shook her head.
"It's the curse in the wound. Bella and Hermione and now sharing the same moment over and over. It is tearing them apart. We need to keep her from dreaming for at least another two to three hours for her to heal. For Bella to get back up here with the solution," Narcissa said and then a house elf appeared. Luna tilted Hermione's head and Narcissa poured most of the bottle down her throat. Luna massaged her throat and Hermione swallowed.
"How in Merlin's name did she survive?" Narcissa asked.
"She and Luna made it to my home. It was a safe house for the Order. She was just like this, so beaten down," Fleur and Luna looked at their witch and Narcissa sighed. But had to ask.
"Did she tell you of all of her injuries?" Narcissa asked as she advised Fleur and Luna to pull the clothes from the woman's body. Narcissa felt her stomach turn, and flip. She was nauseous. She watched this woman go through this, she remembered it like it was yesterday.
"What do you mean?" Fleur asked.
"Did you check her for sexual assault?" Narcissa whispered and Fleur looked to Luna. They both shook her head. Narcissa closed her eyes as Fleur examined Hermione.
"She seems to be fine, just bites and bruising," Fleur said solemnly, Luna let a tear slip from her cheek. Narcissa nodded. Thank Merlin. It was the only silver lining they had in this situation.
"Good, strip her, clean her, and I will return with potions that will help this," Narcissa said as she waved to the monstrosity on her arm. Narcissa stood but bent over and leaned down into Hermione's ear.
"I am so sorry little witch. I am so very sorry I was a coward. You deserve better than this, little hero," Narcissa pulled back from Hermione and sped out of the room.
"Dio," Narcissa called and a house elf popped up beside her and walked with her. "Give every medicinal potion to Fleur and Luna in that room to help out their patient. They will need everything, so just move it there. I will be in the library. I need to talk to my sister," Narcissa gritted.
Library
Bella transfigured her robes into capris and a tank top. She found an old quill and used it to fix her hair in a messy bun. She was on the top shelf looking through the books she knew by heart.
"No," she said and threw it to the ground.
"No," thwack, book hitting the ground.
"No."
"Not… Ah ha got it," Bella said but the ladder was blasted out from under her and she fell to the ground in a heap.
"You fucking insane bitch!" Narcissa screeched at her sister. Bella sat there waiting for another slap, a kick to her ribs, and Crucio at the very least.
"What the fuck did you do to her?" Narcissa asked rushing Bella grabbing her by the top of her shirt lifting her up. Bella's eyes grew never before seeing this side of her sister.
Bella lifted up a book passage. Narcissa looked at the passage and immediately dropped Bella taking the book.
Soul Bound Curse
Sharing of blood, a cursed dagger, and the taking of…
Narcissa closed her eyes and took a very deep cleansing breath.
"You bound that innocent girl in there to your wretched soul?" Narcissa growled.
"Yes," Bella whispered.
"Why?"
"I could control Harry Potter's little mudblood pet. Or so that's what I thought. She is stronger than me. Stronger than the curse. Now it is a soul share, but it does not have the control factor," Bella walked across the room from the door and walked to the grounds. She waited. Narcissa caught up with her.
"We have to go to Black Hall," Bella said and Narcissa narrowed her eyes. Lifted her arm and with a crack they stood on the grounds. Bella walked briskly to the doors. They swung open, it was strange. It seemed like the house was sighing in relief, like it was happy to see her revived. Bella led then straight down to the armory.
Bella held out her palm.
"Cut it," Bella said and Narcissa sliced open her palm, and Bella placed her bleeding palm to the armory door. It swung open.
It was dusty, and smelled of old dirt, and …. Old magic. Bella walked to the back corner down a long hall that seemed to run the length of the home. Bella looked at her palm. Then the case, and the book. She smirked and placed her palm once more on a barrier, and it sucked up her blood, none to be found. Narcissa and Bella heard a Click. Bella reached in and pulled out a long thin dagger.
"The dragon tooth dagger?" Narcissa asked and Bella nodded. She felt the power pound in the hilt of the blade. She shivered and felt herself awaken. She swallowed and opened her eyes. Narcissa looked at her and Bella held out the blade to Narcissa. She closed her eyes, had a similar sensation.
"I wanted to kill when I held it. What did you feel?" Bella asked.
"I… I felt greed, and power," Narcissa whispered and took off her outer robe and was down to a simple shirt as she wrapped the dagger in the robe. Bella nodded. Then Bella took a left.
Narcissa swallowed when she found what they were looking at. Bella lifted her hand, closed her eyes and waited. A wand jumped up and into her hand. Bella opened her eyes, and found a dark lacquered wand, swishy, and she held the wand to her ear…. Unicorn hair… and walnut. She cast a simple spell on her hair, putting it in a proper messy bun, and she smiled. She turned to Narcissa and gave her the wand.
"Someday I think I can be trusted, but I want to earn that trust back Cissy," Bella said as she gave the wand to Narcissa. Narcissa nodded and they sped back the way they came.
"Is there anything else we need?" Narcissa asked as they popped into the library.
"No, just a strong ritual dagger, blood, and the correct wand movements. There will be one catch through," Bella said as she thumbed forward one page. Narcissa's eyes flew open. She looked to Bella.
"You will have to save me little sister," Bella said as she walked to the room, "You must also let Hermione's wound bleed out, the curse will turn the blood black, catch it in a basin with a containment spell," Bella said and then. Both women paused. At the door. Bella looked down at her attire. White, since when did she wear so much fucking white? Bella looked down to her dirty feet, grimy white capris and tank top.
"Do you think this is ok to wear?' Bella asked. Narcissa blinked.
"I don't see why not," Narcissa said.
"I don't want her to be uncomfortable when she wakes Cissy," Bella said, "I have done too much to her. Once she sees me, it will probably throw her in for a shock. I don't want to look like I did," Bella said.
"Not to worry. Black and corsets, crazed cackles, and eyes where your thing. You are healing Bella, you are healing back into the gorgeous woman I knew you would be," Narcissa said. Bella smiled a true smile for the first time since she got her sister back.
Narcissa led her sister into the room.
Luna looked up and smiled as she looked to Bella.
"You look quite nice in muggle attire Bella," Luna said, and Fleur nodded.
"Do we have everything?" Fleur asked and Narcissa nodded.
"Luna, I need to lay in the bed with her. May I lay with her?" Bella asked the woman and Luna smile softly and nodded. Bella walked to the side of the bed Luna had taken then Luna jerked Bella close to her, eye inches apart as Luna bore into Bella's irises. Luna pulled back, seemingly satisfied, Bella lay on the bed and then Luna slipped in behind her holding her to her chest. Bella turned her head and looked at the woman raising her eyebrow.
"Everyone needs someone sometime, Bella. I will be here for you, just as I am here for Hermione. Save her for me, that is all I ask," Luna said as she got comfortable and pulled Bella to her.
"Wouldn't you want to be there for your lover?" Bella asked feeling a warmth radiate from Luna.
"We are not lovers yet, and she would want me to make sure you are taken care of," Luna said in her ear. Bella looked to Narcissa and the woman lifted an eyebrow, "Besides, Fleur will have Hermione. She loves her deeply enough to make sure she is not lost," Luna said.
"Lost?" Bella said.
"Yes, you have to retrieve your soul from her Bella, try not to get lost," Luna said.
"Wait what?" Narcissa said, and Bella sighed. She was hoping not to tell Narcissa about that.
"Turn the page love," Bella said and then took a breath. She settled and Narcissa read the process.
"Damn you Bella," Narcissa said and gave Bella her wand.
"I'll say the incantation, and do the spell work, you bleed the wound. When the wound begins to run pure, take some into a cup," Bella swallowed, "Then you must take my heart blood Narcissa," Bella said and Narcissa looked down at her oldest sister. Fleur watched this entire exchange.
"You will be alright, will you not?" Fleur asked reaching for Bella's hand.
"We will see. When I go under, we both have to drink the potion and I have to retrieve the soul piece from her," Bella said.
"I have you," Luna said and kissed Bella's shoulder, making Bella shudder. Bella nodded. She closed her eyes.
The wand movements and the incantation were not hard, just repetitive, and had to be in concise order, no shortcuts, nothing. Bella nodded, and felt the pain in her own arm as if Narcissa bled her own arm. Bella looked to her sister and then over the unconscious woman in Fleur's arms. Bella watched that black sludgy goop flop out of her arm and drop into the bowl. She watched it become more viscus, and then the black blood ran, to a dark red, and then the color of pure blood. Bella nodded and Narcissa gathered part of Hermione's blood in a cup.
"Can I heal the wound?" Fleur asked and Bella nodded. Fleur cast a small healing spell, and then Bella looked at Narcissa.
"Are you ready?" Narcissa asked and then Bella tilted her head back, used her wand to take her shirt from her torso. She was bare to the world before them. She didn't want anything to get in the way.
Narcissa crawled to her sister and straddled her thighs. Blue eyes met deep drown. Bella nodded. Narcissa plunged the dagger into Bella's chest. Red, like rubies fell from the wound and then ran down the smooth hilt of the blade and straight into the cup. Bella grit her teeth, and then nodded. Narcissa pulled the blade from Bella's chest. Bella lifted her wand and began another incantation. Slowly Bella's wound healed to a small pink scar. Hermione's cursed wound healed to faint white lines, barely a scar. Bella took the cup, sipped and immediately slipped into a Luna. Luna held the cup, afraid that would happen and gave it to Fleur. Fleur tilted Hermione's head back and forced her to drink.
Fleur, Luna and Narcissa watched as Hermione's wounds faded before their eyes. Then Narcissa looked to Bella.
"Oh my," she said looking at her sister.
She took the dagger, and Bella's wand from the bed as well as the cup of blood and placed it on the bedside table. Narcissa sat on the bed with the four other women. She could not take her eyes from Bella. She was gorgeous. Untainted by the years of darkness. She was healed. She looked to Hermione. So very young, yet so powerful. The young woman healed what could not be healed. She healed her sister. Narcissa's brow furrowed. Let's just hope her psyche is healed as well.
Inside… hopefully for the last time
Bella woke in her bed. She looked to the side and reached out for the emptiness beside her on reflex. She looked around. She smelled blood and tears. She stood and walked to the door. It opened, and then she looked left then right and went down the hall. She followed her feet, which seemed to follow the ever-strengthening scent of blood. She slipped down the stairs. And once there, she sighed. She knew where she had to go. She didn't even pretend to sneak any longer.
Once to the ballroom she saw Hermione wrapped in pulsating red chains pinned to the floor with Bellatrix sitting on top of her as if she were a simple log in the woods. Hermione looked to her and then back to Bellatrix. Bella shook her head and sighed.
"So, I have to fight myself to take back to soul inside of her?" Bella asked and then Bellatrix grinned wildly.
"Thought you would never ask," Bellatrix stood and waved her wand back and forth.
"I haven't a wand," Bella said and then Bellatrix rolled her eyes.
"Its your dream you idiot," Bellatrix scolded herself. Bella looked down to her hand but was surprised to see it wasn't the gnarled wand she held for over 30 decades. No, it was the one she took from the family armory. Bellatrix lifted an eyebrow. They circled each other. One would cast the other would defend. Bellatrix smiled and Bella felt herself sighing into her own skin. This was her. She was a warrior. She was a protector. She was a … Black.
Bella growled and unleashed hell on her unsuspecting counterpart. She drove her back and knocked her unconscious. She hopped on top of Bellatrix and cast the soul absorbing spell. But nothing happened. Bellatrix laughed. Bella looked at Hermione and the chains grew brighter. Bella pulled back and punched Bellatrix, knocking her head into the ground, knocking her out. She went to Hermione. She looked into Hermione's eyes.
"Hello Little witch. Please do not scream," she waved a finite, and Hermione could now move. Hermione looked at her.
"You are not like you used to be, are you?" Hermione asked. Bella shook her head.
"Believe it or not I am here to save you Hermione," Bella said with a soft smile. Hermione blinked, swallowed, but nodded.
Bella looked at the chains and reached for them her hands pulled back and looked at the blisters on her fingers. She looked down to Hermione. Noting there was no such irritation. She closed her eyes and cursed. Well fuck. This is going to suck. She reached out once more and placed her hands on the chain gritting, muttering the incantation without her wand. Her hands burned, and the smell of burning blistering flesh assaulted their senses. Bella blocked as much of it out as possible. She felt a hand on her cheek and her eyes slid open. She met soft caring brown eyes.
"Stop, Bella," Hermione said, and Bella looked down and the chains were nowhere to be found. Bella looked at her hands and shook her head. Hermione looked down and winced. Hermione reached out but bell jerked them away.
"I was going to help," Hermione said as she backed away slightly not sure of what she should or should not do.
"Thank you, but I need this," Bella said looking down and her damaged hands then looked up, "It will be fine, they will heal," Bella looked into Hermione's eyes, "We will both heal," Bella said and Hermione tilted her head and could not for the life of her find a reason why she should not smile in return. Hermione looked around.
"How do we get out of here?" Hermione asked. There it is. The crux of it all.
"There is a part of the ritual, that I didn't tell everyone," Bella said, and Hermione backed away from Bella looking for a weapon, "No, Little Witch. It will be my cross to bear. I didn't tell the others that if you do not forgive me, I can not go back," Bella said and Hermione's brow furrowed, then Bella reached out and touched Hermione's arm, but jerked her hand back and winced.
"You have to mean it little love," Bella said affectionately albeit painfully, and Hermione looked at Bella.
"Why should I forgive you? You …you took so much from me?" Hermione asked and Bella sighed and plopped onto the floor feeling exhausted, and Hermione sat on the floor too.
"You don't have to. As soon as the ritual runs its course you will wake up. The day you can forgive me is the day I can wake up again. I won't lie Hermione, but I won't be running around," Bella said, and Hermione noticed one major shift in Bella. She was Light. She was almost as airy as Fleur on a good day. She had a spring to her step, her eyes were clear, and she seemed to settle into her own skin and relax there. She didn't seem like she was about to burst from her magic.
"What happened?" Hermione asked. Bella sighed and lay back on the marble floor.
"Well, you did. Something about what I did to you made me shift ever so slightly. I couldn't put my finger on it. Was it remorse, or a sheer want or desire for you? I don't know, but something inside of me flipped when you left the manor. Then once the Dark Lord died, it felt like part of me was ripped out. A dark twisted part. When I pulled my shattered arse from the castle after the battle, wondering how in the hell I was not dead, I turned myself into the ministry, snapped my own wand," Bella took a deep breath.
"I wonder if I inadvertently made you into something similar to a horcrux," Bella said, and Hermione swallowed. Hermione reached out for Bella and her hand found her shoulder.
"I didn't feel, dark, heavy or evil. When Harry was running around, he felt a swirl of negative emotions," Hermione said. Then Bella sat up.
"Maybe I placed what was left of my heart in the least likely of places," Bella said and looked away. She looked around and sighed moving her feet back and forth like a kid. Hermione watched the woman and then Hermione moved her head trying to look into Bella's eyes. The older woman kept evading her gaze.
"Look at me Bella," Hermione said. Bella shyly looked at Hermione. They sat there and Hermione studied her like she was a bug under a magnifying glass.
"Do you want to hurt me anymore?" Hermione asked and Bella blinked and shook her head.
"Never, I have been asking myself over and over how I could have done what I did to you. I understand if you don't want to or can't forgive me Hermine. I was more than willing to spend the rest of my days in limbo with that bitch," Bella said pointing to the unconscious Bellatrix. Hermione forgot all about her.
"What will happen to her?" Hermione asked. Bella grinned and looked to Hermione. I think we need a little girl time. Me on me. Discuss some very deep seeded issues we have," Bella chuckled. Hermione smiled.
"Do you want to hurt anyone anymore?" Hermione asked softly. Bella shook her head.
"I am actually surprised that you haven't asked me if I will pick up my Death Eater corset, and Dark witch ways," Bella laughed bumping Hermione and the girl chuckled.
"You have to admit this is a very large adjustment. But…" Hermione thought about her words, "I will trust you in time. I think I can forgive you, but Bella, don't make me regret it," Hermione whispered. Bella swallowed and nodded. Hermione slipped her arm around Bella and held her to her. "Thank you for saving me," Hermione said rocking them back and forth.
"Anytime," Bella said. They waited together watching Bellatrix on the floor across from them. They didn't know it but they both slipped into the slumber.
Back
Hermione opened her eyes and looked to the side. The same exact moment dark brown eyes opened and found her light brown. Hermione smiled, and Bella's heart fluttered in her chest. Her hand came up to Hermione and Hermione grasped it.
"Mon Dieu," Fleur said and kissed Hermione's temple rocking her back and forth.
"Thank you, Bella. Thank you so much," Luna whispered as Luna kissed the back of Bella's head.
Bella looked to her sister and their eyes held for long moments. Narcissa's eyes became wet.
"Well come back Bella," Narcissa said and Bella blinked at the warmth she felt from Narcissa's words. She knew what Narcissa said. She knew it the moment Narcissa said it. She was restored. There was a knock on the door. Narcissa waved her wand and Bella was back in a tank top, and she waved her wand to the door.
Draco came into the room with Minerva. Bella looked at her nephew, and her eyes swam.
"Draco, come here," Narcissa said and he walked up to his mother's side. She took his hand, "I want you to meet your Aunt Bella, the real Bella," Narcissa said and Draco looked her over.
"I am sure we will have many things to talk about in the future. How does Christmas Hols sound to you?" Draco asked as he squeezed his mother's hand. Narcissa's smile lit up the room.
"Anytime you want to talk Draco, I'll be there," Bella said, and then looked to the other figure in the room, "Professor," Bella said narrowing her eyes. Minerva smiled.
"There is my Head Girl," Minerva said as she looked Bella over, and Bellatrix swallowed and shook her head.
"Not for a long time, but I think she might be making a comeback, if you are willing to help and accept the return," Bella said, and Minerva nodded.
"Aye Lass. I'll be there for you, but I must make it back to the castle. It must be going insane with our departure," Minerva looked to Luna, "I'll see you bright and early on Monday," Minerva said, and Luna nodded.
Hermione looked over.
"Care to tell me something?" Hermione asked.
"I asked Minerva for a job," Luna asked.
"Doing what?" Hermione asked.
"Gathering fresh potion ingredients from the Forbidden Forest and working with the creatures in the forest as a liaison of sorts so that we can bring back magical creatures class," Luna said.
"Why? I thought you were happy working for the ministry for the magical creature control department," Hermione asked.
"After seeing you, I realized I couldn't leave you ever again," Luna said, and then smiled as Hermione blushed a brilliant shade of red. Luna smiled but still held Bella. Bella smiled as she sat in this bed surrounded by such warmth and love.
She looked up and looked into Narcissa's gaze and followed it. The veela, eh. Well at least she is gorgeous. Bella shifted and winced and Narcissa's hand flew out.
"I'm fine Cissy. I just want to sleep. Real good and honest sleep. I am rather excited to see what my dreams will bring me," Bella said with a smile on her face. Hermione reached out.
"Nightmares will come and go. Don't bottle them up. Talk about them, trust your family. They won't reject you. I will not reject you," Hermione said and then let go of Bella's hand. Bella blinked and nodded.
"So, I hear there is a Pen Pal system in place for people from opposite sides of the war," Bella said and then looked away from the people around her, "May I write to you all?" Bella sked suddenly shy.
There was a chorus of yes's and of course's. Bella smiled and sighed. She closed her eyes and leaned into Luna.
"You can stay forever you comfortable little witch," Bella murmured. Hermione smiled, and Luna smirked. Luna waited for a moment, and then slipped out from behind the woman, and lay her down on the bed. Then slipped next to Hermione, in between the two witches.
"May I stay right here for a while?" Luna asked as she nuzzled into Fleur's hip. Fleur chuckled and moved out of the bed and gave Hermione to Luna. Hermione for once, nuzzled into Luna, seeking everything the witch could give to her. Luna smiled, and kissed Hermione's cheek, and nuzzled her cheek with her nose. Soon they were gone to the realm of dreams.
Fleur, Draco, and Narcissa walked from the room. Draco walked ahead stating he had a letter to write shaking his mother's hand, and Narcissa smiled and nodded. She watched her son slip into the floo, then become engulfed by green flames. Narcissa turned to Fleur. The French woman would not waver in her gaze, she would not take her eyes from the woman before her. Narcissa was spellbound by those eyes.
"Would you like some coffee. It has been a trying day, and I am unsure if it is over with yet," Narcissa offered and Fleur nodded. Narcissa smiled and escorted them to the open day room in the alcove of the kitchen. It was full of windows. Narcissa sat in her chair, posture perfect, prim and proper. Fleur from a similar background mirrored her posture. Coffee was served by a house elf.
"Thank you Dio," Narcissa said and smiled. The house elf smiled and scurried off.
"You treat them so well. Thank you," Fleur said.
"Why are you thanking me?" Narcissa asked.
"Well, I come a background of creature blood. No matter what the creature is, we need to be treated with respect," Fleur said and Narcissa nodded tapping her cup.
"Just as Pureblooded Dark witches with crazy dark witch sisters need to be given a second chance?" Narcissa said. She felt her heartbeat in her chest. She knew she gave herself away if this was indeed her witch.
"Just as if someone's wishes were to bridge gaps with their sons," Fleur said from one of Narcissa's letters. Narcissa felt her mouth open and the she shut it.
"Just as if some one's roommate is almost saint like and worth saving," Narcissa whispered.
Fleur and Narcissa looked at each other. Fleur nodded.
"Its you?" Narcissa asked and Fleur tilted her head and then took a deep breath.
"Please, be more specific," Fleur held her breath, and her eyes bore into Narcissa's.
"Are you a woman who writes to me such delightful letters, and cares about my safety without ever had knowing me? Are you the one who lost her husband to the war? Are you the woman who makes me smile? Are you my Little Creature?" Narcissa whispered looking over her teacup her eyes wide and hopeful.
Fleur placed her teacup down. Narcissa swallowed and tried to close off her gaze. She watched as Fleur slipped to the ground on her knees. She took Narcissa's cup from her hands. Then Narcissa forgot to breathe as Fleur slowly, gently pushed the chair to the side, and slipped next to her knees, and pulled Narcissa into her arms. Narcissa being in the chair was higher up, and Fleur's head rest on her shoulder over her breast, on her clavicle. Narcissa slowly slipped her hands up to Fleur's back and threaded her fingers with Fleur's silky hair and wrap around Fleur's shoulders as she rest her cheek to the top of Fleur's head. After a moment they held each other tightly.
"I have wanted to hold you, protect you, and give you a shoulder to lean on ever since you sent that frantic letter about your sister," Fleur took a breath, "I am happy I can do this for you now."
Narcissa felt her entire body tense at the exclamation and then she sighed relaxing into Fleur's warmth, her strong embrace. She let herself dream for a moment what it would be like to have these arms to fall into anytime she needed. She dreamed Fleur would be there always. Then her shoulders started to shake, and Fleur broke from the embrace, found tears on Narcissa's cheeks. Fleur conjured a handkerchief and smiled.
"It will be alright my Dark Witch. I will be here for you until you no longer need me," Fleur said drying Narcissa's tears.
"That will never be possible my friend," Narcissa said with a smile and then brought Fleur back to her chest smiling as Fleur wrapped her arms around her once more.
"I still want to write to you," Fleur said against Narcissa's shoulder.
"Of course. As do I," Narcissa said softly smiling.
Fleur closed her eyes and let their warmth wash over them. It was bliss.