Kingsley came to the manor at 3 o'clock on Thursday and he smiled when he saw his… friend. She looked much better, brilliant actually. Healthy Bella was a gorgeous Bella. She walked to him, and he smirked when he noticed she chose to run about barefoot, and in muggle pants, and a sweater.
"Someone steal your boots?" Kingsley jokes. She smiled but narrowed her eyes.
"No, but bare feet can be liberating," Bella shot back. They stood apart from the other, and Kingsley smiled.
"You look great," Kingsley said and Bella scoffed. She walked to the large man and just as in Black Hall that day she simply walked until her forehead hit his chest. His arms lifted and held her tightly. Bella sighed and then brought her arms up and around his waist. She eased into her embrace, and before she knew it, she clutched him to her tightly, grabbing the back of his robes. He held her tightly and lifted his head when he saw Narcissa in the doorway watching the two on the steps of the mansion. Bella broke away. Her face red, and her eyes on the ground.
"Get in there. I won't take up too much of your time," Bella muttered. Kingsley knew not to push her. Hell, she could hex him with her wandless magic, and he was not in the mood to get into a pissing match with the tiny witch.
"Ah, Narcissa, it is good to see you," he smiled and Bella softly smirked as she heard his booming tone resonate off the grounds.
"As always, it is a pleasure to see you Minister," Narcissa said as she turned and led the way to the sitting room.
Tea was already waiting as the three moved to their perspective spots. Narcissa took an armchair and settled in as Kingsley and Bella shared the sofa. Narcissa watched the man serve Bella her tea, smile on her, and then Bella blinked somewhat confused.
Dio popped into the sitting room, and walked to Narcissa, and gave her a small stack of envelopes. Narcissa thumbed through them and separated them into two piles. She stood with a smiled and handed over a small stack of envelopes to Bella.
"Hogwarts Gang, my dear," Narcissa said with a small smile. Bella's smile grew over her lips as she took the envelopes and looked at the handwriting of each envelope smiling.
"Kingsley, I have my own business to take care of if you don't mind me being a very horrible hostess, I think I can leave you in Bella's hands," Narcissa smiled as the Minister waved her off with a smile. Narcissa walked from the room and Kingsley smiled.
"Hogwarts Gang?" Kingsley asked causing Bella's eyes to shot up to him and she blinked and handed over her letters with a frown. Kingsley reached for them but placed his hands over hers.
"I don't need to read your mail Bella. I am here to check up on you, share a few moments with you, and enjoy having tea with you," Kingsley said and Bella pulled back slowly.
"They are a good group of kids, Kings. I am beginning a relationship with my nephew, I grew rather fond of a crazy blonde that sees imaginary animals, and then…" Bella paused as she frowned once more.
"Hermione Granger," Kingsley said softly. Bella nodded.
"You did a good thing. You set right a very egregious wrong," Kingsley said and Bella shook her head and stood.
"You were there when I told the Soul Healer what I did. All of it. You were there when I told the healer exactly what I did to… her," Bella whispered and Kingsley simply sat there and sipped his tea watching Bella process. Then Bella whipped around.
"How can you stand to sit there? How can you look at me with affection and support me? How can you…" Bella's breathing hitched and Kingsley shot to his seat and pulled Bella to him as she was about to lose consciousness.
Narcissa walked briskly to the parlor. She heard the raised voices just as Dio popped in to alert her of Bella's episode. Narcissa walked to the Wizard and Witch as Bella began to curl in on herself. Narcissa tried with all her might to get her to unclench her arms from her knees. She left her alone and Kingsley stood and Narcissa looked to Dio.
"Watch her, and let me know if her status changes," Narcissa led Kingsley to the office and he sat in one of the chairs.
"What happened?" she asked as she brought him a tumbler of firewhiskey.
"We were talking, the subject changed to Hermione Granger. She asked me how I could sit there, supporting her, knowing what I know," Kingsley told her matter of fact.
"What exactly do you know?" Narcissa whispered closing her eyes.
"Everything," Kingsley said and Narcissa opened her eyes and their gazes clashed.
"Everything? Even what she did to that girl? Everything she did to her?" Narcissa asked and Kingsley nodded. Narcissa took a breath and then exhaled, "And you still care about her?" Kingsley nodded.
"I care about the woman inside of the devil. I care about a woman who came to me shattered," Kingsley placed his tumbler on the table and stood, "she clearly needs more help, but she is doing spectacularly, considering," Kingsley said and then he walked back to the sitting room.
He looked at Bella from the doorway. He watched her as she went into a nearly catatonic state.
"How often does this happen?" he asked as Narcissa stood next to him.
"Not nearly as often as it used to. Hermione is her trigger, sends her backsliding but she doesn't deserve an easy way out Kingsley. She deserves her mental hell for what she put the girl through, not to mention every other person's life she shattered," Narcissa sighed and then walked toward her sister. Kingsley watched.
Narcissa sighed as she watched Bella completely close off from her. She looked around and found her letters. Narcissa grasped them, looked and found Kingsley and nodded toward a seat on the sofa. She opened the first.
Bella,
I hope you are well. This has been a grueling week. Already I had a child accidently explode their goblet when they tried to turn it into a teapot. How do you explode metal? Seriously, oh Brightest Witch of Your Age, how does one blow up metal?
Narcissa invited us to a dinner party there at the mansion. I would like to tell you I am delighted to attend. Who will be there? Will it be one of those huge Society affairs? Those make me nervous. I don't really like a lot of people, and crowds have always made me uncomfortable.
I guess it goes back to never really fitting in. I was spurned for having a brain. Go figure, haha.
"I never would have thought that about little witch," Bella said and Narcissa looked up to see Bella looking at her, "she always seems so strong, so sure of herself. Her power could make any pureblood tremble before her," Bella whispered.
Narcissa nodded. Alright she was coming out of it, she was coming back. Narcissa lifted up the letter silently asking if she wished for her to continue, and Bella wandless accioed a blanket and nodded. Kingsley continued to watch silently pleased at what he saw. Narcissa settled back and pulled all the letters with her and set them to the side. She cleared her throat.
I never really knew what a friend was until Harry ran into a girl's bathroom to save me from a mountain troll on Halloween in our first year. He didn't have to do that, but he did and immediately a bond formed and we had each other's back. Of course, you know the story of how well we worked as a team. Ron was there, supporting when he could, but it really was Me and Harry.
I Digress, these letters tend to do that with me. I just begin to ramble. Luna just came in and asked when we were all going to sleep together. She took to you for some reason. I think it is because of exactly who she is. She is innocent, and divinely gorgeous. I am in love with her. How does one simply describe the person that has enraptured your senses, your heart, and soul? Merlin, don't get me started on what she does to my mind. I never really understood the word captivated until I met her, and then saw her later, in that dreaded year.
Speaking of interesting phenomenon, why are we still dreaming together? I do enjoy saving one another, but I thought we were unbound. Do you have any thoughts on this?
I will close on those thoughts. I feel I have revealed too much for one letter. Hope you are dreaming better when we are not tied. I hope your days are gentle and pleasant.
Always,
Hermione
Narcissa folded the letter and held it for Bella and her sister reached out and snatched the paper to her as if it was one of her dearest possessions. Narcissa watched her for a second and then reached for another letter but she was stopped.
"You don't have to read any more," Bella said and her dark eyes caught Narcissa, "This helped. Why did you choose to read Hermione's letter?" Bella asked as she glanced down and ran her eyes over Hermione's script. Narcissa sighed.
"She will try to forgive you for things that should never be forgiven," Narcissa said softly. Bella's eyes clenched closed and she sighed. "You don't deserve it Bella," Narcissa said softly, and swallowed when she watched Bella uncurl and lean forward with her elbows on her knees. She looked into her hands and then shook them out.
"You are right," Bella whispered.
"Of course, I am," Narcissa smiled and Bella smiled back, "But she is willing to try Bella. So, with this, you should try too. You are doing good. But remember, you have a lifetime of trials ahead of you. I will be there with you. Sometimes I will support you, sometimes I will not. You are my sister, I love you, but gods Bella, I will never go against what is right ever again. I will never back the wrong side if I can help it ever again," Narcissa spoke to her sister. For Bella it was one of many reality checks, for Bella it was a reminder, for Kingsley it was a shock.
"I will do my best. I will earn it Cissy. I will earn her forgiveness," Bella seemed to vow. Narcissa nodded handed her sister her letters, stood and left.
"I didn't know you were corresponding with so many people," Kingsley said smiling softly. Bella nodded and he smiled, "This is good Bella," he stood and then walked to her, "It is time I take my leave," Kingsley grasped Bella's shoulder and turned from the woman in the chair and touched the doorknob. He didn't even hear her move, but when her body slammed into his, her arms wrapped around his body. He froze.
"Thank you, Kings," Bella whispered in the middle of his back. Kingsley placed his hands on hers over his chest. He held them, clutched them and she squeezed back.
"I am here for you Bella," Kingsley said softly but from where Bella's face was, she felt the rumble of his voice through his back. She smiled and nodded. She would not question. She would not wonder why. She would accept. She let him go and he turned to look at her and then they shared a look. Once again, she walked straight into his frame, forehead hit his chest. He smiled and he embraced Bella once more and she sighed. She didn't hug him back but he knew she was not one for much affection. She did more than enough in the afternoon. He accepted it and he moved from her and Dio walked him to the apparation point. Bella watched her friend go. Then she walked to the office.
She saw Narcissa sitting in her chair, head back looking out a window, her letters unopened. Bella walked toward her sister and cleared her throat. Narcissa blinked with a start and turned to see Bella. Bella walked closer to Narcissa.
"May I hug you?" Bella asked and Narcissa nodded. Bella bent down, embraced her sister. Narcissa's hands came up patted her back. It wasn't a full embrace, but it was better than it was.
"Thank you," Bella said as she walked to her desk and sat down. She accioed her letters and then looked to Narcissa, "You haven't read them yet?" Bella asked as she reached for the next one on top from… Draco.
"No, I like to be in a better headspace when I read them," Narcissa whispered. Then she sighed and stood up, "I need, I want to get out of here. Would you like to come with me?" Narcissa asked. Bella blinked and sighed.
"Diagon Alley?" Bella asked and Narcissa almost chuckled at how petrified Bella was of the crowd.
"No Love, I was thinking closer to Hogwarts," Narcissa said.
"Why now?" Bella asked as she stood.
"I need to see my son," Narcissa replied, but she didn't tell Bella she needed to see a set of blue eyes she could not escape from.
"What am I to do? Sit in Hogsmeade waiting? I doubt Minerva will let me on campus," Bella asked and then Narcissa sighed and paused. Bella was right. Her shoulders dropped and then she lifted them up.
"I am sorry, I was not thinking. We can stay here," Narcissa walked back to the desk but was caught. Narcissa yanked her wrist from Bella, her eyes alight with rage, and her wand out. Bella lifted her hand.
"I was only going to tell you to go, I can have Dio babysit me. Besides I have letters to reply to. Shall I expect you home for dinner?" Bella said as Narcissa lowered her wand and then sighed.
"Yes. I just need…" Narcissa narrowed her eyes as her words escaped her.
"Out. I get it. I'll see you soon, Love," Bella said and Narcissa nodded.
Once she was ready, she walked to the apparation point and sighed. She felt the twisting jerk through space and sighed when she looked up at the castle. Yes, she wanted to see her son. But she Needed to see Fleur.
Hermione and Luna
Luna and Hermione were in bed. True it had been weeks since the last episode with Bela but they found contentment in each other's arms through the nightmares through the dreams they found their hearts wanted more at a time of chaos. Luna was curled around Hermione listening to her breathe. Listening to the sounds of everything about her even the way she shuffled in the sheets, the way her heartbeat below Luna's ear. Luna cannot help but more and more in love with the woman in her arms.
"Stop," said Hermione, "I can hear you thinking. Tell me what it is you're thinking I want to know everything."
"Nothing. I just love you so much. When I was with you and Bella at the manor it felt like part of me was missing when I could not save you. It was eating me alive letting Bella have that," Luna said.
Hermione flipped over into her lover's arms. They had not done more than anything but cuddle, heavy petting and endless kisses but Hermione wondered what kept her strange love from delving deeper. Face to face Hermione can't help but sigh. Hermione lifted her hand to Luna's cheek and Luna closed her eyes and exhaled. Hermione slipped forward and then inched closer. Her lips clamped onto Luna's as she eased Luna onto her back. Luna's hands slipped up Hermione's back, and into her frizzy brown hair. Hermione didn't push, she refused to push, but Merlin, Luna's lips tasted sweet like fruit, and air damp from an afternoon shower
"Hermione, Please," Luna whispered as she eased from Hermione and Hermione let her go. Hermione placed her head in the crook of Luna's neck. Luna sighed. Luna pulled out her wand and gave it to Hermione. Hermione pulled from Luna and sat up. She sat there and took the wand looking down on Luna. Luna took a breath, closed her eyes, and then crossed her ankles, and placed an arm under head, lounging like a cat.
"So, my love, why did you give me your wand?" Hermione asked narrowing her eyes.
"Listen to it," Luna said and Hermione scoffed. Luna's endless blue eyes opened half way and she smiled. She reached up and placed the wand handle to Hermione's ear, and then pulled back.
"Luna, I can't see or hear things like you do. Just tel…" Hermione was stopped mid-sentence. She heard something.
It was a whisper on the wind, a whisper in the air, and then Hermione gasped. Hermione shot her eyes open. She looked down at the wand. She held the wand to her ear once more, and closed her eyes, and focused, she barely breathed.
Hermione didn't hear words, but she heard feelings. Vocalized emotion in a way a person with a tied tongue could not even believe to speak their hearts depths. Hermione wanted to blink as the words washed over her, the feelings flowed into her, but her eyes were already closed. Then she felt the backs of fingers on her cheek. Hermione's eyes opened. Luna looked up at her, stroking her cheeks with those spindly fingers. Luna's hand came away shining.
"Never cry for the way I feel for you my love," Luna said and then smiled, "If those Nargles fester too long in those ears, they will make a home and that will not be good," Luna smirked. Hermione shook her head and gave back the wand.
"Speaking of Nargles, why can't I see them?" Hermione asked smiling then saw Luna's smiled waver and then take a sigh.
"I have a hard time loving Hermione," Luna said looking to the ceiling, "No that's not right. I have a hard time believing I could be loved, completely," Luna said. Hermione went to speak but Luna shook her head and looked to Hermione's brown eyes and pleased with her brown. Hermione nodded.
"With all of my 'antics' and my strange demeanor it was easiest to wall up these insecurities. Power, bloodlines, and purity. It's a joke, and you know this. You are the most powerful witch I know and you were a muggle born," Luna looked to Hermione.
"I make do Luna," Hermione said swiping tears away.
"Yes, and I think it is time to tell you where I come from, were we, at the very most the Lovegoods," Luna said and Hermione blinked rapidly and nodded. She has waited for a while for this.
"We come from aliens, from outer space. We crashed in Roswell New Mexico, and we ran as fast as we could," Luna said.
Hermione pulled back slightly and blinked. She blinked again as she watched to woman in her bed lounging just like a … regular girl. Hermione swallowed as she rubbed her hands over her jeans. Luna's hand fell to hers and it took a lot for her not to flinch away. She looked into Luna's face, and her eyes slipped over her lips. Hermione sighed. She reached out her hand and clasped Luna's and shook it lovingly.
"Just kidding," Luna said lightly.
Hermione's eyes snapped right back to Luna's as Luna laughed Mirthfully. Hermione gaped at her laughing love and growled and pushed her from the bed and sat with her arms crossed over her chest. Hermione still heard gleeful laughter coming from the ground. She rolled her eyes and crawled over the edge of the bed, and peered over. Luna curled into a ball of limitless ab clenching laughter. Hermione looked at her face and then she couldn't help it she laughed too hanging over the side of the bed. Luna lifted up and caught Hermione's lips.
"You are Not an alien from outer space?" Hermione asked against her Luna's lips.
"No, but we do come from a line a wood nymph I think we need to have a conversation about," Luna said and Hermione pulled back and then slipped to the other side of the bed. Luna jumped up onto the bed beaming. "By the way, I love you so much for accepting an 'alien' as your lover. You are a wonderful woman," Luna smirked. Hermione scoffed and rolled her eyes.
"Well, I love you, you dolt," Hermione huffed. Luna nodded dreamily.
"Now please tell me this tale," Hermione said impatiently narrowing her brow.
"Magic didn't begin in England, the original 28 were not the first witches and wizards to come to England. There were magical creatures, magic users. Those families, mine included where the ones who unified in a time of great strife, against Morgan Le Fey. We took her magic. She had so much we divided it into the families. The reason why I said Blood purity and Original 28 being a joke is because My family, well we have been here longer and our lineage goes beyond Le Fey," Luna paused watching Hermione.
"I always thought that was bollacks. Please continue," Hermione said with a smile. Luna smiled.
"We are from a bit further back," Luna said and then Hermione lifted a brow. Luna smiled and scoffed rolling her eyes, "Alright, WAY back. An Appletree nymph saw an injured man. She nursed him back to health. She was afraid of man. They always took or destroyed, but this man never did. He accepted her help, even tried to repay her, but he could not," Luna said.
"Why not? Surely…" Hermione was rendered quiet by Luna's gaze. Hermione pulled her fingers across her lips in a universal symbol of zipping her lips shut. Luna nodded.
"He swore he would repay her so we went before the gods," Luna took a gulp, "He went to a Temple of Demeter, and bent before her image. She actually came to him. She explained to him she was goddess of the harvest not a close associate to the nymphs but the Goddess Artemis was a good Goddess to speak to about his issue. She gave him a gift of the gods to protect himself in a vine ring," Luna paused Hermione was enraptured. So, she continued.
"So, the man pilgrimaged to Artemis's temple. He was bone weary, tired, and spent. It took in three years to find his way. He did not know that the gods detoured the man, but Demeter took pity on him for his cause was just. Once there he slowly bent to his knees and raised his voice and told the image before him how he wished to repay the kindness of an applewood nymph. A man or woman is bound by the treads of kindness to repay kindness. He shouted to the statue and she appeared to the man. She looked at him and she sighed. She told him she looked into his heart, and he was a good man. The rode was a trial for him. His flaxen hair was now platinum, his features were worn, and older, and his heart tired was not bitter. She gave him a gift of the gods," Luna stopped.
"What was the gift?" Hermione whispered. Hermione was shocked speechless as she listened to the Lovegood origin story. It was unreal, it was…magical.
"The nymph," Luna whispered. Hermione recoiled.
"Please tell me…" Hermione began and Luna shook her head and smiled.
"Lovegoods are wonderful lovers," Luna winked at Hermione, "Shall I continue?" Luna asked.
"You better this should be made into a movie," Hermione said and Luna cocked her head but smiled confused at Hermione urging.
"Artemis offered the nymph to him. They kneeled beside each other, looking on the goddess. The man looked to the nymph. I cannot take what you offer. You are the goddess of virginity, not marriage. And if I were to take this wonderful creature it would be of her own free will and under the laws of marriage, the man said. Artemis lifted an eyebrow. She smiled on him as she walked to the nymph. She asked the nymph if she wished to be bound to this man, wedded, and have a family and live in a life of love. The nymph nodded and bowed her head, but the man stopped her and looked at the nymph."
"I only wanted to repay you, not bind you, not take you or wed you. Tell me, what do you desire the man asked and the nymph looked at him and then spoke with kindness and affection. I wish to let you repay me by giving me a happy family, full of love and wonderment. We will love good, and well. The man sighed and looked to Artemis. If it is as the goddess and the lady deems then I will love this woman."
"Artemis sanctioned their marriage. Gave them a villa far from the likes of man, and they had many children, their children had children, and then a Veela got caught up in the mix, as well as an elf," Luna smiled as she went through her tree.
"So, you see Hermione, it's a joke. The Blacks could be descendants of Cerberus the three-headed- dog, and it would not make them any more powerful than…" Luna swallowed.
"You," Hermione whispered.
"Our worth and wealth goes back eons Hermione. We want for nothing. We need nothing. Why do you think Daddy was able to make the Quibbler and still stand the losses? It was a bloody hobby," Luna chuckled. Hermione smiled uneasily.
"So, I am in love with a woman with a fortune unfounded because you don't care?" Hermione asked and Luna shifted and nodded.
"OH, thank gods," Hermione said and Luna's eyes shot up, "I don't give a good god damn if you are wealthy, or a werewolf, I only want you," Hermione said and Luna smiled giddily.
"Now you know that due to my nymph heritage, it dominates in our blood. Just as a person with veela blood, no mater how diluted, is a Veela," Luna said.
"So, you are a nymph, and because of those ties you can see things not everyone else can?" Hermione asked and Luna nodded.
"There is one thing," Luna said and Hermione pulled back, "Intimacy is strange. One taste," Luna blushed, "and you will be mine and I will be yours… for all time. So, I carefully chose who I fell in love with. I waited for years Hermione. Wondering if it would change, but it never did. When I talked to you on that carriage pulled by Thestrals no one but me could see, when you caught your self-calling me looney," Luna said smiling Hermione's eyes went into her hair line blushing, "I have loved you for a very long time. I just needed to be sure you loved me the same way," Luna whispered.
"So, you are a…." Hermione gestured with her hands and Luna nodded. Hermione's eyes softened. She took Luna's Hands. She hated this part. She didn't want to divulge this until much later.
"The only person to …" Hermione couldn't say it. Tears clouded her vision and Luna's slid Hermione's stray hair behind Hermione's ear.
"Bella," Luna whispered, as she clasped Hermione's cheek. Hermione pitched forward over her own crossed legs. Luna slipped from her position and curled around Hermione.
She cradled her, she let her cry her tears of healing she had only precious few moments to purge. Her sobs filtered into careens of wails and soon the door opened and Fleur looked in on them and looked to the bed. Hermione was compacted in on herself and Luna rocked her back and forth. Fleur lifted a brow in question and Luna rolled her eyes much as Hermione would and nodded. Fleur went to her friend. She slipped onto the bed and Luna eased her down. Hermione never let her go. She pressed her body to Luna's and when they finally lay down Fleur contoured her body to Hermione's and then the sobbing, the gut-wrenching cries slowly subsided.
"What 'appened?" Fleur asked.
"Just remembering old war wounds and how they still pierce our hearts and mind," Luna said and Fleur nodded. She knew what that meant. She sighed as she curled around Hermione's back and pressed her nose to her shoulder blades. Hermione would always snicker at the contact but this time it only rendered her to hiccups.
"Healer Fleur," Came a voice beside the bed. It was a house elf. Fleur angled her head and he spoke.
"A Narcissa Malfoy is expecting your presence in the Headmistress Office," he squeaked. She sighed and told him she could make her way there once an issued has been resolved. Please note that the crisis is not on a time frame but I will alert her within 15 minutes," Fleur ordered.
"Fleur go," Hermione said scratchily, but Fleur refused to let her go.
"Non, you are my best friend. She can wait," Fleur said as she pulled Hermione to her and then pulled Luna to her as well.
"Fleur, go," Hermione sat up between the two women she rubbed her eyes and smiled through watery tears, "I want to know everything," Hermione said with a devious smile. Luna looked at Hermione and smiled and then looked to Fleur.
"I think I have her, but if I do not it will be alright until you get back. Get your love, my Veela," Luna said and Fleur scrunched her brow and Hermione laughed and pushed her lightly. Fleur refused. Hermione turned her face to her. Fleur was met with wet brown eyes but they were clear. Hermione pulled her to her and went to Fleur's ear.
"I need to get through the Bellatrix … issue with my lover," Hermione said.
"Ok, but I will be available," Fleur said knowing this was a sensitive topic. Hermione nodded and Fleur jumped from the bed, but before she slipped from the room, she looked at her friend and their eyes caught.
"I love you Hermione," Fleur said to her and Hermione smiled as she sighed and slid back into the bed with her lover.
"Do I need to worry about another lover?" Luna asked and Hermione chuckled. To Luna it was like liquid honey to her ears.
"Never, you glorious witch," Hermione said.
"Or part god," Luna said and then Hermione pulled from her but only just.
"Protections, and gifts, we are part gods Hermione. You will eventually catch up but yeah. Are you alright with a witch, witch an … incredible origin?" Luna asked.
"Is that the reason why your eyes turn black? Your heritage?" Hermione asked.
"Some, but honestly I don't like it when people threaten or touch what is mine," Luna said and then Hermione relaxed. She might be soul bound to a nymph.
"Well, what else do I have to watch out for as she eased herself down Luna's body. Luna gasped and closed her eyes.
"As I have said to taste…"
"I can't wait," Hermione smiled as she tasted the flesh of her lover.
Hermione never went too far, but soon, very soon, nothing will hold them back, and it will be glorious.
Headmistresses Office
Fleur practically ran down the corridor. Her thoughts spun and every single one of them went to the worst-case scenario. She skid to a stop in front of the gargoyle whispered the password and shot up the stairs. Then flung the door open.
Minerva sat in her chair, and Narcissa spun around in her chair as Fleur stood in the door way. Fleur and Narcissa looked at one another, Fleur's chest heaving from the sprint. Minerva watched the two women before her and she cocked her head, curious.
"I came as quickly as I could when an issue was resolved," Fleur said walking toward Narcissa. Narcissa stood and stepped to Fleur and flung her arms around Fleur's shoulders. Fleur's eyes slammed shut. Narcissa clung to her, almost tried to meld their bodies together, in a disparate attempt to get comfort from her… friend.
"I am sorry," Narcissa said as she slowly pulled away from Fleur but Fleur pulled her back to her. Narcissa did not fight, she took the woman into her arms with equal fervor.
"Never apologize to me, but please tell me what has 'appened. Why are you here, like this?" Fleur whispered against Narcissa's ear and the sensation of Fleur's breath upon her ear caused shivered to radiate up and down her spine. Her breath hitched, and she swallowed.
"I just needed away. I needed out. I needed a break from her," Narcissa whispered. Fleur nodded and held her tightly giving her support. Minerva, bless her animagus heard every word. She didn't realize Narcissa and Fleur had become so close. She wasn't even sure they were seeing each other.
"I understand, but why…" Fleur couldn't finish the question. It just lingered between them. Narcissa pulled back slightly and slipped her palm up to Fleur's cheek, and stroke just below Fleur's left eye.
"I don't know how it happened, or when it happened, but since that day, I have found I feel safest, right here in your arms, looking into your eyes," Narcissa said between them. Fleur closed her eyes.
"Oh, Narcissa, you can't say things like that to me like this," Fleur said with a small groan.
"Why?" Narcissa asked tensing then Fleur leaned forward and placed their foreheads together.
"Because when you do, I have almost no control over how much I want to take your lips with mine, no control over how I want to devour them, but I don't think this is the right time, my beautiful Dark Witch," Fleur whispered her confession.
Narcissa whimpered almost silently but Minerva and Fleur heard it. Narcissa sighed and then for a split second Narcissa almost angled her head up, almost stole a kiss from that gorgeous mouth just inches from her tingling lips knowing that would no doubt be delicious, but she didn't. She slipped her head to the side, her temple ran along Fleur's cheek, and Narcissa settled with her mouth pressed into Fleur's shoulder, close to her neck. She didn't kiss that warm expanse of skin, she simply settled there as she felt Fleur's arms take her tightly against her again.
"Thank you," Narcissa mumbled against Fleur. Fleur shuddered, but nodded.
"Anytime you need me I am right 'ere," Fleur's accent blanketed Narcissa and the woman nodded.
"Come home with me?" Narcissa whispered.
"I…," Fleur was lost.
"You don't have to. Its fine. Forgive me. You probably have plans for this evening," Narcissa backpedaled.
"I don't, its alright. I will join you, for dinner," Fleur smiled but added an emphasis on dinner. Narcissa chuckled. Fleur reached out and stroked her cheek with a smile moving a lock of hair from her face.
"Of course, dear," Narcissa smiled as turned to Minerva, "Could we have use of your floo for the evening. I promise to have her back after dinner," Narcissa said.
"I'm not her mother," Minerva scoffed but smiled, "and yes this evening, I will make sure she has a way back," The headmistress smiled and went back to pretending to do her work. Narcissa went through the floo. Then Fleur turned to the headmistress.
"You heard all of that?" she asked her boss.
"Aye, Lass, and of the Black sisters she is the strongest and yet the most fragile. Treat her like glass, and yet fear the fact that she has a temper of a dragon. I am sure you have had experience wit those in the past, and came out relatively unscathed," Minerva smirked going back to the Triwizard tournament. Fleur narrowed her eyes but they softened.
"Thank you, Minerva," then she turned, gathered the powder, and spoke her destination.