Hi everyone,
first, please let me apologise for standing you up. Several times and especially, so close to the end of the story. I'm very sorry about that but life wouldn't let me sit down to write and so I wasn't able to finish the chapter until now. I should be finishing a paper for uni but a girl needs a break, right?
I want to thank Cadeusb for her lovely messages and thanks as well to the guest commenter who seemed to be concerned about my well being.
This is the penultimate chapter. There might be a sequel to the story but not any time soon. Maybe I'll have a little time in summer, when I'm "only" writing my thesis ;) It is very likely though that I'll publish a couple of (M-rated) one-shots. I have at least one lying around that originally was part of this story but got cut. Thank you, everyone for your loyalty and then many reviews so far.
See you next week.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The next few weeks were hard on Hermione. Their hopeful attempt to find the dagger at Hogwarts was unsuccessful and after receiving a negative answer from Harry to her request to have Kreacher check Grimmault Place, she was close to giving up again.
She tried to pick herself up for her students but one of her more perceptive second years had felt it necessary to steal a blueberry muffin at breakfast and surprise her with it after class, to cheer her up. As touched as she was by the gesture, it also told her that she wasn't hiding her personal problems well enough from her students. It wasn't their fault that Hermione was in constant pain and likely to lose the battle with Bellatrix after months of fighting. They had a right to a proper education and if she couldn't do her job, she would need to step down. Hermione decided to wait until after Christmas to make a decision and soldiered on.
'Guess what!' Ginny said excitedly after opening her morning post.
'Hmm?' Hermione asked, turning her head. She had been deep in thought.
'My mother has gotten over herself and is asking if I think that you and your belle would agree to celebrate Christmas at the Burrow if she asked,' Ginny grinned.
Hermione's eyes grew wide. She had not thought that it would happen. Several of the Weasley children had assured her that she would not be allowed to celebrate anywhere else and to just wait for the invitation. Christmas was in one week and neither Hermione, nor Fleur had heard from Molly. They had made plans to celebrate with Hermione's parents before going to France for New Year's. Molly's invitation would complicate things.
'You're coming, right?' Ginny asked.
'Er...well,...' Hermione stuttered.
'You're kidding? Are you holding a grudge? Is it that it took her so long to get over you breaking up her cherished son's perfect marriage?' Ginny asked, clearly peeved that Hermione hadn't immediately cheered at the upcoming invitation.
'No, no, Ginny, it's not that! Seriously. It's just that Christmas is in less than a week and I have made plans to celebrate with Fleur and my parents before we go to France,' Hermione explained.
'Yes, you've always celebrated with your parents before coming over to our place,' Ginny remarked, confused by what might be different this year.
'I know, but that was in part because my parents were busy with work. This year, they took a few days off just so they could have time to properly celebrate with us, you know,' Hermione explained.
Ginny understood. Her face clearly communicated her disappointment but she understood.
'I get it. You miss your parents and you want to spend time with them. Just like I do. It's ok. I'll let Mum know,' Ginny said before they went on with their breakfast.
A week later, they were all ready to go home. Being a teacher came with privileges and Fleur and Hermione would spare themselves the day in the Hogwarts Express and simply floo to Shell Cottage. Ginny had gratefully accepted their offer to use their fireplace too.
Finding themselves thrown from the hustle and bustle of a school full of students ready to depart on holidays to the calm and quiet of their own home, where the wind playfully teased the wind chimes and the sea reliably rumbled in the distance.
Intuitively, they both took a deep breath and smelt the salt filled air.
'Why isn't it cold? It's winter and nobody has lived here for months, it should be freezing.' Hermione wondered.
Fleur put down her bag and went to investigate.
'Aha!' she called from the kitchen.
'What is it?' Hermione asked as she joined Fleur, wrapping her arms round her waist from behind.
A casserole of delicious Molly Weasley roast was sitting on their kitchen counter with a note.
Fleur immediately recognised Bill's chicken scratch as she took the parchment and read aloud,
'Dear Professors,
welcome back 'ome. Since I'm the only person in on the Fidelius charm that is still active 'ere, Mum insisted that I come over to 'eat up the 'ouse and bring some food, so you didn't 'ave to go shop and cook before you leave for London tomorrow. Tuck in, she's outdone 'erself.
And 'appy Christmas to you both from all of us.
Love, Bill
PS: I took the liberty of 'aving our divorce papers drawn up. Dad pulled a few strings at the Ministry. You'll find them in the envelope next to the food. All you 'ave to do is read them and sign.'
Fleur put back the note and smiled happily at Hermione.
Hermione pulled her in for a passionate kiss. This was great news.
'What do you say to a short walk to the beach, followed by a long hot bath?' the blond witch suggested.
Hermione's mind immediately filled with images of what she could do to Fleur in a tub. She bit her lip and nodded.
It was cold and even though it was only a small breeze, it was doing a very good job and freezing off Hermione's nose. But neither of them regretted going for a walk. They needed it to feel back home and arrive properly.
On their way back, Fleur and Hermione almost tripped over a rock because they were too busy making eyes at each other and flirting. The stress of school had dissipated and they both felt as happy as ever, like nothing bad existed in the world.
Hermione hummed contently as she slid into the hot water. She hummed even more when Fleur took her cue, settled herself in front of the brunette and leaned back into her. Promptly, Hermione began to nibble at Fleur's earlobe before moving to the soft skin just under Fleur's ear.
The French witch closed her eyes and enjoyed her girlfriend's attention. In their months together, Hermione had learned to give up some control in the bedroom, had even admitted to enjoy letting it go completely from time to time but her instincts were nevertheless telling her to keep hold of the situation. In this particular situation, Fleur was content to let Hermione have all she wanted.
While Fleur pondered their bedroom dynamics, Hermione's hands had become restless.
The young woman reached for the shampoo and slowly began to work it into Fleur's long silky hair. As soon as she was done with it, she grabbed a sponge and washed every inch of Fleur's skin. They both enjoyed the unhurried motions and seemingly endless time that they had.
Fleur insisted on returning the favour and it was Hermione's turn to enjoy.
After they'd dried off, Fleur dragged them both back to the kitchen to put the roast in the oven to warm up. Dressing had proved to be a little difficult since both of them had kept sneaking in kisses that turned into more passionate kisses and would eventually end in clothes being removed again instead of put on. But when they smelt the lovely food, they tore themselves away from each other and went to have dinner.
As Bill had promised the roast was delicious.
'I knew Molly could cook but Bill is right, she's outdone herself. This is the best thing I've eaten in a long time,' Hermione moaned. Fleur agreed whole-heartedly. They had lit candles to keep the mood romantic and occasionally fed each other morsels of food.
'Did Molly send dessert too?' Hermione asked, when they had finished.
'Non, only the roast. We will 'ave to come up with something else ourselves,' Fleur answered with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
Hermione grinned. She was content to let Fleur call the shots tonight.
'Come here,' Fleur said and gave Hermione her best come hither look, which was, let's not sugar coat it, pretty impressive. Hermione could feel her skin tingling.
She complied and walked over to where Fleur was sitting and straddled her. She slung her arms around Fleur's neck and waited for more instructions.
But they never came. Instead, Fleur kissed Hermione soundly. She let her tongue do its most intricate dance and enjoyed it when Hermione reacted accordingly.
'Take me to bed,' Hermione whispered into Fleur's ear, letting the French witch know that she was hers to do with as she pleased.
Fleur didn't need to be told twice. She got up from the chair and trusted Hermione to sling her legs around her hips to hold on.
Hermione knew what would happen if she distracted Fleur too much. They had done that once before and it had taken them too long to get upstairs, for Hermione's taste at least.
Fleur carefully lowered Hermione onto the bed and they both crawled towards the centre, never stopping their kisses. Fleur wanted to take her time, to really enjoy herself and celebrate their first day of Christmas holidays before they had to give up their newfound privacy for time with their families.
Fleur hovered over Hermione and peppered kisses along her collarbone. Hermione grinned like the Cheshire Cat at Fleur's reckless abandon.
She loved Fleur like that. She loved Fleur for how she made her feel in these moments. Desirable, loved and appreciated. It was the best thing in the world and Hermione knew how lucky she was to have found it so early in life.
While Hermione was enjoying her emotional state and the physical sensations, Fleur helped her out of her clothing.
'Do you know 'ow much I love undressing you?' Fleur murmured. 'It's like getting exactly what you wanted for Christmas but better.'
'The feeling is entirely mutual,' Hermione smiled as she got rid of Fleur's clothes. 'It is unbelievably enticing to see you in clothes all day and imagine what I know is underneath and then getting to undress you and finding out that you're even more beautiful than my mind can remember.'
Speechless, Fleur answered with a kiss. Eloquent, sensual, greedy.
They were having a whole conversation entirely without words. A piece of art, two beautiful women entangled in each other, the world completely forgotten.
A little while later, Fleur had moved further down Hermione's body to pay more attention to her breasts. Fleur gently bit into the sensitive flesh and was rewarded with one of her favourite sounds. It was a sound specific to Hermione's being on the verge of giving in to her more carnal side. She knew whenever she heard her produce it, that Hermione had given her mind a break and let her body take over. It was a sign of surrender and trust.
Hermione had begun to squirm underneath Fleur's caresses and kisses. Her eyes were shut tight and she focused only on the sensations her skin reported to her mind.
Her breath became strained. She gasped and bit her lip in anticipation when Fleur, in a very determined, slow and deliberate fashion, pushed apart Hermione's legs.
She opened her eyes and found Fleur studying her face with a warm smile while her fingers travelled up along the creamy skin of Hermione's thighs.
Hermione's breath hitched and she let her head fall back against the bed.
'This is what I love most about your body,' Fleur muttered before putting her lips to her girlfriend's already throbbing clit.
Between gasps for air and guttural moans, Hermione almost managed to enquire,'My...my cl...?'
She never got to finish her question on account of Fleur's tongue inside her. Hermione's heavy breathing faded in favour of more moaning.
Not one to not answer questions, the French witch withdrew her tongue under reproachful panting.
'No, the way your body reacts to mine,' Fleur clarified before demonstrating her point once more. Between Fleur's lips and tongue playing with Hermione's most sensitive body parts, and her hands freely roaming the rest of her body, it didn't take much time until the bright witch was close to losing it.
She grabbed the first thing she could find, which happened to be the sheets and clenched her fists into the fabric. Her back arched off the bed and Fleur had trouble keeping her hips still enough for her to continue.
A few seconds later, Hermione felt a wave of warmth and joy spreading in her body, her brain shut off completely and she came, digging her heels into the mattress and her fingers further into the sheets.
The next morning Hermione woke up because the sun was tickling her face. She blinked away the sleep and found Fleur's blond hair turned golden in the morning light. She smiled and ran her finger's through it. In these moments, Hermione was completely at ease. She marvelled at her luck. Of course, she was aware of the war and its consequences but the moment was too peaceful to bother with that. She was in love with the most beautiful woman on earth and, even better, this marvellous woman loved her back.
Fleur stirred and grinned as she woke up.
''as no one ever told you that it's rude to stare?' she joked.
'Has anyone ever found an adequate word to express how beautiful you are?' Hermione asked sincerely and softly stroked Fleur's cheek.
Fleur teared up and buried her face in the palm of Hermione's hand.
They cuddled some more and exchanged sweet nothing's before hunger drove them out of bed.
They stopped by Grimmauld Place on their way to Hermione's parents to leave presents for Harry and Ron. Kreacher agreed to make sure they would find them under the Christmas tree in the Burrow. The elf was suspiciously pleasant to both of them and Hermione almost asked if he was ill but she decided to just call it the Christmas spirit and leave it at that.
'Hermione! It's so good to see you. Come in, both of you. Hello, Fleur! We've missed you two,' Mrs. Granger greeted her daughter and girlfriend-in-law. Mr. Granger's greeting wasn't any less effusive. He immediately sent them upstairs to unpack after they had dutifully put their presents under the tree in the living room.
Mrs. Granger had quickly disappeared back into the kitchen and Mr. Granger practically ran to the dining room, mumbling about setting the table for dinner.
The two witches shot each other a bemused look but complied with Mr. Granger's wishes. They unpacked the muggle way to give Hermione's parents some time to do whatever they were so secretly doing. When they couldn't possibly lose any more time without raising eyebrows, they came back down giggling like schoolgirls over their theories of what Mr. Granger might be hiding in the dining room.
They had just taken the last step when Mrs. Granger came from the kitchen, looking at her watch. When she saw the two young women at the foot of the stairs, she instantly roped them into helping her.
'Hermione, please check on the bird in the oven and Fleur if you would chop the herbs. I've already put them on the counter. I'll just quickly see if the dining room's ready,' she said before hurrying on.
The witches did as they were asked, figuring that something was going on and compliance was the safest choice.
All of a sudden, there was a big commotion and laughter and merry voices filled the living room. Before either of them could leave the kitchen, Mrs. Granger appeared in the doorframe.
'Well, come on you two, won't you come say hello?'
'Say hello?' Hermione asked.
'Our guests are here. Come on, Hermione, don't play games now,' Mrs. Granger said and vanished again.
When Fleur and Hermione stepped into the living room, there was mayhem. Ginger hair everywhere, with one unruly mob of black hair right in the middle.
'Harry! Ron!' Hermione called and raced to hug them both hello.
'It seems the surprise worked,' Mr. Granger said and pulled is wife in for a quick kiss. The flurry of people where greeting each other, hugging and ruffling hair, smiling and laughing.
Finally, Molly came up to Fleur and Hermione.
''appy Christmas, Molly,' Fleur said to break the awkward silence.
'Happy Christmas to you both,' Molly said and pulled them in for a trademark hug.
'I'm sorry. I want to apologise for being so stubborn in all this. Fleur, I know that it's not your fault and that you didn't mean to hurt Bill and Hermione, you are like a daughter to me and I only want you to be happy. Forgive me?'
Instead of answering, they drew her in for another hug.
'Well, I hate to break up your little reunion here but everyone is already at the table waiting for you,' Ginny smirked.
They let go of each other and turned towards the dining room. Hermione pulled Ginny aside and whispered,'Did you have anything to do with this sudden expansion of our Christmas party?'
'I might have, but I swear to you, it was only indirectly.'
'I wrote to Mum that you had already made plans for Christmas and so on and so she sent George round to deliver yours and Fleur's present to make sure you would have it tomorrow morning. But your father refused to take them unless George would agree to convince us all to come and celebrate together with your family.
They all sat down and passed on bowls and pieces of food. It was a very merry Weasley mess but none of them would trade it for anything in the world. Even the tidy Grangers enjoyed the ruckus.
'Thank you for bringing by the food, yesterday,' Fleur said, squeezing Bill's shoulder.
'No big deal. I simply couldn't let you miss out on Mum's cooking,' he smiled back.
'I signed the papers. I didn't bring them, though. I didn't know we would see you today,' Fleur said.
'Don't worry about it. If you've signed it, a copy automatically appears in the ministry records and I can pick up my copy some time this week. Whenever suits you. I don't want to interrupt anything,' Bill winked at Fleur, earning himself a slap on the arm from her.
'Don't worry about it, Bill. We're staying here for a couple of days,' Hermione laughed. 'Just drop by and get them. Fleur left them on the kitchen counter.'
'Bwill bwe open pwefentf tonight?' Ron asked.
'Ronald, either speak or eat. How often do I have to tell you that you can't do both at once?' Hermione chided her friend. Ron at least had the grace to blush for being called out on his bad manners. Again.
'Yes, young man, I believe we'll open presents tonight. It's nicer with everyone around, Mr. Granger answered and Ron gave him a big grin.
'So how about those presents now?' Mrs. Granger asked as she got up to clear the table. Molly immediately offered to take care of the dishes, claiming that they would basically do themselves.
A few minutes later, they were all sitting in the living room, exchanging presents.
'This one's for you,' Harry said, handing Ginny her present with a kiss.
Ginny made short work of the wrapping paper.
'A mirror?' Ginny looked puzzled.
'I saw it in the shop and I immediately thought of you,' Harry beamed. Slowly, they began to draw looks.
'Look, Ginny, Harry gave me this wonderful leather bound journal. Thank you, Harry,' Hermione interrupted the couple and hugged her best friend. 'What did you get?'
'I..er...a mirror. Harry gave me a mirror,' Ginny said, trying to sound chipper.
'That's fantanstique, Ginny. Oh and so pretty too,' Fleur joined them.
'Yes, erm, thank you, Harry,' Ginny said and gave her boyfriend a kiss. She didn't want to hurt his feelings. Harry and Ron were both rubbish at presents, she would have to get over it.
'So you like it?' Harry beamed.
'Er, yes, of course, I like it,' Ginny tried to reassure him.
Hermione broke first. She burst into laughter, taking the others with her. Harry, Fleur, Ron and even George chimed in. Ginny just sat there on the floor in front of the Christmas tree with her mirror, looking confused.
'Why do I feel like you all know something I don't?' she asked.
'Oh Ginny, do you really think, I would give you a mirror? I know, I'm bad, but I'm not that hopeless. In fact, because I know I'm bad, I got help. I asked Hermione what to get you,' Harry explained.
Ginny whirled around, 'So you told him to get me a mirror?'
'Yep,' Hermione said and grinned.
'I still don't get it.'
'Oh luv, this is not an ordinary mirror. Look into it again,' Harry said and rummaged around in his jeans pockets.
'It's just dark. What is so special abou...ohhh!' Ginny said, finally understanding what was going on.
'It's a twin mirror. If you look into it, you see through mine and vice versa. We might not be able to speak while I'm away but at least we can see each other,' Harry explained and gathered his girlfriend in his arms.
The Christmas party was a resounding success. Long after midnight, the Weasley's left but not before inviting the Grangers to come to the Burrow very soon.
The rest of their Christmas holidays, Hermione and Fleur spent as planned. They stayed in London for a few days and spent a marvellous New Year's eve in France.
They had just gone to bed in Fleur's old room, Fleur wrapping her arms tightly around Hermione and softly kissing her.
'You know, sometimes when everything is quiet like now and I'm 'olding you like this, I couldn't feel 'appier. I almost burst with emotions but then, very suddenly, there is this shadow that appears and I get really afraid of losing you,' Fleur confessed with a whisper.
Hermione's look travelled from Fleur's fogged over blue eyes to her own arm and she nodded.
'I understand. It scares me too. I'm running out of time. I won't be able to put off the decision of taking action for ever. The Lidocain can only do so much.'
'I feel so 'elpless. I wanted so bad to 'eal you. When you arrived at Shell Cottage and I took care of you, my most important purpose was to make you whole again. Months 'ave gone by and I still 'aven't managed to find a solution. 'ow bad is the pain now?' Fleur inquired.
'I can still take it.' Hermione smiled bravely.
''ermione, please. I know that you can take a lot of pain if you 'ave to but please be 'onest with me.' Fleur pleaded.
'I can still manage,' Hermione said before taking a big breath, 'but not for very much longer. I'm close to overdosing the pain meds and my parents would go ballistic if they knew how much I'm using at the moment.'
Fleur's face was grim. She pulled her girlfriend even closer and stroked her soft brown hair, not sure which one of them she was trying to soothe.
After a long time, Hermione whispered very quietly, 'I don't want to lose my arm. It will change things. It's horrible now with this constant reminder of Bellatrix but with a constant reminder of having lost to Bellatrix after all this time...I couldn't take that.'
Fleur wanted so badly to promise Hermione that she would find something, that she would find it in time before they had to give up. But she remained silent.
'Will you stay with me? If I lose my arm?' Hermione asked and looked at the French woman with scared eyes. Shocked, that Hermione would even think of that, Fleur gathered Hermione's face in her hands, running her thumbs over her cheekbones, wiping away a few tears.
'I will always love you. You know that. Why would you even think that I'd stop because of a battle wound'
'I didn't ask if you would still love me. I asked if you would stay with me.'
'Oh chérie, of course I will. There is nothing and nobody that can tear me away from you. Not even Bellatrix Lestrange and especially not after she's long dead,' Fleur said with conviction before wrapping herself around Hermione protectively.
There was a long pause. Hermione was so happy to feel so love and safe in her girlfriends arms and Fleur was glad to give her that feeling.
'Even my students have noticed,' Hermione said after a while.
'Did they say anything to you?' Fleur asked.
'One of my second years stole a breakfast muffin to cheer me up. I'm not sure I am fit to teach in this state. I've thought about it for a while now but I can't let their education suffer because of my personal problems. I will talk to Minerva when we get back.'
'Absolutely not!' Minerva McGonagall thundered. Hermione flinched at the tone.
'I'm not accepting it. Not because of this. If you tell me that the work load is too much to handle, I won't object, because I know it is and I'm not sure how you do it but I'm very grateful that you do. But I won't accept this as a reason for you to step down. I understand that you're scared but you're a Gryffindor for Merlin's sake!'
'Minerva, the students' education is at stake here! You know how much I value a good education, you can't make me risk theirs,' Hermione pleaded and Minerva changed her tune. She strode over and took her favourite student by the shoulders.
'You're still a better teacher than most. Judging from your reports your students study better and more than mine ever did. You have a gift for this, don't just let it go.'
'I'm not just letting it go. I have a reason. It's not a snap decision either. I just can't take this pain for much longer and we're not even close to a solution. It is already affecting my teaching. And probably my studies too. I need a miracle right about now or it will be too late,' Hermione said, dejectedly.
'Can you at least keep going until I've found a supply teacher? Please,' Minerva conceded and Hermione nodded.