Hello everybody! Before we begin big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Renu! As the title implies this is my birthday gift to my buddy who lives all the way in Europe and I'm stuck at the bottom of the world…but still I wanted to do something and here it is. She was the one who welcomed me onto the site soon as I posted my first ever story and since then we've been messaging for what was it...like years since. She's the bestest buddy a writer could ask for.
No dissing on names please. They were chosen for reasons so there. Enjoy!
Gift of a Dog
Confetti fell continuously from the ceiling; endless explosions of sparks and cracks of balloons were nearly drowned out by the party goers shouting her name in celebration. Hermione chuckled as she tried to brush off the tiny plastic pieces, an action that only caused the irked things to dig themselves deeper into her mane of unruly waves.
"Congratulations Hermione!" Harry gave her a one armed hug; the other hand held strong to his third or fourth drink of the evening. The light flush of cheeks the giveaway to possibly high alcohol consumption.
"Thank you Harry. Thank you everyone, really. This is great."
"To 'Finally' finishing Hogwarts and getting her first placement in the Ministry!" Ginny shouted to the roof, glass raised high. "Hermione!"
"Hermione!" The young woman in question cringed but smiled through it. Every person that was important in her life was attending. The Weasley family; the older boys conversing in the corner, twins the cause for all party effects, Molly and Author with their hospitality and food, Ron with all his weird manners and of course, the youngest, Ginny.
She couldn't have a party without her best friends.
Harry, the boy who lived and ever faithful, never left her side. Even in times of peril and disarray, he was there offering her the support when she needed it most. Harry was the first to offer congratulations for all her efforts in achieving her dream. A voice to finally change the wizarding world for the better.
Of course the multitude of fellow Gryffindors they've grown up with and Ravenclaws too; Luna, Cho and the Patil twins to name a few. The brunette could even ignore the annoying and echo laughter of Lavender Brown. But there was one thing missing…
"Mione, where's your little love interest? I see she's not here like your loyal friends." Ginny snickered through a slightly tipsy mind.
"Ginny…" Hermione groaned under her breath not wanting to get the attention of everyone in the room. They had scattered to enjoy themselves, thankfully far enough from the girl to hear the conversation.
"Well it's not like her to miss anything "'Ermione" related." The redhead had the worst fake accent imaginable and she played on it.
"I wouldn't go zat far, Mademoiselle Weasley. I do recall 'aving to miss a bir'zday or two while you lot were in zat school. It doesn't mean I don't miss my 'Ermione immeasurably."
The heavenly voice came from behind the duo, seconds before a warm body moulded itself to Hermione's back. Long slim fingers crawled around to clasp together over her stomach and a whispering breath sounded in her ear. Fleur had officially arrived at the party.
"It's about time you showed up. We were going to enjoy ourselves without you." Ginny grinned anew at the display of affection.
"Please excuse me, I 'ad some…last minute zings to take care of before 'Ermione could accept 'er present." Fleur replied smoothly as brown eyes widened in intrigue.
"You got me a gift? Fleur I thought we agree no…" The shorter girl turned, hoping to glare the point across but the sight of those deeply emotional blue eyes caused her strong willed front to fade.
"I'm sorry ma chéri, but I couldn't 'elp myself. I'm so proud of you." An over dramatic pout, tilt of the head and innocent blinking, the Golden Girl just sighed.
"Alright. So where is it?" The Veela woman grinned widely before releasing her and heading out the same way she entered. Hermione just shared a confused look with Ginny for the few seconds she was gone.
Upon her return, large box in hand, Fleur stopped before her girlfriend and waited. Hermione took the sign and lifted the lid off only to gasp audibly at the inhabitant inside.
"Woah, is that?!" Ginny looked over a shoulder in excitement while the brunette stood there with her mouth agape. Curled up in a soft red blanket was a dark chocolate puppy; only it had two heads instead of one.
"What are you girls…? Blood Hell!" Ron's rude interruption caught the attention of everyone in the room. Harry's reaction after seeing the pup was a mixture between Hermione's silence shock and Ron's angst.
The three never forgot their first year's most death defying experience. Fluffy.
"Are you alright 'Ermione? You look a bit pale." Fleur was concerned when her lover didn't react joyfully at seeing their newest family member. Hermione loved all animals and creatures; why would a two headed pup scare her so much?
"Oh, guess you didn't hear that story, Fleur." Ginny spoke up with a grin. She thought the dog was adorable if a little weird.
"Those three were quite adventurous their first year. Came across a rabid three-headed dog guarding a trap door. Nearly tore them in half the way Ron tells it."
"It did!" The redheaded boy shouted while his twin brothers snickered. Fear of spider and dogs; the pranks they could create from that new bit of information.
"You 'ad one of zose zings in your school?! 'Ow 'orrid." With an understanding look, Fleur gently caressed Hermione's back for a moment. "But ma chéri, zere is no need to be worried. Zis little guy won't grow bigger zan any normal dog. Maybe to waist 'eight but I promise zat is it. Zey are gentle creatures, perfect guardians of ze 'ome; I zought zat wiz you moving in wiz me…" Fleur trailed off slightly as Hermione gently lifted the tiny pup out of its comfort and against her chest.
The boys kept their distance but after just a few moments with the canine, Hermione was in love.
"If you're lying about his height, we're going to have some serious problems Fleur." her playful glare and tone were met with a simple shrug. The little guy was quite tame, one head sniffed at her skin while the other just took in the surroundings; giving a version of a squeaky bark when Ginny lightly patted his head.
"What you gunna name him Hermione?"
"I'm guessing with two heads comes two different personalities." The brunette replied as the pup seemed to struggle with itself; one head wanted to nap on her arm while the other wanted to be up and about.
"Zat is true."
"Castor and Pollux."
"Really Hermione?" The green eyed boy finally took a brave step forward; the smirk on his face was a blatant tease as was his folded arms.
"Out of everyone here Harry, I'd thought you'd get the irony of such names."
"I do. But couldn't you have picked something a little easier to say?" Hermione shook her head.
"It's not about what is easy Harry. If it were, you really think I'd have kept my name as Hermione when half the country can't say it right?"
"But ma belle! 'Ermione is a very beautiful name! English as it may be…"
"It's Greek actually." Both Harry and Hermione stated together in a rather blunt tone. Ginny giggled.
"I think we all see the relation now. Well I say Castor and Pollux are adorable. In a year or two they'll grow up to become one very intimidating pet."
"Let's just hope they're not like their distant relative; Fluffy." Everyone laughed at Ron's pale complexion when he finished talking.
Grow the pup did. With her new job in the Ministry Hermione was surprised to find out her work hours were very flexible considering it was the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Another moment of irony for the young woman as she stepped out of the fireplace every morning headed into her office.
Being the long-time partner of a part creature witch and now the proud owner of a mysterious beast herself, Hermione was anything but a newbie when it came to Magical Creatures.
Castor and Pollux grew immensely in a few short months. From the tiny pup that barely passed her ankles to just under a year old and already past her knees; it was times when she came home to the very welcoming soft barks and two eager noses pressed into her hands, Hermione silently prayed the animal wouldn't grow much higher than what her lover originally stated. Unlike the nightmare of the beast Fluffy was, her little boys had more angler features, pointed ears and most favourably, didn't drool.
"How are my best boys today? Were you good for Mummy?" After hanging up her work coat and bag, she knelt down to give them both their desired attention. Her life had become a ritual of simple pleasures; wake up, go to work, return to her loving family, followed by a hearty dinner then bed. It was the perfect life Hermione always wanted after seven years of horror and death.
"Is zat ma belle I 'ear?" Fleur's voice came from the kitchen; it made the brunette grin. If anything, the French woman was a culinary skills extraordinaire. Never had Hermione's palate been bestowed with such heavenly tastes.
"Of course. You think these two would welcome just anyone like that?" Playfully, Hermione pushed aside the animal to walk down the short hallway and towards the angelic voice. Eyes soon fell upon the beauty that was her blonde lover; apron on and hair tied back, the woman was multi-tasking between a heated stove and a bench full of vegetables.
"Well, zat would depend. I know zey do not fancy zat redhead friend of yours well. 'Arry seems to be fine, ze same with Gabrielle but zey do love you ze most. I must say I am almost jealous." A subtle hand wave left the cutting to her enchanted knife, while the part Veela witch turned around and encased her girlfriend in a long overdue affectionate hug.
"Nothing can replace you in my heart Fleur. You know that." She leaned up to place a soft kiss upon pink lips; savouring the moment when the blonde kissed back.
"I know. I am only teasing." The two shared a grin completely unaware they had an audience.
He was very confused on why the human females were always wanting to be so touchy. Especially without him. He loved cuddles too. Why weren't he included?
Castor was staring intently at his Mistresses, hoping they would part so the duo could join in while Pollex looked towards the leader of the household for any answers; Crookshanks.
The kneezle mix was happily situated on his favourite chair centred in the spacious lounge, partially asleep. No one would dare to interrupt his most important task of napping through the afternoon.
No one but the lowest lifeform on the food chain known to the universe.
A certain two headed dog was an unusual specimen for the high and mighty feline to accept within his domain; it was too friendly, too touchy. A living, heavy breathing thing that just wouldn't leave him alone. Over time he rectified that; a few good swipes never hurt anyone.
A lazy eye opened to see the dog wanting both attention from the two humans and an explanation; Crookshanks merely grumbled a long winded meow. The dog was getting his hopes up for nothing, if he knew his humans, they would stay that way with each other for hours.
After a moment of understanding the loose idea Pollex took charge and exited the kitchen to find them a nice spot to lie down and wait for food.
The tall mistress was always giving them the best meals and he wouldn't miss any chance to dig in to a fresh juicy piece of meat. Soon though, a smell came upon their nose. Salt. Wet salt. That wasn't a good sign. Before he could even settle himself down on the comfy rug, Castor and Pollex raced back towards the kitchen where he knew his Mistresses remained.
He smelt tears.
No one was to be hurt under his watch. No one. This was his family, he protected the household with his life and everyone inside it was his too. The dog came to a halt before his brunette mistress; it was her that leaked the salty liquid from her eyes. But what was the other doing?
Did she perhaps fall and hurt herself? Was that why she was kneeling down, gazing up to the other witch with a…smile?
Castor busied himself sniffing everything in reach, hoping to find nothing; no scent of blood or fear. Pollex on the other hand was more enraptured by the shiny round thing the witch was focused on in her hand. Was it tasty? It smelt like metal and something else, something he'd never smelt before. After a gruff bark, he finally got the attention of the room.
"Hey boy. Were you in on this too?" The duo had no idea what his Mistress was talking about but she smelt happy; delightful really. Nothing was wrong and they stated with a bark as she smothered them with affection.
"I can't exactly ask wiz'out making sure ze whole family is happy wiz it. Zough Crookshanks 'ad little to say." Fleur stood up and welcomed another overbearing hug from the younger witch. Gently wiping away the tears that still had their dog in an alert state, Fleur stole another kiss.
Satisfied that his Mistresses were alright and safe to be left alone, Castor had a thought. Pollex the ever agreeable to suck delicious schemes followed willing as they set their eyes on an unwatched piece of raw steak.
Music played softly from the live band in the corner of the enormous garden. A stone pathway was transformed into a spacious dance floor where couples enjoyed the night wrapped in each other's arms. Centre of the crowd were two beautiful women in glittering white gowns. The vows were said, the cake cut and now they refused to leave their safe haven until the music was done. Not that it ever really would be.
Their friends and family watched on with soft expression, happy for the newlywed couple. It had taken just over a full year to plan, organise and proceed with the wedding of the century; as Fleur's mother put it, 'Nothing but the best for her girls'. Of course nothing would be complete without the entire family there. Extended family included along with close friends and their families, the entire event housed near three hundred bodies.
Castor growled softly, the full grown two headed guard dog sat obediently by the master table. He didn't like the male wizard; he was funny looking, often came too close to his Mistress and the colour on his head just set the poor dog's brain a whirl. Pollex thought he was nothing more than a movable chew toy, until his Mistresses scolded him for trying to bite the man once.
Why he had to be there on his Mistresses' perfect day was beyond the creature's understanding. The loyal beast remained tame none the less; eyes set to follow the human around the food table like a hawk.
When he felt a soft pat on his head, Pollex looked up to see a friendly face. His Mistress's sister, the one that smelt like flowers and always gave him treats with every visit.
"'Ow are you two tonight? You be'aving yourself Castor? I know you don't like lots of men but you better be well-mannered for 'Ermione's sake. She really doesn't want to chain you up again." The aforementioned head snorted slightly. It was one time. "Zey look beautiful don't zey? Dancing slowly toge'zer. So in love zey forget we're even 'ere. I wish I had zat. Or at least will 'ave it someday."
Pollex gently traced his tongue over the girl's fingertips; he could smell the sour tinge of sadness in her natural scent. The dog prided himself on being a strong protector and provider, even if all he could do was remain at their side for a moment of comfort. Castor could do little on the far side but still gave his attention to the blond human, along with a soft gruff. Gabrielle smiled.
"You two are so cute. 'As Fleur given you your treat today? No? Oh zat's too bad. 'Ere." She slips her hand down as to not be seen, the duo's favourite chewy dog treat in hand. "Just don't tell 'er I gave it to you oui?"
With a final pat she left the creature alone to munch happily on their bone shaped biscuit bites.
Hermione sighed in contentment as Fleur slowly waltzed them around the floor, her head resting upon the slightly taller woman's collar bone.
"You alright 'Ermione?"
"Never better." She replied without hesitation. The blonde smiled as she pressed a soft kiss to her wife's hairline.
"We 'ave our ever watchful pair of eyes on us. Did you notice? Zey look ra'zer bored over zere." Hermione looked up in time to see Castor give out a rather rude yawn while Pollex just twitched an ear.
"They are doing very well; it's all I can ask for. A year of training can't make them into the perfect hound Fleur. Another few months maybe." She said with a light tone of amusement while her eyes remained on the canine.
He really was a perfect guard dog. Always there waiting by the door for her to return, at her feet for hours of reading or the constant nag like tug to get her away from paperwork and to eat or sleep at reasonable hours.
Sometimes she wondered if those two really did have a higher intelligence than an average dog.
"In a few mon'z zey will be ready to accompany you in ze streets. Wiz simple commands it will be easy to 'ave zem walk beside you wizout incident."
"Take him outside? Fleur that's a terrible idea. What if muggles see? How are you going to explain to the Ministry that you allowed muggles to see our two headed dog when we're supposed to keep the magical world and creature like him a secret?"
"Per'aps you would finally consider changing zat collar?" Fleur's voice was soft and barely touched on curious but Hermione only heard the tone of smugness.
"If you have an enchanted collar prepared please just say so." She grumbled while her wife giggled.
"Where is ze fun in zat?" Hermione just sighed once more before pulling the taller witch into a long overdue kiss. Slipping her tongue in unexpectedly got the revenge she wanted for the blonde's moment of tease.
By sunset the party came to a close and Fleur was insistent they head off for their well-planned two week honeymoon; away from both countries, as Hermione refused to have the getaway simply 'over the water' in France.
The animals were going to be well cared for by Harry and Ginny but Hermione still had the hardest time leaving her babies behind. Only as the two newly-weds sat in their seats upon the large aircraft did Hermione pull out her memento; something to get her through till their return.
A wedding photograph. Fleur and Hermione being the centre piece surrounded by friends and family all of whom were smiling widely; joyously happy for them. Sitting there in all his mighty powerful perfection, before the two brides was their beloved canine companion, looking strong and proud.
There was no way Hermione was leaving him out of the picture.
"Please tell me you're serious Mione!" Ginny squealed so loudly the birds flew from the trees and poor Castor was so violently shaken awake, Pollex ended up banging his head upside the table. The dog was at his guard post; Hermione's feet, for the last hour only to be rudely awoken by the sudden outbursts of energy. Visits from the redhead were risky like that.
"Ginny! Please, you're too loud. Come back boy. You're ok." The brunette gave the two a gentle pat, hoping her touch would soften the animal's anxiety and pain. She was certain she caught Castor sending the redhead a darkened look.
"How can I be quiet about this?! This is HUGE!" Immediately the witch slapped her hands over her mouth. Hermione raised a brow at the instant change of atmosphere. "Unless…you're not telling Fleur yet? Oh gods…have I ruined the surprise? I'm so sorr…"
"Fleur knows. She's the one who had to tell me and I'm the one who's pregnant. Can you believe it?"
The brunette girl just laughed at her best friend's relieved look as she took a sip of tea. Their relaxing Sunday afternoon outdoors was perfected by light snacks and tea. Castor and Pollex the ever watchful guard of the household had not once left his Mistress's side since she woke that morning. The mother to be was quite certain they knew something…just not sure what that was.
"So you'll be having a party for it right?"
"No."
"What do you mean no?" Pollex raised his head at the tone of voice the woman used towards his human owner. A snort came through his nostrils.
"I mean, I don't need a party to celebrate the new life growing in my womb Ginny. They're a gift yes, I wholeheartedly agree but…" She placed a hand on her flat abdomen. "This little one is ours; mine and Fleur's. We're having a child and I already feel so protective. Selfish. I don't want to share this with anyone else just yet." Brown eyes lifted up with confidence. "So no party. Not until they're born. Are we clear?"
"Alright." Ginny raised her hands in surrender. "No party. But tell me, do you think it's a boy or a girl?"
When the sun began to set, the canine felt the day cool down rapidly and wasn't willing to linger much longer. He also wasn't keen to have his Mistress remain outdoors either. It wouldn't be good for her health so the two heads stuck together and licked her hand slightly to gain her attention; from there it was easy to herd the two women inside where it was warm and safe.
Castor and Pollex felt the ecstatic energy in the air after one morning of cuddles between the two human females, but whatever it was had the whole family eating a juicy meat enriched dinner that night. Sweet things for desert and many treats all round.
It was glorious.
It wasn't a real surprise to him when his owner woke up one morning smelling different; her usual scent was strong but the undercurrent of a softer, sweeter smell taunted their noses. Hermione didn't smell sick or unhappy; the canine thought nothing of I but then the Being-human changed her attitude and with it, the canine's mind.
Fleur emitted such power; raw energy. The two sets of eyes took in her posture, her frame and actions every time she was near his ink smelling human. The animal knew protective nature when he saw it; Crookshanks had shown him that same strong energy when they first entered the household as an immature pup.
Whatever had the humans on high alert, they would act on it too.
The months passed with Castor being the night watchman while Pollex took over the morning and evening hours. With two different heads the dog was always aware for his Mistress. Whatever she needed, they assisted; she travelled outside, they were attached at her hip for moral and physical support.
Her heavy bags became his easily and with ignored complaint. It wasn't until months had passed, when on a normal walk, Castor noticed it.
The human's stomach had grown.
Sure they were ever watchful of their Mistress but Castor was sure it had grown outward more than usual. Pollex cared more about the thing inside his Mistress's stomach than the actual size. It moved one day when he was resting on her lap and it surprised him.
The two repeatedly sniffed her, in hopes to identify the oddity within her scent but it was still the same normal, warm minty smell. Crookshanks seemed to notice too, as he took over her personal space in the later months; a good swipe or two at the heads daring to close in on now his spot.
The duo grumpily obeyed but they were displeased at not knowing what was going on.
To Fleur, Hermione's third trimester were the best in her life. The sight of her wife round with child sent the Veela witch into a euphoria of stimulating fantasies; not that she'd share such things. While the blonde managed to hide her emotions whenever the brunette had an especially hard day… Fleur never could drop the smile from her face. As the pregnancy came closer to her due date, the two love sick witches noticed another change in the household.
Castor and Pollex lived up to their species reputation of being the 'perfect guard dog', however they took the matter further in Hermione's last month.
"You think they know they're going to get a new baby brother or sister?" Hermione whispered one night as the two lay in bed, eyes focused on their enchanted ceiling. The brunette grew up with glow in the dark stars dotted across her room and soon as her lover caught wind of it from the Grangers, she magiced the space above their bed. Thousands of glimmering stars always helped in dosing off into dreamland for the younger woman.
"Why you insist on referring to our child as zeir 'sibling' is beyond my compre'ension…"
"It's a muggle thing then. Just answer the question."
"Undoubtedly. Zey're very intelligent creatures, even if zey are not aware 'ow new life comes into ze world zey know of your importance and safety at zis time. You can't deny you 'aven't enjoyed zeir over protectiveness." Fleur snuggled closer into her wife's sweet neck. The fingers combing through her scalp sent shivers down her spine. Hermione was playing with the strands absent-mindedly.
"I did, once I understood their odd behaviour. Just stealing my bag out of my hand was worrying for a while. I thought they were going through a rebellious stage, Fleur." She could feel the woman smirk into her collar for a second, but ignored it. "But you're right. Their presence has been comforting. Even if they still insist Ron is a valid threat to my person. Poor man hasn't come to visit without at least Harry and Ginny around. Though my brain still can't decipher one thing…"
"Oh zis I must 'ear, ma chéri. Tell me."
"Why has Crookshanks has suddenly taken an interest in everything I do in the house? I mean he just sits there staring. And if he's not, he's usually swiping at Castor or Pollex to get them to move. I thought they were long friends by now…"
"Do not worry 'Ermione. Zey are animals and as animals zey 'ave zeir own rules. Just leave zem be for now. Our babe will be 'ere soon enough. We'll 'ave o'zer zings to worry about." Fleur whispered softly, hoping to send them both into a dream paradise of giggling children and happy adventures.
Over twelve hours of labour. That was how long it took for their child to arrive after Hermione's water broke. Luckily for all, she was safely at home with Fleur when the ever faithful canine came bursting into the blonde's study, each head barking repeatedly until the Veela got up to investigate that cause of the situation.
With each hour that passed, Fleur became more inclined to burst down the door and be with the younger woman as she went through such a pain filled experience but her Veela culture forbade it.
"Ze only time I actually listen to my mo'zer and it 'as to be zis!" The witch felt her clenched teeth grind together with the building intensity of the hallway. Harry and Ginny were the first to arrive in support with Luna, Neville, Fleur's sister, cousins and Apolline soon to follow a few hours later.
The French relatives took longer as they travelled further than anyone; Ron had yet to be seen.
"It's alright Fleur. The first pregnancy usually takes longer. There isn't anything to worry about. The best Healer is in there with her. Even if he was an annoying jerk in school he's come a long way for a Slytherin." Harry supplied the worrisome blonde as she paced passed his seat for what was the thousandth time.
"And how would you know anything on deliveries Harry Potter?" Ginny raised a delicate brow at her husband.
"I read."
"Silence, boz of you. Fleur, sit down zis instant before you wear a 'ole in ze floor." Apolline strictly ordered her eldest to the empty seat. Directly across from the door. With great reluctance, the blonde witch did so. "Be calm my child. Zis is a very delicate moment and while you wish you could be in zere wiz 'er; don't give me zat look Fleur Isabelle Delacour." Two burning sets of blue eyes battled willfully. "It is better for ze boz of zem to bond after bir'z. Zen you can coddle zem all you want. Just be patient for once in your life."
The hallway fell into an immediate but calm silence. With the added enchantments on the door the group could hear nothing of Hermione's screams nor the movement of any healers. It wasn't until a certain pureblood wizard came out of the room with a smile on his face.
"You may come see her now Mrs Delacour. They are both waiting for you." He then stood aside, grey eyes warmly inviting her in. It took a moment, only a single second of hesitation; the acknowledgement that one step forward would change her life forever. Fleur didn't take that step. She leapt.
"'Ermione?"
"Fleur…" Eyes came together as the blonde stepped round the curtain to the most breath-taking scene she's ever laid eyes upon. Hermione, dressed in a white hospital gown looked worn out; sweat soaked her face, hair frazzled in all direction and yet she looked more beautiful than the day Fleur first set eyes on her. In her arms was the tiniest bundle of a baby and the newest family member.
"Come meet our little girl, Katrina."
"She's beautiful." Fleur took the seat beside the bed, her body leaned forward as far as allowed without hovering. A gentle kiss was placed to the brunette's cheek, as Fleur gazed down with love on her firstborn daughter. The realisation still hadn't hit her fully but soon enough, Fleur Delacour would come to accept it; she was a mother.
"I'm afraid she might end up with my unruly mane, but I'm sure she'll have your eyes. They're the deepest blue." Hermione smiled gently as she looked from the babe to her wife. "I'm thankful for that."
"Even if she 'eld nothing of mine 'Ermione, she is still ze rarest gem to walk zis earth. She's beautiful." The awake new-born didn't know what to make voices but in attempts to get closer, her little hand pulled free of the cover. Without missing a beat, Fleur reached out to poke the small appendage with her finger.
"Are you ready to teach your girl all about becoming a Veela, love?"
"I am always ready; it is ze day she starts zinking about boys zat I will..." Her hardened gaze softened when she felt the soft flesh wrap round her digit. Such a small hand. "Curse zem all relentlessly."
"Then I should worry about if she brings home the girls?" The two smiled and shared a soft kiss.
Patience was an impossibility to Castor. Not knowing was almost as painful to Pollex. Their Mistress was taken from them days ago and had yet to return to the homestead, it left the canine to stare longingly at the large oak front door every morning and evening hopeful if filled with anxious tension.
His ears were alert and posture perfect; the taller Mistress told them she was going to return with a special surprise. It had to be their Mistress. Pollex wasn't so attune to his partner's feelings of anxiousness. He was unimpressed as Mistress should not have been away from their safety for so long; if they were not there to protect her, who would?
A sharp call caught both their attention.
Crookshanks had taken up a spot on the table closest to the front entrance. His tail curled round him and face harsh looking as ever. If he was there then the time had come. Not two seconds later the lock released and the door opened. Focused their attention as they always did, Castor and Pollex barked out as their Mistress finally returned.
"Aww look at you two. Waiting for me, aren't you good boys." She knelt down and gave the large teddy bear of a dog a big scruffy hug. The wagging tail gave away their joy even if their repetitive licks didn't. A meow followed suit. "You too Crookshanks. Well today is a special day indeed."
Standing to give her familiar a soft stroke or two before he went on his way, Hermione stepped aside tensely as she too waited. Pollex tilted his head before another scent wafted up his nose. With a hefty snort, the head turned round as his other Mistress walked in with something in her arms.
"See? Zere was no'zing to worry about mon amour. Zey are fine and Katrina will be too once zey all get along."
"I don't know Fleur, will she be alright with them?" Brown eyes zipped from the canine to the bundle. Pollex honed in on this with a sharp gaze, a small ear flick to his twin had to two suddenly focused on the rounded ball. It smelt odd and looked plush wrapped in a pink blanket.
"Zey already know some'zing is up. Come you two. Meet your newest family member." Their Mistress lowered herself down slowly, careful to not jostle the squirming thing in her arms. With a careful paw in front of the other, the canine came in for a closer look. It was pink, squishy and smelt like…cherry? As his nose turned away from the sweet smelling baby, Castor sneezed to the side while Pollex remained attentive as the thing move about.
It was foreign; unknown to him but his Mistresses said it was 'family'. That meant it was to be inside the home. Under his watchful eyes.
Giving a gruff sound, Pollex looked back to the blue eyed human. He understood.
"Good boy. Now we just 'ave to get your cat to acknowledge ze girl and we are all set." Fleur took to her feet again keen to show her daughter around the house. Hermione was immediately behind her, ever hesitant and watchful while Fleur enjoyed showing off everything to the new-born.
The canine became Hermione's shadow that day forward. He seemed very curious as to the newest addition of the household and after that one sniff, Castor couldn't seem to shake the baby out of his mind. His Mistress smelt of fresh mint toothpaste; if she didn't carry an undertone of ink or parchment. The other one smelt like the forest after a light rain; fresh and fragrant.
But this new little thing was nearly too sweet. He kind of liked it. Pollex left his double to the scent addiction, he was more concerned with the feline.
Hermione had never seen them at such odds with each other before.
At first, there was a secure structure; Crookshanks the head of house and the canine subservient but lately the dog wasn't willing to trust the witch's familiar around the baby. The growls were the first indication soon followed by a guard like manoeuvre.
Several times in the week following Katrina's arrival, the brunette caught the two pets in vicious growl filled standoffs, most commonly in the living space. Two sharped teethed heads against a small fur puffed body of malice and claws. She was sure without her interception they would've fought not three feet from Katrina's movable crib.
"I'm worried Fleur. Ever since we brought her home they've been acting weird." Settled back against the headboard as the tiny child suckled gently, Hermione tried to get her distracted wife to actually listen to her. Without threat or coercion.
"Zey're animals. Let zem sort it out on zeir own. Maybe zey're fighting over our adorable petite Katrina." She grinned as her finger poked a pudgy cheek of the rather hungry child. "She is ze most beautiful zing in ze world. Besides you of course."
"I'm serious."
"I know ma chéri. But I'm telling you. Zose zree will sort it out and it'll all be fine."
Needless to say, the morning when Hermione awoke to another scene in her family space she'd had enough.
"That's it! Stop this right now! Castor! Pollex! No more growling! Crookshanks isn't a threat to the baby or anyone! It isn't necessary! Crookshanks! Stop tormenting the two with your attitude! Anymore of this and you're all outside for the night!" She stormed off in a huff and went to the only place she could calm down in; her daughter's nursery.
Left in the large tense filled but silent room, Crookshanks merely squared himself up on the couch. Watchful; patient.
The two headed dog lay himself down like a properly scolded animal. His Mistress was very displeased with him. He felt bad. It wasn't meant to end up like that, he just wanted for her to know that Crookshanks wasn't acting properly around the baby. It was their job to protect her; especially from within the household.
Why couldn't his Mistress see that?
A meow brought the two back to the situation; their surroundings. With a flick of his bushy tail Crookshanks hoped down and trotted out of the room; the order was clear, the canine followed the head cat in silence. Their small crusade down the hallway was filled with hesitance on the dog's part. Feline and superior, Crookshanks merely pushed his way into the near closed room and all the way to his witch's side. Hermione, seated on a soft cushion on the floor cradled a wide awake Katrina in her arms, telling her stories she'd not understand for years. When a soft, cold paw tapped her leg, she found orange eyes staring back at her.
"I'm not happy with you." She said only to get a meow back along with a few more taps to her leg. "I don't care if you're sorry or not. You gave Castor and Pollex a hard time." Hermione frowned when the animal clearly didn't understand or didn't care about her anger. When the door opened more with a nudge, a crouched, remorse filled canine slowly entered. Eyes down and ears back, the two headed dog didn't want to push his Mistress further into enragement; especially aimed at the guardian beast. But they needed to show the lesson was learned. With a heavy sigh, the young woman called thrm over.
"Honestly. I thought Fleur was the only one to use those eyes. Come here." With the given gesture, Castor led them over to lie down at her feet. "Now are you all going to behave yourselves? There will be no fighting around my baby. She's mine if anything."
Crookshanks looked over to the reclined dog, an understanding would come about. Eventually.
"Should I feel bad I'd rather cancel lunch now? I mean they look so adorable." Hermione held in her squeal of excitement and awe at their little bundle of happiness, all curled up on her soft blanket in the living room. Fleur just rolled her eyes.
"Non but I zink zat 'spitfire' friend of yours would near kill you if you kept 'er goddaughter away any longer, ma belle."
"If she wants a baby so badly she should be talking to Harry. Not me." The two adults returned to the kitchen and continued to prep food before their guests arrived. It left the occupants of the open room to their nap time in peace.
Little Katrina Apolline Delacour was happily tucked away in the juncture of her guardian's two heads; clenched fists rested on smooth fur as all three snoozed in the sun. It turned out, Katrina absolutely adored the animals the instant she saw them for the first time. Soft fur; warm, easy to grab whenever reachable and their attentive personalities entertained the girl endlessly. Though the cat declined such touches more often than not.
A routine of partnered naps came about rather quickly. Castor and Pollex were used to her flying limbs and insistent grabs after a day with the child but became comfortable and more than happy to become her bed, blanket and heated cushion when eyes closed and Katrina nodded off in dreamland.
Only after the canine confirmed the area was safe to do so. Some occasions one or both heads stayed awake until Crookshanks made himself comfortable on the nearby couch. No one messed with the cat.
Usually curled up at a safe distance from the small twitchy baby, the half Kneezle would calmly gaze around the room in his normally lazy fashion. Taking note of every sound, every flicker of light and even the tiniest of flies, the animal thoroughly cleaned his paws. More humans were to come soon. They would crowd their space quickly; intent to close in on their treasured prize. Without second thought, Crookshanks took his rather favourite position on the canine's back. He was met with one of Castor's ears curved at attention. The dog was awake and with a single chirp, two sets of eyes snapped open to join the cat in intense stare down with the wooden door.
Sometimes humans could really ruin the mood.
Here we are. Hope you enjoyed Renu! Happy Birthday again! And yes to all readers there is a mix in references the dog makes when talking about himself. This is on purpose as both heads believe themselves to be 'one' body and mind. So please no asking of questions about it. I hope everyone wishes Renu a happy birthday.
Midmoon Kitsune out!