L'amour Toujour

C7: Merry Christmas

Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters

On Christmas morning Hermione woke up to a familiar sight, that of her little sister cuddled into her side. "Good morning Hermione. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you too Luna. It's good to see something familiar in what is still a strange environment." Hermione said with a soft smile.

Luna smiled at her. "To be honest there is another reason for me being here so early. Aunt Narcissa asked me last night to make sure that we would both be ready on time, not that she doesn't trust that you won't be on time, but she doesn't want anything left to chance today, so I was hoping you would be okay with me helping you get ready."

Hermione smiled and hugged her. "Since I am sure this is what we would've done every year if we had grown up together, I have no problems with this, and it isn't as if you haven't seen me in my nightclothes a thousand times already."

Luna smiled at her. "That is true, but with Fleur being here I figured it would be best to ask for permission first. I wouldn't want her to be upset with me."

"I doubt that would happen, but I understand what you mean. Everything she told me yesterday made so much sense that I can't help but believe that it is true, daunting as that prospect may be." Hermione said with a slight blush as she thought back to everything she and Fleur talked about a couple of days ago.

Luna smiled at that. "Honestly, I felt there was something special between you two all of last year, and I have to say that I had a few dreams about you two as well."

Hermione smiled and hugged her. "I'm honestly not surprised. Your dreams have a tendency to come true. It might be interesting to look into that at some point. Can I ask what you dreamed about?"

"Nothing big Hermione, just simple life stuff, and a baby at some point, but you were clearly a few years out of school." Luna said with a soft smile.

That made the brunette blush a bit. "That seems oddly specific, but it makes sense with everything Fleur told me yesterday, because apparently I am her mate."

Luna smiled her usual dreamy smile at that. "That doesn't surprise me to be honest, given how protective she was over you last year."

Hermione merely smiled at her. "Honestly, I didn't even notice that, but you know how I get with social interactions that do not include you, Draco or Ginny."

"I know 'Mione and I know you are working on that, and I am sure Fleur will help with that too, but if we don't want aunt Narcissa to drag us out of bed and down the stairs in our pajamas, we should continue this conversation after breakfast and get dressed." Luna said with a smile.

Hermione nodded and smiled at her as they both got out of bed to wash up and then get dressed, and Hermione wasn't surprised to see Luna's clothes hanging off her wardrobe next to her own. "You planned this morning out well didn't you Lu? Because I am pretty sure that your dress wasn't in my room when I went to sleep."

Luna smiled at that. "To be honest that is not my doing. Jupi probably did it to make it easier. He has a sixth sense on what we need on any given day, well that and the fact that he has always taken aunt Cissa's words as law."

Hermione only nodded as she stepped into her dress and pulled it up. "Could you zip me up Lu?"

Luna nodded and did as asked as she on her turn asked Hermione to do the same. "Now for the most dreadful part of the day. I always hate having to do my hair for Christmas."

"That's probably because you never had your sister here to help you do your hair, because honestly, you have beautiful hair." Hermione said with a soft smile as Luna took a seat at the vanity table and Hermione ran her fingers through her sister's hair.

Luna blushed a bit at that. "Do you really think so? I always found it so plain."

"It's gorgeous Lu. Knowing what we do now, you clearly have Mum's hair. There are so many amazing things you could do with your hair, at least a lot more than with this untameable mop that resides on my head." Hermione said softly as she thought about what would look best with her sister's dress as well as what would be in line with Narcissa's wishes.

She settled on an elaborate bun that left a few pluck of hair down the side of Luna's face in ringlets, which looked absolutely adorable on her baby sister.

Luna in turn smiled brightly at how beautiful her hair looked. "Thank you Hermione, it looks beautiful. I'm sure aunt Cissa will approve, and I think I have something perfect in mind for you too."

Hermione smiled at her as they switched places, and it took the blonde little time to tame her sister's hair into something that was perfect for Christmas day, which was tamed curls that were held together in a small ponytail while there were several carefully styled ringlets that hung free down the side of her face.

"Wow, I never thought anyone that could do anything with my hair, but you have outdone yourself Lu. I don't think it ever looked better." Hermione said with a soft smile.

Luna smiled sweetly at her. "I will be honest and say that I took a little bit of inspiration from last year, but with my own little twist."

"It looks beautiful Luna, thank you. Shall we go and present ourselves to our aunt's scrutiny?" Hermione asked softly.

Luna nodded and smiled at her as the two girls made their way downstairs, both of them hoping that their appearance was satisfactory to their aunt.

…

As the entire family sat down for breakfast, Narcissa could barely contain her smile because everyone looked absolutely immaculate. "It's so nice to see everyone looking immaculate for breakfast. It warms my heart."

They all smiled at her. "I think no one wants to upset you on Christmas, mother. No one is that brave." Draco said with a teasing smile.

Narcissa gave him a critical look. "Young man, the breakfast table is no place for teasing, and certainly not on Christmas. I am well aware I might be a tad bit crazy come the holidays, but I doubt I strike fear into the hearts of my family."

Draco blushed darkly at that. "I'm sorry mother."

Hermione smiled at that. "I would say it is quite the contrary, aunt Narcissa."

Narcissa smiled sweetly at the brunette. "Thank you Hermione, but there is some truth to Draco's statements. I am known to go over the top on Christmas but as my son sometimes forgets, it is not something to tease someone over."

Hermione merely nodded as they all loaded up their plates, some in more moderation than others, mostly being Dora and Andromeda.

Narcissa only smiled at them though, because this was a common occurrence on Christmas morning.

"So Hermione, have you enjoyed your time at home so far?" Dora asked kindly.

Hermione smiled at her. "It's been a breath of fresh air on multiple fronts. Instead of having to hide away in my room for most of the day I feel I can enjoy myself with my family and actually talk about things that have happened at school."

Dora gave her a sad smile. "I can't imagine what it is like to grow up like that. We never had a Christmas, or any major holiday where we weren't asked how our time at school was. I'm sorry that you had to go through that Hermione."

Hermione smiled at that. "It's okay Dora, we all know who most probably is at fault here and he will get his comeuppance at some point in the near future. Honestly I'm more worried about Umbridge possibly being in charge at some point this year."

"Now that I can imagine. I've heard many stories of some of my old classmates who did go to work in the Ministry and had run ins with her. I can't imagine what she must be like as a teacher." Dora said softly.

"Honestly she's not much of a teacher at all. The material is 'Ministry approved' and thus something a first year would understand. I believe I read it when I was about six." Luna said softly.

Hermione nodded in agreeance. "It's insulting really. You would almost think that we are not fourth and fifth year students, or that the Ministry really doesn't care about our education and only seeks to keep another generation compliant."

"That's because they do exactly that cherí. You don't know how 'ard it was for me to get a permit to start up my shop. The British Ministry is all stifled with bureaucracy." Fleur said with a soft smile to the brunette.

Hermione smiled at her. "That probably because of four factors here. You're foreign, a woman, a Veela and in their opinion probably far too young to run a store."

Fleur smiled sweetly at her mate. "Thankfully my most loyal customer saw through all of that pretty quickly."

Narcissa smiled and nodded. "While I have some reservations the first time I walked into your store, you very quickly managed to convince me with your knowledge and enthusiasm. You reminded me a lot of myself when I was your age."

Fleur smiled kindly at the older blonde. "Potions and brewing have always been my passion and it is one of the reasons I fought so hard to follow my dream of having my own store, no matter what anyone thought of it. I can now fully admit that I also wanted to be closer to Hermione to see if there was a possibility that we could be more than friends."

Hermione blushed at that. "Given the fact that you have been low-key flirting with me ever since the Yule Ball last year, I think you didn't really need to worry about that. I just worry about what is going to happen now that we have everything in the open and I go back to school for five months, because I don't think knowing everything that I will handle the separation well."

"I promise that before you go back to school I will give you something to help with that, and of course if you ever need to feel me close, press two fingers against your mark. It will feel like I am right there beside you. It will help with the separation." Fleur said softly.

Hermione smiled and gave the blonde's hand a squeeze, not feeling confident enough to give the Veela the kiss that she wanted to give her.

Fleur did notice and gave her a soft smile, squeezing her mate's hand three times in return. "What mark is this? Did I miss something?" Narcissa asked softly.

Hermione smiled at her aunt. "Fleur imprinted one of her feathers on my arm so that I won't feel our separation as sharply. It was incredibly sweet."

Narcissa nodded understandingly at that. "That is good to hear. I worried for a moment that there was some sort of Veela marking I was not aware of."

Fleur smiled kindly at her. "I would never do that without consent from my mate, Narcissa, nor would I try and push Hermione to things I know she is not ready for."

"I understand Fleur, but I will always worry about family. It was nothing personal." Narcissa said kindly.

Fleur merely nodded and smiled at her. "No offense taken Narcissa. I am well aware Veela customs can be a lot to take in at times, but as in any relationship that involves soul mates, communication is key, and I promised Hermione that no matter what would be going on, I would always talk to her about things concerning our bond first."

Narcissa smiled and nodded as they turned their breakfast conversation to more neutral conversations

…

After breakfast and an hour of relaxing in the den, mostly to let breakfast settle, they moved into the living room, where under the gigantic tree sat a huge number of presents, all wrapped in brightly colored magical wrapping paper.

For once Hermione decided to go against what had been drilled into her from a young age and took a seat next to her girlfriend, who on her turn smiled and wrapped an arm around the brunette's waist.

Narcissa also gave the couple a sweet smile before turning to her family. "In light of everything we've learned this year, I propose a slight change to the tradition. We shall still pass out all gifts as usual, except for the first one. We would like to give Hermione the first one in honor of her coming home at long last."

Everyone nodded at at as Narcissa and Andromeda stood and took one of the packages before walking over to Hermione and handing it to her with a kind smile.

Hermione gave them both a hug. "Thank you. I will treasure it forever." She said as she gently unwrapped the package, revealing an old book.

"This is our family's history, should you ever be interested in knowing more about where we all came from, which I have a feeling you will want to know." Andromeda said softly.

Hermione's eyes widened at that, suddenly acutely aware of exactly how much she loved her newfound family already. "I think so too, thank you so much." She said softly.

Both Narcissa and Andromeda pulled her into their arms. "We are merely setting straight one of the greatest wrongs in our family. Had you grown up with us, you would've had the opportunity to learn this from an early age."

Hermione smiled a teary smiled as she relaxed in their arms. "Soon we'll rectify everything and then what happened will only be a bad memory."

The two women smiled and nodded. "Indeed it will, and from now on we'll make sure that you will always feel at home and feel loved."

Hermione smiled and pressed a kiss to both of their cheeks before sitting down next to Fleur as she clutched the book to her, not wanting to let it go yet.

Everyone smiled at her as Narcissa distributed the rest of the gifts, since it was her turn this year and that alone gave her a special feeling because it was also their first time with Hermione.

As always they went youngest to oldest, knowing full well that Draco would be far too excited to pay proper attention to what everyone else was getting, something Narcissa always found it very hard to admonish him for. This also meant that Luna would first to unwrap her gifts, and it was clear she was very excited about the prospect.

Sneaking a quick look at her sister next to her, she decided to keep that present for last, even though she was really curious on what the brunette had gotten her.

As usual she took her time in unwrapping her gifts. Dora had given her a new set of personalized quills, which made her smile. "You know me so well Dora."

The Metamorphmagus smiled at that. "I like to think that I do. I know you like to make additional notes next to your homework, so I figured these would come in handy."

Luna smiled at the Metamorphmagus before opening up her next gift, which by the way it was wrapped could only be from her aunts. As she carefully pulled away the wrapping paper, it revealed a beautiful necklace with a purple stone at it's end. "I recognize this one. This was Mummy's."

"It is, somewhat. It was in the envelope Pandora left with you and we kept it safe for all these years. I remember her saying that she imbued with her magic so you'd always have piece of her magic with her, because I honestly believe she had seen what was going to happen and that she wouldn't be present in your life for a long time. She and Bella have the same one.

Luna smiled at that as she put it on, not wanting to bring the mood down today by talking about Pandora, so she continued to open her gifts. Draco's gift to his youngest niece was a book on rare creatures that he knew she had been looking for.

Fleur's gift to Luna were a number of special potions, which the young blonde together with her sister had inspired. "The red vial is the Improved Pepper-up Potion, which I am happy to add has been a big success. The green one is the All-in-One healing potion, which also has been an instant success."

Luna smiled and hugged the blonde. "Thank you Fleur, I have a feeling that the Pepper-up especially will be very useful in the coming months."

"I have no doubt that they will, given everything 'ermione has told me about everything going on at 'ogwarts this year." Fleur said kindly.

Luna smiled at her. "It's worse for her because she is still believed to be a Muggleborn, but that woman is nasty to everyone, not to mention mentally draining with her inane prattle."

Fleur giggled softly at that as she wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist. "I can only imagine. Thankfully it is only a few more months, right?"

Both girls nodded at her as Hermione cuddled into her mate's side and Luna went to open her last gift.

Hermione's gift to her sister was a book on potions and spells that they had been talking about for a long time. "Thank you so much 'Mione. I am sure this will come in handy over the coming months."

Hermione smiled and hugged the blonde. "Don't mention it Lu, I know you wanted this book for a long time."

Luna smiled and rested her head on Hermione's shoulder. "And of course this was entirely selfless too."

Hermione smiled at her sister. "I can wait until you're ready to share it Lu. I just wanted you to have it because you told me how long you've been looking for this."

Luna smiled at her. "I was teasing 'Mione. Of course we'll read it together. We've shared everything since the day we started sharing a room, and I don't see that stopping anytime soon."

Hermione just smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of her sister's head, glad that her gift had been so well received.

…

After Draco had opened up his gifts, it was Hermione's turn to open her her gifts, and not for the first time today she felt a bit of nerves creeping in.

She started with Draco's gift, which had been a bit of tradition of theirs ever since they had started to built a friendship, and she quietly wondered if his gift to her this year would be similar to others over the past four years.

As she unwrapped it, she couldn't help but smile at the thoughtfulness of her cousin. It was a leather-bound book with her name emblazoned on it along with several personalized quills. "You know me so well Draco."

"I know you have been making more notes than previous years, which I have no doubt has everything to do with that Toad of a woman, so I figured you could something special. It has an enchantment on it that will let you wipe something with a simple Scouring Charm. The paper has been treated to last at least a decade." He said kindly.

Hermione smiled at him. "Thank you Draco, it means a lot to me and I am sure I will get a lot of use out of this in the months leading up to our O.W.L. exams, especially if that Toad decides to take even more power away from the old man."

Draco merely smiled and nodded at her. "I promise that I will do everything to try and keep her eye off you and Luna as much as I can, although I have a feeling she will become a lot more amicable when those Heritage tests reveal your true lineage."

"Perhaps, but there is no sense in speculating, and I would rather not have to think about her on Christmas." Hermione said softly.

"As we shouldn't. Christmas is not a time to discuss the woes of school." Narcissa said pointedly.

Hermione smiled at her. "Of course auntie." She said as she placed the book next to her and reached for Nymphadora's gift.

As she slowly tore away the colorful wrapping, she couldn't help but smile. It was a rare book on the nature of Metamorphmagi as well as a couple of boxes of Hermione's favorite sweets, both of which the now pink haired witch knew her newfound niece would love.

Hermione's eyes widened as she saw the book. "Sweet Morgana, I've been looking for this for ages. Where did you find it?"

Dora grinned at her. "To be honest, this was in stock at one of our family's shops and knowing what a rare book this is, I figured this would be a perfect gift for you."

Hermione smiled at her. "I will certainly enjoy reading it Dora." She said kindly, which made the Metamorphmagus smile at her.

Next was the gift from Narcissa and Andromeda. It was a long and slim box that she unwrapped very carefully, revealing an old, but very well cared for box that basically screamed old magic. She then opened it up and saw lying on a velvet pillow a beautiful silver necklace with a raven's foot pendant, which made Luna gasp softly.

"That's the same one mother had on in the pictures." The blonde said softly.

Both Narcissa and Andromeda smiled at that. "It is similar, but not the same. Bellatrix made two of these when she was around your age, and she always intended her firstborn to have the other one. It is imbued with her magic and I am sure the moment she puts hers on again, she will feel that you are wearing yours, which we hope will settle her worries a little."

Hermione had trouble containing her tears and Luna wasted no time in wrapping her arms around her sister, wanting to offer comfort to her sister. "I can feel it wanting to reach out to something, it's so strong, but I can also feel love and comfort radiating from it. I can feel it in my heart that this is from my mother." Hermione said softly as she almost unconsciously stroked the pendant.

"That was our hope sweetheart. We hope feeling that bond with Bellatrix will help you in the coming months, as we hope Pandora's amulet will help Luna. It will also help familiarize you both with your mother's magic, since the odds of them being home for the summer are quite big." Narcissa said softly.

The two girls nodded and smiled before they both went to hug their aunts tightly. "Thank you both so much. I think I speak for the both of us when I say that we will treasure these always." Hermione said softly.

Narcissa and Andromeda smiled and each pressed a kiss to the top of their heads. "The time was right to give these to you. Not only because we found you again, but also because we are certain Bella and Pandora will be home when you two come home for the summer. These will help you both until then."

They both smiled at her and pressed a kiss to their aunts cheeks before retaking their seats again, since everyone had been very interested to see what Fleur had gotten her mate.

"Before you open your gifts from me, I should mention that only one is the real gift, the other one is merely the one you are entitled to because you helped develop it." Fleur said sweetly.

Hermione smiled at that, setting the bigger package aside. "These are the same potions you gave Luna then?"

Fleur smiled and nodded. "Indeed they are. You both helped me develop them, and so you both deserve to reap the rewards from them, both physical and monetary, although that is something I'm working on with Nymphadora."

The two girls nodded at that. "We understand Fleur. It's not like we really need the money, but we appreciate it none the less." Luna said with a soft smile.

Hermione just pressed a long kiss to her mate's cheek before she carefully opened up her last gift, which was a necklace and ring set that were clearly crafted by a talented jewelry smith. "These are beautiful Fleur, but isn't it a bit early in our relationship to give each other jewelry?" Hermione asked softly.

"Perhaps, but there is a reason for my gifting these to you. Because you have already started to accept the bond, you will start to feel emotions concerning our bond a lot more strongly, I have made these myself to ensure that part of my essence is imbued in them and will balance your emotional state more than your mark would, when combined you also will not feel our separation so strongly." Fleur said softly, hoping her mate wouldn't be upset with her.

Hermione's eyes widened at that. "You made these yourself? You really are a woman of multiple talents. Thank you Fleur, will you put the necklace on for me?"

Fleur nodded and smiled as Hermione turned her back to her so she could clasp the necklace while Hermione put on the ring. "It looks even better on you than I thought it would. I'm glad you like it."

"I may be young, but Luna taught me to trust my heart, and my heart leads me to you." Hermione said softly.

Fleur smiled and wrapped an arm around the brunette, who cuddled into her mate's side at the same time.

…

When it was time for everyone to prepare for dinner, Luna and Hermione decided to get ready together, which they really wanted to make a tradition from this year forward, and of course they took a small moment to be excited about their gifts together too, especially the necklaces they had received from their aunts.

"I can't believe how quickly everything has gone. Not a month ago I believed that I was a Muggleborn with a family that resented me, to now having a family that loves me and something tangible of my mother." Hermione said softly as they sat on her bed.

Luna smiled at her as she leaned into her sister. "I felt exactly the same when aunt Cissa gave me Mummy's pendant. I don't know why but I remember her wearing this, or at least a similar one. I believe she had a blue stone."

"The more I hear about our mothers, the more excited I get to actually meet them. I can't wait to get to know them." Hermione said softly.

"Neither can I. I don't remember much about them unfortunately, but I know that they love us, I can feel it through this necklace. It's like a warm blanket of love and comfort." Luna said with a soft smile.

Hermione smiled at her sister. "I feel exactly the same, and it tells me that once we are reunited, things will change for the better."

"I know they will, and I know that we'll be doted on beyond belief. I'm sure they both feel that they have fifteen years of lost time to make up for and I am also pretty sure we will let them too." Luna said with a dreamy smile.

Hermione nodded at her. "I'm sure we will, I wonder how they are going to show that though. I can't imagine mother being completely rational after being in Azkaban for so long."

"I'm sure that aunt Cissa and aunt Andi will help her and that having her own soulmate back will also help her heal, or at least that is my hope. I honestly don't know how fifteen years of separation of not only her soul mate, but also having spent those in isolation and cut off from most of her magic has affected her." Luna said she she ran her fingers over the stone of her pendant.

Hermione smiled and wrapped an arm around her sister as she pulled the blonde into her side. "The only thing we can really do is hope, Lu. They often say that nothing trumps a mother's love for their children and I genuinely believe that our mothers will be overjoyed to see us again and will want get to know us like we want to get to know them."

Luna nodded and cuddled into her sister's side. "I'm so glad I took the chance to tell you everything 'Mione. I can't imagine you not being in my life anymore. You mean so much more to me than just a friend and sister."

Hermione smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of Luna's head. "I love you too Luna, as more than just a sister. I've never been happier then I have been over the last months since knowing the truth."

Luna smiled at that. "I'll be honest and say that our aunts were a bit weary of me telling you everything, but I just knew in my heart that you were my sister. I still can't explain why I knew, but it just felt right, and after looking closely at the pictures I had of our mothers, I nearly slapped myself for not seeing it sooner. You are a carbon copy of mother."

"As you are a carbon copy of Mum, Lu. Only a blind man would fail to see that." Hermione said with a sweet smile.

Luna smiled at her. "Would you mind terribly if I sleep with you tonight. After everything today I need to be close to you."

Hermione smiled at her sister. "Like I would ever object to that, at least I won't until I'm ready to share a bed with Fleur."

Luna giggled at that. "I can imagine, since I wouldn't want to make my future sister-in-law mad for any reason."

Hermione nodded at that. "Sound thinking, sister, but I think we can make some arrangements at school. I know we can both use it in the coming months and I wouldn't mind if we continue what we will share tonight at school too."

Luna smiled brightly at that. "I would gladly take you up on that 'Mione, because you're right. With everything coming our way in the coming months, we will need each other more than other years."

Hermione smiled and nodded at her. "That we will, and I also know another thing we should do, which is change into our dresses, because I doubt aunt Cissa will be happy with us if we're late for dinner."

Luna nodded and smiled as they both got off the bed and changed into their dresses, helping each other with the zippers before fixing their hair and doing slight touch ups on their make-up, making their way downstairs once they were satisfied and certain that their aunts would be too.