L'amour Toujour
C9: Emotional Dealings
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters
A couple of days later Narcissa and Hermione were off to London very early, since Narcissa was adamant on making sure Hermione would make a perfect impact on the night of the New Year's Ball, something she knew would be a completely new experience for her niece.
They had spent most of yesterday brushing up on Hermione's etiquette and everything she would need to know for the Ball in two days.
Due to the way things had developed between Hermione and Fleur there was going to be some alterations to her planning, which usually was not done, but for this once she could make an exception.
She had initially planned to let Hermione enter the Ball on her arm and then after some time bring her to Fleur, but since the two witches had apparently completed their bond, she saw no issue with letting Fleur escort her mate in and let them make their own introductions.
"So Hermione, are you excited for your first family Ball?" Narcissa asked as they walked into one of the higher end dress shops Muggle London had to offer.
Hermione nodded at her. "Both nervous and excited at the same time. Besides the Yule Ball at Hogwarts last year I really have no other instances to compare it to, and I have a feeling that this is going to be a lot more upscale."
Narcissa smiled at that as she quickly cast some Notice-me-not charms around them. "It is and isn't at the same time Hermione. While it will use every bit of your etiquette lessons the crowd should be familiar. Besides our family the only ones who will be in attendance will be Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall along with a few of Draco's friends and their parents. I believe Ms. Parkinson and Mr. Zabini will be in attendance. We purposely do not invite the followers of our Lord because he has not officially announced his return yet. Next year perhaps we'll have that opportunity again, and by that time you should also be a bit more integrated in the inner circle so then it'll be a bit more easy for you to navigate that world, since I am sure your mother will jump at the opportunity to teach you all of the ins and outs of the followers, if you want that of course."
"I want to do my part aunt Narcissa. Too much has been taken from me to just sit back and watch as things unfold. I need to be a part of the change our world so desperately needs." Hermione said with clear determination.
Narcissa smiled and pulled the brunette into her side. "I'm very proud of you for already making that decision sweetie, and I am sure your mother will be too when you see her again come the summer."
Hermione smiled and relaxed against her aunt. "I can't wait to meet her. I've been imagining what I am going to say to her when I see her, but everything I think of doesn't seem enough."
"The words will come when you see them darling, that I promise you. Your mothers will be just as nervous and excited to see you again. We will of course try to inform them of everything we know, but you and Luna will have to tell them the details of your lives." Narcissa said kindly.
Hermione smiled at that. "I can't wait for summer, it seems so far away still."
"These few months will be over before you know it Hermione, then you'll have an entire summer to ravage your girlfriend, get to know your mothers and spend all the time in the world with your baby sister." Narcissa said with a knowing smile.
Hermione blushed brightly at that. "So you know what happened between me and Fleur then?"
"Hermione, you will find that there is very little that goes on underneath my roof that I don't know about. I'm not mad, we honestly kind of expected it, given how prevalent soul mate bonds are in our family." Narcissa said with a kind smile.
That only darkened Hermione's blush. "I'll admit it is a bit embarrassing to know that, but I suppose with the way our family works it is something that I will have to get used to. I was a bit sheltered in my upbringing"
Narcissa smiled at that. "Trust me that we'll find a way to remedy that. The Ball might actually help you spread your wings a little, and if that doesn't do it, I am sure your mothers will help you come out of your shell a bit more once you all are reunited."
Hermione smiled and nodded at that as Narcissa took a dress from the rack and held it in front of the young brunette, eyeing it critically before hanging it back. "I hope so, because I'm sort of tired of being the unassuming wallflower everyone perceives me to be, when it is appropriate of course, since I wouldn't want to give away my true allegiances."
Narcissa smiled proudly at her niece. "Even though it isn't official yet through documentation, you are a Black at heart, Hermione. It is something we will rectify before you come home, with or without Heritage tests at Hogwarts."
Hermione nodded and gave her aunt a side hug as her eye fell on a beautiful dark blue gown. "Very good choice Hermione. I think this might be perfect for you. Do you want to try it on?"
"Yes please. I think I would look amazing in this next to Fleur." Hermione said with clear excitement.
Narcissa smiled and led her niece to the changing rooms. "I'll let you change in peace, dear. If it doesn't fit we'll ensure that it will, because I doubt we'll find anything more perfect for you."
Hermione nodded as she carefully took the dress from her aunt and stepped into the changing room, and not for the first time since finding her family she was feeling nervous. Not just because of the upcoming Ball, but also the turn her life would take after that night.
Everything was going too fast for her to keep track of and she needed to retake some semblance of control back before term resumed and she knew that the only ones who could help her with that were her sister and her mate.
As she put on the dress, she couldn't help but smile at what she saw in the mirror. She was amazed to see how good the dress looked on her, and with a few minor alterations it would be absolutely perfect and as she stepped out of the room, she couldn't help but blush at the proud smile Narcissa gave her. "You look absolutely amazing Hermione. I think this dress was made for you." The blonde said kindly.
"Thank you aunt Narcissa. I will admit that I feel sort of special in this dress." Hermione said softly.
Narcissa merely smiled at her. "Then this is the one we will get. Why don't you go and change back into your regular clothes while I buy it for you. When we're home I'll personally see to any necessary alterations. I can see you are starting to get a bit overwhelmed."
Hermione only nodded as she stepped back in to change back into her own clothes, carefully handing her aunt the dress once she had taken it off.
…
When the two witches arrived home later early in the afternoon, Hermione made a beeline to where she felt her mate was, ending up in front of the blonde's bedroom.
She softly knocked and waited for Fleur to acknowledge her, stepping in once she did so. "Hey love, I was hoping you would be free to talk for a bit." Hermione said softly, only now noticing Luna being there as well.
Fleur smiled at her. "If you don't mind some extra company, then of course I am."
Hermione smiled at her love. "Actually, I'm pretty sure I will need both of you to calm my mind."
Fleur and Luna both smiled at her as she joined them on the bed, and she just couldn't help but cuddle into Fleur's arms while she pulled Luna against her. "What's wrong mon amour? What can we do to 'elp you?"
"I need to make sense of everything Fleur. It's all going so fast that I can't keep up anymore. I need something to take my mind of things." Hermione said softly.
The two blondes smiled at her. "I think we can do that. How about we tell you about what we found while you were out shopping with aunt Cissa." Luna said dreamily.
Hermione nodded and got comfortable in Fleur's lap, while Luna rested her head against her sister's shoulder. "We found that the bond you two share goes deeper than a conventional bond of sisters, which is very common in your family, and will also not interfere with our mating bond. My Veela recognizes her as your sister and therefor as not a threat to our relationship. We've spent most of the morning bonding. I know you were a bit worried about that."
"I was, because I don't think I could be truly happy if I didn't have Luna in my life anymore. I love you, you know I do, but as you are my heart, Luna is a part of my soul." Hermione said softly.
Luna smiled at her. "As you are a part of mine, sister. I wouldn't be the same without having you in my life, which is why Fleur and I have come to an understanding. We will both do everything in our power to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible until the time of your heritage becomes public. Fleur will be there in the most intimate of ways of course and I will provide whatever comfort I can in the times she can't be there for you. I told her about our sleeping arrangements at school and she is okay with that."
Hermione smiled and pressed a kiss to her sister's cheek before kissing Fleur softly. "Thank you both for being so understanding. I know I'm a bit of a mess right now, and I truly don't mean to be."
"We know cherí and we understand. It can't be easy to be confronted with so much history all at once. It's admirable how you've handled that and the reality of the mating bond you share with me. We'll both be here for you when you need us." Fleur said sweetly.
Hermione smiled and relaxed in her mate's arms. "I know, and I will be eternally grateful for that, and I will apologize in advance that if I need you both close tonight. Only by having you two close I feel my mind slowing down to such a degree that I can finally compartmentalize again."
They both smiled at that. "I'm sure we can find a way to make that work 'Mione. I promise not to grope you again." Luna said teasingly.
Hermione smiled at that. "As I said that morning, I would rather have Fleur be the one to do that, but having said that, it didn't feel as weird as I thought it would."
"We actually talked about that too. We actually found out that it is very common in our family for sisters to share those things together and even have their first time together. It comes from the madness of the eldest and their want to keep their siblings safe. It is probably the reason why we both feel so comfortable with being somewhat intimate with each other despite our aversion to physical contact with anyone else outside of our family." Luna said softly.
"That actually makes a lot of sense. Are you okay with this Fleur?" Hermione asked softly.
Fleur nodded at her. "Yes love, I am. Because I know from reading my own family's history that I have a fair number of ancestors who were mated to a Black and our inner Veela recognizes the necessity of that intimate sibling bond, because it is different from what we as mates share. Ours is a bond of passion, lust and intimacy whereas your bond with Luna is one of love, trust and safety and while similar sides of a coin, they are different. I am sure you don't love your sister the same way you love me. It is also why I won't be mad should you two feel this urge at some point."
Hermione smiled at her. "You're right. I love you both very much, but it feels different for both of you. I don't crave Luna's touch as much as I do yours, but at the same time I also feel the near overwhelming need to be somewhat intimate with my sister."
Luna smiled at that. "You're too sweet sometimes 'Mione."
"I can only speak from the heart when it comes to you two because I love you both too much to do anything else." Hermione said softly as she cuddled into Fleur and pulled Luna close at the same time.
The two witches smiled and both pressed a kiss to her cheek. "We love you too 'Mione. Are you feeling a bit better?"
"As long as we can spend the rest of the afternoon talking about things that are not related to what's going on, then I will be more than okay." Hermione said softly.
Luna grinned at her sister. "Then how about we talk about the undoubtedly sexy dress your mate has bought for the Ball."
"You know, for once I think I will let myself be surprised, since she was so adamant on sharing what she was going to wear at the Yule Ball." Hermione said with a teasing smile to her mate.
Fleur just smiled and kissed her, not commenting one way or another. "I promise you are going to love it cherí. I picked it out with you in mind, in my favorite color of course." She said with a wink.
…
Later that afternoon Luna and Hermione were in Narcissa's study so the blonde could put the finishing touches on their dresses since they would be getting ready together on the night of the Ball.
Luna was currently up on the pedestal wearing a gorgeous amber colored dress that made her pale complexion pop out without it being distracting.
Narcissa was currently fussing over the hem of Luna's dress, wanting to make sure it wouldn't drag across the floor the entire night. "Every year you choose such a complicated dress sweetie. You almost remind me of myself."
Luna smiled at her. "I've had a good example aunt Cissa, and you've said for years that I am also very much my mother's daughter."
Narcissa smiled at that. "You are, in multiple ways. Bellatrix usually found some way to get around the dress code without actually breaking it, and Pandora is infamous in her ability to choose something unconventional. You are definitely both, and from what I've seen, so is your sister."
Hermione smiled at that as she watched from the couch. "Luna has told me many times that I look a lot like mother, so I am honestly not surprised."
"In actions, words and behavior , Hermione. You two are so much alike that it is almost frightening at times." Narcissa said sweetly as she finally got the hem of Luna's dress the way she wanted it to.
Luna smiled and twirled around without even being asked, since this was the same every year. "Thank you aunt Cissa. It looks amazing as ever."
"Don't mention it sweetie. While it is a small gathering this year, I still want you both to be as prepared as you possibly can be for the coming years. It never hurts to start early after all." Narcissa said as she motioned for Hermione to come and take her spot.
Hermione smiled and dropped the robe she was wearing as she walked up. "If there was ever any doubt you were Bella's daughter, that was erased now. You look exactly like she did at her age."
That made the brunette blush a little as she stepped into her dress before pulling it up and stepping onto the pedestal as Narcissa zipped it up.
The blonde then made a few slow rounds around her and hummed as she magically altered the dress, leaving for a little bit more room in the waist, which would help in how it fell from her hips. "I think that I don't have to do much else here. Does it feel okay Hermione?"
"It feels perfect. The pinching at the hips was the only issue I had with it. I'm usually pretty consistent when it comes to clothing sizes." Hermione said with a smile.
Narcissa smiled at that. "That's a benefit of being a Black, dear. All women in our family are very consistent when it comes to sizes. It certainly makes shopping for certain items a lot easier."
Both Luna and Hermione smiled at that. "We understand the underlying meaning, aunt Cissa. There is no need to mention the unmentionables." Hermione said with a light giggle.
Narcissa quirked an eyebrow at that. "Then don't sweetie. I'll leave that up to your mate. You are free to talk about those with her as much as you want, in private of course since it is not an appropriate conversation topic in public."
Hermione just smiled at her. "I wasn't planning on that, aunt Cissa. Is that something my mother would do?"
"To spite me on the eve of the biggest family event of the year besides Christmas? Yes she would. She is particularly good at pushing my buttons, no matter the topic." Narcissa said kindly.
The two girls smiled at that. "I can imagine. Hermione and I also know exactly which buttons to push to annoy each other, although we rarely do that." Luna said with a soft smile.
Narcissa smiled at them. "That's because you two didn't actually grew up together. You and Dora are also experts at pushing each other's buttons if you remember. If everything had gone the way it was supposed to, you and Hermione would have been as bad as Bellatrix and I were in our youth. I'm sure you two tease each other plenty."
They both nodded at that. "That we do, but it is mostly harmless, only when we are really tired we get really annoyed with each other." Hermione said with a soft smile.
"Your mothers were exactly like that when they were dating, so it is no surprise that you two enjoy teasing each other too." Narcissa said with a sweet smile.
Hermione and Luna smiled at that. "Like mother, like daughter I've heard say, I honestly can't wait to see exactly how much like them we are.
Narcissa only smiled at them as she too a last look at Hermione's dress, finding it suitable for the ball. "I think you two young ladies are as ready as you can be. I must urge you to not tell Severus or Minerva anything about Hermione's heritage just yet. Once Bellatrix and Pandora are back with us we shall inform them. Minerva is supportive of our cause and Severus is our inside man in the Order, but the fewer people who know about you two being related the better."
They nodded and smiled at her. "We weren't planning to aunt Cissa. Neither of us wish to have people pry into our lives at this point." Luna said with her usual dreamy smile.
"I understand that all too well, sweethearts. We are a very private family at the end of the day, and the list of people we truly trust is very limited. It is a necessity with the sides we've chosen." Narcissa said softly.
Luna and Hermione nodded as they changed back into their clothes, taking special care to not wrinkle their dresses. "We know, it's probably why we usually are only comfortable with family, since no one else understands what we are going through, nor could they ever understand."
Narcissa only smiled and gave them both a bug hug, wanting to make sure that her nieces knew that no matter what, they would always be loved and cared for.
…
Later that evening, Hermione, Fleur and Luna were once again in Hermione's bedroom, cuddled up to each other much like they had in Fleur's room earlier that day. Fleur had already changed into her pajamas a little while ago and was currently waiting for the sisters to do the same, which was something new for her, since they seemed very comfortable in doing that together.
In her mind it didn't make sense since she had never done so with Gabrielle, and she would surely ask them about it once the two girls were in bed.
It still amazed her to witness the closeness of the sisters, especially since Luna was the one that was protective of Hermione, despite being the younger sister. It somewhat made sense since Hermione was still relatively new to all of this, but it was still somewhat rare that the younger sister was so protective of the older sister.
She was very protective and at times possessive of Gabrielle, but part of that was their Veela heritage. Veela were notorious of the protection of their loved ones and it was uncanny how much this family resembled her own in terms of that particular subject.
As the two girls came out of the bathroom, Fleur couldn't help but smile at the sight of her mate, which only grew brighter as they got into bed and Hermione immediately cuddled into her arms while Luna curled up in front of her sister. "Hey love, I hope we didn't keep you waiting too long."
"Of course not cherí. A couple of minutes is nothing in the story of our lives." Fleur said as she nuzzled her nose in Hermione's neck.
Hermione moaned softly. "I can also feel you still have some questions love. Please ask what I know is bothering you."
Fleur smiled at her. "It is not something that is bothering me per say. I was merely wondering how you two can be so comfortable in changing around each other. I could never see myself doing so with Gabrielle."
Hermione and Luna both smiled at that. "Hermione and I were roommates and best friends years before we discovered we were sisters. It was only last year that I really started having my suspicions that she could be my long lost sister and because we've shared a room for four years already, we've become incredibly comfortable with each other. It is normal for us since we have quite similar morning routines.
When we found out we were sisters we very quickly agreed not to change anything in how we acted with each other, as not to give anything away to our House Mates. We're both seen as the odd ducks of our House and we're more than okay with that. The less they know about the truth, the better it is for us in the end."
Fleur nodded at that. "That makes sense, I sometimes forget that you two haven't grown up together, even though you two also act like sisters more often than not. It merely surprised me how comfortable you two were with such intimate things."
Hermione smiled at her lover. "It has been a process, but I've always felt some sort of draw to Luna, and that has steadily grown into what we now share with each other."
"I can feel that mon amour, and I promise you I'm not jealous of it anymore, just curious since it is so far removed from what I was used to. It also surprised me that for the first time I saw a younger sister being protective of their older sister." Fleur said with a sweet smile to both girls.
"I've always felt protective of Hermione, even more so when I realized who she really was. She's been bullied a lot over the last four years due to her intellect and I have always tried to be there for her as someone she could talk to. When I found out that she was my sister I just couldn't help but become even more protective of her." Luna said softly.
Fleur smiled at that as she pulled her mate closer still. "I can understand that, I am exactly the same with Gabrielle, which is honestly why I'm glad that we already know that who her mate is and that I know she is a perfect match for her, and I promise you here and now that I'll make sure to convince my mother to let Gabby spent at least a few weeks here during the summer so you two can at least get to know each other."
Luna smiled brightly at that. "Thank you Fleur. I really appreciate that. I'll be honest and say that I've had at the very least a crush on her last year, but I honestly didn't know what to make of it back then. Only when Hermione and I found the Prophecy for the first time I realized what that feeling was."
"Looking back on last year I noticed some things were off with Gabrielle too. She was far more nervous than usual and a bit quieter too. I think she too felt the pull of the mating bond, but since she was too young then to realize it, and the fact that her heritage had not revealed itself yet, but I have a feeling that it should around this time. A Veela's heritage usually reveals itself around puberty, sometimes quicker when their mate has been revealed. So I think I have a few letter from my sister to look forward to in the next couple of months." Fleur said softly.
Luna smiled dreamily at that. "Maybe we should shelve the talk for now and get some rest. Morgana knows that it will be a precious commodity in the next couple of months."
Fleur smiled and kissed Hermione softly before leaning over her mate to press a soft kiss to Luna's head too, after which Hermione gave her mate a kiss and then pressed a kiss to her sister's neck before pulling the petite blonde closer to her body before they all fell asleep.
…
The following morning Luna woke up in quite a similar fashion as she had a couple of days ago, albeit this time in reverse. Hermione still had one arm wrapped around her body while the other one had sneaked its way under her pajama top and landed on her breast and was squeezing it gently and judging by her sister's breathing, she was still sound asleep.
She didn't mind it though. It wasn't like she was embarrassed about it or anything, but given everything they had talked about yesterday it was a bit surprising to her, even if it was probably some subconscious thing for her sister.
As she pondered this, she felt Hermione slip her hand down to join the other one. "Hey Lu, good morning. Sorry for groping you."
"I'd say we're even now sister." Luna said with a soft smile.
"Must you two be so chatty in ze morning? Some of us like to sleep in." Fleur muttered softly.
The two girls smiled and Hermione flashed her sister a wink as she unceremoniously flipped her mate to her back and kissed the older blonde deeply. "Not usually, but given how we woke up I think it warranted it. Did you sleep okay love?"
"Oui, I slept okay. I just would've liked to sleep in now that I still 'ave the chance." Fleur said softly as she tried to go back to sleep.
Hermione pouted a little at that and softly ran her fingers down her lover's side. "It's nearly time for breakfast though love, and I wouldn't put it past aunt Cissa to drag you down the stairs in this state, besides, don't you want to share a nice breakfast with your mate who loves you very much?"
Fleur shot her a light glare and tried to turn around, but the way Hermione was straddling her made that impossible. "Of course I do, I just don't like waking up this early."
Hermione smiled and kissed her lover softly. "I promise to let you sleep in when I can baby, but it is really nearly time for breakfast. We slept for longer than usual."
Now Fleur smiled and sat up as she wrapped her arms around the brunette. "Bon. Then I will go and freshen up a little before breakfast. We will talk about whatever this was later."
Hermione and Luna both nodded and smiled at her as Hermione rolled off the blonde who then proceeded to get out of bed and make her way back to her own bedroom to shower and get dressed while Luna also rolled out of bed to go and shower in her own room.
This left Hermione with no other option then to do the same, since she was sure that she wouldn't hear the end of it if she was the last one at the breakfast table.
She showered quickly and then got dressed in a comfortable dress that she knew her aunt would approve of, since even if it wasn't Christmas anymore, she wanted to get used to dressing a bit more proper since there she was not going to deny who she was anymore. She would keep the secret for the time being of course, but whenever she came home, she would be the Black she was inside.
When she sat down a few minutes later, she couldn't help but smile at Fleur who immediately took her hand and interlaced their fingers. "Good morning girls. I trust you all had a good night?" Andromeda asked with a kind smile.
The three nodded at her. "We did. We also managed to clear a couple of things up for each other so that we are all on the same page going forward. It was just a bit early to wake up." Fleur said with a teasing smile to her mate.
Both Andromeda and Narcissa smiled at that. "It's almost as if you're a Black already, dear. Most of us have issues with waking up early when it's not really necessary." Narcissa said with a smile, mostly to Dora who was nursing a cup of coffee.
"I resent that remark. I'm perfectly fine with early mornings, just not when I've had a bad night." The Metamorphmagus said softly.
"Are you okay Dora?" Hermione asked softly.
Dora nodded at the young witch. "I'm fine, it's just that I usually don't sleep well when my time of the month is approaching. It has something to do with my Metamorphmagus side, and it's bloody annoying. What also doesn't help is that because of that I'm also fairly irregular, so it's a surprise every month."
Hermione blushed a little at that while both Narcissa and Andromeda sighed softly at the pink haired witch. "This is hardly a topic for the breakfast table Dora. I thought that after twenty years I wouldn't have to explain this again." Narcissa said sternly.
Dora nodded and smiled at her aunt. "I know aunt Cissa, but I can't help but be honest with our newfound niece. I didn't mean to make it so graphic, but as you know I lack a filter between my brain and mouth at times."
"We know Dora, and it's admirable that you're so dedicated to being truthful with Hermione. We just wish you wouldn't be so crass sometimes." Andromeda said softly.
Nymphadora merely nodded at her mother, while giving Hermione and Luna a near imperceptible wink.
The two girls hid their giggles behind their hands as they continued to eat breakfast in peace, all the while Fleur's hand never left Hermione's, which made eating properly a bit of a challenge, but she wouldn't be who she was if she didn't love a challenge, even if that meant eating properly with one hand.