L'Amour Toujour
C35: War, What Is It Good For?
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.
It took more than an hour for news that the Ministry had fallen to come to Bellatrix, which thankfully had given them more than enough time to let the adrenaline dissipate, and after sending a quick Patronus to her sister, she pressed a kiss to her daughter's head. "Ready to end this, my sweet?"
Hermione stretched and nodded. "Yes Mama. Let's go and see how much trouble Gryffindor gave the rest of our family."
Bellatrix smiled at her. "Yes, we shall, but before we do, there is one more thing we need to do. Cast the spell I taught you for tonight sweetie."
Hermione smiled and pressed a kiss to her mother's cheek as she pointed her wand to the sky. "Morsmorde!"
As the symbol appeared Bellatrix smiled. "Good job sweetie, I promise that you'll only have to use this once. It is only to let the Dark Lord know that we will be ready for his arrival, and the Headmistress will know to take down the wards."
Hermione nodded and smiled at her mother as the raven-haired witch cast a Levitation Charm on Dumbledore's body. "I have to admit that despite its intimidating presence, I actually quite like the mark our Lord has chosen."
"It had to be intimidating in order for us to properly embrace the reputation given to us by the Order. He is a Gaunt after all, and they are quite notorious in our world. He felt that it would benefit us if he incorporated that in our mark to the world. Our real mark is actually the tattoo we have, which allows us to communicate over long distances. It was designed by your mother, since I have no artistic talent to speak of." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione giggled at that. "Neither have I Mama. The blondes in our our family are far better suited to that. I know that Luna is an amazing artist."
"If you two really are like Panny and I, I am sure that at some point in the near future you two will get your own tattoo's and I promise you now that your mother and I are okay with that." Bellatrix said softly.
The brunette nodded and smiled at that as they started descending the Astronomy Tower, and not for the first time tonight she was hit with a bit of nostalgia. "I used to love the silence of the Astronomy Tower. Luna and I spent many a weekend up here, especially once we learned the truth of what we were."
Bellatrix smiled at that. "I can imagine that all too well, sweetling. It was a preferred spot of mine and Narcissa as well. As you may know our family has a penchant for naming children after constellations, and we spent hours finding as many or our ancestors as we could find, but always came back to our own."
"But aunt Cissa was named after a flower, wasn't she?" Hermione asked softly.
"Yes sweetie, but her middle name Cassiopeia comes from one of the most beautiful constellations, at least in my opinion. I've always found Cassiopeia fascinating." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled at that. "I suppose it is true that you learn something new every day. I never knew that aunt Cissa had a middle name."
"You and Luna have one too sweetie. It is an old custom in our family. You were named after Pandora's mother Katerina, who may just as well be the most warm and loving women you ever met. She was unfortunately one of the many victims of the First War, and I'm sure that she would have adored you both. She was overjoyed when Pandora and I told her I was pregnant with you." Bellatrix said with a wistful smile.
Hermione smiled at her mother. "I would've loved to know her, and now knowing where my middle name came from, I will cherish it even more."
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a quick kiss to the top of her daughter's head. "Your mother will be able to tell you more about her once this is all over. I do wonder about something however, since I still don't know much of your time at school. Your sister told me of what happened in her third year, and I was kind of curious about how you got dragged into that awful Tournament."
"Honestly Mama, I think that was purely because of the mating bond between me and Fleur. Each champion had taken that which they loved the most, and while we weren't together then. The magic of the tournament must have recognized me as the one thing that Fleur loved most, so I think that is how I ended up on the bottom of the Lake." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix nodded at her. "I thought so, I just wanted to be sure, but to be sure, once this is all over we'll take a trip to his office. One as controlling as him will definitely have some things laying around that will give us more answers, because I have the feeling that he was involved in that too and that he never intended for Fleur to reach you."
"I'm sure Professor McGonagall won't mind that, if she can forgive us for killing the Headmaster." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix smiled at her. "Sweetie, why do you think she was on board with the whole plan? She has been in on it from the very start. Your Godmother is far more Slytherin that she would like to admit after all."
Hermione's eyes widened at that. "Professor McGonagall is my Godmother? I never knew that."
"We asked her just after you were born to keep it a secret from everyone, and the only reason we didn't mention it before now is because we didn't want to worry you more than you already were. She has been more of a mother for me and my sisters than our own mother was, so it was a no-brainer to ask her to be your Godmother when you were born. I have a feeling that she'll want to talk to us all when this is over." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione nodded and smiled at her mother as they came to the Great Hall, the two witches sharing a knowing look with each other as they opened the doors.
…
When the doors of the Great Hall opened and Bellatrix and Hermione walked in, there were once again cries of outrage from the Gryffindor table, which again were quickly hushed by McGonagall. "Quiet! I will not warn you all again. This is literally what was explained to you not an hour ago. Am I also right in understanding that your Lord is on his way?"
Bellatrix nodded as she and Hermione walked up to the platform. "He is indeed on his way. I trust you've explained what needs to happen to young Mr. Potter?"
Minerva nodded. "I have, and he is willing to do what needs to be done. I also have received word from the Order that they will not interfere. In Dumbledore's absence Lupin has taken over the leadership for the time being and he does not wish for more people to die for what has been lies."
"That is good to hear, Headmistress. Narcissa should also be arriving shortly with the rest of our followers that stayed behind just in case." Bellatrix said softly.
McGonagall nodded at her just as Narcissa, Fleur and Gabrielle appeared in the Great Hall. "It seems your knack for making accurate predictions still holds true Bellatrix."
The raven-haired witch smiled as she gave her sister a hug. "I'll admit that I expected us to arrive at roughly the same time, and that most of my predictions in the past were mostly thanks to Panny. She's descendant from Seers after all."
McGonagall smiled at that. "This may be the first time that I've seen you be so modest."
"Could we not talk about this now, mother?" She asked in a whisper.
Minerva gave her a slight smile at her old title. "Of course Bellatrix. There will be plenty of time to talk later. Do you happen to know where he will arrive?"
"He should be arriving in the Courtyard. We figured it would be easier to have some space for the things that need to happen." Bellatrix said kindly.
McGonagall nodded at that. "Then may I suggest that we don't dawdle any longer. Come along Mr. Potter, it is time to end this in a manner that is satisfactory for everyone. The time for questions comes after."
Harry sighed and nodded as he followed the Headmistress and the majority of the Death Eaters out of the Great Hall and onto the courtyard, the majority being the Black Family, while the rest of the Death Eaters remained behind in the Great Hall keep the students under control.
Hermione immediately pressed herself close to her fiancee. "I missed you baby." She said softly.
"I've missed you too love. I couldn't help but worry the entire time you were confronting him." Fleur said softly as she pulled the brunette close to her side.
Hermione smiled and kissed the blonde softly. "I'm sorry to have worried you love, but I promise that I was never in any real danger, not with Mama by my side and not with how much weaker he was."
Fleur smiled and nuzzled her lover's neck. "I know you would be fine, but you know how Veela minds work by now. When their mates are involved they are rarely rational."
"I know love, but within now and an hour or so, everything will be over. We will have ended a war without shedding a drop of innocent blood. Our hands will be clean." Hermione said with a soft smile.
"That they will, and then we can finally live our lives the way we want to." Fleur said softly.
Hermione nodded as they came to stand next to their sisters, who also had some issues staying away from each other. "I can't believe it's almost over. If I'm honest it is a bit of an anti-climax." Luna said softly.
"I know, but honestly I'm glad for that. It's better to know that we prepared too much instead of too little. I do wonder though. How did the students react when you all entered." Hermione asked softly.
Luna smiled at her sister. "Outrage at first, but it quickly turned to understanding, especially a specific Gryffindor who was thankfully very quickly silenced by the Headmistress, with an added benefit that Potter won't hear it anymore and has thankfully seen the light, so to speak."
"Let's hope so, because I honestly wouldn't put it past him to double cross us at this point." Hermione said softly.
Pandora smiled at her eldest. "He won't sweetie. I saw the truth in his eyes. He is just as ready to be done with this as everyone else is."
Hermione nodded at her mother. "Sorry Mummy. I'm just a little bit paranoid after everything."
"I understand sweetie, and that's completely normal after everything you've been through, but I promise that everything is going to be fine now." Pandora said sweetly.
Hermione nodded and smiled at the blonde as she relaxed in the strong arms of her mate. "Don't forget mon amour. I will be here right by your side should they try anything, although I too doubt it will happen." The blonde said with a loving smile.
"I know you wanted to get some revenge against Ron at the very least, but this is better for everyone in the end 'Mione. We don't have to stain our hands in blood now that the old man is gone." Luna said softly as she gave her sister's hand a squeeze.
"Fine, I know when my paranoia gets the better of me. I'll play it by ear like everyone else does." Hermione said with a slight pout.
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. "Focus on your bond with Fleur sweetling. That will bring you back from the edge."
The brunette nodded and took a deep breath as she focused on the presence of her mate, mothers and sister, feeling herself calm down considerably as her mind cleared, not even hearing the tell tale crack of apparition as the Dark Lord and Alecto arrived in the courtyard.
…
"It is good to see that after everything that has transpired you are still willing to listen reason, Harry Potter. I trust you have been told of what needs to happen today?" Voldemort asked in his usual raspy voice.
Harry nodded as he slowly walked forward. "Yes Tom, I know what needs to happen. It has kind of been an inevitability for us hasn't it? I would ask you one question if you would allow me before we do this. If you profess to fight for the peace I do know we need, why even start this conflict in the first place, or even prolong it?" He asked nervously.
"I will be very honest with you Mr. Potter. The First War had many atrocities I now regret deeply, hence the reason I am trying to make amends now. I was given false information that led me to your parent's door that night, and it is something I still regret to this day. I did not mean for them to die, because I felt then as I feel now that spilling magical blood is a waste. I will also admit that I am not fully blameless in this. I wanted revenge against Dumbledore for what he had painted us as, while we wanted nothing more than an honest society. He perverted our views into something dark and I am not proud in my reaction to this. Little of that matters now however. After today there is no reason for any of that anymore. The world we envisioned will come to pass under a new Ministry, Hogwarts will have a Headmistress that has its best interests at heart, and I will pass on with my name hopefully forgotten." Voldemort said honestly.
Harry smiled slightly at that. "Thank you for being honest with me. I'm ready."
Voldemort nodded and cast the Killing Curse at Harry, who landed on a mattress conjured up by McGonagall. "And now we wait for the part of my soul to die, at which point I too shall die. To my followers I say thank you for all these years of support. It has been an honor to have been the recipient of your faith of all these years. I am very proud of you all for handling the situation as you have, and I truly hope that you will continue to prosper. Do not mourn for me, because I have gladly given my life for what I believe to be right."
His followers stayed silent as their Lord started to literally disintegrate before their eyes, while at the same time Harry seemed to regain a little bit of his complexion.
As soon as Voldemort's wand clattered to the ground, Harry sat up with a gasp. "Is it over?"
McGonagall smiled kindly and nodded at him as she walked over to him. "It is over, Harry. They are both gone and you rest easy at long last."
Harry nodded and smiled. "At long last indeed. I do still have questions, mind you, but those can wait until a later time."
"Let's go inside first, then we will talk about what comes next, because I have a feeling that tomorrow I will have early visitors." McGonagall said as she laid a hand on his shoulder to lead him inside.
He nodded and followed the future Headmistress inside, who on their turn were followed closely by the Black Family.
The moment they all walked back into the Great Hall, there were several sighs of relief as they watched Harry walk through the doors unscathed, and both Hermione and Luna couldn't help but giggle softly as he took a seat as far away from Ron as possible.
McGonagall noticed and betrayed a slight smile as she took her spot at the lectern. "Before you can all go back to your dorms, I have a few announcements to make. Because of everything that has transpired tonight, there will be no classes tomorrow and the day after. There will be a lot of conversations that need to happen, and I don't want to put any additional stress on anyone else. Mr. Weasley. I expect you in my office first thing tomorrow. Now off to bed with you. It's been a long day for everyone."
Ron visibly grumbled a little as the students and staff filtered out of the Great Hall, after which Minerva gathered Hermione and Bellatrix into her arms. "It feels so good to be able to do this again, to both of you."
Hermione smiled at her Godmother. "If I only had known this before. I would have fought harder to get to know you."
"You are not to blame for this sweetie. I wasn't sure and you didn't know. What matters now is that we have all the time in the world to truly get to know each other, but I do want to say that I have always been very proud of you, and no more than these past two years. I know it wasn't easy to deal with such bias and hate towards you. And my dear Bellatrix. I'm so happy to see you here and in such good health. I honestly didn't know what to expect when I read you escaped Azkaban." McGonagall said with a soft smile.
Bellatrix smiled and relaxed in the older witch's arms. "It was bad mother. I was in very poor health, but thanks to Fleur and her miracle potion I was back on my feet in no time at all, and of course Panny coming back the day I got home helped a lot too."
McGonagall smiled at her. "We will talk about this tomorrow, when we're not all exhausted from preventing a war. Around noon I expect to be free for most of the day, and since I expect you are all better suited to answer Harry's questions than I am, I will invite him around that time too. Feel free to use my Floo to come in tomorrow."
Everyone nodded and both Bellatrix and Hermione gave her another hug before the family, including Draco and Ginny apparated home, after which McGonagall also made her way to her own chambers.
…
The moment they appeared in the living room of Black Manor, Bellatrix and Pandora turned to everyone. "Before we all call this a night, I just want to say that I am very proud of all of you, and that no matter what happens now, we'll have the peace we desire."
Narcissa smiled at them. "That we will, but we will talk about everything tomorrow over breakfast. If you would excuse me. I'm going to bed."
Andromeda smiled at her sister as she turned to her daughter. "I can trust you to bring Ginny to her room and not let things escalate?"
Dora smiled and wrapped an arm around her girlfriend. "Of course Mom. I think we're all a bit too tired for anything else right now."
Andromeda nodded and pecked a kiss to her daughter's cheek before taking her leave as well, followed soon after by Draco, Nymphadora and Ginny.
"I hope you four don't mind if we join you tonight. I am sure everyone's protective and possessive instincts are flaring a bit and I think between the six of us we'll be able to stave off most of that and the inevitable dreams that will come tonight." Pandora said with a soft smile.
Hermione and Luna both shared a look with their mates before nodding. "We would love to have you two there Mummy. I think we've all deserved a night of closeness, and I can easily admit that I need it too, and I know 'Mione does too." Luna said softly.
"Then let's go to bed, because we can feel that you girls are dead off your feet." Bellatrix said sweetly.
The four girls nodded and followed the two witches upstairs, where they all wasted little time in disrobing the moment they entered the room.
Fleur also took this opportunity to gather her mate close and nuzzle her nose in the brunette's hair, settling her inner Veela that her mate was safe and unharmed, and as they got into bed, she couldn't help the soft moan as she also felt Bellatrix pull her against her chest. "The more times we do this the more natural it feels, which it really shouldn't because of my Veela."
Bellatrix smiled at her. "That's because Hermione and I share a soul, and your Veela recognizes that part of my soul as such. This is a sort of connection that is so rare these days that it is barely in any book, even those exclusive to the Veela and their mates. Therefor it also won't hurt as much when Hermione and I solidify that bond through intimacy, which I admit in any other circumstance would I also would not consider to be normal."
"And yet it feels so natural Mama, like every time we do something that would other people would think inappropriate I feel like you're covering me in a warm blanket of love and care." Hermione said with a soft smile.
Luna smiled at that from her place in Pandora's arms, since unlike her sister and Fleur, she was still slightly taller than her mate. "Let's not forget a decent amount of naughty thoughts too sister, let's be honest here."
Hermione blushed slightly at that. "I think that goes for both of whenever we spend time with our mothers, or our mates, although the time with our mates is more lustful than naughty these days, and honestly I don't see that changing anytime soon."
Luna giggled at that. "Not in the slightest, but I also think neither of our mates mind that particular fact, at least if the things I've seen you and Fleur doing recently is anything to go on."
"I'm sure that at some point we'll be witness to similar things between you and Gabi, because I know my baby sister is a lot more kinky than she lets on." Hermione said teasingly.
"Don't tease each other so much you two. Not tonight of all nights. Tomorrow you'll have plenty of time to ravage your mates and each other to your heart's content." Pandora said with a slightly admonishing tone.
The sisters blushed at that. "Sorry Mummy. I think we're both feeling a little mischievous tonight." Luna said softly.
Bellatrix smiled at her youngest. "While understandable, we know that letting your hormones take control now would have adverse effects. It is one of the reasons we wanted to be here tonight."
Hermione smiled at her mother as she cuddled into her mate. "What do you mean by adverse effects, Mama?"
"The adrenaline hasn't yet worn off sweetie, and that will lead to a form of intimacy that you and Fleur are not ready for. It is a part of our Curse, if you remember." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione nodded at that. "I remember, I just thought that it wouldn't have such effects and that any adrenaline would have faded by now."
"Adrenaline is the only reason you are still awake now sweetie. In the firstborn Black it tends to linger a bit longer." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione nodded at that. "I understand Mama. The haze is lifting a little but I can feel that you are right too. I am not in my right mind and I wouldn't want my fiancee to suffer those consequences."
Both Bellatrix and Fleur smiled at her. "Much appreciated baby, if we do such a thing it would be best if we were both in our right minds, because I honestly don't know how my Veela would react to such things."
The brunette smiled and kissed her mate softly. "Then I'm glad we're not going to find out what it would be like, although I wouldn't mind experimenting a little once we've dealt with everything." She said with a wink.
Fleur smiled at that. "And we will. I believe we had a little holiday planned once everything was over, and what better use of a holiday then to experiment with each other a bit more?"
Hermione giggled at that, but it was Bellatrix who answered. "We'll take a few weeks at our own home, and start construction on your home at the same time. I'm sure you two will find plenty of inspiration there."
Both girls smiled and nodded as they cuddled in closer to each other and Bellatrix, the three falling asleep soon after.
…
The following day Bellatrix, Hermione and Fleur Floo'ed to Hogwarts around noon, so they could talk to Harry and explain everything that had led them all to this point. The reason it was just them was mostly to not make Harry feel ganged up on, but also that they could all give their own perspectives on everything. Bellatrix knew all about the past and the intentions behind the First War, while Hermione could give her perspective on discovering her lineage and the truth of everything over her years at school. Fleur mostly came to give an outside perspective, but also as a moral support for her mate should she need it.
As they stepped out of the fireplace, Minerva was already waiting for them, smiling kindly at them as they dusted themselves off. "It's good to see you this afternoon. I don't think I've seen you smile as broadly since you told me you were pregnant, my dear Bella."
Bellatrix smiled at her surrogate mother. "I know mother, but how could I not when my family is finally complete again." She said as she pulled Hermione into her arms.
McGonagall smiled at them. "I can honestly say that I know the feeling, because I felt the same yesterday, and now that I have the opportunity, I want to say that now seeing you two next to each other, I was a fool to not see the similarities sooner, because they are undeniable."
"You are not the first one to say that Headmistress. Cissa and Andi said exactly the same the first time they saw us together, and apparently also when Hermione spent Christmas with them two years ago." Bellatrix said with a fond smile.
McGonagall smiled at her surrogate daughter as the Gargoyle informed her of Harry's arrival. "We'll talk later. First we have some explanations to give to a certain young Gryffindor, if he accepts those is entirely up to him. All we can do is to tell him the truth." She said with a kind smile.
They nodded and took a seat, with Hermione in the middle, Fleur sitting to her right while Bellatrix sat at her daughter's left. "Remember sweetie. Try to stay calm." The raven-haired witch said softly.
Hermione nodded as McGonagall led Harry in, and they all gave him a kind smile as he took a seat. "I trust you had a good night Mr. Potter." McGonagall asked kindly.
He nodded at her. "Better than most nights in recent months at least, but I also don't want to take up more of your time than necessary, so if we could skip the pleasantries, that would be appreciated."
"Whether or not we will be skipping pleasantries, this will probably be a lengthy discussion, so perhaps it is easier if you ask the questions we know that are on your mind, and we will answer honestly." Bellatrix said kindly.
Harry nodded at this. "That is fair. Then I suppose my first question is for Hermione. When did you find out that everything Dumbledore said was a lie?"
Hermione smiled at him, having expected this question early on. "I've had my doubts since third year, when I started to see cracks in everything he said that didn't line up with things I had experienced, and as a proper Ravenclaw, I started to investigate together with Luna, and with her being who she is she gradually told me of what she knew to be the truth, which we then investigated further every year, doubling down when my heritage became known."
"I should've figured that you would actually investigate it all. It makes a lot of sense actually. I suppose there is only two questions that I really want answered, and they kind of tie in with each other. What happens now and do I need to play an additional role in it?" He asked softly.
Bellatrix smiled at him. "What happens now is that the Ministry will have elections for a new Minister that will bring a change our world sorely needs. Kingsley Shacklebolt has taken over for now and will most probably have a majority support for his bid for the seat of Minister. What this conflict has made clear is that change was needed, and a break from the status quo and biased class system. Going forward anyone's merit is going to be determined based on their skill and abilities, not on the purity of their blood, and to address your second question, unless you seek to claim the Potter Wizengamot seat, there is little you will have to do while you are still in school, and even afterwards there is nothing you have to do, but will have the option to do anything you want. There were two major culprits to this war, and they both paid the ultimate price for it. Both the Order and the Death Eaters have been officially disbanded, and from our side everyone who did commit atrocities will be punished for it. A list of those individuals is already on its way to the Minister."
"Thank you, it means a lot that you have been so candid with information. I've learned more about this conflict in the last two days than I have in six years of school. I also never realized exactly how much Dumbledore kept from me." Harry said softly.
They all smiled at him. "We promised to be honest with you Harry. You have suffered most from both sides, so it is really the least we can do. May we ask you a question too?" Hermione asked softly.
He nodded at her. "Of course. It wouldn't feel right if I was the only one asking questions this afternoon."
"We know that you are very close to Ronald, but we fear that he won't be as open to the truth as you have been. Have you by any chance talked to him about everything that has happened in the past two days?" Hermione asked kindly.
He sighed softly at that. "I wish I could say he won't be a problem going forward, but yesterday truly opened my eyes to exactly how he was poisoning me and my mind so I could only see Dumbledore's ways. I'm not an idiot like everyone thinks I am, even though my actions over the years have proven otherwise, I just had a toxic best friend who used me to get what he wanted. I promise here and now that the moment he becomes an actual problem, which honestly I do expect to happen, I'll report him to the Ministry so they can take appropriate action."
Hermione smiled at that. "Thank you Harry, I always knew you were not stupid, because whenever Ron wasn't around you did good work. I honestly only asked because I would hate for you to have to choose sides again."
"I have, and it is not his or anyone who still believes the truth of Dumbledore's words. My eyes are wide open and I have you all to thank for it." He said with a kind smile.
"I know we've never been good friends and that most of our years at school we've been antagonistic with each other, but I hope that in the future we can build some sort of friendship through all of this." Hermione said kindly.
He smiled at that. "I would like that. I could use some friends that know exactly what I've been through without judging me for it."
Hermione only nodded and smiled at him. "Are there any other questions that are pressing on you at this moment, Harry?" McGonagall asked kindly.
He shook his head. "Not as this moment no. I do have a lot to think about. Is it okay if I return to my dorm and process everything, Headmistress?"
McGonagall smiled and nodded. "Of course, Mr. Potter. I will see you on Monday for class." She said as he took his leave.
"We should probably leave too, because we left without breakfast and I am sure my dear sister is ready to flay me alive because of it. She did ask me to convey the invitation for tea next weekend however, so we can properly catch up." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
"Honestly Bella. I thought you would've grown up enough to not needle your sister at every opportunity, as well as skipping breakfast." McGonagall said with a slightly admonishing tone, which made both Hermione and Fleur giggle as the raven-haired witch blushed. "Having said that however, I would love to come for tea. I'll owl Narcissa with my answer."
They nodded and both Bellatrix and Hermione gave the Headmistress a hug before they made their way back home through the Floo, where indeed a slightly annoyed Narcissa was waiting and ushered them into the dining room with a slight glare.