L'amour Toujour

C33: Preparations for War

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

As the months progressed into April, preparations for the final battle were almost ready, as were their orders for the final battle, which would commence in a month's time. Bellatrix and Hermione were tasked with killing Dumbledore, while Pandora, Andromeda, Luna and Dora would help take control of the school and keep the students under control. Narcissa, Fleur and Gabrielle would be on standby until the Headmaster was dead, after which they too would come in to help in the control of Hogwarts until such time their Lord would arrive.

They already had the assurances from McGonagall that the staff would assist in keeping the student body, and more importantly Gryffindor under control until such time everything could be explained.

Draco by definition had it easy, since he was only required to bring the family and selected Death Eaters into Hogwarts with the assistance of Ginny, who would provide the necessary distraction for that to happen.

All necessary potions had been brewed and both Hermione and Luna's robes had been fully enchanted for protection. The two had also worked endlessly on their spell-work with Bellatrix to the point that both of them could hold their own against their mother, which had made the raven-haired witch very proud of her girls.

They were now once again in Bellatrix's sanctuary on the roof, under the guise of a last training session before the battle, but in actuality today would be their exams, since they all knew that there was not much more that they could teach their daughters and by extension Gabrielle too since the young Veela had been beside them for all of their lessons, since she wanted to ensure that she wouldn't be a burden to her family when it was time for the battle, but today she was with Fleur working on her special project that only Narcissa and the two Veela knew about.

"Now girls, for today I have something very special planned, something that you probably won't need in the battle to come, but will be very useful nevertheless. It is a very difficult one to learn, and even more difficult to master. Today I will be teaching you two the Patronus Charm." Bellatrix said with a good bit of excitement.

It was infectious as their eyes lit up. "Before you two get too excited, as I said this is a very difficult spell to cast. I want you to pay very close attention to the incantation and to the wand movement. There is absolutely no shame in not being able to cast it after today."

The sisters nodded and smiled as they paid very close attention to everything their mother was going to teach them, both having been excited to learn the charm ever since they had read about it early on in their expanded education.

Bellatrix on her turn couldn't help but smile as she adopted her teacher persona again and took out her wand. "The most important part of the Patronus is not the wand movement or the incantation, but the memory you use to fuel it. The happier the memory, the stronger your Patronus will be. Watch closely as I show you the wand movement." She said as she slowly showed them the exact wand movements.

After a few minutes of repeating the movement she motioned her daughters to come and stand next to her. "I think you two are ready to try it. Now don't be disheartened when you don't manage it the first time."

Hermione and Luna smiled and nodded at their mother as they focused their happiest memories, which for both of them was the day they had been reunited with their mothers. "Expecto Patronum!"

Bellatrix was beyond surprised to see the blue waves of the Patronus sprout from her daughter's wands. "Amazing. I don't think I've ever seen anyone able to conjure a somewhat corporeal Patronus on the first attempt. Those must've been some powerful memories."

Hermione and Luna smiled at her. "I used the memory of the first time we were all together, Mama. I don't think I could think of any other moment in my life that made me happier."

"I thought of the same thing. I have never been happier before or since." Luna said softly.

Bellatrix smiled and gathered her daughters into a hug. "You're too sweet, my darlings, and I can honestly say that the same is true for me and your mother. We had so many hopes and dreams when you were born, and now to be able to see those hopes and dreams come to fruition is more than we could've ever asked for."

Hermione and Luna both smiled and cuddled into her as they took a seat. "Ever since we learned the truth we imagined what it would be like to share our lives with you and Mummy again, and our imagination came up short to the reality of being able to do everything we've talked about ever since we learned that our family would be complete again."

Bellatrix smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of both of their heads. "I remember that day very clearly. I was so nervous about what I would say to you when we saw you for the first time in fifteen years, and all of those nerves disappeared when we had you in our arms. We've come far since then."

"We have Mama, and we have further to go still. Once we have brought down Dumbledore and the Ministry, we'll be free to do whatever we want, and we intend to spend a lot of time with you two along with our mates." Luna said with a soft smile.

Bellatrix smiled sweetly at her daughters. "Our future looks bright my sweets. No one will ever tell us how to live our lives again and I am more than sure we will get our fair bit of recompense from the Ministry for everything that was done to us in the First War, although I admit that getting to end the old man will be a very good start of that closure too."

Hermione and Luna merely smiled as they cuddled closer into the raven-haired witch, all three of them more than content to spend the morning together before continuing their practice.

…

While Hermione and Luna were practicing with Bellatrix on the roof, Fleur and Gabrielle were deep in the basement, which had been converted by Narcissa into a makeshift forge, so that Gabrielle could work on her special projects under her sister's supervision.

Fleur herself was also working on something special for Hermione, which was a necklace that she planned on giving her fiancee before the battle as a promise to be careful, as well as a couple of handy enchantments that would ensure her mate would be safe during the battle with the Headmaster.

Gabrielle had proven to be a regular prodigy and had needed very little guidance as she worked tirelessly on the ring she intended to give to her mate, and after only a few minor corrections and a bit of guidance from her sister, she had been able to create something beautiful that was worthy of her mate. And therefor the ring was almost ready, having been cast from a combination of metals that gave it a pale white sheen and would be inlaid with two small sapphires, one for each of them.

She had also very carefully selected the extra enchantments that she wanted to add to it, since her base enchantments were non-negotiable, and would be similar to the ones Fleur had added to Hermione's ring. Those base enchantments consisted of an ancient Veela charm that would lessen the feelings of separation and the anxiety they were both bound to feel during the final battle and a light protection charm that would keep them both safe from most basic jinxes and hexes.

Having been at it for most of the morning and knowing that their mates would have Defense lessons all day, Fleur and Gabrielle decided to take a break. "I have to say Gabi, you are picking up this forging a lot faster that I thought you would. You may have missed a calling here." Fleur said with a soft smile.

Gabrielle smiled at her. "Perhaps, but I'll never be as good as aunt Amelia, and besides my interest lies in Herbology, and it will be somewhat difficult to combine those too, unless I find a way to make vines durable enough to be used as jewelry."

"If anyone can do that it's you, Luna and Pandora, ma sœur. I honestly don't see us going back to France anytime soon and with practice you could easily equal aunt Amelia in skill." Fleur said sweetly.

Gabrielle blushed a little at the praise. "We'll see what happens, ma sœur. It's not like we don't have magic that could create a proper forge wherever I would want it, and maybe I'll ask Pandora and Bellatrix if that could be an option to add to our future home, granted you and Hermione would still want to join us here, because Luna and I definitely will."

Fleur smiled at her sister. "Of course we do. It'll be easier for everyone in the end. We'll get more time together, she and Luna will have more time together and they both will get more time with their mothers, and of course so will we. I honestly fail to see any type of downsides here."

Gabrielle smiled and nodded at that. "That's because there aren't any that I can think of. Over the last few months we've shared more with Bellatrix and Pandora than I ever thought would be possible, because honestly I didn't think I would ever have been comfortable with doing some of the things we did with them over the last few months, both with and without our mates present."

Fleur nodded at that. "That is an understatement to say the least. I had honestly never expected to having to suckle on a mother's breast ever again."

Gabrielle giggled at that. "I have to admit that it looked adorable seeing both you and Hermione being so into it, not to mention that I felt how calming it was for both of you."

"I felt exactly the same from you and Luna to be honest, which is plenty telling in and of itself. From everything I know and have read about Veela mating bonds, by all accounts what we feel and share should not be possible in a conventional mating bond, but at the same time I can't say that it feels unnatural or anything, like we're right where we are supposed to be." Fleur said with a smile.

"That because we are right where are supposed to be sister, we are with our mates and soon we'll have all the freedom we could want, and with a bit of luck Maman will also come around and talk to us again." Gabrielle said softly.

Fleur smiled and nodded. "Let's hope she does, although I have to say that you sound far older than your fifteen years just now."

Gabrielle smiled at that. "With everything that has been going on over the last months I've been kind of forced to grow up a bit faster, and of course with Luna being who she is it was also kind of inevitable. I couldn't be seen as childish next to my mate."

Fleur laughed lightly at that. "You've certainly succeeded at that, Gabi, although I hope you'll forgive me if I keep calling you ma petite. That has been so ingrained in me that I don't think I could ever stop doing that."

"Of course I don't mind Fleur. I've been so used to you calling me that over the years that I don't think I could live without it anymore." Gabrielle said with a soft smile.

Fleur smiled at her sister. "Then may I suggest we go and get some lunch, ma petite? We've certainly earned it after all of the work we've put in so far."

Gabrielle smiled and nodded. "That sounds like a great idea. I could do with a bit of cooling off after standing over that forge for the majority of the morning."

Fleur merely smiled at her sister as they made their way up to the kitchen, since they could easily make themselves lunch instead of asking Narcissa.

…

Later that afternoon Fleur and Hermione made their way into the garden, both of them wanting to take a short break from the hectic atmosphere that had taken over the Manor in recent months. "I'll admit mon amour. I've missed this a little. We seem to be more busy now than ever before."

"I know love, but it's all for a good cause. Once we deal with Dumbledore and the Order we'll have all the time in the world to do whatever we please, and I have a feeling that it won't take long before our Lord is ready to make his move. I don't think it'll take another month." Hermione said softly.

Fleur smiled and kissed her softly. "Let's hope so. We've got a wedding to plan."

Hermione smiled at that. "Indeed we do, although I have to admit I'm not looking forward to the inevitable row I'm going to have with your mother, because trust me that I have some words for her about how she has treated you over the last year."

"I had a feeling you would say that, and trust me that you will get that chance and that you do not have to worry about confronting her. You've seen her letters. She is thoroughly embarrassed about how she treated me and Gabi, and while we will have a good talk about this, I wouldn't want her to become defensive if I take it too far." Fleur said softly.

Hermione nodded at her. "I know, and I wouldn't want to cause more contention between you and your mother. I just feel protective of you and what she did to you is inexcusable in my book."

Fleur smiled and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I know, and I have a feeling she's dying to apologize to not just me and Gabi, but to you and Luna too. She knows very well she has done wrong and I am sure that my Gran-mere has given her a lot of grief about this too."

Hermione nodded and smiled at her. "Okay, I get it, no ripping into your mother when I meet her. I can't promise Mama won't do so though."

"Bellatrix promised me that she wouldn't, and I know your mother values such promises so I am honestly not worried about that." Fleur said with a soft smile.

Hermione sighed softly at her mate. "I should've known Mama would not want to escalate such things."

Fleur smiled and pressed a long kiss to the brunette's cheek. "I think it's more because she doesn't want to cause strife before our wedding, mon amour. Before relations became cooled I was very close to my mother and would usually tell her anything, although I actually didn't say that I had found my mate, which in hindsight was not my smartest move ever. If I would've told her, a lot of this could've been avoided, but as you might know I can be quite stubborn."

"Of course I do. It's one of the many reasons we fit so well together." Hermione said with a wink.

Fleur only smiled as they took a seat on one of the many benches that overlooked Narcissa's prized roses. "One of the many reasons indeed. I just hope she understands why I did so. I wanted to woo you properly without having my Veela side guide me, and I think I have succeeded in that quite well."

Hermione laughed lightly as she cuddled into the blonde's side while at the same time staring at the ring that graced her finger. "You succeeded beyond your wildest dreams, baby."

Fleur smiled and kissed her softly as she pulled her mate into her lap. "I would hope so. I don't propose to just anyone you know."

Hermione giggled and rested her head on the blonde's shoulder. "I would hope not, otherwise I would have questions."

Fleur smiled at that. "You know that there will never be anyone else for me mon amour. I honestly don't think I could ever even look at another woman."

"While there isn't anything wrong with appreciating female beauty, I can easily say the same, with the obvious exceptions of our sisters and my mothers, of course, but that is a whole other matter." Hermione said with a soft smile.

"I know love, which is why I didn't actually mention it. I'm honestly kind of curious how our first time with your mothers will be, which probably is something we should talk about sometime after the battle, because I have a feeling that might be either a very emotional or a very lengthy conversation, possibly even both." Fleur said softly.

Hermione nodded at that. "I know, and it is something I would have to talk about with my mothers and sister first before we can talk about this together. I honestly don't know what to expect and I need more information before I can make an informed decision, which I think this deserves. It could have big consequences after all." Hermione said with a soft smile.

Fleur smiled and nodded at that. "I would raise an eyebrow if you didn't put great thought into this, mon amour. One thing we have together is time and I'm more than okay with waiting until you are ready for that. As I said when we got together. Everything will go at your pace."

Hermione smiled sweetly at that. "Thank you love, and I promise that this decision won't take as long as me realizing my true feelings for you."

Fleur giggled at that. "I figured as much love, since you matured a lot in a year and I have full confidence in your ability to come to a quick conclusion."

Hermione smiled and kissed the blonde softly. "I promise that I will love, because as I said when we got together, I refuse to hurt you in any way, shape or form."

Fleur merely smiled and kissed her as they spent the remainder of the afternoon in the garden, cuddled up to each other and talking about everything that came to mind.

…

The following morning Pandora took her daughters to the greenhouse, having a very specific plan in mind for them when they got there. A part of their preparation for the fast approaching final battle was for her girls to ensure that they found a way to get themselves in the right mindset without them having to be intimate with each other, and with a bit of tinkering over the last few months, and a bit of help from her future daughters-in-law, she had found something that would hopefully achieve that.

She could see Hermione and Luna were a bit nervous, which is what she had expected. This morning wasn't for lessons after all, but to show them what she had thought up for them so that they would be able to focus during the battle when they would be separated from both each other and their soul mates. "Today will a bit different from what our lessons have been, my sweets. I can feel that you're both nervous about what is to come, and together with your mates I have created something that will help you both in several ways, if it works the way I intend to." She said with a soft smile.

"It's almost as if you and Mama can read our minds, Mummy." Luna said softly.

Pandora smiled sweetly at them. "It's not that we can read your minds, my sweets. It is just that because of the bond we share we can both feel when you're nervous or scared, or even when you're amorous."

They both blushed a little at that. "What things you must've felt in recent months then." Hermione said softly.

Pandora smiled at her eldest. "We've learned to block the amorous times out somewhat sweetie, otherwise your Mama and I wouldn't ever leave our bedroom again."

"We can imagine that all too well. We've also had moments where we felt something similar that wasn't coming from us at the time." Hermione said with a soft smile.

Pandora nodded and smiled at that. "We had an inkling that something like that might happen, and I am sure that once we all have settled on our property, those feelings should settle themselves too, but let's see if my newest creation will help you both somewhat when the time comes. Could you lift up your robes for me?"

Hermione and Luna nodded and did as their mother asked while she took two pots with what seemed to be a young Pleasure's Snare. "Is that your Pleasure's Snare, Mummy?" Luna asked softly.

"Indeed it is sweetie, albeit a bit different from my normal variant. I have worked with Fleur and Gabrielle to create two unique types of plants that look and feel like a Pleasure's Snare but works somewhat different. Instead of giving continuous pleasure, it should once wrapped around your leg sends continuous waves of love and calm through your body in order to help you two with keeping focus." Pandora said with a soft smile.

Hermione and Luna smiled at that as Pandora let the plant wrap itself around their legs, both of them giggling softly at the sensation as it settled. "She feels so different from the other one you showed us." Luna said softly.

"That's because I grew these specifically for you my sweets. Your mates have graciously supplied me with a bit of their blood so that the Snare could absorb it and therefor can cater to your needs during the battle. These also happen to be the only ones in existence, and will be, since I usually wouldn't cultivate anything infused with blood unless there was no other option. There is a certain danger in doing that because the results can be somewhat chaotic and in some recorded cases even dangerous." Pandora explained softly.

"I'm sure that's because most people don't know what they are doing, Mummy." Hermione said sweetly.

Pandora smiled at her. "That's sweet, my darling, but even with all of my knowledge of Herbology I don't dare dabble in cultivating with blood magic unless I am absolutely sure that I have a strong bond with someone. I doubt I would ever create something like this again."

Hermione and Luna smiled at her. "I doubt that you will ever have to do something like this again Mummy. Once everything is over we'll be able to focus our attention on doing things we actually like and care about." Luna said with a sweet smile.

Pandora smiled and pulled them both into her arms. "That we will my sweets, and I honestly can't wait to find out what that future holds for us. All I know is that it will be bright and full of love."

Hermione and Luna smiled at her as they both relaxed in her warm embrace. "Among a variety of other things I'm sure." Hermione said with a wink.

Pandora smiled fondly at her eldest. "Once again I'm amazed at how much you resemble Bellatrix, sweetie. That was almost exactly what your Mama would say."

Hermione smiled at that. "You've all said that I'm a carbon copy of Mama, and it is certainly not something I'm ashamed of, never was."

Pandora smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of her daughter's head. "You shouldn't have to be sweetie. Your mother is a wonderful woman on many different levels and we're very proud of the women you've both become. Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined that you two would resemble us both so much not only in looks but also in life paths."

Hermione and Luna smiled at her as they cuddled into their mother. "We've read a bit of that history with Mama and of course I talked a lot to Luna about everything when we found out the truth, and despite the obvious things I was surprised to read how much your and Mama's life mirrored ours." Hermione said softly.

Pandora only smiled and nodded as she carried her daughters over to the couch, so they could sit comfortably while they talked. Her goal for today had been reached since her daughters didn't even seem to notice the vines wrapped around their legs until she gently took them off so they could keep maturing in their pots.

…

When Hermione and Luna were back with their mates, it was well after dinner, and all four of them were glad to finally be in bed with each other, although Luna and Gabrielle had opted for a lengthy shower beforehand.

Fleur and Hermione had already cuddled up together and were sharing soft kisses with each other. "Did you have a productive day mon amour?" Fleur asked softly.

Hermione smiled and kissed her. "I did. We learned to cast a Patronus today, and according to Mama she has never seen anyone who mastered it as quickly like Luna and I did. Apparently it is a big accomplishment to being able to cast a full body Patronus on your first day of learning the spell."

Fleur's eyes widened at that. "You were able to cast a full Patronus? That is magnifique, mon amour. There are very few witches who can do that, and those that do had years of practice. I only managed to do so myself last year."

Hermione smiled and kissed her. "I think it's because of being so close to you for long periods of time and Mama's tutelage that I am able to do this already. May I ask what your Patronus is? I don't think I've ever seen it."

"Veela unfortunately have only one form, that of a swan, because even with our mating bond so strong, my heritage overpowers that particular bit of magic. May I ask what yours is?" Fleur asked softly.

"Of course love, but you have to promise not to laugh. Mine is an otter." Hermione said with a slight blush.

Fleur merely smiled at her. "That is nothing to be embarrassed about mon amour. I happen to think otters are adorable, as are you. They are also extremely protective of their family, which is something you also possess."

Hermione blushed a little at that as she cuddled into the blonde. "Fair, I can give you that. I was honestly a bit disappointed that my Patronus is something so cute, since Mama's Patronus is a lioness."

Fleur smiled at that. "That fits her to be honest. There are few animals more scary than a mama lion."

Hermione smiled and nodded. "I know, I had just hoped to have something a bit more intimidating than an otter."

Fleur smiled and pulled the brunette on top of her. "Your Patronus doesn't have to be intimidating. You are plenty intimidating yourself."

Hermione grinned and kissed her fiancee softly. "The things you do to me Fleur Delacour, they are truly out of this world, and I think you can feel the effects of your words on my body."

"That was my intention love. We've only stolen moments together in the last few months and I am burning for you." Fleur said huskily as she let her hands trail to Hermione's butt.

The brunette moaned softly as she kissed her mate softly. "I'm hot for you too baby, and I would say we've deserved a night where we can take our time loving each other, and I think that our dear sisters have a very similar idea."

Fleur smiled and kissed her as the two spent their time exploring each other once again, but because they had spent so little intimate time together lately, it got heated very quickly.

Soon enough Hermione found herself on her back with her legs wrapped around her lover's waist as Fleur grinned down at her. "You're so wet, mon amour. Do you want something special tonight?"

"I just want you baby." Hermione said huskily.

The blonde grinned and kissed her mate deeply as she slowly started grinding against her, while at the same time squeezing the brunette's breasts softly.

Hermione on her turn didn't want to remain idle and let her hands roam over her lover's back to the blonde's shapely butt. "Have I mentioned recently how much I love your butt, baby? Because I really do."

Fleur smiled at her. "Is this your subtle way of saying that you want to experiment a little, mon amour?" She asked as she pulled back for just a moment.

Hermione nodded and smiled at her. "Maybe. Is it working?"

"Oui, mon amour. It is definitely working, because I can admit that I have been curious too." Fleur said with a soft smile.

"Then how do you want to do this, baby? We have loads of options here." Hermione said lovingly.

Fleur smiled and kissed her lover softly. "I honestly wouldn't mind giving this first to you my love, call it fair play after I took your first."

Hermione grinned at that. "Thank you love, and I promise that before we go to battle, we'll do this again."

Fleur only smiled as she gave the brunette a kiss and got onto her hands and knees, while Hermione kissed her way down her fiancee's back, and as she cast her Cleansing charm, she couldn't help but give those perfect pale globes of her fiancee's butt a nip, making the blonde moan. "You, mon amour, are a tease at times."

"Sorry baby, I just can't help it. Your butt is absolutely perfect." Hermione said softly before she placed a lavish kiss on the puckered hole, which made Fleur moan even louder. Taking that as a sign she was on the right track, she tentatively started eating her out from her behind, and while it felt a bit weird, it was definitely something she could get used to and was already anticipating the time when it was her turn.

Fleur meanwhile was in heaven from all of the new sensations she felt, and while it was somewhat embarrassing, she couldn't deny that it was an amazing feeling.

They were so lost in pleasure that they barely noticed how the bed dipped beside them, and only when she saw a streak of familiar blonde hair to her side, she smiled. "You two sure took your sweet time."

"Like you we were feeling a bit amorous, so our shower ran a bit long. Although I didn't expect you on all fours." Gabrielle said with a soft smile.

Fleur smiled and pulled the young blonde into a kiss. "We were in the mood for some experimentation, and Hermione was quite adamant on pleasuring me."

Gabrielle smiled and glanced over to her mate and her future sister-in-law, who too were locked in a passionate kiss. "It must be a family thing, because Luna was also very adamant on doing something new for me, and this too is new for us."

Fleur smiled at her. "That it is, and I can't say I mind this particular evolution. I would almost say it was inevitable."

Gabrielle smiled and nodded at her. "It was, and I think the only reason it took so long is because I wasn't sure of what would happen. I am now though and never again will be nervous about being naughty with my sister."

Fleur merely smiled at her sister as the four lost themselves in pleasure long into the night, until at some point they fell asleep together in a tangled mess of limbs.