L'Amour Toujour

C38: Wedding Jitters

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

Over the course of the next couple of months, both Hermione and Fleur were hard at work making their wedding the most spectacular event of the year, all the while keeping their dresses and personal additions a surprise for each other.

Fleur's dress had been passed down through her family for many generations, and had been altered in some form or fashion over the years, and now that it was her turn, she went for something a little more drastic, because while the skirt was gorgeous, the bodice was a bit too traditional for her tastes, so for the last week or so she had been experimenting with different designs for the top part, eventually settling on an off the shoulder bodice that accentuated rather than draw attention to her bust, which she knew would have all the focus of her mate for the entire ceremony.

Another difference was that it was not a purely white dress, since this was not Veela custom, which was something Hermione had been very adamant about incorporating in their wedding ceremony, which was another thing she loved about her fiancee. Not many were willing to incorporate what would be considered very sexual practices in any other situation, into their wedding, but since only their family would be in attendance and they had been more than okay with it, she would gladly wear a bit of color into her dress, which were mostly accents along the bodice in various shades of blue.

"You seem pensive, sister. Are you okay?" Gabrielle asked with a soft smile as she worked on trying to lace her sister in correctly for their final fitting before the wedding.

"I wouldn't say I'm pensive. Nervous is probably a better word. We've been working so hard to make all of the preparations for our wedding as well as getting everything in the house situated that it is only now landing that I'm getting married in two days." Fleur said softly.

Gabrielle smiled as she looked critically at her work, satisfied with how it had turned out this time, now hoping that she could replicate it on the day itself. "I can understand that, we've been very busy ever since the war started. I honestly am looking forward to relaxing a bit next week."

Fleur smiled at that. "I'm sure you and Luna will find plenty to do while Hermione and I are off on our honeymoon, and knowing you two you'll spend most of the time in the greenhouse anyway."

Gabrielle smiled and nodded at that. "You're probably right. Where are you two going anyway? You've been surprisingly vague about that."

"I know, but honestly I've only made the final arrangements today, and I wanted to wait with telling you until everything was ready. I'll be taking her on a trip around France and Italy, most notably to Paris, Rome and Venice." Fleur said with a smile.

The blonde smiled at that. "Why am I not surprised to hear that. If there is one thing beside the addiction to sex you two share it is a love of history and learning, plus you've been hounding Maman if we could go to Italy for ages already."

Fleur smiled at that. "With good reason too. Italy is full of things for both of us. Interesting architecture, amazing shops, great food and wine, lots of history to learn, so it is a literal heaven for both of us, and I think Hermione will appreciate getting away from everything after everything."

Gabrielle nodded and smiled at that. "I know, and I think that Luna and I will do something similar after we get married. We've all been far too busy with preparations that in the end weren't even necessary, which is probably the things that pisses me off the most."

"I know, and while most of it was indeed unnecessary, on the other hand I am glad that we had taken the time to take precautions, because if we had needed them and we didn't have them, I don't think we wouldn't have been sitting here like this." Fleur said softly.

"That's true, and it's not like we haven't had use of your prepared potions over the last weeks. I don't think we would've moved in so quickly if it hadn't been for those improved Pepper-Up potions." Gabrielle said with a soft smile.

Fleur gave her sister a kind smile from the praise. "I knew that we would want to move in as soon as possible and knowing how my mate and her mothers think, I figured that it would be best to have those available in abundance, and as it turned out, rightly so."

Gabrielle smiled at her sister. "Yes, your foresight saved us a lot of time sister, but I think that there is nothing I can do to make you look more beautiful, since you know I'm not exactly proficient in hair and make-up, at least not to your standards."

"I know Gabi, and that's why I asked Dora to help me with that on the day itself, I am going to need both of my bridesmaids to make me look perfect." Fleur said with a grin.

"I'm honestly just glad that Maman didn't push her want for a traditional Veela wedding. Then my job would have been pointless." Gabrielle said with a soft smile.

Fleur laughed lightly at that. "I don't think she wouldn't want to push anything for a while when it comes to us, although we also shouldn't take advantage of that, because that might actually backfire."

"I wasn't planning to, because I think you'd agree that we also carry part of the blame for how things deteriorated between us and Maman. If we hadn't feared her reaction and would've been honest with her I feel that a lot of hurt could've been avoided." Gabrielle said softly.

Fleur nodded at that. "I know, it's all I've been able to think about ever since we had that talk with Maman. I shouldn't have been afraid to say what I knew what was true in my heart, even if things hadn't been confirmed yet. It will always be one of my greatest regrets."

Gabrielle smiled and hugged her sister. "We've got plenty of time to make up for it ma sœur."

Fleur merely nodded and pressed a long kiss to the top of her sister's head as the young blonde helped her sister get out of her dress again, and since there would be no one else around for two more days, they didn't bother getting dressed again.

…

While Fleur and Gabrielle were in one of the spare bedrooms trying on the blonde's dress, Hermione and Luna were in their bedroom doing the exact same thing for the brunette, whose dress was somewhat more complicated than that of her mate, but like that of her mate wasn't purely white.

Her corset was silver with dark blue accents, while her dress had several dark green accents woven through it, something her Mama had been quite insistent on. It also wasn't like she minded, because it had turned out to be a beautiful dress that she was sure would capture the attention of her mate during the ceremony and the Veela fertility ritual that would follow.

Luna on her turn was happy that she wouldn't be the one to have to string her sister in on her wedding day, because if there was one thing she did not have the patience for, it was tying something to her aunt's standards. "You know 'Mione, I'm glad that you asked Ginny to help you get into your dress on your actual wedding day, because I'm sure that aunt Cissa would have a coronary if she saw how I tied these."

Hermione smiled at that. "We wouldn't want that so close to my wedding day, now would we? I also know you have some issue with tying tidy knots, which is why I asked Ginny to do this. I know out of everyone besides our mothers that you are the only capable of taming the mess that is my hair. You've done so successfully for years after all."

Luna giggled as she wrapped her arms around her sister's waist. "Your hair is hardly a mess, 'Mione. You just inherited Mama's hairstyle. I used to envy your curls."

Hermione smiled at the blonde through the mirror. "It was the same for me too. I really wanted to have your hair because it was straight. My curls have always fought against me in some way. Only when we got comfortable enough with each other to help each other get ready I found ways to tame it."

Luna smiled at that as she pressed a kiss to her sister's neck. "We've come far since then, haven't we, 'Mione?"

"We have. Not only with each other, but with everything connected the truth too. I never thought that we would be here when we found out what we really were to each other." The brunette said softly.

"I always knew at some point in the future we would be here, because as you know I've had numerous dreams of you marrying Fleur since we met her, and as you yourself have said on numerous occasions, my dreams are rarely wrong. I had just not expected that it would be this soon after everything came to a head, but now that we're here, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Luna said softly.

Hermione smiled at her as she turned around before pulling the blonde into a kiss. "I would also not change this for the world. What we share both with our mates and between us has come to mean everything to me, and knowing that we will be able to share this for a very long time warms my heart even more."

Luna smiled and relaxed into her sister's arms. "It won't be just us and our mates either, because we both know that our mothers will be a presence in our lives for a very long time too."

"That speaks for itself, Lu. Neither of us would be here right now if we hadn't fought to find out the truth, nor would we have been so comfortable with each other if we hadn't fought to get back to them." Hermione said softly.

The blonde nodded at that. "That's true, although even before we found everything we had been closer than most people in school were. I honestly think that if you hadn't found Fleur and I hadn't found Gabrielle, we probably would've ended up together at some point, because we're certainly very compatible."

"That we are, and I honestly don't see that changing anytime soon, and honestly, I only see us getting more close now that Fleur and Gabrielle are on a similar level of intimacy with each other." Hermione said with a soft smile.

Luna nodded as she untied the laces that held up her sister's corset. "Maybe you should ask Ginny to don't strap you in as tight. That might slow you down on the wedding night."

Hermione laughed lightly as she wrapped her arms around her sister's waist while also cupping her butt. "We're witches Lu. There are plenty of spells we use on a daily basis to aid in that, and the fact that you're now choosing to do so manually tells me plenty. My baby sister is horny again isn't she?"

"Well you would be too if you were me. You look gorgeous in that dress and it is getting me all worked up again." Luna said with a slight blush.

Hermione smiled at that. "I think we have some time left before lunch. What are you in the mood for, sister?" She asked as she gathered the blonde close.

Luna smiled and kissed the brunette deeply. "I want to strip you out of your dress and then make you lose your mind all over again."

"I have a more kinky idea if you're up for it, one that will definitely be reciprocated when our situations are reversed, although it would require me to keep on my dress for a while longer." Hermione said with a soft smile.

Luna perked up at that. "I'm all ears 'Mione."

Hermione smiled and kissed her sister softly. "All you have to do is trust me. I think you'll know what my intentions are very soon." She said as she slowly pushed the blonde to her knees and lifted the skirts of her dress over her head.

Luna meanwhile grinned as she got what her sister's idea was, and therefor wasted little time in slipping two fingers into her sister while also latching on to the brunette's clit, making her sister moan loudly as she tried to bring her to heaven.

Hermione couldn't help but smile at the sight of her sister's feet poking out from underneath her wedding dress, and was already looking forward to the time where it would be her in the blonde's position. It was only fair after all.

…

When Hermione woke up that Saturday, surprisingly alone since Luna hadn't left her side for the past week, she had to take a moment to gather her bearings. "Lu? You up yet?" She asked groggily.

As if on cue the door opened to reveal the blonde, who was carrying a tray laden with sandwiches, small pancakes, a carafe of orange juice and a pot of tea. "Indeed I am, my dear sister. I figured you wouldn't want to spoil any surprises, so I convinced Mama to let us for once have breakfast in our bedroom."

Hermione smiled as she sat up. "That's sweet of you sister." She said as Luna joined her on the bed.

Luna smiled at her. "We don't have much time to eat though, we're on a tight schedule after all. As soon as you've eaten you need to hit the shower while I bring Ginny here. Then we'll help you get into your dress and do your hair and make-up before we get dressed ourselves, after which we should have about half an hour to get you downstairs and towards Mama."

"You've really planned it all out haven't you sister?" Hermione said with a soft smile.

Luna nodded as she poured her sister a glass of orange juice and a plate of sandwiches. "Of course. My big sister is getting married today, and as Maid of Honor it is my duty to make sure you are on time for every part of your wedding today."

Hermione smiled and pressed a kiss to her sister's cheek. "You are far too good to me, and I wouldn't have anyone else that I would rather have standing next to me today."

Luna just smiled at her as they ate their breakfast quietly, after which Luna ushered her sister into the shower, while she donned a robe to go and collect Ginny so that they could help Hermione get ready after her shower.

To make things easier Ginny's dress was already hanging from the closet in their room, so that the redhead only needed to worry about her shoes and accessories today.

The redhead in question was very excited as they walked up the stairs, talking animatedly about everything that she and Dora had been up to over the first few weeks of the holiday, and of course she also couldn't stop gushing on how amazing the house and surrounding grounds looked.

Luna had only smiled at her as they stepped into their bedroom, where Hermione was already waiting for them in her own robe. "Good morning Gin. I hope you've been doing okay over the last few weeks?"

Ginny nodded and smiled at her. "Hey 'Mione. I've been doing great. Dora has been showing me everything the mansion has to offer and I've really been enjoying my time with her so far."

"I wouldn't have expected anything else to be honest, Dora has been very excited to really get to know you without anything hanging over our heads." Hermione said with a smile.

Ginny smiled at that. "Well, it's certainly working so far, I haven't had this much fun since before the twins left home, but we can talk at the party. I believe we have a bookworm to get ready." She said teasingly.

Hermione just stuck out her tongue as she dropped her robe, revealing her naked body. "I honestly don't mind being called a bookworm. I'll show you my new sanctuary after the party.

Ginny merely smiled at her as she and Luna started to help the brunette get into her dress, all three of them talking excitedly about the day and everything it would bring.

On the other side of the Manor, Fleur, Gabrielle and Nymphadora were in very much a similar situation, the dress having been put on and now Fleur was sitting at her vanity table where Dora would apply her make-up and would fix up her hair. "So Fleur, what are you feeling for your hair today?"

The blonde smiled at the Metamorphmagus. "I think for today I'd like to go for something stylish but elegant, although I would like to try and incorporate some form of a braid. It's sort of a tradition in our family to get married with a braid."

Dora smiled at that. "I think we'll be able to manage that. Your hair is certainly long enough to make something beautiful our of this wave of fine silk."

Fleur laughed lightly at that. "While you are not the first one to say that, I am sure it's not that fine. Most mornings it is very unmanageable."

Nymphadora merely smiled at that as she started to comb through the blonde's hair. "While I find that difficult to believe, I'll take your word for it. Let's get you looking even more radiant than you already are, since I doubt your future wife would be happy with me if we are late."

Fleur smiled at that. "I think she also wouldn't be the only one. My mother, and probably more importantly my grandmother will be pretty miffed if we are late, and that is something I would rather avoid with the numerous rituals we have to perform today."

"Which ones did you two end up agreeing on, Fleur?" Gabrielle asked softly.

The blonde smiled at her sister. "We're doing three in total, none of which will require us to get completely naked. We're going to mark each other with the Veela Wedding Paint first, then Hermione will present me with something intensely personal like I have given her in the early stages of our relationship, ending with a flight around the grounds."

Gabrielle nodded and smiled at her. "Are your wings strong enough? You haven't exactly been practicing lately."

"They are. I've been practicing in the few free hours we've had over the past few months, and I am confident in my ability that they will be able to carry Hermione's weight for a flight over the grounds." Fleur said softly.

Gabrielle nodded at that. "I wasn't exactly worried, because I know you wouldn't do the ritual if you had any doubts about your mate's safety."

Fleur only smiled at that as she saw how amazing Nymphadora had made her hair look, and after a quick spot of make-up, today not to conceal blemishes, since there were non, but rather to accentuate, the two bridesmaids quickly got dressed and fixed their own hair with magic.

…

By the time everyone was ready, the sun was already high in the sky, with McGonagall waiting patiently for her Goddaughter and future wife to make their entrance, and the moment the first wedding march started to play, she couldn't help but smile at the sight of Bellatrix and Hermione striding in, the young brunette looking absolutely radiant, and judging by the proud smile on her daughter's face, she was positively ecstatic for her little girl, who on her turn was followed by her bridesmaids, Luna and Ginny.

As the two witches came to the podium where she waited, Bellatrix gave her daughter a soft kiss to the cheek before she sat down next to an equally beaming Pandora.

Not soon after Fleur walked in on her father's arm, followed closely by Gabrielle and Nymphadora, and it was clear to everyone that the two witches only had eyes for each other.

"Good morning everyone. We are all gathered here today to bear witness to the union of Hermione Katerina Black and Fleur Isabelle Delacour. I believe both of you have written your own vows for today?" McGonagall asked with a kind smile.

They both nodded before turning to each other. "Hermione, we met under strange circumstances, but I wouldn't change a thing. I knew from the first time I saw you that you were the one and to this day I regret how cold I was to you in the beginning when you extended the hand of friendship. It is something I will forever spend my time in making up to you. I also promise to forever stand by your side no matter what happens." Fleur said with a soft smile.

Hermione smiled at her. "I'll admit that it took far too long for me to realize how I really felt about you, but I could never regret everything that followed once I did. I love you and haven't been afraid to show it for a long time. I promise to always support you in what ever you choose to do and forevermore be the mate that you deserve."

"Those were beautiful vows. Now I believe that before the actual completion of this wedding, there is a ritual you two need to perform?" McGonagall said kindly.

Both of them nodded as Amelié stepped forward with an ancient container of paint, coming to stand next to Minerva. "This was passed down through our family from its very beginning and has been used at every wedding. I need both of you to dip two fingers into the paint and let your bond decide what your marks will be."

They nodded and did as they were told, each of them taking down the tops of their dresses before dipping two fingers in the golden paint, both of them closing their eyes as they let their bond mark the other.

When they opened their eyes again, they had to smile at the marks that were across the other's chest, matching perfectly with each other as they pulled their tops back up. "Now that we've all born witness to that beautiful moment, I think it is time for the most important question of the day. Do you, Hermione Katerina Black take Fleur Isabelle Delacour as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health until death do you part?"

"I do." Hermione said softly.

"And do you Fleur Isabelle Delacour take Hermione Katerina Black as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health until death do you part?" McGonagall asked softly.

"I do." Fleur said with in a similar tone.

McGonagall smiled at them. "Then by the power invested in me by the Ministry of Magic and the Wizengamot, I pronounce you wife and wife. You may now kiss to seal your union."

They two witches smiled and kissed each other chastely before they slid their rings on the other's finger.

Knowing that they weren't done, Luna handed her sister the necklace they had made together, a silver necklace in the sign of an Ouroboros in two different shades of blue. "Fleur, this represents my love for you, infinite and without an end. Will you accept this sign of my love?"

"I will gladly accept this token of your love, and I will cherish it forever. Will you put it on for me?" Fleur asked softly.

Hermione nodded and put the necklace around her wife's neck, pressing a soft kiss to it as she clasped it.

Fleur then once again turned around and gave her wife a kiss. "I love you Hermione."

"I love you too Fleur, shall we give ourselves to the excitement of our family?" Hermione asked softly.

The blonde nodded as they all turned to their family, and of course their mothers were the first to come up and hug them, and for the first time in a very long time, Fleur felt like all would be well between herself, Gabrielle and her mother.

After everyone had given them a hug and their congratulations, Fleur gathered her wife close. "Before we will join you at the reception, there is one last ritual that Hermione and I need to perform. There is food and drink for everyone. We will see you all soon." She said as she focused on bringing out her wings.

Everyone smiled at her as Apoline walked up to them. "We'll keep your guests entertained until you arrive. Take all the time you need."

Fleur smiled and nodded as she scooped her mate into her arms before taking off in flight, going high enough for them to have a magnificent view of the entire grounds. "I'll admit that I was a little bit nervous about this baby. You've never taken me on a flight before." Hermione said softly as she nuzzled her nose in her wife's neck.

"That's because my wings haven't been strong enough to carry us both for an extended period of time. I have been neglecting that part of my Veela training a bit." Fleur said softly.

Hermione smiled at her. "Well they are beautiful, and I hope to get to see more of them in the future."

Fleur only nodded and kissed her as they glided lazily through the air, both of them more than content to stay like this for as long as Fleur was able to do so, after which they flew to their bedroom to change.

…

As the newlyweds joined the rest of their family after a quick change of dresses, everyone already seemed to have a drink in hand, and of course both Luna and Gabrielle were close by to hand them both a glass of champagne. "You two sure took your sweet time getting changed." Luna said teasingly.

The two smiled at her. "Our flight took a bit longer than we anticipated, changing actually didn't take so long for once." Hermione said with a soft smile.

The two blondes smiled as they led the newlyweds to their table, which next to them also seated their bridesmaids and parents, although the rest of the family wasn't too far away, and definitely within hearing range.

After talking with everyone for a while, a light lunch was served so nobody would keel over from hunger until it was time for dinner.

Fleur and Hermione just smiled as they watched everyone interact with each other, content to share light conversation with their sisters and parents.

When dinner was served a few hours later, everyone took a seat at the single table that had been set up in the middle of the large tent that had been put up for today. Fleur and Hermione were in the center of their family, and since Fleur's side only consisted of Apoline, her father, Armand and her gran-mere Amelié they hadn't opted for place cards, but rather let people choose their own seats, and of course Luna and Gabrielle had opted to sit next to their sisters.

As they enjoyed their meal, they continued to talk about the future, and especially Apoline was very interested in what her daughters were planning on doing. "So ma petites, what are your plans now that everything has settled?"

"Hermione and I intend to keep growing Le Chaudron Bleu with a more interesting array of products, since most of my popular creations were at the very least inspired by my wife, although we're still debating if that is going to be a full time thing. There are so many other things that have captured my attention in recent months that I can't wait to explore with my wife." Fleur said with a soft smile.

Hermione smiled and pressed a kiss to her wife's cheek. "You're too sweet baby."

Apoline smiled at the couple, now more than ever realizing how foolish she had been in her anger at her daughters. "I'm sure that whatever you two will set your mind to, you will be amazing at, cherí." She said kindly before turning to her youngest.

Gabrielle and Luna also smiled at her. "We intend to help Pandora tend the plants in the greenhouse, as well as continue our lessons until such time we can take our N.E.W.T exams. After that we haven't really decided what we are going to do." Gabrielle said with a soft smile.

"I'm glad that you still want to finish your education, and I have every confidence that you will be given the best tutelage here." Apoline said kindly.

Gabrielle smiled at her mother. "That is one thing you won't have to worry about Maman. I've honestly learned more from everyone here than I have at Beauxbatons."

Apoline smiled at her. "I can also promise you that the curriculum we have put together includes things that no magical school can teach her. It has facets of every aspect of our society." Narcissa said kindly.

"That is good to hear. I honestly have always been somewhat disappointed with the Beauxbatons curriculum, and I'm glad that my daughter will get the education she deserves." Apoline said kindly.

Narcissa smiled at her, having found that she had a lot in common with the French woman after she had a good talk with her over how she had treated her daughters.

After dinner Fleur and Hermione were ushered onto the dance floor for their first dance as a wedded couple, and as they danced together, the two shared shy smiles with each other, both of them still floating on the pink cloud of happiness that they had found themselves on for most of the day. "I'm so glad that I could share this day with you Fleur. It has been absolutely perfect."

The blonde smiled and kissed her wife softly. "I can only say the same, mon amour. I wouldn't trade today for the world."

Hermione smiled as she spun her wife right into the arms of her father, the two smiling brightly as they had their father-daughter dance, while she was pulled into the arms of her Mama. "I was hoping you wouldn't mind having a dance with me, sweetie."

"Why would I ever mind that Mama? It is customary for one of the parents to share a dance with their daughter on their wedding day, and it makes more sense that you would dance with me because we're so much alike." Hermione said sweetly.

Bellatrix smiled sweetly as she pulled her daughter close and they slowly danced together.

Of course both women also shared a dance with each other's sisters and of course their own, but the final dance of the night would be once again for them, something they had been very adamant about during the planning.

As the night drew to a close, Fleur and Hermione were extremely tired, but also very satisfied with how the day had progressed. They had been toasted by their family for what had seemed like an eternity, and had gotten a near mountain of gifts that they would gladly spend some time in the coming week unwrapping.

Now however they were on their way to what would be their bedroom for the next two nights, since their sisters had early on stated that they wouldn't want to impose on the wedding night, even though they both knew that there would be little to no chance of any of that happening tonight because of how exhausted they were.

"It's been a hell of a day hasn't it, Mrs. Black?" Hermione asked cheekily.

Fleur smiled and kissed her. "Indeed it has, Mrs. Delacour, but also one I wouldn't trade for the world. I would however appreciate it a lot if we could wait with consummating our marriage until tomorrow."

"You read my mind, mon amour. I don't think I will be awake for much longer once we are in bed." Fleur said as she stifled a yawn.

Hermione merely smiled as they stepped into the lavishly decorated room, which was usually used as just a guest room, but now looked every bit as extravagant as their own bedroom they shared with their sisters, and as Fleur had predicted, the two witches were asleep the moment their heads hit the pillows.