L'amour Toujour
C32: Unmasking a Traitor
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters
Over the course of the next couple of weeks Hermione, Luna and Gabrielle fell into a nice rhythm of shuffling their daily classes with homework and in Hermione's case also the necessary relaxation with Fleur once the blonde came home from work.
The three Black sisters and Pandora were all extremely proud of their progress so far, and they all knew that Luna and Hermione were ready to complete their schooling, but also that it would be best to wait until everything was over.
They had all been invited to tonight to attend an emergency meeting with their Lord, and the entire Mansion was abuzz with speculation on what it might be, and because of that Narcissa had allowed today a day without lessons, so that they could all prepare in their own ways.
Because of this Fleur had taken Gabrielle with her to the store so that their mates could have uninterrupted time with their mothers, which the two Veela knew they needed for tonight, since it shaped up to be a very important meeting because of its sudden announcement.
It would also be good practice for her sister to know where to find everything in her storage room when eventually Gabrielle would come and work here with her, as well as some valuable Potion brewing experience with alternate ingredients, which were the bulk of her best selling potions.
She knew that it wasn't going to be very busy today, so she also had plenty of time to show Gabrielle around her store and the things she had to work with.
Gabrielle on her turn was glad to be out of the Manor for a bit, because while she loved the Mansion and its surrounding grounds, she had been getting the feeling that the walls were closing in on her, even though she knew it was dangerous to go out. There would be a fair number of people that would recognize her because of the Tri-Wizard, and would then start asking questions about why she was still in Britain.
She had just finished her sister's request of organizing the stock room a little when Fleur came down the stairs. "How are things looking here Gabi?"
"I have just finished, ma sœur. I figured your organizing methods hadn't changed much from the last time I helped you re-organize your room, so I made a few minor changes that I think you will approve of." Gabrielle said with a soft smile.
Fleur smiled at her sister as she looked around, seeing that Gabrielle had indeed made the changes she had imagined she would. "It looks good Gabi, and as it so happens you finished just in time for lunch. Want to go upstairs to eat?"
Gabrielle smiled and nodded as she followed her sister up the stairs to what used to be her living accommodations, but was now mostly used for extra storage.
Fleur had brought some things to make their lunch, and she just knew that it was something her sister would greatly approve of, probably not having had it since leaving France, and while Gabrielle took a seat, she got to work on preparing their lunch.
The moment the smell hit her nostrils, Gabrielle smiled. "Is that what I think it is?"
Fleur smiled and nodded. "Indeed it is, ma sœur. I know it has been a long time since we had bouillabaisse with baguette and I figured you would appreciate a little taste of home after so long."
Gabrielle grinned at her sister as she bounced a little in her seat, clearly excited for her favorite meal. "It's been so long since we had that. Perhaps we could ask Narcissa to make some next Christmas."
"I'll ask, but I think you know that her Christmas food is not to be trifled with, so I don't think she'll say yes, but we can hope. For now this should be enough to satisfy our need for a taste of home." Fleur said kindly.
Gabrielle smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I still don't know Narcissa that well, but I quickly learned she is very serious about the holidays. It took a bit of getting used to from the chaos of our usual Veela Christmas gatherings."
Fleur nodded at that. "It took some getting used to for me as well when I first joined the family for Christmas, because I honestly was only used to such formal settings when Maman organized a party."
Gabrielle nodded and smiled at her when she suddenly remembered why exactly she wanted to join her sister here today. "Fleur, I have something serious I need to ask you. Luna's birthday is coming up and I want to do something special for her. Could you teach me about Veela Smithing. I know that Maman or Grand-mere would usually do that, but I was hoping you would teach me."
Fleur smiled at her. "Of course Gabi. These circumstances are a bit out of our control, but may I ask one thing before I truly agree?
The petite blonde nodded at her. "I'm not going to propose to her yet if that is your question. I just want to make her a mating ring to help protect her."
Fleur smiled sweetly at her sister. "Then of course I will teach you. I honestly had expected you to ask at some point, so I took the liberty of stocking up on some extra materials. We'll start your smithing lessons after the weekend. I'll talk to Narcissa about what lessons they could replace."
Gabrielle smiled and went to hug her sister. "Merci, ma sœur. It means a lot to me that you're willing to go against that particular tradition for me."
"Well, it's Maman's own fault for reacting to the news of us finding our mates as she did. See it as a last act of rebellion before we truly reconcile with her." Fleur said with a bit of a mischievous grin.
Gabrielle nodded and smiled as she retook her seat, waiting patiently for her sister to cook their lunch.
…
At the same time, Bellatrix and Pandora had taken the day to take their daughters to their Manor in the countryside, knowing that tonight could either be very good or very bad news, and they could clearly feel the nerves the two girls had for tonight.
Of course this being their property the four witches were nude while they were cuddled up on the living room carpet in front of a roaring fireplace.
Hermione was cuddled up in Pandora's arms while she rested her head on her mother's chest, while Luna was in a similar position with Bellatrix. "I don't think we've ever taken the time to properly relax as a family. It's kind of ironic that today is the first time we get to do so." Pandora said softly as she nuzzled Hermione's neck.
The brunette moaned softly at her mother's ministrations. "How is it ironic Mummy?" She asked softly.
Pandora smiled sweetly at her daughter as she pressed a soft kiss to the back of her neck. "Because tonight will be about one of two things, unless things that we don't know about have happened in the last couple of days. It will either be us getting our final orders and a timetable of when we will execute our plans, or something momentous has happened that requires us all to be there, which could literally be anything."
"I'm sure that he wouldn't have called upon us so soon after Christmas if it wasn't important. Perhaps he has found out who our supposed traitor is." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix smiled at that. "Let's hope so, because he was quite incensed when I told him everything Fleur told me. I haven't seen him that angry since his return, and only a few times before that. If we have a traitor in our ranks he or she will definitely be made an example of, and I must urge you both to not flinch in the face of his anger. It won't be pointed at us, but he will have to show that this cannot be tolerated."
Luna and Hermione nodded at that. "We promise to try Mama. It is not something we can prepare for." Luna said with a soft smile as she cuddled further into her mother.
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a kiss to the blonde's neck. "I know my sweet, but we wanted to inform you ahead of time. Tonight the chances of you two seeing someone killed, and quite gruesomely at that, are pretty big."
"We're ready for that Mama, we've been working on those mental preparations for months already. We knew what it meant when we said that we wanted to do our part in the war, and we know that it means we are going to see death." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix and Pandora smiled and simultaneously pressed a kiss to their daughter's cheeks. "We're so proud of you that you both at your young age are mature enough to understand exactly what you were walking into. We know this war was something that was thrust upon you, and for that we are sorry. We just want you both to know that we are both extremely proud of you." Pandora said sweetly.
The two girls smiled at their mothers. "This war might have been something that has carried over from the previous generation, but that doesn't mean we don't want to do our part in ensuring this war ends in the most beneficial way possible. I've been lied to by the old man for the better part of four years and ever since I've learned the truth I've been more than sure that I want to prevent someone like him to ever be in such a position of power again." Hermione said adamantly.
"While we can't make any promises for the more distant future, I know that the moment the old man dies and Minerva gets promoted to her rightful position as Headmistress, most students will fall in line, and will for as long as she holds the position. McGonagall has always managed to inspire a healthy fear in students. It is one of the reasons our Lord respects her so." Pandora said with a sweet smile.
Hermione smiled and cuddled deeper into her mother's embrace. "I think anyone with half a brain does so. Ronald outright fears her, so that should be to our benefit."
Pandora smiled at that. "Let's hope so sweetie, and may I just say that you are being very cuddly today? It's good to see."
"You're very comfy to cuddle against Mummy, and something we talked about with Mama still resonates in my mind." Hermione said softly.
"Oh? And what is it Bella said, sweetie?" Pandora asked sweetly.
Hermione and Luna both smiled at her. "I teasingly said before our Defense lessons that Mama could join Luna and I in our naughty fun, and she said that you would be upset if she did that without you there."
Pandora smiled at her wife. "I wouldn't be upset per say, but certainly somewhat disappointed. It is a part of the bond we share that requires us to share such intimacy together as a family, which we will do very soon."
Bellatrix smiled and nodded. "Indeed we will. If all goes well everything should align next weekend. This particular family ritual works best when there is a full moon, and we will also talk about this with both of your mates as well, because we understand that this might be an issue, since we'll basically be mom-napping you for two days."
Luna and Hermione giggled at that. "That sounds like the second best kind of napping there is."
"We know you are both big fans of your naps, especially when two certain Veela are involved. We have all heard the evidence of those times in the last couple of months." Pandora said teasingly.
The two girls blushed at that. "And here I thought we remembered our silencing spells." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix and Pandora smiled at that. "Silencing spells only do so much sweetie. You and Fleur especially are quite loud when you're intimate, but there is nothing wrong with that." Bellatrix said with a smile.
Hermione nodded and smiled at her mother, the four spending the majority of the afternoon relaxing together.
…
After dinner the entire family went to prepare to tonight's meeting, and for the first time Fleur and Hermione did so together with Bellatrix, while Luna and Gabrielle did so together with Pandora.
Fleur and Hermione were glad that they had Bellatrix here, since they both knew that things might escalate if left alone, evidenced by the fact that Bellatrix was keeping a close eye on them while they changed.
Hermione was still in a bit of a teasing mood after their afternoon together, decided to tease both her mother and mate a little, dressing slowly so that Fleur would get a good look. "Don't tease your mate Hermione, it's unbecoming on a night like this." Bellatrix said semi sternly, because she couldn't exactly admonish her daughter for something she had done countless times before.
"Sorry Mama, I'll admit I am still feeling somewhat mischievous from our time this afternoon, and I just couldn't resist teasing Fleur a little, because I know how the night will play out once we are home again." Hermione said with a soft smile.
The blonde smiled and wrapped her arms around her fiancee. "There will be a lot of cuddling in order to bring our emotions of the night down, everything else will probably be secondary."
Hermione smiled and relaxed in the blonde's embrace. "I know baby, I was mostly teasing. I know not to take tonight lightly by any means and that we'll likely see someone be gruesomely murdered tonight, and more importantly what that means for our future."
Bellatrix smiled at her daughter. "Sometimes my sweet, you are a bit too much like me, and I realize I was a bit too much like Cissy just now, which is kind of ironic given the amount of times she admonished me for doing exactly what you just did."
Hermione giggled a little at that. "You've never had to admonish me for something before, at least as far as I remember. So to have done something to deserve it now is actually somewhat refreshing."
Bellatrix smiled sweetly as she wrapped the brunette into a hug. "You've been an exemplary young women so far Hermione, but rebellion is in your blood."
Hermione just smiled at her mother as she continued getting dressed at a more reasonable pace, while Fleur and Bellatrix merely smiled at each other before doing the same.
After putting on their robes, they made their way downstairs, to be met by Pandora, Luna and Gabrielle, the two young blondes not straying from each other's side for even a moment. "I know I've said it before, but you look good in your robes, Lu." Hermione said softly.
Luna smiled at her. "Thank you 'Mione, and so do you. You are truly a carbon copy of Mama now."
"In more ways than one, sweetling." Bellatrix said with a wink to her eldest daughter.
Hermione merely smiled at that. "I sense a story there. What happened, my Star?"
Bellatrix smiled and wrapped her arms around her daughter and Fleur. "Our darling once again showed she is every bit mine by wanting to tease her mate while we were getting dressed, so for the first time in my life I had to channel my inner Cissy."
Pandora laughed lightly at that. "That must have been a shock to your system, given how many times you said that you would never use that tone with our daughters."
Bellatrix just smiled at that as Narcissa, Andromeda and Nymphadora entered the room, all three of them looking ready for tonight. "What's this I hear, did my dear sister finally see the light?" The blonde asked with a smile.
The raven-haired witch stuck her tongue out at her youngest sister. "I think all of the years of you scolding me must have rubbed off on me. I was just as shocked as you were." Bellatrix said with a grumble.
Narcissa smiled at that. "It is part of motherhood Bella. At some point your children will do something that requires a scolding and most mothers instinctually resort to an authoritative voice, as you know mine also did not come from our mother, and because of that neither does yours, I'm sure."
Bellatrix smiled at that. "I always knew that you adopted McGonagall's authority for your Mom voice. It was a bit too spot on to be mother's voice, besides the fact that she always let father do the disciplining."
Narcissa nodded sadly at that. "Yes, I think we all remember that all too well, and the reason we vowed to never become like them in any way, which I would like to think that we have succeeded at."
Luna smiled at her aunt. "You did. From what I know from our grandparents, you and aunt Andi have done everything over the years to show us that you loved us."
Narcissa smiled kindly at her niece. "Thank you sweetie. That means a lot to me. I knew that both of your mothers had a clear vision of how they wanted to raise you, and I tried to do justice to that as much as I could."
Luna merely smiled and went to hug her aunt. "And you did Cissa, and for that we will always be grateful. We couldn't have wished for a better person to raise our baby girl in our absence, and while we now realize that I especially could have handled it differently, there is unfortunately nothing to be done about the past anymore."
Narcissa nodded at that. "Indeed there isn't, which is why we will look forward to the future together."
They all smiled at that. "Will you inform Draco of what happens tonight, aunt Cissa?" Hermione asked softly.
"I will. It is important that he is kept in the loop, so to speak." Narcissa said with a kind smile.
Hermione nodded and smiled at her aunt as they all made their way through the Floo to Malfoy Manor, all of them feeling some level of trepidation for what might happen tonight.
…
Stepping out of the Floo in Malfoy Manor, they all felt a sense of dread hanging in the air, as well as the magic that was noticeably present.
They were met by Alecto Carrow, who smiled at them despite having a grim look on her face. "It's good that you've come. Something has happened that might have just accelerated our plans. Follow me to the war room and all will be explained."
The entire family nodded as they followed the blonde, and upon stepping into the war room, the Dark Lord was sitting in his seat, nodding once at them all in acknowledgment. "It is good that you have come on such short notice, but I'm afraid this will be far from a pleasant meeting. As you know Bellatrix made me aware of some things that required immediate attention and as much as I hoped that it wasn't true, it was. We have been betrayed and after a long search we have found our traitor. He has passed everything we discussed in the past months through to the Order and Dumbledore. Fortunately he wasn't present for our meeting where we discussed our means of getting into Hogwarts."
"Who was it, my Lord?" Bellatrix asked softly.
Voldemort's eyes narrowed at that. "It was Rebastan, which makes the betrayal sting all the more harshly. Of the old families beside your own I felt that he was on board with our case, despite his objections. It has proven once again that I cannot trust anyone besides the people present in this room. My true inner circle."
They all nodded and bowed their heads respectfully. "Thank you, my Lord. We vow not to disappoint you or violate the trust you have placed in us." Bellatrix said respectfully.
The Dark Lord nodded at them as Rebastan was led into the war room, bound tightly by a Body Bind curse. "Wake up, worm! You have things to answer for."
Rebastan trembled as he opened his eyes, only to scream as the Dark Lord violently invaded his mind, laying to bare the entirety of his betrayal. "My Lord, allow me to explain myself. I only had your best interests at heart."
Voldemort glared darkly at him. "Silence! I have seen what those best interests are. You are not the master of Occlumency you think you are. I have seen everything in your mind that you wished to accomplish, and I have found you lacking. Crucio!"
Rebastan screamed as he was put under the curse, and was kept under it for a considerable length of time, all the while everyone else watched in varied forms of mental states.
Hermione's face was void of any emotion, but was intrigued on the inside, because she knew how much control it took not to go too far.
The moment the Dark Lord lifted his curse, he smirked down at a still shivering Rebastan. "Death is too light a punishment for you, but I'm afraid everything I could do to you would qualify as too light a punishment. Just know before you die that you have failed in what you tried to accomplish. The old ways will die and our new world will find purchase. Avada Kedavra!"
The bolt of green energy hit Rebastan square in the chest and as his lifeless body fell limp, Voldemort turned to the members of his inner circle. "We shall make an example of him, in line with what we are trying to achieve. It will also serve as a lesson to the lower ranks that betrayal will be punished severely, which unfortunately is a necessary measure. I found in Rebastan's mind that he was not alone in his thinking, and it is imperative that so close to fulfilling our ultimate goal that we keep the lower ranks in line. They will be dealt with after the war."
They all nodded at that. "If I may, my Lord. I have news from Draco and the Cabinet. He sent a letter yesterday stating that the Cabinet is fully repaired and is ready for testing."
"That is good to hear. Have preparations for these tests been made?" He asked a bit kinder.
Nymphadora nodded at him. "Yes, my Lord. I will start these tests with Draco once our Cabinet arrives at the Manor, which should be tomorrow. I will personally keep you informed on the progress, but I foresee that it will not take a month to ensure safe travel between them."
Voldemort nodded at that, looking a lot calmer now that he had dealt with this betrayal. "I will look forward to your missives Dora. I am sure you will excel at this task."
Nymphadora bowed her head and nodded as Voldemort turned to everyone again. "We shall not meet again until everything is ready and the orders will be given. Until such time I must advice you all to remain cautious when going out and make your necessary preparations. I would also ask you when the Cabinet is ready for human travel, that you procure Ravenclaw's Diadem from the Room of Requirement. It contains one of my Horcruxes and it needs to be destroyed before we can move forward. Until then I bid you all a good night." He said before standing and taking his leave.
Once he was gone the entire family let out a united breath of air. "That honestly went better than I expected it to. The change in his demeanor is startling to say the least.| Narcissa said softly.
"He is tired of this War, Narcissa, as I am sure we all are. He is quite anxious to end it, and I cannot blame him for this. Everything else is in place and his followers are awaiting orders, at least those that will not be purged beforehand, because as he said, Rebastan's betrayal runs deeper than just himself." Alecto said softly.
Bellatrix nodded and smiled at her. "We are tired too Alecto, and we'll await word on the next meeting, because I have a feeling that there is some mothering to be done when we get home."
Alecto nodded and smiled at both Luna and Hermione, who were staying close to their mates at all times. "That is understandable. We'll talk soon."
Bellatrix nodded at her as they made their way back home, all of them tired of the mental fortitude they had to show in the face of Rebastan's torture.
…
The moment they were back home Hermione and Fleur excused themselves almost immediately, and knowing what her daughter was probably feeling right now, Bellatrix followed them upstairs, knowing full well that Luna, Gabrielle and Pandora would not be far behind.
As she expected she found her daughter curled up against her mate without a stitch of clothing on, and through the bond they shared she felt the turmoil that ran through her daughter's mind. "Oh sweetling. I had expected a reaction, but nothing quite so severe. Come to Mama." She said softly as she took a seat on the bed and disrobed herself with a swift flick of her wand.
Hermione immediately cuddled in close to her mother and the raven-haired witch motioned for Fleur to join her, which the blonde did with a soft smile.
"It's a whirlwind in my head Mama. I didn't expect it to be so much." Hermione said softly, clearly on the verge of tears, and the sight nearly broke her heart.
"Shh. It's okay my sweet Hermione, we're here for you. The Unforgivables are always a bit much to handle for everyone the first time they witness them. It is the sole reason I am so reluctant to teach them to you, but am also doing everything in my power to make sure you can protect yourself against them." Bellatrix said lovingly.
Hermione smiled softly at that. "I understand now Mama, and after witnessing them, I will never ask for you to teach them to me anymore."
Bellatrix smiled sweetly at that as Luna, Gabrielle and Pandora entered, the two young blondes being in a very similar state to the brunette. "And just like that, our little family is complete once again."
Pandora smiled as she joined her wife on the bed, quickly joining everyone in their state of dress before pulling her youngest daughter and her young mate into her arms. "It hit them harder than we thought love. We might have to resort to extreme measures here."
Bellatrix nodded at her wife. "I know, and I think I know just the thing. Hermione, sweetie. We have an idea that might help you all if you're okay with something a bit more unconventional, but will definitely soothe you all, as well as bring us all a little bit closer."
Hermione and Luna perked up a little at that. "Are you going to let us drink from you again Mama?" Luna asked softly.
Bellatrix and Pandora nodded at them. "Yes we are sweetie. It'll help soothe your minds and settle your emotions again, as well as those of your mates." Pandora said with a soft smile.
Fleur and Gabrielle looked a bit puzzled at that. "What exactly do you mean by drinking, mon amour?"
Hermione smiled at her fiancee. "Don't you remember that day we visited my mother's old home? We spoke of this and you were the one that helped me get over the nerves I had for this. Now I think it is what they want to do with all four of us present."
To her surprise Fleur blushed a little at that, apparently embarrassed about having forgotten that particular conversation, but nodded as they shifted their positions a little so they were lying a little more comfortable against the raven-haired witch.
Both Bellatrix and Pandora then cast the spell to fill their breasts with milk and almost as one the four girls latched onto their nipples.
The two women moaned softly at the sensation as they both cradled the heads of their daughters and future daughter's-in-law against their arms, and with a bit of extra effort they managed to help them calm down more by running their fingers through their hair.
For Bellatrix it was a wonderful experience to not only provide this calm for her eldest daughter, but also for a young woman who had become like a daughter to her in the past year. "I love you all so much. My life has never been brighter."
Hermione smiled at her mother. "We love you too Mama." She said softly before returning to the offered nipple, and she just couldn't resist teasing her Mama a little bit.
Bellatrix moaned softly and gave her daughter an admonishing look. "Don't tease me sweetie. That type of fun is not why we are doing this. Your mother and I will spend the night with all of you so there is no need to get my motor running."
Hermione looked up with innocent eyes that once again radiated mirth, which made it impossible for Bellatrix to remain even slightly angry with her oldest daughter. "Sorry Mama. I just couldn't help myself." She said softly as she let her mother's nipple go with a pop.
"You're lucky I never developed a tolerance against those doe eyes of yours sweetie." Bellatrix said with a loving smile.
Hermione smiled and rested against her mother as Fleur too released the raven-haired witch's nipple. "I must admit that I did not expect that to feel so natural, nor do I think I've felt this calm in the past couple of months." Fleur said softly, with a slight blush still gracing her cheeks.
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about Fleur. I promise that this will only have benefits for not only your bond with Hermione, but also the bond we are to share in the future."
Fleur smiled and nodded as she looked over at her mate, who was still content to be cuddled up against her mother. "I'm honestly looking forward to seeing how that bond develops, but I can feel that my inner Veela is very content about what we just shared, while in any other similar situation she would've kicked up a storm."
Bellatrix smiled at her as she glanced to the side, where Pandora was already fast asleep with Gabrielle and Luna cuddled close to her. "That I can understand, and if it had been anyone but you I would've been a lot more possessive of Hermione, even if we would've had the opportunity to raise her and Luna together."
Fleur nodded and smiled as they too got comfortable. "I am sure that we would've met far sooner and I could've properly introduced myself to you and Pandora, and of course I could've properly courted Hermione too."
"I know, but I can admit that the way everything has played out now is probably the best. Our connections now are far deeper than they would otherwise have been." Bellatrix said softly as she positioned herself in such a way that both Fleur and Hermione laid comfortably against her.
Fleur merely smiled and sought her mate's hand, linking their fingers over the raven-haired witch's stomach as they fell asleep soon after.