L'Amour Toujour
C34: Invasion
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters
A month later, the invasion of the Ministry and Hogwarts was set to begin. All forces and sympathizers had been given their orders and both Kingsley and McGonagall were ready to take control of the Ministry and Hogwarts.
Draco and Ginny were ready to receive them, the redhead having been quite excited to help her best friends usher in a new era, and perhaps get a bit of revenge on her brother and his idiotic best friend at the same time. It had been agreed upon early that she would join the majority of the family in the Great Hall to help with crowd control and that suited her fine. She had known early on where her allegiances lay and she had let them know in no uncertain terms that those were squarely with their family.
Now with hours before they would travel to Hogwarts, all couples in the Manor were spending some much needed time together. Fleur and Hermione had taken their refuge in the Solarium, which had become more and more of a sanctuary over the past month, since it had in Fleur's opinion the most amazing view of the garden, as well as the peace they both sought. "I'm scared for tonight mon amour. What if anything goes wrong?" The blonde asked softly.
"While I know that you won't believe me when I say that everything will be okay, we've done everything in our power to ensure our victory, and I know that your new ring will keep me focused on the task at hand. I will not allow myself to get distracted, nor will I lose myself in my want for revenge on Dumbledore." Hermione said softly.
Fleur nodded and nuzzled her nose in the brunette's neck. "Rationally I know it will be okay and that you are more than capable of protecting yourself, but as you know Veela are rarely rational when it comes to the safety of their mates. I just worry that something is going to happen that might hurt you, and I honestly don't know how I am going to react to that."
Hermione smiled at her love. "Trust me that you are not the only one who feels that way love. Because I have a feeling that Mama feels exactly the same and that she'll do everything in her power to keep me safe from any sort of harm."
Fleur smiled and nodded at her fiancee. "I promise you that I will do everything to keep myself and everyone we love safe, and that I will not put myself in any form of unnecessary danger, it is exactly why I offered to be in that second wave."
Hermione smiled and kissed her. "That's all I can ask for, and I will also apologize up front for how I am going to react once it is all over, because chances are that I will be very clingy with you, Luna and my mothers and I don't know exactly how that is going to show itself."
The blonde smiled at that. "I figured as much love, but know that my Veela will also not be denied. She too will be extremely possessive of you, and it is something I cannot help."
"I know, and I have a feeling that there will be some sort of conversation once it is all over that will probably lead to all of us in bed together in one form or another, which honestly is something I wouldn't be opposed to, but that is something we can talk about later." Hermione said softly.
Fleur nodded and smiled at her. "That we can, mon amour. Is there anything you want now?
"No love, this is more than enough to keep my mind focused, and besides, I need to go and get changed soon." Hermione said softly.
The blonde nodded at that. "I have a feeling that Narcissa is expecting me soon too, although I have a feeling she'll say that I'll have to change too as soon as you are at Hogwarts."
"That does sound like aunt Cissa, although I'm sure that she is just as nervous as everyone is, which is why she probably wanted to keep you and Gabi here initially." Hermione said softly.
Fleur nodded and smiled as she pressed a kiss to the brunette's neck. "It would be safer for you and Luna if you didn't have to worry about us being in potential danger and because of those rings we know that you two will be as safe as possible."
Hermione smiled and turned in her fiancee's arms to give her a proper kiss. "And I promise to do everything to keep myself and Mama safe. I just can't promise what my state of mind will be afterwards."
"I'll be there when you and Bellatrix come to the Great Hall, mon amour, and I am sure that your Mama will know exactly how to help you control your emotions when the times comes." Fleur said softly as she wrapped her arms around the brunette's waist again.
Hermione smiled and positioned herself a bit better. "It's a shame really that we don't have time to take a little bit of the edge off, because it is really tempting to do that right now."
The blonde smiled and kissed her. "Your Mama would have my hide if I would do anything to distract you further right now, and given the significance of the evening I would rather not lose any privileges."
Hermione giggled at that. "While that is very sound thinking, there is nothing wrong with indulging ourselves a little." She said as she let her hands wander just a little under the blonde's blouse.
Fleur moaned softly as she once again captured her lover's lips in a loving kiss. "You, mon amour, are an insatiable tease sometimes."
"Hello pot, meet kettle. You're probably worse than I am, baby." Hermione said teasingly.
"Only when the time is appropriate, mon amour, and I think you'll agree that tonight is a bit too important to let our urges guide you." Fleur said softly.
Hermione pouted a little but rested her head on her fiancee's shoulder and removed her hands from her mate's perfect breasts. Content to stay close to the blonde as long as she could.
…
Half an hour later Hermione was in her mother's bedroom to get dressed for what shaping up to be the most important night of their lives, and Bellatrix just couldn't help but smile at the lack of nerves her eldest showed for tonight. "Before we get dressed, I just want to say that I'm proud of you sweetie."
"Thank you Mama. I'll admit that I'm still a bit nervous, but Fleur has helped me get through the worst of them." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix smiled and gathered her daughter into her arms. "I would imagine she would've given how you two were nearly entangled with each other."
Hermione smiled and relaxed in her mother's embrace. "That's why it worked so well Mama. I've noticed that both Fleur and I work through our nerves best when there is as much skin contact as possible. I know that tonight is one of the few nights where I can't afford to let my nerves get the better of me, and Fleur expertly helped me center my mind for just that."
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a soft kiss to the top of her daughter's head. "I had expected she would and I think that she felt the same thing I did, which is why I was quite adamant on us sharing this part of the night, because contrary to popular belief, there is a method to this particular part of what we are, and I have a feeling you will like it, given how much you've enjoyed the more carefree part of our lifestyle."
Hermione smiled at that. "Does that mean what I think it does Mama?"
"Indeed it does sweetie. We are nothing going to wear anything underneath our robes, and I have personally ensured that our robes have been enchanted for the greatest level of protection. Nothing the old man can throw at us will hurt us, save from the Killing Curse." Bellatrix said as she sent her own dress and that of her daughter to a chair.
Hermione smiled at her. "Will we wear masks tonight Mama?"
"No sweetie. We won't, nor have we ever done so. It was a lie the old man told to make people fear us. The mask you've seen from me is an old keepsake of the first costumed party your mother and I attended, and you know that your Mama is a big fan of a shock factor." Bellatrix said with a loving smile.
Hermione grinned at that. "Since we found out I have the same inclination, I am not at all surprised. I just don't know if I'm entirely comfortable with being completely naked under my robes."
Bellatrix nodded at her. "I can understand that my darling, but trust me that it is for the best. My magic permeates your robe and by allowing it to seep into your skin and mix with your own magic, it'll boost that protection even further. Would it help that they are also enchanted to prevent the wind catching under it? Nobody but those that have already seen it will see your bare butt."
Hermione giggled at that as she grabbed her robe and put it on, moaning ever so softly as she felt her Mama's magic mingle with her own as the enchantments took hold, and Bellatrix couldn't help but smile at her daughter. "It feels so different from any other type of enchanted clothes I've ever worn. It feels like a second skin."
Bellatrix smiled at her as she put on her own robes. "That was intentional sweetie. I put a lot of work in making your robes as protective as possible while also making sure that your movements are not hampered, and because it is my magic combined with the soul part you share with me, it will also ensure that both of us won't become a victim to the battle lust that is a part of our shared madness."
Hermione smiled and hugged her mother tightly. "I'll admit that it was a bit of a worry for me Mama."
"I know sweetie, and while I can't promise that tonight everything will be okay. I promise that I won't be far from your side the entire night." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione smiled and nuzzled her face in her mother's sizable chest. "I know Mama, and while I know it won't be necessary, I will be by your side too."
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a long kiss to her daughter's head. "Sweetie, having you close will help me tremendously too. Because I can focus on our bond and your presence next to me, I know that I won't lose myself in both my lust for battle and the madness. You are my anchor, Hermione. Never doubt that."
"I know Mama, because I can feel it. I just worry that somehow Dumbledore will get something through that might harm you. I don't think I could ever forgive myself if I let that happen." Hermione said softly.
"Nothing is going to go wrong sweetie, not if you use everything we've taught you, and don't be afraid to use the Cruciatus on the old man, because he will not hesitate to use it on us." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione nodded at her mother. "I know, and that is what worries me. Even after everything we've trained and practiced for there is no conceivable way to shield ourselves from a Killing Curse."
Bellatrix smiled at her eldest. "In any other circumstance you would be right, sweetie. But there is a reason I wanted you to be the one to do this with me. We are going to use a similar tactic that he used against the Potters all those years ago, because there is one thing that he right about. In this world there is no greater power than a mother's love, and because we share this bond with each other, he physically can't. Our love for each other will act as a shield that will stop any spell. Killing Curse or otherwise."
Hermione smiled at her mother. "That's awfully convenient. How long have you known, Mama?"
"I've always known that a mother's love is the strongest force in the world, but it was only today that I found the passage that proved that it will also protect us in life or death situations." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione nodded and smiled as they quickly finished getting dressed, now only realizing that they had spent far too long in conversation.
…
An hour later the entire family had gathered in Malfoy Manor, and they were ready to go to Hogwarts. Bellatrix and Pandora would be the first to go through since they were in charge of the Hogwarts operation, after which the rest of the family and the rest of the Death Eaters who were chosen for this task would follow.
The rest of the Death Eaters assigned to Hogwarts would come through Hogsmeade or other various passages onto the Castle grounds. Everyone else would be Floo'ing into the Ministry when it was time to strike there, with the Dark Lord and Alecto Carrow heading that part of their two-pronged attack.
"My most loyal of followers. Today is the day we've been looking forward to for almost twenty years. Today the old establishment will fall, and with it the pillars that have held it up for far longer. I will not make this a long speech of promises and plans for the future, because we all know what needs to happen once this night is over. What I do want to do is thank you all for being by my side for these past two decades, through everything that has happened. It has been an honor to have known such extraordinary people and to have had the opportunity work and fight alongside you. Thank you for everything and before we all depart, I have one last order to give. Do not mourn me when I am gone. It is best that I fade out of public conscience so that no one will be burdened by the past."
Everyone nodded as the Dark Lord and Alecto apparated away, which would let his followers in the Ministry know that it was time to start.
"I think it is time to send people through. Stay safe and keep an eye on each other. We'll see you all soon." Narcissa said softly, clearly having some issues with tonight.
"We promise Cissa. By this time tomorrow everything will be over." Bellatrix said softly as she stepped into the Cabinet, after which Nymphadora sent her through.
It took about an hour to send everyone through, with Nymphadora being the last one being sent through by Narcissa.
Once they were all complete at Hogwarts, Bellatrix and Pandora took up a spot in front of everyone. "It is time to do our part for the cause. You have your orders and I trust that you will obey them. No one is to be harmed, and when you are forced to defend yourself do so with the utmost care of your surroundings and choice of spells. Pandora will be in charge of the Great Hall party and keeping an eye on everyone to make sure you all keep to your orders. McGonagall knows everything is happening tonight and has assured me that no staff will stand in your way. Make your way to the Great Hall and keep everyone there and calm until Hermione and I are there. There will be no additional patrols through the Halls and no harassing of students or staff." Bellatrix said sternly, which bordered on intimidating.
"I would also like to add that even though that this is the final push we shall make, one way or another. We are not to expose Severus in any way, anyone who does will be the first to disappear into Azkaban. I will personally make sure of that." Pandora said in a similar tone.
Everyone nodded vigorously at that, although the family was a lot more subdued in that nodding, and Bellatrix just smiled at her wife. "Well put dear, with that said. You know your tasks and it is high time you get to it." Bellatrix said as she put her hand out for her eldest to take, who did so after giving the rest of the family a hug, lingering a little with Luna and Pandora.
Bellatrix betrayed a slight smile at the sight as she gathered the brunette close while the rest took their leave, following Pandora out of the Room of Requirement. "I'm sorry if I sounded a bit harsh sweetie, but after what happened with Yaxley and Rebastan, the inner circle that is not our family needs a firm hand."
Hermione smiled at that. "I know Mama, I would've said the exact same if I was in your position, although I will admit it felt somewhat natural. I've never heard you scold me, so to hear that voice at least once is a comfort."
Bellatrix smiled at her. "I doubt I'll have to use that tone of voice with you or your sister anytime soon sweetie, nor do I think that I ever would have if your mother and I would've had the opportunity to raise you and your sister. Mischief in some quantities is perfectly okay after all, no matter what your aunt says."
Hermione giggled at that. "Sometimes I wonder exactly how much more I would've resembled you if you and Mama raised me and how much I would've gotten on aunt Cissa's nerves."
"Since you would also have more of your Mummy's influence, I doubt you would've gotten more on her nerves than I do on a daily basis, and unfortunately it will be one of those things we'll never truly know, but let's go. We too have job to do and I would say it is rather important." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled and nodded at her. "Of course Mama, I would say that nothing is more important than this for at least the foreseeable future."
"Then put up your hood sweetie. There might be people still around, and I really don't want to give away our element of surprise here." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione nodded and flipped up her hood, now looking even more like her mother, and as the two witches sneaked out of the Room of Requirement, they let their senses guide them to where they felt the Headmaster's signature.
…
Their senses led them to the Astronomy Tower, which immediately set off a lot of alarms in Bellatrix's mind. "Stay on guard sweetie. I wouldn't put it past him to expect us and have traps in place." She whispered to her eldest.
Hermione only nodded at her as they ascended the stairs. "I can feel that's he's at least alone Mama, and that he's much weaker than we originally thought."
"We can't really trust our senses right now sweetie. He is still old and powerful, so he might be subconsciously suppressing his weaknesses, not to mention that he has the Elder Wand." Bellatrix said softly.
Hermione nodded and quietly followed her mother up the stairs, where they could hear the Headmaster hum softly as he paced the upper floor.
Just before they set foot on the last flight of stairs Bellatrix pulled Hermione close. "Are you ready sweetie?"
"Yes Mama, now more than ever. Let's end this." The brunette said softly.
Bellatrix grinned as she saw her daughter's face set into a very familiar scowl, since it mirrored her own as they ascended the last set of stairs, with Hermione purposely staying behind her mother.
At the top they observed their target for a moment while sticking to the shadows, and only when he was on his third pass by them, he noticed the raven-haired witch as she stepped out into the shadow. "I had expected him to send you at some point. I do hope you don't expect to win tonight, Bellatrix? Because if you do I'm afraid he has been lying to you even more than I had originally thought.
Bellatrix cackled at that. "I am no fool old man. Tonight will be your end and it will come by my wand, or from someone who you have desperately tried to keep from me for most of her life, but before you die, I want to know why."
Dumbledore gave her a fake smile. "It was necessary. A daughter raised by a soulmate pair of Dark Magic was dangerous to my plans."
At this point Hermione stepped out from behind her mother. "Dangerous to your plans? Stealing a child from her parents and forcing her into a Muggle family was dangerous to you? You are more delusional than I thought, or you've actually started believing in the lies you've told for so long. This ends tonight, one way or another."
"You both seem to be under the impression that I'm a feeble old man who will go down quietly, but you are sorely mistaken in that way of thinking. You have no chance of winning tonight." He said with faux kindness.
Mother and daughter smirked at him. "And you seem to be under the impression that you still hold all the cards, old man. Things are at play you have no knowledge of, despite your traitor in our ranks." Bellatrix said as she fired off a lightning quick and powerful stunner.
Of course Dumbledore deflected it, but his shield was not as powerful as they had expected it to be, which made them share a quick look with each other as they started firing spells at the Headmaster in quick succession, much like they had practiced.
It was very clear to them that he wasn't prepared for their combined skill and unpredictable spell use, and because of that the Headmaster was quickly disarmed by Hermione, while Bellatrix cast a Body Bind on him, so tight he couldn't even move his hands. "You've lost old man. For all your bluster and manipulations you've lost. Before I end you, I just want to ask you one thing. Was it all worth it?" Bellatrix asked with a growl.
He merely nodded at her as Bellatrix cast the Killing Curse, while Hermione ensured that he wouldn't tumble over the edge of the Astronomy Tower. They needed to show everyone that he was truly dead after all.
The moment he was secure Bellatrix pulled her daughter into her arms. "Are you okay sweetheart?"
Hermione nodded as she relaxed in her mother's arms. "I'm mostly okay Mama. I hadn't expected him to still believe in his lies so much, and I definitely let my emotions guide my casting today."
"I know sweetie, and that's okay, I had the same issues, which is until I feel that the Ministry has fallen we're going to stay here and calm down a little, because it wouldn't do if we would disobey orders because we lost our cool with some students." Bellatrix said sweetly.
Hermione smiled and cuddled into her mother as they took a seat, while Bellatrix conjured a blanket and draped it over the Headmaster's body. "What will we do with his wand Mama?"
"You won it sweetie, it is yours to do with as you please, but I hope you remember the request our Lord made." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione nodded and with a bit of effort snapped the wand in two, shrinking the parts afterwards to put them in her pocket. She had plans for it, and since it could never be used as a wand again, she didn't technically disobey her orders.
Bellatrix merely smiled at her. "What are you planning on doing with it, dear?"
"I am going to try and see if I can somehow use it to grow the tree where the wood came from. Elder trees are very rare these days, and I have a feeling Luna, Gabi and Mummy would like a challenge." Hermione said with a soft smile.
Bellatrix grinned at that. "I'm sure they would. Pandora has wanted to try and grow an Elder tree for years, and with this it should bring that dream just a little bit closer. I believe she already has a plot thought out for it too."
"That honestly doesn't surprise me. Mummy is nothing if not diligent when it comes to plants and trees." Hermione said with a soft smile.
Bellatrix nodded and smiled at her daughter. "That she is, and not just with plants either. She has the calm and collective mind that I lack because of the Curse of Black."
Hermione nodded and pressed a soft kiss to her mother's cheek. "I've noticed the same with myself and Fleur. She balances the ever increasing instability."
"Soon we'll be able to do something about that, little love. When we've come down from this rush a little and the changes have been set in motion, the six of us will take a well earned vacation at our own Manor. I'd say we've earned that after everything." Bellatrix said softly.
The brunette merely nodded as she felt herself relax against her mother as the two witches waited for word from their Lord that the Ministry had fallen.
…
When the rest of the family and the inner circle came to the Great Hall, they positioned themselves in such a way that all sides would be shielded if necessary, although everyone expected the resistance to only come from one House in particular.
Just before they entered Pandora turned to everyone. "Alright, remember your orders. We're to control the students and staff while Bellatrix and Hermione take care of the Headmaster." Pandora said softly.
Everyone nodded as she and Andromeda pushed open the doors, and immediately they were met with either gasps of surprise, or cries of outrage from the Gryffindor table, and almost immediately wands were drawn. "That is quite enough! Everyone stay calm and act with the decorum befitting these hallowed halls of learning." McGonagall said loud enough to be heard over the shouts of outrage coming from her House table.
Pandora smiled kindly at her as the sizable group approached the raise platform where the staff sat. "Am I right in you all being here that it is time?" McGonagall asked once the Hall had quieted down.
The blonde nodded at her. "Yes it is. Bella and Hermione are currently on their way to the Headmaster. We were tasked with making sure everyone stays calm until our Lord arrives. You have my word that no one will be hurt as long as no wands are raised in anger against us."
"I promise that no one here will raise a wand in anything against anyone. I was just about to inform everyone of everything." McGonagall said before turning to the student body. "Over the last year I think all of you have noticed the continued withdrawal of the Headmaster and the growing tension in our greater community, and this has a reason beyond the return of he-who-shall-not-be-named. The Headmaster has been blatantly lying about the true motivations for the War for many years and now it is time the truth comes out. What we were led to believe was nothing more than blatant falsehoods, which is why everyone is here. I will let them explain the full extent of the truth." She said in a stern tone.
Andromeda smiled kindly at the future Headmistress as she stepped forward, mostly because she was more known by the current generation of students. "I think many of you have at least heard of me, but for those of you that don't know me, I am Andromeda Black and I am here to tell you the exact reason why this war has been waged and who exactly was responsible for it.
Back in the days that Tom Riddle went to school he saw all of the issues that are still plaguing our society to this day, with which I mean the continued favoritism of pureblooded witches and wizards over half-bloods and Muggleborns. What we intend to accomplish is to create a society where everyone is treated equally, not judged by the status of their blood, but rather by their accomplishments and abilities. If we were to continue on the current path, there would have been a civil war far bloodier than even the first war was, and it is a fact that the muggles thanks to their technological advantages would win that, and that would cause irreparable damage to our world.
We hope that by ending this now and in the manner we are that we can keep the casualty number to two people, being Headmaster Dumbledore and the Dark Lord. He is very aware that given the history, false as it may be, he is not the one to head this new world. For the moment a temporary Minister will be appointed until such time that there fair elections can be held."
"Are we really supposed to believe that tripe? You're all evil and the Order is surely on it's way to end you all." Ron Weasley piped up.
McGonagall glared harshly at him. "That is quite enough from you Mr. Weasley. Don't act like you know everything about things that have been going on before you were even born. You know one side of the story and that is hardly enough to base an opinion on. I do have a question for you, Ms. Black. Dumbledore shared with us a Prophecy concerning Harry Potter and the Dark Lord and that only one can survive. Can you give me the assurance that Mr. Potter will survive?"
Andromeda smiled and nodded. "He will, and for him it will be a better life. You see, when the Dark Lord went to the Potters that faithful evening, again on false information, might I add, he never intended to kill either of them, but old magic came into play and clashed, which gave Mr. Potter his scar and the magic that is contained within it. It is similar to a piece of the Dark Lord's soul that is contained in there, and therefor it must be Mr. Potter who must allow the Dark Lord to strike him with a Killing Curse, which will instead of killing him, kill the magic connecting him to the Dark Lord, which will allow him to survive."
McGonagall nodded at that. "Very well, Mr. Potter, could you come forward please?"
Harry slowly got up and walked towards the podium. "Yes, Professor?"
"This is your life and therefor should be your choice. I would rather not send you off into something you did not agree to beforehand. Are you okay with confronting him?" McGonagall asked kindly.
Harry sighed and nodded. "If that ensures that no one else gets hurt, of course, but I do want the full story once this is all over. I have questions and I think I am entitled to some answers."
Andromeda smiled kindly at him. "Of course Mr. Potter. It is high time that you learn the truth of everything that has led us all to this point."
He nodded and retook his seat, and of course Ron was immediately in his ear again, but surprisingly Harry shrugged him off.
"Now all that remains to be done is wait until Bellatrix and Hermione join us and await word that the Ministry has been taken over." Pandora said softly as she shared a quick look with Snape.
Most of the staff nodded, including McGonagall nodded as the wait began, and unexpectedly, even the Gryffindor's kept calm under the conditions.