L'amour Toujour
C36: Weekend Talks
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters
After about a month of relaxing and taking care of the last few wishes the Dark Lord had when it came to the disbanding of the Death Eaters, the family had a busy weekend planned, consisting of visits from McGonagall as well as Apoline and Fleur's Grandmother Amelié, who were due to arrive on Sunday via Portkey.
Despite them knowing that their mother now knew the truth of why they had wanted to be in England, Fleur and Gabrielle still foresaw an argument on the day itself. This had led them to be very nervous already, and no matter what Luna and Hermione tried to do to help them, nothing seemed to work.
This was exactly the reason why Pandora and Bellatrix had brought their daughters and the two Veela back to her Sanctuary on their Manor grounds, so that the two young women could spend a day taking their minds off the coming visit, while their daughters were helping Bellatrix organize and restructure their immense library.
It of course served a dual purpose, because as soon as everything was talked out and the hatchet was buried between mother and daughters, they would take a well deserved vacation at their own Manor for at least two weeks, after which they would start making preparations to start building two extra homes on their vast property.
Pandora could already see the change in the two blondes the moment they had set foot in her Sanctuary, which this was more than the one at Black Manor, although that greenhouse was a close second.
Fleur and Gabrielle were currently working on clearing a space for her prized Pleasure's Snare, which would have all the room in the world to flourish and thrive here. "I think that is a big enough plot for now, dears. I think we've earned ourselves a bit of a break." The oldest blonde said with a soft smile.
The two Veela smiled at her. "Already? It feels as if we've only just started working." Gabrielle said as she wiped the sweat off her brow.
"I've heard say that time flies when having fun, or at least when you're working on something you're passionate about. It's already been three hours." Pandora said with a kind smile.
Both of their eyes widened at that. "Three hours? I honestly had no idea those went by so fast. It also feels like we haven't really done as much." Fleur said with a slight pout, something Pandora had long found endearing.
"Oh but we have, dear Fleur. You and your sister have created so much space that I might actually have to set some boundaries for my Snare to grow, and you've also given me a decent idea on how we're going to tackle the eventual expansion of our new sanctuary." Pandora said with a smile.
Fleur and Gabrielle both nodded and smiled at her. "Will that expansion be during or after our vacation?" Gabrielle asked softly.
"We'll start after our vacation sweetie. We've earned some true alone time wit the six of us where we don't have to worry about anything, and while the last month has been plenty relaxing, we've still been very busy with the aftermath." Pandora said sweetly.
"That we have, and while I expected it after everything. I didn't expect that we would be asked to do so much on our side." Fleur said softly.
Pandora smiled at her. "The lower ranks have always been a bit directionless without orders from our Lord or the inner circle. They are still adjusting to a life after Tom, so in order to help them move on, we, and especially Bellatrix needs to be somewhat of a stand in for our Lord without actually giving them orders, because that would just start the cycle all over again."
The two girls nodded at that as they all took a seat. "Why did the Dark Lord ever accept them if they can't do anything for themselves?" Gabrielle asked confused.
Pandora smiled at that, having expected that question at some point. "We anticipated a far more drawn out and bloody conflict, and as crude as it may sound, we needed numbers to send into the front lines if it came to that, but most of them were remnants of the First War, when he garnered the support of a lot of pureblood supremacists, most of which have either been sent to Azkaban since or have kept a low profile since the First War, and have been a lot less blatant in their support this time around, but they still expect to be compensated for said support, which Narcissa and Alecto are now doing from our Lord's estate, with the assurance that they will leave everything be afterwards."
"That seems like such a hassle, but please tell me that Umbridge is at least getting some comeuppance for everything?" Fleur asked softly.
Pandora nodded at her soon to be daughter in law. "She will my sweet. Kingsley has special plans for her through everything we've already shared beforehand. She will never be allowed to work for the Ministry or any other governing institution, as well as going through a thorough investigation that will very likely see her being put into prison for a long time. She won't ever bother us again."
Fleur smiled at that. "I hope so, because I don't think I could hold my dear fiancee back should that woman ever open her mouth to my mate again."
"I don't think Bella would want you to sweetie. Like Hermione, she has never liked that pink clad toad of a woman. She was merely useful for getting support in the Ministry and she let that go to her head. She will be dealt with properly." Pandora said with a soft smile.
They nodded and smiled at her. "That's good to hear, because if we are to move forward, people like her will be more of a hindrance then an asset." Fleur said softly.
Pandora merely nodded as she wrapped an arm around both blondes before pulling them into her side, glad that her plan to take their minds off their mother's arrival a little bit had worked.
…
In the Manor the other three Blacks were working hard to reorganize the library, carefully selecting which books they were going to keep and which would be moved to their Vault, which so far mostly consisted of the Dark Arts books and those that were clearly in need of an update.
Bellatrix was working diligently on selecting those Dark Arts books that were sure to take a trip to Gringotts, hopefully to stay there forever. It was a job she enjoyed greatly because with every book she put in her enchanted bag, she felt a bit of her old life slip off her naked shoulders.
In the week that they had been back at their Manor, everyone had effortlessly slipped into the nudist lifestyle, only wearing clothes when they knew someone was coming over or they were expected back at Black Manor.
Her daughters were taking their time in both exploring the library, as well as taking out all books connected to the Dark Arts, since everyone knew that it wouldn't take long before either Hermione or Fleur, or more likely both of them were pregnant and the pitter patter of small feet would be heard through the house.
Or at least, she thought that her daughters were working on selecting the Dark Arts books that would be sent to Gringotts when she heard a soft moan come from between the shelves.
Intrigued, she made her way to the source of the sound, barely containing her smile at the state she found her girls in, because instead of interrupting a passionate moment between her daughters, she found Luna cradled in Hermione's lap while the blonde nuzzled her nose in the brunette's neck. "Is everything okay, my sweet?" The raven-haired witch asked with a soft smile.
Luna turned to look at her mother and shrugged. "I don't know Mama. I just felt really emotional all of a sudden." She said softly as she cradled a book in her hands.
Bellatrix took a seat next to them, groaning a little as she felt her bones pop. "You're getting old Mama." Hermione said teasingly.
The raven-haired witch gave her daughter a playful glare. "Hardly sweetling. I've just been in an awkward position the past hour." She said as she took a look at the book her youngest was holding, her eyes widening when she saw what it was. "Where did you find that sweetie?"
"It was on one of the shelves, Mama, it was pretty well hidden. What is it?" She asked softly.
Bellatrix took the book with trembling hands, her eyes filling with tears as she ran a hand over it. "This is our photo-album. I honestly thought that this was lost to us. It holds almost all of our important moments together. I think that both of your birth pictures are in here too. Is this what upset you so?"
Luna nodded at her mother. "The moment I touched it I saw something that I just couldn't make sense of. I saw a big fire that ravaged our garden."
Bellatrix frowned a little at that and pulled her daughter's into her lap. "I wish I could help you interpret your visions sweetie, but unfortunately Divination was not one of my best subjects. We'll ask your mother on what it could mean when we sit down for dinner. Would you two like to look at some old pictures?"
They both nodded and cuddled into their mother. "We'd love to Mama. We don't know much about your and Mummy's early years."
That made her smile as she opened up the book, the smile only brightening when she saw exactly which picture it was, their first date in Hogsmeade, flanked by Narcissa, Andromeda and Alecto. "This was our first date in school. The five of us were inseparable in those days."
"Both of you were as beautiful then as you are now, Mama." Hermione said softly.
Bellatrix smiled at that. "Thank you sweetie. That means a lot to me. That day was truly one of the few rays of sunshine in what were already very dark times. Dumbledore could act unopposed back then."
"That must've been very similar to our early years at school. In hindsight he truly had an iron grip on the school." Luna said softly.
"He has done so ever since he got the position sweetie. All he ever cared about was control, and he certainly got that the moment Sirius became the Head of House Black, because that also ensured that he would always have a majority in the Wizengamot. Our vote is worth a lot after all." Bellatrix said softly.
"How did he become Head of House, aren't you the oldest of your generation?" Hermione asked softly.
Bellatrix nodded at her. "Yes sweetling, but he seized that power in the wake of his failed attempt on Pandora and my incarceration because of it. Sirius was the most obvious choice because he was both the oldest after me, and loyal to him."
Hermione nodded and cuddled into her mother. "You've never really told us about uncle Sirius. We only know of him what we managed to overhear from Harry's talks of him."
Bellatrix smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of their heads. "He was the first Black to ever be sorted into Gryffindor, and adopted that mentality very quickly. He had a hard life at home like we did, but unlike your aunts and I, he chose to act like a victim because of it. At school he constantly under-performed in classes, instead choosing to use his admittedly amazing talents at Transfiguration for the pranks he and his friends were so known for, and it didn't get better once he graduated, because that is when he along with the Order of the Fried Chicken started to make their moves to make him the Head of House Black even though he had no right to that succession, his mother made sure of that by burning him off the family tree."
"Now I'm not surprised why Potter was such an entitled brat after reuniting with him. All he heard was poison and lies about everything that he was involved in. Now I just feel bad." Hermione said softly.
"He actions were his own sweetie, no amount of indoctrination is ever enough to counter free will, no matter how much the old man thought it would." Bellatrix said with a soft smile.
Hermione and Luna smiled and pressed a kiss to the raven-haired witches' cheek as they cuddled in closer, Bellatrix herself just smiling as she gathered them close and stayed like that for the better part of the morning, looking at pictures.
…
The following day the entire family had gathered in the living room, including Ginny who after the events at Hogwarts had promptly been kicked out of her home and family by one Molly Weasley, stating that until her allegiances changed, she would not be welcome.
This had incensed Narcissa to no end and had immediately given the girl a place in her home, at least for the summer, and afterwards too if she wished that, which the youngest Weasley accepted without a second's hesitation.
They were now waiting on Headmistress McGonagall, so that they could all have a good talk about the future, as well as the opportunity for Hermione to get to know her Godmother at long last, at least in a way that did not include anything school related.
The brunette was currently cuddled up between her mother and mate and very content in her position, much like her sister in that aspect who was in a similar position with Pandora and Gabrielle.
"I know I've said it a few times over the last couple of days, but you two look adorable like this." Ginny said with a knowing grin.
Luna smiled at the redhead. "We know, we've been accused of this by everyone in the family at least once over the last two years, and we certainly don't mind being labeled as such."
Ginny smiled as she cuddled into Dora. "It's certainly not a bad thing, and it's not like Dora and I don't act the same as you two do with your mates, although we have a bit more difference in age."
"Nobody here will ever say something about that Gin, and since you're of age next year, neither will anyone else. You two will have every opportunity to develop your relationship in any way you two see fit. I believe you wanted to play professional Quidditch after graduating?" Narcissa asked kindly.
Ginny nodded at the blonde. "Yes, I would love nothing more than to play for the Holyhead Harpies, but I'm afraid that because I stood with what will be perceived as the bad guys in the battle, I'll lose my spot on the team and then I'll never get good enough to even try out for them."
Dora smiled and pressed a soft kiss to the redhead's neck. "Don't worry Ginny. Our family makes a substantial yearly donation to the Harpies and their main sponsor happens to be one of our businesses. We'll get you a try-out and then I am sure they will see what I already know, that you are one of the greatest talents of your generation, and when you get into the Harpies, I'll come to every game to cheer you on."
The redhead smiled at her girlfriend. "Usually I would be very much against such help, but this has been my dream since I was five years old, and knowing that Harry will definitely hold my choice against me, no matter how much he professes to now believe the truth. He is a master at holding grudges after all."
"We know Gin, and we know how much you want this, since you've talked about little else ever since we've known you." Hermione said with a smile.
Ginny smiled at her best friends. "It's all I had growing up. Everyone in our family always hyper focuses on something, and mine was Quidditch, just because I wanted break the mold, and in a lot of ways I have a lot to thank you for as well, Draco. You made me strive to become better every time we were on the pitch together."
Draco smiled kindly at her. "I had to, because if you've noticed I'm quite competitive and you pushed me to be better too."
Ginny grinned at that. "So am I, and I know for a fact that the majority of the Gryffindor Quidditch team hated that I am, especially Harry, because heaven forbid someone outshines the Golden Boy of Gryffindor."
Draco nodded at that. "Heaven forbid indeed. For once I was glad that Slytherin was more civilized in its selection of players."
"The House rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin is as old as the founding of the school, Draco, and it has always been the Gryffindors that have been far more entitled than any Slytherin I've ever known, with maybe the exception of Slughorn." Narcissa said with a smile.
"To be fair though, Slughorn could've just as well been a Gryffindor. There is a fine line between ambition and ass kissing after all." Bellatrix said as she pulled her daughter closer to her body.
Hermione giggled softly at that as she got comfortable. "Honestly, every House has those people. Ravenclaw was not much better in that aspect."
"That's putting it lightly." Luna muttered softly as she nuzzled her nose in her girlfriend's neck.
Hermione just smiled at her sister. "I wasn't trying to bring back any bad memories for either of us Lu. The day has been peaceful so far and I am loathe to break that peace. This afternoon is shaping up to be very emotional."
Luna just nodded and smiled at the brunette as she too cuddled in closer to Pandora, while Gabrielle readjusted herself a little so she was resting more comfortably against her mate.
Bellatrix smiled at the sight and just couldn't resist pecking a kiss to the back of her daughters neck. "You're restless Mama. Are you okay?" Hermione asked softly.
"I'm fine sweetie. It's just that I despise waiting, even when it is for the only mother we've ever had. It's not like her to be late." The raven-haired witch said softly.
Andromeda smiled at her sister. "I'm sure she has a good reason Bella, something I am sure she'll explain when she gets here. It would honestly not surprise me if it was something Kingsley requested from her."
Bellatrix grumbled a little. "I know, and it's probably harmless, but I just worry. I wouldn't put it past the Order to still try something against her in order to regain some control."
Her sisters just smiled at her as the Floo burned green and the Headmistress stepped out, dusting herself off before she smiled kindly at the family.
…
Once they had all taken their seats and tea had been served along with some light snacks, Narcissa turned to Minerva. "It is good to see you again, Minerva, and finally under better circumstances."
"I can only agree, my dear Narcissa. It is good to see you all again. It's been far too long since we've been able to sit down like this and have a talk about everything that has happened, and this is the first time we'll be able to do so with the entire family present." Minerva said with a kind smile.
Bellatrix smiled and pulled Hermione closer to her body. "That alone has been the highlight of our lives so far. To finally be able to have them both in our arms was something long overdue. I wouldn't trade the past year for anything in the world, and that includes everything we've fought for."
Hermione smiled sweetly at her mother. "I can only agree with you Mama. Being reunited with you and Mummy after finding out the truth has been everything I've ever dreamed of, and being able to share everything with them has been nothing less than absolutely amazing."
Minerva smiled at her god-daughter. "I knew from the moment I saw you walk into Transfiguration in your first year that you were Bella's daughter, because even then the similarities between you two were very obvious, but I also knew that I could never let that knowledge be known if we wanted the Headmaster to be none the wiser of who you really were and by the time Umbridge insisted on those tests, there was little he could do against you unless he wanted to overplay his hand."
Hermione nodded and smiled at her. "I know, and it is something I've discussed with Luna countless times after we learned the truth. We knew we had to keep a low profile until such time we were certain it would be safe for us to reveal ourselves to those we trusted, which in school were precious little."
Minerva nodded sadly at that. "I know my sweetling, I know. Most students of your generation were raised with some form of bias against your family, and if you couple that with an increased understanding of how things really work and being smarter than most others, it was almost a given that you two would be bullied, which is something I will be addressing next term."
"I hope you won't take it personally if we won't return for that, Headmistress. I honestly think that Hogwarts has taught us all it can." Luna said kindly.
Minerva smiled at that. "I had expected nothing less from both of you, and know that I don't fault you for that one bit. Both of you have lost enough not to enjoy the time you have with your family. But tell me, how did you all fare over the last months. I'm awfully curious."
Hermione and Fleur smiled at her. "Well, besides the majority of the family taking over our schooling and bonding with my family, Fleur and I got engaged."
"Congratulations dear. I have to admit I was rooting for the two of you the moment you two started spending time together. You two look very good together" Minerva said with a kind smile.
Hermione and Fleur blushed a little at that. "Thank you Godmother." Hermione said softly.
Minerva smiled brightly at that. "How I've longed to hear you say that sweetie. I also have a gift for you, something I've waited more than fifteen years for to give you."
Hermione pressed a kiss to her mate's cheek before she stood as Minerva took out a small package from her pocket. "This is something that was passed down in my family all the way back to the time of the druids." McGonagall said as she handed Hermione an ornate ring of two dragons eating each other's tails.
Hermione's eyes widened at that. "The Ouroboros. I've read a lot about this symbol. It is used to depict infinity, am I right?"
McGonagall smiled and nodded. "Indeed it is dear heart. It is also used to depict immortality in ancient Druidic cultures, and in the case of this particular ring it will ensure increased health for everyone close to you for as long as you wear it. It is infused with ancient Druidic magic."
"That is amazing. I can feel that it was powerful, but I never imagined that it was this powerful." Hermione said softly.
"It is ancient magic sweetie, something that most witches and wizards in our time don't have a clue about. The bloodlines of the druids are very thin these days and to my knowledge only your family and mine can truly claim close ties to them, which is why I wanted to give you this. It works best if it can attune to someone who shares druid blood." McGonagall said with a sweet smile as she wrapped her arms around her Goddaughter.
Hermione relaxed into the hug. "I'm so glad that you are my Godmother. I've always felt some sort of special connection to you."
Bellatrix smiled at that. "That's because Minerva and I share somewhat of a maternal bond, which because of the soul part you share with me should have a similar effect on you. Am I missing something, mother?"
McGonagall shook her head at her bond daughter. "No sweetling. You haven't missed a thing, although you did not tell me you and Pandora performed that particular ritual to conceive, let alone perform it twice."
Bellatrix blushed a little at that. "We planned to tell you after Luna was born, but as you know the old man had other plans."
McGonagall nodded sadly at that. "I know, and the worst part is that he did so with minimal support. Only Sirius and Moody backed this plan truly, while the rest of the Order were too afraid to oppose him."
"We understand that Minerva, it is the same reason so many of our Lord's followers, including myself went underground after everything came to a head. I specifically needed to let him think that his attempt had been successful, even though I knew it would hurt a lot of people." Pandora said softly.
McGonagall merely smiled at the blonde. "I too understand Pandora, better than most I'd say. I've had to keep up appearances for nigh on twenty years, but let's not talk about the former Headmaster or the Dark Lord anymore. Today is supposed to be a day of catching up with each other."
Everyone merely nodded as Hermione took a seat next to her Godmother, after which the family and Headmistress spent the majority of the afternoon talking about everything that had happened in the past decade and a half.
…
The following morning Fleur and Hermione woke up early, both of them curled up close to their sisters, who were already talking softly to each other. "How are you two awake so early after going to bed so late? It is truly a talent in and off itself." Fleur grumbled softly.
"We only just woke up, Fleur. We were just as tired as you two were last night. We were just talking about everything that happened yesterday." Gabrielle said softly.
The older blonde smiled and pressed a soft kiss to her sister's cheek. "I was teasing Gabi. You know I deal with my nerves that way, because I am very nervous about seeing Maman and Gran-mere today." Fleur said softly.
"Honestly, so am I. I know Gran-mere will be able to keep a level head but I honestly don't know about Maman. I know she said she was sorry, but we both know that her temper might get the better of her." Gabrielle said in a similar tone.
Luna smiled and kissed her mate softly. "That's why our mothers will be there too love. They'll act as an intermediary should it be necessary, as well as ensure that everyone gets to say what they need to."
Gabrielle smiled at that as she cuddled into her lover. "If anyone can temper our mother, it will be either of yours. I'm sure that both Bellatrix and Pandora have ways to make her listen to some form of reason."
"I'm sure they will. Mama can be quite persuasive." Hermione said with a wink.
Fleur smiled and kissed her fiancee. "That she is, but unless we want to be late for their arrival, we do need to get out of bed and get dressed."
They all nodded as they did just that, taking their time in selecting an outfit for today, since Hermione and Luna wanted to make a good impression on their mate's mother and grandmother, much to the amusement of their mates.
When they got downstairs half an hour later, Bellatrix and Pandora were already waiting for them, the raven-haired witch clearly dressed to intimidate while Pandora looked a lot more welcoming in her choice of dress. "Good morning sweethearts. Are you ready for today?" Pandora asked sweetly.
Fleur and Gabrielle shook their heads as they went to embrace the two witches. "Not really. We don't know what to expect from our mother today, it is honestly kind of worrying."
Bellatrix and Pandora both smiled at them. "We'll be there the entire time, sweeties, as will Hermione and Luna. We will not allow her to hurt you more than she already has, but I have a feeling that she will be more repentant than confrontational today." Bellatrix said softly.
The two Veela smiled and nodded. "That is our hope too, but we also know that our mother has quite the temper that she hides behind her usual pleasant demeanor, especially when she feels like she's been slighted in any way."
"We'll see what happens and react accordingly, my sweets, but I think we should make our way to the garden. They could arrive at any moment."
The four girls nodded and followed the two older witches into the garden, which proved not to be a moment to soon because the moment the were outside, there was a loud crack as Apoline and Amelié Delacour appeared in the garden.
Fleur and Gabrielle held their breaths as they regarded their mother, who on her turn regarded them in kind. "Ma petites. It is so good to see you again." Apoline said softly after about a minute.
The two girls rushed forward and hugged their mother tightly. "We've missed you too Maman."
"I'm so sorry for everything my sweets. I didn't know you had found your mates. Why didn't you tell me?" Apoline asked softly as the tears streamed down her cheeks.
"We were afraid that you wouldn't believe us Maman. I honestly believed that you would think that I was too young to know it for sure." Gabrielle said softly.
"Let us take a seat before we continue to talk, that way we can also make proper introductions." Pandora said kindly in order to break the ice a little.
Apoline and Amelié nodded and followed the blonde to a shaded area with a lovely view over Narcissa's prized garden, and as they sat Hermione and Luna both pulled their mates into their sides.
"Now that we're all seated, let us make some introductions. I am Bellatrix Black, and this is my wife Pandora. It is a pleasure to meet you, even though circumstances could've been better." Bellatrix said kindly, seeing that the older Veela was genuinely distraught about what she had done to her daughters.
Apoline smiled kindly at her. "It is good to meet you too, and I take full responsibility for everything that I have inadvertently done to hurt my daughters. I am so very sorry ma petites."
Fleur and Gabrielle smiled at her. "It is okay Maman. We have realized that we should have told you regardless. You and Gran-mere have always told us about the importance of finding your mate, and while Gabi and I both knew that we had found them during that Tournament, we also knew you would've had some issues with us wanting to be with them already." Fleur said softly.
"I know I was very irrational, but your Gran-mere made me see exactly what I had done wrong and frequently reminded me of this too. I am truly sorry for all of the pain I have caused you. It was honestly never my intention." Apoline said softly.
"We believe you Maman. We were also worried how today would go, but we can both see how much it hurts you, so let's say that all is forgiven and get to what you and Gran-mere actually came here for. Maman, Gran-mere, this is my mate and fiancee, Hermione Katerina Black."
Apoline's eyes widened at that. "Fiancee, you already proposed? When did this happen?"
"I proposed the day after the New Year's Ball. I felt like the right time and through everything we've shared over the last months made my mind up. We plan to get married in a few months, and it would mean a lot to both of us if you all would be there." Fleur said with a soft smile.
Apoline smiled at that. "Of course we will, ma petite Fleur. We wouldn't want to miss it for the world."
Fleur smiled at that as Gabrielle pressed a kiss to Luna's cheek. "This is my mate Luna Nova Black, and I can honestly say that everything I've always been told about finding your mate has not come close to the reality."
Amelié smiled kindly at that. "It rarely does, mon chou. We are glad that you both have found such exceptional mates, as I always knew you would."
Bellatrix and Pandora both smiled at that. "Exceptional indeed. It has been an absolute pleasure seeing them both grow and thrive under our roof, despite everything that has happened recently. I also want to ensure you both know that we've done everything to ensure Gabrielle's continued education."
"That is good to hear. It was one of my worries that Gabrielle would throw away her future if she went the same path as her sister, but clearly I was wrong in both cases. I've heard a lot of good of Le Chaudron Bleu." Apoline said kindly.
Fleur almost preened at that praise, much to the amusement of her mate. "It has been one of my biggest prides and joys. I'm glad that you've changed your mind about it."
"I admit I was skeptical, but I should've known you'd inherit your father's business sense. He'll be very pleased to know that he was right about that." Apoline said kindly.
Fleur smiled and went to hug her mother and grandmother again, the eight witches spending most of the day getting to know each other and telling stories about everything that had been missed in the past two years.