Andromeda and the Lady of Light
It was a week, seven whole days of nervous anticipation for Hermione before Minerva could arrange with Albus to get Hermione and Fleur out of the castle for the day. She was not sure what excuse her grandmother had used to convince her headmaster of the nacesity of her leaving the school grounds for the day but she was grateful all the same as she stood outside the cottage gates of her aunts house with her soulmate and her grandmother by her side.
Fleur and Hermione had spent the past week together every moment they could. Now that Hermione had excepted the bond between them, they had been eager to get to know everything they could about each other. They had spent mornings with their friends laughing and getting to know each others closest friends and they had all become unbelievably close in the past week. The gryffindor table was now filled with half of the baubaxton students at each meal time. Hermione and Fleur along with Ginny, Harry, Neville and Luna all mixed in. The large group had become rather inseparable and often were seen together around the school grounds in their free time.
Fleur had also spent almost every evening either in the RoR with Hermione or in Minerva's chambers with her soulmate and her soulmates grandmother. Minerva on her part was simply thrilled to spend time getting to know the French Veela. They had developed a friendship of sorts and it melted Hermione's heart to watch them interact. She couldn't help but feel blessed to know that these people were her family and was excited all be it extremely nervous to expand that with the inclusion of her maternal aunt.
Minerva and Andromeda had written one another daily in the last week with Andromeda demanding daily updates on the wellbeing of her only niece and Minerva couldn't help but think that Andromeda was just as anxious as Hermione was to meet her sisters child.
"Are you ready little love?" Minerva whispered to her granddaughter as she placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Hermione drew in a deep breath, grabbing Fleurs hand tightly before she nodded in response and walked through her aunts garden fence. As they drew closer to the door it opened suddenly to reveal a tall kind looking woman, with hair that was a perfect match to Hermione's just shoulder length instead of falling to the bottom of her spine. Hermione couldn't help but think her aunt was beautiful and looked so much like her mother it was almost scary.
As two sets of chocolate brown eyes locked on each other both Black witches drew in a breath at the same time. Hermione stopped in her tracks as she watched the emotion playing out on her aunts face. Her heart felt like it was going to burst when she saw the tears that fell from Andromeda's eyes as they flashed with so much love and longing.
The almost silent "Hermione" that fell from Andromeda's lips was enough to break Hermione out of her feelings as she dashed forward and launched herself into her aunts outstretched arms. Andromeda grasped her tightly. Sinking to her knees with her niece in her arms in the doorway of her home.
Minerva and Fleur silently took each others hand as they watched the heartwarming scene infront of them. It was clear to both witches that this moment was long overdue and they were happy to let the two Black's have their moment together as the long lost relatives sobbed openly in each others arms.
"Merlin, you have no idea just how much I've missed you my girl" Andromeda whispered as she drew back shakily after a moment to look at her niece, wiping the youngsters tears gently with her thumbs as she held her face in her hands.
"Hi auntie" Hermione whispered in response, smiling shyly at her mothers sister.
"Come on let's move this inside Hermione" Andromeda said quietly as she drew herself and her niece back onto their feet, not letting go of Hermione for a moment. She wrapped an arm around the young witches shoulders and beckoned the two onlookers into her hallway.
"I'm sorry for that, I did not mean to lose my grip like that" she said humorously with a watery chuckle.
"It's alright Meda, there is no need to apologise. I can only imagine how tough the past 15 years have been on you, knowing she was out there but unable to be a part of her life" Minerva said in understanding. Smiling at her ex student.
Andromeda nodded before turning her attention to the quiet young blonde standing politely at Minerva's side.
"And who is this pretty young lady?" She enquired, raising a teasing eyebrow at her blushing niece.
"My name's Fleur Delacour of the Veela clan in France it iz a pleasure to meet Mia's Aunt." She said politely, offering her hand to the older brunette. She stiffened slightly as her hand was ignored and Andromeda grasped her in a quick hug instead.
"The pleasures all mine Ms Delacour. May I enquire to your relationship with my niece" Andromeda replied, smiling cheekily at the young blonde.
Fleur laughed softly "oui, 'ermione is my mate madam" she replied seriously as she smiled dotingly at her young soulmate. Andromeda nodded with a smile before leading the three witches into her living room. Silently relieved that the prophecy was already unfolding.
"Take a seat and get comfortable. My wife is currently at work and my daughter is upstairs. I'll call her down later once we've discussed what we need to" Andromeda informed them as she took a seat in an arm chair and began passing out mugs of tea.
"Nympthadora right?" Hermione asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Yes Nympthadora is right Hermione, although she would hex you if you called her that. She hates her name and insists that everyone call her Tonks or Dora." Andromeda laughed lightly, smiling at her niece. "I see you've done your research." She teased.
"Of course I have, I wouldn't be the brightest witch of my age if I didn't do my research now would I?" Hermione teased back smiling cheekily before adopting a more serious expression. "Although I have to say there is not very much information available and most of what is available is a load of incorrect assumptions and vile accusations against my mother" she said a little sadly.
"I am aware little one" Andromeda said sympathetically. "Now before I start talking would you all be willing to take the unbreakable vow that what is shared in this room is not passed on to anybody by anyone without Hermione's prior approval?" She enquired seriously looking at the professor and veela closely.
"Of course Meda, I've already taken one i don't mind doing it again" Minerva said seriously.
"Likewise" Fleur added nodding in agreement from her place at Hermione's side.
"Very well, Minerva first" Andromeda commanded. Nodding in approval as Minerva grasped Hermione's arm tightly, Hermione mirroring her sensing that this vow would be slightly different than the wazarding oath her grandmother and soulmate had taken.
"Do you Minerva McGonagall swear upon your magic that you will not reveal the information you are about to learn to anyone by any means without explicit permission from Hermione Narcissa Andromeda Black - Lestrange." Andromeda asked the elder witch.
"I do" she replied. Watching as a bright silver string wrapped around her and Hermione's arm.
"And do you swear to protect Hermione to the best of your ability as her grandmother, her guardian and her confidante in life"
"I do" Minerva said with more conviction than Hermione had ever heard as another silver string wrapped around the duos arms. There was a bright white flash before the strings turned gold and faded.
"Thank you Min" Andromeda said sincerely.
"Of course" Minerva replied, smiling at Hermione's aunt before gesturing to Fleur.
Fleur turned herself to face Hermione, pecking her cheek quickly before grasping her arm. Smirking at the blush that bloomed on her young soulmates face. Andromeda and Minerva chuckled lightly at the youngsters antics, enjoying seeing the blossoming love between their little witch and her soulmate.
"Oh you are entirely far too much" Andromeda laughed tenderly before appearing to sober.
"Do you Fleur Delacour swear upon your magic that you will not reveal the information you are about to learn to anyone by any means without explicit permission from Hermione Narcissa Andromeda Black - Lestrange." She asked the young blonde.
"I do" Fleur paratoted the words Minerva had said as the silver string wrapped around her and Hermione.
"And do you swear to stand by your soulmate in everything to come, to protect her and keep her safe to the best of your ability in all that you will face" Andromeda asked.
"I do" Fleur replied, smiling tenderly at her little mate as the vow was completed. She pulled Hermione in and hugged her tightly for a moment before releasing her and turning to face the older witches in the room.
"Very well. Now when your mother and I planned how to keep you safe, we were aware that due to her position in the Dark Lords ranks she would probably be imprisoned when you came of age so she asked me to keep a hold of a few things to pass to you to help you understand why things had to happen the way they did but first you must understand that there is two reasons. The first being, you are the child of two very powerful magical families combined. As a result if you had been raised by your parents and the world was aware of your existence then the Dark Lord would have coveted your power. He would have you training to do his bidding from the moment you were old enough to pick up your wand and your parents along with the rest of us were terrified. We could not allow him to use you or allow you to grow up in the middle of a war. Bella wanted to leave the Dark Lords army but no one leaves alive so that wasn't an option. As such we arranged for you to be placed in a muggle orphanage in the hopes that no one would find out what had happened to you" Andromeda explained, pausing to study her nieces reaction. She had to admit she was impressed by the level of calm Hermione was. The little witch seemed unfazed by the information and merely inclined her head at her aunt in acknowledgement and a bid to continue.
Andromeda smiled and nodded in approval.
"Now this was all planned even before we knew about the prophecy. When your mother discovered its existence it made us glad that we had already planned your disappearance. I will let you hear it and then we can discuss it if that's alright?" She quiried, handing Hermione a glass orb.
"All you have to do is tap it with your wand and say the word "Alohamora" it will do the rest itself" Andromeda instructed softly.
Hermione did as instructed before startling slightly as the airy voice of her divination professor filled the room.
"Born the child of the eldest star,
The one with the power to steer the war.
Hidden among the ordinary,
She will prove the best in all that she does.
Born as the ninth month becomes the tenth,
She will have power beyond any that have come before her.
In the wrong hands her gift will be coveted,
Sought by the dark at any length.
Though she will never go dark when surrounded by those she loves.
Her destiny will be secured with the union of three, the destined trinity.
A metamorphagus, that shares in her blood and a Veela born of nobility- when joined the Trinity of light they will become. Three soulmates fighting side by side.
Guided by their heart they will bring her family home.
With power never before felt,
They will aid the one who lived and end the reign of terror once and for all.
----
As Sybil Trenaways voice came to an end both younger witches and the eldest witch in the room simply stared in wonder but Andromeda could see the gears turning in her nieces head. She would be inclined to laugh if she didn't know how much of a burden she had just revealed to her sisters child. If the girl wasn't a black she would be afraid it would be too much for the girl to deal with.
Hermione focused on breathing slowly, digesting all that she had heard. She knew it had to be something big with all the secrecy but she didn't realise it was this big. The fate of the entire wizarding world was resting on her, her soulmates and Harry. She would need to talk to her family about bringing their friends on board with this. She knew Harry needed to know and they would need the support of their friends if things were to go well because she had no doubt they were the 'those she loves' including Minerva and Fluer and now seemingly her cousin.
"Nymphadora should be here for this discussion Aunt Andy" she whispered taking a deep breath and looking up to meet her aunts eyes. She was touched by the sincerity of the concern shinning in Andromeda's eyes. She smiled reassuring her aunt that she was alright.
"You're right little one but why don't you and Fleur go up to meet her first. She is your soulmate and I think it'll be more comfortable for you three to make introductions without an audience" Her aunt said quietly. Reaching out her hand to squeeze the young brunettes knee.
"Okay" Hermione agreed standing up and offering her hand to Fleur who took it without hesitation. A look of nervous anticipation on her face.
"Auntie?" She asked as the duo made it to the door "how much does Nymphadora know about all this?"
"She knows everything love. She has already taken the unbreakable vow as well so do not worry. You are free to speak candidly with her." Andromeda replied, smiling at Hermione as the little witch nodded and headed out towards the stairs, the blonde witch following closely behind.
Andromeda waited until she heard the duo knock on her daughters door before turning to face Minerva.
"How are you holding up Min?" She asked curiously. Very aware that the older witch hadn't spoken a word in a while.
"It's a shock I'll give you that. I always knew she was powerful, she could do wandless and wordless transfigurations at eleven years old for Merlins sake and I always suspected she was hiding the true extent of her skill and power but is it really down to four youngsters to save the entire wizarding world? She's just a babe Andy, they all are!!" She exclaimed quietly.
"I know Min, I've been struggling with the same thing for years. I've researched as much as I possibly can but honestly the way things are Nymphadora, Fleur, Harry and Hermione are our only chance of winning this war. We just have to make sure we do all we can to ensure their safety" she replied, running her hands through her hair. An action that caused Minerva to chuckle.
"Merlin Andy, I keep kicking myself for not realising just who she was years ago. I keep telling myself I couldnt have known but now that I see you and her in the same place its scary how similar you are to one another. She does the exact same thing when she's worked up as you do" Minerva explained as she gestured to Andromedas hair.
"Really? I have to say she's mine and Bella's double Min. It should have been quite obvious, especially to you don't you think" Andromeda quipped.
"Indeed" deadpanned Minerva, not even attempting to conceal the twitch of her lips as she tried to keep herself from smiling at the younger womans teasing.
"The only issue I can forsee is the bonding Min, Nymphadora and Fleur are already of age to bond but Hermione is not. We cannot allow them to bond until Hermione is 17, her magic must be fully mature or the backlash of their magics combining could kill her" Andromeda said seriously.
Minerva nodded in understanding before pausing to think for a moment.
"Agreed although It may not be as long as you think Dromeda. Last year I gave Hermione a time turner. She wanted to take every single class offered to third years so she used it excessively. It will have effected her aging and brought her magic maturing fully and her coming of age forward significantly. She should be 15 right now. I'll have to double check but I would say she is closer to being 16 as a result than we suspect." Minerva informed the brunette.
Andromeda smiled in relief. Glad that they would only have to monitor the youngsters bedroom activities for around a year instead of the two she suspected if Minerva was right.
"Alright, please do check. I dont find it likely that I should have to say this but I will anyway. The sooner those three are bonded to one another the better Minerva, the sooner they are bonded the better able they are to defend themselves" she replied seriously, before dropping the subject as she heard movement upstairs.
-----
Meanwhile Hermione and Fleur had made their way up to their other soulmates room and Fleur knocked gently, choosing to take the lead as she watched her young mate retreat into herself a little and become rather shy.
"Come in" came a soft voice that both witches would have said sounded perfectly angelic. Fleur pushed the door open with one hand as she wrapped her other arm around Hermione, forcing the little witch into the room ahead of her so that she could not run. Fleur mentally filed that information away to tease the brunette with later. It should be illegal for her to look so cute even while looking like a deer caught in headlights.
"Wotcher ladies, what's happening" Nymphadora tonks called as she stood up from her bed at the sight of the two witches infront of her, before her gaze focused on the youngest witch in the room. She simply stared for a moment before rushing forward and enveloping the young witch in her arms, holding her in what Hermione would later describe as a death grip.
"Hermione!" She breathed, sounding so relieved the brunette couldnt help but smile and wrap her arms around her long lost cousin/soulmate. "Dora, it's so good to finally meet you" she whispered tenderly as she felt some of her confidence return. There was just something about this pink haired witch that made Hermione feel rather invincible. She thought it was probably a result of being in the presence of both her soulmates for the first time.
"Dora" Hermione said as she pulled away from the pink haired witch. Taking the blondes hand she motioned with her head for Nymohadora to turn. The metamorphmagus complied, however she did not let go of her little soulmate. She had waited entirely too long to hold her and did not want to let her go so quickly.
"This is Fleur Delacour" Hermione told her smiling when Nymphadora reached out with the arm that was not wrapped around Hermione and drew Fleur into her.
"Hi" she said softly. The three witches stood for a moment wrapped around one another. Taking comfort in each others touch and savouring the moment. They didn't know it at the time but years down the road they would remember this moment as the beginning of the rest of their lives as from that moment onwards all three finally felt like they were truly living for the first time in their lives.
-----
Twenty minutes later, a very content looking trio made their way into Andromedas living room and sat together on the sofa. Hermione sandwiched in the middle of the elder two of the trio as they tucked themselves into her and held hands across the brunettes lap.
"Hi mum" Tonks called, smiling brightly at her mother before sticking her tongue out at her when she saw her mothers teasing eyebrow arched towards the three girls on the sofa.
"Are either of you two going to let Hermione breath at any point today I wonder" Andromeda asked in mock curiosity.
"Aw hold your tongue mother, do not pretend for one moment that if you thought she would let you she wouldn't spend the remainder of the day on your lap. You're just as desperate for contact as I am and you can't blame me, I've had to wait 15 years for this moment. If I knew aunt Bella meant a long time so literally I would have kidnapped Hermione from her" Nymphadora explained, pouting at her mother.
"Hush darling, I understand I was merely teasing you three. I have to admit you three look beautiful together" Andromeda replied placating her daughter.
"Of course we do, we are the trinity of light afterall" Fleur quipped, smiling at her soulmates.
"In terms of the prophecy auntie, is the orb the only copy?" Hermione asked.
"No love, their is one other copy which I also have. It is in the family book. The book has all the information you could ask for on our family. Both historically and currently. You are in the book as well. It updates itself whenever anything happens, which is why Bella asked me to take it with me when I left home. If it was left with Narcissa anyone would have access to it and she couldn't risk that. It would give her away as a spy and would have meant knowledge of you spread. I've had it with me for near enough twenty years. Your mother asked me to pass it on to you when we met" Andromeda replied, summoning the book and handing it to the younger brunette.
"I'll let you have it love but you must ensure no one finds it and that if anyone does they cannot read it. I would suggest putting a blood ward of some sort on it to ensure that only a black can read it."
Hermione nodded and tucked it into her bag. "Please smash the orb" Hermione asked, indicating the prophecy sitting on the table infront of the small group.
"Exactly what I was thinking" Andromeda nodded.
"That way we ensure no one gets their hands on it. I can ward the family book with little difficulty, I cannot ward a prophecy easily" Hermione said.
"Do you know what you are going to do with the information we now have Hermione" Minerva asked her granddaughter.
Hermione nodded as she looked thoughtful for a moment. "We need to clue Harry, Ginny, Neville and Luna in on this. If there is anyone any of you think need to know and can be trusted enough then we include them too. We get them to take the unbreakable vow. If they do not they leave and get no information." Hermione said decisively.
"Ze only people i can think of iz ma maman and ma grandmaman. Zey are ze clans leaders if you are agreeable I cannot keep zem in ze dark as this will effect our whole clan ma petite" Fleur explained softly.
"Okay, we find a way of getting them here" Hermione nodded.
"The only people I would say is my mothers but they already know" Nymphadora added, before glancing at Minerva and her mother.
"I do not think anyone else needs to know at this point little one. As much as I trust Albus, I do not trust that he would not try and control the situation and I will not stand by and let anyone take away your choices. This all has to be driven by you and your ladies" Minerva told the young witch.
"I agree, Teddy knows, Bella was clear that we needed to leave the decisions to you sweetheart so I trust her word and your judgement. We have your back in this" Andromeda added.
"Thank you" Hermione whispered, leaning her head back against Nymphadora's shoulder. Tonks smiled at her, placing a kiss on her forehead as she began playing with the brunettes hair.
"She will have you doing that for hours Dora" Minerva warned and laughed when Hermione rolled her eyes at her in response.
The rest of the day and early evening was spent in exactly the same way. All five witches conversing together, drinking tea and bonding as a family. When Teddy came home she took one look at the trio on the sofa before quipping "so the wonderer returned then" cheekily as she smiled lovingly at her daughters soulmate.
"I am so glad to have you back with us where you belong little witch" she continued pulling the brunette into a tender hug, kissing her forehead before picking her up amd dropping her back onto the sofa between her soulmates.
As Hermione and Fleur said goodbye with Minerva to the tonks family with many promises of 'I'll see you soons' and 'come back home soon' Hermione felt her heart tug sharply at the thought of leaving their soulmate alone.
Sensing Hermione's growing panic Nymphadora pulled Hermione in close, wrapping her in a soothing embrace.
"It's alright love, I will be fine here my mums wouldn't let anything happen to me and I'm an auror, I know how to defend myself, go back to school, we will see each other sooner than you think and you can write me" Tonks promised softly. Peppering kisses on Hermione's forehead before pecking Fleurs cheek as she handed the brunette to their blonde.
"Come along" Minerva said quietly as she grapsed the duo coming back to hogwarts with her and aparated them to the school gates with a soft crack.