chapter 23

December 1995

Ever since the night Lilith came back shaking as a leaf, they started to share the bed. They didn't even notice they did that, it was almost automatic, and it gave Lilith the feeling of safety and reassurance she longed for. Falling asleep in Hermione's arms even helped her sleep better, and she didn't have as much trouble sleeping as she did before. For Lilith, it was a miracle, and Hermione didn't seem to mind one bit.

Waking up on Christmas morning enveloped by Hermione's arms was probably the best beginning of Christmas she's ever had, with Hermione's sleepy eyes fluttering open, meeting her with a gentle smile.

"Merry Christmas." she whispered as if it was a secret.

"Merry Christmas." Lilith smiled back and leaned forward to give her a quick kiss. Lilith wanted to stay in their little cosy cocoon a little bit longer but she could already hear the loud noises from behind the door, signalling that the other occupants of the house were already awake, so with a heavy heart she got up. Thanks to a small crack near the window, the cold was creeping in and her back was starting to itch a little bit, an uncomfortable numb pain would soon appear too. So she took the nearest warm jumper and threw it over her t-shirt, hoping to preserve some of that warmth.

"This is for you." she turned around and saw Hermione holding up a wrapped-up present. Lilith could feel her cheeks warming up as she reached for the nightstand and took out her own present, carefully wrapped up in Gryffindor colours.

"And this for you." Lilith sat on the edge of the bed as they exchanged the presents, and could feel Hermione's eyes on her as carefully unwrapped hers. At first touch, Lilith could feel it was something soft and she was right. Her present turned out to be a beautifully and attentively knitted burgundy scarf.

"I know it's not much but..." Lilith shook her head with a smile.

"I love it." It was soft and warm, and everything Lilith could wish for. She felt the warmth spreading through her chest at the thought. Hermione took a time from her schedule a knitted her this scarf, spending hours on it. "It's perfect, Mione. Thank you." Hermione blushed at the comment. "Now you."

She watched Hermione unwrapping her present, seeing the surprise in her face as she opened the small box and pulled out a silver bracelet with a small eagle pendant on it.

"Lilith... it's beautiful." Lilith gestured for her to outstretch her arm to clip the bracelet and Hermione did it.

"It's not just a bracelet." she said as she carefully put it on Hermione's hand. "If you're ever in danger, just touch the pendant, think of someplace, and say Portus." Hermione eyes widened as she did a double take at the bracelet.

"It's a portkey?" Lilith nodded.

"An emergency portkey. It won't work at Hogwarts but it should be good for use anywhere else." Hermione's eyes were full of wonder.

"I love it. Thank you."

"You're welcome." she patted the bracelet that was now secured on Hermione's hand and got up just in time to hear her grandmother's yells coming from downstairs. "I think we should go down." she sighed. "We might be the last ones to show up."

She was right, they were the last ones to walk downstairs to the kitchen, stopping on the way to talk her grandmother into calming down before pulling the curtain over her portrait. Others were already taking turns unwrapping their presents and consoling Mrs Weasley who clutched onto the sweater her third eldest son sent back. So Lilith paid extra attention to show her gratitude when she found a navy blue jumper under the tree with L stitched on the front, Aveline and Sebastian followed suit when they found their jumpers. She had the next three presents waiting for her. One from Aveline - a new set of quills. One from Sebastian - a book on magical law. She didn't want to break his heart and tell him that it was already in her study so she kept that one a secret. And one from Sirius - a beautiful silver ring embedded with a masterfully crafted emerald. She gaped at the sight as she opened the small box, hearing a gasp from Aveline who was looking over her shoulder. Sirius watched her with a melancholic smile.

"Uncle Sirius, it's beautiful but..." he stopped her with a raised hand.

"It's your inheritance. It always went from the eldest daughter to the eldest daughter. It was my mother's, and she gave it to your mother." he sighed. "When she was on her deathbed, she asked me to give it to you when you grow up." Lilith teared up as she explained it. It wasn't a gift from Sirius but from her mum. She ran her fingers over it carefully, taking in every detail, every imperfection and perfection. She imagined her mother wearing it, looking as elegant as she always did.

"Thank you, Sirius." she whispered, not trusting her voice as she put the ring on her left middle finger. Finally a company for her signet ring on the little finger. It was a perfect fit like it was made for her. She admired the ring while everybody else was on to unwrapping their presents. She didn't watch as Seb unwrapped the box full of chocolate frogs from her, or when Aveline squealed when she finally found the broom polishing kit she got her a little while ago. Or when Sirius smiled gently at the treats for Buckbeak. Her mind was on the ring and her mother. She missed her dearly and was fortunate enough that she remembered her. Always elegant, always gentle, always kind. At that moment, she longed for her mother.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Mrs Weasley ushered them all to the kitchen table for breakfast, and Sirius pushed the full plate and a cup of coffee towards her. She gave him a playful smirk and started eating, as he opened the new Daily Prophet.

"You're still reading that rubbish?" she raised an eyebrow and frowned as she saw Fudge on the cover.

"Know thy enemy, my dear niece. Know thy enemy." he hummed as he turned the page and froze. His eyes scanned the page and briefly glanced at Lilith as he frowned.

"Theodosius Greengrass dead by suicide at the age of 45, survived by two daughters and a widow." he muttered. The information perked some interest around the table. Mrs Weasley looked shocked while the rest looked confused, apart from Hermione.

"Greengrass?" she mumbled and looked at Lilith with a curious look. "Was that why you came back so late the other night?" Lilith hummed in agreement and took a sip from her coffee, feeling more sets of eyes on her.

"You were there?" Sebastian asked.

"I was."

"But Sirius said you were at Gringotts." Lilith sighed.

"That was part of it. The Greegrasses were in substantial trouble thanks to the late Mr Greengrass so I agreed to lend them money. Unfortunately, it had to be rushed because of his sudden death so I had to get there quickly to sign the loan before the debt collectors had a chance to take their house. After that I went to Gringotts to take care of the details." she didn't lie. She never lied. She just vowed the lie and the truth together as she always did. It was a thin line and she walked it with the precision of a tightrope walker. It seemed it worked as always as the occupants of the table took her word for it, going back to their conversations. She finished the breakfast, knowing that Hermione watched her like a hawk to make sure she ate everything and got up.

"It's been lovely Mrs Weasley, but I'm afraid I have to go." Mrs Weasley looked puzzled.

"Already?" Lilith gave her a small smile.

"Yes. I promised my friend we would meet up today, and if I don't show up I'm afraid she'll kill me." this perked her siblings' attention.

"Fleur's in London?" Lilith rolled her eyes at Aveline's question and couldn't miss a small frown that suddenly appeared on Mrs Weasley's face when the name was mentioned.

"Of course she is. She's got a job at Gringotts, remember?" she was glad Sebastian answered for her.

"Oh well, say hello to her for us, will ya?"

"I will." she promised and turned to Mrs Weasley who was still slightly frowning. "I apologize once again. Give my best wishes to Mr Weasley when you visit him." she didn't like going to St Mungo's. Never liked it even though their family was the hospital's biggest benefactor, and always tried to wiggle herself out of seeing the inside of the hospital. But thanks to Fleur at least she didn't have to give the family a poor lie.

"Of course, dear. Thank you." as she got dressed in her room and departed from Grimmauld Place, she pondered about the reason why Mrs Weasley's demeanour changed once they mentioned Fleur. It was rather strange. But her thoughts were interrupted once she entered the coffeehouse and spotted the familiar blonde sitting at the table, already waiting for her with two steaming cups.

"Darling! Oh, I missed you!" Fleur said with a bright smile, immediately kissed Lilith's cheeks and enveloped her in a bone-crushing hug.

"I missed you too, Fleur." Lilith smiled into the hug and once Fleur released her, she stripped off her coat and took a seat at one of the chairs. Fleur already ordered for her and she couldn't complain one bit. Fleur sat opposite her, and Lilith could finally take a good look at her. Ever since June, they hadn't seen each other and during those months, Fleur got even more beautiful and looked more mature than ever before. But there was a twinkle in her eyes that she couldn't identify.

"So tell me everything. How's your family? How do you enjoy Britain so far? How's your job?" Fleur chuckled at the rapid questions fired her way and took a sip from her cup.

"Family is fine, they were asking about you so please spare a letter or two." Lilith blushed in embarrassment as Fleur gave her a small glare but continued. "Britain is well... gloomy, rainy." she frowned a little bit but immediately brightened. "But my job is... exciting." Was she blushing?

"Fleur Isabelle Delacour, are you blushing?" she gaped at her and Fleur blushed even more. "You are blushing! Did you meet someone?" It took Fleur a few moments before she gave her a small nod and a smile.

"I did." Lilith clutched onto her cup as she leaned closer towards Fleur with a Cheshire smile on her face.

"Well who is it? Do I know them?" The question got Fleur blushing even more as she took a sip from her mug.

"Not personally but you know his siblings. He's the eldest." It didn't take long for Lilith to connect the dots.

"You're dating Bill Weasley?" It was true, she didn't know Bill personally. He graduated from Hogwarts a few months before she started. Fleur gave her a shy nod in agreement. The information finally answered her question about why Mrs Weasley frowned at the mention of Fleur's name. So she didn't like her son's new girlfriend, and Lilith didn't have to guess why. The first thing people noticed about Fleur was her looks and didn't bother to dig deeper. She had to smirk inwardly. Mrs Weasley severely underestimated Fleur and was in for a wild ride.

"So tell me, does he treat you right or do I have to have a talk with him?" Fleur laughed and slightly slapped Lilith's hand.

"Vala, no! Bill is a complete gentleman in every aspect. He's very sweet and kind." It warmed her heart that Fleur finally found someone who appreciated her for who she is. She deserved the best in the world, and if Bill Weasley ever broke her heart, Lilith would personally take care of him. She took a sip of her coffee. It was already cooled down and delicious so she nearly drank half of it in one gulp.

"Good. But if he breaks your heart, I will break his neck." Fleur gave her a playful glare.

"Same goes for your girl." it was Lilith's turn to blush.

"So you two met at work I gather?" Fleur hesitated.

"Actually, no. We met in June during the Tournament when the families visited. But once I got a job at Gringotts he offered to give me private lessons so I accepted." Lilith had to laugh at the answer.

"As if you needed lessons in English." Fleur didn't need private lessons in English. Her accent still showed, yes, but thanks to their friendship, her English was perfect. Fleur smirked.

"I didn't say they were solely for English." Lilith chuckled and shook her head.

"You're sneaky, Delacour. Good job."

"Thank you, Vala." Fleur looked at her watch. "We should get going if you want to make it to the appointment on time." Lilith looked down at her watch and saw that Fleur was right. They both drank the rest of their coffees and got up, put on their coats and exited the coffee shop. Fleur interlocked their arms as they walked down the street and tugged at her hand.

"Let me see." Lilith didn't even try to resist and showed Fleur her left hand, watching the frown forming on her face as she read the words.

"It's horrible, Vala. How can someone do something like that?" She shook her head and let go of Lilith's hand.

"She's a horrible person, Fleur." Lilith shrugged and smirked. "Don't worry, it won't be there for much longer." Fleur mirrored her smirk. They turned around the corner and walked into a side alley that seemed normal at first. Lilith took out her wand and tapped three times at the nearest brick. As she tapped the brick for the last time, the bricks disappeared, revealing a blue door and a sign engraved into a metal plate.

Mel's Magical Tattoos

Fleur squeezed Lilith's arm.

"Ready?" Lilith smiled.

"As I'll ever be." With that, she pushed the door open and entered the parlour.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

She didn't come back to Grimmauld Place until the evening, catching everyone just as they were about to eat dinner. As she took off her coat and made her way towards the kitchen, she could feel a small buzz from the wine Fleur and she drank after the appointment.

"Hey, how's Fleur?" Aveline asked as she noticed her enter the room.

"Fleur's good." Lilith smirked and looked at Mrs Weasley who frowned once again at the mention of the name. "You didn't tell me your Bill was dating her, Mrs Weasley. What a nice coincidence." Mrs Weasley's face reddened as a tomato. The information made Ron almost choke on his dinner.

"Bill's dating Fleur Delacour?" he looked at his mother for confirmation but got nothing from her. Mrs Weasley gave her a strained smile.

"I didn't know you two know each other, dear."

"I've known Fleur for more than ten years, Mrs Weasley." she smiled sweetly. "She's my best friend." she secretly enjoyed how Mrs Weasley's smile strained even more. "She's a great girl. Your son couldn't find anyone better." the movement of her hand caught Sirius' attention.

"What's that on your hand?" he asked. Lilith came closer to the table and showed him her left hand. Once it was in full view, gasps were heard from around the table.

"You got a tattoo?!" Aveline nearly jumped out of her chair as she quickly came closer, taking hold of her hand and inspecting the tattoo with wonder.

"I did." she smiled. Sebastian also came closer and inspected it. Lilith loved the tattoo ever since the artist came up with a draft. Two flowers, one for her mother, one for Cedric. Thanks to it being a magical tattoo, the petals reacted to her magic, either slightly moving to the wind, falling off or blooming. Now they were in full bloom.

"No offence, it's beautiful, but why?" he asked as he looked at it with furrowed eyebrows. Aveline studied the hand for a moment before her head snapped up to meet Lilith's eyes with a knowing look.

"It's where those... words were. Right?" Lilith gave her a small smile and nodded, her eyes meeting Harry's who glanced down at his own scars.

"They were put there permanently against my will. Umbridge thinks she's in control but well, it's my body. I decide what will be there permanently and what won't." Aveline let go of her hand and immediately showed her the back of her right hand with her own scars. Lilith frowned slightly as she read those words once again. I must trust authorities.

"Can I get one too?" Lilith chuckled and shook her head.

"Maybe when you're older."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lilith's new tattoo