a/n - book title name drop??

"Redamancy"

a love returned in full; an act of loving the one who loves you; the act of loving in return

30 June 1997

Athena woke up in sweats to a terrifying vision. Fleur woke up to her wife's heavy breathing and frantic movements.

"Cherie?" Fleur lightly touched her arm before she was swatted away. Athena backed away from the familiar touch as she crawled out of bed. "Thena, it's me."

Her eyes flickered all around the room, trying to find some sense of comfort. Her wife wasn't recognisable to her. Fleur slowly approached her wife, her hands placed on her forearms.

"It's me, it's your Frenchy," Fleur whispered, a hint of desperation that her wife recognised her. "Darling, it's me."

"Dumbledore's dead."

A whisper was barely heard from Athena's lips as she finally recognised that it was her wife. Who else could it be?

Fleur let out a shaky breath, unsure of how to react when she watched her wife, overwhelmed with fear. Strands of hair clung to her sweaty forehead and her trembling hands dug into her forearms, trying to anchor herself to reality. The dull amber eyes met the bright blue eyes, and Fleur saw the silent apology in her wife's gaze—an apology for the fear that had taken hold, for the helplessness that had filled the room.

She moved closer, her worries set aside as she sat beside her wife. With tender hands, she stroked her wife's back as she whispered sweet nothings, her presence immediately calmed the storm in Athena's head. Fleur knew that she couldn't do anything to take away the fear but she knew how to comfort her wife better than anyone—maybe not better than Camille.

"How do you know?"

"A power shift and the Death eaters celebrating through his eyes."

Fleur gently brushed the damp strands of hair from Athena's forehead before kissing it softly. She couldn't panic, not now and not until Athena was calm and at ease. Every instinct within Fleur, every ounce of her Veela nature, was focused on soothing her wife's trembling state. She even used her Veela charms, praying it helped with Athena's anxiety. With each whispered word of reassurance and every gentle caress, Fleur poured all her love and strength into calming the anxiety raging within her Darling.

"We're okay," Fleur whispered into her hair, her hand stroking Athena's scarred arm and she wrapped her arm around Athena's shoulders. Another shaky breath left Athena's lips, her head found itself on Fleur's shoulder and Athena just played with her fingers. "We will be okay."

"I know. Sorry."

"Don't be. I married you because I knew I can handle your ass."

Athena chuckled softly into the crook of her neck, "Ouch. I love you."

"I love you too."

"I am going to shower but I will have to report to HQ. I think reports are coming in and sooner or later, an emergency meeting will be called."

"Can I come with you?"

"Of course but HQ will be hectic."

"Because the all-powerful former Supreme Mugwump is dead."

She remembered that Athena said he was voted out because the British Ministry of Magic did not like the fact Dumbledore insisted that Voldemort was back.

— | —

Fleur sat in her wife's chair, taking in the surroundings of Athena's office. No matter where they were, Athena always had a knack for creating spaces that felt cosy and homey—whether it was her apartments during school, her office, or their home.

But now, Athena was exhausted, worn down by the constant battles with adults who couldn't grasp the true magnitude of the threat Voldemort posed. Camille could see the weariness in her eyes the moment she walked into the conference room.

"I am not asking that we go to Britain," Athena said, her voice steady but edged with frustration. "All I'm asking is that we strengthen our borders and tighten security. It's pure stupidity to run toward danger when no one has even asked for our help." She exhaled sharply, trying to keep her calm but her eyes rolled at their cowardice.

"What plans do you have exactly? Just your words?"

"May I?" Athena asked as she turned toward her mother. A few scoffs rippled through the room, the others mistaking her words for a simple request for permission to do whatever she liked. They didn't realize that this was more than a plea—it was a signal. Camille, of course, knew better. Athena wasn't seeking approval; she was preparing to lay out the plans that she, Chloe, and Ines had meticulously crafted over months.

Ever since Athena had confirmed that Voldemort had returned, the three of them had worked overtime to prepare for the worst.

The room fell into a tense silence as Athena rose from her chair, followed by Camille and the other two. With a flick of her wand, Athena transfigured the table before them. It expanded, stretching wide until it could encompass the entire map of France. Slowly, meticulously, every building, from the most insignificant to the most important, appeared on the surface. Then, the borders came into view—an intricate web of lines that marked the nation's edges.

Athena was talking to her mother about her visions, they were whispering to one another and got everyone nosy with their business. They leaned in, straining to hear what was being said, but the words remained elusive, locked between mother and daughter.

Chloe decided to get started first, letting her friend worry about her daughter for a quick minute. She exchanged glances with Ines, stepping forward, her movements purposeful as she brought her wand—locating each area for increased security or awareness. She knew Athena needed a moment with her mother, just to set aside the weight of leadership they had to place upon her and be Camille's baby for a minute.

"We have recalled retired and off-duty Aurors," Chloe began, her voice calm and measured. "Those stationed overseas will be returning home soon, and we've received offers of assistance from several allied countries." She continued, outlining the measures being taken to tighten France's borders. The travel network, both the Floo system and Apparition points, would be closely monitored. The Bureau of Law Enforcement would take the lead in managing these checkpoints, ensuring that nothing slipped through unnoticed.

As Chloe spoke, the room absorbed her words, their faces etched with a mix of concern and determination. They knew that even the smallest lapse could spell disaster in the coming days.

One of the gathered officials interrupted with a sceptical question. "Why are they so willing to help, anyway?"

Athena's gaze sharpened as she responded, her voice carrying a weight that silenced the room. "I am the danger to France," she said simply. "I could leave—disappear and remove the threat—but I have too many people I care about here. I will do everything in my power to keep this country safe." She paused, her expression softening just slightly. "And, as it turns out, being quite likeable with several governments has its advantages. They've extended a hand, willing to help because they know I would do the same for them."

Her words hung in the air, the gravity of her statement settling over the room like a blanket. It wasn't just France they were protecting—it was a network of alliances and relationships that a lot of people in the HQ, including Athena and Camille themselves, had spent years cultivating. Everyone present understood that this was about more than just their borders; it was about trust, loyalty, and the lives of countless people across all nations.

The entire damned world.

"Maman," Fleur chimed as she got up from the chair and hugged her mother—been a long while. "Is the meeting done?"

While they went on, Apolline had her objective to contact the other Ministries, seeing that she is the Head of the Communications side. With her responsibilities momentarily handled, Apolline decided to check in on Fleur, her daughter being involved because she was married to Athena Asheyver, the Girl Who Was Promised. But she knew Athena did everything to make sure no harm would come to her wife.

"Bonjour, ma bebe. For me, yes. For your wife, no."

"Oh. She's okay in there?"

"People are being unreasonable as always. But your wife is dealing with them better than I ever did in my early years as the Head of the Bureau. She shuts them up so I would say she's doing okay."

"Of course she does," Fleur chuckled, wanting to see those faces when Athena—youngest Captain in history and also having as much authority as most of them, casually had their words stuck in their throats. She gagged them. "Petit-déjeuner (Breakfast)?"

"I will always say yes to having breakfast with my daughters, especially my oldest."

"Can my wife come?"

"Of course she can but are we inviting Cami?"

"We will have to see if Athena does."

"Well, swing by my office to pick me up. I have some important tasks to overlook and probably deal with."

— | —

"That was a long meeting."

"Don't," Athena groaned and immediately felt guilty afterwards, seeing the smile fade to nothing. "I am so sorry, Frenchy. I didn't mean it that way."

"It's fine, Cherie."

"No, it's not," Athena sighed, her voice weary as she made her way to Fleur. Fleur, sensing her wife's approach, straightened her posture, her body instinctively tensing. Before Fleur could stand up from her chair, Athena shook her head, gently stopping her. Instead, Athena sank to her knees and rested her head in her wife's lap.

"I'm sorry," Athena murmured, her words muffled against Fleur's legs. "I'm always a dick when I'm tired."

Fleur smiled softly, her tension easing at the familiar vulnerability in Athena's voice. "Or when I wake you up too early in the morning," she teased lightly, drawing a soft chuckle from Athena. With practised ease, Fleur undid the bun in Athena's hair, letting the dark strands fall freely. She began to gently run her fingers through it, massaging her scalp with slow, soothing motions.

"Such a baby," Fleur whispered, her voice full of affection as she continued to comfort her wife.

"How's our baby?"

"Find out—" Fleur said, bringing Athena's hand to her belly. "—yourself."

Athena let out a deep exhale, feeling the faint heartbeat and soul. A sense of peace washed over her, allowing herself to forget about Voldemort and his stupid followers. Fleur continued to run her hand through her wife's hair while the other hand rested comfortably on Athena's hand and their fingers intertwined.

"How's our girl?"

"Our girl?" Athena chuckled softly, looking up to her wife and Fleur nodded in response. "She is perfect."

"Your Ashryver genes better give me a daughter first."

Athena grinned, "You want more than one?"

"Only with you," Fleur whispered, her voice full of love.

"Athena better not be eating you out over there," Camille teased. Athena let out a groan as she got up, her legs numbed while Fleur just rolled her eyes at her mother-in-law, Camille faked offence by that. "Breakfast, come."

"Oh, finally," Fleur groaned.

Athena perked up at how fast her wife got up from her fairly comfortable seat.

"Tell me if you're starving, amour. I got snacks around."

"I didn't want to steal that from you."

"I can always restock my snacks but you are carrying our baby and you need every nutrient you can get. It does not matter if you are taking my snacks."

"See, I told you she'd be great," Camille whacked Apolline's arm and gestured towards her daughter taking some protein bar for her wife.

— | —

"Can I trade with yours?" Fleur whispered, sightly guilty but Athena just swapped their plates in a heartbeat. Anything for her wife especially when she is pregnant. Camille looked back to the young couple after hearing cutleries just clinging around, a small smile appeared on her face as she watched her daughter being the wonderful wife she is.

Only made her miss her husband even more. Lucian needs to get his ass to her right at this moment. 

"Baguette?"

"S'il te plaît."

Athena tore the bread apart as Fleur pointed at what jam she would like and how much of it and butter she wanted on the bread. Apolline was ordering more drinks, mostly just juice whatever was available and provided enough nutrients for Fleur.

"Can I still have some omelette?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Sorry."

"No no, it's okay," Athena assured, rubbing her fingers together to clean the bread crumbs from it. "Just let me know. No need to feel guilty, my love."

Fleur hummed, feeling her wife's fingers under her chin. Athena pulled her in for a soft kiss before going back to their breakfast. Their mothers just watched them in silence, side-eyeing one another, not wanting to ruin their little moments in their little world.

"So, what's your plans with what's happening?"

"I have outside tasks," Athena sighed, playing with her wedding ring as she cut the omelette and gave it to her wife. Fleur turned to Athena confused, continuing with her breakfast as she listened before urging her wife to do the same. The Auror rarely eats when she is too stressed with everything and she worries everyone around her because of it. "We need to get Harry to the Weasleys. He is the only target."

"What about you? You are as important to him as Harry is to him," Camille reminded, losing the appetite to eat. Her worry for her daughter spiked through the roof. Miraculously, Dumbledore being alive meant Athena was safe enough.

"Our mole said I was not on his list. Not now, at least. He wants Harry first."

"I am coming with you."

"No, it's—"

"I want my wife alive. Either, I come with you or you don't go at all. You know I am not some princess that needs protection."

"But Fleur—" Athena said, turning to her mother for help.

"It doesn't matter. I swore to your family that I will take care of you, no matter what."

Athena sighs in defeat, eyeing her mother and mother-in-law for any disagreement but nothing. Fleur was still playing rough in Quidditch and they witnessed so they figured that she could handle a couple of stray spells.

"Would Polyjuice's potion affect her?"

"Not at all," Camille said, her voice calm but with a hint of nostalgia. She vaguely recalled having to take a similar risk during one of her undercover missions years ago. She had been four months pregnant with Corvus at the time, and despite the danger, he had turned out just fine. She glanced around the table, her expression steady. "I've done it before," she added, a quiet reassurance in her tone that only experience could bring.

Athena glared at her mother, she felt like she was left hanging as her mother did nothing to help convince Fleur to stay and she could have taken one of her closest Aurors (Johnny). Now she knew why.

It wasn't that her mother didn't care—it was that she had faith in them both.

The Ashryvers were still being cautious about their surroundings and quickly changed the topic. Athena ensured she would let her wife know about the plan later when they got home. Apolline urged her best friend to eat despite knowing how worried Camille was about their daughters. She was worried too but she is hiding it and putting a strong front for Fleur.

Dumbledore's death affected her more than she expected.

Oh, her oldest daughter, the love of her life being the centre of all the danger is slowly driving her crazy. Apolline came to care about Athena like she was her own as if she didn't care about Athena a lot. She wanted to beg for them to not go on whatever mission this was but she knew it was the Order's mission.

Limited people are in the Order and the Ashrvyers are in it, including Fleur.

Apolline knew that Athena would take care of her daughter, no matter what. She had witnessed so many times before and doubted she would fail this time. They always had each other's back.

"They will be fine," Camille reassured, her hand resting on Apolline's knee. Athena nodded in reassurance at her mother-in-law. "They always take care of one another."

Apolline fixed her posture as she watched her daughters just feeding one another and made sure that they ate a proper breakfast.

— | —