The Dark Lioness

Chapter 5

Blue sky was all that she could see. Not a single imperfect cloud blocked the lonely strands of the sun's light. Heaving a sigh the lone figure stood to begin her miserable journey to Grimmauld place. Her long golden hair simmered in the sun's rays. Stretching,her shirt slightly lifted revealing a toned abdomen with a piercing,shimmering in the bright afternoon. Her cerulean blue eyes scanned the meadow her Veela side flew her too.

Aparating near an old wizarding pub she walked towards the rundown building the order headquarters resided. I wonder what torture that bitch is going to put me through, Fleur thought as she reached the door. Entering the house she was met by the voice of Walburga calling her. "What can I do for you Madame Black?" The portrait smiled at the young veela with something akin to familiar love and adoration.

"I know you have not found your mate yet but when you do make sure you protect them with everything you have. Seeing you interact with Mademoiselle McGonagall-Le Fay, it had me a feeling of nostalgia."

"Why waz zat?"

"It reminded me of my nieces. Bellatrix and Narcissa."

Fleur was stunned at Mrs Black's confession as she walked slowly towards the kitchen,not eager to see the Weasleys. "FLEUR!"

"Mon dieu," Fleur whispered as she heard Mrs Weasley call her from the kitchen. How she hated that woman. Never wanting to engage with the Weasleys she went upstairs into her private rooms. Maybe I can avoid zem for a leettle beet longer, she thought giggling as an image of Mrs Weasley tackling a cursed teapot entered her mind.

Lightning crashed against the manors roof as the sky bleed it transparent bombs on the eerie, orphaned aristocratic landscape. A jet of camouflage smoke traveled to the manors doors. As the smoke began to gather a woman's silhouette stood proud amongst the decaying wood of the manor. Long strides transported the dark beauty to the place where her master summoned her. Heeled boots clicked against the silence of the building as she approached large oak doors. "Enter," hissed a voice in answer to the small knock.

The door swung open effortlessly to reveal a throne room illuminated by a blazing fire that could put a phoenix to shame. Shadows were cast around the centre of the room by a figure reclined in a high backed chair like a King of darkness. "Ah Professor, I am happy you are here. We just need our dear Bella before we continue." Minerva stayed were she was knowing that she had no need to be scared during this meeting. She was rarely requested by her lord for anything, as a result of this she had more time than was really needed to fill. The silence stretched but neither occupants found it uncomfortable as both had a history together of friendship. "My Lord, Minerva," a smoky voice spoke softly against the silence. Minerva sent a soft smile at the witch beside her. Bella had always been one of her favourite students, behind Hermione of course.

Minerva was brought out of her musings by a chuckling Tom and Bellatrix. Feeling herself blush she asked tentatively, "I'm sorry my lord, I was..." Quirking a nonexistent eyebrow he smiled at her "Spacing out my dear Minerva." Bellatrix just smiled at her in a slightly teasing way. "Now we must get down to business I'm afraid. I wish to recruit your daughter Minerva." Minerva's eyebrows rose high into her ebony hairline.

"My daughter? She has shown an interest in the dark arts , so far so that she has been learning them i believe. Why,may I ask,do wish to recruit her,my Lord?" there was no hint of anger only curiosity. Bellatrix giggled as she heard the little voice in her head say 'curiosity killed the cat.'' The dark lord chuckled as he had a similar thought. "Why? Because my dear she will be the one to win the war. Minerva you are aware of the stories of Morgana correct?"

"Yes, Catriona would tell kitten every night before the incident."

A sad smile crossed the proud highlanders visage as she remembered the night before her world was shattered into a million pieces.

"Hermione get your naked bottom here," echoed throughout the lively manor as a tiny toddler sprinted through the vast halls of McGonagall Manor. A silver and black haired feline sprinted after the naked child followed closely by the unadulterated beauty that was Catriona Le-Fey. Her mane of black hair flew out behind her as strong shapely legs carried her throughout the halls of her wife's family manor. Her eccentric blue eyes danced with mirth as she sprinted after her naked daughter. "So help me young lady i will remove all signs of chocolate until you are 17!" A cheeky laugh was the tots answer as all of the occupants know it was an empty threat.

The sound of pitter patter of small feet came to an abrupt end as a large silver tabby cat pounced on its young prey. "Máthair" came a squeal from the young tot as the cat shifted into a beautiful highlander. The symphony of laughter filled the aristocratic manor with a golden glow as the house pulsed with love and a life that was rarely shown in Manors of its stature.

"Now how about that story hmm?" Catriona said as she held the naked tot in her arms. Big green eyes looked up at her, bugging out of their sockets at the prospect of hearing her favourite story.

"The one with the queen and the dragon and, and the magic?" Both witches laughed at their little babbler as in her excitement Hermione tumbled over her words.

"Yes my love. The one with dragons,and,and the magic." Catriona giggled at the pout her daughter made from being mocked. Hermione snuggled into her blankets and looked in awe at Catriona.

"In a land long ago, there was a place where magical creatures and magical people lived in harmony. There was a King and Queen,who although we're not married were inseparable. The king was known by the people as Arthur. He was a king that did not discriminate against anyone. He fought in many battles, destroying rebellions against the peace with understanding and educating those that were misguided.

The Queen was known for different reasons but regardless she was loved by everyone who met her. She was called Morgana LeFey. She was the best friend of Arthur Peverell. The pair started out as best friends but after 5 years they had a large fight and began to hate each other. Arthur's Parents were murdered by a dark wizard when he was very young. He was raised by his only living relative who hated all things magical. When he discovered his magic he felt as though he finally belonged but he didn't know what true happiness was. He hated the fact that Morgana was raised by two loving parents but threw them away to find a woman that he believed never wanted Morgana.

Morgana was hurt by Arthur but she left him to sort out his feelings on his own. During this time she found her mother and their bond intensified. When Arthur saw the pair he instantly knew he was wrong. Morgana's mother did love her,she was just too scared of rejection to find her daughter. Arthur finally apologized to Morgana and he said that he wants to support her and no matter what he would be there.

Arthur was tested by the gods for this when he was told to choose between fighting the man who killed his parents or joining Morgana under his rule. Arthur and Morgana joined the man known as Salazar and together they became his most loved people. Salazar was struck by a spell and was dying a slow death. Salazar told Arthur that he was the one who had to kill him.

When Arthur killed Salazar the world became peaceful and Arthur and Morgana were crowned king and queen.

The dragons were Arthur's most loyal servant with Elven beings adoring and protecting Morgana. The royals were eventually lost to time and the world split again with the wizards viewing creatures as below them and the world was split. It would only be brought together by the last of the"

"Peverell and LeFey houses......"

Minerva looked around and saw Bellatrix and the Dark Lord looking at her. "Minerva? Was that a prophecy?" Minerva shook her head removing the last of the haze.

"No,my Lord,it was a story Catriona would tell Hermione. It was just a story." Bellatrix and the dark lord shared a look.

"Of course."

"Tab it might be a good idea if you sat down... You obviously know of Morgana considering Cat.. You two really are just a feline family aren't ya? Anyway when I first wrote kitten.. Um Hermione, I thought I'd look into that story you used to tell us. Well..."

Minerva sat looking between Tom and Bella. "Min.. The Le Fey prophecy is the story Cat used to tell..."

Green eyes shone as she looked at her future daughter in law. "It's time, isn't it? Hermione's the one the prophecy is on about... Peverell?... Harry?.. Salazar is obvious.You my lord. So... How do we tell Hermione?

Cautiously the dark lord spoke, "we give her the prophecy."