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Twinkling lights shone bright in the velvety night sky. The air was crisp with winter chill, and there wasn’t a cloud or moon polluting her view of the stars above. It was her favorite time of year to stargaze—though her breath fogged in front of her, she gazed at the Pleiades cluster.
If only she could have preserved Tonks the same way Zeus had done with the seven daughters of Atlas. Perhaps she’d be able to overcome the suffocating grief that had threatened her every breath for the past three years.
As tears burned behind her eyelids, Fleur held herself tight and closed her eyes. “Merry Christmas, darling,” she whispered into the windless night.
This wasn’t how she wanted to spend another Christmas. While she’d decorated her tree, and sent cards to her family in France, something—someone—was always missing.
She wished— Gods, she wished —she could hear Tonks’ voice. Hold her hand for just a moment longer. Whisper I love you in her ear one more time.
The tears fell gently down her cheek, dripping onto her infinity scarf as she whispered her wishes over and over until her throat tightened in protest.
“I wish I were with you,” she pleaded finally, the ache in her chest unbearable.
“Ma chérie.”
Fleur would know that horrible French accent anywhere. In fact, it was how they’d first bonded—no matter how much she tried, Tonks always stressed the language and pronounced every letter.
She turned, and her heart galloped against her sternum. “Ma moitié,” Fleur said breathlessly, pressing her hand to her chest. “What— how— ”
Tonks’s fingers wiggled in the air, a wide smile so beautiful it made her eyes sparkle. “Magic!”
Launching herself at Tonks, Fleur wrapped her arms around her shoulders and buried her face in her neck. She didn’t have the wherewithal to be surprised Tonks was a solid form, actually here—magic, indeed.
As Tonks’ arms wound around her waist, Fleur breathed in that fresh scent that had always clinged to her. Tears cascaded in earnest down her cheeks, and she held on tighter.
“You’ve been so sad, my darling,” Tonks whispered into her ear.
Fleur choked back a sob, refusing to loosen her grip. “It’s been three years,” she said, her voice breaking. “Three long, ‘orrible years.”
“I’m here now.” Pulling Fleur back enough to look into her eyes, Tonks smiled and pushed a chunk of hair behind her ear. “I don’t know how long we have, chérie, so let’s make each moment count, yeah?”
Fleur squeezed her eyes closed, drawing in a breath. “I’ve imagined this moment a million times, but I can’t remember anything I promised to tell you if I got the chance to see you again.”
Tonks’ lips felt like heaven against hers, sparking delight through every inch of her body. Her fingers traced Fleur’s cheekbone. “Then let’s save talking for later.”
There, under the crisp night sky and the Pleiades’ twinkling shine, Fleur discovered that wishes do come true.