Chapter Two
AN: Oh my gosh! Holy crap! I never expected this story to take off like this. I'll admit, I thought that maybe a few people would like it, maybe one or two review tops, but the amount of attention this received within the first few HOURS? I never thought that would happen. Thank you, all of you, for your reviews, follows, and favorites. I love and cherish each one I received. I really hope that I don't disappoint anyone as the story progresses.
So, a quick clarification before we begin. I can speak French (very choppily and with a distinct accent), I can understand it if you talk reeeallly slllooowwwllly to me, and I can read it if I read out loud and sound out the words like a preschooler. I CANNOT write it. I can barely spell in English (Thank you Spellcheck!) so I didn't have a snowballs chance in Hell of spelling in French (let alone any other language). So, this is how its gonna be.
"When I write like this, I am 'writing' in French."
"When it's like this, we are in English."
And of course, this is thoughts.
Good? Got it? Great! Forward!
Disclaimer: I definitely DO NOT own Harry Potter. I just take the characters and make them do my bidding.
-xXx-
"Oye! What are you doin' here? Have you been here all night?"
Hermione bolted straight up at the loud voice close to her, her back and neck cracking due to the position she had been laying in. She moaned at the pain and slowly looked around in confusion, wondering why she was still at Kings Cross Station, when she remembered. That's right, she thought bitterly, my parents abandoned me. Her heart ached at the thought.
"You deaf or sometin'? What are you doin' here?"
She turned and saw an older man in some uniform. Rubbing her itchy, blurry eyes (Curse crying myself to sleep, she thought bitterly), she looked again at the agitated man and saw he was in a police uniform. He was an officer. Oh bollocks, Hermione cursed.
"Oh no sir!" Hermione said, jumping off the bench. "I arrived on the first train and was waiting for my parents. Must've fallen asleep." She laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of her neck. "Couldn't really sleep on the train."
He looked back at her skeptically, his arms crossed in front of his chest, and one of his eyebrows raised. The longer he stared at her, the more awkward she became. Why is he staring at me like that? she thought to herself, feeling her face go red. Please go away. Eventually, the officer grunted and walked away from her, muttering under his breath. She slowly released a sigh of relief and sat back on the bench. "Now what?" she muttered to herself.
After a few minutes of thinking, mostly about her parents and how terrible they were, Hermione stood up, grabbed her trunk, and headed towards the nearest restroom. She opened the door and, after making sure no one else was in there, locked the main door behind her. After doing her morning routine as best as she could, she pulled out her backpack with the Extension Charm ("Thank God for magic," she muttered to herself) and began to stuff all of the items from her trunk inside. When she was done, she placed her wand in her jacket pocket, put the rest of her Muggle money in her other pocket, picked up her backpack, and dragged her, now, lighter trunk out of the restroom.
Hermione walked back into the lobby of Kings Cross Station and looked around for a pay phone. Finding one relatively nearby, she dragged her trunk over, pulled out some change, and dialed her house number. She crossed her fingers and hoped that her parents were there and not at the office. Hopefully, if she could just talk to them, they would see reason and come pick her up.
"Hello, Puckle residence." A kind voice on the other end said. This brought Hermione up short.
"Err…hello?" Hermione hesitated, "I'm looking for the Granger residence and I'm pretty sure I dialed the right number…"
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry. I'm afraid that the Granger's moved a few months ago." Hermione felt her heart stop.
"D-d-do…" Hermione had to take a deep breath, "Do you k-know where th-they went?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't…Are you ok?"
"I'm fine." Hermione winced at the harsh tone she used. "Thank you." She hung up quickly. She put more change into the machine and dialed the number to their office, praying that they were there. She slammed the receiver as she heard the automated message stating the number was no longer in service. Hermione placed her forehead against the wall beside the phones and took deep breaths. Don't cry, she told herself, don't cry, her wrist ached again, please don't bloody cry again!
After a few moments, Hermione was finally able to calm herself down enough to think clearly. I need money, she thought, slowly coming up with a plan, I can sell back my school stuff. I'm sure I saw a second-hand shop in Diagon Alley. With a determined nod to herself, Hermione turned around and walked out of Kings Cross Station.
On her way to the Leaky Cauldron, Hermione's stomach growled loudly, forcing her to pause and wince at the pain. I need to eat, Hermione thought to herself. She looked around and spotted a nearby café. Knowing that it would be cheaper to buy something in Muggle London than Diagon Alley, Hermione made her way to the café, hoping no one would comment on her being by herself. Luckily, the place was rather deserted and the barista behind the counter looked half asleep. After ordering a sandwich and a cup of tea (Can't believe this used up the rest of my money, Hermione thought bitterly), she went and sat in a booth by the window awaiting her order.
While she ate, Hermione thought of her plan. I need to sell back my things. Hopefully for a good price too. She began to make a mental list. Then, I need to try and haggle with the goblins over a fair exchange rate. At least a better rate than they offered the first time. But then what? This had Hermione pause. Should she try and look for her parents more? Hermione quickly dismissed the idea, not wanting to be around the Granger's anymore, I'm better off without them anyways. But, where would she go? Grandma! she thought in excitement. The old woman had always loved Hermione. Surely she would take her in and understand what happened. That is if the Granger's haven't gotten to her first, she thought angrily. The only problem with this was that Mrs. Maria Granger lived in Lyon, France. Way too far to simply walk and there was no way she could afford a plane ticket. I guess I can catch a bus, Hermione thought slowly, maybe even catch the train if I get enough back. She hoped that she would be able to get enough money from selling her stuff to pay for it, the train would be a lot easier. With a determined nod to herself, Hermione finished her breakfast and left.
It turned out that selling her old school stuff wasn't as hard as she thought. Apparently, a lot of students came back and sold their old books and robes after they couldn't use them anymore. The shopkeeper even gave her a good deal for all of her First Year books since they were in perfect condition (Hermione scoffed at him for even thinking that she would ruin a book). With everything but a few changes of clothes sold, the only thing left to do was exchange the Wizarding coin to Muggle money. Should be easy enough.
-oOo-
Apolline Delacour was beginning to worry about her eldest daughter. After waking the entire family up in the middle of the night with a horrific scream, Apolline and her husband, Damien, rushed into her room, wands drawn, only to find her passed out in her bed in a cold sweat, breathing heavily as if she had run a marathon. Being unable to wake her and fearing the worst, Apolline had immediately called her mother and the head of the Delacour clan, Régine. Upon entering her granddaughter's room, Régine had taken one look at Fleur, gathered her in her arms, and fled deep into the woods where the Veela rituals took place, Apolline following close behind.
After an hour of chanting and worrying, Fleur had finally awoken and immediately began crying, "It hurts Maman." Apolline rushed to where her daughter was sitting upon the stone rock.
"What hurts my darling?" Apolline asked, trying to determine what was causing her young fledgling such pain.
"My heart. It hurts so bad!"
"Do you feel a pull?" Régine asked suddenly.
Apolline rolled her eyes at her mother. "That is impossible, Mother. She would not feel a pull until her birthday." However, as she was saying this, Fleur looked towards her grandmother and slowly nodded her head. Seeing the confirmation to her thoughts, Régine closed her eyes and let out a breath, whether of relief or of sorrow, Apolline did not know. The eldest Veela slowly walked towards her family and grasped Fleur's hand. "Which way, my child?" Fleur put her head down as she thought of where her heart was telling her to go, where the pain hurt the worst, and slowly brought her hand up and pointed in a direction.
"North?" Apolline asked slowly, looking at her mother questioningly. Régine grimaced at this, "That means they are not a Veela, at least not of our clan." Fleur also grimaced, but was secretly glad for this fact as she could not imagine her mate as any of the Veela she had grown up with.
Apolline shook her head, "That matters not. Fleur," Fleur looked at her mother with tears in her eyes, "what were you dreaming about before you woke up? What caused all of this?" Fleur blushed at the question and looked back down bashfully.
Régine rolled her eyes, "Come child. We are Veela. We do not get embarrassed over trivial things."
Taking a deep breath, Fleur looked back up at her mother and grandmother, "I was riding on the back of a great beast through the woods. I could not see what the beast was, but I could feel its soft fur." once again, Fleur began to blush, "We were almost to our destination. I-I am not sure where we were going, but I know we were almost there. Anyways, all of a sudden, I was thrown off of the creature. I could hear it roaring and thrashing around." Fleur's eyes began to tear up at the memory, "It sounded like it was in a lot of pain. I went to reach for it and as soon as I touched its fur, a pain shot through my arm into my heart." Fleur rubbed her chest again, "I had never felt so hurt, so betrayed…I felt alone. Like I could never trust anyone ever again, like no one would ever love me again." Tears began to fall from her eyes and she looked down again, becoming overcome with sadness from her dream.
Apolline turned to her mother with worry in her eyes, "Mother…what does this mean?"
Taking a deep breath, Régine turned to her daughter and briefly touched her arm, "It means that Fleur's mate is in trouble." Fleur let out a sob and clutched her grandmother's hand tighter. "Do not worry my child, Fate will guide us. Apollo has always helped us Veela out. However," at this Régine grimaced and Apolline looked at her mother worriedly, "there is nothing we can do at this point. We can only do the rituals when their life is in danger."
Apolline scowled, "And we will not have much notice before that happens."
"Unfortunately not." Régine turned to the young Veela still crying, "Fleur, you must tell us if you feel any change, immediately. Do you understand?" Fleur nodded her head in acknowledgement. "For now, you will continue your training over the summer. Fate will guide us Fleur, never forget that." Fleur looked up at her grandmother and nodded again, her eyes filled with a determination that was never present before.
-oOo-
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as the train began to pull forward. The goblins hadn't been kind with their exchange rate, at least not as kind as she had been hoping for. However, she had been able to come up with enough money to get the train to Lyon. Unfortunately, the ticket used up most of her money and only left her with a few bills left. Hopefully, she would not have to buy anything on her journey and her grandmother would be able to take care of her.
During the train ride, Hermione had a chance to think about her parents, specifically why they had abandoned her. Sure, she could acknowledge that things between them had been icy since she had gotten her acceptance letter (Before then actually, if she was going to be honest to herself), but surely things hadn't been bad enough that they felt the need to completely leave her. No note, no indication of where they were going, no nothing. Hermione felt tears pool in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. No, she thought to herself, I've cried enough over those people. They will not get anymore tears from me.
But what about Hogwarts? Hermione suddenly thought. Harry, Ron, my studies, magic? Could I convince Grandma about all of it AND she help me go back? Hermione leaned against the side of the train, looking out the window. I can't just give up on magic, can I? I definitely don't want to.
She thought back to when Professor McGonagall first showed up at her house. McGonagall had told them that if they declined the offer of going to Hogwarts, their memories of the Magical World would be erased by somebody called an Obliviator. Hermione sat up in a panic, startling the elder woman sitting beside her. What if the Ministry hunted me down and obliviated me? What if I forgot all about magic? And Harry and Ron? Would they come looking for me or would they forget about me? Hermione thought bitterly, Or was I really just a 'know-it-all bookworm' to them?
Hermione shook her head and rested back in her seat. No use in worrying about that now. If Obliviators did come for her, maybe she could explain her situation to them and they would help her out. Hermione scoffed silently, I doubt it. So far, wizards haven't shown much compassion or common sense.
Soon enough, Hermione was lulled into a light sleep from the motion of the train. She dreamt of better times where she was back in Hogwarts with Harry and Ron. They were running through the halls and laughing. They visited Hagrid in his hut and saw the baby dragon. She dreamt of the first Quidditch match again and how happy she was that Harry was ok and had caught the Snitch, winning the game.
Hermione smiled in her sleep, a lone tear making its way down her cheek.
-oOo-
Hermione was startled out of her dream by the announcement of their arrival to Lyon. Quickly gathering her bag and exiting the train, she was soon overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the large city. She had been to London a few times and it didn't stun her anymore. This, however, was a whole new city. A very large, foreign city where she was only able to speak a bit of their language. What was worse is that she didn't know exactly where her grandmother lived. She had only been to visit a couple of times and that was when she was younger. The only thing she remembered clearly was the name of the park her grandmother lived close to as she often wrote about it. Hermione felt herself begin to panic so she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and began to walk to the travel kiosk by the train station.
"Er…Excuse me?" Hermione waited for the attendant to look her way, "Hi, um, I am…er…to look for Parc de la Tête d'Or?"
The attendant gave her a strange look, for what reason Hermione was unsure of. Finally she pulled out a map and gestured for Hermione to look at it. "You are here." The attendant pointed at a spot on the map and Hermione nodded. "You need to go here." The woman traced her finger along a few roads until she circled a large green area. Once again, Hermione nodded her understanding and asked, "Mark with a pen?" The woman gave her a small smile, nodded, and marked the path with a pen. As she was handing the map over she suddenly asked, "Where are your parents?" Hermione stilled and looked at the attendant. After hesitating for a moment she finally gave an awkward smile, "I am to meet at the park. Thank you! Bye!" Hermione rushed off without giving the woman a chance to respond.
As she was walking away, Hermione let out a breath of air as she didn't hear anyone calling after her. Got to get to Grandma's, she thought with determination. She looked at the map and followed the path that was marked out for her.
After about a half hour of walking, she came within sight of the park entrance (Hermione breathed a sigh of relief that she didn't get lost). She looked around at the buildings and tried to find something that looked familiar to her. After a few moments, she located a restaurant that she thought she recognized and began to walk in that direction.
Through trial and error (and much turning around) Hermione finally found herself in front of an apartment complex that she recognized (she hoped at least). It was very dark now, and Hermione was tired and hungry. She walked around it a few times just to be sure this was the one from her memory. Here goes nothing, she thought to herself and walked through the front door.
The lobby of the building was quite large and empty. The receptionist desk was also empty so there was no way to know for sure which floor her Grandmother was on. Or if this is even the right building at all, Hermione thought bitterly. She was about to take a seat in a chair near the entrance when she heard a voice call out to her. " 'ermione Granger!? Eet 'as been so long!"
Turning around, startled, Hermione was relieved to see her grandmother's next door neighbor coming towards her. "Mrs. Claudette! I was worried I had the wrong building. I am so happy to see you." Hermione raced over and gave the elderly woman a hug.
The woman returned the hug then held Hermione at arm's length. "Look at you! So grown! I 'ave missed you coming over and raiding my books." Hermione smiled bashfully at this.
"I was so worried when you were not wiz your parents, but zen zey told me about your very exclusive boarding school. I am so proud of you, ma chére. But…what are you doing 'ere?"
"My parents were here?"
"Oh oui. Zey came straight away once zey 'eard zee news. Your fazer was very upset, poor zing."
Hermione started to get a sinking feeling in her gut; her wrist started to ache again. "W-what news?"
Mrs. Claudette frowned down at Hermione. "Maria passed away about a monz ago. I zought you knew."
Hermione, once again, found herself bursting into tears.
-oOo-
The Delacour family was resting before bedtime in the library. Damien was entertaining his youngest daughter, Gabrielle, a young Veela of only six years of age, and Apolline and Fleur were sitting on the couches reading. Apolline would occasionally glance up at her mate and youngest fledgling with a smile when Gabrielle would giggle loudly at her father's antics. She would also look over to Fleur when no one else was looking and frown.
The girl had seemed to age a few years within the span of a day. Since being informed about her mate's unknown predicament early this morning, Fleur had thrown herself into the day's lessons. It seemed as if she wanted to learn more about fighting as a Veela and becoming a better leader faster so she could go find her mate and rescue them. It was situations like this that made being Veela hard, Apolline thought sadly.
Without warning, Fleur looked up sharply from her book towards the window. She frowned, stood up, and walked towards it, laying her hand against the glass pane. "Fleur?" Apolline called, also standing, "What is it? What happened?"
Fleur cried silently as she stared out the window, yearning to go towards the one calling out to her in pain and make it all better, "Something has happened, Maman." Apolline gasped, fearing the worst. Damien, who had been informed about the situation, looked towards his wife for guidance.
"It does not feel is if their life is in danger." Fleur reassured her mother. The feeling she had did not feel like the one her grandmother described to her. She frowned, "It feels as if they have lost the last bit of hope they had." Fleur turned towards her mother, who pulled her immediately into a tight hug, and began to sob.
"It will be ok, my child." Apolline looked out the window her daughter had been at, speaking to both the fledgling in her arms and the one that was in so much pain, "It will be ok."
-xXx-
Thanks for reading!
