A/N: There have been a lot of updates recently and I am happy that my favorite ones are getting regular updates [supesaiyan keeps updating Seaside to my great delight, as well]. Anyways, I just finished revising this one so here it is.
Supesaiyan: Thank you! I am trying hard to make the story appealing enough. I am a fan of your fics as well, thanks for reading!
Thestral212: Seh, soy ridiculamente adorable, cursi y romantica. Beso pronto? quizas, platica de sentimientos? quizas XD.
Perpetual Nonsense: Hehe I am ecstatic that you like it. Veelas are very flexible to write and the veela bond is a thing that I have a soft spot for. I do enjoy the way these two interact, it feels so natural that I adore writing about them. Regarding Fleur, well the issue is that without her veela she is as blind and oblivious as a rock so she has not figured out that she likes Hermione for the life of her. Oh yeah, Josephine and Apolline are just so fun to write, is like having two adult Gabrielles until Josephine's wife arrives and becomes the voice of reason.
pappa: Yeah, they are horribly oblivious although I think it is more denial, you know. Anyhow they will start accepting her feelings soon. About the ritual, well it is approaching but we need Hermione to be stronger if she doesn't want to die so you might need to wait a bit more.
Veela9190: Rest assured because the ritual will be posted soon. That one is a piece that I had rewritten at least 10 times since I had the idea. I add and change things in all the story on daily basis, that is why I don't post sooner. I do hate loose ends.
A fan: When I started the summary of this story and got all the way to the elemental magie [thing that I actually fell in love with since I wrote about it because it is a refreshing take on Hermione because she stops being a bookworm and becomes strong, and stronger with time] I just thought about dark magic as Voldemort's but your suggestion opened an interesting option that I will consider.
Oh yeah, who's a prefect on Hogwarts Mystery? this girl! That game [plus the other ones I play] will be the end of me, lol.
Enjoy!
The long time lost halves would finally find the way home,
and their magie will reach the highest peak.
The blessed ones will be the carriers of reformation and peace.
9.- Arae
The next morning, Hermione woke up engulfed by a familiar warmth. She lazily opened her brown orbs and gaped at the relaxed face of Fleur that was just centimeters from hers. This time she did not blush and just enjoyed the closeness.
The Gryffindor felt exhausted after using her elemental magic for the first time. She had used it before through Fleur's relaxation exercise but never as flames that engulfed others.
To say that the English witch was surprised of her power was an understatement. She knew that she had abundant academic knowledge but feeling fire going through her limbs was a new and pleasant sensation.
Hermione was adamant on controlling her flames as fast as possible to help Fleur become one with her veela and also to get rid of her own nightmares and scars.
Taking one of the books they brought from the library, the English witch started to read trying hard not to wake Fleur who now had her arm wrapped around her waist and mumbled something in French before continuing sleeping.
She was so engrossed on the book that did not feel how Fleur woke up and stared at her for a long time. It was not until a pair of glasses were placed in front of her that Hermione blinked to see the slender hands of the French witch holding the specs.
"There is a reason why I gave you these, mademoiselle 'ermione" Fleur scolded and with a sigh, the Gryffindor put them on before mumbling a soft good morning.
"Good morning to you too" the blonde added stifling a yawn and Hermione smiled. Those intimate moments were something the Gryffindor treasured, when they were themselves and were comfortable on each other's company "I assume that you are ahead with your reading"
"Actually some, just half of this book" Fleur's eyes widened.
"That is a lot, 'ermione" the French witch was surprised "do you have any questions?"
"Actually yes" the Gryffindor nodded "as far I had read, it says that in order for you to become one with the veela in you, it is necessary that you transform while I use my elemental magic to protect you until you two become one" Hermione lowered her glasses to the tip of her nose, gesture that Fleur found endearing.
"Oui, that is correct" the French witch nodded before leaning against the headboard.
"What is this transformation the book talks about? I have read about something like that back at Hogwarts, but they sounded more like fairytales than something based on facts"
"Well, you know that I am a veela" Hermione nodded "we are magical beings and we do have a creature side that helps us enhance our senses and it does have a physical form"
"The book I read back then had some drawings about that" the Gryffindor elaborated "according to that, you mutate into a birdlike creature with a beak and talons" at this, Fleur could not help but laugh. After seeing Hermione's puzzled face, the French witch took several deep breaths to calm down.
"Well, we do transform but, a beak and talons? C'est ridicule!" the blonde raised her arms in fake exasperation "we do change but we don't have those you mention but feathers and wings, it is actually quite alluring, I might add" the blonde giggled at the Gryffindor's raised eyebrow "or so they say"
"So, I would have to create a fire cocoon to help you two fuse?" Hermione asked, and Fleur nodded with a smile.
"Yes, because I will need to be one with my veela in order to complete the occultatum vérité successfully and get rid of the curse of the beauté ignis" Fleur stated in a serious tone "talking about that…Annette" the blonde witch called and Josephine's elf appeared "please bring the potion my grand-mère gave us yesterday" the elf nodded and disappeared and reappeared in a few seconds with a tray and two glasses with the golden liquid.
Both girls drank it promptly and could not help but blush at the favorite flavors and smells of the other they just experienced again. Annette announced them that Apolline and Josephine were waiting for them at the gardens to have lunch, fact that surprised both witches who assumed that it was morning time instead of this late.
The blonde witch thanked the elf who disappeared again, and Hermione walked to her room to get ready. A few minutes later, both witches walked hand in hand towards the garden where the elder Delacour were waiting for them.
"They look closer today" Apolline whispered in rapid veela and Josephine nodded.
"Had a good night's sleep, Hermione?" the clan's head asked with a wide smile when the Gryffindor blushed before nodding.
"We had been sleeping in the same bed recently, it helps 'ermione with her nightmares" Fleur added defensively.
"I bet it does" Apolline murmured and her mother stifled a laugh.
"On the other hand, 'ermione was able to handle her fire and covered me up to my waist" Fleur proudly added either Apolline or Josephine's eyes widened in clear surprise.
"Those are very good news, congratulations mademoiselle Hermione" the clan's head exclaimed "but I am more worried about your energy levels"
"Well…" the Gryffindor smiled nervously.
"Did you black out?" the matriarch asked on a serious tone and the English witch nodded "I see"
"Isn't that normal, grand-mère?" Fleur asked with worry in her voice.
"Yes, but we need to help her boost her magical core, so it supports the strains of the elemental magic" Apolline commented.
"Annette" Josephine called, and the small elf appeared and bowed respectfully "please bring me the Delacour chest" in an instant, a small chest was placed in the matriarch's hands. It was dark brown with golden decorations and the Delacour crest engraved with lapis lazuli "come here with Fleur's key, Hermione"
Unclasping the chain, the Gryffindor placed on top of the crest and it opened with a soft click. Inside, there were three small bottles with cork stoppers. One had a transparent liquid while other was golden in color and the last one turned into royal blue as soon as Hermione grazed the surface.
"The first one will help you stabilize your magic" Josephine commented pointing at the transparent liquid "the golden one will make your magical core to expand so you won't pass out again" she now pointed at the last one "this will strengthen your elemental magic making it easier to control"
"How do I take them?" Hermione asked with curiosity.
"You will take half after lunch and the rest before tonight's training" Apolline instructed and the Gryffindor nodded.
"Now that this has been explained, let's eat" Josephine exclaimed with a warm smile.
They had lunch talking about Hogwarts and the French witches compared it with Beauxbatons. After she finished her dessert, Hermione drank half of the potions and she felt how her inner flames felt calmer and more controlled. She also sensed how her magical core felt different and the Gryffindor assumed that it would have enough space to hold her newfound power.
Josephine recommended them to have the afternoon off so after visiting Gabrielle, both Fleur and Hermione grabbed some books from the former's room and the French witch gave some instructions to her own elf, Nanette to make some preparations.
Both women headed towards the woods and walked for around ten minutes until they found a grassy patch among the forest. There, Nanette had just spread a blanket near some tree trunks and both girls sat and started reading. Hermione fixed her glasses which magically adapted to her face. She handed Fleur her own and they started reading the books they had taken the day before.
They did not stop until Hermione's grumbling stomach made them take a break. Fleur teased the Gryffindor until her face was crimson. A blushing English witch fed a now flushed blonde.
Those unexpected actions made the veela in Fleur purr and her human part felt even more attracted to Hermione. The headaches and nauseas were almost gone, and both were really glad about that. After having a quick dinner, both girls came back to Fleur's room. Hermione went to hers to change while the French witch did the same in hers.
"Take your potions, 'ermione" Fleur adviced when she sensed that the English witch had come back to her room. The Gryffindor took them and stood behind the blonde.
"I am ready" Hermione stated.
"We will try something different today" Fleur commented "first, focus on your magic and turn it into fire" the English witch complied and soon her hands and arms were covered in blue flames "during the first part of the ritual we won't touch or be near each other so we need to manage to cover each other without any physical contact" golden fire did a beeline and surrounded Hermione's feet.
"Focus on your magic and make it move without touching me" Fleur instructed, and Hermione took a deep breath. Soon, blue flames pooled around the blonde witch who smiled satisfied "very good, now keep the same distance and try to cover me up to my waist, like this" golden flames grew taller until they reached Hermione's waist without touching but engulfing the Gryffindor.
After taking a few deep breaths, Hermione felt that her fire was stable enough to continue. Blue flames moved up when the English witch raised her palms. Always the overachiever, the brown-haired teen pushed her elemental magic forward and now her blue fire was engulfing Fleur up to her shoulders.
"Show off" the blonde witch teased, and Hermione smiled "now, let's complete the cocoon and keep it steady for five minutes" the Gryffindor complied, and both girls were covered by each other's flames.
Sweat started pooling over Hermione's right eyebrow after the third minute. She felt her magic falter slightly.
"Breath 'ermione" Fleur whispered and her flames carried her voice before grazing the Gryffindor's skin. A sudden surge of magic was felt, and the blue flames grew stronger "feed from my magie and I will take some from yours to keep the connection"
When Hermione tapped on Fleur's magic she felt like and explosion of power inside her. Both flames became stronger and they were able to keep the protective shields for half an hour straight until it was the French witch that broke the connection.
"That was excellent, 'ermione" the blonde smiled "we would need to keep it for an hour or two during the first part of the ritual"
"We held it strong for half an hour, so it is safe to say that we will make it" the Gryffindor stated rather proudly.
"It has to be stronger because it needs to hold me while I transform" Fleur "the strength of the shield is more important than the time length on this particular situation"
"I understand" Hermione frowned "does your transformation hurt?"
"A bit, but the most important part is that my veela and I will become one and that's the part that might take some time, that is why it is very important that you keep the shield up because that connection will help breaking the curse and completing the occultatum vérité" Fleur explained "when it is almost complete you will be able to see what I see about you and the distance between us will disappear"
"What do you mean?" the Gryffindor tilted her head confused.
"Remember that I told you that we won't touch during the ritual?" Fleur asked, and the English witch nodded "well, we will be on different locations that is why our magic bond must be strong enough, so the shield can hold us safe"
"I see"
"When that part is done, the moment we cast the occultatum vérité our magic will make us move towards the other and we will be facing each other for the last part of the process"
"What happens next? The texts don't elaborate on that"
"Well, as far as I know, we will face our fears and we will protect each other" Fleur took Hermione's hand before sitting on the bed "after that, the occultatum vérité will be completed and the beauté ignis curse will be broken for good"
"So, it is basically doing everything as told and hoping for the best?" Hermione sighed.
"Apparently, the ritual varies depending on the couple so that is why there are no written registers on them but myths"
"Myths?"
"Yes, according to this…" Fleur took the last book on the pile they brought from the library and read the end of it out loud "the long-time lost halves would finally find the way home and their magie will reach the highest peak. The blessed ones will be the carriers of reformation and peace"
"Sounds like a prophecy" the Gryffindor added.
"Let's just focus on casting it right and get out of it without harm, 'ermione" Fleur added with a smile "I want to help you and Gabrielle, of course. You are my two most important people and my upmost priority" the blonde witch grabbed Hermione's hands and golden bubbles broke loose. They were soon joined by royal blue threads. The lights became brighter and time slowed down once more.
Fleur took a step forward and leaned down slowly. Hermione could not help but stare at those enticing blue and slightly golden orbs approached a bit more. The closer they got, the slower time moved. Now, they were just a mere centimeter apart, they could feel each other's breaths tickling their skins. Both closed her eyes at unison.
And then, the moment was broken when a knock was heard coming from the door and the lights darkened, the bubbles and threads disappeared, and Fleur cursed in French.
"Merde, whoever it is I will 'ex you!" the blonde witch opened the door with such strength that Hermione thought that it would fall apart.
"And why would you do that?" a stern voice asked, and Fleur took a step back.
"I…am sorry, grand-mère" the younger French witch sighed annoyed.
"Am I interrupting something?" Josephine entered the room to see the English witch feeling suddenly fascinated with a blue flame she just summoned to hide her deep blush "I can see that your training is going well, Hermione"
"In fact, it is" the Gryffindor raised her hand and her summoned flames shot towards Fleur and engulfed her from her feet up to her waist "your granddaughter is an excellent teacher"
"I can tell" Josephine chuckled at Fleur's pout. She loved to upset her heiress more that she would ever admit "I just came by to bring you two, this" she withdrew the golden potion from her robes and set it in Hermione's left hand "take half before going to bed and the rest in the morning. The symptoms would recede even more, and your magic won't have to fight the curse and solely focus on your magie"
"Thank you very much, Josephine" Hermione added with a small smile.
"Good night you two" the matriarch walked out and turned with an amused smile "and careful with the fire, I would not like to wake up to a villa in flames, it is too hot in here as it is"
"Grand-mère!" Fleur exclaimed embarrassed at her Grandmother's innuendo before slamming the door. Josephine's laugh could be heard all the way down the hall "let's rest for now 'ermione"
"Sure"
"Um, 'ermione?"
"Yes?" the Gryffindor tried hard to stifle a laugh.
"Can you release the flames keeping me in place?"
"But you said my fire won't hurt you" Hermione teased, and Fleur rolled her eyes.
"Bon, then" the blonde witch used her own flames and extinguished Hermione's and engulfed the Gryffindor with hers up to her neck.
"Very mature" the English witch exclaimed in fake exasperation and Fleur smiled with mirth while approaching slowly.
"Try to break my magie" Fleur instructed half serious "it will help you with stability"
Hermione turned serious and took a deep breath. After closing her eyes, she pictured her magic growing stronger and her flames turned sharp as blades that went past Fleur's fire like a knife through butter. And they just did that to the French blonde's surprise.
"Très bon, 'ermione" the French witch smiled proudly and hugged the younger teen "that was excellent"
"Thank you, I am trying hard" Hermione couldn't stop her yawn. Certainly, this display of magic drained her but not as much as before thanks to the Delacour's potions.
"Tomorrow we will continue working on endurance now that you manage to control the flames" the blonde took Hermione's hand and walked towards her bed.
"I will go to my room, then" the English witch whispered, and Fleur raised an eyebrow.
"Non, you will sleep here" the blonde stated firmly "that way you won't have nightmares, we agreed on that on our way here, remember? Besides, you slept here last night"
"There's no way to win an argument against you, then?" the Gryffindor tried to protest to no avail.
"Non" Fleur smiled cheekily.
"Fine, then" Hermione rolled her eyes in fake annoyance.
With a flick of her wand, the Gryffindor changed them into comfortable clothes and she sat on the bed while Fleur sat on a stool to brush her hair.
Hermione tried hard to keep her eyes open but, as soon as her head touched the pillow, exhaustion took the best of her and she fell asleep almost immediately. After finishing fixing her hair, a smiling Fleur hugged the younger witch and closed her eyes. A soft good night was whispered, and she brushed her lips close to the Gryffindor's before drifting off with a smile on her lips.
Strangely enough, it was Fleur who woke up first. The veela in her was purring satisfied by having Hermione in her arms. The Gryffindor hadn't had a nightmare since both shared a bed and that made the blonde witch extremely happy.
Soft curls fell on Hermione's face and Fleur smiled tenderly. She did not want to recognize the reasons, but she would love to wake up next to the Gryffindor from now on. Azure orbs observed how sweet the younger witch looked while relaxed. How cute her freckles were and how her curly hair shone with hints of gold when sunrays grazed it.
I like Hermione, I can't deny it anymore.
We will talk after the ritual and I will tell her how I feel.
Fleur tried to get out of bed when soft arms sneaked around her waist holding her tight. Lazy browns opened slowly and a small smile adorned Hermione's sleepy face.
"Stay, please" brown curls landed on Fleur's chest where the Gryffindor rested her head on it and the blonde's heart started racing.
"Bon" the French witch whispered with a smile and held the younger teen tight before closing her eyes once more. They did not see the African Crowned Eagle patronus spying through the window which vanished a few seconds later.
"They are adorable" Josephine commented before taking a sip of her coffee.
"I know Fleur has feelings for her, it is just too evident" Apolline replied with a sigh "what I don't understand is why they haven't confessed"
"Maybe because my petite-fille is not as confident as we thought" Josephine added "one thing it's using the veela to aid us which let me add, does most of the work" the matriarch leaned back on her chair and sighed "another completely different is to have to do everything like muggles do, following a hunch"
"Now I understand why she is behaving like that" Apolline sighed.
"That is why I will ask you gently to stop spying on her, ma oiesau" Josephine glared at her daughter "and it is not a suggestion"
"Fine, maman I will leave the two of them alone" Apolline remarked with resignation.
"And then you complain about Gabrielle and her antics when you are just behaving like her" Josephine scolded her oldest daughter "not even your sister behaves like this"
"Oh, yes my dear sister Thérèse, the Saint" Apolline scoffed and the clan's head rolled her eyes.
"You two are adults, married and already have children" Josephine sighed "it is ridiculous that you still have a rivalry. Let me remind you that Thérèse and my granddaughter Cecile offered to lead the defense of Beauxbatons against the death eaters that almost killed your baby daughter"
"I know, and I am grateful about that, in fact" Apolline stood up and summoned a tray with potions and some food "I will head to the outer temple to check on her and my niece" Apolline gave her mother a small smile "Has Cecile come back yet?"
"No, but she sent her patronus to notify that she will arrive in the next few days after she made sure Beauxbatons is completely safe again" the clan's head replied and Apolline nodded before leaving the dining room.
"It's like I never stop having two baby daughters" Josephine exclaimed with a sigh. Her cerulean eyes looked at the door that was opening again, letting her granddaughter and companion in.
"Good morning, girls" the elder blonde greeted.
"Grand-mère" Fleur smiled and kissed Josephine's cheeks before seating next to her with Hermione across from the two Delacour witches.
"Good morning, Josephine" the Gryffindor greeted with a smile.
"I see that you don't look that tired anymore" the matriarch snickered, and the English witch nodded.
"The potions did wonders" Hermione stole a glance at Fleur before continuing, "I just needed a good night's sleep"
"Or several" Josephine pointed out while taking a croissant "you are very close to my granddaughter, I see"
"Well, to tell you the truth, we were not at first" Hermione chuckled, and Fleur smiled at the memory "I met your granddaughter during the triwizard tournament and she was all what us English think of French people: arrogant, opinionated and beautiful" the last part was not more than a whisper bur Josephine got it and laughed.
"I was not that bad" Fleur pouted with a slight blush due to Hermione's last comment.
"Yes, you were" the Gryffindor remarked "between that cocky entrance at Hogwarts and your blue uniform you got all the boys drooling over you"
"And probably some girls" Josephine murmured in veela and Fleur's cheeks burned crimson.
"Anyways, we did not talk much back then, but your granddaughter was good at leaving a sour impression" Hermione smiled "but then, she joined the Order and offered her home as a safe house" the Gryffindor's expression grew serious when sad memories filtered.
"After I was tortured by one of the death eaters, she was the one making sure I was back to health and I am eternally grateful for that" Hermione's gaze softened, and her cheeks turned soft pink.
"Despite placing a curse, too?" Josephine asked in a serious tone.
"Well, she saved my life by doing what she did so, I will call it collateral damage," Hermione stated with confidence. The Gryffindor had decided to stop lying to herself and be true about her feelings but, not yet and not in front of the head of the Delacour clan "and I will never stop thanking her kindness"
"I am glad then" Josephine took a last sip of her coffee "I hope my granddaughter has been a good hostess and teacher"
"The best" Hermione promptly replied and looked away trying to avoid a blush.
"Oh?" Josephine exclaimed amused "then we can try out how strong your magic had become, then"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably on her seat. She had this vague hunch that the comment was more a challenge that a mere suggestion "You will protect Fleur with your flames while I try to break-in"
"Now?" the younger Delacour asked with concern.
"After you two are done eating, of course" Josephine stood from her chair and walked out of the dining room "when you are ready, meet me in the forest behind the maze, Fleur knows the exact location"
"But grand-mère…" the younger Delacour tried to protest.
"It was not a suggestion, ma petite-fille" Josephine stated in a commanding tone and Fleur closed her mouth shut, she knew better than contradict her grandmother "see you in a few minutes, girls"
The moment Josephine closed the door of the dining room, Hermione turned to the blonde witch with worry in her eyes.
"This is a test, isn't it?" the frowning Gryffindor asked aloud.
"Oui" Fleur replied looking down "she wants to make sure that we are ready"
"We?" Hermione looked up "she said that she was going to try my elemental magic proficiency, not yours"
"We will see, then" Fleur whispered before taking a croissant while the Gryffindor poured coffee for them both. They decided to eat in silence, deep in thought.
A/N: Dun dun dun, Josephine can be scary. Some things to add. Beauté ignis and Occultatum vérité are of my invention. I had explained about the first one before so no additional comments, but about the second, it is very important and will trigger a lot of surprises and no, I won't elaborate on how it goes until you read the ritual, sowwy. Pm or review your thoughts and make my day brighter in the process. Thanks again for reading.
