Hello everyone! I hope your Holidays went well. I have been rather busy, and I apologize for the fact that I have not updated this story in a very long time. :( The spring semester is going to start in a few weeks, so I don't know when the next update is going to be, but I have not given up on this story, don't worry.

As always, thanks to my beta lily. lover. 17 for all her help!

Disclaimer: I own nothing and am making no profit from this story.


Chapter 9

Hermione cleared her throat. "Well, I suppose I should begin by asking about the origins of the Veela. Are they an ancient race? How did they come into existence?"

"I believe I mentioned in class that one of the ancestors of the Veela is the Sirens. The other ancestor is the Harpies. You have read something about the Veela in your studies, non? The most noted and talked about fact about Veela is their ability to transform into half human, half bird-like creatures." Fleur paused. "Did you attend the Quiddich World Cup that was the same year as the Triwizard Tournament?" at Hermione's nod she continued "Then you will remember how the Veela mascots there became infuriated before the match and transformed. It is very difficult to control the Veela once they become enraged, and it is very hard for us to control ourselves. However, some Veela who practice can transform themselves without a trigger of emotions."

Hermione made some notes on her scroll. "You're a quarter Veela right? So then your family doesn't belong to a clan?"

"My grand-mère is a full blooded Veela, and she left her clan to be with her mate who was a human man. Her clan now is her family, her children and their numerous children. We come together as a family multiple times a year for ceremonies, but also to just be with our family." Fleur's eyes were fixed on the rug as she thought about her massive extended family; she loved them with all her heart. The corners of her mouth turned up in a small smile at the thought of all of them together.

Hermione couldn't help but notice Fleur's beautiful lips as she smiled softly to herself. Hermione was struck by the soft beauty of the woman before her. She was used to the regal and stately beauty of the Veela, but she found her heart beating faster as she observed the gentle beauty in front of her. In an effort to control herself she replied, "Ah, I understand. Have you ever been to a clan of full blooded Veela?"

Fleur sank into her arm chair and pulled her legs close to her, mimicking Hermione's position. "When I was young, I spent a lot of time with my grand-mère because my parents were busy with work. She took me once to her old clan for the celebration of her niece's mating being complete. I don't remember much, as I was very young. I just remember so much music, and so many women. There was not a single man among them. But as there are no full blooded males that makes sense non?" Fleur smiled a little.

Intrigued, Hermione leaned forward. "Can you tell me anything about any of the rituals of the Veela? You mentioned that there is a mating ritual, but I am assuming there are more."

"Indeed. As I am not a full blood, I don't know how the rituals are traditionally celebrated in a full blood clan. The rituals my family celebrates, while they may be called by the same name, are certainly not the same as the traditional rituals. The Veela are very protective creatures, and the celebrations they hold are among some of their most carefully guarded secrets. I apologize I cannot speak more about them."

"It's ok professor, I have other questions. Is there a hierarchy in Veela society like there is in wizarding society? Are those who are not full blooded treated differently because of it?"

"At this point in time there is not much conflict between those who are full blooded and those who are not. It is my understanding that there once was; when Veela first began mating with humans. Now however it is minimal because of the separation between those who are full blood and in clans and those who are only of partial Veela blood, and whenever there is contact between the two groups it is friendly because we all share the Veela blood, and in a society that has such wariness of magical creatures it is advantageous to be united."

Hermione shifted in her chair, nibbling on the end of her quill. She looked up at Fleur, a question burning in her eyes. "Um, professor, the transformative abilities of the Veela are pretty general knowledge, but not much is written about the power of the Veela's song. Could you tell me more about that?"

Fleur shifted uncomfortably. The girl was beginning to venture into territory that Fleur was not so sure she wanted to go into. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, and then responded slowly. "Ah yes…well. A Veela's song is extraordinarily powerful. It can only affect those without Veela blood. A full Veela can control any human, while those of half or less can only control their mate if he or she is human. The reason a Veela cannot control their mate if he or she is part veela as well is because they would both know of the mating process and they would not need the song and thrall to lure their mate to them. Long ago the Veela used the thrall to control their human mates because a human would not want to willingly be with a Veela. Unfortunately that ability remains intact in these times when love is something that is more valued. Most Veela do not feel right about using their abilities in such a manner anymore…" Fleur trailed off and stared at the fire dancing in the fireplace.

When Fleur looked back up she saw that Hermione's eyes were bright curiosity and genuine interest in eh subject at hand. "Wow professor, it sounds like it would be really interesting to research and write about the changes in Veela morals through time."

Fleur smiled slightly. Hermione's love of knowledge and interest in magical creatures was shining through in her eyes, and the Veela noted that they reflected the light of fire beautifully. "Perhaps in the future you will get a chance to do some research." Fleur responded rather cryptically. "If you would like, I can recommend some reading if you would like to delve further into the subject of the Veela.

"That would be wonderful professor! Thank you so much." Hermione replied enthusiasticly.

Fleur smiled at her exuberance. "De rien, ma cherie." The rest of the evening was spent discussing topics ranging from magical creatures to favorite books. They even talked a little about their families, Hermione starting that vein of the conversation by asking about Jean-Claude. Fleur couldn't help but pull a sour face at the mention of the bird. But she laughed, as she was rather fond of the owl even if she wouldn't admit it. "Jean-Claude and my sister, Gabrielle have very similar personalities. They are both mischievous, always getting up to something, but while Gabrielle knows when to stop, her bird" the word bird was said with distain "does not. Gaby is my baby sister, and of course I worry about her sometimes, but she's very bright…indeed, and I think she will surpass me someday." Fleur smiled fondly at the thought of her sister. "She's always getting into…scrapes I think you call them? And inventing things to aid her in her adventures, a little like Mr. Weasley's brothers, je crois."

"She sounds adorable, and also like a giant ball of mischief." Hermione laughed. "I don't have any siblings, sometimes I wish I did though…"

"Perhaps sometime you'll get to meet my little Gabrielle. I'm sure she'll like you very much." Fleur chuckled to herself.

"You think so?"

"Bah oui, bien sûr. There is much to like about you Hermione." Fleur looked up at Hermione through her long eyelashes, gauging the other girl's response. To her delight the girl flushed as she fidgeted with her tea cup.

"Um, thank you professor." She blushed some more. "I really should be going, it is getting late. Thank you so much for talking with me, I'll be sure to pass this on to Ron." 'After I write it up neatly in big print so he can read it,' she thought wryly. 'And perhaps a little editing is in order…I don't know if he needs to know about some of this stuff, and besides…I might want to look at it again.' She stood to leave, the French woman standing with her.

"Perhaps…if you are still curious about the Veela and their culture we could meet again…?" Fleur suggested. She hoped her nerves were concealed as she continued. "Over tea some afternoon or f you prefer we could meet here?" She threw in a little bait. "I could give you those books I mentioned earlier. I'm afraid that there are still things I have not yet unpacked and I need a little time to find them." She noticed that Hermione's ears perked up at the mention of the books.

Hermione couldn't help but be interested at the word 'books'. They were one of her weaknesses. "That sounds lovely Professor. I need to figure some things out in my schedule, but I will let you know soon when I'm free." She frowned slightly at herself for needing basically no persuasion. She noted a little irritably that she probably would have agreed even if books hadn't been mentioned.

Fleur smiled delightedly. "I'm so glad." She approached the still standing brunette. "I expect to hear from you in the near future." The Veela wasn't sure if that was a slight threat or not. She dismissed the thought. "I will see you in class Miss Granger." She found herself leaning in unintentionally; the girl's very presence was extraordinarily enticing. Realizing this, she decided to just let it happen. Softly, she gave the girl 'bisous' in the French style. But somehow it was so much more than just a cultural custom. "Bonne nuit."


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