Hey everyone! Thank you so much for all the reviews on the last chapter, even the ones that weren't in English. I apologize if I can't get your full understanding, I have to rely on translate apps for it to work. I think I need to make myself a little clearer to some of you; my note of a 'villain' was not meant to be overthought. I'm sorry if you guys believed I was bringing one in now to torment and possible hurt the characters. I should've said I needed a character idea for a 'school rival/villain' as when the girls do attend school they will need drama outside the family. Again I apologize for my misunderstanding.

Still, if you do have any ideas keep them coming. All the great ideas I am really pondering over are coming mostly from guests and I really want to reply to you guys but this site if just so annoying like that, but I'll figure something you to everyone!


Lucky Number Three


The waves crashing onto the soft sands before them was the only sounds the deserted beach offered after Apolline calmly spoke her words to her girls. They just sat there in silence; in pure awe at her while trying to overcome the shock. Their mother was nervous about this moment, the reactions they'd give her and to what it would mean for them all.

"Really?"

"Yes Fleur. Really"

"Yay!" Hermione jumped up from her place on their blanket to crash her body into her mother's while throwing her arms round her neck. At least one reaction was excitement.

"You're happy 'Ermione? You're going to be a big sister" blue eyes met brown as the two grinned. Hermione seemed even more thrilled at that idea.

"Yes! I'm going to be a big sister!" the small brunette gave the Half Veela another big hug before she jumped from her lap to that of her father and tackled him into the sand dunes. The family was nearing their remaining days at the villa and each one was more exciting than the last. While Hermione built her confidence under Apolline's watchful eye; first the pool then the ocean, Fleur was exploring the landscape with Leon. They went for long walks along the beach and through the woods that made up most of their land. She even caught sight of a few species of pixies that secluded lived there.

Apolline and Leon decided they would wait a while before telling the news of her pregnancy. The age difference between them wasn't common in Veela culture; most siblings were born within a few years of each other and the Half-Veela feared just a little that it would put the girls in different social groups because of it. Fleur barely got to mingle with Hermione outside classes when all the family came together. She didn't want it to worsen with their newest addition.

"What do you think Fleur?" the small blonde looked up to her mother, eyes a little hesitant as they tried to take in her expression.

"We're going to have another baby sister?"

"It could be a boy Fleur" Apolline smiled softly at the face Fleur made at the thought.

"I don't want a brother. Tristan and Nath are around too much as it is" that made the woman chuckle as she collected her eldest in a warm hug.

"I don't know what it will be. But you will have another one to look after. And this time 'Ermione will be there to help you"

"Yeah Fleur! A brother or sister! We're going to be older sisters! This is amazing" the brunette girl was overcome with so much energy she was practically bouncing in Leon's arms; her grin still dominating her face. It was catching and soon the whole family were giggling together over the abundance of energy the news brought them. A new family member.


"Now remember, we're not to tell anyone just yet. Leave it to Mama and me. Ok Hermione?" Leon half whispered into the girl's ear seconds after the family emerged from the fireplace. Fleur knew better than to spill the exciting news before her parents had the chance to talk to at least Reina. Hermione however had been jumping around enthusiastically since she found out. The girl couldn't wait for her new younger sibling to arrive even if that was a whole nine months away.

"Ok! Can we go play now Papa? Can Nath and Tristan come over? And everyone else too? Please?" He nodded his head before allowing the girls to leave the room. Apolline just sighed.

"You could have convinced them to at least unpack their things first Leon" the wizard grinned.

"And risk them getting ahead of themselves and spill the beans? I think not. Let's go find your mother before she finds us and it turns into another moment of awkward judgement I'm sure I'll be blamed for"

"It is your fault, dear" Apolline smirked alluringly as she too headed for the door. Hazel eyes rolled while Leon cleaned himself of the remnants of soot.
"It always is in this family. Veela just can't do wrong!"

"I heard that"

"I know. I'm sure every other magical creature in this house did too. How many of you just invite yourselves here when we are away?" his voice rang through the rooms but the only reply the young father could hear was a whisper of laughter.

Hermione was leading the charge as the two girls ran back to their room in order to change from their trip home. Like usual their room was spotless, not a toy, pillow or article of clothing out of place; of course magic was responsible for it all while the girls liked to throw things about in the present state of flurry they did appreciate the cleanliness. The room was almost halved perfectly.

On one side Fleur had her large bed, a desk for her studies, wardrobe for all her assortment of clothes and a growing set of shelves that housed small trinkets, pictures and books. She was the more organised resident of the room. Hermione had a smaller bed with a chest of items resting at its end. The girl didn't really care for things to be in order, so long as they were all there she was happy. Hermione could tell when something was missing from her chest; it was beyond comprehension but she knew. It was literal magic.

"Tristan and Nath will be so excited! Oh and we have to tell the twins!" Hermione tossed her shoes aside the second she reached the room. All her clothes were neatly organised into a set of draws beside her own small study area. Of course for her it was mostly used for drawings, writing practise and reading the very few books she had.

"Mione, you're going to need your shoes again if you want to play in the garden" Fleur scolded her sister lightly before quickly changing her clothes.

The journey had made her slightly tired and she wasn't up to the outdoors like she knew her sister would want but she was nothing if not the best big sister ever. When she pulled her shirt over blonde hair, Fleur noticed the brunette was only half changed and already bouncing on her bed with energy.

"I don't want to go outside. I want the others to get here. To talk about our new brother or sister! I can't wait to tell them, we're going to be big sisters"

"I'm already your big sister Mione. Remember?" Fleur teased the girl enough for her to pause a second in her enthusiasm to stick her tongue out.

"That doesn't count! Our new brother or sister will be much smaller. We get to teach them everything! Like you taught me; only better" Fleur smiled gently as she somewhat forced the girl to put on her top and fix her hair. It seemed like Fleur was constantly teaching the girl even if it all didn't sink in.

"We will. But you have to be patient. We can't talk about it until Mama tells the clan; but that's only after family first right?" Hermione looked up into her sister's blue eyes and nodded firmly.

"Family first"

"And that means we can't say anything"

"But I tell Nath and Tristan everything! They're family" Hermione almost whined.

"They'll know soon enough. Mama should be owling everyone right now and they'll be here really soon" Fleur carefully put her dirty clothes in the hamper ready to be cleaned along with the younger girl's knowing they'd stay on the floor otherwise. Hermione just stood where she was left, eyes locked onto a frame sitting atop Fleur's shelf.

"You think they know what their name will be?" her head tilt was back. Fleur paused for a second and turned back.

"No. It's too early to think about it. We still have ages to wait"

"How long does it take a baby to be born Fleur?" brown eyes looked to her sister in curiosity. The blonde had to actually think about it for a second.

"Um…a couple of months. Papa said about eight…"

"I can't wait that long!" Hermione whined again causing Fleur to giggle.

"It gives everyone time to prepare for the baby. Now come on. We have to go greet the others. And we get to watch Auntie Tempe react to the news" the girls giggled to themselves before racing out the room once more. Their footsteps heavy on the wooden hallways announced their presence into the largest lounging area a flight of stairs down. Their home had many relaxing rooms to relieve all the day's stress but this was by far the biggest and with their family size, it was a perfect fit.


"I thought I'd save myself the trouble with letters and all the formal stuff. We're expecting another child" Apolline looked round to each set of eyes locked on her and took in their expressions the moment she placed her hand upon her lower stomach. Hermione was all but curled around her leg in support while Leon and Fleur stood at her side grinning like the matching fools they tended to be. There was an awkward silence before her sister broke it.

"I was wondering what took you so long. I thought the line was broken for a while there" Tempeste leaned back in her seat with her arms folded and a growing smile upon her face. The news was sinking in and soon adults were off their seats to congratulate the family with hugs, kisses, words and even in Reina's case; a single tear.

"I was also wondering what you two were delaying for. Now look what you did. Poor Reina is going to cry herself silly" Fatine's words by her sister's side caused a mild laugh to spread around the family. The matriarch all but cursed under her breathe for being lost in the moment.

"No daughter of mine would ever break any tradition of ours. The pattern holds, as it should"

"Pattern?" Hermione's head poked up into the group. The instant Apolline was surrounded by adults, the children stole away the two Delacour girls and started talking all at once. The boys were both happy for them; it showed through their eyes. Most likely thinking already all the fun stuff they could come up with together. Crystal was thrilled but confused on why parents made such a big deal out of everything, Danielle was too busy hugging the brunette in congrats to either agree or disagree with her sister's statement.

When they heard the leader talk about some sort of 'pattern', it got multiple confused expressions.

"Yes. In our clan, the eldest Veela bloodline has many traditions we have to uphold; one of them is the number of children they are to have. You've noticed myself and my sisters?" Reina stood there smiling as both Fatine and Laurel came to stand either side making a perfect trio. "And your mother is also part of a three…"

Apolline nodded to her sister Orane and Tempeste waved from her unmoved location on the couch. Both of whom were smiling softly.

"We're always part of a three. Because three is an unbreakable number. It's a symbol of strength and unity" Fleur listened intently as her mother kneeled down to talk to her face to face. Each word was sinking in slowly and Hermione moved in closer to the two upon feeling the raw emotion in her voice. They remained there for a little while, just looking to one another, silently communicating how deep their bond really went. Almost like a shared thought the girls closed the gap to hug their mother tightly. She responded with a firm hug round their waists and a hum in contentment. The family felt the love blossoming from their bond and it couldn't have been more perfect.


"I don't get why we have to do this. I don't like heights" Hermione mumbled under her breath and yet still her best friends heard her loud and clear. Despite the day's beautiful sunshine and their outdoor lesson, the brunette was still in a rather grumpy, foal mood. It was all thanks to the day's lesson; flying. The boys found it very hilarious.

"Everyone has to learn to fly a broom Mione" Nath spoke up from his place just ahead of her. Their teacher had lined them up in a single que so he could assess their level of confidence and check where they each were in their skill set. So far only a few had shown promise in the art of mastering a broomstick; for the girls it came naturally with their Veela side. Well most of the girls.

"Yeah, I can fly it just fine. I don't like going up though…" the brown eyed girl watched as the next girl easily raised herself into the air a good twelve feet before zooming around in a circle and landing again.

"I thought your papa took you up all a couple of times to get used to it?" Tristan questioned from her back, his expression rather concerned.

"I didn't like it then, I don't like it now!"

"I think Mione is more afraid of falling than flying" Nath laughed half-heartedly while the brunette shoved his shoulder for the tease. Their little row got the attention of one of the older Veela who was there to help supervise, after a second or two of a hard look she turned away again.

"I don't care for falling much either" the girl whispered as to not get any more attention the trio didn't need. The line was getting fewer and she wasn't getting any more relaxed.

"We all have to do it. Even Fleur had to learn a few years back. It's not hard"

"Well Fleur has powerful wind magic. She's meant to be in the air" brown eyes wandered from the next boy having his turn to see her sister sitting on the other side of the open garden reading peacefully.

Everyone was outside for the new near spring weather. While Hermione was stuck advancing her flying skills with clan children her age, Fleur was studying in silence with her fellow Veela; their lessons were on hold for an hour; their teacher was in an unexpected delay. Of course none of the Veela really cared; a 'Lady' class was an odd one worth delaying. A family tradition Reina had said; Hermione would rather be sitting there with her sister or better yet any other class like her favourite; fencing, than standing there waiting for her turn.

Nath had just reached the front of the line when Leon suddenly walked round the corner and into sight. His eyes were focused, face slightly flushed while he breathed somewhat forceful through his slightly parted mouth. Fleur noticed him instantly and by his actions she figured he was looking for them. Giving no explanation to the Veela woman taking her class, he grabbed Hermione's hand firmly to lead her away. A nod to Fleur had the blonde quickly on her feet and closing the distance between them.

"What's wrong? Did something happen to Mama? The baby?" Hermione flooded the man with questions, each sounding more concerned than the last as her eyes held a look of fear.

"No, no my girl. Your mother is fine. In fact your new brother or sister wants to meet you now" he quickly led the girls away from the garden back into the house and up to their room.

"Really Papa! She's going to be born today?!" Fleur looked even more excited than she did when they first heard the news.

"We don't know if it is a girl Fleur. You haven't changed your mind on that yet have you?" the wizard smiled softly as he let the two ditch their things on the bed.

"It's going to be a girl. I just know it, besides Mione thinks so too" she replied like it was a firm justified statement. Hermione was just trying to process what their father had said. She was going to be a big sister; very soon.

"You ready Mione? Mama's going to give birth to our new baby. Grandma will be there and everyone is waiting for us. We have to go" when a warm hand shook her shoulder, Hermione snapped out of her inner mind.

Over the past eight months Fleur and Hermione were instructed very critically and very precise on what their lives would be changing into, helping to raise their new baby brother or sister; not to mention their responsibilities within the clan. It was uncommon for such an age difference to be with siblings; normally between births didn't extend beyond three years with some even as short as ten months; in the case of the cousin sisters.

The girls were taught what to expect with the new baby; their daily activities wouldn't change but they'd separately spend time with their parents in the afternoon to bond with the child before, between, and after lessons.

It was essential the infant became accustomed to each and every one of them quickly; Veela were very family centred after all and baby Veela take in a lot within the first few weeks of life. Identifying family was the first instinctual action to which was life essential.

Fleur had taken the leader role in the girls' personal little 'baby touches'. The two made sure the awaiting nursery was perfectly set up. They had to be sure everything in the room was safe, secured and baby friendly; nothing would be out of place for their new sibling. Of course they knew it would be a long time before that sibling would actually play with toys or be left alone to play with them but that didn't stop the two smart girls from preparing just about everything any baby could ever want. Reina caught the two one day setting about the room differently, with toys on one side and necessities on the other. If the Veela wasn't so amused and taking in the obvious signs of adoration she would've scolded them for messing up their parents very well laid out plan. Leon found it just as thoughtful but fixed it before a very emotionally pregnant Apolline could ever find out.

While Leon hurried the two along into the sunroom, a small platform had been organised as an appiration point. After but a second within the green flames, they landed on solid earth; Hermione's mind was still working fast pace trying to catch up with the steps. It was finally the day. The day she would get to meet the newest member to their family. She was going to be a big sister. The mere thought had a smile splitting her face.

Traditionally the Veela mother never gave birth away from her homestead; it was a symbol for family and protection; the clan always close by for support. However since the first founding of the Delacour clan many centuries ago, the main family directly descended from their first leader always delivered young in their magical birthplace. The heart of the forest.

"Come along girls. Quickly now, your mother is going to need us there for support and your Grandmother never likes it when we're late" Leon led the two down a very well concealed pathway going deep into the woods. Giant trees towered over them holding layers of canopies that illuminated only partial spots of the ground. The girls were lucky they didn't trip over the large roots protruding from the earth with the pace their father had set them.

Nestled in a small field of grass was a cottage. Made perfectly symmetrical of pure pine wood, the tiny abode was something from a dream. Hermione wanted to stay outside and take it all in, the house, the trees, the sounds, smells; everything. There was an urge within her mind to want the knowledge of it all but instead Fleur dragged her forward just before Leon closed the door on them. Inside was nothing in relation to its exterior. Over twice the size with an open second level, the main room was well lit and very warm. Leon left the girls at the bottom of the stairs as he dashed up the second story and down the hallway. A split second of noise broke free as a door opened before snapping shut again. Hermione looked to her sister in confusion; Fleur just shrugged.

"You two are here" blue eyes looked up to find her aunt Orane standing in the doorway to what appeared to be the dining room. Waving the girls through, the two found their uncle Marcus standing near the far wall, arms crossed and a soft smile adorning his features. Taking seats round the table, the family had to wait. "Tempeste and Grace will be here soon"

"Why can't we go upstairs with Papa?" Hermione looked up to the adults wanting some sort of explanation. They avoided her eyes for a second; something that Fleur easily caught action of.

"None of us can be up there right now. Your father is only checking on your mother then he'll be right back to sit here with us and wait" Orane replied calmly as to not upset the girl.

"Just tell them the truth sister. It's tradition that only mother can be there to attend the birth of another direct bloodline" Tempeste made her usual grand entrance while throwing aside her jacket. Instantly the tiny brunette witch was on her feet.

"Tempe!"

"Ah there is my favourite little trouble maker!" the Half-Veela crouched down to catch the energetic ball of brown curls and with an exaggerated humph she lifted the girl into her arms. "I hope you are giving your parents mayhem"

"Tempeste" her wife scolded from her side once the tall Veela regained her feet. The witch knew the moment she left her significant other alone with either of the girls someone would break something. She rather not risk it; again. "How are you 'Ermione?"

"I'm good. I didn't have to fly today" the small brunette accepted a kiss to the cheek from the woman before turning her attention back to her favourite Veela aunt.

"You're not chickening out are you now little one?" navy eyes locked onto chocolate with a heavy tension but still the girl did not look away.

"No!" was the immediate outcry before her voiced turned to a whisper "I just don't like going high…"

"Mione still hasn't gotten used to it yet. No matter what Papa tries; she just doesn't like heights" Fleur broke into their conversation still from her chair while her aunt Grace took her far side and Tempeste sat down in Hermione's abandoned seat. The brunette just made herself comfortable there.

"I'm sure she will. I remember I didn't like learning to fly a broom. Very difficult time for me" Grace gently stroked the soft locks on Fleur's head as she looked between the two girls.

"Seems to be a thing with you witches. We Veela can fly like it's all natural. Ae Fleur?" the two blondes shared their joke that wasn't very secret.

"Being part bird I'm sure defeats the purpose of that statement my love" Hermione just giggled at the look on her aunt's face.

Ever since the news of Apolline's pregnancy spread round the clan Hermione unknowingly started bonding with her aunt a lot more than in the previous years combined. The two seemed to almost gravitate to each other when they were in the same room; Tempeste said it was about being the 'middle' child. They had to stick together. The girl's thoughts and her aunts ongoing conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Leon walking into the room with an almost outward sigh.

"How is everything going up there?" Orane stood from her place next to her husband. She was showing her anxiousness, a trait she'd never been able to smother.

"It won't be long now. Reina forced me from the room about ten minutes ago, so that's the only explanation" Leon took his place behind Fleur's chair to give her a reassuring squeeze to the shoulder and a soft smile.

"Is Mama ok? Is something wrong?" Hermione's voice was fragile; her eyes shimmering with building water.

"It's ok little one. Your mother is fine. She's just bringing your sibling into the world. And that takes a lot of energy and strength to push a child out through your…" Tempeste began with a factual tone only to be abruptly stopped by her wife.

"Tempeste!"

"What? She wanted to know Apolline is alright. I was just telling her…"

"You do not need to explain birthing to a six year old" light green eyes suddenly took a darker turn and for once the Half-Veela decided not to antagonise her life partner. She was the better half after all.

"Aunt Tempe is in trouble again" Fleur had to hide her obvious smirk as she sang the words to her sister. Sometimes family feuds were funny; sometimes they were scary.

"I'd also appreciate you didn't do such things to my girls Tempeste. Their mother will explain to them in time what exactly happens" Leon spoke softly but with an edge to his voice.

"So you're saying you'll leave it all to Apolline? Such a man you are, Leon" Orane smirked coyly while Marcus had to cover his snicker with a cough.

"That's exactly what I'm saying" the two had stare contest lasting a good while causing everyone in the room to laugh at their theatrics. Stress was build a tense atmosphere and no one really wanted their emotions to overflow the younger generation during the time. They were excited for their new sibling; they didn't need the worrying of birth to foreshadow it.

Before long Fleur's shift of attention had the group looking towards the doorway. Reina quickly dominated the room with her aura; hands firmly on hips while a perfect eye-brow raised in question. Everything went very serious very suddenly. Fleur could feel the pheromones flood the room; it was almost like a heavy aroma just covered all her senses making it hard to think properly. Reading the air, the blonde could tell the adults had given themselves over. Willingly submit to Reina's superior presence. Even at nine years old Fleur could see, feel and experience the power her grandmother held. Someday she wished to be just like her.

"Leon, you may bring the girls now. Everyone else I hope will sit here, quietly" Reina glared hard into each and every set of eyes as she spoke. "Until I call you"

Tempeste eased the brunette to the floor, watching her mother with calculating eyes. No signs. Nothing. The Veela wasn't giving away anything about the condition of her sister or the baby.

"Fleur, Hermione. Come" Leon took Fleur's hand while Reina stepped forward to take the younger. She led the way up the stairs, her pace steady and her aura changer to a more sweet calm. Hermione's eyes jumped between the interior of the home she had never seen before and her grandmother. Normally she'd been good at reading people's emotions, but the Veela was rather guarded, controlled; and while it wasn't unusual for the girl to see, it didn't make her feel good.

"Here we are. Why don't you go meet your newest sibling girls?" the door was pushed open gently and there sitting against the headboard of a large luxurious bed was Apolline, looking tired and warn. In her arms was a squirming bundle.

"It's here?!"

"It's a girl right?" Fleur followed her excited sister onto the bed both of them very curious as to whom they were about to meet. Apolline gently brushed the slight fringe away from Hermione's eyes soon as the girl settled herself as close as possible. Despite the half day labour, the Half-Veela was excited to share with her girls.

"This is your new sister. Gabrielle" softly nestled in a woven thick blanket was a pink baby; her face slightly wrinkled up and clenched hands pressed to her cheeks. A tiny tuff of blonde curls peaked out as she moved to get comfortable. Hermione was now resting her head on their mother's shoulder while gently tracing a finger over the new-born's cheek.

"I told you it was going to be a girl" Fleur mumbled just over a whisper as she look in the sight. When blue eyes finally lowered enough to see her face something cracked open within her.

Blood; Sister; Clan; Protect

The gasp had both Apolline and Reina looking on with stern coolness; they knew. It was a feeling the two had known for many, many years. It was the awakening of another. A presence that would forever be an illuminating shadow upon their mind, body and soul. The inner Being coming to life; The Veela.

"Fleur? Are you alright love?" Reina spoke softly as to not scare the girl out of her stupor as Leon made himself comfortable on his wife's other side to take the tiny baby for the first time. When eyes shifted to her position, the matriarch Veela had to compose herself quickly. They were dark and cold.


Fleur had refused to comply with either of her parents and even the attempts her sister made with those emotional chocolate eyes of hers. She wouldn't budge. The eldest Delacour child of the generation wouldn't go near her new sister.

"Gabby comes home today!" Hermione was beyond the term 'excited' as she raced through the halls of the mansion; Tristan and Nath not far behind her. The news had spread across the country the moment little Gabrielle Charlotte Delacour was born. Another Veela to add to the sisterhood. The Clan was eager to meet the child, another direct bloodline from Reina herself but sadly they had to resist their urges. For no child could be seen outside the home for at least half a year; as was the standard of their traditions. Only the direct family could visit, but even then only a slight few could hold the child. When Leon told the group on their afternoon off from lessons that both Apolline and babe Gabrielle were returning from their grandmother's sanctuary in the woods, everyone was ecstatic. Except Fleur.

The week was one full of family members passing through the home like it was the centre of the flu network. Clan sisters came to give congratulations, children arrived to enjoy time playing together and the solitary days passed quickly. A Veela tradition dating back generations to the times when the Being's living in nests between the trees, a new-born and mother were not to leave their protective haven for an average of several days.

It ensured an eternal bond between mother and infant before the clan or other outside influence took root itself within the new life. To the day it still was a strong belief with Reina's cottage in the woods the perfect equivalent to such a haven. Sadly a week without a half a family did take its toll.

The only one to visit was Reina herself and yet she still didn't share any news of the two with the anxiously awaiting members. Just after the clock toned midday, Apolline made an appearance through the flames with the little bundle in hand, a collective sigh echoed through the room.

"Grandma, can I talk to you please?" while the sunroom was filled of talk and excited energy Reina looked down to see young Fleur the only one not participating.
"Of course little flower. What is it that you require?"

"Somewhere private we can talk…" the toneless blunt reply had the matriarch somewhat hesitant. But none the less she led the small blonde to Leon's study, knowing they weren't to be interrupted there.

"You can speak freely here Fleur"

"Mione isn't our blood is she?" Fleur broke the atmosphere instantly. The soothing aura Reina tried to fill the room with shattered and tension rose.

"You are correct" Reina saw a hardness in those blue eyes; she wanted to test the resolve. How much truth could a nine year old take?

"She's adopted…from outside the clan?" her next sentence wasn't as strong but still the Quarter-Veela tried to keep herself firm. Her small hands clenched.

"Your mother found her in the streets of London only days old. We took her in that same day. She has your father's name and my protection. Is that bothering to you Fleur?"

"No…"

"Good, then it shouldn't be concerning you. What I want to know is why you think it acceptable to ignore your sister…"

"It's my Veela!" now that had Reina alarmed. "You know I felt it. Mama did too. I heard her; felt her in my head. When I first saw Gabrielle…" Fleur's voice trailed off at the memory of seeing her younger sisters interacting for the first time. Her hands came up to clutch her temples. "I knew right away. I felt my instincts come to life and I just knew…but, it doesn't make sense. Why didn't I feel that for Mione?" her eyes were now shimmering with unbroken tears, her voice wavering and her once powerful stance was breaking apart. She could barely stand tall any longer. Reina fazed the distance to take her grandchild up in a strong embrace. No sooner had her arms encircled the girl did she fall apart. Tears stained her robes and tiny fingernails tried to find some hold on her strong frame; anything to absorb the strength she needed so desperately.

"Our blood awakens at different times little flower. Yours is now; and while that is a little earlier than most please don't cry. Your inner Veela is awakening and soon you will feel things the world could only dream to understand. You'll be in touch with raw magic and it will become empowering" gentle fingers pulled the girl's face back to soothingly wipe away the tears. "I know it is confusing, especially with your mixed blood but know that your Veela will never betray you. She may not be a real entity nor something anyone can see, but she's real. She's you and you are her. Listen to her, my grandchild"

"But…Mione. She didn't accept…" through her hiccups and tears Fleur tried to speak.

"No, Fleur. She did. You just didn't hear it. You were too young, too immature for anything to really happen. 'Ermione isn't Veela, so she wouldn't entice any reaction from our instincts but that doesn't mean we don't accept her. She is ours; yours and Gabrielle's sister and your parents' daughter" stroking her hair, Reina once again pulled the girl into her arms. After taking a breath she released a soft scent, one that reminded her of home. Fleur may have never tasted the forests true essence but the pheromones did sooth her racing heart.

"I want the Veela to…accept her…"

"What makes you believe she doesn't already? Being Veela can be difficult to understand but you love her yes?"

"Of course"

"Then you accept her. Maybe someday your Veela will voice herself, just like she did with Gabrielle. It could be louder than a dragon's roar of softer than a pixies laugh. You'll never know, but until then, you don't need anyone or anything to tell you how you care for 'Ermione. Understand?"

"Yes Grandma" Fleur wiped away the remaining few droplets of salt water from her eyes and returned the smile. "Thank you"

"You're welcome little flower. Now let's go welcome your new sister. I've been hearing some rumours you're not as excited…"

"I am! I just…"

"I know. Let's return quickly before your father tries to steal all the hugs"


"She's really small. You sure she isn't like early or something?"

"Nathanael! Shhh! She's sleeping. And she isn't small" Hermione scolded the boy in a harsh whisper as to not wake the baby. Night had fallen over the home and while the day had come to a close, the celebrations had only become formal in appearance with a grand dinner being made downstairs. Hermione however had led her little group of adventurers up to the nursery to watch the little baby sleep. The crib walls were just over their heads but their vision wasn't hindered in the slightest by the bars. Tristan took the role of look out near the door in case any wandering adults came across them.

"Yeah, she's perfect" Danielle said softly from the end of the crib. Being that little bit taller made all the difference. Crystal just made a face at the boy and his remarks.

"She is. Little Gabrielle. We'll have to teach her everything we know. Right Mione?" Fleur was at the head of the small bed, her height giving her that perfect view of the slumbering baby.

"Right. We'll have to show her how to change the colour of the curtains" brown eyes moved to her cousins.

"And how to charm the blackboard chalk" the twins grinned in sync.

"I could teach her how to fly" the young wizard leaned into the bars just a tiny bit more. Hermione groaned at the mere thought of flying. Fleur just smiled as she watched; it was the small enjoyments like this that made family time perfect.

"We'll become like Mama and aunties; like Grandma and her sisters. We'll be unstoppable Gabby. You, me and Mione"


As everyone had guessed and relentlessly asked for; Little Gabrielle is in the story! Like I would ever not write her in. She's too adorable! Plus that extra little troublemaker we know every story needs.

I'd like to formally apologize to you readers for my lateness in my updates. These past few weeks really have me going up and down too quickly. Getting good news followed by bad just sends my emotions and feelings all over; writing like that never ends well so I just delay it until I feel sound of mind. I hope this makes up for it a little. When things settle I should be back to into a better flow. That or my life can just go nice for once.

And yes I can't wait to hear all about how births in real life aren't like this. Well I've never seen one nor waited for one so sue me! My cousin was born in three hours! It's not all meant to be accurate!

Midmoon Kitsune out!