A/N: Hello once more everyone! I will get around to replying to all your lovely reviews and PMs. You guys are amazing and inspire me to keep on writing. Thank you to everyone for your support for this story and especially all the favourites, follows and reviews it has got. I hope you enjoy this latest chapter and I will hopefully update again next weekend. Until then, enjoy this latest chapter. Disclaimer: All characters (except for Sabine) belong to the amazing J.K. Rowling.
Over the last few days of term Umbridge had been on the warpath. She was furious that Harry and the Weasleys had been able to leave the castle without her knowledge or her authority. It was quite clear that this was a woman who loved having power and hated it when she was not allowed to exercise it.
Hermione smirked when she entered the Great Hall for breakfast on the last day of term and saw the dumpy woman sulking in her seat at the Professors' table. Sabine waved from the Gryffindor table and the brunette hurried over.
"Didn't expect to see you looking so alert after our run this morning, mon ami," greeted Sabine, passing Hermione some toast.
Hermione smiled. She has met Sabine as normal at the lake and they had run for a good hour before separating and getting ready for the day.
"And why is that pray tell?" asked Hermione.
"You pushed yourself a lot harder is all. Loathe as I am to admit it, but I was struggling to keep up with you" Sabine replied. She looked concerned. "Are you sure you're alright?"
The brunette nodded, taking a bite of toast to avoid giving a verbal reply. In truth, Hermione had been worrying about the latest development in her magic fusing with Fleur's, especially after McGonagall's concern. The brunette looked up to the top table to see her Professor watching her closely, deep in thought. As soon as the Scottish witch noticed Hermione looking she averted her gaze and struck up a conversation with Professor Sinistra.
"Hermione?" Sabine said, concerned. The brunette turned to face the dark-haired Veela. "Are you sure everything is fine."
Hermione gave Sabine a grim smile. "Not here. I'll tell you later when we are away from Hogwarts. There are too many prying eyes here."
The brunette looked pointedly at the top table and Sabine followed her gaze to Umbridge watching them.
"Come on let's eat, it's a long journey back to London," said Hermione.
Sabine said nothing more, simply pushed her food around her plate, thinking things over. The flapping of wings overhead signalled the arrival of the post. Hermione looked up hopefully for a letter from Fleur, but there was no sign. With a disappointed sigh she returned her attention back to her breakfast, but found she had lost her appetite. Resigned to the fact that she would have to speak to Fleur about plans for Christmas in person, Hermione got up to double-check her trunk.
The Hogwarts Express would be leaving shortly after breakfast and for the first time Hermione was eager to leave the castle and get away from Umbridge. Sabine followed the brunette out and waved goodbye in the Entrance Hall as she still had some of her own packing to do. She would once again be joining Hermione on the train down to London, at least this time it would be a more enjoyable journey now they had formed a friendship.
As she was making her way back up to Gryffindor Tower, Hermione began to tick off her checklist for things to pack.
"Miss Granger, just a moment."
Hermione turned to see Umbridge hurrying to catch up with her, wearing her fluffy, pink cardigan.
"Professor?"
"Miss Granger I'm glad I caught you before you go. I wanted to have a little chat before you left. I have been thinking quite a bit about our last conversation when we were so rudely interrupted by that half-beast friend of yours." She laughed her high-pitched, girly laugh causing Hermione's skin to crawl.
The brunette tried to keep her temper in check, but she began to feel her Veela stirring within her. She remembered now that Veelas were insulted easily. This was not a conversation that was going to go well.
"You see I am concerned Miss Granger, very concerned in fact. We cannot allow filthy half-breeds to throw their weight around and threaten decent witches and wizards, like myself. No that will not do."
"Professor, with all due respect, Sabine was trying to protect me and she and her family have a right to their own opinion," argued Hermione. She could feel the Veela within straining to take control and the brunette didn't know how long she could keep it in check, she was beginning to shake from the effort.
"Yes, well I don't expect someone with your upbringing to understand our ways. However, I will say this, I can make life extremely difficult for you, Miss Granger. I will not allow a Mudblood, such as yourself, to entertain thoughts that can ever hope to reach a position above your station, no matter what you do with those beastly friends of yours." Umbridge had a dangerous smile on her face and Hermione couldn't help but think that this woman might be a little deranged. "You have a place within this society and I strongly urge that you accept it, or I will be forced into drastic action. You have been warned, Miss Granger. You are not as safe as you may think and I would hate to have to remind you of that fact. Have a good break Miss Granger, even if you are rolling in the dirt with Muggles and half-breeds." She gave another simpering laugh, turned on her heel and strode away.
Hermione stood rooted to the spot in shock. She was visibly shaking, but not from Umbridge's words, but rather the Veela who was straining to break free and chase after the woman who had just insulted them both. The brunette was struggling to keep control. Coming to her senses she rushed to the nearest bathroom and emptied the contents of her stomach. Her head was pounding and felt like it was being split in two. She could feel the Veela writhing inside, desperately trying to take control and break Hermione's shaky control.
Her vision was going white and she stumbled around blindly. Struggling towards what she hoped was the door, her only thought was to get to Sabine. She felt a panic that was not her own, her final thought was realising it was Fleur's emotion she felt, before succumbing to the Veela and passing out.
XXXXX
She came to her senses, to someone slapping her face and repeating her name hastily.
"Hermione! Mon ami! Wake up!"
Blinking rapidly, Hermione was confused as to why she was on the floor with Sabine crouched over her looking worried.
"Wh...what happened?" Hermione asked, groggily.
"I got an urgent message from France that you were in some sort of trouble. I rushed over here as fast as I could. It took me a while to find you." Sabine was breathing rapidly, her eyes having changed colour caused by the worry she so obviously felt. "What happened here?"
"What do you mean?" replied Hermione, sitting up slowly.
It was only then that she became aware of the room around her. It was in complete disarray. Cubicle doors had been torn off their hinges, splinters of wood littered the floor, great chunks of the tiled walls were missing and the sinks had been ripped off the walls, causing water to spray out across the floor. Some of the mirrors had been smashed and as Sabine moved to help Hermione sit up, the brunette heard glass crunching underneath her feet.
"What happened here?" gasped Hermione.
"You don't know?" questioned Sabine.
Hermione shook her head. "No, I came in here after Umbridge had spoken to me, because I wasn't feeling well and I passed out. The last thing I remember is stumbling towards the door and then passing out." Hermione hoped Sabine missed the half-lie and didn't ask what had made Hermione so ill.
Judging from the dark-haired Veela's expression she knew that Hermione wasn't being completely honest.
"Has this got anything to do with what you were going to talk to me about?" Sabine asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Come on let's get out of here. Don't mention what has happened to anyone. The less people that know about this the better," muttered Sabine.
"What about the mess?" asked Hermione.
Sabine looked around frowning, then raised her wand and waved it. Immediately the room was as good as new. Helping Hermione up, Sabine supported her and helped her to the door. She peered out carefully and when she saw the coast was clear she half-carried, half-dragged Hermione as fast as she could to Gryffindor Tower. Once inside she put Hermione in a chair and hurried up to the dormitory. A few minutes passed and Sabine came hurrying back down the stairs, pushing Hermione's shrunken trunk into her pocket as she made her way over to the brunette.
"Ready to go?" Sabine asked.
Hermione was puzzled. "How long was I out? The train isn't leaving until 11."
"You're not going by train. I have instructions to portkey you. The bond between you and Fleur meant that she could feel something was wrong..."
Hermione gasped, interrupting Sabine. "Fleur! I felt her panic. She was worried about me when I was stumbling around in the bathroom. That's the last thing I remember before passing out. Is she alright? Does she know I'm okay?"
"Not yet she doesn't. She would have been here herself in a heartbeat if it wasn't so hard to get a portkey here. There wasn't the time to file the paperwork and get her here, so she asked me to check on you. Well, ordered actually and not too nicely either, but I'll forgive her this time."
Hermione reached out and grasped Sabine's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you. Thank you for coming to find me."
"No need, what's family for," smiled Sabine. "Come on, let's get out of here before that toad Umbridge finds us. What was she talking to you about anyway?"
"I'll tell you later," said Hermione. She dreaded to think what Sabine would do to the witch when she found out what had been said.
The dark-haired Veela opened her mouth to protest, but decided against arguing the point. Helping Hermione out of the chair, they swiftly left the Common Room and hurried to the Entrance Hall. McGonagall was there waiting for them.
"Miss Granger, Miss Delacour. I have been made aware of some sort of situation by Apolline Delacour. I understand you are leaving the castle early, for reasons that have not been explained to me."
Hermione nodded, wondering if the Scottish witch was going to stop them.
"I see. Well you will be pleased to hear that Professor Umbridge has been caught up with a problem, so is unable to mount a protest to you leaving early."
"Caught up, Professor?" asked Hermione.
"Indeed, Miss Granger. It would seem that someone may or may not have released a large amount of toads into her office. Of course I have absolutely no idea who is responsible for such a thing, however, I for one can appreciate the irony. Enjoy your holidays," said McGonagall, a slight twinkle in her eye.
Hermione smiled at her Professor and made her way, with Sabine, towards the oak front doors.
"A moment, Miss Delacour," called out McGonagall.
The girls turned around and a perplexed Sabine made her way back over to the Scottish witch.
"I don't know what is happening to Hermione," murmured McGonagall, "but I know it has something to do with your family and her relationship with Fleur. I have a message for your grandmother, if Hermione gets hurt then Julienne will answer to me. Can you deliver that message for me?"
Sabine nodded, realising that this was not a witch to argue with.
"Good," said McGonagall. "I'm glad. Merry Christmas, Miss Delacour."
With that the Scottish witch headed in the direction of the staff room. Sabine made her way back over to Hermione with a scowl on her face. The brunette felt a rush of admiration for her Professor, despite how annoyed Sabine looked.
"Can we go now?" grumbled Sabine.
Without another word they headed out the front doors and towards the gates. Hermione was confused when Sabine carried on walking in the direction of Hogsmeade. Deciding not to question why they weren't using the portkey straight away, the brunette sped up and walked along beside the dark-haired Veela. Hermione suddenly realised that they were going to the cottage. Once they were in sight of Sabine's cottage, Hermione saw the door fly open and the one person she had been longing to see was sprinting towards them. The brunette ran down the path as fast as she could and launched herself into Fleur's waiting arms.
"Oh ma belle how I've missed you," purred Fleur, holding Hermione tightly.
The brunette sighed in contentment at the feeling of being surrounded by her other half.
"I've missed you, Fleur, so much."
The blonde drew back slightly, looking deep into Hermione's eyes.
"Are you okay ma belle? I felt your panic earlier. All I wanted to do was come straight to you. Stupid portkey laws."
"I'm fine now. Besides Sabine was here and found me. I don't know what I would do without her."
Far from looking happy, as Hermione expected, Fleur frowned slightly at the mention of Sabine's name.
"Please Fleur, Sabine has been amazing and has become such a good friend to me. Make and effort with her, for me," pleaded Hermione.
The blonde sighed and reluctantly nodded. She looked up at her cousin. Sabine stared defiantly back. Fleur separated from Hermione and made her way over to the dark-haired Veela. For a few tense moments, Hermione was worried that an argument was about to break out, but to her surprise, and apparently Sabine's judging by her face, Fleur hugged her cousin.
"Thank you," murmured Fleur. "Thank you for being there for her."
Sabine awkwardly patted her cousin on the back, not quite sure what else to do. They broke apart and Sabine nodded apparently lost for words, her face an unreadable mask. Fleur turned back to Hermione.
"Come on, let's get going. I can't wait to spend Christmas with you."
Hermione's smile dropped. "Oh...yeah...about that Fleur...did you get my letter?"
Fleur nodded. "We can talk about it when we get back. Everyone is so excited to see you."
Hermione gave a weak smile, but the happiness that she had felt upon seeing Fleur had evaporated. She so desperately wanted to see her parents for Christmas.
Moving into the cottage, Hermione followed Fleur and Sabine into the living room, where there was an old coat hanger lying on the coffee table. Crowding around it, they all placed a finger on the hanger. Hermione felt the familiar tug behind her navel as they disappeared into nothing, reappearing a moment later in the hallway of the Delacour residence.
Hermione had barely taken in the familiar surroundings when she felt Fleur's hand in hers, tugging her in the direction of the drawing room.
"Wait Fleur, can we talk?" asked Hermione.
"We can in a bit, ma belle, I promise," replied Fleur. "Everyone wants to see you and check you're okay."
"But..." protested Hermione.
"Come on, before mama comes looking for us." Fleur clearly wasn't taking no for an answer.
Hermione reluctantly allowed Fleur to lead her through the house. As they walked, the brunette couldn't help but feel incredibly annoyed at being shut down by Fleur. Sabine followed closely behind them as they made their way to the back of the house. They reached the drawing room and Hermione's mouth dropped open.
"Mum! Dad!" squealed Hermione.
She rushed over and hugged both her parents. She felt tears begin to fall, but found she didn't care.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked.
"Well Julienne and Apolline sent us a letter yesterday, inviting us to spend Christmas together. We of course said yes and they both picked us up this morning," replied Emma Granger.
Hermione turned to look at Julienne and then Apolline. "You arranged this?" she asked.
Both Delacour women shook their heads.
"It was Fleur's idea," said Julienne. "When she received your letter she came up with the idea of all of us spending Christmas together. Whilst she picked you and Sabine up, we went to your parents' house and brought them here."
Hermione made her way over to her girlfriend. "Thank you, you're amazing." She kissed Fleur chastely, biting back a moan as she finally felt Fleur's lips against her own.
"Anything for you ma belle," purred Fleur.
Hermione noticed that Sabine was urgently speaking with Julienne, who looked more and more concerned with every word. The older Veela's eyes flicked towards Hermione, a slight frown on her face.
"Hermione, it's so lovely to see you once more," said Apolline, drawing the brunette into a hug.
"I quite agree Apolline," said Julienne. "However, perhaps we should sit down. I hear a lot has happened."
Fleur immediately looked concerned, as did Hermione's parents.
"I guess you could say that," agreed Hermione.
"Come Hermione," said Julienne, gesturing for everyone to sit down. "Tell us everything."
The brunette took a seat on the nearest sofa next to a worried looking Fleur, who was clutching her girlfriend's hand tightly. Emma and Jack Granger were sat down opposite their daughter and were looking as concerned as Fleur. Taking a deep breath, Hermione began to go through all the changes that had occurred recently.
"It was only little things at first. My senses were a little heightened and I found I had lots of energy, so I often went for long runs with Sabine," explained Hermione.
"Well that's what we expected when we first realised you were bonding with Fleur," replied Julienne.
"Yes, well recently there have been a few more...developments, for use of a better word," said Hermione.
"Developments? What developments?" asked Apolline, looking concerned.
Hermione sighed. "It seems I have developed a...a Veela."
The reaction was immediate. Fleur wrapped an arm tightly around the brunette's shoulders, Julienne and Apolline shared a worried look and Sabine gasped. The Grangers just looked confused, not quite sure what was going on.
"That's impossible," gasped Apolline. "It must be something else."
"I'm not so sure it is," replied Hermione. "There was an episode with Harry, when he was watching Mr Weasley be attacked by that snake, I felt this...force within me, like another part of myself that had suddenly awakened. I don't know how I know, I just know that it is my Veela. Then when Umbridge was talking to me today, it came to the fore again and was fighting me for control." Hermione turned to Sabine, who had gone very pale. "That's what made me so ill and why I was in the bathroom, but I passed out when the Veela became too strong for me to contain."
A stunned silence followed Hermione's words. She didn't know where to look so stared at her hand in Fleur's. The blonde was absent-mindedly stroking her thumb over the back of the brunette's hand soothingly. Apolline's mouth had dropped open slightly as she had listened to Hermione explain what had happened earlier.
Finally Julienne spoke. "Hermione, could you stand up."
The brunette looked quizzically at Fleur, but stood up all the same.
"It's nothing to worry about, Hermione," explained Julienne.
The older Veela came to stand right in front of the brunette with her hands outstretched. "Just relax Hermione, this won't hurt at all."
Fleur stood up, but Apolline placed a restraining hand on her daughter's arm and shook her head.
"Your grandmother knows what she's doing," reassured Apolline.
Fleur didn't look convinced, but made no further move towards her mate.
Julienne, meanwhile, was moving her hands up and down in front of Hermione's body, muttering a spell in a language Hermione didn't understand. Finally the older Veela took a step back, with a look of amazement and slight worry.
"As impossible as it may be, what Hermione says is true. A Veela has developed within Hermione."
Hermione wouldn't have been worried if it wasn't for the looks on Apolline and Julienne's faces.
"What?" asked Hermione, suddenly feeling worry pool in the pit of her stomach.
Apolline and Julienne shared a look and the former gave an encouraging nod to her mother.
"Well, usually Veela's are born, they don't just suddenly develop within someone. The Veela part grows with the human part, so they act in unison. Yours has developed at a mature stage and hasn't had time to fuse with its human counterpart. I know I'm not making much sense, but it's complicated to explain. If we are being honest, we have no idea what is going to happen."
"What do you mean?" asked Fleur, moving to stand beside her mate. "What is going to happen to Hermione?"
"Well, her Veela is starting to develop and unfortunately it is going to take some time for it to unite with Hermione's human part," explained Apolline. "Until that happens we have no idea what it will do. It could fight for control, it could just lay simmering and doing nothing. All we can do is monitor Hermione and keep a close eye on what a Veela is doing."
"That doesn't sound altogether reassuring," said Jack.
"I'm sorry Mr Granger, but this is a first for the Veela community" Julienne said, sounding apologetic.
"Does this have anything to do with what happened in the bathroom earlier," asked Hermione, the memory of the carnage suddenly coming back to her.
"We aren't sure, but usually when Veelas are in their teenage years they are prone to sudden outbursts and their emotions can get the better of them. This doesn't typically result in damage to the surrounding area, more temper tantrums. It happens when the magic that comes from the creature finally matures. The imbalance in magic causes the outbursts. As you have not grown with your Veela, your control on it will not be as strong as it needs to be. It is likely, therefore, that it took control and trashed the room, without you even realising you were doing it. Your Veela and you will eventually act as one, in complete harmony with one another, as if you are one being, so in other words, you won't experience any blackouts like you did earlier today. Until this happens you may struggle to keep your Veela under control."
"Well do something," shouted Jack, standing up in a fury.
"There's nothing we can do I'm afraid. I can't say how long it will take, but eventually this will pass and these outbursts will stop," replied Julienne, calmly. She turned to face Sabine. "Until this happens keep an eye on Hermione when she is at Hogwarts."
The dark-haired Veela nodded, her eyes flicking to Hermione. "I won't leave her side, no matter what that Umbridge woman says."
"So what can we do to help Hermione? There must be something we can do?" demanded Fleur. "You've already told us that Hermione is the first that this has happened to. You must know more."
"We don't know Fleur," replied Julienne. "We are trying our best, but we have nothing to go on. All we can say with any assurance is that Hermione is an incredibly powerful witch having survived bonding with you, something which has never been done before, so when her Veela does unite with her, it is safe to say that Hermione could become the most powerful Veela that has ever lived."