This is the longest update yet...Right into things: Thank you guys so much for the reviews.
Plasticsharktooth- Thank you very much! And love the name too!
aryalyn - We are getting very close indeed. Well at least Fleur is getting closer. And endgame? Well, I'm still up in the air about that…what should I do? Random pairings? ;)
Valfreya - You have every right to not enjoy the chapter, I didn't like writing it so much but sadly the whole point was made just as I wrote it. Veela's hold a prejudice towards Humans; perhaps it's reciprocated? Hmm?
ghre - That remains to be seen. This is going to be a very long story, (I can feel it happening) but final decisions aren't made just yet.
Renu – We have to catch up some time buddy! Thanks for the review. I'll keep trying to make every chapter worth it. Hopefully this one is also up to standard.
The Morrigon Goddess of Battle - Sweet name, first off. And yes I am working through them. Forgive me for my slowness, life gets in the way. Plus I wasn't too happy how the ending kept working out so lots of editing there.
More comments at the end of the chapter. For now; Let's read!
Their Night to Remember
It was before dawn on a crisp winter morning; the birds were tucked away in their nests, the forest animals huddled together for the last remnants of heat before the sun returned to warm their homes. Sneakily lying awake in her bedroom in the grand Delacour mansion; Hermione Granger was grinning like an evil fiend. Normally she would never be awake at this time. Never.
But circumstances created this rare and valuable exception and the girl of eight wouldn't pass such an opportunity. Her older sister just turned the magic number. Fleur was now officially eleven years old. Unable to control herself any longer the brunette launched herself out of the covers.
"Oh god! Cold!" soon as her innocent little toes touched the floor, her whole body left vulnerable to the freezing temperatures and she froze. Diving back under her blankets was one option. The other was better.
Perfectly parallel to the girl's bed was another. The sleeping occupant having no idea what was about to befall her on that cold morning. Her dreams were filled of green scenery, beautiful brown eyes and the sweet smell of chocolate. Or they were until the icy touch of two well placed hands on her back shocked her enough into the waking world.
"Merlin! 'Mione!" badly covered snickering broke out from the girl after her plan worked perfectly. Sneaking across the room was easy; slipping into her sister's bed was even easier. Having the convenient cold digits was just a bonus she couldn't not take advantage of.
"Morning Fleur. Happy Birthday!" Hermione grinned widely before giving the now pre-teen a proper full body warm hug and kiss to the cheek. It was reciprocated after the blonde actually had the time to wake up.
"Morning 'Mione" a yawn broke her sentence briefly. "Why are you up so early? It's barely dawn. Mama and Papa won't be happy if you wake Gabby so early. You know she gets grumpy if we do" Fleur was gently rubbing the sleepy flakes from her eyes trying to see anything in the darkness that was still their room.
After much conflict with her mother and even her aunts a few times, Fleur refused to move out into her own room further down the hallway now that she was into her double digit years. Yes she was a growing girl; but she would be leaving home for school soon and that meant leaving behind Hermione for three years. She absolutely remained firm on the notion of not leaving the girl alone until she had to. Once her first year at Beauxbaton's was finished…she promised to reconsider. Maybe.
"Because it's your birthday. I'm so excited" Hermione tried to keep her near squealing voice to a minimum. Squishing her face into the pillow did help some but the obvious signs were apparent. Fleur wasn't going back to sleep any time soon.
"Alright. Let's get up and beat everyone else downstairs. I bet they have the cake all ready and everything" the blonde showed off her white teeth in a fiendish smile before Hermione enthusiastically threw the blankets off once more.
"If we turn any lights on, we'll get caught" the brunette froze just before turning the doorknob. They had thought ahead well enough; socks to cover their sneaking feet, warm jumpers over their night clothes to keep out the cold rooms not blessed with an enchanted fire but they hadn't thought about how they were to maneuver the dark hallways.
"I have that covered. Our dear 'cousin' Audrey isn't the only one mastering fire" with a wave of her hand, Fleur called up a tiny bit of magic. Just enough to breathe to life a candle sized flame in the palm of her hand.
"Wow, I'm still amazed every time you do that. I wonder if I can make fire someday…" Hermione snapped herself out of the minor stupor and focused on their mission. "Alright, we have to get downstairs and into the kitchen without being seen" opening the door just enough to sneak a look down the darkened hall she nodded to confirm and Fleur took the first few steps out.
"All clear" the blonde whispered before reaching back to take her sister's hand and be the guiding light they needed to safely venture onwards.
Their obstacle course was minor, a rare vase on a stand in the upper hallway being the most dangerous thing they had to avoid but from that point it was an easy path. Their mental battle however was the most concerning. After the two nearly scared themselves into screaming after flashing past a mirror, Hermione had to think quickly and literally slap her hands over both their mouths; effectively halting the cries but enabled the giggling to commence.
"Shhh 'Mione. We'll be caught" Hermione looked up trying very hard to control herself only to see Fleur barely doing a better job. It took both girls a good five minutes before they could move onwards down the stairs. Lucky for them, they knew the fifth step had a creak and the sixteenth was just slightly deeper than the rest; both were hazards to the stealthy aim they were going for.
"We're here" Hermione covered the two extra steps leading to the back door of the kitchen, the only entrance that didn't make any noise and with dawn breaking there was enough light for the girls to see their surroundings without the help of Fleur's small fireball.
"Ah, good morning young Mademoiselle's. May we assist you with something?" Fleur cringed and mentally kicked herself for forgetting in her early hour haze. The House-Elves. Of course they would be awake and working already.
The Delacour Mansion's House-Elf team were a group of about thirteen house-elves made up of both genders and all ages that worked for the main family. Normally they were scarcely seen and even when they were, they tended to like working when the family wasn't around; not to say they didn't enjoy their employment because they did; immensely. Unlike the relationship the famous creatures were known for in the Wizarding world, theirs was very different when dealing with the Veela species.
Understanding that House-Elves had a need to be workers in the magical world, a contract was created to appease both parties. The Veela got their attentive loyal workers without giving any insult to creatures everywhere and the House-Elves got their employments in vast households across the country. The rarely known about clause in their contracts however included the House-Elves would be homed, fed, respected and adorned clothing of their choosing so long as it represented the house they served. While it was very 'reluctant' to take into effect, the house-elves agreed to wear items other than dirty rags.
"Oh, Gist. I didn't think you'd be…" Hermione's voice fell away when she too realised they would've been in there either way. Normally breakfast duties were at the behest of Apolline but with a certain blonde's special birthday arriving with the sun, the house-elves of course would be called upon to prepare everything. Their handy magic was exponential when making Reina or even Apolline's visions reality; their famous parties couldn't happen without a little assistance from the right group.
"We are preparing the day's menu for Mademoiselle's birthday. We must congratulate you Mistress Fleur. Happy Eleventh Birthday" the middle aged elf gently bowed his head to the Veela girl as he spoke softly. The head elf had a soft spot for the young heirs of the household.
"Oh, thank you very much Gist. I hope you'll be making one of your excellent cakes for the occasion?" Fleur returned the kind gesture and tilted her head, hoping to squeeze a little information about the upcoming festivities; it might be her birthday but it was all a surprise.
"Of course. Only the best but I have been instructed not to divulge any information to the young mistresses no matter how much you ask. Madam Reina's orders" the duo just sighed in defeat. He was one stubborn house-elf. Especially when it was loyalty to their Grandmother.
"Alright. Well um, can we get some breakfast?" Hermione pried lightly with a small smile. The bald creatures nodded his head eagerly.
"Of course Mademoiselle. Breakfast has already been served in the dining room" Fleur blinked a couple of times to wake her slow working mind to the elf's words.
"Already served? Who's awake at this time besides us?!" the giant beady eyes of Gist just took in their shocked expressions; they honestly didn't expect anyone to be awake at dawn.
"If the young mistresses would take their seats breakfast will be promptly awaiting" he ignored their questioning looks while waving them onwards through the doors connecting the kitchen to the dining room. Soon as it closed firmly behind them, their distracted minds caught onto the eyes looking at them. He was telling the truth.
"Auntie Grace" Fleur said with a slightly high voice; being caught out by such an aunt was slightly daunting.
"Auntie Tempe!" Hermione forgot all about their little sneaky attempt at food stealing so early at the sight of her aunt Tempeste. The blonde woman was wearing her ever charming smirk and welcomed the lunge she always got from the little brunette. Fleur was more controlling as she made her way round the table to kiss her aunts cheeks in greeting. Hermione just clung to the older Half-Veela with a grin.
"Now I wonder, what has my two favourite little nieces up so early in the day? It couldn't of course have anything do with a certain someone's birthday could it?" Tempe sent a mild judgemental look over the brunette's head to which Fleur just ignored.
"I got Fleur up. She's eleven today! And I couldn't sleep any longer"
"I know she is. That's why we're here so early" Hermione grinned even more as the woman gently combed down her locks; an action she came to love from the woman over the years.
"Your mother asked us to arrive early for the celebrations; a 'welcoming helping hand' she called it" Grace gently pulled the special girl into a warm hug, kissing her forehead. "We wouldn't dare miss this day for anything. Our little Fleur is the age of wizardry" Fleur returned the gesture happily, feeling the warmth from her loving family.
"But Apolline just had to make the time so early" Tempeste groaned so dramatically over Hermione's head while the girl giggled. "She's so over the top with these things"
"I am no such thing sister dearest"
All four occupants of the room swivelled their heads round to the dining room's main entrance. Apolline stood in radiating confidence, her silk nightgown draped over her body like a second skin to keep off the cold; how such a short thing did that in the dead of winter, only magic could explain. Not a hair out of place and eyes fully awoken. She calmly strolled in to her usual seat, opening her arms for Fleur to wander into.
"Happy birthday my child. I hope this sunrise brings many happiness and more to come" Apolline whispered the words into the girl's temple as she squeezed her tightly into her bosom. Fleur squeezed back just as hard.
"Thank you mother. I know it will"
"And where is my morning hug?" in trudged a very sleepy Leon, hands rubbing sleep from his eyes and his own robe tied rather crock. The yawn finishing his sentence was the indicator for his wakefulness.
"Papa! Morning!" Hermione took the claim to easily jump her father with enthusiasm. What better way to wake up a man than to wind him slightly.
"Ooof! Hermione, no jumping on Papa until he's had his coffee, yes?"
"No! No coffee until you say it to Fleur" the grin she gave the man was bright and cheerful and as much as the grumpy early riser wanted to be disgruntled he couldn't help by smirk.
"Alright, you win" he gently messed up her mane of beautiful dark waves before addressing his oldest girl. "Happy Birthday Fleur"
"Thank you Papa"
"So? What did you get my darling little niece?" Hermione returned to her aunt's side and the blonde woman wound the girl up in a one armed hug while eyeing her sister subtly.
"Tempe…" Grace lectured her love in a reprimanded tone of voice; one that had the two girls giggling at the look of over played innocence on the Half-Veela's face.
"Something that I'm sure won't disappoint" Apolline said with a warm smile, her hold still on the girl of the hour. When two sets of curious orbs focused on her, they didn't notice the small whistle Leon had created. With a high pitched toot, a blur of colour zoomed into the room in a flourish of wings and feathers.
With the majority of the company present ducking out of instinct, it was Leon who eased the swift beast to land atop the nearest chair; doing so before ruffling about its plumage. Hermione was the first to peak out from the protection her aunt had physically given on instinct and gasped in awe.
A Great Horned Owl; a young one mostly covered in a range of glittering gold feathers calmly sat upon the wooden frame of the chair. It had a white bib sitting symmetrical above a chest speckled in black, white and very hue in between. Sharp curved talons peaking from white feathered feet were what balanced the bird so sturdily on its perch while intelligent yellow eyes centred the pale hues of the facial disk and seemed even more intimidating by the black side brackets that matched the horns atop its head. In time darker hues would dot its perfect coat as it grew both in age and size but the magnificent creature was already preening at the attention it received from the young girls.
"It…" Fleur started breathlessly.
"He" Apolline corrected the girl softly.
"He's beautiful" expressive blue eyes took him in with every detail. Imprinting his natural colour pattern to memory and marvelled in his curious nature to look at everything at once.
"Wow…" Hermione wanted to edge closer to the creature but it wasn't her place to do so; the bird was a gift for her sister, not herself.
"You will have to decide a name for him Fleur. He is yours after all" Leon pocketed the tiny whistle while he trained his eyes on his daughter. The girl had hastily moved to pet the owl gently upon his head, an action he seemed to enjoy rather immensely.
"I don't know yet"
"You'll have to think about it long and hard Fleur" Tempe leaned back in her seat the moment Hermione slowly made her way round the table in hopes to get a closer look at the new household addition. "Naming is a very important action you know. It gives the bearer a character; a meaning"
"I know that auntie" Fleur replied a little defensive to the advice but the woman took it in stride.
"He's so soft" Hermione placed a gentle hand to the bird's wing. Her fingertips took in the texture of the spines and the sway of the barbs. He was beautiful. The young owl turned his head suddenly, studying in the newest face and hand that had the courage to pat him. After turning his head every which way and angel he could possible maneuver, enticing a giggle from the girl he finally concluded she was worthy.
"I'm going to call him 'Éclair'" Fleur said confidently, eyes on her sister.
"You're going to name your owl after your favourite dessert?" Tempe asked incredulously before breaking out in heavy laughter. The sisters scowled at their rambunctious family member; an unexpected addition was a set of yellow eyes.
"I think it suits him" Leon grinned. "Flash of Lightning. Very suitable. He is one fast bird" the wizard chuckled to himself at the irony.
"I like it. Welcome to the family, Éclair" Hermione grinned as she gently stroked down his back. A squawk came from the official named creature to show his delight at finally having a name to suit his abilities. He dubbed it suitable.
"Well, now we've settled that matter, may we all take our seats to enjoy breakfast?" Apolline took her usual place at one end of the table while the girls quickly took their usual places across from their aunts with Leon sitting at the end opposite his wife. A family breakfast was the best way to start a day. Afterwards the girls would get ready to receive the guests, witness the final result of their parents' hard work and then Fleur's Birthday Party could finally begin
"'Ermione! Catch! Don't let her get it!" Nath cried out when the charmed Quaffle flew right over his head, sailing directly towards the brunette. Unfortunately the older blonde also saw the ball's likely destination and took off at a sprint to intercept it. The two collided with a crash.
"Fleur! That's cheating!" The laughing brunette was wrestling herself free of the blonde's vine like grip, trying to reach the now grounded red ball but the eleven year old wasn't giving up the fight so easily.
"No rules means no cheating! Get it Danielle!" enjoying the play fight she ensued on the grass with her sister, Fleur left their cousin to continue her teams' winning streak the mass of clan kids were enjoying.
'Modified Quidditch' was the broad term for the activity. Minus the flying brooms and death like quality of a particular piece of equipment, the children found their afternoon entertained by a self-flying Quaffle, confetti exploding Bludgers that dropped an assortment of sweets to impede their progress and a Snitch that was more like a playful pixy then a high speed demon. The two teams were evenly matched of gender, ages and magical finesse; Fleur just liked to use her extra little magical ability to aid her team with a winning edge, Hermione did her part in hindering the blonde girl each and every time. The eight year old wasn't a good flier but she did throw a hard tackle.
"Crystal! Get your sister!" the brunette cried out after wrenching Fleur's arm from her side. The obedient Veela twin grinned at the challenge. It was now twin against twin.
"Oh geez, remind me again why we split the girls up?" Nath complained as he took off after the two unnaturally fast females, leaving the two downed sisters to finish their tussle in peace.
"I call foul! You can't hold down a player for more than thirty seconds! Papa said so!" Hermione had managed to wrench one of the Veela's arms away but in doing so let herself be rolled over slightly
"I play the birthday card! Can't be told at any time today!"
"You're cheating again! You can't play that card now" the girl all but groaned in reply.
"Hermione! Fleur! Get yourselves off the ground, it's time for cake!" Leon called out from the pathway; they were the only ones lagging behind as both sides of energetic players had abandoned their competitiveness in search for the sugary treat.
"Coming Papa!" they replied together. Leon just shook his head. One second they're at each other's throats, the next Fleur is tugging her sister onto her feet and racing back to the main party.
Live music was flowing down from the second floor balcony as the entire garden was lit up with a colourful vibrancy; no one could stand still for too long. Despite it being December and snow gently falling from the sky, not one body was feeling the winter's chill curtesy of multitude of warming and protective spells covering the entire estate; garden especially. There was so much to see, taste, smell and talk about. Tables of delicious foods the house elves proudly slaved away to perfect sat neatly together at one end; decorations hung around every tree, trailing every fence line and hedge. Streamers were dangling from frames and circled the gazebo completely. Hovering lanterns and floating candles burned lights between passionate reds and cool blues.
Charms were flying all over, from terrace to maze, bringing a little playfulness out of everyone; like the small tea pot spewing out coloured bubbles or the candle that liked to give a little 'zap' to anyone not paying attention.
Massive ice sculptures dotted the pathways and liked to come alive, winking at children whenever they passed; much to their amusement and mild fear.
The main courtyard was to become the central dancefloor where couples of all generations came together and shared a dance. Hermione saw her grandparents sway slowly to the sound of the soft music and even her aunt Tempe grinned as she dipped Grace back as part of a 'move'; Hermione remembered she called it once. The brunette didn't get the humour. What was so funny about being near dropped to the floor? Although she knew her favourite aunt would never do that to her wife, Grace seemed so much livelier as they danced. It was a connection; something beyond explanation. And it had Hermione stumped.
"Adults are weird…" she muttered to herself after stopping to watch the scene.
"Mione?" Fleur was patiently waiting for her, eyes curious to her sudden frozen spell that left her hand still outstretched. She didn't have to say anything; the words were already between them without the need to physically speak. It had become something they'd grown with, Fleur knowing what Hermione needed before she had the chance to say or the younger girl just appearing from nowhere before the Veela could call her name. It spooked their parents constantly.
"If you two don't hurry up, we can't have any cake!" Crystal called from her spot at the small round table. All the children had raced over, crowding for the closest spot next to the giant mountain of sugary perfection; the central piece to the celebration was a multi-layered grand designed cake. With a stepped layer for every year she'd been alive Fleur could proudly say it was the best thing she'd ever seen. Coated in soft white icing and patterns swirling from one layer to the next, tiny pieces of soft and hard candy was specifically placed to bring out pictures of pixies, flowers and even her pet owl Éclair right at the top. Inch long candles were surrounding every top of the creation, their wicks waiting to be lit.
An odd thing Veela birthdays; you didn't blow out candles, you lit them.
"Are you ready Fleur?" looking round, the blonde girl found her parents standing together at her back, aunts and uncles smiling down at her from every side, grandparents next to them and then her cousins and friends and all the other clan members had come in closer to watch the special moment.
"Fleur"
Finishing the circle was her sister, now carrying the smallest of the Delacour bloodline. Both with huge grins on their faces.
"Happy Birthday Fleur" Hermione said while Gabrielle clapped her hands excitedly.
"F'eur!"
"Thank you Mione. And you too Gabby!" she kissed the toddler on the nose with a laugh before finally looking at her grant cake.
"You have a wish?" Fleur nodded to her mother
"I have the perfect wish" with a deep breath and focused thoughts, Fleur blew life into the candles. Instantly bright orange flames sprung up layer after layer and everyone cheered as sparks flew out of the top. Time for cake.
Reina gently cradled a sleeping Gabrielle as she watched the birthday girl show off her new mastery of the next Veela element; Fire. The afternoon of games, food and endless amounts of energy was at a close. The poor toddler had literally wore herself out trying to keep up with the older rambunctious children and softly snoozed the afternoon away while her sisters carried on, now with a much smaller group. Clan members started to return home, tiring children being carried away while others seemed to trudge along obediently, worn out by the full day's events.
The matriarch was surprised Hermione and the boys were still going. All day they had kept up with their Veela counterparts and the beings were known to have a high stamina endurance.
"Hey Mione watch us! We'll show you how it's really done!" Crystal; the ever vibrant grand-niece always managed to bring a sly grin to the Veela's face. The very opposite to her older sister, the girl seemed to act first and think later. If it wasn't for Danielle she'd would've been left behind long ago. In a learning sense of course.
"Take this!" Crystal gave a hearty war cry as she brought forth a turret of water from the nearest fountain and set it streaming towards the blonde. Sadly because of the extra years of magical experience plus the amount of time she'd practised, Fleur extinguished the fast moving water with a fierce ball of fire. The result was a loud explosion of steam that became a fog over the small area.
"Crystal!" Hermione and boys laughed while trying to clear the air around them. Both wizards ended up coughing more than laughing after a few seconds.
"Not fair! Danielle, help me. We can do this together!" the twins stood side by side. In perfect formation and mirrored movement the nine year olds weaved their arms round and summoned the water in a much larger mass ready to fire upon their supposed enemy. The giant bubble of liquid hovered above them for a split second before it too burst forward in a turret aiming straight for Fleur.
Reina found the small dual quite amusing. Her fist assumptions of the twins was point accurate. They were blessed with the touch of Water; the free flowing element. It wasn't a very easy one to master being such a changing will but the twins weren't mastering it individually. Their minds and bodies became one person. If she didn't know any better, nor be the one teaching them, she'd assume they had trained twice as long.
"Fleur!" at the outcry, the Veela woman watched with open pride as her grandchild easily side stepped the attack and watched it shower the nearby hedges so effectively Reina now no longer needed to water the garden for a least two days.
"That's not fair!" Crystal pouted while her sister just giggled. The identical girls had very different forms of expression. A mystery in itself to the matriarch.
"Éclair. Come to join us have you?" Fleur held out her arm ready for the bird knowing he'd land with an easy stride. Ruffling about his feathers, his bright yellow eyes snapped around taking in each person like possible mice he'd happily scoop up in his claws. Out of everyone standing, he seemed to favour the brunettes touch the most.
"Such a vain bird you are Éclair. You want only the best…" Reina said softly over the sleeping baby but then her own words seemed to spark something. She set blue eyes sharply on the scene. Éclair had happily moved on to perch himself squarely on Hermione's shoulder, nuzzling into her mane of brown waves with tiny hoots and ruffles. The tickling sent the girl into hysterics while Fleur watched on grinning. Nath decided then to try and touch the girl's other arm, setting the bird off in a fierce cry; possessive almost. It quickly turned into a game. When one would try touching Hermione in any shape or form, the bird would change shoulders, cry out and puff himself up in anger. The more they played the worse Hermione's hair started to become.
"Guys! Stop it!" Hermione called out between her fits of laughter. Her expression didn't match the plea which only egged on the group of laughing children more.
"Would you like me to take her mother?" waking from her focus by the soft voice of her daughter, Reina looked up.
"She's fine, but I think she'll be wanting her bed soon" carefully to not disturb the girl, the Veela happily handed her over. After a moment of shifting Gabrielle settled back down content with her new handler.
"I can call the children in if they're causing too much noise. I think the elves want to tidy up anyway; the mess is really starting to bother them" Apolline giggled to herself while the full Veela just smiled.
"Yes well they know how I enjoy my clean, tidy garden" she could feel those blue eyes roll before turning on her.
"I believe you mean my garden, mother"
"It is the same thing" the matriarch waved it off like nothing. A silence fell over the two for a few moments, content falling in as they watched the children finally calm down to laze on the grass in a tight knit circle.
"Think it's about time they simmered down to a more relaxed…"
"I want to take the two with me tonight" Reina interrupted her bluntly. Apolline was caught off guard and gasped in the next breath.
"Are you sure that is a good idea? Fleur I can understand, if she is underage but 'Ermione too?"
"Both of them. Fleur is about a year away from the age anyway but 'Ermione" she went quiet for a moment, just watching. "I have a feeling she has to be there. Needs to be there"
"How many are going tonight?"
"Four. They're waiting for sunset to gather outside my home" Reina replied as she looked upon the woman's slightly fallen expression.
"I don't know. It would be good for them to see and experience it but…I just. She's by little girl mother. If something happens…" Apolline said, her voice weak. Looking down to the sleeping child in her arms then to her girls sitting on the grass. They didn't know the dangers.
"I won't let it. I will never allow anything to hurt my grandbabies" Reina circled her arm around the Half-Veela's shoulders while the other cradled the girl now pressed into both their chests. "They are safe with me. Tonight they will see the gifts we bring to the forest. It will be a night they will remember forever" Apolline smiled.
Her mother was a hard woman, never really shocked or taken by surprise. She'd grown up in a society where anything non-human was considered lower class and yet she stood today; leader, mother, grandmother, symbol and a powerful influence. Accepting a tiny human baby into her clan without hesitance after years of negativity towards her and her kind proved that time wasn't the only thing to move forward. If Hermione turned out half the person Reina was, she'd be happy knowing there was a bright future coming.
"Where are we going? It's cold out there. Mama, do we have to go?" Fleur was getting impatient at their slow pace and the lack of information on their sudden outing. Or at least it was for her and Hermione.
"Fleur, I will not tell you again. Behave, listen to your grandmother and watch over 'Ermione. You'll find out where you're going soon enough. Then tomorrow, you can tell me all about. Yes?" the half-Veela was adjusting the hood carefully set on her daughter's head. Their manor was protected by the many enchantments keeping it snow free and warm but outside their property, where the group was planning to venture; wasn't.
"Yes Mama. I'm ready to go"
"Me too" Hermione was grinning beneath her thick cloak and excited to get going. It wasn't everyday their Grandmother took them out to the very forest the clan first inhabited. First thrived.
"Alright girls. We have others to meet. Let's go now" Reina placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder before nodding to Hermione. With a last glance to her daughter the Veela was first out the door.
Fleur still hated snow. Even after years of fun filled winters, the white cold stuff was just a pain and spiteful. It clung to her clothes like glue and messed up her hair; it was annoying to walk through and it blinded her every time. Having to wait outside her grandmother's cabin home while the crystal like substance fell from the sky was just irritating. Hermione was enjoying herself by kicking it about in waves, but Fleur just simmered. The happiness was both heart-warming and annoying to the blonde girl.
"Ah they are here" Reina said a second before a loud snap was heard and four bodies appeared in a warp of magic. Four very tall, beautiful Veela woman.
"Juliette!" Hermione gleamed at seeing her old baby-sitter again. Hugs and kisses were shared before she clung to the woman's waist like a lifeline while the now twenty-three year old just giggled.
"Still welcoming as ever aren't you little one. How have you been 'Ermione? Good I hope" Juliette had long outgrown her sitting duties after finishing her final years at school. She still visited the main family a lot during party times but sadly she couldn't make the day's past event. Now it was time she moved on in life and sadly that meant leaving.
"Of course! We haven't seen you in a long time. Why haven't you come to visit?" the brown eyed girl looking up willing the answer to burst from those rose like lips.
"Silly girl, I have been around. You've just been too engrossed in your play to greet me" Juliette never stopped teasing the poor girl in all the years she'd looked after them or came for the rare visit.
"Have not…" Hermione started her rebuttal but was put off by the closeness of the other ladies. One had come right up to their side while the others just smiled from their position; the girl didn't recognise faces instantly.
"Ah, I don't believe you've met these three before. 'Ermione, this is Alyssa, Clarisse and Manon. They went to school with me and we're all here to attend the tradition of flight"
"Tradition?" Hermione looked confused at the term having never heard it before.
"Come along, we'll explain on the way" Reina interrupted "The snow is getting heavier, I'd rather us settled before it becomes troublesome. Girls, if you would choose a companion please. These woods aren't safe to trek alone" Fleur nodded obediently; she wasn't completely unfamiliar with the new additions to the group and found a momentary companion in the eldest woman; Manon. The two didn't speak, only gave a soft smile and nod before clasping hands.
Reina took the lead, having confirmed that Hermione too was holding the hand of a Veela, Fleur following behind the pair and the remaining ladies covered the rear, their journey could begin. The path was a well-hidden one, leading through the thicket that began to grow in height until it sudden disappeared giving way to giant ancient tree roots and grass covered earth.
From stomping their way through near a foot of snow, the girls almost fell when their boot covered feet easily found the smooth walkway between the giants. There wasn't a drop of snow about and if it wasn't for the link to their balanced counterpart, they'd be face first into the dirt. Juliette found it quiet amusing while the others just remained stone faced.
"Wow…" Hermione breathed out the word as her voice was taken by the mere beauty of the forest. She didn't need to know this deep within the woods was a sacred place, the girl could feel the magic radiating off every living thing. The earth hummed beneath her feet, the air was warm and small echoes came from she assumed were animals scattered around. Hermione couldn't stop herself from looking everywhere. Moss and vines were wide spread over the massive bark and grew so tall her neck ached just look up.
"How far does that go…?" she whispered with her head tilted back. It was surprising she didn't break her neck at the angle but still, all she could see beyond the lowest of branches was layers of green canopy. The evening sun didn't get a speckle of a ray through.
"It can be infinite. This is the Heartland Forest after all" Alyssa answered the girl in a soft tone. It was almost sacrosanct to speak above a whisper; the very trees enforcing their willed silence upon them.
"It's our birthplace" Fleur too was in awe, in part for the beauty but mostly for the feeling. She'd learnt all about how her ancestors had first emerged come from the seas but they were merely Sirens above water those many centuries ago. It was the forest that morphed them into the Beings they were today. This very forest. The one she was privileged enough to walk through. To feel its magic.
"Watch the ground 'Ermione. Where you step is very important" Juliette whispered in the girl's ear, making the girl flick her eyes down. Sprouting up from the soft soil were beautiful enriched flowers with vine like stems and each dispersing a flimsy scent. Hermione noticed that the flora were only appearing in the wake of their group's shadows; rather peculiar as there wasn't much light to begin with under the canopy. Didn't plants like to grow in sunlight? While their roots became decorated with colour, the tall trees seemed to hum in approval.
"This will do for the night" Reina stopped the group in a perfect circled clearing between the trees; soft grass illuminated barely by the open sky. Shockingly to the girls, it was already becoming dark. Their walk had seem so short that hours had passed without their notice and the darkness was settling in.
"Alyssa, the tent if you will. Clarisse, I'm sure we could all appreciate a lovely fire. Manon the charms?" the Veela women nodded before beginning their assigned task. Hermione watched in awe as a large tent unfolded itself to sit nicely on one side, while on the other a sinkhole opened up to bring forth a large but smooth boulder. With a flick of her wrist, a burning red flame exploded to life hovering over the surface. It was, unusual.
"Why don't they touch?" the brunette looked up to her partner who's hand she still firmly grasped. Juliette just smiled.
"Because nothing in this forest can be touched by fire. It's impossible" Fleur joined the two as they watched the fireball create moving shadows over the surrounding trees.
"It's why the Veela are gifted with fire. It's all part of our History" Fleur speaks up but says little more as she sees Reina giving her a stern look. The blonde said no more.
"But why are we here? Grandma?"
Hermione knew they couldn't talk about a lot of things. Especially in her presence and most of the time it made her upset. Left out. It wasn't her fault she wasn't Veela. But still, she couldn't argue with generations of traditions, culture or upbringing; instead she found creative ways to find what she wanted; a loophole. To learn without anyone breaking a vow, which usually equated to books. Lots and lots of books.
"We are here, little one, because these ladies are leaving the clan"
"What? No, Juliette, you can't" Fleur looked up to the woman with a silent plea.
"Why are you leaving? Did you do something wrong? Did we do something..?" brown eyes were starting to water. Before they had the chance to spill over, the girl was pulled into a hug. Soothing the brunette with a calming stroke, the Veela woman eased down to her knees, making the conversation easier.
"No one did anything wrong, 'Ermione. It's simply part of growing up as a Veela in such a large clan. One day we all have to leave. Go out to explore the world and maybe find a place we can make our home, or find that special someone. They're out there and we can't miss the chance at happiness. I'm not leaving forever, 'Ermione. I couldn't leave behind my two favourite clan sisters" Juliette replied as she looked between them. Hermione had calmed and Fleur nodded in understanding. It still hurt but it was truth.
"This is our last night," Alyssa came up to join the small group, her dark hair falling over a shoulder as she leaned down to their level. "It's tradition for us to spend it in the forest of our birth. We're just lucky we can have you two along for the night. It'll be fun" her grin seemed to brighten the girls' mood a little. Fun was always good.
"Shall we sisters?" Clarisse stepped forward slightly, the light from the flames illuminating her front and the beautiful red dress she now adorned. Manon was behind her wearing an identical piece; hers a deep emerald. The two had changed their robes into lighter free-flowing cloth for the occasion. An action the other woman soon followed.
"Fleur, 'Ermione; come sit with me. Let's watch the dance" Reina had created a lush seated area within the tent's opening. Unlike most magical tents, theirs didn't become larger on the internal space; it was already big enough for them all to be comfortable when sleeping and the cushions would merely expand and multiply to soften the ground.
The girls quickly took their places beside the matriarch and stayed silent; waiting for it to begin.
It was as if Hermione became silence. It wasn't over powering she had once imagined it to be but more of a feeling; a presence. Everything within her began to fade away; her heartbeat wasn't pulsing nor did the sounds of her exhale catch her ears. The forest had stolen every sound and absorbed it like water.
Watching the four woman stand firm, evenly spaced round the burning flame, the eight year old took in their perfection. Hermione wasn't an idiot; in fact she was remarked as being intelligent for her age as she knew she could never compare herself to the image of a Veela. Not even the idealism of perfect. Especially as a child much less a human girl.
They were other worldly, unmatched. She didn't want to be compared in honestly but there was a selfishness there deep in her heart. She wanted that perfection. To own it. Gazing upon these creatures every sunrise to sunset, they were amazing, kind, magical people who shaped the world rather than carve away at it.
The girl's mouth fell open as the four started to sway and move. She'd seen many Veela dances before; there wasn't a festival or celebration where they didn't express themselves in flowing movements. But deep within the forests of their birthplace; it was something else. There was no music to follow, no beat to keep pace but all four woman were perfectly in sync as they stepped, dipped and twirled.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Reina spoke softly to her with a smile. Hermione couldn't take her eyes away from the scene.
"Yes" the full Veela's brow twitched ever so slightly but she didn't make a remark. The dance had only just begun and her two grandbabies were enraptured by their graceful steps and shimmering dresses. One for each element. Reina admired the way the rich blue fabric brought out the shine in Juliette's eyes. She also noticed the extra flare Clarisse gave with her twirls, it was always the giveaway trait that the Veela had really thrown herself into the dance.
"Look" She said, hoping to direct the girls' attention to the air. Small ethereal butterflies were forming from the rising smoke. First a few fluttered about the dancers, following the circling movement but soon they multiplied into a massive swarm; extending out to cover the clearing. Some landed on tree trunks and branches, others on long grass strands and a few dotted the tent walls. One even felt brave enough to land on Hermione's nose.
"They're going to sing…" Fleur's voice was soft and sounded like she was in a dream. The girl was slowly swaying side to side like she could hear the beat they were dancing to. Reina nodded her head, knowing she couldn't be seen but cared none. It was traditional for the dancers to sing while they moved; it was part of the Veela way. They were descended from Sirens after all.
Alyssa was the started a soft tune, gracefully getting higher as she circled the flame. Clarisse, her opposite for the ritual mirrored her actions and threw her own voice into the song. They were without words, simply a mix of tones, high pitches and low hums. Juliette came in when the flow sank down an octave, her eyes briefly catching the sight of the children sitting there in a trance. It was known that a Veela's song could hypnotize even the strongest of wizards; their dance rendering them powerless. That was why it was a rare sight to see any immature Veela witness the tradition of flight, let alone a small human child. It was in no way harmful to the small girls but it had ways to overpower them, making them defenceless and immobile for long periods of time if they watched for too long.
"Why do they…?" Hermione was struggling to keep herself awake, like her head was weighing her down slowly. Fleur wasn't much better, rubbing her eyes to stay open.
"The ritual is a performance to the forest. We sing and dance to show our appreciation of the gifts and protection while we live as a clan. Every Veela wishing to leave performs it and in turn asks for their guidance when returning home. Your mother did many years ago…and someday Fleur will too" Juliette heard the soft whispers over their song and it was warming to know her clan leader wasn't so heartless to leave the girl confused. They may not share every small detail with the human child; but this was enough.
Hermione's eyes were closing fast yet she still wanted to watch the graceful dance. The music was sending her off to sleep and she couldn't fight it much longer. Over the music she thought she heard the birds chirping, hooves hitting the ground and howling from the many creatures of the woods. Falling back and into darkness the brunette smiled at the feeling of peace.
Even the magical folk weren't immune to sudden wakefulness. Hermione found herself staring up at the tent ceiling after waking from something her brain recognised. She was warm, comfortable and snug next to her sister and Juliette on the plush cushioned floor, but there was something keeping her from returning to her dream. It sounded like a soft hooting.
Picking herself up carefully; minding where she placed her feet as to not bump, jab or crunch someone's limb, the brunette slid out the opening and into the now pitch black forest. The boulder remained, the fire long burnt out after the Veela had completed their ritual and gone to sleep; Hermione figured it was some time as the rock was now cold to touch. Luckily for the girl there was a half-moon shining just above the treetops, otherwise her eyes would be shrouded in darkness much like everything else around her. She heart the faint hoot again; this time from a low branch to the right. Tilting her head slightly in hopes to hear it better, Hermione began to walk to she guessed its source.
The looming giants weren't deterring her in the least, the vast unknown almost calling to her and leading her to an ease of mind…until a crunch of wood broke it.
"Who's there…?" turning around at the sudden noise, Hermione became disorientate when the whoosh of wings sounded from the other direction. The hypnotic calling bird knew better than to risk its life on something so trivial, left Hermione to swallow her fear.
She could feel it out there, almost see a silhouette moving behind the trunks. A large beast at least twice her size, carefully moving its body as to not disturb even the tiniest of slumbering creatures. Heart was pumping, blood rushing her ears and the girl hesitated at the thought of moving. The tent was so close by…surely she could make it…Her grandmother was a frightening powerful Veela, surely nothing in this forest would dare compete with her…
The silence was broken again with a rush of hot breath on the back of her neck; turning slowly Hermione prepared herself for the worst and braced. Only to find an orb of light dangling just above her head. Blinking a few times to clear her panic induced haze and wipe away the few specks of sleep, Hermione looked up to come face to face with a largest beast she'd ever seen; a white Unicorn.
By the size, she'd figured it was a male. Its long sharp horn, the source of luminescence, stood tall and proud from the great beast's forehead while a silk like mane draped down its toned neck and broad shoulders. By the light of the moon and even the creature's own magic it sparkled like liquid silver; the same if Hermione read correctly could be side of the creature's blood.
"Beautiful" brown eyes captured in a long stare into intense black. Hermione couldn't bring herself to look away nor move closer. It wasn't right to touch a Unicorn without invitation; something she clearly did not have.
"I am sorry if I disturbed you…I didn't mean to…but you truly are beautiful" she giggled softly when he snorted in reply, head tilting down slightly as the breath once again heated her skin.
"He's saying thank you" Hermione inhaled swiftly at the sudden appearance of Reina at her back.
"Grandma…I…"
"It's alright little one. I'm not upset. I would be very worried however if you'd wandered off into the forest…" she came to stand at the girl's side. Hermione looked down in shame.
"I nearly did…but he…"
"He was concerned for you" Reina patted brown strands with a loving touch, offering a smile. "A young one like yourself shouldn't be in the forest alone at night" Hermione looked at the creature in awe as he nodded his head a few times before snorting into her face. She giggled.
"Thank you" the words hung between them for a moment; silent and still. Then the unexpected happened; the beast lowered his head, bearing his sharp horn and Hermione froze.
"He's offering, 'Ermione. It would be rude to ignore it" Reina gently nudged the girl's arm before standing back. In her many years, and many repetitive journeys to the forest with groups of young Veela, the clan leader never thought she'd see such this sight.
The Unicorn was a familiar sight among these trees, it was after all his wandering grounds. Unlike many of his kind, he was a nomad. Choosing to leave a herd and travel the lands unaided. It once brought thought to the woman of loneliness and sorrow but encountering the aging creature many times she saw he was content with that life.
It was simple and one of his choosing. Just like it was to bless the young girl with a touch of his horn. The hair of the beast was a powerful core for any wizarding wand, the blood priceless to any potion maker; but a blessing was as rare as catching a falling star.
"I hope you have a peaceful night. It was an honor to meet you and thank you for watching over me. I hope I'll see you again…" Hermione's fingers pulled away from the smooth ivory like texture, thinking she had had more than enough privilege. His fur was so soft, she could lose herself in it and his horn…it was warm, strong and gave her a little zap.
Huffing a final breath of hot air into her face, the stallion turned away and softly trudged his mighty hooves back into the forest.
"You were speaking English, 'Ermione. Did you notice?" at the girl's surprised expression, Reina figured as much. "You seem not to be immune to the forest's magic"
"But I didn't notice…did it insult him?"
"Oh no little one. I'm sure he hardly cared for any language we speak" she chuckled lightly. "Unicorns can understand all creatures, just like Veela. This forest has its way of making us do many things. Some of them actions, like your early morning stroll" The girl blushed slightly at that "Or make us speak a language we find more…refreshing. There is nothing to worry about 'Ermione, all magic is good magic. It just depends on the source. Now trying to understand your aunt Tempe speaking any other tongue; that is a mystery we'll never solve" the brunette burst into a fit of giggles alongside the woman.
Perhaps bringing the girl along was for the wise. Sharing so many secrets wasn't her intention but Reina didn't feel the forest grow in anger towards her. In fact she barely felt anything from it concerning the innocent soul. Maybe it had yet to judge…
Time would be the only answer to the mystery of her daughter's adopted child. Time, Reina had the patience to wait for.
Finally done! Alright, you guys and girls know the drill. Leave a review if you have questions. Any and all grammar mistakes are my fault (as usual). Anything not related to the immediate story I will happily share if you PM me. A few of you have already and I've given the best answers I can. I accept more than one question too, so don't be shy.
Stefan Bathory - As always you are one amazing person. I really can't put into words how much I appreciate your knowledge and constant giving of information and feedback. Honestly, you are a legend in my eyes and everything you write is useful and insightful. I admit I've done some research when I go about describing things or locations but I can't compare to one who's lived there. You'll have to forgive me if I can't bring the country's beauty to page just yet.
Guest - Thank you for the chocolate! Loved it, very tasty. Some readers didn't like that ending but sadly…I can't get rid of them…I want to…so so badly…
Asa (Guest) - Thank you for your kind words. My crewmate and I are doing well. And why is everyone wanting Hermione to be kidnapped? Is that like a thing now? You scary people
adsf (Guest) - If I do ever get to slap someone in this story, I'll think of you. But hitting children is wrong. I'll simply wait for them to grow up then slap them. When it's justified…and if Hermione is the one to do it…maybe. Species is a very high valued thing here no matter who or what you are, so expect a lot more discrimination.
Wow two notes, I feel special. Spot on buddy, well done. You want a little more human things? I can do that. I have something in mind so prepare yourself.
eggechickenegg - I've had a few comments on her reaction. Partially it is to do with her mental intelligence but also part to personality. Some children react better to news than others. I wasn't one of them. P.S…. noted. ;)
SH4DOW44 - Hopefully this was mind blowing enough…if not, well till next time.
marlastiano - :) back at you buddy
cyntiacsd - I love it too! Thank you for reading!
firemage (Guest) - Her understanding is simply she's not blood related. Some kids react with nothing to news while others can totally freak out. I believe Hermione is the girl who can take it with pride and as much understanding as her developing brain can. I've also found some loss in writings when Veela's are portrayed as more human than anything. They are classified as Beings for a reason and I wanted to explore that a little.
Guest - Harry? Ron? Who are these people? Guess we'll have to wait and find out.
tlotr nz (Guest) – Ok listing off are we? Sweet, here we go. For first answer look to previous notes as I've explained her reasoning. Two, Original Hermione is only the baseline for my character as growing up elsewhere does chance a person, ergo the title and reason for this story. Your points on the family issues, yes agree but take note that half her family is Veela and the other half Human. While 'lower' on one side she could be 'raised' on the other. See the balance? Lastly her age emotions and all that will be coming into this very shortly. It isn't all butterflies and rainbows. There is a darker side.
phoenix1016 - Thank you for the review. Very appreciated and the kind words. The pace will even out more in the years to come. Especially school.
YuKuKu - Well in this one they are. If a little…ok maybe a lot. BUT they have their reasons. You'll notice they are nice to their mates…but only mates. See the hint I just gave there. ;)
Blue Luver5000 – Great Review! ;) Thanks buddy. Always count on you.
Midmoon Kitsune out!
