A/N: Ladyfun: Hell, all of a sudden we're writing these near 10K epic novella chapters. Sorry, sorry... anyhoo, a quick thanks for those of you who made it past Chapter 2 and stuck with it. We're getting into
our co-writing groove, it's a process..Thank you to the new reviewers you make our day (especially with the generous helping of Capitilization. All caps...That's good...right? Or a broken keyboard. Or shouting. One never knows.) TiAdoro914: We
love to hear what you're thinking (almost universally). And ditto to what she said :)
Chapter 11: The Return to Hogwarts.
The following day was unpleasant for all five of the witches, currently holed up at the Delacour Estate. For the following day was "the day"…the day in which Hermione, Gaby, and Narcissa all had to grudgingly return to Hogwarts.
It was clear that no one was happy to depart from the Delacour Estate.
In contrast, the day prior had been spent idyllically with all of the women enjoying one another's company. It went without saying that Fleur and Hermione, as well as Narcissa and Apolline, managed to squirrel away several moments of "alone time," but
it was not at the expense of everything and everyone else.
The witches cadences of laughter could be heard in the library, as well as the women holding confessionals, gossiping, reading interesting things aloud, and even Hermione (much to her own surprise) convincing the non-muggle witches to play one of her
favorite childhood games, Yatzee!
She had them all in giggling with her enthusiasm for the dice game and found that her family was quite the competitive bunch. She had to eventually resort to putting protection spells on the dice and table in order to stop all the gratuitous cheating!
They had talked more about the upcoming bonding and wedding of Fleur and Hermione and reveled in their making of plans.
Thinking about the invitation list, and the scheduling of when they would all get together in the upcoming months to prepare the fete further, it was decided that Narcissa would be helping Hermione with her wedding dress shopping. Fleur, of course, would
go with her Maman and Gaby.
They settled on all meeting again in three weeks time at Hogwarts; for that was when Fleur anticipated having another week or so off. Fleur also informed them, much to her Maman's delight, that she was planning on meeting Hermione's parents as soon as
possible. Things seemed in order…
…the day prior.
However, the morning of their departure, in what had become their now routiene of the balcony breakfast soiree, together, Cissy and Apollene seemed slightly nervous.
Unbenowst to the younger set, the night before, Cissy and Apolline exhaused a long conversation about how to approach their younger witches about what was transpiring between them.
They knew it was pressing, and had to have that conversation before they left the Estate.
In all fairness, the two older witches needed some time to process, together… before "coming out" to the girls. Unfortuantely, the residual damage might be the ugly result of upsetting Fleur and Gaby, they feared...and possibly Hermione as well, by not
addressing it sooner with them.
Apollene nervously cleared her throat, once.
Fleur and Gaby just continued their oblivious morning debate, ignoring their Maman.
Apollene cleared her throat, again.
Fleur was using rapid French to insult her younger sibling and her "inadeuqate mass weight of her underdeveloped, single minded" brain, to which the younger responded that at least she had one, that resided in her skull, as opposed to being soley
operated by Fleur's rudiementary brain located between her legs.
Fleur, predictably, unleashed very colorful swear words that sounded romatic when said en Francais, and Apollene cleared her throat, yet again.
Fleur huffed, whirling her attention to the forgotton bystander. "Maman! What ze 'ell? Are you 'aving allergies? Do you need a hanky?"
Before Apollene could even register being wounded, no matter how slight, Narcissa stepped in.
"For the love of all things Merlin!" Cissy said, in an unexpecidly stern tone. "Would you two stop, PLEASE, for one moment?" They stopped, shocked, looking at the Regal Black woman, who never shouted. The austere blonde merely arched an eyebrow, in response.
She said, dryly, "Your mother has been politely trying to get your attention, for nearly ten minutes!"
Gaby threw up her hands. "What? Why didn't she throw somezing, zen, like usual?" Gaby grumbled. "Normally, she bellows like a blowhard, until ze 'ouse fallz down! Now zat she's bonded, she became ...dainty, or somezing? Dainty!"
She nudged her big sister, who added dryly, "We don't speak ze "dainty" in ze Delacour 'ousehold.."
"Zat's right, Fleur!" Gaby nodded, approvingly. "So now, wiz zis personal rennizzance of 'ers, we 'ave to get a sign language interpreter or somezing?"
"...Or get ze 'earing aids." Fleur interjected.
"...Or become a master legillimas, to intuit what ze 'ell she might be saying to us, now zat she's so demure!" Gaby threw her hand up in the air. "I mean, je suis en a bouché un coin! Vraiment! Maman, what ze 'ell?" Gaby ranted for a full
five minutes more, with a few choice Fleur's interjections; even Hermione was trying hard not to laugh. When Gaby had finally milked her own personal amusement to its last drop, she quieted.
Narcissa merely rolled her eyes, holding the bridge of her nose. After a calming breath, she looked adoringly at the girls' mother, and said, "Darling, the floor is now finally yours, it appears…"
"Zank you, Cissa." She chuckled. Turning her attention to her rabble rousers, she said, "Zo, Cissa and I 'ave 'ad some much needed time together to discuss what is obviously happening between us and, while we needed it, without question... in zat process,
we are botz sorry zat we did not explain sooner what waz 'appening."
She gave the girls a wan grin.
"But, my little baby darlings, we needed ze time to ourselves…as you can 'opefully understand! Additionally, we wanted to allow zee focus to be on 'Ermione and Fleur, where eet should be." She leveled a reproachful look at the two Veela. "Which
eet would 'ave been, may I point out, 'ad you not, you three, barged into my bedroom!" Apolline was getting on a roll. "I mean, really…who barges into a Veela's bedroom, wizout knocking? Zat's insane!"
She shushed her girls' protests.
"S'il vous plait! Zis is not ze time for arguing!" At this, she grabbed Narcissa hand and smiled at her broadly before looking back to her girls.
"Fleur, Gabrielle, you both know I loved your Papa... dearly. Zat man waz ma best friend, and we lived a very long, 'appy life together. We loved each other dearly, but both your Papa and I knew zat we were not each others true Veela mates. Zat
waz okay wiz us both, we loved each other anyway. While we knew zee possibility of a mate appearing one day could occur, eets not everday zat zis 'appens for a Veela. Eet waz a risk we were both willing to take. When your Papa passed, eet broke my
'eart, alors...az you both saw and were zere for me during zis incredibly painful time, for us all. I never, never expected to find ze love again."
Here she paused, looking meaningfull at her beloved daughters, "I waz zo blessed to 'ave you two in ma life." She squeezed each hand of her offspring.
Then, she waived her elegant hand in the air, indifferent. "A leettle romp 'ere and zere," she said with a sly wink to Gaby, "...but love, I just never…"
She stopped for a moment, took a deep breath and looked at Narcissa, her eyes a well of emotion.
"Fleur, ze way you described 'ow you felt when you met 'ermione, eet waz profound. And when I spoke to zee Veela elders on your behalf, I learned a lot about zee Veela mate I 'ad never known before, not 'aving direct experience. So, when I met
Cissa at zee ball," she paused again to collect herself. "Well, she iz ma mate, darlings! Itz waz love at first sight."
They squeezed each others hand, and exchanged a look. "And now, I truly understand ze term 'love at first sight', because when I looked at 'er and our handz touched," the lights twinkled in Apollene's eyes, "eet waz exactement 'ow you described
eet, Fleur. I waz consumed!"
The look she gave Narcissa Black was one of utter devotion and complete infatuation. She sighed out, "I can now say, gratefully, zat my Cissa feels ze same way… about me."
The table stayed silent for a moment, with neither Fleur nor Gabrielle speaking. So with a squeeze of Fleur's hand, Hermione spoke.
"Um…" Hermione began, stumbling slightly. Her eyes darted nervously around the four pairs of eyes staring at her. "Oh, bollocks! I'm usually so much more eloquent! What I mean to say, is….well, I realize my role in this family is quite new. And yes...
I also realize that at the moment, I am related to none of you," she stated, receiving a firm glance from Fleur, "but however deluded I am," she grinned, "I still feel like your family. So, I for one, as your family, want to say how incredibly
happy this make me! Narcissa," The Golden Girl said, turning to look the healer square in the eye, unrepentantly, "I never knew how much a really needed a guiding hand, in the wizarding world. Something non-muggles take for granted. I don't – you
have become - well, my guide on my journey of late, and I love you fiercely." Hermione said earnestly, "You have become like a mother to me… and I am so happy that now, I guess, by all appearances… we are going to become a true family." Without
realizing, tears starting flowing down her face. "Bloody hell, I swear I never cry this much!" Hermione exclaimed, "but I am just so happy for you both! Finding Fleur has made me happier than I ever knew was possible, and to know you two have found
that in each other is magnificent."
Narcissa slowly stood, and with tears in her eyes, got up from the table and walked over to Hermione and held her tightly, both whispering I love you in each other's ears.
Narcissa turned to the group, "Speaking of motherhood, I suppose this is a good of time as any to mention the fact that Lene and I decided, well, how the news of our "mating" is broken to my son, Draco, needs to be done….rather gently."
Hermione let out a gasp. "Oh Merlin's Beard, Cissy! I totally forgot about the ferret!"
Narcissa cast her a rather stern look, to which Hermione retracted, "I mean…your son, Cissy. Sorry. Old habits! Bad habits…would you like to call me a mudblood, for old times sakes?" She grinned nervously.
"Oh, Bollocks, Hermione….really?" Narcissa huffed. "Just work on being more enlightened, like myself, in the future, dear." She kissed Hermione on her cheek, and retook her seat. Wiping the corner of her mouth with a napkin, she said, "Oh, and I highly
advise not to actually call my Draco ferret,' either. He gets a little….twitchy, when that's brought up."
"Noted." Hermione nodded.
"I will also work with him, as I have all throughout the school year, not to call you names, in kind, as well."
"Really?" Hermione said, reverting to a 15 year old Gryffindor.
Narcissa grinned, a teasing glint in her eye. "Oh, I can't recall, exactly, but something to the effect of…."Teacher's Pet", "Mudblood", "Muddy", "Whineyone Granger", "Potty's Girl", "Little Miss KnowItAll," "Granger", "SPEW on me", or any other
of his derogatory nicknames, either."
Hermione looked at her, blinking. "For not remembering, lady, that's a pretty comprehensive list." Fleur gave a meanacing look to Narcissa while Hermione just looked perplexed.
Narcissa Black smiled. "Indeed, it is. A list which I have ensured is never said publically or privately, anymore."
Hermione nodded. "Well, the satisfaction of Malfoy….er, I mean, Draco, that is….having to call me "Hermione" is all worth it, I guess. Good luck, Cissy. Some civility would be nice, I suppose."
"Indeed it would, my dear. While I have taken the Hippocratic oath, Hermione, I have also reminded him that you have not, and still possess a fierce right hook." Narcissa smiled. "He understands that you are not afraid to employ it, if necessary."
Hermione giggled, the private joke of her third year slugging of Draco Malfoy was lost on the Delacours.
"Regardless," Narcissa continued, "the point is, I hope you will all be amenable to meeting Draco in person in three weeks, at our reconvening; I would very much like to discuss this with him in person, and its much easier to understandi if you can put
a visual representation together with the story."
"I do not recommend 'im 'aving ze same 'visual representation' az we did, in person, 'owever." Gabby said, matter-of-factly.
Narcissa deadpanned back. "Well, fortunately, I was thinking more along the lines of lunch, actually, Gabrielle."
Gaby shrugged. "Zat's good, zen. Lunch, Eh? Well, I suppose. People 'ave to eat, after all."
After watching that interesting display, Fleur realized she should probably redirect the conversation, once again, back to the topic at hand.
"Maman, Narcissa, I could not be more pleased zat you two 'ave bonded, az well. Mine and Gaby's jokey-jokes earlier aside, I...well." She shrunched up her face, adorabily, thinking how to best respond. "Ze trutz... eet's a surprise to zay zee least,"
she chuckled, "but Maman, from zee moment I met Narcissa, eet was clear how much my 'Ermione and Gaby loved her, and I have developed a deep affection for her az well. I guess one could say that falling in love wiz beautiful ladies now runz in zee
family, non? We will just have to see who appears for our Gabs, oui?"
Apolline then stood and went to hug Fleur as well, kissing both her cheeks and whispering, "Zank you my darling fille, zank you."
As Apolline returned to her seat next to Narcissa, she paused for a moment touching Hermione on the shoulder and gave her a loving smile, mouthing the words Thank you, as well. After she sat, the table then turned to Gabrielle.
"My dearest Gabrielle, ca va?" Apolline asked.
"Oui, felicitations," she stated and then stood, "Now, Maman, Excusez-moi, s'il vous plait. I need to finish packing before we 'ead out." With that, Gabrielle walked away leaving behind the two newly mated pairs.
XOXOXOXOXOXOX
The goodbyes were brutal. As Fleur and Hermione were a mess, and with the additional information that since their bonding, it would be likely that the distance would only intensify their need to be together and they might even begin to feel each other's
emotions, they were both a nervous wreck. They were holding each other tightly and had refused to let go of one another, even going as far as to be in the bathroom together at one point not wanting to be separated. Of course they would never tell
anyone else that, but they really, really did not want to part.
Cissa and Lene were not fairing much better, but were in just slightly more control of their emotions than the younger witches. Although, still not happy with the idea of being apart so soon after their bonding as well. Following breakfast, they had snuck
up to Lene's room to discuss what came next. Narcissa had her job at Hogwarts and she was finally feeling like her life was starting to make sense. She did not want to leave it and Lene would not ask her. But Lene had responsibilities in France and
could not just up and leave to follow her witch to Scotland.
Lene and Cissa's lovemaking had been furious following breakfast. It seems like nothing could satiate the witches who had just realized how absolutely incredible it was to make love with not only your one true love, but with a woman! And for Cissy this
was quite an awakening. They tasted each other with their mouths; they used their fingers to bring each other to new heights. They discovered that Cissa was particularly sensitive when Lene sucked vigorously at her breasts, and that Lene could come
in just a moment after Cissa entered her after watching Cissa unravel below her first.
Naked, laying entwined, they discussed this newfound passion.
"Lene," Cissa asked tentatively. "Have you ever been with a woman before? Because it feels like you, well... know your way around, if you understand my meaning." She seemed suddenly reticent. "I've never…in fact, you are only the second person I've been
with before, and I finally feel after a lifetime I finally understand... passion." Narcissa blushed, which was truly unlike the proud woman. Apollene Delacour, in just a few short days, had turned her into a woman who could simply not get enough.
Apollene had a very empathetic expression as she began, "Cissa, darling... we Veela are far more free and accepting of love, and passion, and ze sex... any way zat eet comes. I understand zat iz different. Before I waz married, I 'ad fooled around wiz
ze women, and since Armand's passing, I may 'ave 'ad another fling or two. Or so. But Cissa," she continued, earnestly, "I 'ave never been wiz a woman, in the way we 'ave been together! Zat I can assure you, mon amour," she explained.
"My marriage to Lucius," Narcissa started, "was clearly nothing like yours and your family life. Our family, our relationship was very... proper. Very pureblood, proper English. Our dining habits were proper, our home was proper,
our communications were proper. Even our sex life was proper English, Lene!"
Narcissa folded her hands in her lap.
She continued, quietly. "Nothing, nothing like... anything we have experienced together. Even my past family life could not be more dissimilar, to what I've experienced so far being with you, Gaby and Fleur! Our life was so focused on outward appearances,
then it became about the Dark Lord. When Lucius, and my sister, brought that," her voice turned sour, "...Him, into our lives, my focus went solely on keeping Draco safe. I regret so many things about my past, but the
one thing I did right was to keep my son safe. And, well, I suppose I did defy the Dark Lord, when I told him Harry was dead…but honestly? Even that was about my son, really." Narcissa admitted, quietly.
"I've tried so hard to make up for my families past wrongs, and trying to "do right" in this world, Lene. But while I realize that we have only been together a few days, what I feel for you, Lene... it's profound. Our relationship, coupled with the family
we now blended," she hesitated for a moment, ultimately smiling. "The family we have inherited together, is the best thing that has ever happened to me, outside Draco of course! But... please forgive me as I take it all in, because
it could not be anything more different than the "proper" life I had, in the past."
"You beautiful, proper witch, you!" Lene smiled. "Zank you for sharing zat wiz me. I, too, am delighted by zee family zat we 'ave togezer, wiz your 'ermione now a part az well. I am looking forward to meeting your Draco, alzough I weell admit, I am concerned
Cissa. Az you 'ave explained, we could not be more different in terms of ze inner workings of our family, zan what 'is upbringing waz like, despite our similar social standings. I 'ope 'e will accept me, and us, because you are ma mate,
Cissa." She spoke with a firmness, a resoulte understanding. She looked very serious as she finished, "And I acknowledge eets only been a few days, but I know what I want, for us, and for our future. But I will give you all zee time you need,
Darling." Lene offered, smiling.
The French matriarch then pulled her witch in, engaging in yet another passionate kiss.
The women, when alone together, were unlike the public perception these two elegant and mannered society ladies. They were tender and loving, playful and gentle. They were happy in a way both were unfamiliar with prior, and it felt wonderful.
"Thank you, Lene! Thank you, for understanding me. It's amazing how you do that, already," stated Cissa, when they finally disengaged from their kiss.
"Darling, you showed up 'ere a few dayz ago zinking your time would be spent ensuring our girls would 'ave a wonderful time together, didn't you? My poor Cissa! Zen, you up and fell in love, wiz a French Veela woman no less! While eets
a whirlwind for uz both, Darling.. I at least knew my mate could come at any time, in any person!" Lene seemed very amused. "You, my love, I am sure, were not expeting zis, oui?"
Cissa smiled. "Thank you," was all she needed to say.
"Hm. Eet iz clear, Cissa, zat we need to determine 'ow to be together after you leave, zis evening. Az I explained to Fleur and 'ermione, eet will become painful for us to be apart. I'm zorry zat zis iz 'ow eet works, wiz zee Veela, but I can't
say I'm zorry to 'ave found you," Apolline explained, truthfully.
"Lene, Gaby has mentioned that you have a Floo connection in her room, correct? How exactly does that work?" Cissy inquired.
"Ahhh, zee Floo connection! Minerva, zat dear, set eet up for us! Alas, eet does not allow for zee international travel, only for us to talk to one anozer. But, I do wonder eef between zee two of us, we might be able to make eet a more useful connection…"
she trailed off in thought.
The witches were determined to figure out how to see one another more often than standard international travel allowed. Their minds rapidly processing, and considering who they both were, it was likely something would come together. As it was, they had
plans to see each other in three weeks and would go from there.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Back in Fleur and Hermione's room, the young witches were also wrapped up in each other, naked in their bed. They had made desperate love, after Hermione's instant demand they finish packing first, and lay tangled together, in the afterglow. Neither wanted
to move.
Ever.
If only they could possibly make that work!
"Fleur, three weeks seems like a lifetime! I realize I'm being ridiculous, but I just don't want to part, from you! I didn't want to, last time... and now I feel like my heart is going to be ripped out of my chest." Hermione fought back tears.
"I've never been so needy, damn it! You Veela make everything quite melodramatic," she sighed. Her eyes were wide. "I'm scared, Fleur. I'm scared about your job, scared about you being hurt."
She shook off Fleur's attempts to console her. "I realize that you are so good at what you do, but I just can't help be terrified that something might happen to you! I know I won't die without you, as in your circumstance with me, but I feel like
I would Fleur! Know that I'd die, from a broken heart."
"Ah, my 'ermione, I promise you zis: I will do a better job of communicating wiz you while we are apart, oui? I promise you zat you will 'ear from me, at every chance I can get. And likely ze next weekend, in just one week, ma belle... " She smiled, reassuringly
at the mild agitated Gryffindor, "I will try my best to be at 'ogwarts so we can go meet your parents properly for zee first time. Bien?" Fleur asked.
"Hm. Oui." Answered Hermione, with a grin.
"Mmmmmm, I like zee sound of zat you cheeky witch!" Fleur said, pulling Hermione closer into her. The plush lips found the other's, kissing her furiously, once again.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Eventually it was time for the witches to depart and after many kisses, hugs and some tears, they headed off to their International Floo connection to go back Hogwarts.
The first few days left both Narcissa and Hermione practically despondent, with Gaby shuttling many sleeping draughts and pepper up potions from the potion master. At one-point, Madame Pomfrey's cousin and Headmistress McGonagall had to fill in temporarily
for the inert mates, respectively.
Hermione, between restless sleep and moping, knew she needed to focus on a solution instead of how miserable she felt away from Fleur. Could we use some sort of Muggle technology, she wondered. No, because Hogwarts was simply not equipped for anything
of the sort. Could they petition the Ministry of Magic for better Floo options? Well, she knew that Apolline was working on that angle. How could they see each other, even if they were far apart?
Finally, in a stroke of brilliance, Hermione realized that something like the enchanted coins they used for the DA, was going to be the best solution. But she needed more than just a simple way to communicate a time and date to meet, so she spent the
next few days in her favorite place, the library, studying charms. She played with coins, wands, silverware, Hogwarts a History, and finally mirrors. If there was a way to charm a mirror to allow them to see each other that could be the solution.
Using a complex set of charms, including the Protean Charm, she transfigured a mirror into a little circular object, much like a compact for makeup that she had seen her mother use when she was young.
She charmed the compact to include a mirror and a device that allowed you hear the person on the other side from long distances. Then she went about figuring how to alert the other person that you wanted to connect.
Back in the library she studied more about the Veela bond and having an idea of how to use that connection, she Floo'd to Apolline to share her idea and clarify a few points about the bond.
Apolline was quite helpful. They spoke for quite some time about how to best use their Veela bond to create that connection. Turns out a bit of Veela blood magic might do the trick! They figured that by using a simpler version of the blood magic in their
bonding ceremony to join their two souls, they could simply prick their fingers and using that blood, would mark it on both compacts creating a connection that would only work between the two women. It was an exhilarating discussion, both witches
were excited about the possibility.
Apolline was more impressed than ever, by her future daughter-in-law. After a few more recommendations and adjustments, Apolline and Hermione agreed to use the Floo again tonight with Narcissa present to try to finish the charm.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
That evening, Hermione and Narcissa joined Gaby in her quarters to test their new device. She hoped that even though Narcissa and Apolline were not in the same room, that using the Floo they could still combine the blood and magically seal the compact
devices together.
After a few tries, they succeeded and both Apolline and Cissy were more excited and grateful than they could have ever imagined.
They didn't call Hermione "The Brightest Witch of her Era" for nothing, after all.
By opening the compact and holding it in both hands, while either Apolline or Cissy whispered the other's name, their respective mates would feel something akin to a warm caress come over their bodies. The recipient would hear their name, floating like
a whisper, past their ear. Upon opening, they could physically see the other mate, and communicate.
This is why they all loved magic!
Narcissa all but tackled Hermione to the floor, peppering kisses all over her face, in gleeful abandon, when they got it to work. She was overjoyed! The blonde healer ran off, rather abruptly, to her quarters in order to spend the rest of the evening
in privacy, talking to Lene.
Gaby was simply happy that she did not have two completely despondent witches on her hands, anymore.
Hermione was now focused on creating a similar pair for she and Fleur, so they could charm them as soon as the Auror next arrived for her visit. The completion of the mission was the only thing that distracted the brilliant witch from the fact her heart
ached, being without her mate.
XOXOXOXOX
Fleur had arrived early, to surprise her witch.
Although she doubted her ability to surprise Hermione, at all, these days. Their connection was becoming so intense, sshe could practically feel every emotion Hermione was experiencing. That was how the talented Auror knew that Hermione was teaching some
intense OWL preparations until the end of the sixth period; the psychotically methodical professor would not take kindly to her classes being interrupted, even by her mate. Fleur had learned early on that an angry Hermione is a terrifying sight to
behold, and she would rather face chasing down the remaining death eaters any day of the week, instead.
Which is why she was hiding, somewhat, in the forbidden forest, eavesdropping on her younger sister's class as opposed to her mates.
Truthfully, she had a hard time envisioning her happy-go-lucky little sister as a Professor. While she knew Gabrielle was smart—she had excelled at Beauxbatons—it was hard to see her in a position of authority for the older sister. Her mate had told her,
and Narcissa confirmed, that Gaby was pretty amazing at her job, and was by far the most well-liked. Fleur recalled their discussion.
"Not you, ma belle?" She asked Hermione, teasing slightly. Fleur remembered the intense, library habituating, ink-stained bookworm from her brief time at Hogwarts during her own seventh year for the tournament.
"Ah, no. I would say I'm…uh… well-respected, certainly, but well-liked?" She frowned. "Fleur, Transfiguration is not for lightweights. It's some of the most difficult magic we teach at Hogwarts. I expect respect for the material, that's all."
Fleur nodded.
"So, in ozzer words, you are ze School 'ard-arse, zen?" Chuckled Fleur. "Zere iz alwayz one. I'd expect no less of you, dear 'ermione."
On the edge of the forest, she gawked at her sister, who spoke with an authoritative voice, taking her 5th years on the class practical. What on earth was she doing? Fleur wondered.
"Students, listen up. You will all grab a pair of zes Quiddich goggles, which I 'ave modified, magically. Ze lenses will protect your eyez, and will not shatter."
A nervous boy from Hufflepuff raised his hand. "Professor Delacour, why do we need to…um, protect our eyes?"
"Because I imagine you would like to continue 'aving ze use of zem, after today, c'est vrai, Monsieur Appalgarth?"
The class broke out into laughter. A girl from Ravenclaw raised her hand. "No, for real, Professor. You didn't mention these in the week's lectures leading up to the class practical today. Why do we need to protect our eyes, and why did you not mention
that, Professor?" She didn't sound put out, merely curious.
"You are correct, Panetta. I did not, on purpose, c'est vrai. Zat waz merely because I did not want Monsieur Appalgarth to lose any beauty sleep over what zeir purpose waz, should I give you too much time to ruminate on eet." She winked at the Hufflepuff,
who blushed.
In her lecturing voice, she began, holding the horseshoe of students transfixed. "Az I've mentioned zis week, Ze Bowtruckle is quite ze persnickety creature. While small in size, being a hand-sized tree dweller, eet 'as long, sharp fingers -two on each
hand- and will not be afraid to use zem eef it perceives you are threatening iz 'abitat of ze Wiggenwood tree. Ze favorite target, when assaulted, iz ze eyes! Many a wizard 'as lost an eyeball, doing zat very zing, az ze Bowtruckle's home is one of
the 'ighest quality treez, ideal for wandmaking. In short, zey live in….a commodity. But at quite ze price, I'd say, for anyone wiz greedy intentions!" She laughed, and the class nervously joined in.
"So, who can tell me some techniques in which to acquire a branch, or a leaf, of zis fine tree, guarded under ze watchful eyez of ze Bowtruckle?"
A dark haired Slytheryn raised her hand.
"Yes, Miz Parkinson?" Professor Delacour said, expectantly, with a smile.
"Distraction, Professor! One can use a bit of wood lice or fairy eggs as a distractor, and while the bowtruckle's attentions are elsewhere, one pinches the branch or leaf."
"Excellent! You are just as bright az your older sister, Pansy, I zink! 10 points to Slythern."
The girl beamed at Gaby.
"Zat iz ze most standard practice, oui." The Care of Magical Creatures Professor grinned, mischievously. "But today, I am going to teach you something else, instead."
The class gasped, excited. Gaby's classes were always original and there was never a dull moment- and she had record numbers of third years enrolling in her elective. The Veela thrall didn't hurt, either.
"Non, I am going to teach you ze most important lesson of all: zere is very little zat separates you from any magical creature, really. Zey are not less, or more, zan you. Az you know, I am a magical creature, oui?" She posed.
The class nodded affirmatively.
"Well, 'ow would I feel, eef you came into my Professor's quarters, and just…oh, c'est quoi…say, took off ze door, and carted eet off to Gryffindor tower, just because you liked eet?" She wacked a hapless Gryffindor boy, standing closest to her, on the
shoulder. "Huh? Zat's not very nice, Percival!"
"I'm sorry, Professor….it was just really nice wood, you see…"
The class, and their professor, laughed outright.
"You see 'ow ridiculous zat iz, correct? I would be wizout my door…for people to just stare at my gorgeous self more zan zey already do!"
The class, even the females, laughed good naturedly.
"All because you thought eet okay to just take it, Percival!" She let into him, whacking him with her professor's notes, in mocking fury.
Playing along, he put on his goggles, holding his hands up in surrender. "I promise I'll bring it back, after class, Professor!"
"Ah! Perfect. Which leads me to my next point, class." She pointed at the Gryffindor in goggles. "You're going to do more zan zat, Percival. You're going to help me make my home…better." She said, mysteriously, as she handed out small satchels to each
students. The students pulled out nails and mallets, confused.
"Alloys-y, students! Come! Let's learn a better method than stealing, to get what we want in life, oui?"
XOXOXOXOXOXO
As it turns out, Gaby had her students help the bowtruckles build wooden ladders. It was something they did inherently, but with only four fingers total, it was a long and laborious process. With the Hogwarts students, three students with one Bowtruckle
assigned to each tree, the ladders were built by the end of the lab practical. To some of the student's initial dismay, Gaby would not let them use magic—at all. They had to work together as a team, and do manual labor to get the job done.
Miraculously, she only had two human fingers and one Bowtruckle toe that she had to episky! back to health, from accidental trauma. She sailed amongst the trees, on her old Quiddich broom, inspecting the ongoing work. She felt so proud of her 5th
year students; not a single one had tried to steal a leaf or a branch.
"I'll give it to you, Professor. I'm surprised." Mr. Arbor, the senior bowtruckle, confessed. He was flying on Gaby's broom with her, co-inspecting. "Your humans…they're not bad. I thought you were crazy at first, but your idea….well, I admit. I was wrong."
Grinning, Gaby chided, "Well, zat's what 'appens when one eats nozzing but wood lice all day, Monsieur!" They laughed. "But I must confess, I zought myself crazy in zee head, too! But voila! Not one tried to take anyzing….I'm, well….shocked."
"You shouldn't be, Madame. I heard your speech earlier, Professor. I think you got the Hogwarts students thinking about things, a little differently than they ever have before, Madame."
"Peut-etre." She mused, blowing a whistle. She yelled out a loud, "Fini, class!"
XOXOXOXOXOX
Every single ladder met the inspection standards of Mr. Arbor's watchful eye, to the cheers of the students. Then suddenly, they stopped. The tired and sweaty students, looked at Gaby, nervously. In the excitement of working as a team, and working to
build a ladder with nothing more than their hands, it seems the 5th years had all forgotton to collect leaves or branches.
Could she fail the entire class? A few wondered.
"Class," Gabrielle began. "I 'ave never 'ad zis 'appen, in my time 'ere at Hogwarts," Gabrielle began, watch a few sinking expressions. She stopped pacing, and turned, facing the group. "I 'ave never 'ad an entire Ordinary Wizarding Level Prep class practical,
ever, like zis." She paused, commanding their curious attention. "One in which every single student…. passed ze practical, on the first try."
Gasps of relief were let out and a great deal of hollering ensued. Gaby finally silenced them, finally.
"Ze point of zis practical waz not to obtain a branch or a leaf; no, zat would only get you an A on your OWLs, and worse, leave you wiz a pissed-off Professor!" She grinned, cheekily. "No, ze truly great student, ze one capable of an O or an E level grade,
iz ze student who can see beyond ze "creature" or "human" label, and work togezzer to finish an important project, az a team." She emphasized. "Zat iz true understanding of ze magical creature,
The class looked at each other, amazed, realizing what they had done.
"Az such, since you gave somezing of yourselves, so willingly, your teammates 'ave somezing to give you, in return, mon brillants étudiants!"
Gaby watched, as each of the Bowtruckles emerged, with a sack of branches and leaves for their three humans, gifting them to the uniformly startled Hogwarts students. Gaby knew how much commercial value was being given to her students, but she suspected
few of these branches would end up in a wand shop, somewhere, regardless.
Gaby and Mr. Arbor, sat back, watching the hugs and conversations between the groups; she finally broke it up when she saw a bowtruckle teaching a Slytheryn boy how to gouge out an eyeball.
"Okay, zat's enough! Class, eet iz time to 'ead back to ze great hall, before ze Headmistress deducts so many points zat no 'ouse will win ze house cup!"
As the group headed back in good spirits, lively conversation all around and war stories being exchanged, Gaby smiled as she started to walk back. She nearly fainted, when Fleur jumped out from behind a bush, grabbing her sister.
"Qui a été le plus incroyable classe que j'ai jamais vu!" Gushed Fleur. "Vous êtes un enseignant fantastique, chères soeurs!"
"Thank you, Fleur." Gaby said, modestly.
Then, Gabrielle felt a small, two fingered grip, detaining her.
"Pardon the interruption, Professor…this wont take long." Mr. Arbor looked nervous, his eyes going between the Hogwarts professor and her older sister. "But, uh…this is for you, from all of us."
He held up a sapling tree, roots wrapped in moist burlap. "This is a baby Wiggenwood tree. It would be our honor if you would plant it, at Hogwart's outside your office, Professor."
Fleur's mouth gaped open. "Merde!" She whispered.
Gaby took it, delighted.
The boisterous teacher grabbed the startled Mr. Arbor's cheeks, and planted a chaste kiss on him, causing the wooden like creature to actually blush.
"I shall take good care of eet, oui?" Gaby chirped. Winking at Fleur, she added, "and I will 'ave my big bad Auror sister ward eet wiz all kinds of anti-stealing protections, so Mr. Goyle doesn't 'ave to actually make use of his learning 'ow to gouge
out someone's eyes to protect eet, n'est ce pas?"
The elder bowtruckle smiled. "I'll see you next year, then, Professor! I hope you make this an annual tradition."
She looked indignant. "Non! Zat will not do! I will expect you to come inspect ze health of ze tree and teach my class how to take care of zis difficult zing, at least once a semester!"
He looked shocked. "You want me? To teach wizards?"
Gaby outright laughed. "But of course! Who elze iz better qualified zan you? I will see you next montz, Mr. Arbor, at Hogwarts!" Ignoring his shocked smile, she teased, "and 'opefully I can expand your taste buds beyond zat disgusting wood lice…say, firewhiskey?"
She winked.
"Fair enough, Professor. You have a deal! You know, Madame Delacour, you're not bad…for a human."
She looked at him, and sniffed, indignantly. "Pardonnez-moi, Monsieur Arbor! I am no human! I, sir, am…Veela!" She said, dramatically. "Au Revoir!" She finished, with a dramatic wave, and blowing him an air kiss.
She turned, grabbing Fleur's elbow with one hand, holding her rare gift in the other, walking forward. As they headed back behind the students towards the castle, Fleur couldn't help but to be astounded at how talented her younger sister truly
had become.
Fleur smiled, proudly.
XOXOXOXO
Fleur and Gaby arrived outside the castle gates, and all of a sudden, Fleur's face was ashen.
"Gaby…" she said, weakly.
"Oui, Fleur? Fleur!" Gaby's face registered her instant alarm. "Mon Dieu, Fleur, what iz ze matter?" She said, grasping her sister, who looked for all practical purposes like she could fall out at any moment.
"Gabrielle…merde! I cannot…." Her voice was growing panicky, "I cannot feel 'er, Gaby!"
"Feel what? Ohhhh!" The Care of Magical Creatures professor realized what she meant, her eyes widening. She suggested, "Maybe she iz, je ne sais pas…napping? Maybe she iz just asleep?"
Fleur shook her head, vehemently, her eyes darkening.
"Non! I can always feel 'er, eef we are in close proximity…awake, asleep, eet doez not matter!" Fleur was growing increasingly alarmed as they got closer to the castle. "Somezing 'as 'appened!" She closed her eyes, as though to
apparate.
Gaby touched her sister's arm, tentatively. "Ma cher, you know…you know zat one cannot apparate, on ze grounds of 'ogwarts School." She reminded the former Triwizard Champion, gently.
Fleur wrenched her arm from Gaby's grip, eyes beginning to teeter on feral. The Veela was breathing heavily. "Putain de bordel, Gaby! Zees ees why I 'ate ze English! So fucking impractical, on important zings!"
Gaby grew more alarmed, as she saw Fleur's fingers beginning to lengthen, into talons.
"Stop, now, Fleur!" Commanded Gaby, in her Professor's voice. "Do not jump to conclusions, until you 'ave ze facts! Go to 'ermione's quarters. I'm sure zere is a logical explination, sister-"
Fleur interrupted her sister, highly agitated. "Fuck ze "facts," Gaby! Waiting for 'Ze Facts' gives someone like a fucking deatzeater time…zen wham! Zey 'it you wiz an unforgivable."
She bolted off, in a dead sprint, running straight for the castle. Passing the mass of Gaby's returning Hogwarts students with a whizzing noise as she sped past, they marveled, oblivious.
"Wow, she's really fast!" Remarked one Hufflepuff, to the murmered agreements of his cohort. Unconcerned, he turned back to his group, as they downed an entire bag of Fizzing Whizzbees into their mouths, as they continued to walk. A few of the more intuitive
students looked back at their professor, concern on their faces.
Professor Delacour looked skyward, and sighed.
She gripped the tree in her hand, tightly, muttering, "C'est le bordel!" Inhaling, Gaby hoped the Transfiguration professor was okay, and that Fleur was just being psychotically overprotective.
However, she knew her sister.
Moreover, she knew her best friend….
Given that knowledge, Gaby grimaced, and she quickly sprung into action. Shouting at the group in front of her, she recalled a few of specific students. Immediately responding, the three ran over to her, looking concerned.
"Yes, professor?" They asked, breathlessly.
"I 'ave a favor to ask, of ze zree of you…and I would greatly appreciate eet eef you could 'elp me out, s'il vous plait…."
"Of course, professor!" They all nodded.
Gaby instructed Parkinson and Jones to take the Wiggenwood sapling straight to either Professor Sprout or Assistant Professor Longbottom, and no one else. She told them to inform the Herbology professors that she would explain it, later,
but to just keep the roots moist, in the interim. Looking serious, she instructed them to do it themselves in the greenhouse if they couldn't find either, and she would eventually be there to relieve them if the Herbologists hadn't already.
She then instructed Percival the Gryffindor to go find Headmistress McGonagall, likely in her office at the moment, and request her to bring Healer Black then to meet Professor Delacour upstairs, at the Professor's chambers.
They looked at her, dumbstruck.
Gaby herself was now getting agitated, and she willed her talons to stop lengthening her fingers.
She looked at her students. "Tell no one what's going on." She looked at them. "Well? What are you waiting for? I'm not going to get any more gorgeous zan I already am!" They laughed.
Gaby pointed. "Students….Tout Suite!"
"Yes, professor!" They all agreed, running off in unison, not realizing the oddity of a Slythern, a Hufflepuff, and a Gryffindor all working together, as ordered. It's just what students did, without question, if Professor Delacour asked it of them.
She watched the determined students race past their classmates.
"No time, mate!" Percival shouted at someone, as he ignored them sprinting off towards the Headmistress office.
"Foutre!" Gaby said, frustrated. Then, graced with her unyielding Veela genes, she herself took off at a breakneck pace. Gabrielle rocketed past, running a path very similar to the one her older sister had just travered, moments prior.
As Gaby neared the castle, she scanned the exterior one last time, attempting to detect anything amiss.
She saw nothing.
A quick Veela revealing charm detected nothing, either. She hoped that it was all a weird misunderstanding.
But a gnawing was growing inside Gaby's stomach. Every since she was little, she had always been taught a Veela never loses their "proximity touch" with their mate.
It would be so unlike her best friend whom she saw nearly every single day to leave the Hogwarts Grounds, without telling anyone. Specifically, Gaby. This realization caused the youngest Delacour Veela to frowned, unsatisified.
Where the hell was Hermione?
TBC-
Yes, bloody hell, it's an angsty friggin' cliffhanger. Just checking if everyone's awake, out there.
