Well, the collective response from reviews was I made people cry…Sorry? My intentions were to make it very emotional and a life changing event, but I never seem to grasp what is 'emotionally heart-breaking' through writing. I guess I'll apologise for that so I am sorry guys. Hopefully this chapter is a little more, happier? Different perspective this time but it literally pained me to read. I don't know about you readers but I hate extended bouts of italic writing. So excuse me for self-torture.

I need to insist that everyone not take this chapter in a literal sense of time. Dates are specific but they are not limited. This chapter spans over about a year and a half. Please fill in the spaces with your own imagination as the two will have sent letters other than what I've written or if you like you can PM me for any information you'd like clarified.

Enjoy

Letters of Distance

Fleur's body was jolted slightly as the carriage wove its way through the clouds. Even in magical flying vehicles one couldn't avoid turbulence. She didn't mind, her focus was more on the piece of parchment she'd been clutching tightly to since that morning. It was her last letter of the year. One that arrive on her last night at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. It was from her sister.

"Fleur? Are you alright?" blue looked up to see multiple sets of eyes locking in on her. Their school carriage was well known among the peers as the representation of beauty; their Veela qualities making all entrances rather bedazzling. The transportation became specific to the needs it carried; theirs being they were all one big family. Every son and daughter of the clan spanning the age's from first year, all the way to seventh, were seated in the luxurious space. The older girls tended to sit together, talking or reading while the males conversed on the opposite side of the space over a hot discussion or a game. The younger generation, like herself just mingled in the middle somewhere. It was like any group of mismatched ages; being part creature didn't change that.

"I'm fine, thank you. I just can't wait to return home. To see 'Ermione and Gabby. I bet she's grown so much…" her smile was contagious as many of the other Veela girls thought of the adorable little toddler Delacour. The youngest always got the extra attention.

"Fleur…the letter…" her companion hinted softly in her ear. Unlike the others, the girl knew something was off, eyeing the near crushed parchment.

"It's just something my sister sent; don't worry Steph" waving the girl's concern off like nothing, she folded the letter up carefully and set her attention out the window. Stephanie could see the concern still present behind those eyes but out of respect, she let it go. Fleur's mind was going over the words she'd received from her sister; it contained something she never thought she'd hear from Hermione. The brunette lied to her, for months.

When the Christmas holidays came closer and closer, Fleur was excited to return home and after writing her letter; expected to really. When her grandmother unknowingly arrived, everything changed. All the Veela girls of the clan were ordered to remain on grounds. Their two weeks of holidays were crammed with lessons from Reina on their next stage of Veela transition from girl to woman. How the next three years of their lives were going to be about change, first their mind, soon their body then the final stage of evolution. The elder Veela girls' presence was meant to be a reassuring presense but still Fleur wasn't concentrated on her near future. She wanted to see her sisters.

June 11th 1989

Dear Fleur,

It's been a long time since I've been allowed to do this, Mama and Papa thought it good for me to write to you before you came home.

I've been lying.

Since Christmas Papa hasn't let me write to you because I wasn't behaving. I was sad you weren't here and I'm sorry…please don't be mad at me.

We have summer to look forward to. Have a safe trip home.

Hermione

xxx

Fleur assumed the mail she received from home was always from her sister or her mother at least. She had assumed the younger girl's handwriting had become overly formal over the last year but after reading it; Hermione wasn't the one to really send her those letters; they were scripted. Everything from her daily activities and her lessons, to birthdays and celebrations. All of it was orchestrated; 'blurred' by their parents. So Fleur wouldn't feel bad for leaving the brunette behind as she attended school.

But she did. She left her sister behind so she could have an adventure filled, blood pumping and an exhilarating year at school. The blonde clenched her jaw. She'd change it that summer. Everything was going to be about her, Hermione and Gabrielle. Maybe she'd let the twins in on some fun too…maybe.

One week, that was all it took before an owl arrived one morning after breakfast and Fleur knew exactly whom it was from. Her second year of school was going to be a busy one.

September 10th 1989

Dear Fleur,

I miss you already. Summer went by too quickly and Gabrielle keeps asking for another day swimming! You put the idea in her head before you left didn't you?! She's only a toddler Fleur, you shouldn't have her so excited for pools of water this early. What if she falls into the fountain when I'm not around? Mama will filet me with her element and then you will have no one to write to!

I hope you're having fun with all your friends and the new classes! They sounded really exciting, and after reading through your books everything sounded so much better than our lessons here (I'm sorry! I didn't mean to go into your room but Crystal started it…). I wish I was at Beauxbaton's. Papa said he's going to take us on a trip soon. I don't know where exactly yet, he's been rather quiet about that part but Mama knows! She's always grinning and it's really not fair! We're all missing you greatly and the twins won't admit it but they are still struggling with that spell you taught them. It's funny to watch their attempts.

I hope you're looking after Angelique. She was anxious leaving and Nath told me being a first year isn't the easiest experience. Was he lying again? You didn't have trouble right? And don't forget you promised to write a lot this year. We have things to talk about, and Éclair needs the exercise.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Hermione

xxx

Fleur smiled to herself after reading the letter over again. Her sister wasn't one to float around an issue. She wanted to know everything that happened last year and the two ended up talking well into the night several times over the summer, trying to fit every detail of her lessons, classmates and the château itself. Even Fleur couldn't spill it all. Picking up her quil she started her reply early knowing Éclair wouldn't make the journey in one night; lazy bird.

September 19th 1989

My little sister Mione,

Happy birthday! You're ten years old today! How does it feel to finally come to the age of maturity?! I can remember when we were so small and playtime was so much better. Running around without worries or teachers to interrupt us. Of course that doesn't mean you can't still do it. Mother and Father will just look at you differently now. Everything here is going great since term started. Being in my second year means I'm allowed to join the dualing club! There has only been one meeting but it sounds rather exciting and the professor thinks I will do very well.

I hope Mother and Father are in good health and give you my gift. I got it over the break and really wanted to hand it to you myself but we both know I couldn't hold myself back if I didn't give it to Mother. I'm sorry I can't be there for your birthday Mione, I really wish I could be but I hope you enjoy the trip. Yes, Father told me all about it. If you remember the stories England is meant to be very interesting place! London especially. Mother goes a lot for work but Father will take you wherever you want to go, I made him promise to send a picture of you and that giant clock tower…I still do not understand why the English have such a big thing. Do they not carry around pocket watches or simply need reminding of time more often?

How is Gabrielle? Mother wasn't very informative with her last letter, only she said something about the two of you taking up clay together? I'm not sure a three year old should be playing with such substances. What if she eats it?

Angelique is fitting in perfectly with her classmates and the magic of the school. We are making sure she is welcomed and very safe. It is our Veela way dear sister. We would never leave one out alone. I also forgive you for entering my room without permission, of course the same cannot be said for Crystal and I'll be sure to write to her telling her so. I do miss you, Mione. I wish you could be here to see this magnificent place. The pictures and words cannot describe it to the full beauty. And when Christmas comes this year, I'll be back with you for the holiday. I promise you this time.

I cannot wait to hear from you soon and see more of your artwork. You're becoming very talented

Love,

Fleur

xxx

Days turned to weeks and Fleur progressed through every lesson, every day with a brilliant will to learn and a sharp vision for the future. The letters between herself and her sister never stopped. Every week like clockwork. Éclair was getting his needed exercise.

November 8th 1989

Dear Fleur,

Tristan appreciated his gift from you and asked me to pass along his thanks. I never thought I'd see him so happy at opening a gift so small before. I got him another potion-making set when Papa said he was nearly finished the others he'd received over the summer. I forget the rest of his gifts after we started dining. You should've seen it Fleur, there was so many different kinds of cake! Nath ended up with a sore stomach after lunch because he didn't think about how much he was eating. But I did. I remember what you said about parties and cake. You saved my life Fleur. Thank you sister!

Grandmother has taken over gymnastics lessons! You saw what little I could do before but I'm so much better now. She said it would be good to learn proper balance and become more connected to the earth's magic. Even if we can't use the same magic you can, she said it doesn't mean we shouldn't be as connected to the forests. I was able to flip backwards with her help just yesterday! It was so much fun! You have to try it when you get home. Nath is alright with cartwheels and standing on his hands but Tristan just isn't getting it. Grandmother said it was something about being 'boys'? I don't understand what she meant. Can you explain?

Christmas is so close and soon as you get off the carriage we're going pixy hunting! Papa said this year has been a lot colder and they'll emerge earlier than expected. I was hoping to ask Mama if we could have a day or two in the garden without the barrier but I know you don't like snow that much. Is it because of your hair? Why do you Veela always worry so much about hair? It's magical anyways isn't it? After Crystal and Danielle stayed last week they were complaining to Mama about getting green slim in their hair. It was an honest mistake with the spell. Nath did it.

I've been re-reading your letters about the classes and teachers, I'm so jealous! I'm glad to hear you're doing so well in the dualing club, but you haven't said anything about the Quidditch tournament. I'm not asking for myself of course, the boys are curious as they aren't getting letters from a direct source. And the picture you sent last time was beautiful. Are those the Unicorns bred for riding? They look amazing but smaller? You said they had grey/silver hair and black hooves right? I've kept it safe and using it as a muse. When I get better with the clay I'll make you something.

Gabrielle thought it was a good idea to help me write this so I'm sorry for the ink smudges. She was excited. We can't wait for your arrival and we have your birthday presents ready for you!

Love Hermione

She couldn't wait to be home either, a month was all she had to wait. Her birthday didn't matter to her all that much this year. With her grandmother's words still flowing through her mind she was less excited for the next few years. Her body was slowly catching up to the Veela blood. It would become troubling and Fleur didn't need trouble.

The Christmas holidays were truly magical to the sisters. While summer was for childhood drama and outdoor adventures, the snow filled season brought on the familial feelings of close comfort and nights by the fire. Many memories were made and cherished; the New Year's celebration once again the topic of social conversation and guests came from all corners of the country. Fleur and Hermione were playing their usual pranks to which many of the adults found enchanting despite their ages. Sadly it couldn't last forever. As Fleur wrote under the candle light in her room she rubbed her eyes of the oncoming sleepiness. The changes going on within her and around her was very tiring.

January 29th 1990

Dearest Sister,

I wish I could write to you more often, I do. Christmas was the best time away from school I've had in well; since summer. Classes are becoming troubling after passing the New Year. Not in the academic way, never, but sadly it seems that having Veela blood is starting to cause some problems. Grandmother has explained it to us well and the clan sisters are always around to offer a helping hand but, I'm already tired of it. I wish I could talk about what has been happening but mother has stated it wouldn't be appropriate in letters.

I've heard that you are getting better at your flying. Did Auntie get you a new broom or have you finally found your courage when soaring at heights? There isn't anything to fear from such things Mione. Someone will always be there to catch you. I promise.

The girls are all working very hard and Angelique has become at home here like a natural. The clan is always by her side and yet she's still made many friends her own year. I fear how that will change as we all grow into our roles and Veela selves. Speaking of, I hope you have 'overcome' the drama those blasted sisters caused at the party. I know we promised never to speak of it but I loathe the day I promised Grandmother I'd never curse them without cause. They are truly testing my limits here. They only dream to reach my advanced level and in doing so like to remind me of the distance always between us. It hurts.

I wish I could be there more for you and Gabrielle as you grow. The pictures Mother sends make me feel like I am doing little of my sisterly duties to you both. I'm sorry Mione. I truly am but I know Papa is taking good care of you both. He tells me of all your adventures. I know soon you will join me here at school but even then I fear my duties as a sister will diminish even further.

Fleur willed her tears to stop from falling. She wasn't a weak girl. It was simply the Veela within her. Being far from her family was difficult especially at the time when her body grew from a girl to a woman. So many changes in such a small length of time; body, mind, blood...

Closing her eyes to focus, Fleur breathed out heavily. She couldn't burden her sister with her feelings; she wouldn't. Her time at Beauxbaton's was for learning, practising magic and experiencing life outside the clan. Her letters from home were keeping her strong and she'd stay that way for them. When her sister's see her the next time they will see her growth and be proud. At least Fleur hoped. Completing her letter with kind words for their parents Fleur sealed it up and called the loyal messenger over. Always excited that bird was.

March 15th 1990

Dearest Sister,

Gabrielle has grown so big. She is almost acting like a proper young lady. Of course I believe this is because of the perfect bloodline she holds. Grandmother told me to write that, she's here for a while longer and we're spending some time together. But truly our baby sister is growing so much. Her birthday was a magical occasion and I say that in the purest of heart. She loved the enchantments Mama placed upon her toys and Papa made her giggle so much she nearly snorted her drink. Of course he was also responsible for any mess she made too, which ended up being a lot because the boys and I ended up making her throw it around a bit. We're still being punished for it.

I'm glad to hear you're still enjoying your classes and I knew you'd do excellent with the dualing club. Have you won the school trophy? Papa said you got it from his side of the family; Mama didn't agree about that though. They haven't stopped talking about it yet either. It's great to see them like this again, since you started school and I've been…misbehaving they grew apart a little. But that will never really happen. They're in love! And nothing can part love, right Fleur?

Mama had to host a dinner for her work last week. It was awful Fleur! All the adults were talking about boring things and Papa couldn't play with his magic like he usual does at the table. Gabrielle was very upset and I hate having to remember all those manners and extra cutlery. You would've laughed if you saw us. We were miserable.

The twins get to take the trip to Bourges soon for their school supplies. Aunty has been really excited; for the past few weeks it's all they've been talking about and I'm still jealous I can't go. Mama explained it to me the other night before bed, how it's a family tradition between mother and daughter. She said it was like a ritual that only she could take you for your supplies and soon it will be my turn. I know it isn't far away, but I really want to attend the Academy with you!

She asked me to send a small letter from her as well. So I hope you're studying hard like always and I hear all about your latest adventures with your magic. It must be unbelievably strong now.

Love,

Hermione

Fleur gently slipped the paper aside to read the accompanying letter. The elegant linked writing was unmistakable.

My darling Fleur,

Know that your words are being heard and both I and your father wish we could help you through this time. I hope you are faring well with the warming weather and your body's process of the change. I know it is a very difficult time being away from not only your sister but your clan and the familial feeling that would otherwise help you through this transition.

Your Grandmother knows what she is speaking and she's told me you are doing excellent handling the knowing trouble that comes well with our blood and the minds of humans. Do not lose heart, it is but a passing moment in time and soon you will come to know what being a Veela truly is.

You have growing emotions about both your father and I, trust me Fleur I can feel them. I know you wish you could be home and your presence making its rightful influence on your sisters but the truth is we can't allow it. Your emotions are very complicated in this process of change and soon your mind will start seeing things, taking in much more it didn't before.

I wish to only reassure you that your home; your clan is still safe, secure and warm. Your sisters are growing in health and smiles. They are not like they were last year. Those months have passed and Hermione has come into her being more with spending time, not only with your father and myself, but she is finding time with your many cousins, aunties and even your Grandmother.

Her art has become her savior as I'm sure you've been gifted with by now. Her talents are growing every day and little Gabrielle has come into her bright cheerful but mischievous personality. We are all thinking of you every day, both for your work and your happiness. The next letter I hope to hear from you will be about your brilliant final exams before the term ends. Know I am always here for you my daughter.

Always,

Your mother,

Apolline.

Their connection had grown stronger over the months and while she hated being away from her family, Fleur still felt their warm presence every night she fell asleep and every morning she awoke. The blonde's mind still rung with the words of her grandmother. Everything was going to change as her Veela blood bloomed with her growing body. Womanhood was going to be a real adventure.

April 29th 1990

Dearest Mione,

You can proudly share with the family I have gone beyond excellence with my exams this year. Not only myself but the whole clan have worked hard, studied and given our best over the week to show not only our growing skills in magic but our family is still the best the school has ever seen.

I'm glad to hear about your Easter holiday went swimmingly, please excuse my words but I could not help myself. The picture you sent of our adorable little sister in her bathing suit created a swarm of giggling girls and overbearing smiles to us all. I dear say I nearly had the thing stolen from me. Honestly Mione, you know I don't like to share such things; especially when it comes to my very cute baby sisters.

Because of my excelling grades, the best in my year I might add, my professors have agreed to allow me the chance to try for the Riding team here at Beauxbaton's. It's a real honour to test yourself in your second year. The school only allows third years and older to ride the trained beasts but I have earned the right to be tested with the Unicorns this spring instead of the fall. Let us hope I am chosen, then next year you'll get to hear all about the majestic beasts and the skills I will have to learn. Of course this works perfectly well with my dualing club activities. Quidditch would be a conflicting matter however.

There is only one month remaining Mione and then we're all home for the summer. Father sent me a letter just before exams begun and promised that if I did well we'd go on a trip to the coast again. Pack your trunk sister, because we are going to the beach!

Love always,

Fleur

After opening her latest letter from home, Fleur leaned back to immerse herself in the memories of the summer past. The trip to the Villa and long hours at the beach playing in the surf; watching her energetic sister show off her talent for charms and fencing skills. Fleur would need to practise more otherwise her little Mione might surpass her someday soon. Both of them playing with Gabrielle in their giant garden playground under the watchful eye of their aunties, Fleur showing off her element control and even joining with the Twins to cause a little havoc with Water and Fire during a very carefully watched battle. Needless to say the only thing left she had to learn was her grandmother's element; Reina of course refused to teach her just yet.

Their three months of summer was filled with laughter, parties and endless days of wasting energy any way they could. Poor Gabrielle was asleep by sunset trying to keep up with them.

The Twins settled into their dorm room nicely, their first year starting well for the trouble makers but still they felt bad for leaving Hermione behind with only the boys. A joke shared round quite a bit to the males chagrin.

One year. That was all it would be before Hermione set foot upon the magical grounds of Beauxbaton's Academy of Magic. One more year apart from her sister and to Fleur she couldn't wait for it to go. The blonde figured her sister would be bombarded with letters over the year not only from herself but the Twins promised to share their adventures with the younger trio, helping them from the inside as they called it. Already she assumed Hermione was carefully reading through them but Fleur snapped herself out of her little memory haze to read the very well-articulated letter.

December 3rd 1990

Dear Fleur,

Happy Birthday to my dearest, loving, older sister. I hope today sees you well and you are drowning in the number of gifts bestowed upon you by the many people of whom you love. Please excuse me, I've been reading a lot of poetry of late. Blame Papa for it, he says I need to have a break away from my history books; as if I shall ever truly put them down. History is what makes us who we are, don't you agree? Besides, when I read I don't notice how lonely it's gotten around here. Sometimes I even forget Tristan is reading with me. How foolish.

I asked for a small cake to be made and delivered to you for your birthday, I hope you don't mind it being so small. I can't cook that well yet. Oh I didn't tell you? I've asked Mama to teach me a little baking. Of course the elves were happy to offer there assistance but I wanted Mama to do it so I promised they could deliver it to you instead. I wish I could've witnessed your surprised at having a small treat magically appear in your room but we all should be used to that by now, no?

I can't thank you enough for the amazing birthday present. How did you manage to find such a rare book?! Papa was so jealous when I opened it and I still won't allow him the chance to read it. After all the owner has to enjoy the gift before anyone else correct? Before you ask, I am concentrating very hard on my lessons and extra study this year. I will not be taken lightly when I join you at school. I practise my languages every night and Mama assists me every day at lunch with my wand work. I think I like your wand better Fleur, hers feels too heavy...

Fleur laughed at her sister's newly apparent adult behaviour. Just before the group left home on the first Hermione had shared a small secret; she was going to grow up in one year. Of course the blonde couldn't fathom why she'd want to but Hermione had a determined look in her eyes. Fleur would be lying if she didn't feel a little sadness for the loss of her bubbly happy faced childish younger sister, but the older girl had caught moments of the brunette's growing maturity. The same pranks the boys pulled over and over didn't bring forth the same results as they did. She spent more hours at night reading her books and her writing definitely showed an improvement. Fleur's baby sister was no longer a baby.

"I'm waiting for you Mione. It's not long now, then you can show the world what you're really made of" Fleur whispered to herself after finishing the letter. More excited words over her eleventh birthday party and the coming Christmas. It would all seem bland once the girl realised her closing trip to Bourges was to be even better than everything else combined.

Reina gently placed the quil tip into the holder and rested her hand. Another lot of paperwork completed and luckily for her the day ended on a happy note. For everyone. Her company that evening was her daughters, nieces and three lovely grandchildren. She wouldn't have even considered letting anyone into the room while she worked but the atmosphere was calm, still; peaceful as the little ones slept silently in their presence.

Leon had the wonderful idea that morning to try a little experiment in which the children were the subjects of observation. The equation included a single cup of coffee which resulted in near six hours of overflowing energy until Leon and the three were out cold from pure exhaustion.

"Remind me, Apolline, why we trust your husband with three magically gifted youngsters? He's starting to lose his touch of handling them, especially if he thinks coffee is a wise idea" Tempeste occupied the far end of the sofa along side her older sister. Unlike the other Veela women in the room, minus their mother and one very happily relaxed Blair, she had no child to snuggle up with.

"Because he finds it as a plausible excuse not to do his work" the woman replied softly.

Across from them, sharing the mirroring sofa were two snoozing boys with their feet tangled together and protective mothers at their heads. Orane gently stroked her son's hair as he nuzzled further into the cushion she placed him on. Nathaneal on the other end was clearly out to it by the sound of soft snoring and drool leaking from his mouth.

"He clearly takes after his father" Michelle looked over to Tempeste with a soft agreeable smile. Even her Veela genetics couldn't over power the subconscious habits that came from such a man; drooling and snoring were the worst thankfully.

"I don't mind it. It's a sign that he's sleeping deeply. After such a day they all deserve it" she smiled as Nath grumbled under his breath. Tempeste just sighed as she watched her family silently awe at their sleeping treasures. A small movement to the right caught her eye.

Unlike the boys, Hermione was still refined as she snoozed without sound and without movement as her mother cradled her like a big baby. When the trio intruded on the quiet study with their lazy drawl of a walk, Hermione was the only one to gently coax her way into Apolline's arms. The need to nuzzle against soft warm skin and surround herself in pheromones made every Veela in the room preen with pride. What Veela wouldn't smile at the sight of a youngster wanting comfort?

Tempeste could see the love and pure adoration in her sister's eyes as her baby dreamed on. The air was scented with just a hint of sweetness; the after effect a Veela produces when they wish loved ones a soothing rest. Reina caught herself near doing the same for her family but decided to leave it to the younger mothers.

"'Ermione sleeps soundly at night again?"

"She does. It took a little longer this year with the Twins leaving with Fleur, but she's into good habits again since Christmas. Books and art have become her solitude now; despite our best efforts with baking and Leon's little collection" Apolline replied to her mother, not once letting her eyes leaving the brunette.

"In the spring she'll have your trip to look forward to instead. Something I know she's been excited for" Blair softly spoke up from her child free corner of the room. Of all the mother's she was the most relieved to have her girls away at school. Then again no Veela mother had to handle twins in a few generations.

"They always are. Are you three planning to take them all on the same day?" Tempeste looked lazily between her elder sister and younger. Orane shook her head which had even Apolline surprised.

"Michelle and I thought it best if we took the boys a day later. You did tell the girl it was a special 'mother daughter bonding trip yes?" eyes gleamed cheekily as Reina giggled at her girls.

"We wouldn't want our little Apolline to become a liar now would we ladies?" Reina took the hard look those blue eyes sent her way with pride.

The eldest Half-Veela just adjusted her hold on her little one; Hermione all the more happy to snuggle further into the skin of her neck.

Alright, this one I know is slightly confusing, (especially for myself). But I needed time to pass so our favourite character can finally get to school! So next chapter her first year begins, that is after their supply trip. Do let me know if you guys actually want that written out or not. I also want to point out now that every year will be at LEAST three chapters long and like the original series every year brings on something for our characters to face. A reminder that while my story is this, the HP story-line is still going on across the waters so be warned…

Midmoon Kitsune out!