Disclaimer: not mine

A big thank you to Sillimaure for betaing.

And thank you to everyone who reviewed. It really does make a fanfic writer's day.

I know it has been a while and I can definetely understand those who remarked they lose / lost intrest because the updates take too long. However I work a full time job and have been trying to earn my bachelor degree in my spare time. My final year took up so much of my free time, fanfic had to take a back seat. Which is kinda ironic since I actually started Veela Various to take my mind of those things. But the good news on that front is that last friday I learned my thesisproject was ok and all thats left to do is my presentation. Updates should be quicker from now on.

Veela Various

In the end it wasn't Ron who left the room. Instead it was Harry who stormed out and passed his partners and guests without acknowledging them. Fleur and Hermione exchanged a look and without a word being spoken Fleur went after Harry while Hermione took charge of their guests, particurlaly a sad looking Ron.

"I blew it, didn't I?"

Slightly sympathetic to her childhood friend Hermione only nodded.

Ron sighed, "I didn't mean to I just… with Ginny and mum…"

Impatience took hold of Hermione as she could feel her bond-mate was not calming in the slightest. "Ron, the reasons do not matter. Twice before you turned your back on him and twice he forgave you without question. This time Harry decided enough is enough and quite frankly, I understand."

"But you're still talking to me. Why can't Harry?"

Feeling a headache coming on Hermione kept her patience. "We made our peace and said our goodbyes before I left for Australia. Even after that, we've exchanged a few letters. The way I understand it, you and Harry parted under less pleasant circumstances and it wasn't Harry who did the ignoring. Hardly the same situation is it?"

Instead of immediately responding Ron actually seemed to think about what she said. Finally he nodded in defeat before looking hopefully at his friend. "Can't you talk to him for me? He'll listen to you."

"No."

At this Ron actually looked at her in surprise—she had always helped him before. "Why not?"

"I promised Harry I would not interfere. But more importantly, I believe that since you created this mess it is up to you to fix it. You have to clean up your own mess."

"Do you think I have a chance?"

"At this point in time? No, I don't. It might not be possible at all, but either way, it is up to you."

"But…" He wasn't quite ready to give up yet and failed to see that Hermione was getting upset with him herself. She wanted to go to her partners.

Even though Ron did not seem to notice her agitation, Bill did and he quietly stepped in a put his arm around his brother's shoulders. "Come on little brother. It is time to go home.

Ron finally seemed to accept the inevitable when something else occurred to him and he looked at Hermione with worry in his eyes. "What about you and I? Are we all right?"

"Yes," she answered softly. "But Ron, never doubt that Harry and Fleur always come first."

She did not understand why she said that last bit so vehemently but her message hit home as evidenced by the youngest Weasley man nodding his understanding.

VvvvvvvvvvvvV

Feeling Harry's nervousness growing as well as Fleur's confusion, Hermione did not escort her guests further than the door, leaving it to Perdu to see them off the grounds. Her concern for Harry had overridden her manners and she felt a slightly growing touch of guilt for not immediately leaving with Fleur to see to their guy, which spurred her on to reach their rooms as quickly as she could.

Just when she was about to enter, she felt just exactly how Fleur was finally managing to distract Harry. It was not until much later that she realized she had not felt the slightest hesitation before entering the room, and neither did she feel embarrassed. This last was a first for Hermione. Perhaps it was her worry for Harry—she needed to know he was alright.

She did wait long enough for Fleur and Harry to finish their intense snogging session, but when her eyes met and Harry's she knew immediately what he needed from her. She hugged him tightly and the embrace was returned with feeling.

"You're not mad at me?" It was as much a statement as it was a question.

Startled Hermione pulled back and took a better look at him. "That had you in such a quandary? You thought I'd be mad at you because of Ron?"

"Well, yes. He's still your friend and I know you didn't like my decision regarding him." Harry was uncertain how to continue but the relief he felt that now he realized he had worried for nothing felt almost liberating.

A slight frown appeared on Hermione's face. "I promised you I would not interfere and I do understand Harry. I had not realized how strong your feelings were though. I thought you were seriously going to hurt Ron."

Feeling the need to have her close, Harry pulled her back into his arms before confessing. "It surprised me too. I just got so angry…"

Hermione chuckled. "Yeah… I think you got your point across."

"Do you think you can put Ron Weasley and others of that family who won't be mentioned behind you now?" Fleur asked, not able to shake off her concern.

Harry shrugged as he removed one arm from Hermione and put it around Fleur, wanting both of them as close to him as possible.

"I don't know. It is a bit too soon. But I can tell you one thing."

"What's that?"

"It sure felt good telling him off."

VvvvvvvvvvvvV

Life settled into a comfortable routine for the trio after the Weasleys left, and they continued to bond both emotionally and physically. Plans were made for a lengthy visit to England before they would execute their other travel plans. First on the agenda would be a three day trip to the French school for witches and wizards, Beauxbatons.

However, just because things were moving nicely between Fleur, Harry and Hermione themselves, that did not mean life at Delacour mansion was without its up and downs.

When Alain had informed his business associate about his son's deeds, it had driven a large wedge between two men who had been life-long friends. However Alain Delacour was not about to let Ruven Vervier to get away with accosting his daughter. What he had tried to do to Fleur, he may very well try with others—maybe even with his youngest daughter. Alain was not about to let that happen.

It was not the only thing which kept the triad's thoughts occupied. Hermione's parents were on her mind a lot too. Right that day her parents had told her, by phone, she was about to be a big sister. Her mother was already over five months pregnant—happily so. Hermione had been ecstatic when she heard the news, but her father's rather heart-felt wish that he hoped the child would not be magical had put a damper on her mood. She could not even blame him after everything she put him through, but it hurt because it felt like a rejection of her. She could only hope that when they met up again she could further mend the fences. Something she had started to do in Australia but which had temporarily been put on hold because of her unexpected bonding.

At least neither of her parents seemed to have a problem with her now being permanently involved with not one but two people. That was quite something, especially from her father who had always been a touch on the conservative side. Right then Hermione felt a desire to look for her mates but both of them felt like they were heavily occupied with whatever they were doing.

Hermione grinned ruefully as she realized just how dependent she had become on both Fleur and Harry and how used to their presence she had become. Never in her life had she believed she would be part of something as wonderful as their bond had turned out to be, and certainly not with Harry. In fact, now she was seriously wondering why she had never considered him as a possible love interest before because they were so right together. And then there was Fleur…

A smile blossomed on Hermione's face as she considered both her bond mates. On a whim she concentrated on the feelings which now traveled the invisible Veela bond that permanently connected her to her mates. Emotions traveled through the bond continuously and by now she had learned to mostly ignore it. Feeling everything coming from both Harry and Fleur had become normal. Even responding to those emotions was starting to become normal and by now, for the most part, she did it without thinking or even noticing.

Of course this did not include the more intense feelings. Like right now…

Hermione's smile turned into a frown as she felt Fleur's slight annoyance turn into agitation. Why would she be feeling agitation? She was just meeting up with her grandmother. She had been fairly close lipped about the subject. It was rather uncharacteristic for her rather direct, open, and affectionate female mate.

Without thinking Hermione made her way to Fleur who, surprisingly, turned out to be in the family library. Several ancient looking books and documents were covering the table situated in the center of the room, and Fleur and Cecile Delacour were sitting across from each other over the table. Both women were so involved in their argument that not even Fleur noted her entrance.

"I know that, gran, but it has to be Hermione's decision. You cannot simple decide this for her." Fleur was almost growling at her grandmother.

Hearing her own name stopped her in her tracks, and even though she was not exactly hiding her presence, Hermione started to listen to the conversation.

"I know that, Fleur, but apart from pointing her to a couple of books you haven't told her anything about our culture, Veela in general, or even about our clan heritage. Either you do so soon or I will, and I know you don't like it when I do."

"Gran…!" Fleur growled half in exasperation, half in warning.

"No Fleur, it is high time," Cecile said sternly. "I don't understand you. The goddess blessed you with not one, but two mates, and still you have this attitude. You should be thanking her but instead you seem to try and deny her existence."

Hermione felt Fleur's annoyance rise another notch and this caused her to move to her mate's side.

"Grandmother, I'm not denying anything I've simply not seen any proof to either confirm or deny her existence, and until I do…"

"Ah Hermione," Cecile interrupted her granddaughter, "how good of you to join us."

Hermione more or less ignored the Delacour matriarch as she stood beside Fleur putting her hand on Fleur's shoulder. From what she had caught of the conversation she had an inclination what the argument between the two Delacour women was about. According to Apolline the two women had once been as close as a grandmother and her granddaughter could be, but this had changed over the years. Still they got along quite well as long as Cecile avoided the subject the two of them were now obviously discussing.

Fleur relaxed the moment Hermione touched her. She reveled in the touch and subsequent feeling they caused in her as well as being glad for her presence. She hated loosing her cool with her grandmother, but the woman was aggravating with her stubbornness and would not let the subject be.

Cecile was not bothered by the fact that Hermione seemed to ignore her. On the contrary, she looked on with approval as the English witch concentrated on her mate. This was how it should be—mates should always look after each other first and all else second. Hermione was as good for her granddaughter as Harry, and that was the best compliment she could give her. The goddess had truly blessed the trio, and she honestly did not understand why Fleur denied this. Deciding to take the bull by the horns—as the saying went—she tried to force the issue.

"Fleur if you do not educate her, I will make certain she receives the proper training. The choice is yours, but make it soon or I will use my position as one of the Clan elders to appoint an appropriate teacher. You know if I have to resort to that, both you and Harry will have to be available for those studies at the teacher's convenience. Truth be told I'm starting to wonder if I should not insist on this anyhow. "

Hermione felt Fleur's annoyance spike again. In fact she felt outright anger coming from Fleur. "That won't be necessary. I can assure you I'm well versed in the subject."

"Good, then I suggest you waste no further time." With a flick of her wrist and wand, the assortment of documents lying on the table sorted themselves into neat stacks, and with a curt farewell, Cecile left the library.

"Are you alright?" Hermione asked in concern.

Fleur sighed. "Yes, but, ugh, can that woman be stubborn."

"Like her granddaughter?" Hermione allowed a touch of wry amusement to enter her voice in the hope it would distract her partner. It worked as she saw Fleur's lips twitch and her amusement became evident in her expressive eyes. It was at moments like this that the older witch became irresistible. For now she pushed that thought away—they had a rather serious subject at hand.

"So I take it there is no escaping it any longer? Lessons on Veela culture?"

Fleur rolled her eyes. "Yep."

Following her instincts Hermione continued. "But I've known those would come. You've been hinting at them for quite some time and you know I'm very interested in them. So that can not have been what you and your grandmother were arguing about."

Another sigh escaped Fleur's lips as she pulled Hermione to her. Where it was still reasonably rare for Harry to initiate such hugs, Fleur did so frequently. She was by far the most tactile of the three of them. "No, our argument is one we have been having for years. Gran is a true acolyte of the Veela goddess and it hurts and boggles her that I question her existence. "

"Do you want to talk about it?" She sensed immediately that Fleur had had enough for now, and backtracked. "You probably should, but it can wait…"

"I don't really want to discuss it, but I suppose we should. Let's go outside—I think better there."

"O"

Before Hermione had a chance to respond Fleur had apparated them outside.

"kay. Ugh, thanks for the heads up."

"You're welcome." Fleur chuckled while stabilizing Hermione who had a less than graceful landing thanks to the unexpected apparation. She then grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her towards the lake. Hermione idly noticed it had become their favourite spot for serious conversations. The tranquillity the place offered helped with the conversations.

"So, why this resistance to these lessons?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Not to the lessons." Fleur corrected her. "I think every Veela mate should be thought our history and customs. They are part of what makes us, well… us. It is important for mates to know this too, so they will know a little of what to expect with the bond, but also in interaction with other Veela and the wizarding community in general."

"The wizarding community?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"You know how people react to us. With Muggles this is not really an issue. We handle them rather easily should there ever be a problem. A simple Muggle repelling charm which overrides even our thrall and voila—no further problem. With wizards, who are very aware of our existence, things aren't always as clear cut. Throughout history they have regarded us in different ways. At times we've been idolised—even revered—as semi gods, but we also been regarded as evil sirens who seduce righteous wizards and witches in order to gain power. I think you can see how neither is desirable."

Hermione thought it over before responding. "But things currently are not as bad as that, are they? At least I'm pretty sure I would have read something about that."

Fleur nodded. "This is true. I'll even admit a part of me was surprised that Voldemort and his followers had not put us on some form of list as half breeds or other undesirables like happened in pretty much every previous war. However, simply because things are not currently a problem does not mean history cannot repeat it self."

Hermione nodded her understanding as Fleur continued. "Of course this does not exclude individuals who come obsessed with us. There are those who become convinced they are in love with us and they are our rightful mate, even going as far as killing our true mates in order to take their place. Of course, they do not realise that by doing so, they also kill the object of their obsession."

Now there was a scary thought, Hermione was forced to admit. "That has happened?"

"Yes, the last time we know it happened for certain was about four decades ago but more recently, though not in the last ten years, other unexplained deaths have occurred. Foul play was suspected but not proven. I think you can understand why you need to be aware of these things."

"Yes, but this is not what you and Cecile are at odds about," Hermione pointed out her observation.

"No, that has to do with the religious aspect of our Veela heritage," Fleur admitted a touch glumly. She did not like the constant arguments between her and her gran, but the woman was relentless in her stance and she could admit that she herself tended to stand her ground just as firmly. She loved the other woman dearly, but she wished she could accept that she did not share her beliefs. It was not like she denied them outright, just that she was a touch sceptical.

Hermione gave her hand a gentle squeeze in support and Fleur felt the quiet support behind it. A warm feeling spread through her, and not for the first time she was grateful for the inclusion of the small witch in her life. Like Harry she was a true gift in her life. She just did not know whether a goddess was involved or if it was simply a thing of nature, something that went along with her Veela magic.

"You may not have guessed because mother has put her foot down, that she should not bother us too much with this, but Grandmother is a devout follower of our lady Goddess and firmly believes we should all devote a significant part of our lives to her. She would like nothing better than one of her children or grandchildren to follow her footsteps, and if not they, one of their mates. I'm afraid she's now got you pegged as a possibility, given your history with equal rights, and respect for every creature great and small. Couple that with your love for learning, and she will be asking you sooner rather then later.

"I'm afraid I'll be disappointing her.," Hermione replied after a few moments of thinking this latest bit of news through. Aside from the fact she still did not want to commit to anything beyond her partners it really was not relevant to the conversation at hand. "But this isn't the cause of the argument between the two of you."

"No, I guess it is not, but you need to know it to understand where gran is coming from. Now, when I was growing up, gran took it upon herself to prepare me to follow in her footsteps. As a child I gobbled that stuff up like nothing else. I really aspired to be just like my gran. Where other kids wanted to be like their parents, I wanted to be like my grandmother." As Fleur explained, a reminiscing smile appeared on her face. "Mother was a bit hesitant about it, but since I loved it so much she allowed it. I don't think I had any doubts about my faith so to speak until I entered Beauxbatons. I found it difficult to comprehend that my year mates did not share my beliefs, even scoffed at them. I quickly learned to keep my mouth shut. Being part Veela already set me apart from my peers—I did not need more of that.

"Now, you should know that a large part of gran's teachings centred upon how we Veela ought to be grateful for our gifts and the guarantee of our perfect mate. However, aside from the fact my beliefs set me apart at school, my looks and the thrall were starting to give me unwanted attention too. Here I was waiting for my special mate like gran had promised I would find, but there were all those boys vying for my attention. All those boys wanted to spend time with me, and the fact that the girls were jealous of all the attention I was getting, did not help me either. I kind of withdrew into myself and adopted an aloof stance to nearly everyone. As you know, this did not endear people to me either. I was lonely and not impressed with my so called gifts. I would just as soon be rid of them all together if it meant I would get the ability to make a real friend.

"Then of course there was the Ruven incident and other stuff. Lets just say my beliefs did not simply crumble. They took a nose dive into the deepest ravine imaginable."

"Your history is really similar to Harry's" Hermione noted. "You both received a lot of unwanted attention for the all wrong reasons."

"Harry and I understand each very well, but in hindsight a lot of my problems had just as much to do with me being socially awkward, but that is neither here nor there.

"I did turn away from the goddess completely, and after a while adopted the theory that Veela bonds are thing of nature, like all magic. Do not get me wrong love." Fleur looked at Hermione with a loving look which was returned in kind. "It is my magic which recognised both you and Harry as my mates. It is my magic, caused by my Veela heritage, which bonded the three of us together. I just happen to think, that like all things which are particular to Veela, that it is simply a matter of magical evolution.

"When I told this to my grandmother she did not take it well. I think she felt I was not only selling the goddess short, but our heritage as well. We argued a lot in those days and she tried to convince me otherwise, but she wasn't very successful. In the end mother intervened and told gran to back off. After that we did not see much of each other, mainly because I moved to England. It wasn't until Harry and I bonded that she started to hint at it again. I still wasn't interested and she annoyed the crap out of me when she asked Harry if he was interested in the religious aspect of the goddess and wanted to learn more."

"What was his reply?" Hermione asked but knowing Harry she thought she already knew the answer.

"Harry had had enough of others dictating his life of course. He appreciated grandmother merely asking him if he was interested but as you can guess, he politely declined. He informed her he wanted for once to find his own path in life. Thankfully grandmother accepted this. She was familiar enough with his story to know not to press."

"Sounds like Harry. Okay, I guess I understand a bit about you and you grandmother now. So you basically believe that our bonds are simply a very convenient aspect of nature. That all Veela magic really is just that—a biological thing."

Fleur grinned a bit ruefully. "Not necessarily, at least not any more. I've come to a point I'm not certain what to think. If our bond was a matter of natural selection, you would need to consider the fact of procreation of the species and, in that regard you and I bonding as strongly as we did makes no sense. Not with all the magic in the world can the two of us make babies together.

"If you take the fact that you did not bond with us until Harry and I bonded, you would almost be required to assume that Harry was needed to facilitate our bond… I don't like that thought at all. I guess I'm selfish enough to think our bond—meaning you and me—is just as strong as mine with Harry, and yours with Harry. I've certainly noticed nothing to make me think otherwise."

Hermione smiled at this. She had not discovered any differences either. What happened between her and Harry she had also seen happen between her and Fleur. If there had been differences, they had more to do with the differences in personalities between Fleur and Harry. However she had another point to make. "You and Harry bonded nearly a year before I entered the picture."

"Yes. We've always believed—or at least it is the general assumption—that we did not bond earlier because Harry had not reached his magical maturity yet. The moment he did, there was no turning back. Maybe that moment was needed to facilitate the bond between all three of us, but with you in another part of the world for quite a lengthy period, somehow your own bonding was postponed.

"And then again just maybe things happened at its own pace as it was meant to. Que sera sera and all that."

"You're quoting Doris Day lyrics at me now?" Hermione asked incredulously.

Bumping playfully into her partner Fleur grinned. "Yep, I always liked that song." She then returned to the subject at hand. "There are other female-female and or male-male Veela bonded couples. So these days I question the need for nature to put the strongest genes out there. I simply do not have a clue how my magic recognised you and Harry as my mates. I'm just incredibly thankful that it did."

Looking at Hermione with a loving expression Fleur said, "I'm rather pleased with the gifts I've been given now."

Hermione returned the gaze in kind and merely said, "Me too."

The kiss which followed, confirmed those words with a passion.

VvvvvvvvvvvvV

O0O

Another author note. The biggest part of this chapter should have been Fleur in a heated discussion with her grandmother which in the end resolved a few things between them. Instead a fairly recent review about how the Veela bond might biologically driven because of species survival. It got me thinking of this a lot and caused me to rewrite this chapter quite a number of times but in the end… well I went the way I had en have.

This and the next chapter are mainly to resolve some story points. Next chapter we'll also be visiting Gabrielle at her school and from then on the relationship should be moving forward quicker.