The rest of our time with my parents goes well. My parents study up on Fleur's culture and her people and ask questions when they have them. Fleur answers them all politely and patiently like the perfect lady she is. I also take Fleur around my small hometown, showing her all the places I loved growing up. The little café that makes the best hot chocolate in this town, the school I attended before I went to Hogwarts, the park that I played in with my parents and friends, and of course, the library. Fleur's lips quirk up into that smile that I've found she only reserves for me as we walk through the town. We end up at the little café, deciding that hot beverages are a good idea on such a cold day. I argue with Fleur about her paying for me, but that doesn't stop her from doing it. I roll my eyes and take my hot chocolate from her and move to a table near the fireplace. Fleur follows me, draping her coat over the back of her chair and taking her seat.

"I 'ave thoroughly enjoyed ze time we 'ave spent wiz your parents. They are truly lovely people and they raised a wonderful daughter," she murmurs quietly.

I smile and allow our fingers to intertwine underneath the table. "I wish I had more time to spend with them. Maybe we can spend part of the summer with them?"

Fleur nods, a small grin on her face. "Oui, of course. Your father loves to talk of Greece. Perhaps a trip wiz zem?"

I grin at my mate and press a kiss to her cheek. "You're bloody brilliant, Fleur."

She laughs huskily, the cold clearly beginning to affect her vocal cords. "I try, ma chêrie. We leave for France in a couple more days. 'Ow do you feel about zat," she questions, a look of genuine concern on her face.

I sigh and give her a small shrug. "I'm still nervous about meeting your family, if that's what you mean. I mean, you're perfect. I'm sure your family has such high expectations for the person you're destined to spend your life with. And you somehow managed to get stuck with me," I say, the last sentence an attempt at a joke. It's laced with a small amount of truth and insecurity though. And Fleur, being Fleur, naturally picks up on that.

"Zey say you are ze brightest witch of your age and sometimes I wonder 'ow. You are so smart when it comes to books and any line of logical zinking, 'Ermione. But you are completely clueless when it comes to women. I 'ave told you several times zat my family will love you simply because I love you. Gabrielle will test you ze first day or so to get a feel for you, sure. But by ze end of ze week, she'll absolutely adore you just as I do. I understand zat you are part of ze Golden Trio and a savior of ze wizarding world, but zose reasons are not why I love you. I love you because of ze way you make me feel. I love you because you are so passionate in ze zings you stand for, such as ze rights of all magical beings. I love you because you're true to your Gryffindor nature, loyal and brave and strong. I love you because you constantly put ozzers before yourself. I love you because you are completely and utterly perfect to me. And zere are so many ozzer zings I could name, but we would be 'ere for 'ours. My family is going to love you and zey will treat you as one of our own. Quit worrying so much, ma belle, for your sake and my own."

My lips are on Fleur's before my brain can even process it. I feel her cool fingers brush my cheek, her hand sliding around to cup the back of my neck. I sigh contentedly into her mouth, losing myself entirely and forgetting where we are. I finally pull back when oxygen becomes an absolute necessity. My forehead rests against Fleur's, chocolate brown eyes connecting with ice blue.

"I love you, Fleur. More than I thought I could ever love someone," I murmur against her lips. Fleur smiles, pressing another chaste kiss to my mouth.

"Je t'aime, 'Ermione. More zan life itself."

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The next day, we open presents and have Christmas dinner with my parents. We are leaving the next morning to begin our visit with Fleur's family. My nerves are slowly becoming more erratic as the day draws closer. Fleur continues to attempt to calm me, assuring me that her family will love me and there is nothing to worry about. But I still worry. I've always been the worrying type. We help my mother make dinner, despite her protests. My father ducks in every once in awhile to see how it's coming along, but always ducks back out to return to whatever game he's watching. Dinner is finally done and we carry it all to the dining room, my father deciding to help with this task. Fleur takes her seat next to me, across from my mum. I sit across from my dad, earning a smile from him. Dad says grace and we tuck in. Turkey has always been a holiday staple in my house and this year is no different. Mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and several other sides accompany it.

"Your cooking rivals zat of my own mozzer, Madame Granger," Fleur says with a smile.

My mother laughs and waves a hand in dismissal. "When you get to be my age, you pick up a trick or two. Everything I know has been passed down through the family. Hermione knows most of the recipes, but she's not as qualified as I am in the kitchen," she murmurs with a small wink.

I place a hand over my chest in mock hurt, gasping dramatically. "I can't believe you'd say such a thing," I manage through my laughter.

Fleur grins and chuckles with the rest of us. Dinner is mostly quiet after that, small conversation picking up here and there. I tell my parents about our day on the town and they tell us about their day at the office. Fleur, being from the wizarding world, has several questions about the wonderful world of muggle dentistry, truly fascinated with the subject. My parents are all too happy to oblige, going as far as to continue the conversation through dessert. The subject doesn't hold my interest long, as it's something I grew up around. My parents begin to clean up, taking everything into the kitchen. My mother finally shoves us into the living room, telling us to sit and they'll be in momentarily for gifts. I give a small laugh and take a seat on the couch, Fleur dropping gracefully next to me.

"I just want you to know zat while I do 'ave a gift to give you 'ere, I'll be giving you anozzer at my own 'ome," Fleur tells me quietly, a small glint in her eyes. I raise an eyebrow in question, but she shakes her head. "You will simply 'ave to wait and find out because I will be telling you nuzzing."

I groan in protest, which only succeeds in making Fleur laugh at my childish behavior. She leans back into the couch, eyes beginning to fall shut. I lean against her, face nuzzling into her shoulder. Fleur's arm wraps tightly around my shoulder, pulling me closer to her. We lay there in silence for a few moments, perfectly content with just each other. It's the flash and shudder of a camera that causes me to open my eyes. I scowl playfully at my grinning parents as the camera is lowered. Fleur blushes and chuckles nervously.

"I think that picture should suffice. We'll be taking a better one tomorrow before we see you off," my father says with a grin. I roll my eyes and lean back into Fleur's embrace. "Anyway, let's do presents. You two look rather exhausted."

My parents give both of us a gift, which Fleur is shocked by. She tries to protest it, but my parents are nearly as stubborn as I am. I had to get it from somewhere. She finally resigns and opens her gift. It's a book on our ancestry. I have a similar book up in my room.

"We didn't really know what to get you on such short notice. But you gave us a few books on your heritage and we thought we'd return the favor. It's obviously nowhere near as interesting, but it has its moments," my mother explains.

Fleur gives my parents a grateful smile. "Non, it is perfect. I look forward to reading it. Thank you so much."

I open mine next, curious as to what my parents had obtained for me this year. It's a photo album and that makes me all the more curious. I gasp as I open it. It's filled with pictures from their time in Australia. Tears begin to fill my vision and I struggle to keep them at bay.

"It's not much, dear. We know that you were thinking in our best interest when you did what you did. We struggled with it at first, but we understand it now. We kept the pictures and a few other things from our time there. We thought you might like to see what we were up to while we were there," my mother says in an emotional voice.

I push myself off the couch and throw myself into the arms of my parents, tears finally releasing. My dad holds my mother and I tightly while we cry together. After a few moments, I pull myself together and give them a teary smile.

"It's perfect. Thank you. I love you both so much," I murmur brokenly. My parents both smile and give me another tight hug before letting me go. I take my seat next to Fleur and hand my parents our present. They pull out several books on Veela that go into much more depth than the others we'd given them. Some even contained information on Fleur's family.

"Fleur and I picked these up together before we came. Some were very hard to find and others were easy to find. Fleur's family sent a few of them as they could be found nowhere else," I explain. My parents smile thankfully at Fleur, thanking both of us for the gift. "Oh, and dad, this is specifically for you," I say as I hand him another package.

He raises his eyebrows curiously, but opens the package nonetheless. He smiles brightly as he pulls the chocolates out. My father may be a dentist, but the man has a sweet tooth that rivals that of a Weasley.

"That's my girl," he says with a laugh. I smile back at him and stifle a yawn. My parents smile at the two of us. "You two should get off to bed. You have a big day tomorrow. Meeting Fleur's family and all."

I nod and stand, hugging my parents before making my way to the stairs. I glance at Fleur questioningly.

"I have somezing I'd wish to talk to your parents about privately. If you don't mind, ma chêrie. I will be up momentarily," she says with a small smile.

I'm stunned, but nod my head anyway and make my way up to my room. I use the restroom, washing my face and brushing my teeth before moving to change. I remove my top and jeans, opting to sleep in my boy shorts and an oversized t-shirt of my father's. All the while I wonder what Fleur has to speak to my parents about. My thoughts are interrupted a few minutes later as Fleur walks into the room. She smiles brightly as she moves to the restroom. She leaves the door open as she washes her face and brushes her teeth. My curiosity finally gets the better of me.

"So what did you need to talk to my parents about," I question curiously. Fleur raises her eyebrows and shakes her head. She spits the toothpaste out of her mouth, rinsing her mouth out before walking into the room to change.

"I will tell you tomorrow and no sooner," she replies as she begins to strip. I would normally put up an argument, but how can I argue when I'm staring at Fleur's nude form? I watch as she pulls on an old Beauxbatons t-shirt and a pair of boxers. I sigh as she slides into bed next to me, her arms wrapping tightly around my waist.

"You're so stubborn," I whisper against her skin. Fleur laughs and presses her lips to my forehead.

"You would 'ave me no ozzer way," she murmurs into my hair. I sigh and snuggle closer as her fingers begin to stroke the exposed skin on my waist.

"You're right. I wouldn't change you for the world."

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Fleur and I wake around nine o'clock the next morning. I pull myself out of bed at the smell of my mum's cooking. Fleur groans in displeasure as I wiggle out of her grasp. I smile and press a kiss to her cheek.

"Come on, Fleur. We should shower and get to breakfast before we have to pack up and get ready to leave," I murmur against her skin.

Fleur hums against my skin, arms wrapping around my waist and pulling my body into hers again. I laugh and struggle to remove myself from her tight hold. Fleur gives me a smile and presses a kiss to my jaw before letting go of me.

"Oui, fine. Let us go," she murmurs sleepily. I smile and press another kiss to her cheek before making my way to the shower.

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I spend far more time than I mean to getting ready. I'm just so bloody nervous. My bushy hair decides to comply with my demands for once, receding into thick, wavy curls. I opt to wear my dark wash skinny jeans with a blue v-neck sweater. Black riding boots adorn my feet. I walk out of the bathroom and watch as Fleur's eyes settle on me. Her pupils dilate slightly and she exhales rather shakily.

"Merlin, you are beautiful," she murmurs quietly. I give her a small smile and pull her up off the bed.

"I really want to impress your family, Fleur. I'm getting more and more nervous by the second," I tell her.

Fleur smiles down at me, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Stop worrying. Everyzing will be fine. I promise."

I close my eyes as she presses her lips to my forehead in a reassuring gesture. I sigh and allow my arms to wrap around her waist, my head nuzzling her shoulder. We stay like that for a few minutes before making our way downstairs. My mother smiles brightly as we walk into the dining room.

"Good morning, girls. Hermione, you look absolutely stunning," she says with a smile. I press a kiss to her cheek and move to take a seat.

"Thank you, mum."

Breakfast is a rather quiet affair. Fleur spends most of it with her hand drawing reassuring circles into my thigh. I help my mother clean and do the dishes before going to pack. Crookshanks doesn't look like he wants to go back in his crate, but I need him to go with me. I'll need a familiar other than Fleur. I pack up my things, shrinking them to make the apparition process easier. Fleur does the same and smiles at me.

"Are you ready?"

I smile slightly at the excitement in Fleur's eyes. It's been a long time since she's last seen her family so I understand why she's so excited. I grab the handle to Crookshanks' crate and nod.

"About as ready as I'm going to get I think," I tell her somewhat nervously. Fleur pecks my lips before following me downstairs. My parents give us both a smile, embracing me quickly in a tight hug.

"Remember to take pictures and tell us all about it when you arrive back at Hogwarts. And remember to stay calm. Fleur's family is going to love you and you have nothing to worry about," my mother says reassuringly.

My father nods his agreement, tightening his arm around me slightly before they both let me go. Fleur and I are both rather surprised when my parents pull her into a hug. She's tense for a few minutes, but relaxes and returns their embrace.

"It's been a pleasure meeting you, Fleur. Please return soon to see us. And take care of Hermione. She needs someone to remind her that she worries too much every once in awhile," my father tells her.

Fleur nods and gives them a dazzling smile. "I will certainly take care of 'er. She means ze world to me. I'm sure we will return soon enough. I cannot wait to see you both again."

I exhale heavily as I grab Crookshanks with one hand and Fleur's hand with my other. The familiar tightening pulls at my abdomen as we apparate. It takes a few minutes longer than normal. But we're apparating outside of the country so I'm not shocked. I feel a little more nauseous than normal as we finally reach our destination. Fleur squeezes my hand reassuringly as we stare up at the Delacour mansion.

"Remember to breathe, 'Ermione. I will be wiz you every step of ze way."

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The foyer of Fleur's house has my jaw dropping the second we step in. I had been in very nice houses over the years, but they all paled in comparison to Fleur's. The floors are white marble, the staircases are black marble, the walls are painted to match the floors, there's a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Fleur's finger taps on my chin and I sheepishly close my mouth.

"Bonjour, ma belle! I am so 'appy to 'ave you 'ome again," an older woman that I can only assume is Fleur's mother exclaims happily. Fleur briefly lets go of me to hug her mother tightly. The resemblance between the two is utterly striking. They share the same aristocratic features, the ice blue eyes, and the silver blond hair.

"Maman! It is so wonderful to see you again! I 'ave missed you too."

Fleur's mother steps back, taking in her daughter's appearance before turning her gaze to me. "And zis must be ze 'Ermione Granger I 'ave 'eard so much about," she says with a smile that resembles Fleur's. I practically go weak at the knees just seeing it.

"Oui, zis is 'Ermione. She is very nervous to meet you all so please be nice," Fleur murmurs playfully.

Her mother places a hand over her chest, mock hurt covering her beautiful features. "Mon Dieu! I cannot believe you would ever insinuate zat I am not nice." She smiles brightly at her daughter, lightly swatting her arm. "I am very pleased to finally meet you, 'Ermione. I 'ave 'eard nuzzing but wonderful zings about you, dear."

I smile gratefully and allow Fleur's fingers to tangle with mine once more. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Mrs. Delacour. I have heard wonderful things about you and the rest of your family as well."

Fleur's mother waves her hand. "Please. Call me Apolline. None of zis Mrs. Delacour nonsense. It makes me feel old and age is simply somezing I prefer to not zink of most days."

I nod and move slightly closer to Fleur. Apolline smiles at us, her eyes taking on that same twinkle that Fleur's tends to from time to time.

"Well, I suppose you will both be staying in your room? You will find zat we left everyzing ze way you left it. I'll allow you to get settled before the rest of the family attacks 'er," she murmurs with a wink before walking off.

I pale slightly and Fleur laughs as she tugs me up the staircase. "Relax, ma chêrie. She is kidding. I 'ad to get my sense of 'umor from somewhere and it is definitely from my maman."

I allow Fleur to lead me to her room, smiling as we step in and she locks the door behind us. The room is so…Fleur. Her room is decorated in blues and silvers. Pictures of friends and family adorn a bulletin board over a desk filled with books. A few posters of wizard bands also decorate the walls. Fleur's natural scent still hangs in the room as if she never left. I let Crookshanks out of his crate, earning a small growl for putting him in it in the first place. He quickly abandons me in favor of curling up on Fleur's thick comforter. I roll my eyes at my pet and set to enlarging my things like Fleur is doing. We're unpacked and everything is sorted into a spot temporarily in about twenty minutes. I sit on Fleur's bed next to Crookshanks, gently scratching him behind the ears. Fleur sighs and kisses my forehead as a knock resounds on her door. She unlocks the door from where she sits, allowing a blur of blond hair and blue robes to fly in the door. Fleur laughs as her younger sister practically tackles her into a hug. I smile at the exchange as Fleur hugs Gabrielle to her tightly, whispering excitedly in French.

After a few minutes, Gabrielle's attention is turned to me. She narrows her eyes slightly, blue eyes scrutinizing me. I've never felt so judged in my life. And the girl is only thirteen! Fleur swats her sister on the arm gently, chastising her and earning an eye roll.

"So you're 'Ermione Granger? Part of ze Golden Trio and savior to ze wizarding world? I expected someone a little older zan eighteen," she murmurs quietly. Fleur glares at her younger sister, whispering harshly in French. Gabrielle gives her another eye roll and crosses her arms. "Oh come off it, Fleur. She's your mate so you know I'm just testing her worthiness of you. Wait until Grandmere gets ahold of 'er. You know 'ow she is wiz zings."

Fleur glares again and points at the door. "We will see you later, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle sighs and leaves the room. Fleur shuts and locks the door behind her. She turns and her look is very apologetic. "Je suis désolé. I told you zat Gabrielle would attempt to get under your skin. Ignore 'er. Do not worry about Grandmere either. She is 'armless. She'll 'ave some questions, but nuzzing you can't 'andle. 'Ow about a nap before lunch? You look like you could use it," she murmurs as she moves back to the bed.

I nod and pull my boots off, curling into Fleur as she lies down on her bed. I can tell this is going to be an interesting week already. Fleur's arms wrap tightly around me, sheltering me from everything. Including my own thoughts. I sigh and nuzzle into the crook of her neck. As long as Fleur's with me, I can do anything.

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Fleur wakes me up for lunch a couple hours later. I move to the mirror in her en suite bathroom to fix my hair. I hear her sigh and I can see her eye roll without having to look at her.

"You look fine, 'Ermione. You worry far too much," she says from her spot by the door.

I finish with my hair and move to the bedroom to pull my boots back on. "I want to impress the rest of your family. It seemed to go well with your mother, but not so much with Gabrielle," I murmur rather dejectedly.

I hear Fleur sigh before she moves to stand in front of me. Her finger and thumb gently grab my chin, pulling my face to look at hers.

"Ignore Gabrielle. I told you zat she would test you ze first day or so and zat is precisely what she was doing. Grandmere will ask you questions, but in ze end you are my mate and zey will all respect zat. Stop your worrying, s'il vous plaît." I can't help but smile at Fleur's tone. She's getting rather tired of telling me to calm down. I purse my lips and watch her fight back a smile. "Oh, so now you want a kiss? Give me one reason as to why I should kiss you," she tells me teasingly.

"Because you love me," I murmur against her face. Fleur smiles brightly down at me, her eyes that almost silver color once more.

"Oui, zis is true."

Our lips connect in a small kiss, her hand moving to cup my jaw. My fingers slide through the belt loops on her jeans, pulling her into my lap. Fleur chuckles against my lips, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. I nip at Fleur's bottom lip, earning a low growl from her in the process.

"We do not 'ave time for zis, 'Ermione," she husks out as she pulls away. My lips follow the curve of Fleur's jaw. Fleur's hands move to my hair, fingers threading through curly locks as my lips find her pulse point. "And you call me insatiable. If you keep zis up, we will be late to lunch. What will my family zink of you zen, hmm?"

A groan leaves my mouth as I pull my lips away from her skin. Fleur's darkened eyes meet my own. "Can we finish this later," I question against her collarbone, tempted to continue my assault on her skin.

Fleur's fingers tighten slightly in my hair, pulling my head back so I'm looking at her. "What kind of question is zat? Of course we will finish zis later. Now, come. Let us introduce you to papa and Grandmere."

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Fleur rests a hand on my knee, stilling my nervous movements. I give her a grateful smile and allow my hand to rest on hers. Gabrielle and Apolline are the first to enter the dining room. Apolline smiles brightly at me as she takes her place at the table. Gabrielle rolls her eyes and drops into a seat across from Fleur. Fleur's hand squeezes my knee reassuringly. A man, whom I can only presume to be Fleur's father, enters the room next. He gives me a smile as he takes a seat at the head of the table.

"Bonjour, Miss Granger. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. My Fleur 'as talked about you extensively in 'er letters. All wonderful zings, I assure you," he adds with a small chuckle at my facial expression.

I give him a nervous smile and relax slightly under Fleur's hand. "Hello, Mr. Delacour. It's nice to meet you as well. Fleur has told me so much about you and your family. She speaks very highly of all of you. Especially Gabrielle," I murmur at the end.

Gabrielle arches an eyebrow at her sister, the beginnings of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"Zey 'ave always been close. It 'as been 'ard on Gabrielle to 'ave Fleur so far away. And it appears as if 'er behavior at school is beginning to reflect zat," he says with a pointed look at his youngest daughter.

Gabrielle smiles sheepishly and sinks down into her chair a little. I give a small smile and relax even more, becoming more and more comfortable. Well, until Fleur's grandmother walks in the room anyway. I immediately tense back up, hand clutching Fleur's tightly. Fleur gives me a small smile and squeezes my hand in reassurance. Fleur's grandmother takes a seat beside Apolline. The resemblance between the two women is as striking as the one between Fleur and her mother. Fleur's grandmother appears more regal, more aristocratic. Her silvery blond hair is pulled back into a bun, much like the first time I saw Fleur in the Great Hall. I swallow nervously as the house elves begin to lay the platters on the table. I jolt slightly when I feel Fleur's lips brush across my cheek. I manage to stop myself from leaning into the comforting gesture. Fleur gives me that award winning smile of hers, causing butterflies to stir in my stomach.

"She is nowhere near as terrifying as she looks. She is very nice. Just relax and be yourself. She'll fall in love wiz you just like I did," she murmurs into my ear. I nod and take a deep breath. Let the show begin then.