SEDUCED BY A VEELA
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: SAYING I DO…AGAIN
"I love you so much, Fleur Isabelle. And I will love you until my dying breath."
"Je t'aime, 'Ermione Jane Delacour. Now and forever more."
While they kissed again, the women around them broke into excited applause. None of them had ever witness such a powerful and loving union and knew Fleur and Hermione were two of the luckiest witched the world around.
0-0
"Amour, your phone keeps ringing. Please make it stop," Fleur mumbled as she turned on her side and covered her head with a pillow.
"Sorry, love," Hermione apologized as she grabbed the offending device and hit a button to shut off the sound.
After dropping a quick kiss on Fleur's naked shoulder she got up from their bed, mumbling about ridiculous hours to be calling and cursing the caller to hell and back. She didn't answer until she was outside on the hallway, and when she did, it wasn't with her usual friendliness, especially when she saw the caller id.
"This had better be good, Ginevra Weasley," she growled into the mouthpiece.
"Where in blazes have you been?" Ginny asked the minute she heard Hermione's voice. "I've only called about a thousand times!"
"Did you, now? I hadn't really noticed at all!"
Ginny completely ignored her friend's sarcastic tone. "Yeah, I kinda noticed that. I've been calling you for three days now. Where were you? I need to tell you something important."
Hermione was finally awake enough to hear the desperation in her friend's tone. "Tell you later. I'm back now. What's the matter? You sound a bit upset."
"I need to see you. Can we meet today?"
"Sure, I didn't have many plans for the day and I don't have to go into work for several days. Where do you want to meet?"
"Is our usual place okay?"
"A cappuccino sounds good right about now. I can be there in about an hour."
"Make it forty-five minutes and I'll buy."
"This must be bad."
"It isn't bad per se, but I need advice as soon as possible. I need to make a decision."
"Sounds important, Gin."
"It is. So please be there as soon as you can."
"Let me shower and tell Fleur and I'll leave the house as soon as I can."
"Thanks, Mi. You don't know how much I appreciate it."
0-0
Once done showering and telling Fleur she'd be back soon, Hermione headed out. She wasn't sure what the problem was, but for Ginny to be so insistent, something major must have happened while she had been away.
After the ceremony, Hermione and Fleur had sent an owl to the Ministry informing them that they would be taking the next two weeks off. Needless to say, everyone was relieved that Fleur was back in their midst and that Hermione would soon be back to her usual pleasant self. They had spent three days at the same hotel in Paris where they had stayed before and had gotten back to their flat late the night before.
No one knew of their marriage as of yet since they had decided to enjoy it for themselves for a few days. Apolline was planning their commitment ceremony at their beach side villa in France and their friends would get invitations by week's end.
A press release would be given out once both ceremonies were completed as well. While most of their families and close friends had known of their relationship for months, not everyone knew about it since they had kept away from the public eye. Armand had suggested the press release so they wouldn't have to answer too many questions about their marriage once it was certified by the Ministry.
With both of them being so well known, someone would surely sell the story to the paper, which would turn it into a big circus. The press release would also make sure the information given out to the public would be correct and not some altered story a la Rita Skeeter. Their marriage had been a momentous occasion for both of them; not some silly tabloid story.
As of yet, they hadn't used the potions given to them by the Elder. By mutual decision, they had decided to wait until both marriages were registered to go for it. Their new toy, however, had gotten more use since the first time and Hermione was completely at ease while using it now. She couldn't wait until they could take the potions. She was sure it would be even more enjoyable and she couldn't deny the big rush she got every time she made Fleur hers that way. Just thinking about possessing Fleur made her body temperature rise up and her cheeks to blush.
Before she knew it, she was walking into the Starbucks she and Ginny frequented. Once she had introduced Ginny to Muggle coffee she had been hooked. Ginny was waiting patiently by the door and smiled in relief when she spotted her.
"Hey, Mi. It's so good to finally see you," Ginny said as she hugged her tightly.
"It's good to see you as well, Gin. Let's order so you can tell me what's been going on and so important that you had to get me out of bed so early in the morning!"
"Well, how was I supposed to know you had the week off? I figured you'd be at the office slaving away as you usually do."
"We needed some time together."
"So now that Fleur's back, you're back to your old self."
"Seems that way. I'm just glad she's back."
"Yeah, and so is half of the Ministry!"
"Shut up! And let's order before it gets busier with the morning rush."
"Good idea. Do you want something to eat as well?"
"Make it a triple grande cappuccino and a scone. I'll get us a seat."
"You got it. I'll be there in a sec."
Ginny went to order while Hermione walked towards the back, where they usually sat in a corner. The big leather chairs were comfortable and afforded them privacy. She noted the store wasn't too busy and was glad for that. She might as well tell Ginny her news once she was done with whatever was bothering her.
A few minutes later Ginny came back and set the tray on a small table by the chairs.
"I got you a muffin since they looked better. A scone is not a big enough breakfast. Mum would surely frown if she found out."
"Thanks. I guess you're right. So, what's going on, Gin? You sounded almost desperate when you called earlier."
"It's about Lizzie," Ginny started but stopped abruptly as Hermione went to grab her cup. "You got married?" she asked completely surprised.
She grabbed Hermione's hand the minute she had noticed the gold band on her ring finger and looked at it as if stunned. Then she looked at her other hand, where she had placed the engagement ring Fleur had given her. Her eyes widened as she looked up again and met Hermione's twinkling eyes.
"Yeah," she answered in a dreamy voice. "We got married three days ago."
"And you didn't think any of us would want to be there?" Ginny asked outraged.
"Calm down, Gin. There's going to be another ceremony this coming weekend at Fleur's family villa in France. No one could really attend the Veela ceremony except Apolline and Grandma Marguerite."
"Oh. Still, why didn't you tell me? Or do Harry and Ron know?"
"No one knows other than our parents. Well, Harry might know if Gabrielle told him about it. But he hasn't asked, so he might not."
"Wow, Hermione, you're married now. That's amazing."
"We were going to be married soon anyways, Gin, so why the big surprise?"
"A few days ago you were ready to tear people apart if they so much as mentioned Fleur. Now you're a happily married woman. What happened?"
"Love, forgiveness and understanding happened, Gin. But tell me about your problem. That's why we are here."
"I can tell you about Lizzie in a minute. Tell me about your wedding first."
After taking a sip of her coffee, Hermione filled Ginny in. Ginny asked several questions about the ceremony, if they had been changed in any way, and how Hermione felt now that she was legally married. Of course, it being Ginny, she had to go further and get personal.
"So, did you grow one yet?"
"Ginny!"
"Oh, stop bushing, Mi! How was it? Did the toy help at all? Did you use it? I bet you liked it!"
"Oh, God, Gin, lower your voice, please!"
"Then answer me!"
"No, I haven't grown one yet because we decided to wait until both ceremonies were official before we did. And we did use the toy, and it was lovely. And yes, I liked it very much once I got over myself and let go. Fleur enjoyed it as well and was very surprised by it. So thank you for making me go and buy it!"
"Only you would describe such a sexy romp as lovely, Mi! But you're very welcome. I'm glad I could be of service and you're now more open to ideas."
"Yes, I am. It's been wonderful to try new things and take our relationship further. We're not going to wait to have children, either. Once the ceremony is over this weekend, we'll go ahead and take the potions. We're ready to have babies."
"Babies, eh? So more than one. This is certainly good news. And I bet you'll figure out a way to reverse the process so you can have one as well, am I right?"
Hermione smiled. "You know me well, Gin. It's something I'm already looking into, but I won't tell Fleur until I've figured it out."
Ginny laughed. "Well, I can't say I'm surprised by that. If it was anyone else, rules would be followed and not questioned, but you always have to find a way to take things further. It's one of your better qualities, and one I'm sure Fleur appreciates."
"Thanks, Gin. Now I've told you enough. Tell me about Lizzie."
"Lizzie broke up with Thomas a few days ago and he's livid."
"And what about you?"
"I couldn't be happier that he's out of the picture, Mi. It's the sign I've been waiting for to tell her how I feel about her."
"And have you?"
"No," Ginny said in a deflated voice.
Hermione frowned. "Why not, Gin? Isn't this what you wanted?"
"I haven't spoken to her since it happened. She asked Gwenog to take a few days off and as far as I know, she's not even in London. I've no idea where she's gone."
"Oh, Gin, I'm sorry to hear that. Have you asked Gwenog where she is or how she can be contacted?"
"I can't. She'll suspect something's going on and I can't risk that just yet."
"Is Thomas still here?"
"Yeah. He's not as upset anymore, since there are plenty of witches out there vying for his attention. He'll get over losing Lizzie sooner than most think. He's ego was the one hurt, not his heart. I've had a feeling he was cheating on her anyways."
"Oh, Gin. I'm sorry this has turned into such a mess. What are you going to do?"
"Well, that's why I wanted to talk to you. Do you think I should sit around and wait, or should I go find her?"
"What is your heart telling you to do?"
"To go after her, confess my love, and try to work things out with her."
"Then why haven't you?"
"Fear."
"Fear? Of what?"
"Hermione, I'm not sure she wants a serious relationship with me. If she did, wouldn't this be the opportunity for it?"
"What if she left because she wanted some time alone to organize her thoughts and figure out what she wants? Didn't you tell me she was jealous when we went out last week?"
"Yeah, she was. And she asked me several times what was going on, if I was seeing someone else and I didn't give her any concrete answers."
"Ginny Weasley! And why in bloody hell not? No wonder she left!"
"What do you mean?"
"She probably thinks this is all some game to you as well. If she thinks you're seeing someone else behind her back, she not going to come find you. You have to find her and tell her how you feel. Tell her why we went out. I don't want you losing an opportunity like this because of some silly misunderstanding. Ginny, if you love her, truly love her, you will find a way to go after her and confess your feelings."
"I want to do that, Mi. But I have no idea where she might be. We never gave each other the chance to know one another as more than lovers. I really have no idea where she could be and it's driving me crazy. I've gone about this entirely the wrong way."
"No shit, Sherlock!"
"Who is Sherlock?" Ginny asked totally confused.
"Never mind, Gin. It's just a Muggle saying. Give me a moment to make a call."
Hermione took out her cell phone and dialed a number quickly. Ginny looked at her expectantly, not sure who her friend could be calling in the middle of their conversation. Still, she waited, since there was usually a good reason for Hermione's madness.
"Sean, its Hermione. How are you?" A pause. "Good, glad to hear it. Listen, I need a huge favor and I need you to do this quietly, you know the drill." Another small pause. "Exactly. I need you to find out the whereabouts of Elizabeth Warwick as soon as possible for me. She left London a couple of days ago and I need to know where she went." A longer pause. "Right. Call me back as soon as you can."
"Who is Sean?"
"Sean is a good friend of mine as well as an associate. He's a Muggle born Wizard as well as me and has all sorts of ways to find people and things. I consider him one of my secret weapons at the Ministry and outside. He's never failed me yet, so let's give him a few minutes to work his magic, no pun intended. Sean is the best in the business."
"If that's so, how come he didn't find Fleur for you?" Ginny asked skeptically.
"Because I didn't ask him to. I didn't want to involve him in something so personal to me. We're good friends, but I try to keep things between us on a professional level."
"I see. So if he finds her, then what?"
"What do you mean, Gin? You get your arse over to her as soon as we find out, you explain, you plead and beg if you have to, you confess your love, and you find a way to work things out with Lizzie."
"And what about the team? My family?"
"Since when do you care what others think? Ginny, are you sure you love her, or is she just someone to pass the time?"
"You should know better than to ask that question, Hermione. Of course I love Lizzie. I just don't know how everyone will react to the news."
"I don't think anyone needs to know about it right away. Seems to me like you have to straighten things out between you first."
"You're right. I'm being stupid."
"Oh, Gin, it's not that you're being stupid. You're probably worried sick and not thinking clearly."
Just then, Hermione's phone rang. She looked at the id caller and smiled. She picked up right away. She only said hello and listened attentively for a moment. She took a pen out of her purse and wrote and address on a napkin. After thanking Sean, she hung up and smiled triumphantly at Ginny as she handed her the napkin.
"He found her?" Ginny asked aghast.
"Of course he did. She's at that address. Go get her, tiger, and I expect to see you both at my wedding on Saturday. You're my maid of honor, after all."
Ginny squealed so loudly that several patrons turned to look at the enthusiastic redhead as she hugged her friend, planted a loud kiss on her lips, and bolted from the store. Hermione smiled, shrugged her shoulders at them, and left as well. Her good deed of the day had been done. Now she had a wife to go and please at home.
0-0
Saturday arrived bright and clear and Hermione couldn't be happier. As it was tradition, and even thought they were already married, Apolline had made them spend the previous night in separate bedrooms of the villa. Neither had been pleased, but accepted if only to please Apolline and Grandma Marguerite. Hermione was drinking a cup of coffee in a balcony overlooking the sea when Fleur came by to see her.
"Good morning, mon amour. Did you sleep well?"
Hermione kissed her wife's soft lips and smiled. "Not really. I missed your warmth by my side and I was too excited to really sleep."
"I could not sleep for 'ze same reason. Maman was crazy to suggest such a 'zing. I will probably get in trouble for coming to see you now, but I could not wait until later."
"It's okay, love. From tonight on, we will never have to sleep apart again."
"I cannot wait to marry you in front of our family and friends, mon ange. It is a dream come true."
"It is, indeed. And just think, love, tonight we could take the potions and conceive our first child!"
"You are very excited about 'zat, non? 'Aving a bébé with you would make me 'ze 'appiest woman on earth, too, 'Ermione. I am looking forward to it."
"I promise you, Fleur, that nothing will come between us and our happiness ever again."
"I know so."
"Fleur Isabelle Delacour!"
At Apolline's shout, Fleur smiled sheepishly at Hermione, dropped a quick kiss on her bride's lips and Apparated away after waving at her mother. Hermione couldn't help but giggle.
"I swear 'zat child of mine will give me premature gray 'air!"
"I'm sorry, Apolline. It was as much my fault. We can't seem to stay away from each other for too long."
Apolline smiled in understanding and nodded. She kissed both of Hermione's cheeks in greeting as she reached her.
"I know, child. It was 'ze same for me and Armand. And it is still 'zat way. 'Ze bond we share is unbreakable and so will yours and Fleur's. It pleases me 'zat you are 'er mate, 'Ermione. I 'ave never seen my daughter so 'appy and it is because of your love. I 'zank you for 'zat."
"Believe me, Apolline, it is my pleasure to love her as much as I do. I'm pretty lucky to have her as my wife and I promise you and Armand that I will do everything in my power to make her happy for as long as we live."
Apolline smiled as tears swam in her bright blue eyes. "Let us get ready for 'ze big event, non? 'Ze guest should start arriving shortly and 'ze ceremony is to take place in about an 'our."
"You're right."
0-0
"Hermione, William is insisting on walking you down the isle, dear. I've explained that you're already married and planned on both being at the front with the Ministry official, but he doesn't care."
Hermione chuckled and so did Ginny, who was putting the final touches to her hairdo. "Tell daddy to talk to Armand. Maybe they can work something out. Maybe Armand can stand with Fleur at the front and daddy can walk me down the isle."
"Yes, that would be a good idea. I'm sorry, darling, but you're his only daughter and he doesn't want to miss any of his fatherly duties."
"It's lovely of him, Mrs. Granger. My father would act exactly the same way," Ginny told her smiling.
"I'll go talk to them, poppet. He'll be pleased. You look lovely, by the way. Fleur is going to faint when she sees just how beautiful you look."
"No! I need her awake for the ceremony. There's no way I'm not marrying her today!"
"You truly love her, don't you, darling?"
"More and more everyday, mum. She is my life."
Emma and Ginny sighed at the same time and Hermione smiled. Ginny went back to her hair while Emma went to inform the men of the new arrangement.
"Hey, before we go out there, thanks for finding Lizzie for me."
"I know we still need to talk about that, but I'm glad things worked out for you."
"I am, too. I don't think I've even been happier."
"When will you tell your family?"
"After your wedding. This is your time and I don't want to take away from that."
"Well, I appreciate it, and you'll tell them when you're good and ready to. Although, they might suspect something's going on if you keep looking at each other as you have so far. It's pretty obvious something's going on between you."
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
"Yeah, I figured as much!"
"Hmm, I'll have to watch myself, Mi. For now, though, a beautiful blonde is waiting for her stunning bride to walk down the isle, so let's get going before Fleur barges in here demanding to know what's taking so long!"
"You're right. As unbelievable as it might sound, I can't wait to marry Fleur again!"
0-0
Gasps were heard when Hermione came down the isle on the arm of a beaming William Granger. She ignored all the murmurs and concentrated solely on the vision of beauty that was her wife. Armand was standing by his daughter just as proud. Emma and Apolline stood by, both with tears in their eyes, and watched their daughters with glowing smiles.
An arch covered with white flowers stood on the cliff overlooking the sea. Chairs covered in white fabric faced it. Their guest consisted of family, close friends, a few co-workers and previous teachers. Hagrid and Madame Maxine stood out and cried openly.
Fleur looked at Hermione and her heart melted once more. Her bride wore a simple white dress that only enhanced her beauty. Fleur's eyes watered and she sucked in a deep breath to try to contain her emotions. She felt her father pat her hand and smiled.
"She looks beautiful, chéri, and I could not be more proud of your choice."
"Merci, papa. I love 'er more 'zan any of you know."
"I know just 'ow much, ma petite, since I 'ave loved your mother as much for as long as I 'ave known 'er. It is 'ze forever kind of love."
"Oui. It is 'ze most wonderful feeling in 'ze world."
"Oui. Je t'aime, Fleur Isabelle."
"Je t'aime, papa."
0-0
"She looks beautiful, poppet."
Hermione admired Fleur's gown and had to agree. Both had gone for simplicity and it had been the best idea.
"She does, doesn't she? I think I fall in love with her more and more everyday, daddy."
"Just as it should be. I've been married to your mum for over twenty-five years and I still find more to love everyday."
"Oh, daddy, that is such a romantic thing to say."
"Well, I just want the same for you. And with Fleur, I think you will be the same. The love you both feel is palpable and undeniable. I couldn't be happier for the both of you."
"I love you, daddy. Thanks for being here with me today."
"There's nowhere else I'd rather be. I love you, too, poppet."
0-0
Just then, Hermione and William reached the front. William kissed Hermione's forehead and smiled tenderly at her and then at Fleur.
"I am giving you my most precious gift and I trust you to take care of her," he told Fleur as he placed Hermione's hand in hers.
"And I promise you I will treasure 'er with all of my 'eart and soul."
"I know you will." William kissed both of her cheeks and turned towards his wife.
Hermione smiled at Armand and kissed both of his cheeks. "I promise you the same. Fleur is my life and I will make her happy."
"I know, mademoiselle. Believe me, I know!"
He stepped aside and went over to his wife. Both men put their arms around their weeping wife's and tried to keep their tears at bay without much success.
Ginny and Gabrielle stood by the Ministry official and were all smiles. The official turned towards them and smiled. Fleur and Hermione only had eyes for each other. The Ministry official turned towards their guest and they all sat down. Once everyone was settled, he spoke softly.
"Fleur and Hermione have each written their own vows." He turned towards them. "Fleur, why don't you go first?"
Fleur nodded at him and then looked back at Hermione. Taking a deep breath, she tried to compose herself.
"I 'ave loved you for as long as I can remember. From 'ze moment I laid eyes on you I knew in my 'eart 'zat you were 'ze one for me. For 'ze longest time, I wanted to tell you of my feelings, but life got in 'ze way. Now, finally, I 'ave you and I will be able to love you freely for 'ze rest of my life. 'Zere is nowhere else I would rather be 'zan by your side, loving you, taking care of you and making sure you are as 'appy as possible. I wake up in 'ze morning with a smile on my face because you are by my side. I go to bed 'zanking all 'zat is 'oly for 'aving you in my life. 'Ermione Jane, 'zere is no one I 'ave loved as much as you and no one will ever get in 'ze way of our love. I promise to be faithful to you. I promise to cherish you and our love for as long as I live. From 'ere on out, you will be my world, 'ze reason I live. I love you so very much, with all of my 'eart and soul, and until my very last breath. I am yours, forever and always."
Hermione swallowed hard when Fleur was done. Tears ran freely down her cheeks but her smile was radiant.
"Fleur Isabelle, you came into my life a long time ago, but it took me a while to really know you. I let prejudice and the ignorance of youth get in the way of us becoming friends when we first met. I'm just thankful life gave me another chance. One in which I fell in love with the most beautiful and charming woman in the world. I've never met anyone so patient, nurturing or loving as you. While you had time to get used to your feelings, I had trouble getting used to mine and you were patient and walked me through it all. No one has made me feel as loved or as cherished as you have. No one has ever loved me as deeply. No one has ever made me feel the things you do. Fleur, you make me soar! My heart beats only for you. My soul recognized you as its mate. No one else will do, no one else will ever come close. All I've ever wanted I found in you. I promise to be faithful and to cherish you heart and soul. I love you to the moon and back. You make me feel complete and alive. I will love you until the day I die, and even then, I will love you for all eternity. I am yours, Fleur, for as long as you will have me."
By the time they were done, there wasn't a dry eye on the cliff. The Ministry official performed the rest of the ceremony. Ginny handed Hermione a gold band and she placed it back on Fleur's finger with trembling hands. Gabrielle handed Fleur Hermione's ring and she placed it on her wife's finger as well and then kissed her finger softly.
Hermione's couldn't help the tears that escaped her eyes once again. Everything she had always wanted was finally hers. Happiness like she had never known washed over her and reached every nook and cranny of her heart and soul. She felt like she was glowing. Not even on their Veela ceremony had she felt such a sense of belonging to the one she loved. Her heart felt like it would burst from all the happiness it was feeling.
Fleur looked into her wife's eyes and her own watered. She could feel Hermione's happiness in her very soul. Every thought, every emotion she was feeling, Fleur could feel and she was radiating the same thing back. There was a glow in their eyes that was unmistakable. They were in love and nothing or no one would ever come between them.
The official finally gave them the okay to kiss and Fleur smiled coquettishly at Hermione and wiggled her eyebrows. Hermione laughed and brought her hand behind the blonde's neck and pulled her forward. Their lips met in a fiery kiss that would have melted their socks off had they been wearing any. Their guest erupted into applause and catcalls. The newlyweds stopped kissing and bowed while laughing.
The reception that followed would be talked about for months after as one of the most loving and fun they had ever participated in. Fleur and Hermione left several hours later, to an unplotable island close to the Greek isles for a week of pure delight.
0-0
"'Arry, 'ze Daily Prophet is 'ere, amour. Let's if 'ze news of 'zeir marriage is in it."
Harry stood up and went to stand behind his fiancé. Gabrielle turned the pages to the society page and found a picture of Hermione and Fleur as they kissed and then bowed right after their ceremony.
This past Saturday, Fleur Isabelle Delacour married her girlfriend, Hermione Jane Granger in a ceremony only attended by close family and friends. Those lucky enough to attend the nuptials raved about the beautiful and meaningful ceremony, followed by a wonderful reception hosted at the Delacour's seaside villa in France.
Both of the brides wore simple white gown and had written their own vows. There wasn't a single dry eye during the emotional and heartfelt speeches. While not many knew of their relationship, the two had been going out for over seven months and had moved in together recently.
Fleur's Veela heritage played a big role in their getting together, since Hermione was her destined love. While it took a while for them to get together, (Fleur had known Hermione was her soul mate since she was 17) theirs is an inspiring and loving relationship. The love they feel for each other is a palpable, living thing.
We at the Daily Prophet wish them a lifetime of love and happiness, which they rightly deserve after all they've been through in their short lives. May love always reign in their hearts. Congratulations to you both in such a wondrous occasion.
0-0
"Well, they finally printed something worth reading. Not only that, but they got it right as well!" Harry commented when they were done reading.
"I will save it for when 'zey come back in a few days. I don't 'zink 'zey will appreciate an interruption of 'zeir 'oneymoon!"
"You're right, love." Harry sat back down and pulled a giggling Gabrielle onto his lap. "Now that they are married, when are you going to marry me, eh?"
Gabrielle dropped a kiss on his lips and smiled. "Anytime you're ready is good for me, amour."
"I think I'm going to give Apolline a call then!"
"Go ahead. Maman will be more 'zan 'appy to prepare another wedding."
"I love you, Gabby and I want to make you my wife soon."
"I'll call Maman and tell 'er to get 'ze villa ready for another wedding. Is next month okay?"
"Yes!"
0-0