Tell Me Your Secrets
Author: Ladyfun
Rating: M. Why? Because.
Summary: Hermione and Fleur, in the post-war world, find themselves in the unsettling role of colleagues with more than a bit of lingering and forbidden attraction towards one another, despite their obligations to others. One fateful evening, courtesy of the firewhiskey, they admit their repressed secrets and darkest desires, to one another. Problem is, one can't unring a bell, once rung...nor the actions that follow. Angsty Fleurmione!
Disclaimers: I don't own Harry Potter or any of its merchandising- all of this is in wholesome, non-profit fun. Ownership belongs to JK Rowling as everyone in the free world is aware. Will have some kinks in later chapters, disclaimers forthcoming as needed...
A/N: Loved writing this- love these two. They should've been Canon. Thank you those of you who held on till the bitter end.
Chapter FIN. The Truth Shall Set You Free, part II
The eldest Mendoncia had called for it. The Blood Duel.
Yet, the youngest eligible Mendoncia was now asked to finish it. She was old enough to fight, yet ironically not old enough to vote.
And yet Bernadette Mendoncia found herself central in the uncomfortable position of being asked to finish a battle she didn't morally agree with, against the woman who had inspired her growing up. Inspired her against the very people asking her to do these unpleasant things.
As a young girl from a well-to-do French family, She was a radical outsider who believed in equality. It set her apart within her own family. The idea that someone like Hermione Granger could exist in the world steeled her against the constant Taunting at the hands of her older siblings and abusive behavior from her "disappointed" parents.
Standing in her pale blue Beauxbaton uniform, her wand hand grew unsteady as she stared deep into the chocolate pools of compassion, the eyes of Hermione Granger-Delacour.
Although she had missed Apollenes passionate speech regarding Hermione's character and worthiness, she didn't need it. She knew her biography by heart. She knew all there was to know, publically available, regarding the traits of Brunette woman standing before her, at the tip of her wand. She had worshiped Hermione since she was able to read.
She dreamed of being the next Hermione Granger, someday.
Ironically she found herself a standing in a position very much like Hermione's of many years prior: She was asked, while herself still a child, To take on an adult's burden that they themselves could not finish.
She raised her head, in her blue Beauxbaton's chapeau, and looked at her grandmother. Although her voice was quiet, it was calm and resolute.
"Non! I will not do it!"
Gasps went trough the crowd, and her mother and grandmother stood, stunned.
Bernadette lowered her wand hand, and spoke again. This time, her inflection reflected her growing anger.
"I will not bring harm to ... To the bravest woman history has known, in my lifetime! I will not do it."
The younger woman set her wand to the ground. "Madame Granger-Delacour...I yield."
The crowd burst into chants, applause, and wild cheering. Harry's voice might've been the loudest of all.
None of it was heard by the pair of staring at each other who had been in the dramatic standoff, however. Without a word, Hermione reached forward, and grasped the young woman to her breast, hugging her tightly. Bernadette began to tear, relief pouring through her.
"Actually," Hermione whispered , as she clutched the young woman tightly, "I have to admit...truthfully, that which you just did...that might've been one of the bravest things I've ever seen, in my lifetime."
Young Bernadette could no longer hold her tears, and openly sobbed, clutching Hermione. Hermione rubbed her back, understanding the pressure that had been put on this girl.
Etiolle chose wisely not to focus her anger on her distraught young grandchild. Instead, she directed it towards the proceedings.
"Madame parliamentarian," she screeched. "there has been an egredgious violation of the rules of order! A non-blood relation of the House of Delacour entered the fight... illegally!" she said, with venom. "It is merit for an immediate disqualification!"
She folded her arms, victorious, knowing she was right.
The temporary parliamentarian looked over, nervously , to Apollene .
"Madame Delacour?" She asked, nervously.
Hermione kept her arm tightly around the terrified young Beauxbaton that had granted her mercy, as though to shield her. Hermione narrowed her eyes, and her gaze found Fleur's equally concerned one.
A Cheshire grin passed over the face of the silver fox.
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, knowing instinctively her former mentor had a trick up her sleeve. She realized it was now "showtime," and they were about to witness what Apollene, in all her frightening glory, had prepared.
The Silver Fox spoke, clearly amused. "Ah, yes, about zat... Etiolle...well. It seems, actually, it should've never come to ze blood duel, in ze first place."
Murmurs passed through the crowd.
"Zere was a small matter of ze parliamentary count not concluding, actually." She gave a knowing look to the boy who lived, summoning him. "Monsieur Potter? You may now complete your task."
"Yes, Madame...with pleasure, Agent Delacour!"
He motioned off to the side, and in a flash of light and smoke , nine people apparated to the sacred grounds, with a tenth following shortly thereafter.
The Veela collectively gasped. Three Muggles, each accompanied by one French Auror and one British Auror flanking them, apiece, walked slowly to the center of the pitch. It did not escape anyone's notice that one of the Aurors was that of Ron Weasley , thus completing the "golden trio" trifecta.
He waved at his ex-wife, and gave her a thumbs up. Hermione felt a strange sense of relief washing over her, and smiled back at Ron.
Finally, the 10th person to arrive, Bill Weasley, concluded the unusual congregation. He arrived behind them all, warding off the area, while murmuring protection spells. It appeared they brought Britain's best curse breaker along, as well, to ensure the safety of the site. Once finished to his satisfaction, he gave Apollene a nod, then Bill smiled at his ex-wife, giving her a wink. "We got your backs, ladies."
Etiolle scowled. "I hardly see how this-"
Apollene raised her wand to the other woman's face. "You will hold your tongue until everyone has had their chance to speak, Madame." The Veiled threat was clear in her voice.
The first Muggle moved forward. Facing the crowd they heard her utter a magic incantation, and the crowd gasped.
Before their eyes, dissolved the nondescript features of the average looking Muggle, replaced by the unmistakably beautiful Veela visage, replete with a dazzling thrall, revealing none other than...
...Colette D'Antonio, The lost Veela.
The onlooking crowd gasped, and was stunned. After the initial shock and scattered screams had subsided, reality set in. Several onlookers fainted; many cried out in shock. Crying, her family members ran to her, embracing her. The reception was more than she expected, and the homecoming caused Colette to weep, openly.
"Mon Dieu! Colette...what?" mumbled the temporary parliamentarian, as stunned as everyone else. "How? Why?"
Colette pulled herself from the embrace of her family and spoke to the parliamentarian.
"Ze what and 'ow can be saved for later Mme. parliamentarian," she said, strength in her voice. "more importantly iz the ...why."
She looked to her two other Muggles companions, as they transformed into their Veela selves, once again.
The Crowd was beside itself, stunned. It seemed that today was full of unexpected surprises.
"Ze why," Colette explained, jaw set firmly, "iz zat we are 'ere ...to vote." She looked at the Mendocia contingent, a meaningful look that did not escape their notice.
"I see..." The parliamentarian said, solemnly. "Well, voting 'as..."
"According to the By-laws, any Veela may vote, so long az zey are above ze age of 16, and so long az ze vote iz cast before midnight of ze called vote." Colette recited. "It iz before midnight, Madame. We 'ave come to 'elp Mme. 'ermione Granger. 'ermione... ze finest person I ..we...'ave ever had ze privilege of knowing."
She looked at her companions, then over at Hermione, tears in all of their eyes. Colette continued. "Mme. Granger...ze British agent zat gave no regard to 'er own personal safety, to 'elp save ze life of a French woman, me, one who everyone else 'ad ...thrown away."
Hermione shook her head, frustrated.
"Colette...no!" Hermione looked pained. "You didn't have to do this ...you didn't have to blow your cover!"
Colette laughed, noting Hermione's agitation. "Agent Granger...once again , you prove my point ! Your concern iz precisely why I am here. Only you would zink it more important for someone to keep their cover -protected by your amazing spell -zen to come and vote to take charge of ze most powerful Veela clan in ze entire world!"
She looked at Hermione, her eyes full of obvious devotion and gratitude. "Only you, Madame, would zink my personal safety was more important zan power. And that Mme. Granger, iz exactly why I am 'ere, today." She smiled at Hermione, then looked at Fleur. "And while I don't know you, Madam Delacour, I do know zat if Hermione 'as chosen you -you must indeed be worthy... "
With a final smile towards the Golden Girl, the newly reborn Veela spoke. "...therefore, I cast my vote... for the House of Delacour!"
The crowd exploded, cheering at the new development.
A voice behind Colette rang out. "I cast my vote for the House of Delacour!"
Then a third, also for the Delacours.
After the boisterous noise had died down, the fuming Mendoncia family looked on, seething with anger at the three new appearances.
The eldest finally spoke. Etiolle's voice was positively dripping with venom. "Mme. parliamentarian, we still have the issue of the fact the vote is a tie. Secondly, and more importantly, we have the illegal appearance of a nonblood relative into the blood feud, thus requiring sanctions against the house of the Delacour!"
She looked towards Apollene. "It merits immediate disqualification!"
A gasp went through the crowd.
The fucking bloody legal system, Harry thought to himself. Bollocks...It really does suck everywhere.
Fleur looked over toward the smug appearing twins, wishing she could kill the smug looking twins on the spot. Once again, it was Hermione's gentle voice that brought her out of her blood fueled rage.
"Fleur, calm..." She murmured.
"'ow can you say zat, Hermione? You know she's right! Zey beat us! Zey beat us , on a fucking technicality! " Fleur's eyes were darkening.
Hermione winked at her mate. "Remember what I said, Fleur? One should never count out a Delacour!" With that proclamation, Hermione walked to the front of the pitch and faced the crowd. She then looked over towards the miserable appearing parliamentarian and the two heads of house.
The famous Gryffindor, raised her hand, silencing the crowd. She spoke. If I may Mme. parliamentarian, may I have the floor, to defend the actions of today?
The crowd flew into an immediate frenzy, cheering wildly. For Hermione Granger-Delacour had opted for the dramatic effect: she addressed the crowd, not in English or French, but rather in the secret language of the Veela...fluently.
"What the bloody hell did she just say?" Ron whispered to Bill.
"Dunno, mate. But I think it must have been something good..."
The startled parliamentarian responded. Of course, Mme. Delacoeur-Granger, the floor is yours. You have five minutes with the rebuttal period Of two minutes by the opposing house.
Hermione graciously smiled. Thank you, she replied, a charming smile on her face.
She winked at Fleur. Turning to the crowd, her face was serious again.
Hello, quorum. I appreciate the privilege of being allowed to address these comments, here, on the Sacred Ground. I realize that it is slightly unusual that a Muggle-born, non-Veela and certainly a nonblood relative of the Delacours, was able to transcend the wall barrier, and pass through to enter the blood duel.
Every eye was on her, fascinated.
And I can explain, I think. I apologize for not speaking up before now, but I myself wasn't sure until that very moment.…
She paused, to look at Fleur, lovingly.
Even my own mate is unaware! Respectfully, I offer you this: it was not actually I, Hermione, who entered the battle. Rather, it was the already headstrong gestating child that I currently share, she patted her stomach, with my spouse and mate, Fleur Delacour-Granger, who made that rather impulsive decision.
A collective gasp erupted. Hermione continued, unfazed.
Our child, rushing off into battle, dragging its host mother along...without a clue of the odds or the dangers...she laughed. if I could figure out the French translation for "Harry Potter" I suspect that's what will be the name of our future child!
The crowd laughed. Harry cocked his head, having heard "Harry Potter" amidst all the babble.
While I must be honest and admit that I despise your biased blood requirements, as they remind me too much of a system that nearly ended in my death as well as my best friends and many others...she gestured to Harry and Ron. It is what it is....she sighed. And although I despise the fact I am propagating such narrow-minded traditions, in my opinion, at least I can assist in what should be ...to be.
She looked over to the head of the House of Mendoncia, graciously offering, No offense or slight is meant by that, again, it is only my opinion as an outsider, and I realize I am biased towards the House of Delacour...
The Golden Girl looked back towards her mate. Gesturing towards Fleur, who had walked up and stood next to her and Bernadette in a protective stance, Hermione concluded in the language of the Veela.
Mme. Fleur Isabelle Delacour-Granger, I should add, will be able assume the head of this clan, as destined. We are expecting, and as our child is a Veela, conceived between her Veela self and I, this meets the requirement you have that her legitimate offspring and heir be of Veela blood, thus, her legacy shall continue.
The crowd went berserk, and it was so raucous it almost drowned out her final remark. In English, Hermione concluded, "I have said it many times ...I have learned in big ways and small, never count out A Delacour."
The crowd burst into wild applause, and it was only moments before they rushed the podium, congratulating Apollene, Armanud, Gaby, the expectant parents, and hugging Bernadette and the three lost Veela.
It became so loud and boisterous, the words of the matriarch of the house of Mendoncia were muffled, but still unmistakable to their intended target. Etiolle graciously offered Apollene her congratulations, but quickly moved on to the Golden Girl. She ignored her granddaughter completely, and she hissed quietly, "Madame Granger...this will be subject to verification, I'm sure you realize."
Hermione replied, "I would expect no less, Madame."
Etiolle nodded, and apperated away from the Sacred Grounds. It did not escape anyone's notice that she was the only one to congratulate the family. The absence of the House of Mendoncia did not dampen the levity, however.
Watching with a knowing grin, up on the hill, the elderly Veela in attendance chuckled.
"Well, Hermione Granger is exactly as I expected! She certainly does not disappoint, does she?" she asked, rhetorically, to her attendants. The previssat looked at her senior advisor, and offered, "why don't you all take off the rest of the day...go down there and join them in the festivities."
He looked at her, confused. "what festivities?"
She said "Oh, there will be festivities, momentarily."
"Are you sure?"
She gave him a knowing look. "Of course I'm sure! I am the Previssant!" She snorted, incredidelously. "Besides...I have business to conclude with my successor, privately." She apperated away, leaving her five stunned attendants in her wake.
XOXOXO
After many hours later , and many conjured bottles of champagne later, the impromptu festival in the Delacours honor lasted into the hours of the night complete with a bonfire.
"Why doesn't the ministry do this type of thing, at the conclusion of their proceedings?" Ron drunkenly asked his brother.
"because they've got sticks up their elbows in their arse, little bro... besides, who on the Whizmagot would you really want to drink with? I mean, come on!"
A pair of blonde Veela sisters came up to them, the younger one winking at Ron, who immediately turned purple.
"I rest my case." Bill said, laughing.
XOXOXO
The future matriarch of the Veela clan was just a little by as they say, imbibed. She was having a wonderful time with the clan and her mate; she and her my knee had had the long and difficult conversation of the fact that they were most likely going to have to relocate to France. Hermione took it surprisingly well given she had no real ties to England other than Harry and Ron and Hogwarts her family was long since gone to her.
Fleur, and their unborn child, was her family essentially. The Clan Was certainly doing everything within their power to make her feel welcome and included within their fold. Many were intrigued by her original spell to mask the thrall. Fleur smirked with pride, overhearing whispered conversations Speculating that Hermione Granger was a genius.
She was very pleased that she convinced the lost Veela, granted under the heavy influence of alcohol, to re-enter their society again. They agreed amongst the three of themselves, given Fleur and Hermione were the future of the clan that it was worth another try.
It wasn't until late in the evening, when half of the clan were naked, and after multiple events required her attention as the heir apparent, that she realized that she had not seen her own little sister in quite awhile. As there was a momentary break in the dramas requiring her intervention, coupled with Hermione launching into a lengthy discussion on quantum physics with one of the professors from Beauxbaton's, ( boring her to tears) that Fleur decided it seemed a good time to find her sis. It was thirty minutes later when Fleur found her parents off to the side, away from the festivities, her mother looking very stoic.
"Maman...Pappa," Fleur asked, "Ou est Gabrielle?"
"Gone." Apollene said, her voice strained.
"Fleur... Come here, darling." Her father said. "Its...well, we have something we need to tell you..."
XOXOXO
Hermione was pretty sure she had been fondled by at least 40 Veela; some transformed, some human, and a few not all appropriately. She was looking for her mate to rescue her, and as one of the few sober people left- human or Veela- she could use a civilized escape. Despite her determined hunt, Fleur was nowhere to be found. Hermione closed her eyes, and cleared her mind, using their bond. Her eyes shot open, as she realized, with a start, that Fleur was in distress of some type! Again concentrating, she realized she had to find her...but the only hint was the suggestion she was near some body of water.
Hermione rushed to the closest friendly face. "Colette...is there any water around here? Around the sacred grounds?"
"Oui. Le Lac du Enchante...it iz zat way," she pointed at a path that led towards the forest. "Why?"
"I'll be back ...I'm going to head that way."
She gave both Colette and Bernadette, who had struck up quite a conversation, a kiss on the cheek, and snuck off towards the lake before any of the other starstruck Veela were able to corner her again.
XOXOXOXO
She finally found her mate at the lake, looking out to the water.
Fleur looked majestic and untouchable in that moment. Bearing an unreadable expression on her face, Hermione recognized it as the same expression Apollene had had after reading the note during the proceedings.
"Fleur?" Hermione said, gently.
Fleur turned her head, slowly, not expecting to have company. As soon as her eyes made contact with Hermione's, The former Gryffindor knew something was terribly amiss. Fleur looked completely and hopelessly lost, and she had clearly been crying for an extended period of time.
"Bloody hell, Fleur! What's wrong? What happened?" She rushed to her mate, grasping her hands.
Hermione gasped.
"Fleur...your hands! They're freezing!" She felt the blonde's cheeks, then her forehead, and added with alarm, "You're freezing! My God...we've got to get you out of here, and get you warmed up!"
"Ah, in a minute, ma belle... I need just another minute. One more..." She gazed back out to the water, her eyes far away.
Hermione frowned. "Do you suppose you're going to tell me what's wrong, anytime soon?"
The sadness in the blonde's eyes was positively untenable. She sighed, "I don't zink...no, it iz not allowed, yet."
Hermione was bordering on apoplectic. "What the bloody hell do you mean 'it's not allowed'...what's not allowed?"
"So many secrets...Hermione. Too many secrets." The stoic blonde said in a cryptic manner. She fixed her cerulean blues towards her mate. "My dearest 'ermione, zere will come a time...not for a while, but it will come," Fleur sucked in a breath. "I will 'ave to ask you, 'ermione, someday in the future ..." Fleur's eyes filled with tears, as she continued. "I'm going to ask somezing of you, and I will need you to do it ...regardless of 'ow opposed to it you might be...please, for me...can you do zis?"
"I don't know, Fleur." Hermione answered, honestly. "What is it, exactly?"
Fleur's face was grim. "I'm not sure exactly, myself. But it will apparently be ze thing zat ensures ze world is kept...safe."
"Then, I suppose I haven't a choice, do I?" Hermione Frowned, at the unusually cryptic request.
"I know we share everything, normally..." she paused. "I promise you, Hermione, we will always be a relationship of equals. And no secrets...no lies...no 'idden truths...wiz zis one exception. Zis iz one zing I need you to do for me, no questions asked. I don't know when I will need to ask it of you, but I promise you... I will."
"Okay, Fleur. Do you want me to wait for you?"
"Always." Fleur gave her a sad smile. "Of course."
XOXOXOXO
Platform 9 3/4, 11 years later
It was a time of excitement for every family on the platform. The promise of school and the future to come, a tradition that had happened for hundreds of years for young witches and wizards began with the famous all the families however, every eye could not help but to be drawn to the large and boisterous group that was closest to the platform. The collection of Weasley's, Potter's, and the Delacour- Grangers drew everyone's attention, as the fascination that happens with celebrities, generally does.
The second generation of the Golden Trio drew curiosity, fascination, and adoration. And the thrall emitting off of the Veela contingent didn't hurt, either. The second generation of the Golden Trio seemed completely unaffected by the attention, fortunately, having grown up with the scrutiny all their lives. None more so than Eva Apollene Delacour- Granger, The firstborn daughter of the headmistress of Beauxbaton Academy, Hermione Delacour-Granger, and The French Minister of Magic, Fleur Delacour-Granger.
She had grown up under the weight expectation of too far powerful parents, also inheriting the title of Heir Apparent of the largest and increasingly powerful clan of Veela in all of Europe.
11 years ago, the Delacour-Grangers made the decision to move to France and uproot. Fleur's attitude towards her birthright changed radically, and began to take responsibilities as head of the Clan very seriously. She accepted a position in the ministry, and apprenticed behind her mother for a year within the Clan, for assumption of the leadership of Clan Delacour. Apollene turned over the reins to her daughter a year after they moved.
In the decade in which she had assumed leadership, she made some fundamental changes in the direction of the clan. It became far more organized and she appointed a council of trusted Veela to support her lofty objectives. She insisted they no longer live in secrecy and hiding, but rather reclaim the power and authority she felt was the Veela's birthright. She was a savvy political negotiator, although many whispered it was actually the acumen and strategies of her wife, Hermione.
Regardless, under her leadership, she unified the most powerful contingents of their clan together, solidifying them from within. On her counsel, were members of the Mendoncias as well as the D'Antonios: Colette and Bernadette, specifically. It came as a shock to no one that the two would bond five years later. What was shocking was that Etiolle Mendoncia as well as Apollene Delacour would become fast friends, serving as Fleur's senior strategists, working well together. Apparently, world domination was a cause that they could both find common ground, both having uncanny talents For the job.
Fleur's policy was a radical departure from the leadership of the past 600 years that felt that Veela needed to be secluded and remain in hiding, in order to survive. Fleur proved Omniscient, and the Veela quickly took a large influence in the shaping of politics, business, and the arts in France; it wasn't long before the exerted their influence on a larger scale globally. Within a few short years, it became apparent that it would be impossible to win an French election without the support of Clan Delacour behind the candidate; and as Fleur climbed up the ranks of the ministry herself, she decided she was tired of propping up inferior candidates. Eventually, she just took control of the agency herself, with the largest margin of victory in French history.
Meanwhile, her wife was happy to live in her shadow. The academic powerhouse took a teaching post at Beauxbaton's. Hermione was surprised to discover how much she absolutely loved it - the focus on academics was unlike that of Hogwarts, and the discipline of the students was incredible. In short, Hermione had found "her people." Serious academics that were dedicated to the art of knowledge acquisition and preservation. It wasn't long before the golden girl herself climbed the ranks herself; however, in her case, it was grudgingly. Eventually, she could no longer ignore the clamor of the Provost and counsel; amid much protest, the former Gryffindor assumed the top reins of the Academy; becoming headmistress of the school two years before their eldest child was due to enter.
It was one year after her unanimous appointment that that the charismatic Eva Delacour-Granger, nicknamed "Harry," by her family, dropped the bomb. As was her M.O., she shocked both of her famous parents into speechlessness. She informed them, over dinner, that "Instead of Beauxbatons, she would be entering Hogwarts Academy for Witchcraft and Wizardry" the following year.
Hermione dropped her fork, as Fleur's mouth fell agape. Her two younger brothers and two younger sisters looked around the table, nervously.
The youngest, Fidèles, began to tear up. "Zat is so far away, Harry! You can't go!"
Eva held up her Hogwarts's acceptance letter, and with a winning smile, announced in her flawless English, "Oh, but I can!"
Hermione rose from the table, sending her good friend, Headmaster Neville Longbottom, a scathing howler, the likes of which he hadn't seen since those of his Gran's, in his 1st year. He immediately owled back, patiently responding that she had been on the acceptance list since the day she was born, and it was fully up to her whether or not she matriculated at the school. Either way, it was out of his hands.
The girl that had been the most photographed child in all of France for the entirety of her childhood, the darling of the press, dropped the bombshell the following week to the public.
In her press conference, she explained with a maturity far beyond her years that the "artificial pressures" would be too much with given her mother's role, and the entire nation, following her every move at Beauxbaton's. She wanted to be judged on her own merits, good or bad, and she wanted to have a more "ordinary" exisistance, which she felt would be obtainable at Hogwarts. There, she explained with finesse, she would be "just another student."
Fleur scoffed, bitterly. "Like she will be 'just anozzer student,' anywhere!" she whispered indignantly, to her mate, during the press conference.
"Mmmm," murmured Hermione, amused as usual, watching the two females, who were so very much alike.
The one taking it hardest of all, that day on Platform 9 ¾, however, was the four year old, Fideles, clutching on to her eldest sister's leg for dear life. "No, 'arry! I will not let you go!" She sobbed.
Eva bent down, whispering something in her sister's ear. Something apparently so magical and consoling that the little girl stopped crying. "Really? You mean it?"
"Cross my heart. I promise." She said.
The little girl's eyes shown brightly. "And you promise you'll write, everyday?"
Interrupting, her eldest brother laughed. "Aw, she's going to be too busy for zat!" Her brother said. "Quiddich, boys, trying to beat Maman's O.W.L.'s , comme ca- " he was interrupted by a painful whack! to the side of his head.
Eva's eyes were on him, furious.
He rubbed his head, ruefully. "Merde! What waz zat for?" He complained.
She had a finger in her brother's face. "I said I would, so I will! You should learn about keeping a promise, brother." She said, the warning in her voice.
Gently, she bent down to her littlest sister, whose eyes were fixed on the older girl. "Every day, my precious one." She said, kissing her hand, and looking at her reverently.
The young girl beamed. "Okay, zen. I guess you may go."
Eva's eyes were amused. "Thank you."
She stood up, and hugged and kissed the remainder of her extended family, and the half dozen or so "inner members" of Veela that had come as well. Etoille Mendocia commanded, "You give 'em 'ell, Eva! Show zem, zose British sops, what ze Veela are capable of, you hear?"
"Yes, Madame." She laughed, giving her the bis goodbye. She was rather fond of Etoille, and adored the heated discussions between her and her Grandmere.
Her farewell with Fleur was businesslike, and she asked that she give her respects to Aunt Gaby who was not present. Fleur nodded. However, her businesslike demeanor vanished as she turned to her other mother. She almost cried immediately, as she looked into the eyes of her other mother, Hermione.
"I'm sorry, Maman." She whispered.
"Don't be sorry, dear. No regrets." Hermione hugged her tightly. "For what it's worth," she added, eyeing the throngs of French press that were leaning over the railings trying to get a shot of the famous girl, "you made the right decision, God help us all…"
She clutched on to Hermione, one moment longer.
"I love you, Maman. So much. Thank you, for understanding. Help Mother understand, okay?" She kissed Hermione, goodbye. The final kiss, of course, was saved for her precious youngest sister, who was holding up fairly well.
She turned from her family, wheeling her blue trunk and her downy owl along, she graciously acknowledged the photographers and the French press with a wave. They went crazy, and the flashbulbs exploded. Eva ignored all the people staring at her as she walked towards the two boys waiting for her, patiently.
She joined her longtime best friends, James Potter and Robert Weasley, sons of the boy who lived and Ginny Weasley, and Ron Weasley and Luna Lovegood, respectively, as they offered their friend a sympathetic look.
"Oy, Harry!" Robert mused. "Doesn't it ever get bloody old? All the press following you around all the time?"
She shrugged. "Meh. I'm used to it. I'll admit, I can't wait to get on that damn train, though. You bring the chocolate frogs?"
He looked at her incredulously. "Wha-? I thought you were bringing them!"
She looked furious. "Zut! It's your uncle's damn store, Weasley!"
James broke up the fight. "He's pulling your leg, Harry! Blimey, you need to get yourself sorted out, girl! Don't you see the bulge in his robes?"
She grinned. "I thought he was just glad to see me!"
"Why would I be glad to see your ugly arse?" He grumbled. "Just be ready to lose, big time. You did remember the cards, right?"
She rolled her eyes, and the three conspirators broke out in secret laughter, and boarded the train, together, their parents watching, with various levels of concern and amusement.
XOXOXOXOXOX
PLATFORM 9 ¾, SEVEN YEARS LATER
It seemed like just yesterday they were here, dropping off their rogue eldest child for school. Fortunately, they hadn't lost the other three, as they sensibly chose to attend Beauxbatons. However, it was a given they would hemorrhage the youngest to Hogwarts. It was just they, the grandparents, and a few of the Veela, as Beauxbatons had started a week earlier.
As they kissed Fideles goodbye, they were thankful that it wasn't nearly as much of a circus, this go round. As Fleur began to tear up, with Hermione rubbing her back, the youngest assured them she would be fine.
"Maman, stop worrying! What can go wrong? My sister iz ze Head Girl, for Goodness' sakes!"
"Zat is precisely what concerns me, ma Belle!" Minister Fleur Delacour-Granger replied, only half-kidding.
As if on cue, the 7th year appeared, bright eyed. Hermione marveled at the woman her daughter had become. So much like Fleur, with a few qualities of hers…but still very much her own woman, somehow.
A gorgeous woman, at that.
All eyes were on the Head Girl, as she seemingly glided over to the new first year. "Ready, squirt?" She grinned.
Fideles squealed. She took off running, and she ran directly into her sisters' arms, with a leap. "Zere you are!" She kissed her sister's cheeks, a dozen times. "I waz afraid you would be to busy to come over!"
"Never for you!" She picked her up, hugging her. "C'mon, I hear the Potter's kid brought a stash of chocolate frogs, in the last carriage, which I can neither confirm nor deny."
"Really?" She said wide-eyed.
Eva shrugged, smiling. She waved at her family, as she let down her youngest sister from her embrace, and took Fideles by the hand. The youngest Delacour-Granger was animated, and talking a mile a minute, her older sister nodding, amused.
As the two figures walked off, hand in hand, their mothers watched them. "Well…" Hermione mused. "At least those poor owls will get a break, not having to fly back and forth everyday."
"Oui." Fleur agreed.
They waved, as they watched the Hogwarts's Express pull away.
Listening to the sound of the whistle as it carried their eldest and youngest away, Hermione's mind inevitably drifted to that day. The day she knew would eventually come. Hermione's eyes were far away, as she recalled the moment when Fleur finally called in her card, and asked her mate for a favor.
TBC- one last chapter.