Demand for the next installment was high so I thought I'd be nice to my loving readers and put this one up sooner than planned because I'm busy with my first Multi-chapter fanfiction and that will take up most of my time now. Hope you all enjoy it, sorry for any grammar mistakes.

Don't Let the Feathers Fool You

Summer had passed and for the bright students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry another year had begun. Harry, Ron and Hermione were looking forward to their fifth year and everything that came with it. Well almost everything.

"That woman is just full of…!"

"Ronald!"

"But Ron's right Hermione, she's a load of…"

"Harry!"

The Golden Trio were leaving their final class before lunch in a foul mood. Their newest teacher to take the ever elusive station of Defence Against the Dark Arts was Professor Dolores Umbridge. A Ministry official who came into the position because the Minister thought it a wonderful idea to have someone to watch over the school and make sure it held its teachings up to 'their' standards. Needless to say the trio hated her with a burning fire as did most of the student body. The boys were slightly surprised that Hermione, Hogwarts most respectable student towards teachers really wanted to throttle the woman. It was only two weeks into the school term yet the group wanted her gone.

"Hermione you can't deny she is a right git" Ron exclaimed.

"Of course she is Ron. But I'm not going to shout it to the world how much I hate the woman, I'd rather keep myself away from her much as possible"

"She tried to cover up everything Harry's been saying about…you know who" the redhead actually took the mind of lowering his voice slightly when talking. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Of course she would. She works for Fudge. He doesn't want anything like that to get out. It would ruin him. He knows it and she knows it. Heck we all know it"

"Detention with her is worse…" Harry muttered quietly as he took his seat at their house table while the others took ones opposite him.

"Don't worry about it mate. She can't continue with this for long until the other teachers find out. She'd be mental" Ron was building his stack of food high onto his plate before diving in. Hermione shifted sideways a little with a disgusted look.

"Ron's right Harry. It's illegal to do that. You should tell Dumbledore"

"No" Harry stared her right in the eye "This is nothing. I'll just keep my head down and she can't do anything to me then" The group were soon joined by their fellow housemates and the subject was dropped for more 'exciting' matters like Quidditch and what everyone did during their summer. Hermione wasn't convinced.

The boys had one thing they looked forward to despite the looming 'pink cloud' over them. Hermione's sixteenth birthday arrived with a little sunshine peeking through, a sign it was to be a good day. Harry wanted to spend it with his best 'girl' friend and hopefully keep her mind far away from the pink fuzzy ball of 'happiness'. Surprisingly when they went up to grab their gifts after breakfast that morning Ginny told them she hadn't seen Hermione return, but did remember the brunette walking off with McGonagall just outside the Hall. Ron joked the professor was giving her more work as a birthday present. No one laughed.

Harry asked every person he knew if they had seen Hermione or knew where she'd be. Most of the answers were no, but to wish her well on her birthday. Least he knew what to say when he found her but not where to find her. Luckily the boys ran into their Transfiguration teacher, who did happen to know the location of their young friend. Harry lost count the number of times they had run down the grassy hill towards the lake side but there was Hermione, happily sitting under a tree with her pet Crookshanks and a new addition to the group. When they got closer they were stunned by the sheer beauty of the thing. Hermione looked up to them happily.

"Looks like you found me. What you think? Beautiful right?" she had on a face splitting grin as she looked back to her priceless gift.

"What is that Hermione? I've never…" Harry managed to sit himself down while still stunned. Ron was just gapping.

"It's like a Phoenix! But…blue" the boys were fascinated.

"Amazing isn't she. This is my gift from the Delacour family. I'm not sure the exact name of the species but I think it's related to the Phoenix…"

Standing securely on a log next to the brunette was a breath taking winged creature. Ron was correct, it did resemble a Phoenix only its features were softer and its body more stream like. Feathers were almost sparkling in the sun, a mix of blues with an undertone of purple. Tail plumes were spread to flow over the wood like silk. Even in the breeze there was not a feather out of place and the creature looked over the humans with dark intelligent eyes.

"I recon Dumbledore will know what it is…" Harry put the small box in hand on the ground thoughtlessly. "It really is something"

"Dumbledore is actually the one who 'delivered' her to me. Well this morning anyway. He said she arrived a few days ago and I guess I couldn't get my gift early, not even from him" Hermione chuckled. The bird gave a soft whistle like sound that made their hearts skip a beat.

"Wow"

"But…how do you know it's a she Hermione?" Ron asked. The bird let loose a high pitch shriek that made the trio clutch their ears tightly. The crest upon its head was up and it spread its wingspan over a good few feet. It looked rather insulted.

"That's how Ronald"

"Bloody hell. That thing is noisy" another shrill sound was sent his way before the bird ruffled its feathers. Hermione gently straights a few feathers on the birds neck to calm her some more. It worked.

"What are you going to name her Mione?" Harry was still mystified by the creature but was a little hesitant to touch after the show it just gave. This did make the brunette think deeply.

"I haven't thought about it yet. I mean I just got her a little while ago and she's just so beautiful…" Hermione smiled as she took in the almost radiance coming off the magical creature. "I'm going to call you Belle"

"Bell? Like the object that chimes?" Ron looked confused.

"No. Belle, from the name Isabelle. It means beautiful" the bird gave another soft chirp before gently nudging its head against the girl's hand.

"Belle it is then. Welcome to Hogwarts" Harry chuckled "Oh, right we also forgot. Happy Birthday Mione" Ron copied his dark hair friend before they handed over their gifts.

"Thanks guys. This day's starting to make me forget all about that dreadful woman. Now I get to show off my new companion"

"I'm surprised Crookshanks is so…tolerant" Harry stated as he looked at the content ginger furball curled up besides his owner.

"I'm surprised too. But he's a smart boy. He won't do anything, right Crookshanks?" she gave the cat a scrat behind the ears.

"Too bad we still have class soon" Ron grumbled to himself.

"I can't wait to show her off in class. I'm so excited" Hermione replied.

"I'm looking forward to it too. I wanna see how the professors handle her" Harry grinned.

They stood from their spot and made their way back to the castle, Crookshanks was following obediently on the girls heals while Belle happily flew above the group in silence. When they came to the Great Hall entrance the cat made himself scarce; off to do what he wished for the day. Belle came down to land softly on Hermione's shoulder giving the girl a small jump when she realised how light the bird actually was. The looks from their fellow classmates was amusing to the girl and the boys laughed at the looks the Slytherin's were giving her when they entered their first class of the day. Belle stood on the edge of the desk her new master shared with Harry and seemed interested in the objects the girl placed before her. Hermione had to hold in her giggle as the bird nip at her quill when the teacher made her way to the front of the class. Professor McGonagall took one look at the bird and smiled.

"She looks to be taking well Miss Granger. Oh and happy birthday" the Gryffindor returned the smile.

"Thank you Professor" McGonagall waved her wand. White chalk shot up to begin writing on the blackboard behind her.

"Books out and turn to page 48. We are continuing on using the Vanishing spell. Wands ready please"

"Professor? We were not required to bring our pets. Why is Granger allowed hers here?" his fellow Slytherins snickered at Malfoys statement. Harry and Ron gave them a disgusted look.

"Mister Malfoy, do you even known the species of which this creature is from?" the room went silent as the attention went to the blonde haired boy. He looked rather put off by being placed into the situation.

"She, Mister Malfoy is part of the Phoenix family and a rare creature to be seen in this part of the world. They are known for their influence over aqua relative beings and are most powerful under the moon. To have the loyalty of such a creature is a gift and bonding with her new friend, Miss Granger has the Headmaster's permission to have that bird anywhere within the castle grounds. Another word and I will take house points from you. Now page 48 of your books now" nearly all the Gryffindor's were snickering under their breath at the green accented students.

Transfiguration went along in near silence after that small incident. Snails were once again placed before them in hopes they could get the whole mollusc to disappear. Hermione was the only one to complete the task, earning points from her Head of House but something else was on her mind more than the task at hand. Hermione realised she knew near nothing about her new pet. Professor said Belle was a type of Phoenix and was empowered by the moon rather than the sun like Fawkes was. This would need a lot of looking into and the girl had only one place in mind; the library. But that would have to wait until lunch break. When the class ended the group packed away their things quickly and with Belle securely on her shoulder, Hermione lead them off to their next class: History of Magic.

Professor Binns' continuous rant was the only thing to echo round the room. No student was scribbling notes or turning pages. They were each doing their own thing, evening sleeping was an option given that the ghost of a teacher never noticed anything other than the sound of his own voice. Hermione merely sat between her friends watching Belle sit there and snooze. So many questions came to her mind and she really wanted answers. What kind of food did the creature eat? What their natural habitat was like? Or even their magical uses? The boys were wondering things similar themselves. Ron poked the creature with his quill only to have the feather stolen. Harry smirked.

"She'll attack you mate. Careful now" Harry whispered.

"But what can she do? I mean Fawkes can heal anything and carry immense weight. But all she's done so far is sleep" Hermione frowned.

"I only got her today Ron. I don't know what she can do but I want to head to the library as soon as possible. I might have to contact Fleur and ask her to see if Apolline knows anything…" Belle looked up at the brunette after saying the name. "Oh, you know that name?"

"What did McGonagall say earlier? Something about controlling water" Harry took back the quill easily as Belle seemed more interested in her master smoothing her crest feathers.

"Influence of aquatic magic. Not control Harry. There is a difference" she quietens quickly as Binns floats past slowly, still droning on about a Giant war in the past century. Harry replied soon as he was once again out of ear shot.

"But she does have some magic ability and I really want to see it" Belle shifted a little on the table edge uncaring of how the humans were talking about her.

"I wanna see it too"

It seemed like forever but lunch had finally arrived and the trio sat together separated from their normal group of friends. They each took bits of their food to offer but almost everything was ignored by the seemingly picky bird. Hermione grinned when she learnt Belle did enjoy a few pieces of fruit and cheese while completely ignoring Ron offering a full chicken leg. Sometimes the brunette really did wonder about that boy's brain.

"The thing has to be French; it eats just like those girls from last year. They didn't touch most of the food either" Ron talked with his mouth full.

"They didn't eat it because the food was to 'heavy' for them" Hermione popped a cheese cube into her mouth before offering the same to Belle. She chirped happily in kind.

"Fleur's words right?" Harry smirked. The witch grinned.

"Of course. Fleur speaks the truth in most cases. Compared to French cuisine, we do eat heavily in a way" she looked at Ron as she said it. The dark haired boy choked on his mouthful after getting the non-small hint towards their oblivious friend. The young witch gently traced a non-existent line down the bird's neck as she got lost in memory.

"You're thinking about her ae?" Brown locked onto green.

"I miss her. I know it's been only a few weeks but I really miss her" she feed another block of cheese to her companion without thought.

"Mione we're not expecting you to suddenly forget about her. But c'mon it's your birthday. You have an amazing new bird to learn about. That was her gift to you, remember?"

"Hey, what if it likes French food instead?" Ron blabbed after swallowing. The two other Gryffindor's blinked at him. "She's from Fleur right?"

"The Delacour family, yes Ronald" Hermione replied.

"Yeah well maybe she likes their food better" he shrugged. Harry looked surprised at the logical thought.

"Maybe Ron's right Hermione. We could ask Dobby to make something for her at dinner. See if she likes that"

"It's worth a shot. I wouldn't mind some bouillabaisse during dinner" Hermione smiled before jumping at the chirp Belle made by her ear sending the boys into laughter. Blushing slightly she gave the bird a glare. "That's not funny Belle" Belle pecked the girl lightly on the nose as an apology. Hermione didn't bother trying to stay mad, who could at such an amazing creature.

Ron finished his second helping and finally pushed his plate away in satisfaction. He was going to comment on another odd thing about the bird when he saw that Hermione with Belle perched on her shoulder was leaving.

"Where are you going?"

"The library. I want to find out as much as I can" the brunette made her way down the long table and exited the hall. Harry chuckled at his friends face.

"Where else could she be going?"

"You are one very odd little bird Belle. I mean there is nothing in here about any sub species of the Phoenix and yet McGonagall said you were. Argh! This is annoying. Trust Fleur to send me an animal that's too special to be studied before" Belle sat herself calmly on a small stack of books her master had placed aside as 'unhelpful'. She watched the fifth year student collect then read through book after book on 'Magical Creature Index' to the 'Phoenix Owner's Guide'. Her growing annoyance showed she found nothing of value. The blue bird gave a soft song in hopes of cheering the girl up.

"Thanks but I'm still going to tear into Fleur next time I see her. It would've been nice if she had sent a letter with at least a little information on you. I don't know what you like and barely know what you eat. Are you naturally nocturnal or do you enjoy high atmosphere pressure to low pressure?" Hermione laid her face in her arms defeated. She cared for all creatures and she didn't want to be the cause of distress to them because she knew nothing of their habits or life style. Her faith in her leather bound friends was failing her fast. Hermione felt a soft tug on a strand of hair.

Tilting her head she saw that Belle had settled herself down next to the brunette so she could nuzzle her feathers against her wool covered arm. The intelligent bird seemed to care little for the knowledge of books or the human race's lack thereof when it came to herself. All Belle cared for was her master was unhappy and she was there to make her feel better, in whatever way she could.

"You really are one of a kind Belle. Special really. Maybe I won't have a go at Fleur the next time I see her. She deserves a kiss for sending me you" Hermione smiled as soft chime was her reply.

Hermione's afternoon was slightly more enjoyable than her morning hours as Belle seemed to enchant more and more people. During her Arithmancy class, Professor Vector absolutely loved the creature and her intellectual mind. During teaching the bird would almost float about the room to perch on desktops or higher standings to look down at the students work. Every now and then she would chirp to notify that the student was doing very well. The class chuckled when Belle stood on the teacher's desk on the other side of the board, almost like she was giving the lesson. Vector treated her like another student as the Phoenix gave obvious signs of easily understanding the material. Not that she gave any answers or could in any case.

The young witch came to love the bird even more when it came time for Potions class. Poor Snape had to accept the headmaster's orders about the new 'bonding' and ignored the duo through his lesson. Harry and Ron were thrilled that it meant he also avoided them during the class too. The Slytherins were openly annoyed their class would be less enjoyable because their head of house could no longer torment the lions all thanks to that bird. Every time one of them made a comment a chirp was sent their way and their liquids began to boil. One girl actually screamed when her cauldron bubbled over. When Snape went to clean it up Hermione and the boys had to cover their snickering at the rather smug looking Belle perched on the brunette's shoulder, head high and preening.

Their trek from the gloomy dungeons to the forest's edge was filled of laughter and awe as Belle took to the skies properly for the first time. She swooped about the heads of the cloaked students and let the sunlight touch every detail of her feathers. Hermione was beginning to get smug herself at knowing this bird was hers alone. Hagrid couldn't contain himself at the first sight of the bird when they made it down to him. The poor giant was almost distracted through his lesson but with a promise from Hermione, he'd get his chance to fully look at the bird another time.

By dinner everyone at the Gryffindor table and quite a few from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were mystified by the rare creature. The trio weren't surprised by the sneers from their ever 'loving' neighbours but it made no difference to them. Ron once again dove in face first into his meal while Hermione was more civil to use her utensils; Harry just chuckled at his friends total opposite personalities.

The brunette didn't know if it should've been surprising or just a normal occurrence that after the headmaster waved his hand for dinner he sent a small wink her way. She got the small joke as before her were dishes she'd had last year when the visitors arrived. Belle was the most pleased as she took nips from different plates at her own leisure, enjoying some fish and pastry.

"Yip, French alright" Ron mumbled through his mouthful as he watched the bird enjoy her newest variety of food. Hermione just gave him a rather unsavoury look in return to that stereotypical insult but kept quiet all the same. She couldn't help but smirk as she helped herself to some bouillabaisse, Belle chirped excitedly as she did so.

Back in the warm comfort of the Gryffindor common room Hermione sat in a seat by the window and tried to read her Defence Against the Dark Arts book. Tried being the operate word as the book was rather outrageous and she couldn't help be distracted by her housemates as they gazed in awe at her Belle. The Phoenix like creature was gently and calmly cleaning her down feathers of her wing while ignoring the gawking children. When one did try to reach forward to touch her she snapped her beak at the imposing fingers in warning. The idea was a success as no one else tried after the first time.

Giving up, Hermione snapped the book closed and took to her feet. With a simple click of her tongue, Belle took flight and landed on the brunettes shoulder. Wishing the others a good night, she took her newest friend up to her room and settled her in on a comfortable blanket on her side table. Belle gave a chime to thank her before curling up to sleep.

Intense staring was passed between the trio at breakfast. They were eating slowly and in total silence as one thought passed between them since they awoke.

"You know this will be…interesting to say the least" Hermione looked quickly between the two boys.

"No kidding. I don't know if I'm excited for it…or anxious" Harry replied as he fed Belle a small piece of fish. The bird had warmed up to him faster than the redhead or her masters other friends.

"Can we go with my idea and skip this class altogether?"

"No Ron. The Professor will find out immediately and we don't any more detentions" the brunette sighed. "I guess we'll just have to go. Come on Belle" locking eyes with her master, the feathered creature hopped to perch herself comfortably on her usual travelling shoulder.

"Again why can we not skip this class?" the two ignored Ron on their way to Defence Against the Dark Arts.

"Miss Granger, please inform me why there is a bird sitting at your desk when this class is clearly not the place to have such an animal?" the delightfully happy Professor Umbridge spoke in a cheerful tone with an underside of malice that the girl clearly caught.

"Professor it was my understanding that the headmaster gave the teachers notice that I would have my bird with me for some time as it's important that some bond is struck. She won't cause a problem" Hermione gently pet the silk like feather on its crown.

"I am well aware of the notice from Professor Dumbledore. But this is no place for pets to be as they are distractions and cause mayhem to the learning minds of students including, yourself. I must say it is an odd thing too. Phoenix's should not be such a depressing colour, I doubt it is even related to the thing" Belle raised herself higher and unfurled her wings. The crest on her head stood up to show the dark purple beneath the softer hues. She paused for only a moment before releasing an ear-shattering screech that shook the windows and caused head aching pain to the occupants of the room. Hermione guessed Belle doesn't take insults lightly. No matter whom they are from.

"Get rid of that blasted thing Miss Granger or I shall…"

"Ah, I believe I heard a rather unnerving call just now. I hope everything is alright?" the door had opened without anyone noticing and stood before them was the headmaster himself. Dumbledore smiled politely to the students. "Good morning everyone, I hope I am not intruding"

"Professor Dumbledore, you can sort out this mess. This creature is an unknown species and should not be within the hands of a child. It should be caged so that proper minds can study it. The Minister will be most unhappy to hear about this" Umbridge tried to retain her pose as she spoke shrilly to the man. Hermione frowned and unconsciously held the bird close to her. Belle was happy to curl up safely within the girls arms.

"I believe you are mistaken Dolores. No such action will be necessary" how Dumbledore remained calm in these situations was a remarkable feat.

"Professor I clearly hope you are not acting against the Ministry on this…" Umbridge almost sounded excited at the concept.

"I believe you didn't fully understand what I meant. This bird is under Ministry protection and by law it cannot be removed from its owner for any reason unless by word of the master alone"

"Ridiculous. There is no such law within the Ministry…"

"Ah Dolores, I never said anything about our Ministry. Under the law in the French Ministry of Magic, this magnificent rare bird holds rights as any witch or wizard. In the division similar to our own Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Belle I believe her name is" Dumbledore sent a soft smile at Hermione who returned it with a nod. "is considered an intelligent Being. Years of research, observations and study have gone into this delightful bird and they have a classification of 'Untouchable'. But please excuse my definition; it is the closest I can relate to the French term they use" Hermione couldn't help by giggle lightly at his response.

"This is preposterous. No such thing has come through the Ministry from…"

"Of course not. Relaying such information to neighbouring Ministries, swarms of magic folk would try to claim creatures like Belle. They choose their masters Dolores much like wands do. So I am correct in saying the bird cannot go anywhere" Dumbledore smiled one last time at the class before leaving. Umbridge was in a state as she tried to control herself. She gave Belle a dark stare before returning to her desk.

"If I hear one more sound from that…bird Miss Granger you will be in detention for a month. Am I clear?"

"Yes Professor…"

"Open your books now. We have wasted enough time"

"Did you see her face?! That was bloody brilliant!" Ron was over the moon as the group walked down the corridor on their way to their next lesson. Neville and Lavender had joined them, both rather captured by Belle's newly advanced status as a 'highly' rare creature.

"It was worth bringing her along just to watch Umbridge being put in her place by the headmaster. I mean all that stuff he said" Harry offered his fingers to the bird at which she nipped slightly before he stroked her neck.

"Well she does have this 'Unique' feeling about her doesn't she?" Lavender replied. "She's rather 'Inseparable' from Hermione too" the group laughed at the thought.

"Oh yes the Mudblood and her chicken are rather funny aren't they" the fifth years stopped when three familiar green robed students crossed their path. Malfoy, as always was the voice of the bunch. "Oh wasn't that what we're laughing about?" the twin oafs snickered.

"What do you want Malfoy?" Ron growled.

"Shove off Weselbee. I wasn't talking to you"

"Oh you mean you actually are lowering yourself to talk to a 'Mudblood'? How thoughtful of you Draco" Hermione distracted herself from the hurtful word by Belle's tail feathers curled around her arm.

"Ha! You should feel privileged. You don't deserve that bird anyway. Such a waste that thing would pick someone like you as a master. Guess it felt pity or something" Malfoy shrugged along with his comment.

"Belle is an intelligent creature. She chose Hermione because she is smart and kind and…"

"Oh look, you got another admirer Granger. Longbottom can't stop himself" Crabb and Goyle were again laughing as Neville blushed before turning away. Harry along with his best friend scowled at the blonde.

"Shut it Malfoy. You're just jealous that not even with your family's wealth you'd ever get a bird like Belle" Malfoy growled at them.

"Watch what you say Potter. Least I have a family and money. Unlike you lot, especially Granger. What have you got really Mudblood? Nothing. Soon as you leave the school it's all over for you. Not even your little 'girlfriend' can change that"

Hermione actually retracted herself in a flinch when a force pressed against her shoulder suddenly. At first she thought Malfoy had managed to throw a charm without her knowing but it was really Belle taking off from her perch. Waving her powerful wings the blue hued Phoenix cried in furry. Malfoy and his goons stepped back as the creature shot above their heads. With her crest high and talons at the ready Belle gave a screech before she was encased in blue fire that looked exactly like the one Hermione created her first year. Taking a second in fear, the boys made a run for it down the corridor as the bird gave chase. Their cries of terror and pain echoed off the walls as they fled for their lives. The Gryffindor's held no remorse for the comedy before them. For once Malfoy got his just desserts and Hermione couldn't be more proud of Belle at that moment.

"Geez, she's just like Fleur when it comes to Malfoy" Harry chuckled whipping away a tear.

"Yeah! She cursed him last year and now Belle…This is going to be the best year ever!" Ron hollered.

"You know. It took me time but I had to realize it was too good to be true. Getting such an amazing gift and someone so special too but really, this has to end" Hermione was sitting on her bed that night, in the room alone while the other girls were downstairs. She was cross but in some way relieved; she wasn't going crazy after all. "Come on. Change already" Belle stood at the end of her bed looking confusingly at her master. Tilting her head to show she didn't understand.

"Don't mess around with me. I know it's you. It can't be anyone else" with almost an audible sigh the creature took flight and encased itself in a shimmering light. Gently touching her feet to the ground, the blonde flicked her long hair aside and smiled.

"I shouldn't be surprised mon amor. I did zink you would get it, just not zat soon. But you are my 'Ermione after all" Hermione grinned at her loving girlfriend, Fleur Isabelle Delacour.

"You gave yourself up after this morning's lesson. Only you would chase after Malfoy as much, while scaring him into next week" Fleur just shrugged.

"Zat ferret boy deserved it. Saying such zings about mon amor. Blasphème! Complete blaspheme!" the brunette couldn't help by giggle at Fleur's expression.

"And insulting you had nothing to do with it I'm sure"

"It may 'ave…but I was upset zat 'e said such zings to you. About you! When I tell Maman about zis she will scalp ze boy. Oh and Grandmere, she would…" Hermione was waving her hands back and forth quickly.

"Alright I get it. None of the Delacour woman like Malfoy. Ok. Now will you actually sit down so I can hold you? Having you perched on my shoulder isn't the same" the two grinned as the blonde took her place on the bed, embracing her younger love in her arms.

"I 'ave missed you 'Ermione"

"I know Fleur. But it hasn't been long since summer"

"Two months! I 'aven't seen you in zat long. It is forever to me" Fleur was gently stroking the curly brown hair atop her loves head hoping to calm herself. An odd habit the Veela obtained in the past year.

"You're just upset I couldn't spend more than a few weeks with you but don't try to distract me here!" she released herself from those deliciously fine hands to stare at Fleur. "Tell me what's the big idea coming to my school disguised as a bird?"

"It was actually my Maman's idea. She couldn't 'andle me being upset at 'ome so…" Fleur shrugged.

"Oh no, there is more to it than that. And all that stuff the Professors said too"

"I'm sure your Professors are referring to a different creature zat is…" Fleur stopped when she saw that hard glare coming from the girl opposite her.

"Fleur Isabelle Delacour, quarter Veela of the Moon Clan within the French borders! You tell me the truth right now or I will refuse to visit until the year is through and you can spend another summer all alone!"

Fleur swallowed the lump that settled in her throat. She knew her love was a very smart minded young woman who didn't like to be fooled or messed with. Along with her growing anger and that famous Gryffindor passion coming through she didn't want to risk any of the words the brunette just promised.

"Very well" she calmly placed her hand on her lap. "For generations witches and wizards 'ave 'ad the ability of changing zeir form to zat of animals. You know zem as Animagus oui? Ze Veela can do exactly ze same only we turn into one creature because we ourselves are part 'Beings' already. What your Professors know as a sub-species of Phoenix is in fact ze Veela Animagus form we can take" Hermione blinked a few times to take in the information accurately.

"You mean all Veela's can change into that?" she got a nod in reply. "Amazing. Wait what about that whole French Ministry protective law?"

"Zat is only 'alf true. I'm sure your 'eadmaster knew what 'e was talking about mostly. Our Ministry is well aware of our ability to change and instead of 'aving any'zing like zat atrocious 'registry' they simply define our animal form as a protected creature to be left at peace. It is ra'zer 'elpful I must admit"

"Anything else you wish to tell me while you're here? I don't want to find out more secrets later Fleur" silence few seconds past between them.

"I do not want you to be mad at me mon amor. I only wished to be at your side again. Please don't be upset I lied…"

"I'm not upset. Intrigued greatly at that, but not upset. I wish you could stay too but we both know that's not possible. After Christmas you are returning home and staying there" the blonde found amusement at the finger pointed at her for added effect to the orders.

"Very well mon ange. You cannot keep me away forever zough" Hermione smiled as she leant forward slightly, placing her hands around Fleur's neck.

"Wouldn't dream of it. Besides, can't have my newest pet suddenly disappear on me forever now can I? Not a 'Highly Rare' loyal one at that" the two met in a soft kiss which was way overdue.

Another chapter. A little different but something that came to mind when I was reading through the HP wiki sight. Every witch and wizard has a special animal for being it either Animagus or Patronus charm. Just wondered what Fleur's would be...seeing as she is part Veela.

Reviews are appreciated greatly. My HP stories may be delayed some for now. Doing Frozen at the moment, but I promise more are planned. We'll be seeing our lovely pair of ladies soon.

Midmoon Kitsune