Hey everyone, thank you very much for the patience you all had to sit through before I came back to this pairing and the HP universe.
Now I got a request from 'chaosrin' (being fellow Kiwi means priority in my story list) with an idea and what came about was this little 'dark' story. So warnings ~ This is not fluffy sappy Fleurmione ~ it is more serious themed Fleurmione with some possible scariness and the likes. I may change the rating because of this so, you have been warned~
-Bold English words are actually spoken in French between the Veela when they are not in the presence of others. Anything else will be spoken properly with translated at the bottom of the page. I mean no disrespect with my French; it all came from Google-
Sacrifices Must Be Made
The trio were pushing their legs through the pain and hopefully farther from their pursuers. One small mistake on their part led to their chasers; Snatchers to find their location in the countryside. If they didn't find a way to be rid of them, they'd be good as dead. Hermione didn't care if she was the shortest or the only girl of the group, tell her to run and she'd race as her life depended on it. This case it did. Risking a chance to look behind, the Golden Girl saw two men still close on her tail; unfortunately she also noticed Ron's capture.
"Ron!" her moment of distraction gave the Snatcher's their chance and soon they would be upon her. With no other choice Hermione did the one thing she believed she could do to help them live. She blasted Harry in the face with a hex before a fowl smelling man grabbed her roughly and stole her wand.
"Grab 'em lads. Well well, wha have we here? This lot are far from their lil school yard" the ring leader gave a pause in his speech to look at Harry's over bloated face. "Wha happened to you ugly?"
"Reaction…bee sting…" the boy tried to talk but his tongue was effected by the charm too and it came out rather muffled.
"Right…And that thing on your head don't looks rather suspicious… Wha ya say we take 'em to the manor boys? See wha they wanna do with 'em" the combined laughter wasn't very reassuring to Hermione and before they knew it they were apparated away into the property of a very wealthy wizard. The trio recognised the looming name over the iron gates and when a certain infamous witch met them things became a whole lot more dangerous.
Being handled gruffly by a six foot tall, fowl smelling buffoon of a man really did little to brighten Hermione's bad day. In fact it made it worse as she had to watch her friend be inspected by a long time hated schoolmate who could end their lives at any instant. Draco Malfoy looked like he wanted to be anywhere but close to his aunt as she whispered in his ear about the kneeling boy. While the brunette couldn't hear anything being said she knew if they found Harry's identity they all would be goners. When the focus of the witch turned from him onto one Snatcher the atmosphere itself changed dramatically.
"Where did you get that?"
"Found it. Recon it mine now" with a flourish of her wand the sword was in her hand and the man was flung backwards to hit the wall hard. Soon the mad witch was attacking every Snatcher in the room with harsh force, sending them packing like scurrying animals while a handful of death eaters laughed from the corners of the room. Hermione was frozen in place when dark bloodthirsty eyes turned onto her.
"Take the boys downstairs. I want to have a little talk with this one. Girl to girl" Hermione's insides were constricting at the mere thought of being left alone with the woman.
Harry collected himself from the damp floor of the Malfoy dungeon as Ron had a go at the locked gate that served as the only entrance. Shaking his head as the last of the spell wore off and his face returned to normal, the two boys just stood by the only light source coming in from the stairs. Footsteps startled them as they realised they weren't the only ones down there.
"Who's there?"
"Harry Potter? Is that you?" a fluttery like voice sounded from the darkness.
"Luna? What are you doing here?"
"Oh I've been here for a while now. Found little use of me so I'm mostly left alone. Oh and Mister Ollivander, Dean and Griphook are here too. They were captured before me though; we've had an interesting time here really"
"That's great Luna but we have to get out of here. Hermione is up there alone with that crazy…" Harry was broken off by a loud echoing scream of pain. Unmistakably it was from their missing friend.
"Hermione! Leave her alone you maniac!" Ron yelled from the barred gate. Harry looked between the ones present trying to get any ideas.
"How do we get out of here?" the green eyed boy questioned anyone. Dean stepped forward.
"The only way out is that gate. No apparating in or out of the mansion and no one has wands. We're trapped until someone comes to get us…" a sudden crack in the air and a small knobble kneed elf stumbled to catch himself before straightening and looking around.
"Dobby?" large eyes connected with the Chosen One.
"Harry Potter! Dobby knew to find you sir, he did" the house elf still had on his dishtowel robe the students knew him to always wear. His sudden appearance was quickly forgotten as ideas sparked.
"You mean you can get out of here?"
"Yes sir…I'm an elf" Dobby replied like it was obvious. Harry looked to the redhead and then to the others.
"Take them away from here. We have to get Hermione, meet us at the top of the steps in a few minutes" another high pitch screamed echoed from the floors above and they all cringed. Dobby made to protest but Harry beat him to it. "Go Dobby"
"Whenever you are ready Sir" Luna spoke politely to the small creature making Dobby blush a little as he took her hand and that of Dean. Ollivander took the girl's free hand while the goblin took the other side of Dean. With another snap they were gone.
Hermione found herself in limbo. Her ears were ringing and her eyes glazed, the cold wooden floor didn't register as she just lay there silently hoping for the world to end. Bellatrix had been ruthless in her torment to try and get an answer from the girl but her Gryffindor will was strong. The brunette only gave the same answer over and over leading the dark witch to curse her again and again. When she lay there twitching from the after effects, Bellatrix found pleasure in carving letters into her arm with a knife; Hermione still had some scream left in her for that.
"Worthless pathetic Mudblood. Burned from this earth they should be. All of them" Bellatrix muttered as stomped her way back and forth in anger with the Gryffindor sword still in hand; her wand in the other. Hermione was sure her end was closing. She had no more use for these Death Eaters and she couldn't help her friends; she was powerless and alone. It wasn't long for everything to turn silent, she took the sign that time had come, so she looked to the ceiling and the single chandelier above her. It was almost peaceful, no sound, no feeling until someone flew over her line of sight. Confused and still delirious the girl turned her head to see what was going on; a battle.
Harry and Ron were stealing back wands from the hands of the Malfoy's. She watched as witches were appearing out of thin air to fly into battle throwing curses and magic from their hands. Hermione was so dazed she didn't even consider these witches didn't look totally human nor did they hold any wands, light tugging came in the form of one house-elf who looked rather familiar but the girl just couldn't place it
"We 'ave to go! Now elf!" two unknown faces appeared in her dazed state. Their voice was almost echoing in her head and it had a rather alluring accent to it too that Hermione couldn't place at the moment. A second later she felt light as a feather before getting squeezed internally.
Harry Potter had gone through the last seven years of his life with something nearly killing him or someone close. He never thought himself courageous or instinctively lacking fear but running into dangerous situations was his nature. After Dobby kept his end of their deal and let them out of the dungeon they ran upstairs to a war zone. Dobby had not returned alone as a horde of women popped out of the air one after the other, looking terrifyingly fearsome and throwing balls of fire at anyone that moved. They were more creature than human with giant wings, taloned feet and feathers sprouting from most of their bare skin. Cries were screeched as they attacked with fury, Harry pulled Ron down to avoid the curses and hexes flying overhead. They found the youngest Malfoy and managed to wrestle back their wands, leaving him to scamper away elsewhere hoping to survive the night. Looking over his shoulder, the Chosen One found no trace of Hermione and immediately assumed the worst. The seconds that followed felt like they lasted hours.
Bellatrix fired curses at every one of the vicious looking Beings; the other Death Eaters tried to counter striking attacks sent their way but their defences were dismal. Mr Malfoy and his wife had long disappeared leaving the others to fight their majorly outnumbered battle for them. Through the bright flashes of spells Harry saw one familiar face he never thought he'd see for a long time. French born and raised Fleur Isabelle Delacour was standing before him in all her regal, beautiful, power filled glory…without a wand in hand. In an instant she had grabbed his wrist and the collar of Ron's jacket before apparating them out of the feud with ease. The intense gut squeeze was worse than the first time when Dumbledore took him from the Dursley's while the landing had him dropped on the ground like a sack of potatoes. Groaning away the sudden pain, Harry realised he'd been dumped in the dirt of a leaf covered floor. They were in an unknown forest location.
"Get up bo'z of you!" her accent was thick with anger. She didn't give either of them a chance to properly collect themselves before starting the march through the massive trunks. Wherever they were made the forbidden forest, look like a magical pixy house garden.
Hardly any light penetrated the canopy high above them and the ground was covered in dead leaves that were soggy enough to absorb noise. While the forest surrounding the magical school had the aura of a haunted place, Harry found himself wanting the spooky mist and echoed sounds; anything to tickle his ears over the absolute dead silence. It was beyond freezing and no plant life was scattered among the giant protruding roots. Somehow the boys managed to keep up with the angry female as she led them deeper and deeper into the looming unknown. Suddenly she just stopped and raised a hand; Harry watched in shock as the path before them literally opened in mid-air and they were at the entrance to an open encampment.
"Get zese boys cleaned and 'ealed! I want zem in moi tent before dusk!" Fleur shouted orders like an off-handed comment. Instantly the two males were surrounded by women and literally hauled away. Their protests fell on deaf ears.
Dismissing the hovering girls around her, Fleur stormed her way through the clan's make-ship camp. When she first called for the aid of her grandmother and clan, the young blonde should've known that almost every Veela in Europe would answer. Their bloodline ran through nearly every clan there was on the continent but the turnout of support was surprising. Fleur knew first-hand that bringing vast numbers of Veela together could entail trouble so she only asked for assistance when they travelled in or near territories. Times of war always tensed the bonds between clans; ties that were already strung tight. Veela's were not confrontational Beings. They never offer their magic to aid in Ministry wars; they keep themselves and families far from any harm first and foremost.
So when she asked for help in searching the English countryside for her missing mate, Fleur would admit she wasn't hopeful of success. Not when there was unrest everywhere. It started as a simple search for one witch; soon it turned into a force moving about the country warning any and all creatures war was coming. Most of their words were taken wisely; but only some took action.
Their numbers grew over time as they travelled from one region to the next; initially it was only her clan with the additional representatives from any clan in the area. Their numbers weren't intimidating but they would make a clear dent. Her eldest cousins were her right hand women, distant relatives were group leaders and everyone else, while not distinctively connected through blood still committed themselves to her cause.
Her warpath was interrupted by one family member that was her closest childhood friend and one she cared for deeply. Karine stood at the opening to a large tent; Fleur's intended destination. The tall blonde was close in facial appearance to the heir but she didn't have the sparkling blue eyes like their mothers or grandmother. Instead hers were a hazel colour with a hint of yellow in the right light. Karine wasn't expecting a warm welcome after the trip Fleur just returned from but she was sent to intervene should the need arise. And their matriarch thought so.
"Fleur…"
"Stand aside. I need to see 'er" blue eyes were darkening every passing second; a sign she was getting very emotional.
"You need to calm down" the two Veela were so close now the air was crackling with electricity.
"I am calm" Fleur spoke forcefully yet slowly. Karine didn't even flinch.
"You are on ze edge. You go in zere now and snap, Grand-mère will be ze one to sort you straight, not me. Do you want zat?" the words seemed to do little to deter the young woman.
"I don't care what you or Grand-mère 'ave to do to keep ze peace, I will see 'Ermione. Now"
"And when you see 'er, you won't zink twice about going into a rage. I beg you Fleur. As your family and close friend who do care about you both. Please consider 'Ermione for a moment" eyes locked for a few long lasting seconds before the blue eyed Veela nodded her head slowly. Karine stepped aside to let her enter the tent only after she saw the change in her eyes.
If the words weren't still buzzing around her brain, Fleur would've flown straight into said rage; feathers included. Lying on a magic produced stretcher bed was Hermione. She was bloody, bruised and looked worse for wear. The two women present were doing their best to heal wounds and clean her up but somethings weren't changing no matter what magic was applied. Smudges were wiped away and a few thin cuts sealed up with magic but Hermione looked like a corpse on its final resting. Her aura of malice alerted the attending Veela but their fear was battling their natural caring instinct; they couldn't just leave the girl without care. Ignoring the two, Fleur walked calmly and silently round the bed to kneel beside her. Her quick scan of the wounds only had her worried for the small cut on the neck and bleeding from the forearm but everything else was superficial and she was grateful. She waved the two off somewhere else as she magically sealed the neck wound carefully and with great care; scars were like a taboo to Veela and Fleur would not let one mare her lover's skin. Her concentration was cut short when whimpers came from the girl's mouth. The brunette began to stir.
"'Ermione…" a hand was placed gently on her face as brown eyes struggled to open.
"Wha…who…Fleur?" hazy chocolate connected with emotional blue.
"Oui mon ange. I'm 'ere"
Fleur was careful as she brushed the girl's hair and traced her fingers over her features. It had been many nights since she last saw her lover. Last touched her delicate smooth flesh and savoured in the sweetness of lust. All since that night months ago when they celebrated a birthday with a night of passion before the brunette left her…
"Fleur, where are we? Harry! Where are the boys?! Are they ok?!" Hermione began to shout in hysterics as she made to get up but the forceful pressure on her chest had her winded and unable to move.
"You care so much for zem but zey are ze ones who left you to zis. You were tortured 'Ermione! You suffered and I felt it zrough you! All for zose boys!"
"You don't understand Fleur! I have to help them. We have to do this! It's to save everyone, don't you care for the magical world?!"
"I care for noz'ing but you. I will not let you go out zere again" her voice was stone cold with conviction. There was no way Fleur was letting the girl out of her sight. Not again.
"I have to Fleur. We're so close to finishing this, we have to keep going. If we don't then we'll all die from him…" Hermione found herself the captive of a very angry Veela. Golden irises were glaring into her brown and the Gryffindor couldn't find any courage to look away.
"You will not leave me again" breath was forced out through clenched teeth. Hermione tried to keep her voice steady as possible, hoping to not further aggravate one of the most deadly Beings in the magical world.
"Fleur…listen please…I wasn't trying to leave you. I wouldn't. I promise you that I was merely…"
"You left me for those males" there was an undertone of another within Fleur's naturally seductive voice; cold and unwelcoming. "You will not do it again. You are mine. You belong to me. Turn from me again and it will be the last time" the brunette couldn't find the words to respond as a hand slid its way down her side, exploring and enticing gooseflesh in its wake. She barely managed to withhold the shudder that the touch sent through her nerves, Hermione didn't want to give any further reactions to the older woman in case they sent her further over the edge.
Fleur was lost in the presence of the younger witch. After the time and distance separating the two, the Veela had to touch the girl, feel her. Confirm she was real; she was really there under her fingers and not an illusion created from her absence. Instinct was clouding her logical mind but the blonde didn't care. Hermione was there; she was really there.
"I would never leave you Fleur…"
"No, you won't. Because I won't let you. Not wiz zose boys; not wiz anyone" gold held chocolate as both hands ventured south, nails tracing red lines. The young Gryffindor still found herself unable to move despite there was nothing physically holding her down anymore; the sheer power of the Veela's trance had her at her mercy. When they reached the apex of her jeans that's when instincts kicked in, overriding rational mind.
"NO! Don't! Please!" Hermione raised her hands up to grab hold of the blonde and force her away. Flashes of memory were coming back; a blades edge on her skin and the curse ringing in her ears. The Veela overpowered her efforts with one hand and bound them once more to the bed. It didn't however stop the brunette from thrashing upwards with her legs. In a state of despair and pure irrational thinking, Hermione tried desperately to get away from the woman, her mind not differentiating between torturer and saviour. Tears were brimming from the corners of her closed eyes and fear induced cries came from her lips. Every action only seemed to spur the creature on further in her rage until she forcefully pressed the girl down with her body, keeping bound arms above her head and roughly made the brunette face her with a taloned hand.
"Look at me" Fleur ordered evenly. The command wasn't received through fear. "I said look at me 'Ermione!" Brown eyes snapped open. Her body went completely still.
"You belong to me. You always 'ave; you will until dea'z tries to take you and even zen I will fight him until my last brea'z. I won't allow you to ever leave moi side, do you understand me? You won't be continuing with zose boys on zeir petite adventure. I will not put my mate on ze line for some silly little plot concocted by your deranged old Headmaster" despite her unrelenting tone of voice the hand released her chin to gently trace over her cheek with the back of her fingers. A mild flinch reacted but Hermione kept herself wisely silent. Fleur breathed in deeply savouring the scent.
"I won't let anyone 'urt you mon amour. You will always be safe wiz moi; I promise." An eerie scent started to build in the air "Now sleep, you must recover from today…" Hermione found her eyes closing without her consent, the last thing she saw were those powerful golden orbs bearing down on her until blackness took over.
Harry was sitting quietly in a corner. Like the tent he stayed in with the Weasley family during his fourth year, it was magically enhanced so it was larger than first appeared. Given it was a big tent to start with the inside was enormous. His best mate was next to him a little worse for wear but the healing they'd been given by two dark haired women; Harry need not assume were Veela, had them nearly good as new. However his praise for the lot of them was lost almost as soon as it was earned. Since their treatment they were roughly forced onwards to their current location, where they were told to sit there and wait until further instructions. The Chosen One assumed the numerous ladies about the room were rather important. Their similar or near identical appearance had him thinking they were related, and it didn't take him long to identify who they all resembled just as she walked in through the flap.
Fleur made her way round the room to stand between an elder woman and another young Veela her own age. They were speaking French very quickly while leaning over a table covered in maps and other parchment. Green eyes followed as two Veela left with orders, leaving the room with only the two males in the corner, a few elder looking women, Fleur and two guards standing either side of the entrance. Harry was getting impatient.
"Fleur…could I have a word please?" Harry moved his eyes between all the women slowly, uncertain their reaction. He was met by glares from the guards instantly before an accent assaulted his ears.
"Non, monsieur Potter. You may not. Until we are ready to send you on your way, you will sit zere quietly" Fleur replied emotionlessly. She was still clearly upset and didn't even raise her eyes to look at the young man.
"Then let us see Hermione. She was hurt at the manor and we have to…" the dark haired boy was cut off.
"You will do noz'ing! Am I clear?! Because of you bo'z 'Ermione is unconscious so she can 'eal from 'er wounds. As soon as we are ready, you all will be leaving back to whatever scheme your 'eadmaster assigned to you. Sortez-les d'ici" Harry didn't know whether to be angry at the woman or scared of her. The growing tension was enough to snap Ron out of his thrall induced haze before the two guards escorted them outside when Fleur finished.
Fleur could only drop her head into her hands. A very undignified groan escaped her lips as the situation became heavier on her shoulders. Soft delicate fingers gently cradled her head, guiding her to a shoulder. Given the minor decline in height, she assumed it was her Grand-mère.
"Shh, eet ees alright moi petit child. She ees safe now. Soon you will boz' be back where you belong" a heavy accented voice soothed Fleur's ears. Despite hating the language her Grandmother could speak it perfectly fine. Playing up the accent seemed to be a family trait.
"Oui, our petit flower. We'll take 'er far away from all zis 'orror and she'll be safe. Maybe we can get ze bonding completed and she will forget all about zis troublesome country" Apolline spoke from the other side of the table, gaining nods from her sisters at her side. As much as Fleur humoured the idea of her love escaping the war to live out her life peacefully, she knew her Hermione better than anyone. It wouldn't be so easy.
Time had passed when Hermione next opened her eyes. The light was fading from the forest and the Veela had set up numerous fire pits to illuminate the area; one such fire was right outside the tent Hermione was allowed to venture from only under a very observant guard. She sat to absorb as much heat as she possibly could without burning herself with flames all the while replying words over and over in her mind. The Gryffindor didn't know whether to be pissed off or for once in her life listen to that small voice in her head and do something smart for once; not risking her life. Her sigh was drowned out by the cracking of wood as the orange flames danced about. She didn't hear the approach of another.
"We were worried you'd be out for longer 'Mione" brown eyes ascended to take in the boy who lived in all his weary looked glory. She managed a smile and invited him to sit. He did so after a shifty look to her guard, just in case.
"You know me, can't keep me out for long" she tried to lighten the atmosphere with humour but it only seemed to darken things. They had a moment of silence before the boy spoke again.
"How are you? I mean, after everything that happened there…Are you?" Hermione always admired his ability to stumble over words that always seemed to come out sweet.
"I'm ok now. I've been healed and Fleur…well I'm getting better. The only thing that won't go away is" she slowly pulled up her sleeve to reveal the scarred letters of the most renowned muggle-born insult; 'Mudblood'.
"Mione…" Harry was at a loss for words.
"It was cursed…" the brunette didn't even react looking at the word. "The knife she used must've had some dark magic in it. They won't go away no matter what the Veela try. And they're known for their healing abilities too" Harry tried to read the girl next to him. Over the years he'd been getting better at it, especially to Hermione. She was a complicated person and very deep. It was something he admired about her; truly. He went to reply but didn't get the chance.
"It doesn't matter" he caught her wiping away a stray tear. "I will have time to heal properly. Seeing how Fleur won't let me out of her sight anymore" she tilted her head at the added company just outside the shadows. Harry's eyes shifted to the Veela once more but his mind caught the notion.
"What are you…? Hermione we'll be continuing on soon as you're ready. Me and Ron are fine. We're set to take off again. We even have another lead for another horc…"
"I can't go with you" Hermione stated without looking at him.
"What do you mean 'Can't go with us'? Hermione we need you" Green eyes searched hers as his friend finally looked up.
"I can't continue Harry. After everything that's happened I…" she sighed before taking a deep breath "Luna will take my place and you guys will find the remaining items. I'll be staying with the clan. Fleur insisted on it"
"You're just going to sit by while there is a war going on because Fleur said so?! This isn't like you Hermione!" Harry's voice was rising in volume.
"Don't you dare talk about Fleur like that!" the brunette stepped in before her guard could. Everything was already tense enough; she didn't need the idiot's mouth to overrule his mind. "I've told you before Harry. Veela's are very specific Beings. They have ways that we couldn't wish to understand or learn about but I know enough that Fleur can't have me out there anymore. Risking my life the way we've been doing for the last months. She can't take it…and I can't keep being away from her. It's isn't just her decision on this one. It's mine too"
Harry couldn't understand why she was acting this way. It was her who was the one full with hope and determination for their success. She as the one with the plans and mind-set to save them through every dangerous thing they faced. Why was she running now?
"Hermione…"
"I'm sorry Harry. Tomorrow you, Ron and Luna will go. He still needs to be defeated and only you know how to do it. I know you guys will succeed. And when this is all over, we'll have Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks. My treat" she offered a smile. He saw her trying but it didn't come through her eyes. She wasn't really happy and Harry couldn't remember the last time she truly was.
"Alright. But promise me you will be safe. Even with all these Veela around…I still worry" Harry placed an arm round her shoulder as she fell into his side.
"You're the one jumping into danger every year and you're worried about me?" the brunette had to release a slight chuckle at his notion, but it was sweet.
"Ha, I guess you're right. As always"
Dawn was barely breaking when Hermione found herself bundled up in warm robes ready to say goodbye to her friends. Possibly for the last time. Fleur had sent them all to sleep after finding the two beside the fire last night. Hermione could feel the Veela's presence all through the night just as she felt the blonde behind her then. Always there; always watching. Harry, Ron and Luna were set to continue the search. Thanks to the clan, they had essentials and Hermione gave the boys her beaded bag she'd somehow managed to retain after everything. She even tried to joke about them reading her books. They did manage to crack a smile before everything set in and they were allowed one last group hug before Fleur intervened.
"Karine will take you outside our wards. From zere you can apparate. I wish you luck 'Arry Potter, Ron Weasley and Luna Lovegood. We hope you succeed" she looked to each of them in turn, gaining nods in reply. They gave one last wave to their fellow school friend before following the tall woman through the forest entrance and out of sight. Hermione wanted to stay there for a few seconds longer but under 'forceful' insistence; Fleur had the girl back in her tent quickly. Sitting on the edge of their makeshift bunk, wrapped up in enchanted blankets the brunette sat silently as the Veela held her securely against her chest. It was an instinctual action; one the blonde couldn't deny, not that she would and Hermione had come to accept the odd behaviour of her creature blooded lover. After everything in comparison, the Gryffindor just didn't bother asking anymore and accepted the gesture. She needed it
"What happens now Fleur?" she spoke in a whisper.
"Noz'ing. Noz'ing 'appens now mon amour. I 'ave you wiz me again. Everyz'ing is alright. Better zan alright. Now we can go 'ome" Fleur replied as she breathed in the allure of her mate. Hermione's mind snapped back.
"We're going where?! We can't leave! You Know Who is taking over the Ministry and the wizarding world! You can't just go!" she pulled back as far as the blonde's arms would let her, which wasn't much at all. They were controlling; restricting; firm.
"Oui, we can and we are. You are not safe 'ere and no longer needed for zat dreadful hunt you and your friends call…whatever it is! You will be safe in France"
"NO! No I won't do it! Never! I won't leave England!" Hermione stood up and threw the covers off in anger to glare down at the still seated woman. Blood was pumping in her ears and she could feel her magic crawling just under her skin. Adrenaline was fuelling her anger while dampening her rational mind. Yelling full throttle at a powerful Being in the middle of a tense atmosphere wasn't the smartest thing Hermione had done. She kept her eyes unrelenting even when the taller witch stood up to match her steel posture.
"Zere is no oz'er choice…"
"I want to see Céleste! Now!" Fleur taken aback slightly and her patience was waning concerning the girl. She apparently didn't see the danger and any form of logical sense seemingly wasn't getting through no matter what the blonde tried. Maybe, her own notion would work.
"Amende. Come" she took the younger witch by the elbow and led the way out of their tent.
Camp life was an active one. Hermione watched as every member of the clan walked back and forth, collecting up items, collapsing tents or cleaning up disturbed sights. They were leaving nothing behind; not even a bent blade of grass. She just followed where ever Fleur was leading; she didn't know where the Elder Veela was at that point in time but by the look around she wasn't doing something as active as the others. The still guarded tent gave Hermione the rest of the pieces; pulling away from Fleur she stormed her way in to find a group of women surrounding a table that also appeared to be cleared up for move. The Gryffindor knew every face around that table.
"Céleste! Tell me it's a lie! We can't just leave!" eyes lifted at the sudden disturbance of peace. Apolline, at her mother's side, needed only one look at the poor girl's despair to know she wasn't taking the news well.
"'Ermione we know zat zis is important to you but we can't stay 'ere" the blue eyed half-blood tried to intervene but her warm gesture was literally brushed off by the witch. Anger was burning in those brown orbs.
"No! You don't know how important this is to me! You already made me abandon the others because you were worried for my safety but leaving the country altogether?! I won't do it!" Apolline could feel the tension rising. Not by the agreement or lack thereof for the plans but because a human girl was yelling and physically insulting the leaders of their clan. Her sisters were visibly unaffected but the witch knew her daughter's mate was driving on sensitive nerves for everyone. Her nieces and other younger Veela present weren't so retrained in their displeasure. Almost instantly she felt thralls filling the air; pheromones trying to work their magic over the girl and every passing second it became thicker. Blue eyes connected with Fleur's as the mother watched the younger witch take in the feeling. Anger, disrespect, treachery, betrayer; the emotions of every Veela coming off in waves all directed at one poor girl.
Swift hands reached out to collect Hermione; shielding her from the hate. They were the arms of their leader.
"Shhh mon petit. Eet ees alright" Céleste gently smoothed down the dark strands as Hermione pressed into her shoulder.
"I can't…I can't…they are out there alone. I won't see them again…they need me…" her will was lost. Hidden tears soaked the thin robe the Veela wore but Céleste cared none. Proudly she released her own thrall, crushing the atmosphere and bringing down each and every Veela in her presence. Hermione was crying for loss of her friends and all her clan could do was be upset at her rightful emotions. No.
"Vous devriez tous avoir honte de vous-mêmes. Elle est ma petite-fille et elle a le droit de dire ce qu'elle pense!" dark eyes burned into each and every pair around her; submitting them to their rightful shame and guilt. After letting the girl release her tears in private, the Veela took a small step back. "We worry for you, ma petit fille. We cannot stay. I know you fear for zem, but we fear more. We leave, zen we come back after eet ees over" Hermione had to swallow repeatedly, hoping more tears wouldn't fall at the elder's words. A soft kiss was placed on her brow before she was handed off to Fleur. Céleste gave them permission to leave quietly as she returned to work. After the flap was still, the air became cold. Apolline looked to her mother.
"They are all tense mother. We all are…"
"That does not give anyone the right to threaten family!" Céleste snapped her eyes to her eldest, the latter quickly looked away. With age came respect, with power came respect; Céleste had both. Blue eyes looked over the faces before her. Sisters, daughters, nieces, cousins and grandchildren; All of them were related to her by blood and she still couldn't find the forgiveness.
"That poor girl has fought for more than we could ever hope to understand. Show such dishonour before her again and blood will be spilt"
Fleur couldn't see the girl's face but she could feel her emotional state. It was neutral; unresponsive, still and seemingly dead. She held the girl firmly in her arms, back to her chest as they awaited their leader to ready the portkey. While it was possible to send everyone back home at once; Fleur pleaded with her Grand-mère to send them back the instant as they found the girl. She obliged given the circumstances but it was delayed after the lot was retrieved injured and unfit to travel. But now healed they were ready, along with her aunts Fleur wanted to get her mate safely within the walls of their chateau. Blue eyes watched with precision as her aunt accepted the object of choice; a teapot from the matriarch of the family.
Goodbyes were given swiftly; Fleur only gave a nod while Hermione didn't do anything as the elder woman gently traced her face and placed a gentle peck on her brow. Given the dismissal, the young witch reached out to touch the pot, keeping her other arm firmly secured round her love as the magic took into effect. Almost instantly their feet left the ground with a flourish and just as quickly they landed again. The sun was shining, the soft sea air sent strands of hair waving and the building in the distance was a dreamlike vision.
They took their time walking up the cobblestone pathway passing through the wards sent shivers through each woman as the power reacted to their own magical signatures. Layers upon layers of complicated protection charms, shields and various other sorts of dispelling magic surrounded the land where the Delacour home stood for several generations. Fleur was watching carefully hoping to catch the elation or any emotion in her love's eyes as it was the first time she had ever brought the brunette here, but there was nothing. Hermione just obediently walked on where she was guided without thought to her location or the beautifully sculpted structure ahead of her.
"I zink I will take 'Ermione to lie down. She needs it" the blonde spoke gently to their companions just inside the threshold. They nodded without saying a word, both very concerned for the girl's emotions; or lack thereof.
"Come mon amour"
She closed the room up with a wave of her hand. Curtains covered the large double glass doors leading to a balcony; being the main source of natural light the room soon became dim enough for a relaxing atmosphere. Fleur seated the girl on the edge of her bed before lighting a single lamp situated on the other side of the room. She looked back to watch as Hermione just sat there, still and silent; uncaring.
"Mon cour, don't act like zis. You are safe and zose lot will find ze rest of zose 'orrible zings…"
"Don't tell me how to act or how I should feel" Hermione spoke evenly without moving her eyes from the floor. The room became filled with heavy unspoken words; the sharpest blade wouldn't cut it away so easily. The Gryffindor knew she was pushing her luck; no one threatened a Veela, especially a highly edged one acting purely on instinct; even if she was the cause for that instinct. "I know how you 'Beings' act in these times. You hide yourselves away to survive then return to your lives after it has passed. You are possessive and have little time for anyone who questions your decisions. What does that make me Fleur? A prisoner in this mansion or some priceless 'item' you want to treasure while locked away in the dark?" she didn't need to look to know golden eyes were glowing back; their focus squarely on her.
"You don't understand…"
"I understand perfectly well. You cannot have me off somewhere risking my life because it causes you physical pain. I'm not an idiot Fleur. I know nearly everything thanks to those books you gave me last year but I won't be treated like some criminal when I did nothing wrong"
"You left. Zat is enough" Fleur growled through clenched teeth.
"I went to fight for the wizarding world. For my country. I went to keep my best friends alive. It had nothing to do with you" it was after that last word did the brunette look up into conflictive eyes.
"Every'zing you do 'as every'zing to do with me. You 'ave accepted ze bond. You 'ave accepted me. We are one until we die and I won't let you risk zat by running off into ze ending battle. Yes zere will be a final battle, we may not be involved but we know what is 'appening, so don't sit zere and lecture me on not caring" the blonde covered the distance between them like she was walking down a catwalk during fashion week in Paris. The confidence and power behind her stride had Hermione looking away again. She came to a stop so close; Hermione could smell her delicate perfume mixed in with her natural scent. It always had the younger girl feeling relaxed and safe even when she didn't want to.
"You may 'ate me for doing zis 'Ermione. I will take every night alone from now on if it means you are securely within my reach, my protection. 'Ate me as you will but I won't let you leave. You will not leave me again" Fleur traced her fingertips along the jawline, stopping just below soft plump lips. Her eyes didn't stray from them despite knowing it would be a long time before she got a taste from her love. Anything given freely that is.
"I'm tired. I'm going to sleep now" Hermione quickly stated as forcefully as she could but her voice was shaky. She felt the presence leave slowly; torturously lingering. She could only breathe again after hearing the doors click shut.
Hermione wasn't surprised the next day-break to be awoken swiftly by a very calm and collected Fleur. The room was opened instantly with a snap of fingers and breakfast just seemed to appear before the brunette as she sat up in bed. She could tell the French witch was trying to gain some good grace after yesterday but the stubborn Gryffindor gave her no room to succeed. Ignoring her presence as much as she could, Hermione went about eating and dressing herself for the day knowing the whole time Fleur was watching and waiting patiently. The girl didn't bother speaking but instead let herself out of the room; the days plan to just live. She didn't know this house. It was the Delacour's mansion in the French countryside, an abode Hermione had only heard about in stories Fleur told her in their times alone. From her recollection the whole clan lived there, well the bloodline anyway. Still that was a sure number of Veela.
Noise from a stairwell caught the brunette's attention and she leaned against the banister to look down upon the lower level. There she witnessed a few familiar faces and a certain girl that she didn't know she missed so much.
"Gabrielle!" Hermione's voice echoed off the high ceiling as she raced down the steps getting closer to the younger sister of her Veela companion. The girl's eyes lit up like fireworks before she jumped into the teens arms. The two had not seen each other in so long; their strong friendship was built only in recent years but it was solid as the foundation of Hogwarts; strong and eternal.
"'Ermione! Oh mon dieu, I was so worried about you. Maman said you were out zere fighting and I just…!" the blue eyed young girl just hid her face into a shoulder to hide away the falling tears. Hermione couldn't help but smile.
"I'm fine. Its ok Gabrielle, I'm sorry for scaring you like that. It's been too long since we've seen each other. How about you show me around this place? Spend a little time together oui?" there was a slight tease in the brunette's voice; One that never failed to bring a grin upon a face. Gabrielle was always the victim to such effects.
"Oui! I'll show you every'zing!" she eagerly took her hand and pulled the taller girl off to explore. Their shadow was halted at the archway leading down the hall.
Apolline held firmly to her eldest daughter's arm until they lost sight of the two round a corner. Turning she had to really search Fleur's eyes to get some understanding.
"She doesn't agree wiz what I've done Maman" the younger witch stated factually. The mother sighed.
"Oh course not. You practically kidnapped ze girl. If I did not understand why you did it, I too would be very upset wiz you" a low growl like sound rumbled in the base of her throat. Apolline just scoffed. "I gave you your talons young lady. Don't try to turn zem on me now. You wanted 'er safe; if you wanted 'er willingly you should've zought up a different plan" the battle of wills commenced between the two. The elder won out by sheer power and her status; something she knew would only be effective for so long. Her little flower was blooming rapidly. Soon Fleur would be a match for their leader; that thought scared Apolline intensely.
"Grand-mère agreed it was for ze best" Fleur folded her arms in restrained anger.
"Your Grand-mère would blast an entire forest for zat girl and we bo'z know it" Apolline took a deep calming breath before exhaling through her nose. "Fleur she will come to understand and be 'appy 'ere. You bo'z 'ave ze time to become close again and soon ze ceremony date will arrive and every'zing will be forgiven" another voice entered their private conversation with such intensity they both had to physically collect themselves.
"I will perform no ceremony eef zat girl remains een such sadness" Céleste stood before her girls with her hand gently clasped together before her. Her robes ever pristine and free-flowing with her movements while her vibrant blonde hair was tied back in a bun. Crystal blue eyes were unwavering as they locked onto her daughter.
"Maman…"
"Non. Zat girl 'as gone zrough enough. I will not bless ze two unless zey can come toge'zer as one properly" the matriarch turned her gaze to her eldest grandchild. Fleur bowed her head slightly in respect. "You earned zis pain from your mate. You will make eet up to 'er. Eef one more tear falls from 'er eye, I will punish you myself"
"I would never 'urt 'Ermione intentionally! I love 'er wiz every part of my being Grand-mère! I want 'er 'appiness. I want 'er safe wiz me" Fleur replied urgently. Céleste just kept her gaze.
"Zen you better find a way to fix zis mistake you made. You don't 'ave much time"
Two days. That was the time passed since Fleur had taken Hermione to her home in France. Two days was also the time Hermione kept herself away from the Veela. She knew she couldn't literally get away from the older witch, she could feel her eyes on her most of the day. Where ever she wandered to the French woman was always there, silently observing her from the corner of the room or an upper level. Hermione would've burst a vein in annoyance if she knew it could change the situation but it wouldn't. Talking or even acknowledging the woman would be hypercritical at the time so instead she continued her current plan of action. If Hermione couldn't have her way then Fleur couldn't either; physical avoidance was her strategy. And it was working.
Already she could feel the drawbacks the Being was feeling. The inner reactions of unhappiness and desperation pulled at her gut; itchiness that seemed to dance over her skin to her fingers. All signs that Fleur wasn't fairing too well being apart from her. Hermione would've laughed at such the short time it took to have the Veela responding like this when she had already been apart from her love for months beforehand but the Gryffindor wasn't cold hearted. She knew the reason.
'A mate's decision to remove themselves from the union causes physical pain of the Veela' her reading had her understanding it perfectly well. It was true that Fleur held much of the power in the relationship; Hermione couldn't deny that. But the power she literally held over the Veela itself was astonishing. She could cause Fleur real pain if she wanted. Deep, scar worthy pain.
"I would 'ave assumed you would be een ze dining room for your evening tea by now mon petit" Hermione snapped her head up to welcome the sight of Céleste Delacour walking slowly into the family library where the brunette had closed herself off in. The only sanctuary the girl found was still in books; they hadn't betrayed her yet.
"Céleste…I don't drink tea that often. I'm more for coffee…" Hermione replied softly, her voice just above that of a whisper. Her encounters with the elder Veela leader had been very uneasy of late. She didn't want this to turn into another one.
"Nonsense. I like tea. We shall 'ave tea een 'ere" with a small wave a delicate fine china tea set appeared on the table beside the seat Hermione currently occupied. The teapot poured itself into two cups before sugar was added on its own and the teaspoons began doing their work.
"I should know by now you Veela really don't like 'no'"
"Non we don't" Céleste seated herself with such grace it easily outshined any Queen. She made herself comfortable in the next chair to watch the girl closely. "One does not appreciate eet ei'zer when 'er grandchild is suffering unnecessarily. Eef you wanted Fleur punished you should've asked moi, not strung 'er along as you 'English' say"
"I am not hurting her" the brunette stated firmly, eyes remaining on her book "I'm simply keeping my space. She has things to do and I…just don't want anyone around" blue eyes remained locked on to the still, young English born witch while Céleste took a sip of tea.
"Do not lie to mon jeune princesse. You don't want to be 'ere at all. You want to return to zose boyz and continue ze fight against zat dark lord or whatever zey call 'im"
"I never wanted to leave" Hermione looked directly into cold blue as she replied. Normally it was very disrespectful to stare into the eyes of one of such high status as the matriarch but at the same time very bold. Exactly as was any Gryffindor.
"But Fleur took you anyway. A decision I told 'er wasn't very wise"
"But one I'm sure you agreed with none the less"
Céleste smiled behind her cup at the girl's growing guts before her. It was one of the reasons she loved the child more and more each and every day. Those brown eyes were fiery, just what her Fleur needed in a mate; a challenger.
"She couldn't pull off a search like that on her own. You lead the clan out there and while I do honestly, thank you for saving our lives, we still need to finish off the mission Dumbledore left us" Hermione said firmly.
"You mean ze one 'e left to zat dark 'aired boy, oui?" silence filled the air between them and Céleste took it as a positive response. "I had much trouble getting zat elf to cooperate. Give me une good reason and I will let you return to zem"
Before Hermione had the chance to speak the door burst open violently, the wood splintering on contact with the wall. A furious blonde hair descendant was standing in the way.
"Non! I won't allow it!" Fleur stormed her way in to stand beside her grandmother's chair. Her magic was swirling around her and easily felt by the other two. Hermione kept herself calm as possible while she watched Céleste take another sip of tea.
"You won't allow me to do eet petite fille?" the Veela looked up and the intense battle of wills began. To Hermione it was obvious the younger witch was no match but her determination and stubborn streak she no doubt got through the bloodline, had Fleur glaring at her leader for a few long tense minutes.
"She is my mate. I won't let you sent 'er into danger" Fleur stated with anger, her eyes shimmering between ocean blue and golden. Céleste just chuckled lightly.
"I won't be sending ze girl eento any'zing of ze sort. She will be taking 'erself" Hermione gasped.
"You're letting me go…?"
"Non she is not!" Fleur yelled as her gaze momentarily went to the brunette. "She is part of the clan grandmother. You are responsible to protect us all, you can't send her away" Céleste turned sharply to glare at the insolent child daring to lecture her.
"You dare to recite my laws against me child? I had them written long before your mother was even conceived. Don't question my will towards 'my' clan. It is not yours yet…and it won't be unless you raise yourself above such petty actions" her tone was harsh while her eyes held the real coolness of a frozen abyss. Fleur looked rightfully reprimanded and shunned away; Hermione couldn't stop the shivers running down her spine as the two ladies spoke rapidly and viciously in French before her. She froze when Céleste turned back seemingly much calmer.
"Eef you wish to 'elp your friendz 'Ermione, I won't stop you. 'Owever, I will not let you leave on your own. You will be putting my petite fille in danger ei'zer way so I propose an option to you bo'z"
Hermione looked to the standing blonde trying to understand what she could be implying but Fleur's look of suspicion had her withholding the question.
"What do you mean Grand-mère?" Fleur asked politely making the elder smile.
"You will perform ze ritual, Fleur will have nothing to fear and your friends may live zrough zis. Zat way everyone wins oui?" the smile that grew had Hermione thinking it wasn't a very difficult thing to allow and she was nearly willing to agree then and there, but brown eyes caught the sight of Fleur's expression; horrified shock.
"But ze only way to do it in time would be…" Fleur's voice was quiet almost like she didn't want the words to be real. Céleste smiled smugly.
"Oui, 'Ermione will have to bleed"
Harry was starting to really feel the pressure. After leaving the forest without his best, long-time friend and brains of the trio; the Chosen One had to lead his fellow adventurers into the pits of Gringotts, assisted then betrayed by the very Goblin they had saved, fly away on a wild blind dragon only to be dumped in the middle of nowhere with a horcrux they couldn't destroy and his painful scar telling him Voldemort was on the move. After the images came together he got them into Hogsmeade only to step into more trouble with Death Eaters laying traps. Barely avoiding their clutches and with the help of a tavern owner they made their way into the castle to regroup with Dumbledore's Army to bring down the enemy from the inside. All went well until the screaming and chaos began.
With the teachers and fellow students giving him all the time possible Harry went on to find the Horcrux that never left the school in the first place. Luna and Ron had left him to destroy the cup with a basilisk fang still residing in the chamber in the form of a snake skeleton; along the way they encouraged familiar faces to join in the fight outside the castle. They needed all the help they could get. After convincing the Grey Lady to tell him where the item was kept Harry raced off to the Room of Requirement hoping he wouldn't be too late in getting the Ravenclaw diadem.
Getting the room to answer his silent request was the easy part, finding the small thing in the piles of clumped together rubbish was much harder. The burning sensations pulsing through his brain returned suddenly giving Harry the direction he needed.
"It had to be at the very top…" the dark haired boy groaned. His climb nearly resulted in a broken neck but he managed to find the cursed thing before making a hasty descent. There were unwelcome guests waiting for him at the bottom.
"Potter, I'll have my wand back now" Malfoy had on his trademark sneer as he and two lackeys pointed their wands at the Gryffindor. Blaise and Goyle looked a little worse for wear as they stood either side of the pureblood but they glared hard at his spectacle covered face, intents very clear. Harry was about to make a move when a loud crash caught the boys attention to a towering pile of objects falling creating a domino effect with the ones around it. Over the sound Harry swore he heard a cry of 'Run'. Taking off at a dash, Harry didn't know if he was heading in the right direction of the entrance but anywhere away from the danger was good to him. Suddenly he found his feet leaving the ground and literally flew over the last mountains of lost things to crash-land on the far side of the doors just before they slammed shut. Catching his breath Harry looked over to his saviour shocked at who he found.
Hermione discarded the now useless broomstick as she stood up, grabbing his arm to get him moving quickly.
"Come on Harry! We don't have time!"
"When did you get here?!" Harry yelled over the chaos. The two began running throw destroyed hallways and crushed walls.
"Just now!" she ducked a hex before stunning the masked man who threw it. "I couldn't let you do this alone! I've said it before. We're with you Harry, till the end" green eyes connected with chocolate brown as the two nodded before taking off again. Curses were flying everywhere inside and outside the castle. Harry was pulled back numerous times by the girl to save him losing his head or at the very least an ear. As the two were running down a yet to be destroyed corridor, Harry fell to his knees suddenly; his head bursting with pain.
"Harry!"
"I'm ok… I guess the two destroyed the cup. He's getting angrier now" the boy looked down to the headdress still in his hand. "But how am I going to destroy this? I don't have a fang or the sword" Harry stated as he picked himself up. A sigh escaped his lips.
"You can use this" Hermione's voice was followed by the ear piercing ring of metal sliding against metal. The scarred boy looked at his partner in crime to find her holding a six inch blade of the finest silver he had ever seen.
"Mione how…?" she just shook her head.
"Goblin made isn't the only thing strong enough to destroy those things Harry. Don't ask. Just use it to get rid of that thing, now!" the blade was almost glowing with an eerie white light; the smooth surface reflected his doubtful expression as he took it. The hilt was decorated in vines and leaves of such detail he could feel the smallest of stem beneath his fingers. It was beautiful; a deadly piece of art.
"Alright" he put the diadem on the ground before gripping the knife tightly. With a heavy strike he pierced the blade through the central jewel, watching in amazement as the thing shattered into dust. Another painful wave passed through his scar. "He knows. We're nearly done"
"Not yet, we have to go. If we don't hurry we won't make it" she took the knife back quickly as she began dragging him along. The fight wasn't over yet. In fact it had barely begun.
"Make what?! Hermione!"
The girl's ears were ringing with a pitch only she could hear. The explosions of spells and flying debris were nothing to her and her single sighted mind. Her wand arm moved on its own to repel curses, stun death eaters or save an unaware student in danger. She really was doing it all while being completely oblivious. Her brain was set on one thing. Getting to the Great Hall in time for when the havoc started; unfortunately they weren't.
Descending the last staircase the two were blasted violently into the wall as a curse barely missed them to bombard the stone banister into dust. Coughing up particles and clearing their vision the two Golden Trio members lifted their eyes to meet some of the darkest orbs the wizarding world had ever seen. Bellatrix Lestrange was standing before them, wand at the ready and an evil cackle bursting from her lips.
"My my, what have we hear. I found the Mudblood... How have you been my little pet? You been behaving yourself? I hope not. But I'll punish you either way" another maniac cackle followed her little speech sending full body convulsions through Hermione. The memories were still raw in her barely healed mind. She could still see the blood clear as day and feel the burning sensations like a fire was lit under her skin. Her hand immediately shot to her scar; nails digging into the fabric of her top. The world went into a vacuum as darkness started to crawl up from the corners of her vision. She could hear Harry yelling her name but nothing seemed to call her back from the fear. Her insides disappeared and in their place darkness that was starting to swallow her whole. All her eyes saw was the face of her tormentor; the dark curls, the pale skin and horrid stained teeth. Hermione felt her will giving up, nothing was worth it anymore. Pain would flow through that twisted wand at her, the endless darkness soon to be her new world was getting closer and closer but before it happened and before Bellatrix could curse the brunette into oblivion, a sudden uncontrolled pulse of magic came from the Gryffindor.
All Hermione could do was scream through the sensational heat that burned through her veins. It was pulsing violently with every beat of her heat; she could feel the tears flowing and her voice getting raw but she couldn't stop herself. More magic was building around her in a swirling aura, parts of the staircase were ripped from their foundation and debris was sent scattered further from the location. Harry was blasted from her side into an arch door and landed on a pile of rubble a full ten feet away. Through groans of pain he saw something never before witnessed even in the magical world. Hermione was glowing.
"Hermione!" his cries were mere whispers against the howling winds surrounding the girl. There was something under her clothes glowing, the boy would assume it was her skin but it wasn't bright enough to be just that. It was something else, something engrained on her back where it seemed to be centred. Before the girl could do any further damaged it all stopped as she slumped to the ground in mass exhaustion. The green eyed boy wasted but a second to get to her side, catching her before she fainted. Her brow was sweaty and her eyes were hazy white. Never had Harry ever been so scared for his friend.
"The little shit has some magic after all does she?" Bellatrix was back, rage smeared across her face. Rotting teeth were clenched tightly as she growled before snapping her wand forward, the glow of a building curse illuminating the tip. Before the spell could be released an entity entered its path and covered Bella's field of vision. She reacted on reflex when she came face to face with a gold eyed Being. It was horrifying to the pureblood witch; ashen scale like skin covered every inch that didn't plume navy feathers that appeared more scale like than barbs. Onyx talons easily ripped through robes as it grabbed the dark haired woman roughly while two giant protruding wings widened to balance out the weight in mid-air, the horror growing within Bellatrix as she realised the thing had her at its mercy. With one flick of a wrist the woman was thrown through the nearest wall with an ear-wrenching crash. If Harry wasn't so terrified for their lives he would've thanked the mysterious creature for saving them but honestly he couldn't move. His breath was caught as the Being slowly turned round to land golden orbs on him.
"F…Fleu…r…" Hermione whispered brokenly. Harry finally gasped as his mind connected together. That thing was Fleur.
Her face was still the same shape, high cheek bones and a perfectly sculpted chin. But that was all of remained of the once breath taking woman Harry knew. Her shimmering blonde locks of silk hair were gone, in their pace was a flowing mane of feathers that travelled down to her mid-back. They were shades of the darkest blue to a vibrant violet, all tinged together to create a shimmer like effect. Her large wings were in the same colours only they held more deep purples in the longer primaries. The colourful plumage covered most of her bare arms and legs that weren't morphed into harpy talons. She was covered in a simple summer dress, giving her limbs free moving ability; every chance to use their deadliness. The Chosen One at long last had a proper look at a transformed Veela; and he was scared shitless.
The French woman landed with a crunch, sharp blade like talons clicking with every step closer until she crouched before the two. Her breathing calm, eyes soft but expression stone like. She traced the length of Hermione's check with a claw, the action made Harry shiver but it was caring and delicate.
"Take care of 'er 'Arry. She is not to interfere wiz zis fight anymore. Understood?" Fleur's voice came out of pale lips and it took the boy a few seconds to acknowledge with a nod.
"Fleur…? What are you doing here? Since when did…?" he was cut off by her eyes.
"Zis girl just saved everyone's life. She 'as brought about ze end of zis war because she sacrificed herself" as she spoke there was a shrieking cry that echoed through the walls like a howling banshee. Out of every window possible, fire wielding Veela literally swooped in to join the battle. Be it against man, creature or horde of angry Acromantula the fierce warriors viciously attacked with everything they had. Magic at their fingertips easily outmatched the Death Eaters who tried to blast their defences but they weren't nearly as skilled to cast so quickly or in succession to even touch the majestic Beings.
Harry's eyes zipped around the room watching blurs of colour move at incredible speeds. He saw various reds and greens; even a dazzling tall woman in silver. The boy didn't believe what his eyes were telling him. Fleur stood from her place at the sound of approaching footsteps. Luna was the first into view, soon followed by Ron and Neville. They froze at the sight of her.
"Who…what the hell!" Ron was literally shaking in his shoes while Neville just stood there, mouth open and eyes wide. The blonde haired sixth year didn't react at all; instead she took her place beside the near unconscious Gryffindor girl.
"Harry, what's happened? What's wrong with Hermione?" Luna took some of her weight off the boy as he replied.
"I don't know. She just…"
"She is resting" Fleur spoke factually. "Protect her. We will finish zis" with that she took to the air like it was nothing. The backlash of wind thundered against the group of students, minor considering it wasn't a full launch of power.
"What the bloody hell was that about?" Ron all but yelled. His best mate could do little more than shake his head.
"It looks like a Veela clan has come to our aide" Luna spoke in her usual soft tone. Her eyes took in the battle surrounding them. The tables had turned exponentially. The death eaters were being pushed back in magical power and numbers. Giants were crashing to the earth one after the other as the Veela attacked their faces with vicious fire and sharp talons. Harry never thought he'd see such force being used in merciless raw power.
"They have to, it's part of the contract…" a whisper came from the collapsed body.
"Hermione!" they cried together, surprised she'd gained consciousness so soon. Gently she was eased up to lean against the blonde haired girl.
"What do you mean contract?" Harry asked as he watched Hermione wince with every small movement trying to get back up. It was only with the help of Luna that the two stood at all.
"It's not important right now. What about the Horcruxes? Are they all gone?"
"The diadem is gone, the cup too" the Chosen one looked round to the nods of agreement. "That makes…five of them gone"
"What about the Snake? Did you manage to get to the snake Harry?" Hermione asked urgently.
"No we couldn't get that close to…"
"Um actually…I did" all eyes went to Neville and the sword in hand no one seemed to notice until then. They gaped at him while Luna smiled.
"Well done Neville" her compliment was met with a blush and adverted eyes. Hermione shook her head to focus.
"So that leaves…" a sudden explosion interrupted them and the teens covered themselves from the flying dust and rubble. From the now hollowed wall a battle was raging just inside the Great Hall between a very angry transformed Fleur and a cackling Bellatrix Lestrange.
While the airborne French woman had the advantage of movement and magical power, the Death Eater held her own quite well considering one arm was bleeding heavily from an earlier attack. After a pause spells were flying once again. Green and red flashes exploded with excessive power. Harry had to look away from the intensity which led him to see his friend attempt to intervene.
"Hermione don't!"
"Don't stop me! I have to help her!"
"She can take care of herself, we have more important things to do!" the boy could feel the building heat under his hands. Hermione's back was glowing once more.
"NO YOU have things to do! I know it can only be you, Harry! I've trusted you through all of this. Now trust me!" their eyes connected and something in them had Harry releasing her. He nodded and she took off into the fray. His gaze locked onto the others.
"We have to go. Now!"
Another explosion landed exactly where the Veela stood seconds before she took flight again. Fleur had sustained several cuts through the battle she raged with the delusional witch and by the looks she was going further into the darkness with each passing second. Before Fleur could throw another well aimed fireball at her, Bellatrix was hexed violently by another. Gold eyes snapped sideways to catch Hermione standing on a pile of rubble with her wand drawn.
"What are you doing? Get out of 'ere!" the beat of her wings made her anger filled yell travel further. Hermione looked up to her with her own building passion.
"No! She did this to me! I deserve some justice!" Hermione shouted before getting blown from her stance. The Bombarda threw her into a sharp edged rock, drawing a scream of pain and torn clothing down her side. Almost instantly the Veela was covering her with unfurled wings in a defensive stance facing the demon woman with the wild expression.
"You want revenge little girl? Come and get me!" Bellatrix cackled in overconfidence. Fleur was ready to impale the woman just to stop that ear wrenching noise but the constant groaning of pain had the Veela still in overprotective mode as her mate lay vulnerable if without cover. Fire was starting to crackle from the blonde's fingertips.
"Ano'zer step and I will burn your entrails from ze inside, bitch" a deep throat growl came between teeth instinctively when the dark witch continued to close the gap between them. The Death Eater laughed.
"And what could you possibly do, rotten blooded creature?" Bellatrix grinned as she threw a vicious flesh cutting curse. "Those claws of yours need to be clipped and I will enjoy sending you to oblivion after I finish my fun with that little Mudblood…" her curses were skilfully deflected by the Veela one after the other but Bellatrix was more focused on the small body cowering in pain who's back turned to her. Her eyes went wide. "You marked her…"
Hermione's eyes locked onto Fleur before settling on the Death Eater as she tried to cover her uncovered shoulder. Already black eyes were someone becoming darker than an abyss.
"You little Mudblood whore…It wasn't enough for me to mark you but to have another? Oh I will punish you dearly for this little dirty vermin. I don't like sharing" Bellatrix then shot off her favourite of the unforgivable curses. The Crucio.
"You will not touch my mate!" thrusting forward a strong Projecto Fleur was holding the red light at bay just beyond her fingertips. It became a battle of wills as the Death Eater yearned for their pain while Fleur strained against it. She was fighting for more than just herself and Hermione. She was fighting for pride, ego and honour. No one lived to curse a Veela's mate. No one.
"You are resistant creature. But your magic isn't as strong as it could be. You're disgusting mixed blood holds twisted magic. Makes you weak" Bellatrix had moved so close, the magic raging between them was lashing out sideways, striking anything within reach. Fleur was trapped; her talons had dug into the stone floor and wings braced against the partial wall to give her that extra strength but it was doing little.
"I am not weak…" golden eyes were blazing with fire and fanged teeth on display. Bellatrix just cackled at the look.
"You are weak and you will die after I finish with that Mudblood bitch of yours"
"It is your mistake to think Veela fight alone witch" the voice came from one standing alone among the rubble; atop a pile of dead bodies. She was the image of perfection; strands perfectly placed and not a single feather bent from formation, her silver like hair was firmly tied at the nape of her neck while her dress was free-flowing and hung nicely from her figure. Céleste's gaze was firmly placed on the dark witch while the battle raged. In an instant she could be at her back, talon clutching the heart of one so evil. But she wouldn't; that wasn't her place. It didn't mean she would leave her darlings unaided as she vanished from sight.
"Veela play freely, we fight dirty…and we always win" the matriarch whispered her venomous words from her new position, gaining Bellatrix's unwavering attention.
Time came to a standstill. Bellatrix reacted to her presence, turning in mixed surprise and anger while Céleste stepped back; smiling. Fleur saw the reaction and took the opening to break the impasse. The next second her claws were thrust deep into the abdomen of the murdering Death Eater, Bellatrix Lestrange. Time moved onwards again.
"I told you. I am not weak" she twisted her arm, smirking when her arm was grabbed by both hands. Wand forgotten Bellatrix could only stare onwards in horror as blood poured from her stomach and feel the warmth of it running up her throat. She couldn't breathe; She had been outsmarted by a creature.
"All for one little Mud-blood girl…" she coughed a splatter of red onto Fleur's face who's eyes didn't even flinch.
"Zat girl is mine. Ze scar you tried to carve into 'er skin is no'zing anymore; she 'olds my mark now. And I do not share wiz o'zers"
Bellatrix fell to the floor, dead.
It was over. The final dark hours had passed and the dawn of a new day was upon the survivors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; with it a new beginning. Harry walked through the destruction alone. He passed fellow fighters, students and teachers alike; some Order members were still standing and families were huddled together in aftermath. Harry didn't know why but he felt so at peace. The guilt came with such emotions but he couldn't help it. His worst enemy was dead and he could finally start living his life.
Harry stopped at the entrance to what once was the dining and meeting place to every student who walked the halls. Most of it destroyed; the ceiling let in the morning sky bringing with it some warmth to the centre of coalition. The dead were gathered together, given respectful places to lie as friends and family stood around to mourn. Harry saw many of his classmates cry over bodies, adults comfort the young and watched his best friend shed tears for a lost brother. He promised himself to return later, after they had their time alone. There was another friend he needed to talk to first.
Tucked away safely in a corner Hermione, accompanied by a dark haired Veela woman sat alone. The girl was sitting straight as she could while the other attended to her injured back. Harry got her attention before asking silently if it was safe to approach. He'd just survived a death match; he didn't want to die from Veela instincts.
"Harry…"
"Hermione" the two just looked at each other, the words need not pass between them. Harry was looking worse for wear, torn clothes, bruises and a still bleeding cut on his face almost had the girl getting concerned but he waved her off before she could do anything.
"You'll get it looked at right?"
"Yes, I just wanted to make sure you were still alive" Harry replied calmly hinting at the medic at the brunettes back.
"I'm fine. It's just a precaution…" Hermione stated with a broken smile.
"Vous êtes chanceux, vous ne déchiré la peau. Il était à peine guéri et vous êtes déjà vous épuiser avec tout cela…" the woman was clear with an undertone of authority. Harry looked between the two women in confusion when Hermione only turned her head to mutter an 'Enough' like an order. His confusion didn't escape her either.
"It's complicated Harry" Hermione sighed.
"Your back was glowing earlier and it's caused nothing but pain as far as I saw. What is going on Hermione? Please? As your friend…" Green eyes pleaded with her before another sighed escaped. Giving a whisper over her shoulder, the Gryffindor turned around with the assistance of her medic. Harry gasped.
If it wasn't so beautiful, it would seem like her back was torn to shreds.
The remnants of her shirt were pushed over the shoulder to present the full masterpiece. It ran from the top of her spine, round the curve of her shoulder blades and all the way down to her pelvis. The closet thing Harry could connect it to, was a muggle tattoo; only it seemed alive. Where the ink would be imbedded into skin whatever the white shimmering substance was, it was engraved further into flesh. The lines were long, deep and looked very agitated; Harry both pitied and admired the way his best friend was just sitting there without screaming in pain. His eyes watched in awe; it was almost magic personified into liquid, swimming around the canvas of her skin. Lines were curved delicately at the edge, swirling together at the base of her spine to merge, forming the centre piece; a flower.
Slight bend in the stem balanced by two symmetrical leaves before blooming into a bud Harry had never seen before. They were skinny long petals that curved downwards at the ends and the multitude of smaller layers reminded him of a rose but the shape wasn't remotely close. Tribal patterns surrounded the plant covering most of the space. Harry had to admit it was a breath-taking image imprinted on his friend.
"It's called the Bleeding" Hermione woke him from the daze.
"What?"
"The ritual. The Veela perform it on their partners to integrate them into the clan. It's a very long process and it's very powerful…"
"Vous ne devriez pas lui dire tout cela…" the dark haired Veela interrupted them with a hard look at the boy.
"Silencieux. Il est mon ami, il mérite de savoir" the boy could tell whatever Hermione said to her didn't make her the least bit at ease. She hovered over the brunette before reluctantly ignoring him and going back to her work.
"I didn't know you spoke French Hermione."
"I learned...it is part of the experience" she was avoiding his eyes, using the excuse of fixing her top with help to avoid the coming questions.
"Hermione…what did they do to you?" tension built by the sheer look the Veela was giving him.
"How long have we been apart Harry?" was his only response.
"I don't know since Easter maybe? What has that to do with anything?" Harry questioned softly.
"It's taken this long for them to complete it. The design was tricky and the magic was even harder to maintain…I'm sure you can guess why they call it the 'Bleeding'" Hermione finally had the courage to look at him.
"But that's…"
"A whole month? Yeah, I can't tell you everything that happened but they had to infuse magic into it. Their magic. Now I am one of them. It's a good thing. It's what got us their help."
"A good thing? Hermione it looks terrible! Why would you do that?"
"Because it was the only way to keep you alive!" she glared at him over a shoulder "To win this stupid war! What else could I do? They had me locked up in France to keep me safe. I wasn't about to let you die while I had tea by the ocean Harry. I couldn't. So I made their deal. I accepted this and in return they would give us their magic…" Hermione managed to pull herself together enough to stand. The hovering Veela right beside her.
"Hermione…"
"Don't. I gave them what they wanted, what Fleur wanted. Think of it as a contract"
"Where you no longer count as a person?" his voice was as hard as his stare.
"I'm still a person. I'm more than that to them now but…I just can't leave" she replied without emotion. The Boy Who Lived took to his feet, fists taut.
"Is it breakable?" she shakes her head. "Then what does that mean?"
"I belong to Fleur now. I'll be leaving England to live with her and I guess I won't be able to work for the Ministry like I planned but" she finally looked at him with a small smile. One he knew so well over the years. "Sometimes you have to sacrifice for peace. Goodbye Harry" she turned and walked away.
All he could do was watch as she was led through the chaos and into the arms of the one who was now her everything. Fleur looked immaculate and smiled as she encased the girl before her. Hermione circled her waist but he could tell she wasn't putting her all into it. In a way she was like a bird that had just been caged; quiet and alone.
Done! Finally, I hate this stupid laptop. It nearly crashed twice more before I could get this stupid thing up. I am so sorry people! Forgive me! It's late but I did manage to get it up.
Be nice for spelling and grammar and the normal stuff, I only edited this once over. I don't know how long this machine will last so if I do disappear again it's because my stories can't be written. But I refuse to go! I will be back with more stories! Reviews appreciated! Really really appreciated!
~For next time do we want~:
Part 2 of Acceptable universe…Or
A little fun filler chapter about 'Veela Facts'
Let me know ok!
French to English:
Vous êtes chanceux, vous ne déchiré la peau. Il était à peine guéri et vous êtes déjà vous épuiser avec tout cela -You're lucky you only torn skin. It was barely healed and you are already exhausted with all this…
Vous ne devriez pas lui dire tout cela -You shouldn't be telling him any of this…
Silencieux. Il est mon ami, il mérite de savoir - Quiet. He's my friend, he deserves to know
Midmoon Kitsune out!