Hey everyone, you are so lucky to get a DOUBLE update from me. And so soon after my last one. I know, I'm awesome. Anyway I felt like I should do it before I have a very busy weekend away without my laptop or phone. I hope you guys enjoy my latest chapters and let me know is a review! Any questions feel free to PM me. I won't be able to reply until after Monday but I will eventually! Enjoy!
All grammar is my fault. Didn't have a lot of time to edit these.
Prepare Yourself!
The soft wind kissed her cheek as Hermione looked up to the canopy. It was day light. The sun was high and the earth glowing in its radiance, but Hermione didn't know why she was there, or where ever 'there' was. It definitely wasn't a forest in England, she figured as much from the fauna surrounding her and pure feel the ground was giving. It was magical indeed but too strong to be a place near muggle civilisations. Suddenly a high pitched ringing sound caught her attention. To her immediate left was a path, a small dirt trail leading through the trees. Without any better thought she followed.
The more she walked the more Hermione felt the soft breeze on her neck. The chime like ringing, the brunette connected to a bell was growing louder the further she walked into the forest and yet the trail itself never opened to any destination. Huffing to herself in annoyance and about to give up something caught her eye. A silhouette of a child. And not just one either. Every time the young woman turned her head round, hoping catch a sight of the unknown presence it was gone and another would shimmer in the corner of her vision. Something was going on.
"Hello? Can someone tell me what's happening? Who are you?" she called out to the trees but no one answered. Instead the chime grew silent and the wind stilled. Looking round her, Hermione still felt the wandering shadows circling her. When she nearly backed into a tree, one of them stopped and laughed. It had to be a small girl with long wavy hair, Hermione couldn't make out a face or any discerning features. But when she tried to get closer the girl just giggled again and ran away into the forest.
"No! Wait! Where am I?!" Hermione cried out as the light, the forest and then the girl disappeared into darkness.
Flinching away from the feeling of coldness, Hermione groaned at the light blinding her face. 'Who opened the curtains?' her answer came in the form of the obvious signs that no one closed them the night before. Turning her head to face plant her pillow the brunette woman groaned again.
"Dammit Fleur…I told you…" the still sleepy woman yawned into her plush headrest. She was already awake, might as well greet the day with her normal attitude, of course said attitude had to awaken itself and the current face down position the brunette had wasn't one to bring it out.
A sudden weight was pressed into her back making Hermione look over her shoulder to the sight of soft pale skin and waves of blonde hair. Even breathing on her neck told her that her companion was still asleep but like always her baser instincts were kicking in. Fleur hated mornings.
She hated being away from Hermione more than that; when the sun finished its climb from the horizon and just before the witch could get up to start her day the blonde's body acted naturally to catch the soon to be escaping prey and cage her in strong arms. Hermione had become use to the treatment after realising the true intentions, she couldn't deny her wife no matter how annoying it was.
"Fleur. Wake up. Its morning and we have things to do today"
"Mmmm, non. We 'ave ze 'ole day to ourselves mon amor. I zink we should stay in bed…" the Veela woman snuggled further into brown locks and sighed. What better fragrance than the natural scent of ones mate…
"I would be more inclined to the idea if someone didn't forget to close the curtains before bed last night" Hermione felt the older woman flinch slightly at her tone. Smirking, the brunette felt a little better. "I still have to get up. Today may be our day off Fleur, but chores await. Plus I know we have the weekly shopping to do. You have a pool to clean and the kitchen for me"
"Hmmm…can't I 'ave a little longer wiz you?" Fleur shifted to lean her chin on the brunettes shoulder softly. Brown eyes just rolled away from the pouting look. Without waiting for a proper answer Fleur's soft hands started making their way up Hermione's sides. When they traced the curve of her shoulder, the brunette resisted the spine tingling shiver sent down her body when Fleur started to slide her own body down, planting feather like kisses to her skin. Hermione would once blush at the mere thought of the French woman's habit of sleeping with very little attire but after a few years of an amazing sexual relationship then married life; she was thankful for it. Her own attire in the summer months was simple singlet and shorts that more often than not, like that morning, would disappear without her knowledge.
"Fleur, we have things to do…" Hermione tried to speak through her clenched teeth. It was hard enough to think let alone talk when a very naked Veela goddess was kissing her way down burning skin but Hermione was a determined former Gryffindor student. As much as she loved the affection her wife was giving her, the logical part of her brain kept reminding her of their day's obligations.
"Non. You are too delicious. I have to taste you again and again…" normally that throaty husk of a voice was enough to melt Hermione's resolve but a tiny giggle at the end of it snapped her mind back like a rubber band.
"If you do not get up right now I'm denying you all rights to this bed come dusk"
"You wouldn't deny yourself zis" Fleur smiled into the mound of flesh she was currently massaging firmly with her hands; Hermione moaned softly.
"I would deny myself a days' worth of reading if it got you to follow any schedule that wasn't about Veela seduction" the brunette's words got her suddenly flipped over and her arms pinned down by the now hovering Veela.
"I zought you loved my spontaneous nature. Especially now in ze season to be breeding" the blonde leaned in with a sultry smirk on her face, licking the tip of her lover's nose. Hermione just giggled.
"Only Veela reproduce in the autumn months to ensure their children are born with the spring sunshine. Don't try to outsmart me. I've read all the book now. Your mother was very enlightening" returning with her own coy grin, Hermione found herself with the upper hand for once. Despite their positioning. Blue eyes just looked away with a gruff grunt.
"Only my maman would dare to take away my fun"
"We had plenty of fun at the party a few weeks ago. You Veela sure can put on a real celebration, considering its purpose was to just get all us mates into bed early" she continued to smile as her blonde wife nuzzled into her cheek with a purr. Clearly the memories were very fresh.
"Well I 'ad my pleasure. Even if my wife could not keep up"
"Hey! I'm just a normal human with stamina limits. You can't expect me to keep up with you all the time" the brunette gave a huff and turned her head away. Leaving her neck wide open to attack.
"One would zink after a few years of being my wife, your energy levels would be much 'igher ma belle. I must train you 'arder zen" latching onto the soft skin and tissue, the Veela racked her teeth down the pulsing artery before pulling away. The effect was instantaneous as Hermione was rendered helpless in her arms. A mass of quivering nerves and heated skin. Such was a Veela's skill to seduce.
"Fleur…we have things to…" the brunette tried to get her words to form but they fell away with another graze of teeth. Her pulse was racing and with it endorphins were making her head spin.
"Zere will be no 'arm if zey are delayed a while. Come mon amor, relax for me and let me please you" Fleur grinned.
Hermione scowled further into the reflection the clean plate was portraying. Even after the hours passed Fleur still took her pleasure in making the brunette squirm. Their morning fornicating between the sheets ended when Hermione had literally blacked out from pure euphoria; something the Veela was preening over currently. The kitchen had been scrubbed spotless and with the final of the dishes put away, Hermione was clear of her house chores. The same couldn't be said for Fleur.
"After you are finished with the pool, you can begin on the outside windows and garden. You seem so full of energy today I might as well put it to better use than you running your mouth" arms folded, the young Ministry worker stood in the doorway to their back yard.
Marrying into money was never Hermione's intention nor did she really care for it; she herself achieved a highly respected job in the Department Mysteries after a few years in the Control of Magical Creatures. The Minister thought her touch on the subject was needed for the change in laws he had hoped to bring in. It took all of three years and Hermione was more than satisfied to leave that area and venture into more exciting aspects. Of course she'd rather leave the Law Enforcement department to her fellow trio members. It wasn't her style any more.
"But ma belle!" finally a reply that wasn't in the form of a taunt or giggle. "I zought you said zis was our day off. Why do we 'ave to work?" Fleur was doing her chore as instructed like the good wife she was. Their pool, or in Hermione's opinion, 'The large Veela birdbath' was being thoroughly cleaned by ways of magic. Hermione just rolled her eyes when she noticed the beauty of a woman doing the task with but a wave of her hand. 'Veela and their ability at wandless' the brunette grumbled to herself with little enthusiasm.
"Because the house needs it. I won't live in a pigsty Fleur. And neither will your Veela instincts. Eventually you'll get angsty just by looking at the thing; the sooner you finish the sooner we can relax in the study"
"Very well my love" Fleur nodded with a grin "But I demand to 'ave my reward at zat time" Hermione just rolled her eyes before going back inside.
She would survive this season like she did all the rest. Just because her lovely wife, a Veela mixed blood, became more Being than human over the three months of change didn't mean she had to give into such desires…even if those desires were mind blowing and orgasm worthy.
"I can smell you from 'ere ma cherie!"
"Shut up Fleur!"
Normally when the week started anew, the Golden Girl turned woman had her schedule sorted, day plan set out and work load piled neatly in her office. Unfortunately there was a mix up over the weekend and everything was coming to a big explosion of trouble if the Department Head didn't sort it out; her.
"This wouldn't have happened if the night watchers did their job. A whole section of prophecies misplaced, brains escaping their tanks and an intruder trying to get into the Time Room. They are there for a reason!" storming the halls with her assistant trailing along behind with a mindful distance of the raging woman, Hermione made her way to the recording office in hopes to find the paperwork detailing the correct assortment before anything else. If not she'd have to do it by memory and that would take all day. Time she didn't have.
"Christopher please send this to the group trying to contain the raging craniums. Merlin help us if they leave the floor" she charmed a folder to her assistant without looking back. The young man wasn't much older than she and despite having to work for a junior he was more enthusiastic to learn from the 'Legend' that was 'Hermione Granger' or more accurately 'Delacour' now. The only person in the history of Magic to be given permission for a Time Turner in her third year, successfully create an effective sorting system for the ever flowing prophecies in her first year of employment and be the only worker completely immune to the 'Ever-Locked Room' and its magic. She was widely known in the Ministry and a celebrity on the floor.
"Yes ma'am. I'll also find out more on our unwelcome visitor from the security team. They should be finished with the room's lock and be searching for the man. I'll return to the Hall of Prophecy when I'm finished"
"Very good Christopher" Hermione did appreciate the man for his work. Not many could keep up with her and her thought process. One who could think for themselves would go far.
Seconds after she heard his disappearing footsteps did the brunette reach her destination with the record keeper looking rather, prepared. The poor old man had been down there for decades and knew every which way to what. The brunette knew immediately the news had come this far and the keeper ready for her.
"These are what you are looking for Ma'am."
"Thank you very much. I hope I haven't ruined your day" she replied kindly after taking the handful of parchment. He just shook his head and waved her off out the door. Unable to not smile at the man Hermione left like a good little worker. Of course she didn't think of the disrespect towards her Ministry position but instead walked away hoping by the time she returned to her office, half the day's worries would be over with.
Sadly that thought caused the universe to respond in a very negative light. She was barely in the hallway leading to her office when it happened. Someone, she won't say who because from where she stood the culprit was an unseen person flinging a curse through the cross section of the corridor. Their target she assumed the duo of ministry security on patrol. Thankfully on their part, hours of training reflexes and wandless magic saved them from the curse but their barrier charm caused a chain reaction and in turn the hallway exploded with exuding force knocking everyone off their feet.
Hermione, with her attention distracted was thrown backwards onto the tiled floor, sliding with the flow of energy until her back slammed into the adjacent wall. Air knocked out of her lungs the brunette laid on her left side in a daze of swirling dark shapes, trying to find her centre through the harsh ringing in her ears and the thundering of footsteps racing to their location. Turning her head slightly a scuffle was commencing at the cross. A man was getting detained by the security soon joined by Aurors. Her vision was blocked by a very concerned looking Christopher but his voice wasn't braking through her haze. After gently lifting herself up Hermione grounded her mind.
"Are you alright ma'am? Do I need to get the medi-witch? Oh Merlin you're bleeding. Please don't move I'll go get help"
"Christopher stop talking" she glared at him for a second. Her head was pulsating and she could feel the warm liquid trailing down from her hairline. The blast knocked her for a loop and while her assistant was right for worrying over a head injury Hermione didn't need a floor worth of workers over exerting themselves because of a small wound.
"Please let me take you to St Mungo's. I am not gifted in healing magic and I can't let you continue work on a good conscious. Please ma'am"
"Alright. Just please stop talking" she waved away the visible signs of blood with a hand, not bothered for her wand at the moment but the use of magic did send another nerve frenzy through her brain. If not for the support of Chris the brunette would've been flat on the floor where she first ended up.
"We'll take the flu" The Deputy Head just groaned as the wizard got her up and slowly heading down the corridor. Workers passing by in mass to clean up the area and start sorting out what really happened. Paperwork was going to mile high by the night's end.
Hermione was being a very patient well behaved 'guest' of the ward in her opinion. She had yet to complain about the treatment or the over presence of workers mulling about her trying to each do their part. Her head was easily mended with little trouble, her cognitive functions checked out alright and she felt fine after the room stopped spinning. Christopher was his usual quiet self in the corner but he was sending her very concerned glances every time the medi-witch barrier surrounding the brunette moved.
"Mrs Delacour, if you would please look this way"
"I've been complying with your tests for nearly an hour now. I know enough healing magic to tell I'm fine. My head isn't hurting, my magic is still in its normal rhythm and I'm only getting further frustrated sitting here. I need to get back to work" Hermione interrupted the poor woman who was only trying to help and the look of surprise on her face told the Ministry official the outburst was unexpected from one such as her but she couldn't take it anymore. Hermione wanted out.
"I'm afraid we cannot let you go back to work just yet" a wizard stepped forward, waving off the medi-witches to find other chores while he talked with Hermione alone. A curtain was drawn around them for privacy; an alarm went off in Hermione's head.
"Is something wrong?" chocolate eyes hardened as the witch prepared herself for the worst. The man looked slightly taken aback but smiled.
"No Mrs Delacour. I'm just wanting to be extra cautious because of your condition and the accident. Can't have any of my patient go home with delayed effects" the Healer wizard pulled out a piece of parchment, her medical documents if her eyes were correct. But what did he mean by her condition?
"I'm not sick, nor cursed. What do I need to be checked for?" Hermione was confused by his expression. When a doctor becomes surprised it's never a positive sign. Hermione had to shake herself from the thought. Magical Healers aren't Doctors.
"I'm sorry, I thought you would know by now. That's why I contacted your wife when you first arrived, she should be here any minute because I thought…"
"What does my wife have anything to do with this?"
"You're pregnant" he spoke bluntly as he looked her in the eye. She froze.
"I'm…what?"
"Pregnant, I would assume about a month or so. This early even we Healers can't know the exact timing but from the results of the last hour I can firmly say you are indeed with child. Congratulations" the wizard smiled softly but nothing was processing through the brunette's brain after the two syllable word. She, Hermione Jean Delacour, nee Granger, former Golden Trio member and now Deputy Head of British Ministry of Magic's Mysteries Department was expecting a child.
"'Ermione!"
The small hide-away was thrown into silence instantly as the curtain was thrown aside and a very distraught Fleur Delacour ran in to encompass the younger witch in her arms. Hermione could feel the blonde's body shake as she held of tears; having to receive a letter from St Mungo's medi-witch must have set the Veela mind into hysterics at the possible situations. Smiling slightly, she returned the smothering hold to hopefully reassure her wife she was in fact perfectly fine. Or more really…
"'Ermione, I was so worried. Please tell me you are alright. No'zing is broken or damaged oui? All zat is merciful, I zank ze Gods you are still 'ere" Fleur eventually melted into the brunette's shoulder after her little tirade. Honestly Hermione had never seen her love so emotionally unstable since her fourth year…but they promised never to mention that again.
"I'm sorry, Mrs Delacour. Your wife is fine, I can assure you of that. But I'll leave you two for a moment to talk. When you wish to discharge come to the front desk. I'll have you paperwork ready. Good day ladies" the wizard sent the young witch a reassuring smile she assumed was in relation to her yet to be shared news. Nodding his way, the man closed the curtains to once again shroud them in privacy.
"Fleur, if you stopped trying to secretly body check me for injuries and talked like a normally controlled woman I would verbally tell you I am fine" brown eyes rolled slightly at the sigh coming from pink lips. Fleur didn't look a shred guilty at being found out, not that her touches were subtle but still. Her Veela had to make sure Hermione was still in one piece.
"You 'ave a 'abit of not telling me ze 'ole truz ma chérie. I need to make sure you are perfectly safe wiz my own two eyes"
"And your verdict?" Hermione gave her a raised brow. It was met with reluctant silence, the blonde's indication of truth. The brunette just sighed "Can we go home?"
"Of course mon amour. Where is your zings? I'll take zem" stepping back Fleur helped Hermione back to her feet caring little for her annoyed look at being handled with such care and delicacy. Hermione wasn't a doll.
"I can walk on my own Fleur" the brunette said soon as her things were safely stored away in pockets. The Veela woman had swiftly wrapped her arm snuggly round the younger woman's waist as the two exited the building.
"I know ma chérie but zis makes me feel better knowing you are fine. Merlin forbid some'zing did 'appen to you. Your assistant said no'zing. What 'appened in ze office zat resulted in zis?! You've never needed to go to Mungo's before 'Ermione. 'As zat place become even more dangerous? I zought we agreed no more! After every'zing we've been zrough, we…"
"Enough Fleur. I didn't go looking for trouble alright" Hermione gave her wife a harsh glare to get her silence. "I was returning to my office when someone threw a curse and then Aurors, always acting before thinking returned it and things just got way out of hand. I was thrown across the floor but nothing is broken and I'm fine. Please can we just…forget it" with a defeated sigh the brunette just carried on, caring little if her lover was beside her or not. Especially after such an outburst.
"Oui mon ange. 'Ow about I get us 'ome. You can 'ave a 'ot ba'z and we'll sit in ze study until dinner. If zat is ok wiz you"
"That sounds great" the blonde nodded slightly, a clear saddened look across her features, knowing there was something bothering her wife. Something serious. Her instincts were twitching and something was telling the Veela not to let her go. If anything she held on tighter.
When brown eyes opened the next morning it felt like déjà vu. Hermione was staring out to the windows on her stomach with a mass of heat laying into her back. 'This is just weird'. The notable difference from the previous morning was the curtains had been drawn and it wasn't the light that woke her. It was her body. Either over rested or need of the lavatory, Hermione wasn't quite sure but the position the two found themselves in was very out of the ordinary. After managing to extract herself from near vice like arms Hermione went into the bathroom to relieve herself. With drowsy eyes and sleep tussled hair she looked a mess. Given the previous day's activities she wasn't surprised.
"Having a Department Head as your only boss has one upside" she mumbled to herself while running a hand through her hair. "Getting days off after such a hassle has no paperwork" a yawn broke through her little monologue. "I wonder if Fleur will take a day off…ha, she's worse than me sometimes…" giving up on such a hard mission so early in the morning Hermione returned all the more willing to her bed and the warmth her Veela companion seemed to radiate even in the dead of winter. Trying to find a position that wasn't restricted to her side or front was keeping her awake more than the other very big issue over her head.
She was pregnant.
Not only did the logistics behind such a thing were wrecking her brain but the timing and the reaction her wife, not to mention friends and family would be. It meant that nothing like the day before could ever happen again, not that Hermione was hoping it would but, a baby. A living, breathing, tiny human being was growing inside of her. Depending on her for the next eight months before coming into the world and depending on her even more.
"…hmm…what 'as you so troubled Mione…? Too early to over zink…I can 'ear you from 'ere" Fleur's sleepy grumbling voice broke the woman's concentration for a moment.
"Nothing Fleur. Just yesterday has my brain awake is all" her reply was blunt but something in her tone had Fleur's eyes open in a flash.
"Is it some delayed effects from ze blast?"
"Nothing like that Fleur, promise. Lie back down. I'm still in one piece and perfectly healthy" she rested her knuckles on the blonde's stomach, a small gesture to do as asked. Reluctant to fully give in, the Veela reclined back onto the bed but turned onto her side, resting a hand on her love's arm.
"If you are worried about zat wizard, he's been caught and sentenced" Fleur began watching every inch of her wife's face for a reaction.
"It isn't about him. I'm just trying to get my head round…the Healer told me something yesterday that's proving difficult for my brain to process logically even with the acceptance of magic in my life it's still something that shouldn't be possible. But it has to be possible because it happened and I don't know what I'm meant to do now and…"
"Amour, you're rambling" gently tracing a finger over the brunette's cheek, Fleur couldn't help but smirk at the frazzled expression her wife was portraying. Guess she wasn't the only one in need of reassurance. "Whatever is bo'zering you ma belle, I'm sure we can work zrough it like we always 'ave. It can't be any'zing we 'aven't…
"I'm pregnant" Hermione bluntly cut through the blonde's sentence like a quill through parchment. Fleur made a sound. An almost choke like gasp escaped her lips as she just stared long and hard at the brown eyed girl. Exactly three seconds later she was bolt upright in the bed, wide eyed with her hands twitching in muscle flexes.
"You're…you…ah…"
"I was meant to be freaking out about his Fleur. Not you. You're the Veela, you probably have some explanation that I can go with but this is just…Fleur?" Hermione stopped her rant when she noticed her blue eyed beauty literally frozen stiff staring at her. "Fleur? Hey!" sitting up she took hold of pale shoulders to give the woman a little shake. Was it possible for Veela's to die of shock? Hermione was about to jump from the bed and grab her wand to do a quick check over her wife when her wrists were tightly grabbed by claw tipped fingers. Gasped at the sight to the bright golden eyes staring at her, the woman still herself and her breathing.
Years of in depth research and daily experiences had brought her to conclusion. The Veela, a powerful, skilled creature abled to cast magic without words or wand; a Being that would survive purely on instinct; a hunter, a protector, an unmatched force. The signs were easy. The change in eye colour, the claws and teeth. Another would be the brightly coloured plumage but Hermione thought little of that lacking aspect, she hesitantly cast her eyes downwards; the most obvious display of non-threatening. Entering any challenge to a Veela be it friendly or threatening could end in disaster. When she heard a sharp click of teeth the younger woman sighed silently. The indication was a common response to communicate no one was in danger. Brown eyes glanced up slowly, taking in the expression from the Veela.
"Fleur…" eyes snapped upwards from their focused position on her lower abdomen. The moment was tense before Hermione carried on. "I can't read you right now. I know your instincts are pronounced but I am...uneasy. Please, come back to me?"
The 'Veela' was not a separate entity. It was an evolutional manifestation of inner thoughts, instincts and a will fused together to become the conscious of the species. Hermione identified the two as if they were two personalities within Fleur herself. One just ran off emotions more than thoughts. Many times she cherished the chance to simply interact with the Veela without any cause or effect. Enjoying spending time with one who couldn't hide anything from her.
But when she needed her wife, the one to think every possibility where instincts couldn't save the situation, Hermione needed ways to bring her back. The flickering colours of the iris were indicating the two conscious minds were both breaking through.
"…mione…my…you…me" her hold loosened as her arms gave way. Tears began to build in her eyes and for a second Hermione was scared out of her life. Was Fleur actually crying?
"Fleur, wait please don't cry. I didn't want, I mean that wasn't my intention. I just thought you should know but your reaction was…well you weren't giving me one and I thought"
"Non ma belle. Zis is…I can't describe…" she had to wipe away her tears and try to catch her breath through the voice break. "Zank you for zis gift…so so much…I can't…" her last word faded and with it the blue presence in her eyes. Hermione prepared herself for another unknown reaction from the Veela. This was uncharted territory. The brunette hadn't asked a single question regarding Veela's and pregnancy to anyone in the family. She didn't even know they could get another pregnant until now!
"So, what are you going to do? Fleur's cried at the news. In a good way I hope but…" her voice was soft. Those gold eyes just took her in before they closed slowly. Hermione was soon struck with shock as the Veela lowered herself to gently press a whisper of a kiss to her stomach. To their child. She couldn't help but smile at the feeling of warmth; arms circled her waist and she could feel the soft vibrations of contentment. The Veela was purring.
"I guess you approve too" placing her hand to gently comb through blonde curls Hermione relented herself to a day of cuddles, stiff legs and she hoped no drama.
A month later Hermione was telling her friends and it was mostly a piece of cake; for the 'understanding not going to question it' ones. Like Ginny.
"Hermione this is amazing! I'm so happy for you! And Fleur! Oh Merlin this is going to be so great! There will be a baby you in a few months!" the redheaded girl had grown so much since her last few years at Hogwarts. Both in height and maturity she was truly an amazing witch.
"It will probably be a baby Fleur. Given the family line but, we'll see" Hermione grinned as she hugged her best girl friend one more time. Harry was right behind her with the big hug and kiss to the cheek.
"I'm happy for you Hermione. A little unexpected I must say but, it seems to make you happier" his green eyes were genuine and warm.
"Really?"
"Yes. I haven't seen you this happy since the end of school exams or the time you found out you'd be Head Girl" he got a slight punch on the arm for that comment.
"Really Harry" she just sighed at him, unable to not be smiling.
"We should go out and celebrate Mione" Ginny spoke up suddenly. Her excitement possible getting away from her.
"She can't go out drinking Ginny. She's pregnant!" Ron broke his silence for the first time. "Oh um congratulations Hermione"
"Thanks Ron" the brunette smiled softly at the man. Knew it was hard for him to accept, and process. "Just don't try over-thinking this one. I know how it works and it still hurts my head" he gave her an appreciative nod.
"It doesn't have to be drinking but a night out to celebrate is exactly what we need" the redhead wasn't going to drop her idea "This is a big life changer. And I know you and Fleur are going to be great parents. I know just the place too, if we're quick I can get us a table there tonight and…"
"Maybe not tonight Ginny" Hermione imposed softly. Her hand went subconsciously to her stomach. "Fleur's busy with some family issues and I have a lot of paperwork to catch up on the Department Head. But we'll definitely sort a night out sometime this week. Bring Neville and Luna along too"
"Excellent. It's a plan. I really happy for you two Mione. New step in the right direction huh" Harry grinned while the former Golden Girl agreed.
While the news itself was excellent to spread around friends and what Hermione considered family there was a pressing matter at the back of her mind concerning her wife's behaviour; Fleur was becoming very…opinionated. Some of the smallest things the brunette did around the house seemed to call out the trait in her wife she'd never seen before. Giving advice on how to store magical energy when all Hermione did was charm the dishes to clean themselves. She was there as a 'support' when Hermione was moving books around her study. Even during work hours Hermione would find little notes or receive letters via owl that were sweet, but rather unnecessary.
The upcoming home visit to Apolline was the time Herimone took as a chance to set everything straight. After sharing the good news of course. As the two landed safely via apparition instantly the younger witch could feel something in the air.
"I zink Maman invited ze 'ole family over today" Fleur spoke up as they reached the front door; knocking politely.
"What? Did we come at a bad time or didn't you remember to owl her about our lunch date?" Hermione frowned at the possible annoyance. She was only two months in and already her moods were up and down. Merlin she prayed for her wife already.
"Of course I did, but you know Maman. She finds any excuse to 'ave a party"
"Like I need one when I know ze family is growing! Oh 'Ermione you look lovely! Glowing and every'zing, such a gift zis is. Fleur, my child well done. You make us all proud" taking two steps into the home Hermione was scooped up into a rather confining but warm hug by Apolline Delacour; mother-in-law.
"I guess you know then" Apolline leaned back to face the witch properly.
"Of course. I can easily tell when someone is wiz child, especially my own family. Zis is a wonderful day. Tell me, 'ow far along are you? Any pains or discomfort? Fleur been keeping an eye on you I 'ope" the elder blonde woman led the two out of the entranceway and into the warmth of their lounge. Of course they were stepping right into the waiting arms of very anxious Veela.
"She's 'ere!"
"Look at 'er, oh my"
"'Ermione, congratulations! I can't believe it!" every Veela was talking over the next. Their faces shining with excited grins and hands eager to reach out and grab her. If it wasn't for her ever protective wife and their leader Apolline, Hermione figured she'd be a squash by now.
"Girls! Please control yourselves. Zere is plenty of time for hugs soon, we must let her rest"
"Oh of course!"
"Come, ze couch is all ready for you"
"Oh no it's ok, you don't have…" Hermione went to intrude but somehow in the frantic movement she was teleported to the plush seat and propped up with cushions. The Veela woman sat themselves around the room while Apolline took an armchair and Fleur securely at her side. "…alright"
"Forgive zem love. Zey are just over excited as we all get when babes are mentioned. Zey cannot 'elp zemselves sometimes" Fleur muttered into her ear softly under her mother's smirking gaze.
"It is a little more zan zat my dear child but forget it we are 'ere to celebrate zis wonderful news. Everyone we shall 'ave drinks and someone put toge'zer some food. Today we toast to our next generation!" all the ladies in the room cheered while Hermione just reclined in awe. Was pregnancy really that big of a deal to this family? The brunette witch figured the Veela, being such a familial orientated clan would celebrate such an event as new life but from what she witnessed they were going beyond the simple party. It turned into an extravaganza.
Wine was flowing from bottles, fireworks flying around indoors, charmed instruments sang from the outdoor patio, platters of food disappeared like no tomorrow and only six hours after walking through the mansions doors Hermione was seated on a cushion outdoor couch while the party took up the entire garden around her. She was thankful for her early stages otherwise the loud music and atmosphere would be too much. Even for her.
"You seem a little overcome my child. Could I 'elp wiz easing your worries?" brown eyes lit up at the recognition she heard in that voice.
"Celeste! It's so good to see you. I'm so sorry Fleur and I haven't been around to visit. I know we promised but work and…" a hand was raised to interrupt her.
"All is forgiven child. I know you and Fleur mean well zat is not to say I don't expect more visits in my small cottage but I must insist you sit wiz me a moment and talk"
"Of course. I'd like nothing more" the two shared her oversized throne, watching in awe as the outside world suddenly fell silent under Celeste magical weaving. With the spell complete the elder Veela turned her attention purely to her newest grandchild.
"I 'ave been 'earing much from Fleur and my darling daughter but I 'ave a feeling you are trouble by some'zing ozer zan zis pregnancy child"
"It's not that I'm bothered with it Celeste. Never. It's just…"
"You do not want a Veela child?"
"No no!" Hermione quickly waved her arms to reiterate her words. "I'm just feeling like I'm trapped in a bubble. One of not knowing and uncertainty"
"Per'aps I can ease zem. Tell me what troubles you" Celeste smiled softy as she watched the brunette let out a deep breath.
"Fleur's been great in all this. When she found out that was a little…unexpected but she accepted it, her Veela accepted it" Hermione put claim to those words firmly; Celeste nodded her understanding. "But ever since that day. For over a month now she's been well, odd. I first thought it was her Veela reacting to me in some way but it doesn't all make sense. I really wish I had your libraries to help my brain get round all these things you Veela do" the blonde woman just chuckled and the young witch.
"Even wiz all ze books in ze world you couldn't put toge'zer some'zing accurate enough about us Veela. I know you are confused but I zink I may know what is going on. May I give you ano'zer point of view in all zis? Some'zing for your mind to ponder"
"Please do" Hermione replied with a submissive sigh.
"When I 'ad my girls, ze clan celebrated for weeks. When my first granddaughter was born again we did not rest our lungs nor our bodies for ze feeling of joy is too great. It is not just the idea of new life. A new family member to keep ze clan and bloodline strong. No. True zis child is ze first born of ze first born" Hermione's hand firmly held her stomach. She didn't think of it like that. The clan's future leader was right now growing within her womb. One day that little tiny growing life would lead the biggest clan Europe had ever seen.
"That's…wow. I mean I knew but"
"Now now my dear. I did not mean to startle you. Please calm yourself. You're making ze o'zer fidgety"
"I am?" looking up Hermione caught sight of several Veela ladies twitching or shifting their balance all around her. Like they could hear what the two were talking about. "Can they…?"
"Zey cannot 'ear us, no. But zey can feel your emotions. The change in your scent is what 'as zem uneasy. You were scared for a moment, zey smelt it and right now are looking for ze zreat"
"And fight for me against it" blinking a few times the witch settled herself and watched in amazement as the ladies did too. "That is amazing"
"Ze clan is not just 'appy to 'ave ano'zer member. Zey are 'appy for Fleur, for you. Zey sing to ze stars and moon knowing zat you 'ave been blessed wiz ze chance to raise a life, teach every'zing you know, watch as zey make zeir change to ze world we live in" Celeste paused for a second, hesitantly looking at the spot. Hermione smiled and took the slightly wrinkled hand to place where she wanted it most.
"It's truly the most loving thing I could ask for. From any of you. Thank you Celeste"
"You don't need to zank any one of us child. We do it because we want to and don't let any of ze girls pressure you into any'zing you don't want to do" With a returned look of confusion, the elder just waved it off "Zis child is our family, just as much as you are. We protect our own." A gleam in those shimmering blue eyes had Hermione grinning.
"Fleur has proven that point time again"
"Ah so my grandchild 'as begun to adapt 'as she?"
"Adapt?"
"Let me tell you a few zings to watch for in ze coming mon'z. You are not ze only one needing to grow for a child and I zink it's time for a little 'eart to 'eart"
Hermione was almost wishing time would past a lot faster than it did. Years of school had her dreaming of a never ending day filled with spellwork and books but all that flew out the window when her newest escapade came about. Going back to work was a minor problem for her wife, being the sight of commotion and danger the Veela woman took near a week off her own work to chaperone her darling pregnant counterpart all-round the Ministry just to keep her safe. That wasn't new to the witch; the protectiveness that is. No she wanted the new ticks. The yet to be witnessed happening of change…
It came on the mark of her fifteenth week. When her pregnancy was now showing.
Waking up every morning to an arm round her waist and personal heater to her back, Hermione felt like she could start her day fresh. Fleur wasn't the hovering type; at least not at home. When the brunette got ready for the day in their bathroom the blonde was awake and up readying their meals. Hermione saw her first trait one morning as her wife made breakfast; it wasn't even the season and yet the brunette could spot a dozen of her favourite fruits, diced up and ready to be devoured.
"Since when did we all have this?"
"Ah my love. Are you already for ze day? 'Ow is my little one doing, all safe in zere?" Fleur twirled around like it was nothing, her hair flying out to create a golden halo in her wake. As the witch felt soft hands wondering her slightly protruding waist, brown eyes took in the look of utter devotion and happiness displaying in those ocean blue eyes.
"We're fine but I think I want something else for breakfast…" Hermione started with a hesitant tone.
'Ze Veela will do every'zing you ask of 'er. Be it surrendering 'er magic, to destroying a city. But Fleur will want what is right for you and ze child. Ze two will conflict often in ze coming mon'zs a'ead. Keeping zem balanced is tricky but very…rewarding'
"…I want something cooked; fried. Dripping with grease and sticky to touch. Oh maybe some of that chocolate sauce we got last week. Yes, that will go really well…hmm I think I'm wanting icecream now" with her knuckled clenched between teeth and a look to her wife Hermione found the reaction she was looking for.
Fleur was clearly unhappy with her wasted efforts in the food preparation and the new menu of choice but the Veela was preening at the chance to deliver exactly what her love and child desired. The conflicting sides were battling for control, eyes flickering manically. She was finding too much pleasure in the show of strength and commitment towards her and their child. Willing to battle generations of instinct and traditions all for her.
"You know, maybe I'll just stick with this. I mean I'm too hungry to wait any more. Thanks for breakfast Fleur" giving the blonde a kiss on the cheek before taking her bowl of fruit away Hermione had to smother her own giggles as the Veela just sagged in defeat; emotionally and physically drained from doing nothing but battling. Hermione still had to have the last word thought.
"Oh can you get me some warm honey? I think this will go down so much better with it. Please baby?" giving the centre of her affections a playful wink, golden eyes lit up instantly and Fleur nodded. As the brunette made herself comfortable on the couch she could think of nothing better than a Veela waiting on her hand and foot.
The entire day was revolved around Hermione and her every comfort. From a soothing massage; Fleur and the Veela were very happy to ablige, to many assortments of food and Hermione even let the poor pouting Veela feed her at the days end. Clearly wanting nothing more than to satisfy every need the blonde woman was on the constant move. Not once showing signs of displeasure or fatigue. Endless energy was something Hermione could come to appreciate very much.
Hermione took back everything she ever said or thought about any of it being a good idea. Everything.
"Fleur! What did you do?!" looking into their home to find every single piece of furniture moved, morphed or completely gone was not the witch's way of being welcomed home. Just over five months pregnant with a little ball of restless moving energy, Hermione wasn't in any mood to experiencing change after a gruelling day at the Ministry. Being stuck in her office doing a mountain of paperwork for the last six hours wasn't fun. Walking around the Ministry doing her normal job, that was thrilling for the young witch but since the Minister himself; after an extensive conversation and congratulations he'd given her a stricter work schedule. Less hours, less work; more desk. Hermione was hating it.
Leaving her things by the door and making her way through the home left the brunette with an open mouth and eyes wide. The blonde had completely changed everything. The arrangement of their lounging furniture, their bookcases and tables. Lamps had vanished as did the candles she loved to light in the evenings with a good book in hand; her favourite rug was also nowhere to be found and she was sure with the right lighting flashes of protective spells could be seen all round the room. What did the blonde think could happen? The lamps would come alive and electrocute her? Brows furrowed and the witch was on a war path.
"Fleur Isabelle Delacour you get out here right now and answer for this!" the study was thankfully empty, over cleaned but free of any life; lucky for them both some powerful force in their universe saved the Veela from messing with that room. The kitchen was clear as was the bathroom. Standing tall in the doorway to their bed room Hermione came upon a sight she hadn't seen since the two were newlyweds and spent near a week without leaving their paradise of a room.
"What the hell are you doing? Where did all these come from? It's a bed not a bloody nest you bird brain!"
At that precise moment it appeared to be more mashed sheets, pillows and matress than actual sleeping furniture. This was not the doing of Fleur. Sure the rest of the house was most likely her over-protectiveness taking effect but this? Sure enough when a head popped out, golden eyes were blinking right back at her. As Hermione was about to berate her wife a swift kick to her bladder stopped her cold. Breathing through it like practised a gentle rub over the area seemed to calm the little one; the action however was not missed by the Being in the room. In a swift blurred movement Fleur was kneeling before her, hands and eyes on her impressive bump.
"Is ze child alright ma angel?"
"They're fine but you won't be. What have you done to the place? I thought I told you not to…" Hermione paused in her rant as she looked down into the shimmering golden eyes of her love. Only then when she truly took in her wife did she notice the plumage of feathers near the hair line, the extended nails brushing over her maternity robe and very blatant signs of a very competent creature. "Fleur?"
"Oui ma ange. What is it?"
"But you're…what?" the brunette witch tried to form a sentence but her hormone filled mind was rattled. Was the blonde more Veela right now or more her Fleur?
'But eventually child, ze Veela and Fleur will become one. Zey will fuse toge'zer as 'er blood will come alive wiz your magic and ze childs. It 'asn't been explained, even to zis old bird, but when a Veela mates with a female zeir blood changes. It grows and soon enough, zose like Fleur, half-blood, quarter or even less. Zey become a pure, whole Veela woman. Now zis won't 'appen until it's time of course but it is some'zing to look forward to oui?'
"I am so tired of this! You're changing as fast as I'm getting big! I can't handle a newborn and full Veela at the same time! Why is the world doing this?! I can't go to work like I want, I can't have my own house like I want and now my wife is….ugh!" Hermione was close to pulling out her hair. An action that had the blonde woman looking very distressed and anxious. On impulse and without provocation Fleur swept the smaller woman off her feet and carried her into the bath. Their large luxurious tub started to fill with hot water, the oils and bubbles adding themselves to the mix while scented candles flew out of draw and lit up all over the room. If Hermione wasn't so emotionally confused with her raging hormones and great distaste for the timing of well everything, she would've been deeply touched by Fleur's gesture of comfort. Carefully undressing her wife and helping her slightly out-balanced body into the water, only then did the blonde relax as her wife took a deep breath.
"This doesn't mean I forgive you…weird Veela hybrid version of my wife" Hermione closed her eyes and just decided to take in the moment. No worries, no pregnancy, nothing but her and the hot water.
Fleur on the other hand was out like a flash. Back into the bedroom to complete the perfect sleeping space for the mother of her child. Soft pillows to cushion her back, secure sheets and blankets to make her feel comforted but not contained, slight elevation for her back and cool silk for her feet. 'Perfect'
Fleur's mind was a mixture of colours, sensations and precise movements. In order to gain the desired outcome she must make the appropriate actions. Fleur was always like this since she was a child. Always knowing what she wanted and how to get it. Her Veela side however knew more about the world, knew from pure instinctive actions what would win the heart and what would gain the hatred.
Her day's efforts to try and sort the living room was a complete disaster; she knew it. Change wasn't a very easy thing for Hermione, especially after she started showing, but to ruin her home; the place she was to relax and not think of the world's troubles. Fleur wanted to make her safe, comfortable and relaxed yet at the same time her body was making all sorts of changes ending up with a very angry pregnant wife.
Fleur's eyes focused into sharp golden orbs. Fists clenched she marched through the rest of the house looking for every enchantment, every modify she made to their home and undid every single thing. No more overly protective spells, furniture returning to its rightful place and missing items reappearing in a flash. Deep in her guy, Fleur could feel gnawing of dread. The possibilities of disaster were growing every second but she ignored it. This would make Hermione happy again. Not fearing for her every step.
After near pruning herself to perfection, Hermione finally removed herself from the bath and donned her night gown. Normal sleeping attire had changed with the growth of her child, not that she minded too much but sometimes she liked lazing about in her loose pyjama pants. Wandering her way out of the bathroom the witch needed a moment to settle her mind and now awake child.
"Shhh little one. Please no more. I want to get some sleep alright? We can play tomorrow when Mummy is stuck at home with no work…" she groaned to herself as her hand circled the spot her adorable little parasite was kicking against. Instantly a body was in her path.
"Zey are waking up? But you need sleep"
"I know that Fleur I'm just about to…" once again Hermione was quickly swept off her feet and before she could start another rant her back was settled on the most soft comfortable mass of cloud to ever exist. The witch couldn't help but groan in awe. The nest of a bed looked worse than it felt. This was heaven.
"You should sleep, I will care for ze little one" the words were no more than a whisper but still through Hermione's tired mind, they connected. Maybe her wife turning more Veela than human wasn't such a bad thing.
"This does mean I forgive you…and tell your mother her letter was very…unwelcome" she said just before dozing off into a night of soothing dreams.
Unfortunately for Hermione her actions against her mother-in-law ended up being the very thing the older woman wanted. After receiving many invitations to the manor over the course of her last few months of pregnancy, the brunette finally gave in to really tell Apolline what she thought about their whole, 'Veela heirs must be born in the main household' nonsense. Their day started off with light snacks, sweet tea and polite conversations soon followed by a thorough lecture from the young witch about customs of both muggle and magical worlds. It all took a turn when Hermione's water broke. Instantly there was a room full of very excited, very emotional transformed Veela.
Fleur, after being the first to morph through her Veela change in a fluent flourish of blue light, literally flew her wife up the stairs and to the ready room. Her nerves were endlessly twitching away and every aura she felt of her sisters caused high pitched growling to erupt through clenched teeth. Veela were naturally playful and very interactive Beings, but when a new life was brought into the world, things could get very tense. Especially for the parents to be.
Banished from the room along with strict orders to not claw or destroy the door, the clan healers took over the care of Hermione while Fleur, Apolline and the rest of the Delacour family waited for the little bundle of joy to enter the world. Over six hours. Fleur counted every second she was away from her love. Pacing the hallway did little to settle her nerves but it gave her something to focus on other than the swirling auras. Apolline and Celeste did nothing to stop her, knowing how stressful such times could be; they were on the other side of the door in such cases but gave nothing less than all support to their darling young ones. Finally the sound that split the tense air filled every corner of the mansion; a crying child.
Bursting through the doors Fleur rushed to the bed where her sweat soaked wife was lying in post haze of birth while next to her head, wrapped up in a silk blanket was their red faced newborn.
"Beautiful…" the blonde whispered as she placed the softest kiss to the child's hand. Hermione watched with a tired smirk. Unable to find her wife serious with various mounts of feathers sprouting from her hair.
"I hope you did not destroy anything…I am too tired to fix more of your messes…our little one took a lot out of me…" she was lulled into silence with a soft kiss.
"I did no'zing but wait outside ze door. I could not leave you. Ei'zer of you. Never" Hermione smiled before closing her eyes and sighing.
"Good. Now do your Veela duty as watch over us as we rest. We need it" with one hand raised to surround their brand new baby, Hermione fell into a peaceful slumber. Veela eyes watched on unaware of the doors closing. Leaving the small family to be just that.
Here we are. This chapter started as a brief idea and kinda went all over the place. Well it felt like it to me. I did a few ideas I don't normally go for with my Veela stories but still I hope you liked it.
Still happy to take any prompts you guys/girls have. The latest one I've received was very interesting.
Midmoon Kitsune out!