Let's get this thing started.

The Dreamscape

The winter solstice held celestial meaning in multiple cultures; the Veela were but one of the many races that this held true. While their origin was nomadic, more travellers of the land, eventually the large family groups selected places to settle down. Some for peace, others for human interaction or on sites of massive natural magic.

The Delacours were of the latter.

Fleur was the latest heir of her family and had a wonderful life; she'd enjoyed adventures, interacted with all kinds of people and creatures, challenged herself physically, mentally, emotionally and illogically. She was the first to admit that she was spoiled growing up.

Who wouldn't be? What kind of wacky maternal grandmother gives a five year old a live unicorn for a birthday present with a shameless grin as she had done so?!

The blonde haired teen sighed through the selected memory before she looked to her classmates; the large group of Veela congregated at the lower end of the grounds with their Headmistress. It was the night of the Winter Solstice and with the moon's power, the Veela ladies could cast their most favoured of rituals.

Marie and Anastasia were the only two ladies not to attend that evening; only because one hadn't the need and the other was physically prohibited.

Fleur pitied the young lady who managed to pair with such a powerful wizard back home. She giggled behind a hand at the sheer look of the nonchalance that Anastasia gave. The Veela was an airhead more often than not.

"Fleur?" She turned at the call, curious but warm to the approaching figure. It was a close friend, Penelope Locke. "Are you excited for this evening's event? This year will certainly be more entertaining."

"Are you comparing this year's solstice to the last because you yourself, have found your one true love?" Fleur teased in light humour. Her stance relaxed as the young lady began to puff up in response; though she eventually heaved a sigh as their attention was drawn away.

The hour was closing in and the Veela present tightened into a circle.

"I hope we all have fun this year."

"We can only wonder who's scene we'll fall victim to this time… I'm looking at your man Fay!"

"That's not fair! Ryan's had a hard time without me!" The entire circle erupted into giggles at the Veela's outburst and even Fleur couldn't hide her smirk. It was all part of the fun during solstice to truly submerge themselves into the worlds created by others. The mind was a powerful thing.

"Are we ready?" Evanthe spoke up with a glance around. Her hand was outstretched. "Fleur, if you would do us the honours?"

"The honour to lead these lovely ladies into the world of dreams? Oh you bestow upon me the greatest gift." Her suave tone eased the atmosphere but the eagerness remained strong; with a wave of her hand, Fleur's magic activated the rune circle at their feet.

The concept behind the runes was simple, the power she had to put in however was the key to making the ritual work and Fleur had plenty to spare; the visual effects were what became bothersome.

The Dreamscape that Veela entered was always the domain of their other half. Their soulmates.

Fleur opened her eyes to find herself standing in an autumnal forest. The massive oak trees showered the group with dancing leaves, the wind a pinch colder than expected but the atmosphere was inviting. There was no end in sight to the forest ahead of them but the Veela knew which way to go.

They simply had to follow Evanthe.

"Why do we always end up in hers before any others?" Penelope murmured. Fleur had to agree but it was amusing nonetheless; her faithful second in command did have a dominating aura about her but Fleur had no concern over loyalties. Evanthe and her partner were just more passionate than most.

When they encountered Hector, it was no surprise he was hunting in the endless forest landscape. The young male had an outgoing personality, highly energetic but rather prone to dangerous situations. Fleur believed he wasn't yet trained enough to handle their socialite circles but that wasn't her worry to bear.

The majority of the group wandered off gleefully to find their own respected partners in the dreamlike world; while the scenes never blended together, it was fairly easy for the powerful Beings to jump from one mind to the next. Fleur got to enjoy the spray of the ocean atop a white sail Brig; feel the sting of ice against her skin as she stood atop the highest mountain range and for a second, watch an inauspicious battle between a Werewolf and a Vampire.

The latter was highly confusing but Fleur wandered off as her boredom grew.

Penelope abandoned her without a second thought; a glance was all she needed to run off toward her beloved 'Barnaby' and Fleur was left to her own devices. For the ladies to find their beloved partners at a foreign school like Hogwarts was unexpected; Fleur's family was bewildered when they heard the news.

"Perhaps I shouldn't postpone it any further…" The Veela mumbled to herself as she followed the unbeaten path. As colour, sound and sensation faded around her, it was only a moment before Fleur found herself in a blank space. A white scape of nothingness, where a wooden bench sat in isolation and the single figure positioned upon it.

Fleur approached quietly, calmly and with slight trepidation. It would be the first time for her too.

"Bonjour. May I join you?" She'd offer a smile in greeting, but the figure didn't shift at her appearance.

Hermione Granger merely turned a page in her novel and resettled.

With no response, Fleur summoned her own seat to occupy; parallel to the brunette. She took a moment to really glance around the scene. The lack of detail was daunting, distorted and yet it didn't feel empty and she expected. It was a canvas without paint, a portrait yet drawn. Perhaps with a little persuasion Fleur could change that.

"If you desired, you could change the scene to something a little more, casual." To prove her point, the Veela created a rounded table between them, sat atop was a vase with a single rose. Again, it went unnoticed by the brown eyed girl. It was like she didn't see or hear her and Fleur was stumped as to why she acted as such.

Entering a dreamscape never hindered the interaction between partners before.

As the young woman sat there, quiet, still and observant, she noted how detached Hermione was in her own little world. Was that why her dreamscape was so underdeveloped? Did the brunette not care for her surroundings if her focus was solely on an object or idea? If so, how was Fleur to break it softly? Only one thought came to mind.

"Hermione?" Fleur's voice was just above a whisper, but it gained a reaction.

The tiniest of smiles and another page turned before dark orbs finally rose from the book to take in Fleur's immaculate form.

"Hello Fleur. It's nice to see you again." A casual tone like any other conversation; there was no wonder, no curiosity nor caution. Perhaps her soulmate was merely braver than others; Fleur had noted the house was that of lions after all.

"As to you, Hermione… may I ask what you are reading?"

"You may, but I won't answer." Hermione gave an almost teasing reply, eyes once again on her page but Fleur didn't feel any hostility. "It's rather rude to interrupt a reader while they enjoy an enchanting tale."

"You were so enraptured by it, I couldn't deny myself the chance to join you."

"I'm sure." There was a moment of silence between them before Hermione spoke again. "Tell me, what's the real reason you came to speak with me?"

"Do I need a reason Hermione?"

"As this is the first conversation we've had, I'd say, yes." The way the witch spoke struck a nerve within Fleur she didn't know she had. Truth really hurt, and the Veela certainly wasn't going to claim falsehood in the matter but it brought forth another factor.

Did Hermione even perceive it as a dream? Or did she think this was real?

"Would you believe me if I said, we aren't conversing physically? That this is all a figment of imagination?"

"It's plausible." A simple reply. "But how could I tell what is true and what's made up? I know I'm asleep; it's hard to fake this feeling, so how can I tell what's real?"

Wow, Fleur thought. Be it awake or in deep slumber; her soulmate was quite the bright one.

"Let's pretend you are; we're in the realm of fantasy. Don't you want to create something more festive than this white landscape?" Hermione glanced up once more to take in the charming smile and flowing hand motions. "How about a field of wildflowers? Or the open countryside?"

Like magic the scene suddenly changed around them; bursting from the ground were thousands of vibrant coloured flowers and distant hills appeared beyond an encasing wooded area. It was a bright contrast to their once lacking landscape and it certainly felt real.

Fleur watched intrigued as the young witch took it all in for a moment or two. Her lungs expanded with the inhale of fresh air and her pupils contracted against the gleaming sunshine. She was keen to hear the brunette's opinion on her effort.

"Would it answer my question?" She said softly, eyes distant but not unseeing. "Is this the reason you're speaking with me?"

"And if I said it was?"

"Then it doesn't make sense." Hermione looked at her blankly. Fleur smiled.

"Dreams don't have to make sense, Hermione."

"Then I have no need for it."

And just like that, the view faded away. The blank canvas returned and only the two seated occupants remained.

Fleur was both astounded and stumped. Why was the girl so blocked off? Did the endless possibilities of the realm not interest her? Surely a genius such as the witch valued the power of the mind and…

No. There was an underlying factor Fleur nearly forgot from the girl's previous words. Truth. If she couldn't discern the two… what was the point? If everything she perceived before her wasn't real, why waste the effort in the interaction?

The Veela didn't know if she liked the thought.

"Very well Hermione. I believe I understand now."

"Oh?"

"Oui. I wished to see you and truthfully, doing so in your dreams I thought would be easier. In knowing that, would you allow me your company?" Fleur tried to keep her voice even but a twinge at the end only aggravated herself. Their first interaction should've been in the real world; even Fleur knew she should've found the time and patience to approach Hermione with pride but she hadn't.

Hermione turned another page in her book before her eyes left the object in hand.

"Of course." She grinned, posture relaxed and gave her attention to the blonde willingly. "Is there something you want to talk about?"

"Oui." Seeing as how she couldn't sway her partner's emotions, feelings or intrigue in doing anything physically… Fleur altered for a more blunt approach. She could hear her mother's disapproving voice already. "Do you believe in fate?"

"Fate?" Hermione had to think about it for a moment. "As in, there's always a destined outcome? Or that our futures are predetermined?"

"Either. Both perhaps." Fleur shrugged casually, her eyes focused on the younger girl's expression.

"There will always be an outcome to an action; it's how things work. Our conversation today will lead to more in future wont it?" The innocence in the question made Fleur smile. "But do I believe my future is decided for me? No, there are always alternative options I have yet to make." Hermione for a moment returned her attention to the book still in hand. Faced with the fear that she would once again lose the brunette's interest, Fleur jumped on to the next topic.

"If I gave you a word, could you give me your understanding of it, Hermione?"

"I don't see why not," She replied somewhat intrigued. "Is this your way of asking for help in English?" Fleur's grin couldn't be hidden in time, even as she turned away to spite herself.

"No. But let's begin. Home."

"A place of comfort, safety and family. Somewhere you're eager to return to each evening."

"Interesting. Very well, how about Wilderness?" In asking her question, Fleur's subconscious created a new landscape around them. Large fir trees sprouted from the ground and encompassed them quickly. A cool blue sky appeared above them and a breeze brushed against skin.

"Is this your idea of wilderness?" Hermione's voice was filled with curiosity; the first time Fleur had heard it. "I think it's beautiful. Serene, quiet and still. But a presence in the air makes it mysterious. I like it."

"... merci…"

"Anymore?"

"Oui; just one. Soulmate." The word felt foreign on her lips but Fleur instead focused on observing how Hermione would take it; would she be confused? Hopeful?

"Soulmate…" Hermione's brows furrowed as she processed the idea. "I don't think I understand what you mean Fleur."

"That there is someone out there who is perfect for you."

"I don't think there is such a thing. No one is perfect."

"I'd like to disagree." The blonde spoke softly as she leaned against the arm of her bench. "There is someone out there for everyone."

"Maybe." Hermione readily agreed. "But I don't believe we're born with a match; that's illogical and unrealistic. Would you like to know you have no say in who your partner is? What if you don't like them? Or, they aren't what you imagined? How would you feel then?"

"Why would you be upset? There is someone waiting for you just on the other side of the dream; someone to match you mentally, emotionally and maybe even characteristically. A future together of unknown truths, memories to be made, joyful experiences yet to come." Fleur barely caught herself before the excitement overcame her voice. "There is no fear to be had; if you didn't like them, the match wouldn't be made possible."

"By fate?" Hermione raised a brow. She sighed silently and leaned back into the bench.

"Oui." Perhaps she needed to explain more. "Have you not heard the stories of 'one true love' or believing that someday you'll find your other half? I'm sure there were many fairytales like those your mother read to you."

"She did." A fond smile crossed the girl's lips as she returned to gaze upon the pages of her book. "Muggle stories are filled with true love and happily ever after."

"Then why don't you believe?"

"Because love doesn't happen like that." For the first time, Fleur heard the weight in the girl's tone. Seriousness, thought and was that pain? "Happily ever after doesn't just come to those who wait. It's not some pre written story to be enjoyed as you please; love, like life, takes work. Dedication, understanding, learning and sometimes pain and mistrust."

Fleur had to take it all in with a deep breath. It was troubling to hear the trembling tone her soulmate exuded; even in a dream.

"I guess 'love at first sight' means nothing to you then?"

"That's likely a chemical reaction in our brains that convinces us our DNA's sequencing is somewhat compatible and hope to continue the species." Hermione's attention had returned solely on her book in hand. Her other hand cradling her chin in the hunched form of disinterest and isolation.

Had Fleur taken it a step too far?

"Let me tell you what I believe." She began hesitantly, eyes focused on Hermione's expressionless face. "I've grown up in a family with many stories about soulmates; tales that go back generations of finding your other half. Someone who makes your life whole and worth living."

"Exhilarating." The grunt-like reply almost cut through Fleur's bravado like a serrated dagger. "Happily ever after for you then."

"But it was never about the ending. Love, relationship, marriage…" She offered a small smile which the brunette never saw.

"Of course. Best part; when a story goes exactly to plan." Hermione's sarcasm was well beyond subtlety.

"Truthfully, I longed for eye contact." She admitted openly. "Then it was the interaction, discovery of what their personality would be like; strengths, weaknesses and perhaps occasional childish thought. How we could compliment each other so scrupulously. The fun times to be had…"

A keen smile crept across her features as Fleur's mind wandered to imagery long desired and self indulged fantasies.

"I've always enjoyed challenging those who thought themselves better than me and would love my partner to stand alongside as I did. One with confidence, serenity and a provocative spark. Why would you assume your partner is someone of lesser standing? Impossible. It's obvious your soulmate would have to match you equally on grounds of power and…"

The Veela caught herself too late after a long, rambling like admission and rightfully turned away in shame. How could she be so easily caught off guard? Fleur was raised by the most elegant of Beings; composure was the foundation of character and yet such a long winded self exploitation was scandalous.

Her mother and grandmother would be disgusted. The Delacour name wouldn't be disgraced by Fleur's actions; she wouldn't let it.

After a heavy exhale and grounded once more, Fleur turned back to face the enriching vibrance of her soulmate. Unprepared for the intensity of rich, chocolate glazed eyes focused on her.

"It sounds like you have everything prepared, Fleur." Hermione spoke softly with an amused expression. "But what if this 'soulmate' isn't someone romantic? Have you considered the definition of what a 'soulmate' could be?"

"What…do you mean?" Her voice caught around the word.

"Well they could be like a sibling; someone there for you always, in love and respect but without the complication of romance." Fleur was eased in seeing the brunette's attention return to their conversation but the book remained open on her lap.

"I already have a sister; I need not another." A firm tone reclaimed some of her lost pride.

"Or maybe they're just a piece, meant to teach you something about yourself. I wouldn't mind sharing memories and experiences with someone who could appreciate it as much as I do." Hermione's eyes fell onto the scenery around them, eased of worry and deeper thought to enjoy the simplicity. "No expectations."

"She is already teaching me so much…" Fleur murmured under her breath, once again leaning heavily onto the armrest of her manifested bench. The sound of another page turned over, caused her eyes to shift.

"She?" Again caught in admission, the blonde avoided eye contact. "Well, Veela certainly come with interesting characteristics." Hermione giggled lighty at the clear discomfort Fleur exuded.

"Forget I said anything. This is merely a dream after all."

"Of course." With her hands splayed over the book's crisp pages, Hermione took a moment to herself before facing her companion properly. "If I was to openly think of the matter; soulmates and destiny. Have part of my story already written…"

Fleur's eyes widened, an excruciating burning in her chest as she waited breathlessly for the girl to continue.

"How would I know if they're the one? I doubt it's like magic and some sign will appear before me." Hermione chuckled whimsically, "It still goes back to my early point. You have to earn it in some shape or form, right?"

Before Fleur could reply, she felt the air around them tingle with energy. The enchanting forest like scene began to fade away once again into the white absence of colour, only it felt final.

Their time had ended and Hermione was soon to awaken.

"Hermione." Fleur spoke with a hint of desperation as the invisible walls of the girl's subconscious closed in further and further. She found herself reaching forward. "Please, tell me. Your book?"

Hermione gently placed the book aside with a content smile and just like the fading dreamscape, her body began to dissolve with the illusion. The Veela could only watch in wonder as the witch vanished before her.

Left in the void of silence, alone with only her thoughts, Fleur picked up the one item that remained. The book held no title, bound in soft leather and fresh parchment pages without wrinkles or folds.

Fleur wanted to open it on the page Hermione had halted on. If the brunette wouldn't share her favourite literature, the French born student would have to be inventive and find out for herself.

Or maybe she'd leave it for next time. A casual conversation starter.

"Fleur?" She turned at the call of her name, a familiar figure standing a short distance away. Evanthe had come to collect her. With the dreamscape over and a new day upon them, the Veela ladies decided to return to the real world themselves; maybe the blonde would be lucky to encounter Hermione on Hogwarts grounds. Would the girl remember?

Despite a night of activity and far from a restful bed, Fleur 'awoke' within her body, rejuvenated and buzzing with excitement. Perhaps she was far from the ideal atmosphere between herself and the brunette witch she was fond of, but after their first conversation there was a spark of hope.

She was a Veela. A proud and determined heir to her clan and Fleur would approach Hermione properly!

After a hearty breakfast… and perhaps a vial of Felix Felicis.

Left to rest on the empty plane, the book opened with a flurry of nonexistent wind to rest on a random page. There was not a trace of ink to stain the parchment as the tale was yet to be told.

It's been a while since I've updated anything; I'm sorry! Life has been all over the place, but I have a few in progress and posts are on their way. Fav, follow and Reviews welcome!

Midmoon Kitsune out!