You must've heard wrong.
"I'm sorry I don't believe I heard you right," you hear yourself say.
You start feeling a feeling of dread rise to the surface.
Can feel your pulse quicken.
You can feel Fleur tense up beside you.
"Non you 'eard me right, I 'ave a child by Fleur, ze one I am hoping Fleur will acknowledge and legitimize as a true heir in line of succession," Katherina boldly proclaims.
You're sure the people mingling about heard that.
As the chatter about seems to come to a halt.
"What pathetic grasp is zis Katherina," Claude accuses, stepping toward the smirking witch.
"I am offended zat 'ou would zink zat I would need to grasp, it iz true of course, my last joining wiz Fleur in our sixth year resulted in a child,"
You can feel all eyes on your little group.
Whatever chatter has completely stopped.
"My Andre is ze true heir to ze Delacour name," Katherina boldly proclaims.
You can't stop the anger and anxiety that has seeped into the forefront.
Who does this woman think she is?
Secret child or no.
"I 'ave seen your child, zey do not look at all like Fleur," you hear Suzette say.
You need to say something.
But you feel out of your depth here.
And judging by Fleur's own inability to say anything on the matter.
You're sure she is too.
This is a shock for the both of you.
"Nizzer do Fleur's two youngest yet no one questions zeir legitimacy,"
It's at this that you finally speak up.
"You dare accuse my Loras and Margaery,"
You're stopped from saying anything further, when you feel Fleur's hand come around your waist.
"Zis is a matter to be discussed in private, not 'ere where you can make a fool of yourself amongst 'old schoolmates"
You can see the ferocity in her eyes.
You know it affects Fleur as much as it does you.
Whenever anyone attempts to speak ill of any of your offspring.
This seems to do the trick, as Katherina takes a set back.
However you can see a reddish tint has taken display on her features.
"As you wish, meet me in an hour by ze entrance to ze restaurant you last took me too before you left me wiz a bebe in mai belly," she says in a huff and sharply turns and walks away.
The rest of the hour goes by in a blur.
Fleur has not let you go as you mingle with a few more former schoolmates of hers before you excuse yourselves and make your way out of the ballroom.
Fleur's two friends follow after you as you make your way outside.
"Katherina is a real piece of work," Suzette off handedly comments.
You can feel the tenseness between the three french nationals.
You're own is very present.
Nodding beside the fuming witch, Claude comments in turn.
"I will go into ze ministry after zis and see what I can find,"
Ah, you had forgotten about that, he does hold a high enough position within the ministry to look into personal files.
This does little to calm your nerves however.
If Fleur does have a child she did not know about.
She must do right by it.
You would never deny a child innocent of their parents actions the right to have a bond with their unknowing parent.
You're not a cruel person by any means.
However you can't stop the feeling that unsettles you.
Of Fleur being anywhere near this woman.
Who acted like she had a rightful claim over your spouse.
"I appreciate it," you hear Fleur's words in thanks, this brings you out of your musings.
Claude nods in turn before bidding you all a good evening and apparating away.
Suzette likewise gives you both a comforting smile and says "I've got to take care of a few zings while I am in ze city but I will be nearby if you need anyzing of me,"
She apparates a moment later.
Fleur grips you closer and with a pop apparates the both of you.
The pulling sensation is briefly felt as you stand in Fleur's bedroom within the Delacour Estate.
You look at your spouse quizzically as she takes a step back from you.
Untangling her arm from around your waist.
"I will be back soon," she says with an air of finality.
This puzzles you.
"No we will go together," you firmly state.
You do not like the thought of Fleur and this woman alone in the same room.
Fleur shakes her head at that.
"Non zis is a matter that I must deal wiz,"
Deal with?
No. You're married, you've been married for close to 14 years or is that not enough to warrant you a place at her side during this trying time.
"You don't have to deal with this alone, I am well aware of the custody laws, I can help," you try to reason.
This does little to sway Fleur, and she simply shakes her head once more.
"In Britain, not 'ere, France is different,"
"How different can it be?" you ask, if it is you'd like to know.
"I do not 'ave time to explain, I 'ave to meet Katherina in less zan a minute," Fleur tries to reason.
But really what is there to reason.
You're her spouse.
Surely that should be enough to warrant you a seat at the table during this discussion.
"I can help," you try to reason once more.
You don't know if its the time constraint or your insistence that annoys Fleur as she huffs and retorts.
"Zis matter does not concern you, now please I am going to be late,"
A moment later she's gone.
Fantastic.
Now what are you going to do?
You're not sure.
But what you are sure of.
Is that you're a bit hurt.
And a bit mad.
Fleur just disregarded you.
"Zis matter does not concern you," had she really said that?
Of course it concerned you.
If this child was coming into your lives.
Into your children's lives.
This concerned you.
How dare she say that it did not.
You had every right to be at this meeting.
When Fleur comes back from her meeting you will make sure to let her know how her words have hurt you.
For now you will settle in for the night.
Your hurt has not abated.
But it is rather late and you need to get ready for bed.
You'll read a book to help temper your flaring anger.
Best to have a level head rather than acting on raging emotions.
So you change out of your clothes and into a pair of pajamas.
Remove the light makeup you've put on for the evening and brush your teeth.
You'll deal with this when Fleur gets back and you've calmed down.
You settle into bed with a piece of legislation.
One of pillars for your campaign.
This should keep you occupied until Fleur comes back.
Which shouldn't take too long as you both have to leave for England come first thing in the morning.
You have your first press conference tomorrow.
To kick off your campaign.
You don't know how.
Or rather when it happened.
But you suddenly find yourself jolting awake.
You take a moment to adjust to your surroundings.
It appears to be morning?
You sit up.
You must've fallen asleep while waiting for Fleur.
Only.
She doesn't seem to have come back?
Her side of the bed does not look like it was slept in?
Could she have gotten up earlier?
Questions swirl about you.
But you decided to try to ease the looming dread you can't help but feel.
You figure she's probably gone downstairs to break her fast with her mum and dad.
'Clement and Apolline are early risers' you muse to yourself as you walk into the bathroom, remove your clothes and turn on the shower.
Making sure to take a quick shower, you quickly wash away the grime from the previous day and get ready.
Only once you've put your wristwatch on do you realize you're running a tad late.
And with haste do you gather your things and make your way out of the room down the stairs to the first floor, and into the dinning room.
Your mother and father in law greet you.
"Bonjour 'Ermione," they both acknowledge you with a smile.
"Bonjour,' you greet back in turn.
Taking in your appearance Fleur's father asks "Press Conference iz today non?"
You nod in turn, you got on exceedingly well with Fleur's family.
Especially her father.
Had run many a legislation by him in the early years of your career as a politician.
"You haven't seen Fleur have you?" you ask, not wanting to waste time. You're running a bit behind schedule as it is.
The looks of slight surprise on them churns that feeling of dread within you deeper.
"Did she not come back home wiz you?" Fleur's mum inquires.
"She did, but she had a matter to take care off not long after we got back, I'm actually running a tad behind schedule so if you see her could you please let her know that I'll see her at home tonight"
You've unloaded a bit on them.
But if they have any questions they won't ask them.
At least not now.
For they know just how important this is to you.
And they're very proud of you for taking this next step in your career.
They both nod in turn and wish you a good speech.
'Good speech' right.
That.
As if you didn't have enough to worry about today.
The dread increases.
You push this back again and kiss them both on each cheek to say your goodbyes.
Taking a few steps back you apparate.
Straight into your home.
Your empty home.
You'd forgotten how quiet it could get without your youngest two.
And you'd be lying if you said you didn't miss them.
Loras with his obsession for flying and Margaery with her thirst for knowledge and many questions about the legislation you've worked on in the past.
It brings a smile to your face.
And helps ease your nerves a tad.
Thoughts of your children always do.
Victoire with her ferocity for dueling, Dominique with her knack for charms and Louis with his natural flying ability.
Your little brood always helped ease your nerves before any meeting.
They helped you collect yourself.
And bring it all back to the root of why you were a politician.
To maintain peace.
To build a better world for them.
And for all the future generations to come.
With this in mind you check your watch once more.
Quarter to noon.
Right on time.
You walk over to your fireplace, take some floo powder and floo to your office at the Ministry.
You're immediately greeted by your secretary and campaign manager as they filter about you making sure not a hair is out of place and going through your talking points with you as you look ahead.
Where out your doors a multitude of reporters await.
- x -
This has gone much better than you expected it too.
You've been able to expertly answer all of the questions the reporters have thrown your way.
If the smiles on your team is anything to go by.
You've knocked this one out of the park.
And it looks like there's just enough time for one last question.
So you motion for a reporter that hasn't gotten a chance to ask.
"Mrs Delacour, what do you have to say to the reports that your wife was seen in the arms of another woman the other night?"
This catches you off guard
You'd expected anything else but this.
Is that why Fleur hadn't come back the previous evening?
They must have sensed your falter as you can hear the reporters murmur between themselves.
You try to recover and meet the reporter head on.
"I say that I hold no stock in bold accusations that have no value to them, in my youth I was the target of slander, slander that proved to be false once the novelty of the 'scandal' wore off. So I will not acknowledge false rumors,"
You can feel your quickening heartbeat.
The dread seeps back in.
This does not deter the reporter however.
"My source comes from the front page article from Le Pain Quotidien from France,"
This stills your blood.
But you do not have another moment to register this when you're saved by the interruption of your campaign manager.
"We have gone over the time allotted, if you wish to ask more questions please feel free to join us for the next press briefing," he ushers you away. Your secretary and team behind you two.
You can hear the multitude of questions from the reporters.
The complaints.
The accusations.
- x -
"Victoire! Victoire! Stop!"
The shouts from Louis Delacour can be heard as he struggles to wrap his arms around his older sister.
It'd been a typical day about the castle.
Louis Delacour, the eldest son and third born to Fleur and Hermione Delacour had been having a good day.
He'd just made his way out onto the grounds, broom in hand.
When he'd seen his eldest sister launch herself at one of her housemates.
He'd been taken aback at the sudden action of his older sister.
But had sprung into action a moment later.
Running over to his sister as she swung at Desmera Boote.
He'd struggled to get a handle on how to pull Victoire off of her housemate, before getting his arms around her waist.
"You're insane!" the Boote girl exclaimed as she struggled to staunch the bloody nose she now sported.
Victoire struggles against you as she tries to free herself from your hold, but you hold on tight.
"Insult my mum's again and I'll show you insane!"
This takes you back a bit.
Just enough for Victoire to break free of your hold and launch herself at Desmera once more.
You're saved from the trouble of trying to pry them apart this time by the presence of Professor Longbottom and Headmistress McGonagall.
"What is the meaning of this!" The shout startles Victoire enough for her to disentangle herself from Desmera.
"She just started attacking me Head Mistress," Desmera excuses as Professor Longbottom spells an "Episkey" to stop the girl's bleeding nose.
"She called my maman a Harlot!" Victoire defended.
Louis looked on and could not stop the anger he felt at those words.
So that's why Victoire had launched herself at Desmera.
He had half a mind to do the same.
"Explain yourself Miss Boote,"
"She is Headmistress! She married into one of our most heroic families for the prestige!" Desmera tries to excuse as she presents a crumpled newspaper article towards the Headmistress.
The front cover Delacour marriage on the outs? Fleur Delacour caught mid liplock with a mystery woman,"...No word on how Decorated War Hero Hermione Delacour nee Granger is taking this blow.
"Bold faced lies!" Victoire defends glaring at her housemate.
"Professor Longbottom take Miss Boote to Madam Pomfree, I'll leave you to see fit to her punishment," the Headmistress instructs as Desmera groans and Professor Longbottom ushers her into the castle.
"Now Miss Delacour, I don't need to remind you that that is unacceptable behavior befitting a prefect and the daughter of the future Minister for Magic,"
Victoire looks to the side for a second before mumbling a "no ma'am,"
The Headmistress looks at the dejected young lady. Almost an exact replica of her french mum when she came to participate in the Triwizard Tournament all those years ago, save for her eyes.
"Now you will be serving detention in my office this coming Friday in the evening, hopefully that should teach you not to strike another student," the Headmistress informs as she gives Louis a small nod and instructs the surrounding students to get to their classes.
- x -
"You shouldn't have struck her," Teddy Lupin spoke as he watched Dominique Delacour put some healing salve on her older sister's left cheek.
Part of Victoire's punishment for starting a fight with another student.
No use of potions to heal the slight bruise Desmera had managed to inflict on her person during their scuffle.
"And what did you expect me to do Teddy?" Victoire glared at her boyfriend.
"I don't know but not that, Desmera could blab this to a reporter at the Prophet," Teddy tries to reason.
This seemed to do the trick as Victoire let out a frustrated sigh.
"Merlin's balls you're right,"
Loras and Margeary's giggles at her colorful language taking her away from her frustration.
"Don't repeat that in front of mum," Victoire warned.
This quieted the twins but did little to ease their shit eating grins.
Bringing the conversation back to the matter at hand Louis cleared his throat.
"What do you think about the picture circulating?" since he'd managed to get his hands on the article he'd been flabbergasted at what to do.
Let alone feel.
The picture showed his maman with her lips locked with another witch.
Albeit she didn't look like she was reciprocating it.
It was enough to look incriminating.
Years of having walked in on his mums engaging in a liplock had shown him the body language his maman had when actually kissing someone.
And her posture in the photograph looked rigid.
Almost in shock.
This felt staged.
But he wasn't sure.
"Maman would never," Dominique defended.
"And if she did, she can count herself out of my life," Victoire bit out.
This earned a resounding silence from her siblings and boyfriend around her as they looked at her in stunned silence.
"You don't mean that," Teddy tried to reason.
"Yes I do! If what they say in the papers proves to be true, then she's not only hurt mum! She's hurt all of us," Victoire proclaims looking round to her younger siblings.
She was the eldest.
It was up to her to lead the charge.
And defend her mum from her maman if need be.