Meeting The Delacours
Hermione felt herself being sucked through what seemed to be a tight tube with images flitting around her like a movie on fast-forward. Seconds later, she felt solid ground under her feet and hunched over as her stomach was doing somersaults. She breathed in thirstily, anchoring herself to the feeling of the arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her. Righting herself, she was surprised by the view in front of her. Massive wrought iron gates, attached to high stone walls barring the view of what was inside. Looking around, she found that they were in the middle of a forest, as all she saw surrounding her and the stone walls were tall trees. The air was nice and warm, a drastic difference to the chill of Scotland. There was still light out as the sun hadn't set yet.
"Shall we?" whispered Fleur, offering the crook of her arm again. Hermione nodded and found herself being led to the beautiful iron gate with looping vines and leaves on the sides and large tucked wings on each side, a big "D" mirrored on each wing.
Fleur stopped in front of the gates and announced in a powerful clear voice, "Fleur Isabelle Delacour," for the wards to allow entrance to everyone. The wings on the door started to shake, fluttering before spreading wide, pulling the door open which only showed a dirt road and more forest. Hermione turned when her attention was taken by a neigh. On the side was a carriage, with two snow-white Pegasuses attached to the harness. Fleur instructed everyone else to step in which they did effortlessly. Hermione suspected the inside was probably the same as the Beauxbatons carriage, a lot bigger from the inside.
"Would you want to sit inside, ma belle? Or would you like to sit wiz me in front?" asked Fleur.
"In front, please" replied Hermione, not willing to stray away from Fleur in this unknown place.
Fleur grinned, helping her up in the driver's seat like the gentlewoman she was, before climbing beside her and taking the reins, "Allons-y" she instructed and the Pegasuses started a trot then a canter. As they got into the momentum, they spread their wings and started flapping, taking off into the air. Hermione's hand shot to grasp Fleur's arm in a vice grip.
Fleur turned to look at her puzzled, "You are scared?"
Hermione blushed, "Uhm… I'm not a fan of flying."
Fleur's eyes widened, concerned "Do you wish me to bring them back to ze ground?"
"No, no. It's fine."
"Are you sure, 'Ermione? We can travel on ze ground."
"Yes. I have to get over the silly fear anyway," Hermione laughed, though it was slightly shaky.
Fleur pulled her arm out of the brunette's grip who panicked a bit until she felt it wrap around her waist and pull her tight against Fleur's side, "I will never let anything happen to you." The blonde whispered in her ear.
Hermione looked up, seeing the conviction in the deep blue eyes, "Thank you."
"Look, we are approaching." Fleur pointed with a nod in the direction of the chateau. Hermione turned and was stunned at the view in front of her. Large green gardens, with colourful patches of flowers with white pathways illuminated by massive braziers, sat in front of what looked like a massive Renaissance/Gothic style chateau with blue roofs, with light-up windows and lampposts. The structure was right on the shore of what looked like a massive lake and it continued onto an arched bridge to a larger piece of the chateau on an island just a bit off the shore of the blue lake , which glistened with the moonlight and the light from the chateau .
"Bienvenue au Château Delacour" Fleur voiced out as she began the carriage's descent. Soon, the Pegasuses landed gracefully right in the front courtyard. Fleur hopped off before extending her hand to help Hermione, while the others were getting out of the carriage.
The large blue doors of the chateau burst open and a horde of little girls and little boys, filtered out screaming, "Fleur!", "Quinn! Britt Britt!"
Fleur laughed as she picked up a little green-eyed blonde girl with freckles, "Freya!" the blonde laughed, launching the squealing little girl in the air before catching her. By that time, three little boys with curly red hair, identical triplets, attached themselves to Fleur as if she was a jungle gym, "Harris, Hubert, Hamish! 'Ow are you little tykes?!"
Hermione's brow furrowed when she heard Fleur pronounce their names correctly, wondering why the blonde struggled with the H in her name.
"Ay you wee little rascals, get back inside!" An older version of the triplets, looking around 15 years old, came out of the door with a stern face which, to Hermione's astonishment, had nearly the same bushy hair as her except she was a redhead.
"Merida! 'Ow are you?" smiled Fleur, giving a one-arm hug to the girl as she was still carrying Freya. Quinn had picked up two of the boys while Brittany was carrying the third one on her shoulders.
"I'd be a lot better, cousin if I didn't have to take care of the wee devils!" she huffed in a heavy Scottish accent.
Fleur laughed, "come on, let's get everyone inside." She tightened the grip on the little blonde in her arm, who was playing with her hair and took Hermione's arm before ascending the stairs to the chateau.
"Carmilla, did you bring me cookies?" was heard from the most adorable voice from the smallest kid of the group, Callie, a brunette with the biggest brown eyes. Hermione didn't know how that kid's parents ever refused her anything. Laura snorted as she tried to stifle her laughter.
"Uhm… I'll sneak you some later, little cupcake," whispered Carmilla, trying hard to maintain her tough persona.
As they all got inside, Hermione was even more amazed at the interiors. Tapestry covering the cream walls, depicting landscapes as well as Veelas. Large candles lit up the hallways. The place was airy and bright, so different from the dark hallways of Hogwarts. It looked friendly and lived in, not so much what she was expecting. They all reached the ballroom which was a large room even larger than the Great Hall of Hogwarts, the windows to the side reached up to the ceiling where large crystal chandeliers were hanging, dispersing golden light onto the whole setup. A look through the windows, Hermione could see the lake and the larger structure on the island which meant they were in the part of the chateau that was on the arc bridge. On the sides of the room were tables, laden with all sorts of finger foods and drinks. On a stage up in the front, she could see a full orchestra playing music. She could also see doors which most probably lead to the balconies she saw from the sky. There were already a lot of people around, chatting and mingling, Hermione was feeling quite nervous.
"Fleur! Ma fille!" a voice called out from the crowd on the floor and seconds later, a blonde woman emerged from it, looking like an older version of Fleur.
"Maman!" exclaimed Fleur, giving her mother a one-arm hug with Freya was still in her arms.
The blonde woman hugged Gabrielle and the others then turned to Hermione, "and iz zhis who I think it iz?"
"Ah Maman, zhis is 'Ermione Granger. 'Ermione, this iz my muzzer, Apolline Delacour." Fleur introduced them.
"A pleasure to meet you, Madame Delacour," said Hermione politely, going for a handshake.
"Ah, ma chère, you are beautiful! Just like my Fleur described," said Apolline, eyeing Hermione appreciatively, before dragging her into a hug. Fleur blushed in embarrassment, "call me Apolline. None of zhis madame nonsense. Now, come wiz me. Fleur's grandmuzzer and my husband 'ave been dying to meet you."
Along the way to finding Fleur's grandmother and dad, Hermione was introduced to all sorts of family, Quinn's parents, Brittany's parents, Laura's parents, pretty much the parents of all the cousins of Fleur, all of them wishing Fleur happy birthday. She was also introduced to all the parents of the little kids she met outside. Fleur looked quite sad having to give Freya back to her mother. Hermione also observed that Merida and her brothers totally got their hair from their dad.
"Grand-mère!" Fleur exclaimed, running to hug an even older version of herself, with Fleur's gyrfalcon, Artemis, on her arm. That must be her grandmother.
"Ah, ma petite-fille!" the woman hugged the blonde tightly, wrapping her arms around her which brought Artemis close to her as well. The bird hopped on Fleur's shoulder and started to nibble her ear.
"Maman, 'ere iz ze Hermione zhat Fleur told us about," said Apolline.
No sooner had she said it that Hermione found herself engulfed in the arms of Fleur's grandmother. "Ah enchantée Hermione. I am Angelique Delacour. We finally meet you. Fleur has told us so much about you," said Grand-mère Delacour, much to Fleur's embarrassment.
"Hello, pleased to meet you too, Madame Delacour," Hermione replied, shy and confused on how much Fleur has been talking about her.
"Call me Grand-mère, please. Zhere are too many Mrs Delacour in zhis place. It gets confusing!" she laughed. Hermione laughed with her, she seemed like such a jovial woman.
"Ma petite Fleur! Joyeux Anniversaire!" boomed a loud voice, making Hermione turn around just in time to hear Fleur squeal as a man lifted her in her arms and spun her around, dislodging poor Artemis, who flew off Fleur's shoulder to come sit on Hermione's.
"Papa!" Fleur laughed, hugging her dad tightly as he put her back on the ground.
"And who do we have 'ere?" The man approached Hermione, taking the hand she had extended for a shake and kissing it instead, "I am Armand Delacour, would you be, by any chance, ze famous Hermione?"
"Yes indeed" replied Hermione, casting a look at the flushed Fleur on the side. Looked like everyone knew her already.
"Nice to finally meet you. I look forward to getting to know you more. Dinner is about to start, let's get seated." He smiled and clapped his hands. Hermione watched curiously as the crowd shuffled to the side of the room.
Armand clapped again and about four well-dressed elves appeared in the middle of the hall, apparating large connecting tables with dark blue tablecloths, large candlesticks with beautifully carved candles lit on them, the finest dinner settings and then chairs. Afterwards, they clicked their fingers and various types of dishes appeared on the tables. There were even high chairs for the kids. As the adults started to get seated, the elves helped the parents to deposit their kids in their own high chairs. While Hermione found this to be a nice sight, she was not at all happy at the use of elves, even though they were well dressed in dresses and suits and ties.
"Come on," urged Fleur as she pulled Hermione to the other end of the table, which curiously had empty seats, puzzling Hermione since everyone was already seated. Only the elves were standing at that end. Did some people RSVP and not show up?
"Bonne Anniversaire, mademoiselle Fleur!" echoed all the elves in chorus. as Fleur got to the table and helped Hermione into her seat.
"Merci, tout le monde!" [Thank you everyone!] Fleur grinned as she went around the table hugging all the elves one by one, "Asseyons-nous" [Let's sit down]. Hermione watched amazed as each elf took their place in the empty seats at the table as Fleur slid in the seat next to her. It was only then that Hermione noticed that the head of the table was taken by Fleur's grandmother and Fleur was seated at the other end of the long table.
"Once again, joyeux anniversaire ma petite Fleur." Fleur's grandmother intoned, lifting her wine glass, "let the feast begin."
Dinner was, in Hermione's opinion, a brilliant affair. While it looked like a formal dinner, the family was so close to each other that the conversation was informal and filled with jokes and funny stories. The kids were trying to feed themselves, to the big amusement of their parents who had their wands ready for whenever food was spilt or was sent flying. The elves were a delight, they spoke without fear, one pair were couples and they all participated in the festivities fully. The whole family seemed to know them by name and were interacting so normally with them, as if…as if they were part of the family itself. Hermione was amazed and her heart was full of delight.
"So Hermione, how did you find ze voyage coming here?" asked Fleur's grandmother, "I believe you apparated side-along with Fleur"
"I'm still not used to apparition so I can't say it was comfortable," admitted Hermione.
"Well, I hope your stomach settled itself enough for you to enjoy ze food," Angelique smiled at the brunette.
Hermione smiled back, nodding. The food had been amazing.
"I cannot believe my little fille 'as already turned eighteen, Maman. Ze Veela changes will be starting. It worries me zhat she will be all ze way in Britain while she starts it," said Appoline worriedly to Angelique, while Hermione listened carefully.
"Ah, time sure passes fast. Don't worry so much, she has ze others wiz 'er," said Angelique as she tried to reassure her daughter, but she was a bit worried as well.
"Remember ze day she learnt to crawl?" Appoline smiled as she heard her mother laugh at the memory. Turning to Hermione, she continued, "she finally managed to keep steady on her wobbly knees and she crawled around so fast wiz ze biggest grin on her face. Her nappy came loose and fell off and Armand spent half an hour running after her wiggling naked butt."
Hermione laughed as she tried to imagine how Fleur looked as a toddler.
"Oh, and on her first birthday, she was quite good at flying wiz her tiny white wings, like a cherub in only her nappy again. She didn't like wearing clothes." smirked Apolline, "We were keeping an eye on her in case she fell. She was enjoying doing little twirls in ze air." Apolline smiled as she got lost in the memory, "We suddenly got sidetracked about somezhing and forgot about her for a few seconds and it waz all it took. She fell from ze air."
Hermione gasped.
"Right into ze enormous cake zhat Armand insisted she must 'ave!" roared Angelique as she burst into laughter.
"She was thankfully unharmed and quite happily eating and bathin in ze cake wiz glee. She was covered in it," laughed Apolline.
"Maman!" shouted Fleur, blushing in embarrassment.
Hermione then got pulled in a conversation on magical communication that was going on between Fleur's dad and one of her aunts. She gave a few inputs and was surprised that they listened to her ideas and explanations.
After dinner, the elves brought in a large cake, which prompted snickers from Apolline, Angelique and Hermione, with eighteen candles burning brightly onto it. The French version of Happy Birthday was sung and Fleur blew her candles. The candles were re-lit for every kid to blow and they were all given a chance to cut the cake. It took awhile but after that, everyone got a large piece of the cake for dessert. Afterwards, the tables and everything else was banished again, leaving the floor free, for a dance floor.
Rachel excitedly dragged Quinn to the dance floor while Brittany did the same to Santana. The rest followed with their partners while others went back to the side tables for more drinks.
"Would you do me the 'onour of dancing with me?" Fleur asked Hermione, extending her hand to the brunette.
"Fleur…I. I've only danced a few times, I'm not that good." Hermione whispered nervously.
"I'll lead and teach as we go. Please?" Fleur pleaded, her eyes soft.
Hermione looked at the pleading azure eyes and sighed, nodding her assent. She took the proffered hand. Fleur smiled gratefully, pulling the Gryffindor onto the dance floor.
The dance started with the orchestra playing a waltz. Fleur slid her arm to Hermione's small waist and pulled her gently closer. Hermione put her hand on Fleur's shoulder and off they went, round and round.
Fleur could feel Hermione being stiff in her arms so she leaned in to whisper in her ears, "relax your body and concentrate on me."
Hermione nodded timidly before trying to let her body go. The dance started going more smoothly, Fleur led her fluidly around the dance floor with a few well-placed twirls that made her feel butterflies in her stomach and they bubbled out of her mouth as laughter.
Fleur grinned at the musical laughter coming out of her Englishwoman, it made her heart soar. They danced for half an hour, Fleur pulling Hermione in more outrageous twirls just to hear the peals of laughter of her mate.
During the downtime, between songs, Fleur noticed Quinn and Santana leave their partners to go speak with the musicians. Maybe a request, thought Fleur. The two came back to their partners and amplified their voices with their wands.
"Ladies, gentlemen, elves and others. Santana and I would like to present to you this song, specially dedicated to our partners. To you, my Rachel," said Quinn, making Rachel swoon. She loved it when Quinn serenaded her.
"And to you, my Britt Britt," added Santana. Brittany grinned widely with glee. Her Santy was so cute!
With a slight nod at the musicians from Quinn, the lights dimmed as the music started and Fleur pulled Hermione closer.
"Watching every motion in my foolish lover's game… On this endless ocean, finally lovers know no shame…" sang Quinn in her angelic voice, pulling Rachel as close as she could to her body. The petite brunette wrapped her arms around her blonde's neck.
Santana's voice picked up next, gazing lovingly into Brittany's blue eyes. The blue-eyed blonde grinned lovingly at her feisty Santana serenading her. "Turning and returning to some secret place inside… Watching in slow motion as you turn around and say…"
"Take my breath away… Take my breath away…" Quinn and Santana chorused as they slowly danced with their partners. Fleur's gaze, though, was fixated on the warm brown ones in front of her. She was so close to Hermione that she could count the freckles on her cheeks. Her air was heady with Hermione's perfume..
"Watching I keep waiting, still anticipating love… Never hesitating to become the fated ones" Rachel looked at Quinn in awe as she picked the verse. The angelic voice and the burning love in the hazel eyes were taking her filling her heart so heavily yet she felt like she was floating over the dance floor.
Santana smiled as Brittany rested her head against her shoulder, "Turning and returning, to some secret place to cry… Watching, in slow motion, as you turn to me and say…"
Q & S: "My love, take my breath away"
S: "Through the hourglass, I saw you, in time you slipped away… When the mirror crashed I called you, and turned to hear you say…"
Q: "If only for today… I am unafraid…"
Q & S: :Take my breath away… Take my breath away…"
Hermione felt herself being pulled into Fleur's cerulean orbs. She could feel every point of contact between their bodies acutely, warming her skin. Her heart picked speed as she felt herself lean into the blonde.
Q: "Watching every motion in this foolish lover's game… Haunted by the notion, somewhere there's a love in flames…"
Santana: "Turning and returning to some secret place inside… Watching, in slow motion, as you turn my way and say…"
Q & S: "Take my breath away, my love… Take my breath away... My love… Take my breath away yeahhh...away… Take my breath away...My love... Take my breath away..."
Hermione breathed heavily as the song ended, caught in the blazing azure eyes of the French girl in her arms. The sudden applause, whistling and laughter from the audience snapped her out of her trance and she looked around her. Rachel was wrapped around Quinn, kissing her like her life depended on it and Brittany had lifted Santana into her arms and whirling her around in laughter before she brought her down and captured her lips.
Feeling uncomfortable at the romance around her, she shuffled out of Fleur's arms, trying to catch her breath. Clearing her throat, she announced "I would like to take a break," before walking off the dance floor, Fleur following her closely. The brunette poured herself some juice in a goblet to wet her parched throat.
"Are you ok, ma cherie?" asked Fleur concerned. The brunette looked unsettled.
"I'm fine. I was just starting to get warm, I needed to cool down and get some air," the Gryffindor explained.
"Would you like to go outside for some air, zhen? I can show you ze gardens," suggested the blonde.
Hermione nodded and allowed Fleur to direct her outside, where the temperature had decreased as the night progressed. The fresh air cooled her skin. They walked on the stone pathway lined with beautiful lampposts, with small Veela statues on top, wings spread with cupped palms facing the sky. Inside the palms, bright flames lit up the area. The sky was clear and glittering with stars while the moon bathed the whole place with moonlight. It all made the rows of flowers shine, while their scent wafted into the air as a small breeze blew.
"Fleur?" asked Hermione hesitantly.
"Hmm?" intoned Fleur as she gazed at the bright stars above.
"Looking at all the people inside, their happiness with their mates, the obvious love between them, even looking at Quinn with Rachel and Brittany with Santana…. Doesn't that make you feel lonely?"
Fleur was surprised at the question, making her steps falter and stop.
Hermione grew nervous at the surprise on the blonde's face, "I'm sorry. It's not my place to ask that."
"I do…" whispered Fleur, keeping her eyes on the night sky.
"Huh?" Hermione was confused.
"I do feel something. I wouldn't call it loneliness, not when I'm surrounded by my family but I do feel a prickle in my heart. The feeling is more me missing my mate," the Veela explained, finally bringing her eyes down to look at Hermione.
"You miss them? But you have never met them?" Hermione wasn't sure she was understanding.
"Yes. I have always felt like this, since very young. Always feeling it when playing, flying, sleeping or just being. The feeling that there is a specific someone that should have been next to me during it all, sharing these moments with me. I miss them deeply, always." Fleur smiled sadly before turning her gaze back to the stars. "You know, 'Ermione…"
"Yes?" Hermione replied, hearing the slight hesitation in Fleur's voice.
"I-" Fleur started.
"Fleur!" One of the Beauxbatons girls called out from the door, "Fleur, on s'apprête à retourner à Poudlard!" [We are getting ready to go back to Hogwarts!]
"D'accord, on arrive." [Alright, we're coming.] Fleur called back before turning back to Hermione, "It seems that the time to go back to Hogwarts has come.," she sighed.
Hermione nodded and followed the blonde back inside. They said their goodbyes. Watching Fleur with her family made Hermione miss her parents. I'll send them a letter tomorrow.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Hermione," said Apolline as she hugged her girl. She liked the brunette and hoped fiercely that the Gryffindor would join their family one day. "Do come again and if zhere iz anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."
"Indeed," agreed Angelique as she hugged the girl as well. "And do keep an eye on our Fleur for us, as she goes through her Veela changes, please."
Hermione was surprised at their generosity and hospitality. They were really lovely people..
"We shall continue our conversation on ways to increase the efficacy of magical communication some other time. I found your ideas, especially your explanation of existing Muggle techniques quite fascinating. Do come again," said Armand, as he hugged the girl as well.
Fleur took all her shrunk birthday gifts and slipped them in her pockets. Saying their goodbyes to the aunts, uncles, cousins, little kids and elves, they all climbed back into the carriage. This time, Fleur kept the carriage firmly on the ground to the edge of their Delacour property, not wanting to upset Hermione's stomach after their dinner, before they apparated away to the outskirts of Hogwarts' wards.
Soon they were back on Hogwarts ground, walking back to the Beauxbatons carriage. Hermione was still trying to shake the uncomfortable feeling of the apparition.
"'Ermione, it iz quite late and I do not wish for you to trek back to ze castle. Madame Maxime 'as given you permission to stay in ze carriage tonight."
"Ah Fleur, I do not want to inconvenience any of you. I can walk to the castle, it is no problem," replied Hermione.
"Please 'Ermione. Stay wiz us tonight," pleaded Fleur.
"Alright," acquiesced the brunette, sighing.
They all walked into the carriage and Rachel, Quinn, Britt and Santana all bid Fleur goodnight with a teasing grin on their faces.
"You will be staying in my room," said Fleur as she brought the Gryffindor into her room. Candles flickered on as Fleur waved her wand.
Earlier, when she was getting ready with the others, Hermione hadn't had the time to have a proper look at the surroundings. Now that she could, she was amazed. The room was massive! On the front wall stood large windows which Hermione was sure was facing the castle. On the right side of the windows was a large poster bed, large enough to fit two people comfortably. The right wall consisted only of bookshelves filled to the brim, with a white stone fireplace extruding from the middle. Oh, how she would love to peruse all those books. There was a comfy rocking chair on the left side of the windows which Hermione guessed was there for reading but from the cushions, blanket and open book that were on the window sill, Hermione guessed that's where Fleur did her actual reading. On the left wall were various assortments of weapons, armours and equipment, Fleur's desk was next to it. In a corner was a small door that went to Fleur's en-suite where she had changed her clothes earlier.
Fleur lit the fireplace to ward off the chill inside, "I shall give you some pyjamas for you to change into," she said as she opened her truck at the foot of her bed and riffled through it, "would you prefer a shirt and shorts or a nightgown?"
"Uhm, a shirt and shorts would be fine."
"Hmm," Fleur kept digging through her things until she pulled out a white button-up shirt and light grey shorts, "will zhese do?"
"Yes," replied Hermione as she took them.
"You can use ze bathroom to change," Fleur said pointing at the bathroom door. Hermione nodded and walked into the en-suite.
When Hermione emerged from the bathroom, Fleur could not stop the little smile that bloomed on the face. Hermione looked so good in her shirt. She looked ravishing. She bet she would look even more so if she was only wearing the shirt. Oh god, her legs… Fleur stared hard then shook herself out of her reverie and went to the bathroom to change.
She emerged, wearing a black tank top and shorts to find Hermione sitting on the window sill, gazing at the moon.
"You take ze bed, I shall take ze floor," said Fleur, smiling at how beautiful the brunette looked illuminated by the moonlight.
Hermione turned as she heard Fleur and tried to school her reaction at the girl's attire. She knew already that the blonde was really beautiful but seeing her right now, she looked… uhm… sexy... She desperately tried to contain her blush at her thoughts. She then realised the words that the Veela had spoken.
"There is no need for you to sleep on the floor, Fleur. The bed is big enough for both of us," she said, confused why the girl wanted to sleep on the floor.
"Are you sure?" asked Fleur, hesitantly.
"Yes." Hermione nodded in emphasis.
"After you zhen," Fleur waved at the bed.
Timidly, Hermione approached the bed before slowly slipping underneath the covers. Fleur followed afterwards, careful to leave enough space between them so as not to make the brunette uncomfortable. She waved her the wand to extinguish the candles, leaving the fireplace the only thing to give some light to the room
"Goodnight 'Ermione," the Veela whispered.
"Goodnight Fleur." Hermione's head settled on the soft pillows and she caught a whiff of Fleur's scent, which unknowingly relaxed her, lulling into sleep.
Fleur listened as Hermione's breaths evened out. She drank the sight of the love of her life, relaxed and unguarded face in sleep. Sleeping was not going to be an option tonight…not when she could look at Hermione for hours. She whispered a silent prayer of thanks to the Veela Ancients for making Hermione her mate. She was perfect for her. She would treasure her forever.