Chapter 23: Bonded
Hermione woke up to the feeling of someone running their fingers lightly over her back and as she took a deep breath, her lungs were filled with jasmine and something a bit new… She blushed deeply, the aches she felt in her body reminding her of last night's activities. She smiled as she lifted her head from Fleur's soft breast, "Good morning," she greeted, looking into the sparkling blue eyes in front of her.
Fleur smiled widely at the dishevelled lioness. She absolutely loved how Hermione looked just waking up, with bushy bedhead and all, "Bonjour, mon amour," she whispered as she pulled the brunette towards her and captured her lips in a tender kiss.
"Hmmmm..." Hermione smiled into the kiss and lovingly returned it. She definitely could get used to waking up like this.
Fleur felt her passions ignite again and allowed her hands to roam on Hermione's naked form, exploring every dip, contour and curve.
Hermione moaned when she felt Fleur cup her rear. It seemed the blonde was in the mood again, "We have to shower and get ready…" she whispered regretfully. She wished they didn't have classes, she wanted to stay here all day, in Fleur's arms and make love until she was out of breath.
Fleur took a quick peek at the clock on the nightstand, she realised they did have a bit of time before they had to go downstairs for breakfast, so she sat up, startling Hermione who wrapped her arms around the blonde's neck. Fleur grinned at the Gryffindor and got out of bed, Hermione squealing, wrapping her legs around the Veela like a koala, surprised at the blonde's strength. Fleur carried the Gryffindor Head Girl to the shower, carefully opening the tap until the water was just right before walking into the stream. Hermione shivered when the water hit her body, watching with fascination as the water cascaded over Fleur, rivulets streaming down her pale throat… over her collarbone. She licked her lips and dipped her head, lapping at the wet skin.
Fleur gently pushed the brunette against the wall and slipped her thigh between Hermione's legs and started thrusting against her, "Mon Dieu, I cannot get enough of you, ma chérie," she said as she felt Hermione groan into her neck. Their wet bodies sliding against each other.
Hermione understood the sentiment, feeling her own hunger for the blonde bloom inside her loins. "Make love to me, Fleur, " she urged the blonde. The blonde looked amazingly sexy with wet hair.
Not needing any more incentive, Fleur started thrusting earnestly into Hermione's centre, loving how the brunette's wetness coated her thigh. She could feel it, it was so different from the wetness of being under the shower.
Hermione gripped the blonde's shoulders tightly, leaving marks as she moaned. God, she feels amazing!
Fleur growled, thrusting even harder as she felt Hermione's fingers dig into her, burying her face into Hermione's straining neck, kissing, licking, nipping and running her teeth down the column.
"Fleur!" Hermione cried out, throwing her head back against the bathroom tiles. She was so close!
"Come for me, mon amour!" ordered Fleur and Hermione could do nothing but obey, convulsing in her girlfriend's arms as an orgasm ripped through her, drenching the Veela's thigh with her essence.
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After their eventful shower, they quickly dressed each other up, hiding their love marks. They rushed to the Great Hall for breakfast, giggling all the way down the stairs to full view of all the portraits, only composing themselves right before entering the Hall. Fleur, holding Hermione's hand, pulled her towards the Beauxbatons group at the Ravenclaw table.
The couple had just said good morning to everyone and settled on the bench when Alexia laughed, "you're both glowing zhis morning," she grinned. The Veela and their mates at the table all laughed.
Fleur flushed and glared at everyone. She turned to find Hermione looking at her in confusion and sighed, "Zhey can see our bonding glow," she whispered shyly and watched as Hermione caught on and blushed further eliciting another round of laughter from the others.
"I get to finally say it, 'Ermione. Welcome to ze family," said Gabrielle cheekily as she slipped next to the Head Girl. As soon the words were out, the flock cheered and everyone got up to come and hug the couple.
Hermione blushed even harder at the genuine elation of the group and their hugs but smiled at the thought of being accepted as family, "Thank you." she replied genuinely.
"You ought to send a letter home soon," Gabrielle added, looking at her sister.
"I will today," Fleur replied.
"I always wanted another sister!" squealed Gabrielle, hugging the Gryffindor.
Hermione blushed but hugged the little blonde back, feeling her heart warm up at the words. She had always wanted a sibling, being the only child. She made a little memo to herself to spend more time with the younger girl and get to know her better.
"We'll have a celebration tonight in the forest then!" said Santana, eliciting cheers from the table.
"Guaranteed," said Alexia, laughing.
Fleur sighed but reluctantly nodded.
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"So, what was that about, the celebrations?" asked Hermione as they made their way to class.
"We usually 'ave celebrations for bondings. Maman will probably throw you a bigger one at home at some point."
"Really?" asked Hermione, unsure how she felt about a celebration by Apolline Delacour for having slept with her daughter. Her eyes went wide just at the thought of facing the blonde woman.
"Don't look so scared, mon amour," Fleur laughed at the brunette's expression.
"I don't know how I feel about your family knowing and even celebrating that I've slept with you," said Hermione, frowning slightly.
Fleur pulled the bookworm into her arms, not even caring that they were in the busy corridors of the castle, "It iz not about us sleeping together 'Ermione. It iz about us being bonded, you are part of ze family now, part of ze Veela."
Hermione looked up at the azure eyes gazing at her with such devotion and felt herself grin. Hearing that she was part of the family from Gabrielle and now Fleur made her heart leap in joy, "I read the books you gave me and it says I will experience changes as well?"
Fleur's face suddenly turned worried, "Are you worried about it, mon amour? Do you… do you not want to…?" she asked stricken at what that would mean. Did Hermione accept the bond prematurely and now was having second thoughts because of the changes? She berated herself for having forgotten about it and not talked to the brunette beforehand. A hand gently cupped her cheek, bringing her out of her thoughts.
Hermione looked at the worried Veela and felt the turmoil she was feeling through the bond. The bond… that was something she would have to get used to. Feeling Fleur when they were so close was a truly beautiful experience. "Hey, it's not anything to be worried about. As I said, I read it in the book beforehand so I knew what I was getting into. I'm just curious because the book didn't mention what the changes were."
Fleur searched the chocolate eyes for any kind of doubt despite knowing that there were none. After all, she could feel Hermione through the bond… It was just that sometimes her fears and insecurities got away from her. She decided to ask anyway, "Are you sure?"
Hermione gently bopped her forehead with the blonde's, "Yes silly! Now stop worrying, you will get worry lines on your forehead," she grinned.
Fleur pouted, hiding the smile that was trying to erupt on her face. Her Hermione could be a tease when she wanted to.
Hermione laughed at the blonde, "Now tell me more about this celebration, I'm sure I'll die throughout it with the way your family was smirking at me at the table at breakfast."
Fleur chuckled, "Don't mind zhem, zhey like to tease," she said, trying to reassure her love.
"It runs in the family, it seems," murmured Hermione, smiling at the blonde.
"Moi, a tease? Never!" grinned Fleur.
Hermione hit the blonde's shoulder half-heartedly as the pair walked into their first class of the day.
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The couple had a nice time in their classes, sitting next to each other and slipping little touches when no one was looking. Hermione was sure she had a permanent smile on her face. They even skipped lunch in the Great Hall, opting instead to get some food from the kitchen and go to the lake, where they spent less time eating and more time snogging.
Hermione had never felt like this, like a wanton hormonal teenager, just wanting to spend all day snogging the hell out of the blonde and running her hands all over the Veela. She blushed hard just at the thought of it. They had just finished dinner and she was seated at the Gryffindor table as she waited for Fleur to finish talking to Madame Maxime who had summoned the blonde.
She watched as the blonde frowned at what the Beauxbatons Headmistress was saying and seemed to be arguing with her. The Veela nodded stiffly after a few minutes and walked back. "Are you okay?" she asked, concerned as the blonde approached her. She could feel the frustration coming from the Veela.
Fleur sighed and pulled the brunette out of her seat, leading them toward the door as they started their walk to the carriage. They were supposed to meet everyone in the woods behind it for the celebration, "Madame Maxime would like me to come back to stay in my room at ze carriage," said Fleur.
Hermione's step faltered for a second before she recovered. "Why?" she asked. She couldn't think of sleeping without Fleur by her side, especially not now that they were bonded.
"She told me zhat she allowed me to stay 'ere for my recovery as she knew Madame Pomprey would provide me excellent medical assistance but zhat she was a bit concerned about ze Tournament. She believes zhat zhere iz a possibility of it being rigged, with ze attack at ze Second Task and all. She iz concerned about my safety from both Krum and 'Arry," explained Fleur.
"But Dumbledore has banned Krum from the grounds and Harry would never hurt you!" argued Hermione, squeezing the blonde's hand tightly as the events of the Second Task reran through her mind.
Fleur, feeling the Gryffindor's distress, pulled her closer, "I know mon amour but Madame Maxime iz not convinced." she said, "I cannot fault her though. She knows about us and would never do zhis without serious concern."
Hermione buried her head in the blonde's chest and nodded. The blonde was right and maybe the Beauxbatons Headmistress' concern was valid. What if the French Headmistress knew something more? What if Krum tried something despite being banned? Despite Dumbledore's measures, it didn't mean he wouldn't try anything. Her first few years at Hogwarts was a testament to that. Dumbledore's measures didn't mean safe. Her arms tightened around the blonde at the thought of the Veela hurt again. She looked up into concerned azure eyes and nodded, "maybe it's for the best. I couldn't bear if something happened to you because we were careless."
Fleur looked at the brunette and nodded, "Let's go to ze celebration and forget it for now. I just want to spend a good time with you and my family and dance wiz you."
Hermione smiled at the thought and pecked the corner of the blonde's lips before pulling away. "Come on then," she said, pulling the blonde by the hand.
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They reached the woods afterwards. A bonfire was lit in the clearing and music was playing. The Veela and their mates were all there, some sitting in a circle around the fire, passing each other bottles of wine, champagne and what not while others were dancing together.
"Here you are, finally!" Santana said, approaching the couple, "we started without you," she grinned as she passed a champagne bottle to Fleur.
"What took you so long?" asked Alexia.
Fleur shrugged, "Madame wanted to talk to me," she said, pulling Hermione with her as she took a seat next to the fire. She eyed her sister sitting next to her cousin, sitting with a mug in hand, "I hope you remember you are only allowed one glass," she said, addressing her sibling.
Hermione's eyebrows rose at that.
Quinn laughed, "she already had her one glass. Now it's just apple juice."
Gabrielle pouted and crossed her arms over her chest, "I don't know why you guys won't let me 'ave more. We are French!"
Fleur just shook her head at the younger blonde and turned towards Hermione, "would you like something to drink 'Ermione? Wine, champagne or something else? We 'ave butterbeer if you do not want alcohol."
"I'll have a glass of champagne," Hermione replied, wanting to join everyone in the celebration.
Fleur smiled and poured her a glass, carefully handing it to her before pouring one for herself. A clinking of glass made them look up and they found Alexia standing up.
"Veela of ze Delacour Clan," she said addressing the group, waiting for everyone's attention to be on her before continuing, "we are here to celebrate ze bonding of our Future Clan Chief, Fleur Delacour wiz 'er mate, Hermione Granger. Join me in our song of blessings!"
Hermione watched in awe as the group started singing in a foreign language in perfect chorus with each other. The air around them swirled, gently at first then picking up in speed. The flock finished the song in a perfect flourish and pulled their wands to cast swirling displays of fizzing fireworks over their head.
"To Fleur and Hermione!" said Alexia, raising her glass, the rest of the flock raised their glasses too.
Fleur smiled at her family and turned to look at Hermione. She raised her glass to her and said, "to us, mon amour."
Hermione smiled back and clinked her glass with Fleur, "to us, love."
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Hermione laughed at the funny story that Alexia was telling her about Fleur's childhood. She wasn't surprised the blonde had been such a mischievous child. She was having a great time with the blonde's family. She was currently sitting with Alexia, Gabrielle, Brittany and Rachel while Fleur had gone to mingle with the others. She was on her third champagne glass and was starting to feel the buzz.
Fleur noticed the pink flush on her girlfriend's cheek and neck and decided to go check on her. She approached the brunette and knelt beside her, pressing a kiss to her temple, "Are you okay, mon amour."
Hermione sighed happily at the feeling of Fleur's lips on her, "Yes love. Though I believe that's enough champagne for me now."
"Hmmm my little lightweight," Fleur teased, "dance wiz me?"
Hermione nodded and got up with the help of Fleur. They walked to a clear spot and Hermione sunk into her Veela's arms as soon as they stopped.
Fleur wrapped her arms around the bookworm's waist, pressing another kiss against her forehead.
"I love you," mumbled Hermione, snuggling deep into Fleur's chest as the blonde slowly led them into a slow dance. She was tipsy on alcohol and drunk on love.
"I love you too, ma belle," Fleur whispered against Hermione's hair.
They danced, until late at night, kissing under the stars, totally lost in each other. The night wounded down though and the flock started cleaning up.
"I'm not ready for the night to end and for me to go to bed without you," Hermione murmured, arms tightening around the Veela's waist.
"Then stay…" Fleur asked, "stay wiz me in ze carriage."
Hermione remembered the last time she was there, getting the almost-kiss from Fleur and running away. How many things have changed since then… She nodded because there was no way she would pick sleeping alone over sleeping next to her mate.
Fleur smiled and pulled her with her, making her way to her room. She knew that the others would take care of everything else.
"Would you 'ave a bath wiz me or are you too tired and just want to go to bed," asked Fleur as the brunette flopped onto her bed.
Hermione groaned, there was no way she was saying no to that! Making an effort to get up again, she walked to the blonde and pulled her into the ensuite bathroom. A quick flick of Fleur's wand had the tub starting to fill up and lit a few candles. Hermione turned to the blonde and pulled her closer, kissing her jaw before starting to undress her girlfriend.
No words were said as they undressed each other. Fleur stepped into the warm bath and sunk in, pulling Hermione to settle against her chest. She smiled when the bookworm sighed happily and relaxed in her arms. "Comfy?"
"Very," Hermione murmured in bliss.
Fleur massaged the bookworm's shoulders, enjoying the little mewls and purrs she was eliciting from her girlfriend when she hit particular tight muscles and sensitive spots.
Hermione was putty in Fleur's hands. She was pretty sure she was all gooey right now. A small smile bloomed on her face and she sunk deeper into the Veela's capable hands.
Fleur chuckled lightly and continued her massage, lathering up her girlfriend and washing her as well. It took longer than usual to bathe but Fleur didn't mind. She was sure the Gryffindor was nearly asleep. Gently slipping out from behind the girl, she shook her head at the whines of complaint and slipped her arms under Hermione's back and under her knees and picked the brunette into her arms, casting a quick wandless spell to dry them both. Carrying her precious cargo to bed, she gently laid the groggy brunette on her bed and slipped next to her, pulling a blanket on their bare bodies.
"Bon nuit, mon amour," she whispered as she tucked an errant lock behind Hermione's ear. Smiling at the brunette's answering mumble, she kissed her on her cheek and snuggled closer to her mate, taking comfort in the skin to skin contact and allowing sleep to take her to where Hermione was.
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The next day, the pair woke up lazily, with kisses peppered on supple skin. They spent their morning before breakfast writing letters. Fleur penned down the letter to her family. The words flowed pretty easily and were filled with happiness, awe and wonder. She knew her family would be ecstatic for her.
She sighed her name and lifted her chin to look at Hermione, brows furrowed and a little crinkle on her nose as she scribbled on her own parchment. Cute. Fleur smiled at how adorable the bookworm was, all concentrated. It still hits her sometimes that they were actually together and now bonded. She felt the need to pinch herself. Hermione Granger was hers. No magic in the world would be more magical than this.
Hermione nibbled on the end of her quill as she pondered how to word her letter. She had taken a big decision, deciding to bond with Fleur. She didn't regret it at all but now there was the fact that she hadn't mentioned Fleur to her parents at all. What would they think? They were pretty progressive so the blonde being her girlfriend was no issue but the bonding forever thing was hard to explain. She knew that it was better to inform them now, even if it was through a letter than wait to break the news face to face. She was still nervous though, as seen from the shallow breaths she was taking and the slight, nearly unnoticed, shake in her hands.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I hope you are both doing well. I have something important to tell you both.
I know I wrote to you weeks ago saying I went to the Yule Ball with my friends but in fact, I went with a date. I apologise for lying to you both, I just wanted to keep it to myself for a bit.
My date, her name is Fleur Delacour. Yes, the one I mentioned was the Championship of the French School participating, Beauxbatons.
There's more. She is my girlfriend and a Veela. I don't know how to explain Veelas to you but basically they are magical creatures, similar to Sirens for example. They look just like humans, except they can transform and sprout wings. The first time I saw Fleur like that, she looked like an angel. The thing is with Veela, they have powerful magic and that magic also helps them find their mates. Yes, mates. Mates are the one person they will love forever. It's like love at first sight, and I'm… Fleur's mate.
The magical bond ties her to me but it doesn't tie me to her until I accept her and bond with her. I know this is sudden and a lot of information but I have accepted and completed the bond with her. It is for forever and I couldn't be more happy about it. I know this is a lot and might seem rushed but please trust me that I have given a lot of thought and have done a lot of research before I did this… I… I truly love her.
I hope I can get you both to meet her before she leaves to go back to France or maybe the holidays? I can talk to her and arrange something… if you are open to it. Let me know…
I love you and miss you both tremendously,
Your Hermione
She finished signing her name and folded the parchment, slipping it into an envelope, writing the address of her home.
"Done?" asked Fleur as she watched the brunette seal the envelope. She tied her own to Artemis and bestowed a kiss on the bird's head. Artemis chirped, nibbling her fingers before exiting through the window.
Hermione looked up at the disappearing bird then turned to the blonde and smiled, nodding. The apprehension she was feeling at writing the letter vanished as soon as her eyes met azure. She'd post her letter a bit later at the Owlery.
"Let's get ready and go to breakfast zhen," said Fleur, taking the Gryffindor's hand and pulling her up into her arms, bestowing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Hermione sighed, snuggling deeper into the blonde's chest. Things were going to be ok, her parents would surely understand.
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The days passed, with Hermione basically staying in the carriage now. She could tell Professor Dumbledore knew, from the twinkle in his eyes but the hardest thing had been keeping her blush down when Professor McGonagall had raised an eyebrow at her. God, she died of mortification right there!
There had been an instance where some Durmstrang students had dared to approach her while she sat at the Ravenclaw table for breakfast and commented on her stay at the carriage. The only reason they dared approach her was because Fleur was away in a meeting with Madame Maxime. Hermione had just gotten up, walking off, abandoning breakfast altogether instead of instigating a confrontation. She had been surprised to see every single one of the Beauxbatons do the same, abandoning their meals. That is how she ended back in the carriage, asking Fleur about it when the blonde entered 'their' room.
"Zhey are showing solidarity to me as zheir classmate but also, ze flock see you as a figure of authority now. You are ze mate of ze future Chief. This makes you a future Chief too," Fleur replied, flopping on the bed.
Hermione just stared at her wide-eyed.
Fleur laughed.
"How big is this clan of yours?" asked Hermione, squinting at the blonde.
"Hmm, in France, maybe a hundred… thousands," Fleur replied, pondering the numbers.
Hermione gapped at the Veela, "hundred thousands… and in France? You mean there is more elsewhere?!" Hermione squeaked.
"Oui, all over Europe. There are also ozher clans we are allied to, a bit all over ze world like Africa, Asia, Australia, Americas."
"And your mother is the Chief to all of them?" Hermione's voice rose to an even higher pitch.
Fleur pulled the panicking brunette into her lap, "Technically yes but it's not exactly like that, let me explain. Ze Delacour Clan is for example, like Hogwarts. Ze Chief is then ze Headmaster which iz currently Maman, but ze Clan is very large and scattered in groups around all of Europe, like Houses. Each group has zheir own Regent to look after them, like Heads of House. The Regents meet wiz ze Chief regularly to manage issues, discuss problems."
"If it's just your mother right now and not your dad, why would I be Chief too?" asked Hermione.
Fleur frowned, "Papa iz a man and zhough he cannot technically be Chief, he still acts as one wiz Maman when needed to. Do you not want to do zis with me?"
"NO!" shouted Hermione, "I mean yes!" She quickly said as she saw Fleur's face fall. "I would love to do anything by your side, Fleur. I… I'm not sure I'm qualified…" She frowned at the thought.
"You are the most qualified and you are brilliant so even if there is anything you don't know, you would learn very quickly," Fleur reassured her lioness, "And… I'll be by your side…" she added, depositing a kiss on the side of the brunette's face.
Hermione's eyes went soft at the words and she kissed Fleur's lips gently, "I'd love nothing more."
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Sunday was here and it was Beauxbatons vs Gryffindor. It was the first Semi-Final match and then tomorrow, it would be Ravenclaw vs Durmstrang. Hermione sat in the stands as she waited for Fleur to exit the tunnel. She was happy to notice no sign of Krum. It would have been ugly if she had. She still itched to hex him right to the moon. She sat with the flock instead of the Gryffindors. God, Harry and most definitely Ginny were going to skin her ass for the betrayal but she just didn't want to sit alone.
She sat next to Gabrielle who had insisted she sit beside her when she approached their stand.
"It's starting," said Rachel, pointing at the players exiting the tunnel.
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The score was currently 100 - 80, Beauxbatons leading by two goals from Quinn and Brittany respectively, the Snitch nowhere to be found. That didn't mean that Fleur's game was quite so far, no. The blonde, just like the first game, was joining in the passing of the Quaffle, marginally avoiding Bludgers so many times, Hermione was sure she bit all her nails off.
Suddenly a buzzing started in her ear and she turned around, looking for the source only to see nothing but the buzzing didn't stop. "Do you guys hear that?" she asked.
"Hear what?" asked Rachel perplexed.
"There is a buzzing," replied Hermione, still looking around to find the source.
"Oh," Rachel grinned in understanding, "It's the Snitch, there" she pointed to one spot in the sky, "can you pinpoint it based on the sound?"
Hermione squinted and sure enough, she could kind of see something zipping around in the air. "I don't understand…" How was she hearing it from here?!
"It's the Veela changes," said Rachel, patting the Gryffindor's hand in reassurance, "You probably have just experienced your first one. A bit of a heightened hearing. We all have slightly advanced hearing than average. The Snitch, in particular, vibrates at a frequency that is loud for Veela ears."
"But," Hermione looked up to find Fleur trying to stop Ginny from scoring another goal, "Fleur…?"
"My sister cannot 'ear it nor track it as she 'as to take a potion before ze game to bring 'er senses to match 'umans. All Veela do," said Gabrielle, "for fairness of ze game."
That makes sense, thought Hermione. After all, Veela senses would really give the blonde an unfair advantage, especially as a Seeker. She would pinpoint the location of the Snitch within seconds. The unpleasantness of the constant buzzing in her ear was kind of forgotten as she realised she just had a Veela change. Excitement bubbled in her chest and she wished the match was over so she could share the news with her love.
It seems that the Gods heard her wish as Fleur and Harry finally spotted the Snitch and started chasing towards it. She hoped to Merlin that both came out of it uninjured.
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From the stands, Hermione looked at her girlfriend incredulously as she triumphantly held the Snitch in her hand much to Harry's and Ginny's chagrin, winning the game for Beauxbatons. The two Seekers had been zooming close to the grass, Harry slightly in front, until Fleur stood up, balancing on her broom. Hermione's heart had leapt to her throat just at that, only for the blonde to jump towards Harry, pushing off the Gryffindor Seeker's broom to grab the Snitch mid-air before tucking and rolling to the ground. A move executed too gracefully for not having been practised a million times. Hermione nearly had a heart attack! She was going to have a word with the blonde about dangerous stunts as soon as she got her hand on her!
In the end, Beauxbatons won 250 - 90. Hermione sighed, she was going to have a couple of broken hearts to tend to tonight. A smile inadvertently crept on her face, her girlfriend was such a heartbreaker.
Response to Reviewers:
CelticOffspring: Thank you! Sometimes with magic, we forget that injuries that time to heal. I wanted to emphasise that it wasn't the case. I'm happy you enjoyed it :)
Unknown: *passes tissue* Thank you for your kind words! Haha, yeah I personally prefer emotional smut so that's how whatever I write will end up coming out as ;)
pclauink: Dumbles is definitely walking a thin line with her... He better hold onto his robes!
Morganlafayy: Yay! Thank you for reading and enjoying and reviewing!
Guest: AHHHHHH!
rabradley09: Thanks Rab! Haha, Fleur would definitely make a fort out of Hermione's bedding or even a nest :P
Aaron Leach: Thanks :)
E Elliot: Finally, yes... took me 22 Chapters :P
LookingAtYouKid: You were right about the Veela in the morning! You nailed it ;)
lipeviez: Thanks Lips! It means a lot coming from you! 3
Npsouls1: ;)
wkgreen: xD I kinda wanted to keep going, he needed a bit more kicking :P
arise11: Thank you for your kind words! Yeah, I started this story ages ago when this plot wasn't so mainstream so when I came back to rewrite, I knew I had to change it. I think it was a good decision :) I really really appreciate your breakdown of things and your review! Thank you!
xxDark Angel Babyxx: Took me just 22 chapters, baby! xD
Flying high93: Haha, you guessed right. More Veela stuff added. There will be snippets added in later chapters as well. I don't want to make it seem like a drastic, too quick of a change for them. Let me know your thoughts about the Veela heritage bits in this chapter :)
wolfette2: Glad you enjoyed it! ;)
andrewpine: Ronald is too focused on his own stupid things to notice Hermione's bracelet. He wouldn't get into 'women' trinkets. As for Rita Skeeter, to be honest, I didn't want to deal with her xD so I didn't write her. Krum wasn't disqualified, as I explained, he is bound to the Cup to participate in the tournament but he was 'disqualified' for the Second Task, meaning he didn't earn any points. So technically he did adhere to the Cup's contract, he did participate.
ladyzoroark: To be honest, I don't think I will write Voldy in, even in a sequel. I want to try a bit more of an original take. This story is about the Tournament since I started it years ago and I want to finish it :) But I hope you find whatever original take I do interesting enough to keep reading ;)
Sam Murphy: It has never been finished. I started in 2014 but I stopped writing for a while but you are in luck since I've been back for a while now and we are close to the end.
Legendary Blackr0se: I'm keeping the dragon for a surprise cameo soon ;)