Hermione watched her girlfriend startle at the sudden noise. "Ah, you are 'ere!" Fleur exclaimed and moved to greet the newcomers. "'ow was your morning? 'ow are you?" She was beaming.

"It was good, babe… What's happening?" Hermione was certain she looked confused and she was.

"Ok, I'll explain eet to all of you. Zese are Thérese Laurent and Nina Descoteaux." She motioned to the other women who had approached them as Fleur Greeted the others. "'ermione, do you remember zat I wrote maman last week and along with zee request for a research about zee bonding I told 'er briefly about what 'appened to you and Luna?" Hermione nodded. The explaining was directed to her but she knew the others were paying close attention. "Well, apparently maman got worried and started a quest, with papá and grandmère, to find a way to 'elp you two." Hermione gasped as her four other ones. "According to zem, our kind 'ave been dealing with survivors of magical torture for quite some time, as we know creature 'ate 'as been a zing for ages. Our clan didn't 'ave any register about zose but we 'ave already found zat zee Delacour clan lacks on et apparently. Well, maman found two 'ealers who know zee process and performed eet a few times. Zey were about to explain to me when you arrived."

They were all sat, conjured chairs as there were more people than usual there. McGonagall had sent for Flitwick so he could perform a translating spell at the room (it wasn't her specialty after all) and he had left quickly after. The Headmistress, Luna, Ginny, and Harry had sworn not to talk about what would be discussed with any other person. Hermione was Fleur's mate and their situation had already been explained by the Delacour's matriarch. The room had been protected and all the paintings were now empty.

"We first have to discuss a few things previous to this specific healing process. First, and I assume the headmistress already know that but it will be needed to explain the rest so I apologise, all beings are composed by three portions, at least: the body - what links us to this world; the mind - what makes us function as we do; and the core - being it magical or not, it is our life essence. To magical beings, more specifically, humans, the core is a little bit different; witches and wizards have what we call a magical core, so they basically have two cores interlaced. Magical creatures on the other hand not only have dual cores as magical humans, but they have also dual minds and in case of shapeshifters, dual bodies - and it could also be applied to animagi. The veela kind, and in here I can go as far as saying no other creature has it, have something we call the third core. I can't explain it to you deeply, but I'd resume it as something that connects us to the energy of love and ecstasy." Thérese began, she was more tan than Fleur but also held the almost perfect beauty. So did Nina. The three of them had almost the same hair, cut in different ways but they looked very similar.

"As for the type of injuries a cruciatus curse can inflict to a person who has suffered from multiple castings, the veela have deeper research than most. The damage is initially done to the body, then the mind and then the core - first vital than magical. Most reach the breaking point when the damage occurs to their mind, but a few are able to hold onto their minds. It happens mostly when their mind is protected by their magical core. And that situation might leave the person alive but suffering some kind of PTSD." Nina chimed in.

"The healing we are proposing would heal both mind and magical core. The process includes overflowing you with the energy of our magical and third core, that flood induces your core into a healing process, then the mind is healed as your own core energy helps you overcome the trauma. This whole process is accelerated by the stream of energy so what naturally would take at least a few years to happen, happens in a few hours." Thérese finished the explanation, smiling to the five dumbfounded witches and wizard. "The process has been done only on magical beings and some of them didn't have any magical creature blood, it is safe for you two. We need to access the range of damage before going ahead but that's about it."

Hermione was awestruck. "I'm sorry, but why don't share it with the wizarding world?"

"Unfortunately, the veela are secretive people because of past experience. The wizarding world is too prejudiced and mostly after great power. The veela are hunted because of their fear of the unknown, the knowledge of this healing power could and have led to the imprisonment of our people. We help those we judge worthy and our kind." Nina explained.

"It's really wonderful." McGonagall smiled. She had tears in her eyes and looked absolutely relieved (as did a very silent Fleur). "I'm really happy you are able to help both these girls. They are so very much special that I'm not really able to explain." That made tears come to Hermione's eyes. Her favorite teacher. "Thank you, I've been trying to find a solution for them since I heard what they had gone through."

"Thank you," Luna said softly. Hermione could only nod as she didn't trust her voice at the moment. The other three were still shocked.

McGonagall decided that the best place to do such procedure would obviously be the hospital wing but as it was not possible given the need for secrecy, it would be done at her quarters (it had direct connection to the office they were currently in so no one would see or suspect anything and she could have complete control over who and what could enter the room). After they had all moved to the other room, two chairs were transfigured into comfortable beds and Luna and Hermione laid on their backs. The veela healers took their place near the head of each girl and made a diagnosis, quickly moving to the healing process. Hermione was induced into a peaceful sleep as Nina worked on her, the woman was sitting near her head, her hands were placed on each side of her head. The other healer was in the same position by Luna.


As it had been said, the process was taking a few hours and Fleur was absolutely impatient, just like every other person in the room. She did trust it would help her lioness but couldn't help being protective of her. After some time, Nina opened her eyes and stared at her until she looked at her. The healer motioned with her head for Fleur to get closer to Hermione.

"Your thrall will help her heal faster," the woman said in a low voice. "Focus on getting her comfortable. The scar on her arm left damages too, I'll heal what I can."

Fleur nodded. "We are currently trying to find the blade that made this so we can work on the healing." The other veela nodded.

"Don't worry, Miss Delacour. She'll be fine, she's strong. I might add that even not being fully mated to you, she started developing a third core. I can feel it as I help her heal. We couldn't expect anything different from the mate of the heir." She smiled at Fleur and refocused on the healing.

The room was silent after that, no one dared to speak at that point fearing it could break the witches' concentration. Fleur was sat by Hermione's bed holding her hand and doing what the healer told her to. If she had to be honest, she would have to say she had almost forgotten there were other people in the room. She was aware that Harry and Ginny had moved to sit near Luna's bed, mirroring her but her focus laid only on Hermione. Dobby popped into the room a few times to see if they needed anything and provide them something to drink. Minerva had to leave as she had classes to teach but went back as soon as she could. It had just passed dinner time when Nina relaxed, opened her eyes and moved her hands. To Fleur, it felt like it took much longer than it actually did. Hermione opened her eyes and her eyes zeroed on Fleur's.

"Hermione, your body is exhausted because of zee excess of energy zat flowed zrough it. A good night of sleep and you'll be fine. Eat then go to sleep." Nina said, making Hermione focus on her.

Fleur helped Hermione to get out of the makeshift bed and go to the table where Dobby had left some food and drinks. She saw Harry and Ginny smiled at them, Luna was still under treatment. An hour later, Luna was awake and eating. Hermione had refused to go before Luna could too. Minerva allowed them to floo directly to their living room at the castle and as soon as all of them got there, they said good night and went to sleep.

"You'll stay here, right?" Hermione asked as they entered her room. She changed and immediately went to bed.

"Oui, ma Reine. I'll stay tonight."

"Good," the lioness smiled sleepily as she laid by her side and held her. "I sleep better with you."

"Moi aussi…" Fleur said into her hair. "I love you."

"I love you too."

The next day began the same as the previous but this time the couple decided that they should give it a try and sleep separately. Hermione would do the same as Sunday night.


"Have a good day, babe," Hermione said as they entered the living room, hugging her girlfriend.

"You too, chéri. Love you." Fleur kissed her goodbye and moved to the fireplace. "I'll floo you when I get back 'ome."

"Okay, I'll probably be here doing homework…"

"So domestic…" Ginny teased as she stepped into the room after Fleur vanished.

"Good morning to you too, Gin."

"Morning…"

The group headed together to breakfast, where they found a worried Moire as she hadn't seen them at dinner. After eating and calming the first year down, their day began. Double potions, double transfiguration, Lunch and then Luna dragged her to watch Ginny and Harry practice.

"So…" Hermione began, she hadn't talked to them about what happened after she and Fleur left the previous Saturday.

"They asked me out," Luna answered the unspoken question as they were climbing one of the stands to watch the practice. Hermione hugged her, smiling.

"That's good. But I'm sorry it took you leaving the bar crying to make those two take action."

"Passed waters." Luna smiled as they sat and Hermione fished a book from her book-bag. "Where are our first-year friends?" She asked looking around.

"They might be on their way here. Moire said she would probably be dragged to watch. Just like I have been" She mock-glared Luna, who laughed.

"You would be reading somewhere else, now you are reading here and supporting your best friends. Stop complaining…" It didn't take more than half an hour for the group of younger Gryffindors to find them. Ginny and Harry had decided to go to the pitch earlier and talk about strategies as their first game was getting closer. After that, Hermione and Luna went back to the common room and began their homework while Ginny and Harry had Muggle Studies (Hermione didn't understand why Harry insisted on doing this class as he had been raised by two muggles. Awful muggles, but still muggles).

"So beautiful concentrating…" Hermione heard her girlfriend's voice just as she was finishing her Transfiguration essay. She smiled.

"Just a second, babe."

"Sure…"

They spent some time talking, just like they used to before that dreadful report writing. And both made sure they wouldn't go too much into the night as both had things to do the next day. If she had to be honest, Hermione would say she was dreading going to sleep. She knew she eventually would have to go back to sleeping alone but she was also kind of afraid and for what Hermione could see, Fleur was worried too.

The lioness woke up with her blaring alarm clock. Groaning, she snoozed it. She had a hard time sleeping thanks to her fear and to the empty bed. Yeah, it was going to be hard getting used to sleeping alone again. Sighing she turned the alarm off and began to get ready for the day.

"It worked," Ginny said as she reached the living room.

"Yeah, now I gotta get used to sleeping alone." Hermione grimaced as her friends gave her apologetic smiles. "At least I don't have to see that mad woman's face every night…"

They went to breakfast in silence. The day passed relatively quickly, with Hermione going to study at the library after lunch with Ginny and Harry as Luna was in Arithmancy class. The older lioness left the couple before the Ravenclaw met them as she still had one last class. Hermione smiled when she flooed her veela after dinner.

Having to sleep without Fleur was hell, the brunette decided, as she woke up the next Friday. The third night she was giving it a try… Hermione smiled as soon as she remembered it was Friday and that she would be seeing her girlfriend in flesh later that day. She rolled her eyes at Ginny as the redhead teased her for putting more effort into looking good. The day passed in a torturing slow pace, by the time the last class ended (History of magic), Hermione was entirely impatient and briskly walked to their quarters. The moment she walked past the painting was the moment Fleur stepped out of the fireplace.

"Oh my, it's like we're at a romantic movie!" Ginny snickered as both girlfriends quickly moved towards each other. "So sappy!" Hermione simply flipped her off as she continued kissing her girlfriend.

Fleur was greeted by the rest of the group after Fleur smiled into the kiss and pulled back still smiling. They left not much longer after, leaving the couple to their own affairs. They ate and decided to get rid of what they had to do. They finished organizing everything (after reading the reports that had been sent to them and adding theirs) as their trio of friends came back from whatever they were doing.

"Hey! You finished?" Ginny asked after entering the room, the witches nodded. "Right, Moire was asking for you, 'Mione…"

"Is she ok?"

"Yes, she is. She just wanted to spend some time with you… I think she's in the common room…" Luna answered. Hermione smiled and moved to check for the first year.

"Is it ok if I invite her in?" She smiled as the group nodded. Hermione found the little lioness longing near a fireplace with her friends and was greeted enthusiastically. She extended the invitation to the rest of their small group, they were a little shocked at that (Hermione asked herself if it would eventually get old and they would be used to them).

"So… Jenga?" Harry asked after everyone was comfortable.

"I don't know about you, but I'm entirely too tired to be any good at zis game." Fleur sighed, leaning on Hermione. Hermione held her by her waist and nodded.

"What do you suggest? We have to entertain our guests…" Ginny smiled, agreeing with the French witch silently.

"You up to hearing about our misadventures?" Hermione smiled at the younger group. She had a feeling that it would do. She was met with eager nods.

"Try not to give zem any ideas, chéri. Minerva would kill us."

"It's not like they would willingly go after a three-headed dog…" Hermione laughed.

"Or after a giant snake that was hiding on the school's pipes…" Harry added.

"Don't you remind me of that year…" Ginny grumbled shivering.

"Or after an animagus with a werewolf teacher…" The older lioness continued after offering an apologetic smile to her ginger friend.

"Or enter a crazy ass competition, unwillingly."

At that, Hermione chided: "Language, Harry!"

"Sorry…"

"Oh, or found a secret organization to practice DADA." Luna offered. "Because a toad teacher wasn't willing to teach it correctly."

"That was super against the rules. I really never expected Hermione to have that idea." Harry laughed.

Hermione simply shrugged. "The toad was really getting on my nerves…"

After a round of laughter, they decided to tell the younger group about their first year. Only Hermione and Harry spoke, as Ginny and Fleur had only heard about their supposed adventure.

"You won't believe how much Ron gloated because of that stupid match!" The older redhead sighed as Harry retold the moment Ron had won the chess match that McGonagall had transfigured. The night ended with the young Gryffindors making them promise they would tell them other stories and Fleur proudly holding Hermione (after hearing her part on the "adventure"). They went to bed almost immediately, holding steaming cups filled with tea. Hermione sighed as she got under the covers.

"I missed you." She stated as soon as the veela was within arms range.

"Me too, ma belle."

Hermione got comfortable on the blonde's side as Fleur reached for the French book they had been reading and their cups. After handling one to Hermione, Fleur opened the book and began reading aloud. Not long after, they heard a knock on the door and it opened to reveal an anxious Ginny.

"Hey…" the redhead said quietly.

"Gin? Are you okay?" Hermione got worried, it was unlikely for the ginger to get that anxious.

"Uh? Yeah, I'm fine. I just need to ask you something…"

"Go ahead zen…" Fleur offered curiously. "Come in, Ginny…"

"Ok…" She stepped inside and closed the door behind her. "Well, I'm not sure Lun told you, but, uh, we - Harry and I - asked her out. On a date…"

"Oui?" "Yes, she did say something about it…" Was Fleur's and Hermione's answer.

"Well, I was wondering - actually, me and Harry - if it would be possible" The couple had amused looks at the nervousness of the redhead who was looking at the ground. "For you guys to - uh - help her get ready… At Fleur's." Ginny let the breath she was holding out.

Hermione raised an eyebrow at this, looking at Fleur. "I don't know, Gin." The ginger's eyes snapped up. The older lioness was fighting the smile creeping on her lips. "We kind of had plans." Ginny's eyes widened.

"Oh -"

"Oui, we 'ave plans," Fleur said, catching on.

"Ok -"

"We planned on kidnapping Luna and forcing her to accept our help on getting ready." Hermione interrupted Ginny at what seemed to be the beginning of an apology. She and Fleur grinned mischievously.

"Uh?"

"Yes, Gin. Of course, Lun can get ready at Fleur's. Of course, we will help her. We would love to." Hermione added, rolling her eyes. "Why the hell were you so nervous to ask?"

"You are mean, 'Mione…" Ginny said, blushing. "And I have no idea…"


A/N: Hello my dear readers! It's me, your friendly neighbor Celtic! (ha, you thought I'd say my name!) (Sorry, I think I'm watching a little too much KindaTV - Carmilla is an addiction, honestly) (And I'll just keep starting like this, just bc)

Healing method! (I hope I was able to make it understandable...) And a Hermione being a teaser! Yup, love writing her like this. The sass should have rubbed off on her at some time, right?

Oh, shout out to Thewallflowerwithasword since I kind of was hugely inspired by their healing methods on Athena Chronicles... (Read, It's great. Seriously!)

Please review, I'm always pleased to learn what you think!

;3

See Yah!

PS: Bellachloepotter: Hullo! thanks for reading!

Tori: Uh, I definitely know the struggle with college, good luck, tho... I hope You're doing fine. I'm glad you're back!

Wk: Yeah, Veelas are so secretive... It probably could help a lot of people...

PPS: If you feel like sending me requests suggestions or prompts, feel free to reach me by PM or email me: celticdaughterfics (gmail)