A/N: Hullo! Just FYI, the las bit is NSFW!
The day began with breakfast in their room. Unfortunately not for good reasons, they had a very long day ahead of them as they were expected to welcome every single member of the clan as well as getting ready to the event by the end of the day. Hermione noticed she never thought she would be in the position she currently was. The two of them were being briefed by Zee - who Fleur had happily greeted but asked why she wasn't still on vacation (she received a rather stern stare at that and a simple "you need help, only I know what you need", Hermione laughed at that). She was doing her best to remain calm, the soothing thrall Fleur had been releasing as soon as her anxiety spiked was helping, actually, she was sure she would be out of her mind if it wasn't for it.
"So, to make sure I'm not missing anything," She began after Zee asked if they got everything. "We are to welcome the three other families of the clan in the morning after we get ready, then have lunch with everyone. In the afternoon the clan will have a meeting just so Fleur can be introduced as heir and I as her mate. And after that, we have to come back here to get ready for the ball. Then the ball." Zee nodded as she finished talking.
'Impressive resume...' Fleur smiled at her as she projected the words.
'I'm not sure I'll be impressive by the end of the day.' She snorted, afraid of the day she had ahead.
"We will be fine, ma Reine. You will be fine. 'ave a little faith in yourself." Fleur smiled softly. 'And I'm sure you will be absolutely impressive by then.'
Hermione knew she had to dress formally for most of the day so she settled with dark grey slacks and a fitted white button-up. At first, she was surprised to have so many options for her to choose in the closet but she dismissed it knowing Appoline might have arranged it all - with some of Fleur's help. As she rolled the sleeves up to her elbows, she felt two arms involving her. What surprised her was the fact that she didn't feel frightened at all, she realised she actually knew it was Fleur the whole time even with her zoning out.
"You are making eet really difficult for me to let you out of zis room." Fleur said to her ear. She felt her cheeks burn and suppressed the low moan that threatened to escape her throat. She turned just to be met with the sight that she couldn't even begin to describe. Her mate - even saying it in her head made her feel giddy - was wearing a red dress that ended just above her knees, it was short-sleeved and round-necked. Hermione let her eyes travel, admiring the blonde's clothing choice until she wet her lips to speak.
"The one to talk." She smiled sweetly. "You look fantastic, love." Hermione added, leaning in to kiss Fleur softly.
"So do you, ma Belle. Zere's one zing missing, zough." The blonde smiled as she moved further into the closet, clearly ignoring the lioness' questioning look. She returned after rummaging a bit holding something Hermione couldn't figure out what it was. With a gesture, she indicated she wanted the brunette to turn around and face the mirror. Hermione realized that Fleur was holding a necklace as she fixed it around her neck. She admired it for a bit, her hand going up to touch it as she smiled at her mate. A neckless with a single pendant, a gold-plated drop-shaped red stone - which she guessed was ruby. It fitted her style so well, she was almost certain it was bought only for her. "Let 'as been mine for ages, I never really zought eet fitted my style. Suits you perfectly. I guess eet was waiting for you." Fleur smiled and kissed her neck softly.
"It's beautiful, Fleur."
There was a knock on the door signalling that they should be heading downstairs. They descended the stairs holding hands, both wearing heels and smiling broadly.
"Whoa! You two definitely know 'ow to get fancy." Lea grinned at the sight of the blushing slightly.
Hermione smiled at her, in a silent thanks. And moved to greet Apolline, "Merci pour les affaires Maman. Je les adores. (Thanks for the clothes, Maman. I loved them all.)"
"Eet's nothing. I'm glad eet fits you. I 'ad Fleur to give me your measurements. And style."
"I figured." Hermione answered looking fondly at the blonde in question. She moved to greet the rest of the family, noticing the Weasleys, Luna and Harry weren't there but came to the conclusion they had been told to enjoy themselves as this part of the day was strictly clan-related. They were all sat at the sitting room, where there was a fireplace, waiting for everyone to arrive. She and Fleur were sat near Isabeau as Fleur was the heiress. The only thing keeping Hermione from freaking out was Fleur soothing presence and her calming thrall. Just as Fleur was kissing her cheek, the fireplace flashed green and in came the first guest. In about five minutes, the first family had arrived, greeted all of them and had been directed to another room. Fleur assured her that there was no need for her to remember all the names, at least eighty people were coming after all, but Hermione decided she would at least try and remember all the matriarchs of the families. Fleur said she didn't know everyone's names even having known them for most of her life. Forty minutes later, Grandmère dismissed them until lunch so they went to find the rest of their family as she was curious about what they were doing.
They didn't need to go far as the heard Ginny's and Luna's voices coming from outside. As they got out, Lea, Gabby and the rest of the youngsters of the clan followed them. The sea of red-heads plus a few brunettes and a blonde turned as they were reaching the space they were (the same they had spent the night on their first day there. There were cat-calls and whistles as soon as they saw them. Hermione noticed Bill's expression of seeing Lea and elbowed Fleur lightly, smiling. The french snickered.
"So, we are to expect you to be this well dressed tonight?" Ginny grinned.
"Well, I hope to see you well dressed too, red. As you will be receiving everyone too." Hermione smirked as her ginger friend blushed.
The conversation flowed as always until Zee appeared to inform them that lunch would be served soon. As they walked to the ballroom, the only place that could fit so many people at the same time, Hermione noticed they were all dressed more formally than usual. She smiled at her brother, who grinned back and got closer to her. "Washed up well." She kissed his cheek as he blushed.
"Uhm, thanks. Luna chose everything. Apparently, they agreed that Ginny would choose the ball's…"
"I think I saw them agreeing to that yesterday…" She nodded.
"Oh, remember me to thank Apolline for the wardrobe. I don't think I'll be able to use all of them in a lifetime."
Hermione laughed at that. "Right, I remember you using the same shirt until it had holes and stains ever since our third year." Harry shrugged.
"I never really minded it. I'm not used to spending a lot of money on clothes. On anything, to be honest."
"Yes, don't remember me. I still have half a mind about not killing your aunt and uncle."
'Was it that serious?' Fleur asked in her mind.
Hermione flashed a worried expression, 'Yes.' She proceeded to flash a few memories she had that confirmed that they had awfully mistreated him. She was able to see the ire raise in Fleur's eyes. 'He's ok now. We are his family now.'
"Morgan's tits, even while in a conversation you two get into your own world." Ginny grinned at them. The murmurs Hermione heard worked as confirmation that the rest had the same opinion. She blushed a bit.
Lunch came and went a little too fast in her opinion. A pause was made just so everyone who either wasn't a clan member or not of age could leave. Most of the younger child present left after one stern stare from Isabelle. She knew how to be scary, no wonder she and Minerva were so fast to fall into an easy companionship. Hermione looked around, trying to remember the names of those who stayed in the room and started mentally repeating them. She felt Fleur mentally reach to her.
'Yolande and Avril are one of my favourite couples.' The blonde smiled and mentioned to the Blanc matriarch and her mate. They smiled back, catching their eyes. 'Adelaïde is the younger matriarch it was a relief when she found Elie. Piaf and Cretien used to come a lot as Cretien was grand-mére's brother in law.' Hermione could feel the sadness coming from her mate.
'I'd like to hear about her sometime, love.' Hermione smiled sadly at Fleur, making sure to send as much comfort as she seemed possible through their bond. The blonde kissed her cheek.
"Whenever you want, ma Reine" She whispered just as Isabelle asked for everyone's attention.
Hermione noticed that actually the attention of the room was fixed at her and Fleur's interaction. Lea and Fleur's aunts had a knowing smirk on. Isabelle called for attention once more. That meeting was strictly pro forma, as they all knew Fleur was the rightful heiress. The brunette was surprised when she saw Isabelle get up and Celly pope into existence holding two seemingly old boxes. The clan matriarch motioned for them to get up after opening both boxes, she stood in front of Fleur.
"Fleur Isabelle Delacour, à partir d'aujourd'hui vous êtes reconnue comme l'héritière Delacour, future cheffe du clan Delacour. Reconnaissez-vous vos fonctions en tant que telles? (Fleur Isabelle Delacour, from today onwards you are to be recognized as the Delacour Heiress, leader-to-be of The Delacour Clan. You recognize your duties being as such?) "
"Oui." Fleur smiled at her Grand-mére and bowed to the other members of the clan. "Ma vie sera consacrée à la sécurité et au bien être du clan. Je serais présente à chaque occasions importante de notre clan, sinon mon bras droit le sera, portant mes excuses. Toutes décisions importantes sera discuté avec chaque matriarche du clan car l'expérience est d'une extrême pertinence. (My life is to be dedicated to the clan's safety and well being. I am to be present at every important occasion to our clan, if not, my second-in-command will be, carrying my apologies. Any important decision is to be discussed with every matriarch of the clan as experience is of extreme relevance.)"
Fleur's word echoed in Hermione's head as Isabelle moved behind her mate to fasten the delicate necklace on her. She gasped when she saw the material merge with the blonde's skin and become an almost iridescent tattoo. Fleur simply smiled at her.
"Hermione Jean Granger-Black," She startled a bit. "En tant qu'âme-soeur de Fleur, vous êtes également reconnue comme notre héritière et future cheffe. Vous et Fleur partagez les responsabilités d'un tel statut. Vous devez être vue comme une. Notre culture veut habituellement que le compagnon de l'héritière soit considéré comme une Veela. Je penses que nous pouvons tous convenir que vous êtes la non Veela qui se rapproche le plus de nous que nous n'avons jamais connus. C'est avec joie que les matriarches du clan et moi-même vous accueillons dans notre famille. (As Fleur mate, you too are recognised as our Heiress and lead-to-be. You and Fleur share the responsibilities of such status. You are to be seen as one. Our culture usually dictates that the heiress' mate is to be considered a Veela. I think we can all agree you are the non Veela that comes closer to be one any of us has ever known. It's with great glee that I and the clan's matriarchs welcome you to our family.)" Hermione can feel the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. She notices Fleur has a few in her eyes too. As she blinks and Isabelle gives the other box to Fleur, they flood freely. The peace and happiness she was feeling were unparalleled. She felt her mate stand behind her, kiss her shoulder lightly and fasten the necklace. As it touched her skin, it merged with it making her skin glisten similarly to Fleur's. A toast was made, with some wine of course, and Isabelle instructs all of them to go get ready to the ball.
Fleur was feeling as if she was flying. The joy she felt at Hermione being officially recognised as her mate making her almost burst in tears as she saw the necklace merge with the brunette's skin.
"Did you know it was going to merge with our skin?" Hermione asked, curiosity clear in her eyes.
"Non." Fleur got closer to her mate and kissed her forehead. They had just bathed, but only after Zee had assured Hermione that they indeed had time to do such a thing. Both stood in front of the full-body mirror, naked. For once, Fleur's mind wasn't in her mate's body, but in the new tattoo both of them presented. "Grand-mére never said anyzing. Maman gave up zee 'eiress title as soon as she 'ad me so I guess eet faded from 'er…"
"Well, it's beautiful. I love this." Hermione said, touching her own tattoo.
"Oui, I 'ave no idea of 'ow, but eet made you even more beautiful." She felt her mate chuckle as she leaned for a kiss.
"We need to get ready, love." The lioness exclaimed as soon as they parted for air. She smiled and nodded. "So, I didn't want to assume, so I 'ad Maman make you a formal suit and a dress…"
"You mean aside from the whole closet?" Hermione smiled sweetly. "May I surprise you then?"
"I'm sure you will leave me a babbling mess no matter what you wear." Hermione laughed. "Zough I'm a babbling mess around you anytime. No matter what you wear or not wear." Her mate choked in her laugh. "Oui, I know eet was bad. Don't you dare tell Ginny. Or Gaby."
"It was awful indeed, love. Ok, it will stay locked in my mind." The lioness kissed her cheek. "Awful but true none the less." She whispered.
"Zee one to talk!"
"Go get ready. I'm going to Ginny's to get ready. Probably kick Harry out if he hasn't been yet." Hermione pecked her lips and left the room wearing a robe and carrying her both options.
"On se voit plus tard alors.(See you later, then.)" She smiled as she accompanied the brunette's exit.
"I know you're starring, Delacour."
"And 'ow could I not, Granger?" she answered in a beat earning the joyful laugh she loved so much.
A couple of minutes later she heard a light knock at the door and it opened only a crack.
"Fleur?"
"Ah! Luna, come in. I figured 'ermione would only kick 'arry out of zee room..." She smiled at the younger Ravenclaw.
"She didn't need to. Harry went to get ready with the rest of the Weasleys. I just figured you could use some company..." At that, the door opened a crack once again.
"Zee dressing room for hot blondes' 'ere?" Lea's head appeared through the said crack.
"Je ne penses pas que tu puisses entrer si c'est le cas. (I don't think you can come in if that's the case.)"
"Oh s'il te plait! Je suis une Delacour. On ne peut pas, ne pas être sexy. (Oh, please! I'm a Delacour. We can't not be hot.)"
They cracked laughing, when Fleur looked at the British blonde she saw her smiling widely.
"Tu me rappelles un de mes cousins. C'est rassurant. (You remember me of my cousins. It's comforting.)" Luna said, noticing Fleur's gaze. Both french blondes smiled at this.
"Et où est Gaby? (And where is Gaby?)"
"Elle est avec ton âme-sœur. Elle a dit qu'elle voulait mieux la connaître. On devrait se préparer. Qu'est-ce que tata t'as ramené cette année? Ou as-tu pu choisir? (She's with your mate. Said she wanted to get to know her better. We should be getting ready. What did auntie get to you this year? Or did you get to choose?)" Lea answered already getting to Fleur's side.
"Comme si. En fait, je peux choisir. Costume ou robe. Je ne sais vraiment pas quoi choisir. (As if. Actually, I do get to choose. Suit or dress. I don't really know what to choose.)"
"Qu'est-ce que tu penses qu'Hermione va porter? (What do you think Hermione will wear?)"
"Elle a les même choix. Je ne l'ai jamais vu dans une robe de soirée pour autant. A l'exception du Bal de Noël... Qu'en penses-tu Luna? (She has the same choices. I never saw her in a party dress though. Except for the Yule Ball... What do you think, Luna?)"
"Aucune idée. D'habitude, j'évites des faire des suppositions, comme ça je ne suis jamais déçue et les Nargoles ne font pas autant leur nid autour de moi. Bien qu'ils semblent aimer être autour de moi quand même. Vous êtes toutes les deux magnifiques, peut importe ce que vous portez. Qu'est-ce que toi tu aimerais? (No idea. I usually keep myself from creating expectations, that way I never get to be let down and the nargles don't nest so much around me. Though they seem to like to be near me anyway. You two look wonderful no matter what you are wearing. What do you want?)" Luna smiled at her expectantly and quickly decided what she wanted.
"Are you decent? I definitely don't want to scar my eyes!" Hermione heard Gaby scream from the door after a loud knock.
"Of course, Gabrielle! Why wouldn't we be, for Morgan' sake?" Ginny answered loudly. "Now, you already know what you are going to wear?" She turned back to Hermione.
"Oooooh! I think I remember maman separating the ball choices. What did you choose?" Gaby joined Ginny to gush over both possibilities the brunette had. Her own dress practically forgotten on the bed.
Hermione had known what she would choose ever since she laid eyes on Apolline's choices. She knew Fleur rarely saw her in a dress, actually she probably only saw her in a ball dress years ago and they didn't even know each other. She didn't have to think twice. Without saying a thing, she picked the dress up just as her companies squealed.
An hour later, Hermione was leaving the room while chatting with both her companies when she heard Ginny gasp and a door close. As she turned, she completely lost her breath. In front of her stood her beautiful mate. She had thought Fleur would wear a dress, as she quite fancied using them on contrary to Hermione but to her surprise the blonde had chosen to wear a tailored suit. It had been clear that Apolinne had colour coordinated them no matter what they decided to wear. She knew she was being observed but couldn't stop herself from staring. Fleur's jacket was closed as she wore no shirt, the suit was of a darker shade of her former school uniform. She was beautiful and Hermione found herself at a loss of words.
"You broke her, Fleur." Ginny brought her out of her head. She smiled.
'my eyes are a bit higher, live.' she chuckled when she noticed the direction her mate's eyes were focused on. She saw the blonde's cheeks acquire a pink shade.
'Je pourrais dire la même chose. (I could say the same.)'
'Don't you dare to speak in French while in these.' It was Fleur's time to chuckle.
"And they are lost in their world again." Lea stated with a beam.
"We're going, lovebirds. Don't be late or maman will send a search party."
"'ello, beautiful." Fleur said when the other girls were out of sight.
"Hi, love. You look fantastic." Hermione moved to kiss her, only then she noticed she was actually taller than her since the blonde wasn't wearing heels.
"Zee one to talk." The brunette smiled, she had decided on the dress as soon as she laid eyes on it. It was Gryffindor red and was long and strapless, so the necklace/tattoo was showing.
When they got to the Ballroom doors, Isabeau and Apolline were already there with Gaby, Ginny, Luna and Harry.
"Les filles, vous êtes absolument magnifiques. (You two are absolutely gorgeous, girls.)" Apolline said, smiling proudly.
"Merci, Maman." Both answered. Hermione felt her face get warm and a second later Fleur held her by the waist to comfort her.
Within twenty minutes, the doors to the room were being open and Fleur guided her so they could greet the guests, standing at Isabeu's right with Gabby, the girls and Harry at theirs. By the time everyone entered, her feet were beginning to hurt. She noticed the ball didn't include only the clan, but a lot of friends of the family too, including the French minister of magic, though it wasn't a real surprise to her. She had been thanked over and over again and was sure she would continue to be, just like Harry. Fleur had hugged her the first time one of the guests had thanked her for her services at the war and mentally informed her that her prowess as one of the brightest witches of their time had travelled the world. Gaby teased her sister saying that it was mostly because of her, as Fleur wouldn't stop talking about her ever since the end of the war. Hermione and Fleur danced their feet off, just like everyone. The food was wonderful, but it wasn't a surprise either. At some point, Harry asked her for a dance. She was still thanking every possible Goddess or God that he hadn't stepped on her feet, she actually thanked him.
"You should probably thank Lun. She taught me, saying it would be useful."
"Guess she was right."
They left the dance floor laughing.
"Would you accompany me, ma Belle?"
"Sure"
"Good night, love birds." Gaby smoothly said as they passed by her on their way out.
"Where are we going, love?"
"You'll see."
As they stopped at their bedroom door, she raised an eyebrow at Fleur.
"Zee view from 'ere ees better." The blonde smiled sweetly.
"I see."
As soon as they entered the room Hermione pressed Fleur against the closed door, making her moan into her mouth.
"I can think of better things to be doing at midnight then watching the fireworks..." Hermione husked in her mate's ear then started kissing down her neck.
"J'avais prévu de le faire justement, seulement au balcon. (I intended on doing just that, only at the balcony.)"
"Allons-y alors? (shall we then?)" Hermione turned and began her path to the balcony after kissing the blonde deeply. She smiled as Fleur followed her. In no time she was pressed against the railing. The brunette waved her wand before she could get lost in Fleur's mouth and cast a notice me not spell along with a silencing one.
A/N: Hey again! I hope you liked this one! I loved writing it.
Please review, I'm always pleased to learn what you think! I need to thank pappa for saving my life every time I need help with their French.
;3
See Yah!
PS: Serenity: Yep, Luna is one character that I love writing, she's unique!
WK: Hullo! here it is!
Dragon: Let's see... I'll think about it...
Here-For: Here it is. Thank you for reading!
PPS: If you feel like sending me requests suggestions or prompts, feel free to reach me by PM or email me: celticdaughterfics (gmail)
