I'm so sorry, I started working and I got distracted with posting. I make up with some fluff and very light smut... Oh, and in case you forgot, this is a GP story... ye've been warned!
Hermione stared at the sight of the Delacour Estate. She had never seen such a completely over the top display of opulent grandeur. She knew that Fleur and her family were rich and powerful, but she had never expected something like this. It made her appreciate Fleur even more. The heiress never let her privilege show or flaunted her wealth. Maybe a bit in the first timeline when she was at Hogwarts, but not once she joined the Order and definitely not now.
The expanse that was the 'front lawn' was several acres and had a huge pond and fountain centered with the building in the distance. The lush grass was perfectly trimmed and level. There was a wide earthen walking path that led from the front gate up toward the pond, splitting in both directions around the water feature before merging on the other side and leading to the giant mansion.
There was a maze of pebbled walking paths that branched off of the main path and wove through the front lawn, leading to various sculptures and topiaries on the grounds. The grounds extended to the side and back as far as Hermione could see. She could see orchards and vineyards in the distance as well as several other buildings she couldn't distinguish. A large barn and stables were built closer to the main building and a small herd of horses ran freely across their enclosed pasture. She even saw what looked like a full size Quidditch pitch!
The building itself was designed in classic French style, bright and architecturally complex. It looked like a miniature Palace of Versailles. But not that much smaller, really.
"So… I'm glad we saw my childhood home first. I'd be kind of embarrassed to show you after seeing this… wow. You grew up here?"
Fleur blushed and gripped her hand a little tighter "Please don't be. Your home was lovely and your parents were very nice. Even if they tortured me."
"They didn't torture you!"
"They poked my mouth with those evil little metal spikes! Repeatedly! It hurt!" The Frenchwoman huffed and pouted at the memory.
"They're dentists! It's what they do! You shouldn't have mentioned that you'd never been to the dentist!"
"I didn't think it was a problem. I was only speaking the truth when they asked me."
"It is in Muggle society. Dental hygiene is a big deal. We don't have magic and can't just spell ourselves perfect teeth. Even kids go to the dentist, so stop whining you big baby!"
"You subject children to that treatment?!" Fleur was horrified. "Forget Death Eaters, just let the world be run by these dentists! It's borderline sadistic!"
"Yes and it's for their own good, too. A brush and floss twice a day keeps the cavities away!"
"Even that sounds like torture." Fleur rolled her eyes gently and led them toward the gate, quickly dispelling a small opening in the wards to admit them passage onto the grounds.
Once they had passed the property boundary, Hermione was startled to realize that there was a shift in the weather and atmosphere inside, the temperature had dropped several degrees and there was also less humidity. Overall it felt like a perfect day, with a sunny sky and gentle breeze. The kind of day that makes you want to breathe deep and just be glad to be there.
"It is beyond ridiculous, I did not realize when I was younger but now it disgusts me. I plan on making some changes once I become leader of the Clan. It is such a waste of resources." Fleur scoffed at her side.
"And it's just your family that lives here?"
"Non. While the Delacour clan does live here permanently and the extended family visits often, our home is always open for any Clan family that might need assistance or if they just want to visit. Evangeline and her family stop by often during summer holidays. They like the Mediterranean weather we enjoy and go to the beach. And we serve as a refuge in case of emergencies. And all of the grounds staff live here if they choose."
Hermione nodded "So, it has its purpose. And your family uses it for good!"
"Oui, but I feel like there's always more that we could be doing." Fleur shrugged as they walked along the sod path around the pond.
There was a loud whinny and the sound of galloping hooves approaching "Brainy! You came!" Gabrielle called out excitedly, riding proudly astride a beautiful young chestnut mare. Her silvery blonde hair flowed freely behind her and bounced slightly as she rocked with the horse's movements as they approached. Valadarian was flying next to her, his tiny wings spread as he soared through the air, looking rather pleased with himself.
"Brainy?" Hermione raised her eyebrow and Fleur quickly averted her gaze to glare at her sister.
"Gabrielle, what are you doing, little monster?"
"Just waiting for you two slowpokes to get 'ere. Maman and Papa are eagerly awaiting your arrival. You were taking so long zat I 'ad time to take Elise out. But now zat you are 'ere I'll 'ead in, too. I'll see you soon!" The youngest Delacour waved and took off in an easy gallop across the grounds toward the stables.
"Well, shall we?"
Hermione stopped abruptly as the reality of meeting Fleur's parents for the first time hit her hard. "What's proper Veela etiquette? Are there any customs I should know about? Am I supposed to bow or curtsy? Do we do the cheek-kiss thing? What if they don't like me? What if they don't think I'm good enough for you?"
"'Ermione, ma belle. Please, do not fret. You will do fine. And they will love you. Just be yourself and you will be wonderful. You are not alone, I will be there to help if you need, though I do not think you will need it."
Hermione nodded but was feeling rather uncertain about everything. She had stared Voldemort in the face just over two weeks ago and yet she felt more nervous about this moment.
Then she saw Fleur's parents waiting for them and she felt suddenly extremely self conscious. She and Fleur were in Muggle clothes, having come directly from Muggle London after spending a few days with her parents to tell them an update about her education and internship. As expected, Brian and Jean Granger were supportive, but it was clear that they had no idea what that really meant for Hermione. Probably for the best to keep them in the dark. At least things weren't to the point of needing to obliviate them again.
At first glance, Madame and Monsieur Delacour were an imposing couple. Both refined, elegant, and poised. They looked like royalty standing in front of the main entry doors in their impeccably tailored robes. And in a sense that's what they were, at least in Veela society. But as Hermione would soon find out, they were both rather pleasant and kind people.
Apolline was more serious than her husband and had a stern demeanor. She had a very dry sense of humor and could deliver a perfect deadpan, exactly the personality one would expect from the leader of the French Veela clans. Like her daughters, she was tall and had a slender, athletic build and had stunningly clear blue eyes and thick silvery blonde hair, which she wore up in a twist. Her features were sharp and prominent, giving her a naturally stern appearance that made it seem like she was constantly judging you, even if she was not. In a word, she was intense.
Hermione chuckled internally. At least she knew that Fleur would age well. Not like that was something she actually cared about. Fleur was beautiful to her no matter what but it seemed that the Veela continued to grow in grace and beauty as they aged.
Marcel Delacour on the other hand was a bowlful of laughs, the kind that originated deep in his belly and made his body shake. He was extremely light-hearted and joked at everything. He had the kind of personality that made Hermione want to trust him right off the bat and give him a big hug. Which she would not, of course. Unlike his wife, he had dark black hair, peppered with greys, and soft facial features that added to his warmth. His hazel eyes shone bright and a smile always adorned his face, slightly hidden beneath a meticulously groomed beard.
"Maman! Papa!" Fleur called out as they approached and the power couple descended the stairs to greet them. "Zis ees my girlfriend, 'Ermione Granger. 'Ermione, my parents, Apolline and Marcel Delacour."
Hermione was mildly taken aback to hear Fleur's natural accent come out, not her over the top dramatized one she had adopted at Hogwarts. When she spoke it was a mix of accent and her 'British' way of speaking, more relaxed and less formal. She thought actually rather cute and endearing, hearing her in her be so at ease in her comfort zone.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances, thank you for letting me stay with you, Madame and Monsieur Delacour." 'Should I curtsy? Fuck, how do you curtsy? I feel like I should curtsy...' Hermione started to panic internally. Fortunately, Apolline saved her from embarrassment and stepped forward to greet her.
"Enchantee, Mademoiselle Granger. Please, we are family 'ere, call me Apolline. We 'ave 'eard so much about you." Apolline welcomed her with a quick embrace and a kiss on each cheek.
"Oh aren't you just ze sweetest zing!" Marcel did the same but ended his greeting by pulling her into a big hug, squeezing her quickly before letting her go.
Hermione chuckled and smiled warmly, returning the hug. She briefly caught Fleur's eye, who simply winked at her and gave her an encouraging smile.
"Our little flower 'as not stopped talking about you since she returned from school!"
"Papa!" Fleur chided, her cheeks turning red.
Marcel ignored his daughter's complaint and smiled teasingly at her before continuing. "I was starting to zink you were a figment of 'er imagination, non? Because eet would be impossible for one so wonderful to exist. 'Oh, my 'Ermione ees so intelligent. So kind and gentle. She ees brave beyond measure…' Yet 'ere you are een ze flesh!"
"Dear, stop embarrassing Fleur," Apolline admonished her husband but still gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"I zink I regret bringing you 'ere after all!" Fleur pouted but Hermione was loving watching this interaction between the normally proud heiress and her father. It was so natural and effortless. Genuine.
"Brainy!" Gabrielle's quick shout was all the warning given before Hermione was all but tackled by the tiny ball of energy. Well, she knew which side of the family she got that from.
Marcel's laughter boomed across the lawn and Apolline gave a quick disapproving sniff at her youngest's antics but smiled nonetheless. She was glad to see her daughters so happy. Because of their thrall, it was hard for Veela to make genuine friendships outside of their Clan, especially with non-Veela.
"Come, you must be tired from your journey." Apolline led the group into the expansive entry hall. "Fleur, why don't you show 'Ermione around and 'elp her get settled een. We can reconvene for dinner een two 'ours. I zink zat your aunt and cousins might come later, but zat ees not confirmed yet. Zey are very curious to meet ze Golden Girl zat 'as stolen my daughter's 'eart."
Hermione blushed bright and did her best to maintain eye contact. She was grateful that Fleur came to her rescue.
"Oui, Maman." Fleur took her by the hand and led her up the grand staircase to the second floor.
Somehow the Delacour mansion was even more impressive on the interior. Hermione has never been in a palace, but this was how she imagined one would look.
The interior was open with tall ceilings, the walls a soft whitish grey to reflect the natural light streaming in from all the windows. The upper trim of the vaulted ceilings were ornately carved like flowers and accented with gold filigree. There was a large amount of art in elaborate frames decorating the walls. Statues and suits of armor were spread throughout the halls. There were random sitting lounges placed periodically, with chairs and tables so guests could look out across the grounds while reading a book or having tea.
The second floor was similar to the main level in terms of layout and decor, but the floors were polished dark hardwood rather than white marble tile. A wide red rug spanned the length of the hall, leaving only a few feet of wood exposed on either side. It reminded Hermione of pictures of fancy red carpet events in the Muggle world.
Fleur pointed out various things along the way but they eventually came to a stop in front of a set of tall double doors.
"Zis ees my room. You're welcome to stay 'ere or I can show you to a guest suite. Whichever you're comfortable wizz."
"Won't your parents think that's inappropriate?"
Fleur chuckled "Non, zey were actually extremely surprised to learn zat we 'aven't 'ad sex yet. I told you ze Veela are extremely physical and affectionate. We are not uncomfortable talking about such zings wizzin ze family. Intimacy ees not taboo like een ze wizarding or Muggle worlds."
Hermione blushed furiously knowing that Fleur's parents were aware of their sex life, or lack thereof. "Oh… uh…"
"Eet ees fine, ma belle. I can tell zat you are uncomfortable wizz ze prospect and I shall show you to your room. I'm sorry if eet implied zat I was looking for more by wanting to share my bed wizz you. I assure you zat was not ze case unless you want eet to be. I just like being close to you, your presence comforts me and puts me at ease. Zere ees still much I need to tell you about our bonding process." Fleur smiled. If she was disappointed, she didn't show it. "But first…" she pushed the doors open, swinging them inward.
Hermione gasped when she entered Fleur's room. It was huge. The walk-in closet alone was bigger than her room back home. There was fancy furniture and the biggest bed Hermione had ever seen, covered by a fluffy royal blue duvet and a ridiculous number of throw pillows. Like the rest of the 'house,' it was bright and designed to capture the natural light from the tall windows. But what struck Hermione the most was that an entire wall was dedicated to books. She knew Fleur was well-read like her but she never realized it was to the extent that she had her own personal library.
Realizing what Hermione was looking at, Fleur led her over to the bookshelves. "As I've told you before, my child'ood was remarkably lonely. I do not 'ave Gabrielle's magnetic personality and I detested ze attention I got from my Veela nature. So I often 'id een 'ere, losing myself een ze stories."
Hermione nodded and looked around while Fleur busied herself with unpacking her travel clothes from her enchanted handbag. After a few minutes, she turned back to Fleur, who was now sitting on her bed watching her curiously.
"You know, I wouldn't want to be an imposition on your staff. It makes no sense to set me up in a room by myself when honestly, I'd probably come sneaking back here anyway. If you're okay with it of course."
Fleur's eyes lit up brightly when she realized what Hermione was saying and she nodded enthusiastically.
Hermione snorted to herself and set her travel size trunk on the ground next to the door to the closet, waving her wand to return it and its contents to normal size. "So, tell me more about the rest of our bonding."
Fleur patted the bed next to her and waited for the brunette witch to join her before starting her talk. As she spoke, she reached over and rested her hand on top of her mate's, not willing to go any length of time without touching.
"Well, as I've told you, our bonding began when you accepted eet and kissed me. Zat was our spiritual bond. Our physical bond ees just as eet sounds. Our first time having intercourse, I shall bite you and you return ze bite. Zat completes ze mating bond and from zen we are officially a mated pair. Last bond will form over time as our magic continues to grow togezzer."
"Ah, so mind, body and soul?"
"Oui, exactly. Ze scars of ze mating bites will not be visible to any non-Veela and ees only zere to let ze ozzers know zat we are spoken for, but zey do not know by whom. If we want, we can 'ave a ceremony to announce eet, or we can keep eet to ourselves and just tell people we choose. 'Owever, I suggest ze latter for ze time being. I would like to tell my immediate family zough. Zey will be 'appy for us and not question why we are mates when you look underage. But ze ozzers in ze Clan might wonder."
Hermione nodded slowly "I think it's best we keep it to a minimum. Should we tell them soon?"
"I give you permission to tell zem when you feel comfortable." Fleur smiled, her eyes swimming with happiness.
"And maybe once we save the world from destruction and I'm physically 18 again we can do the ceremony. But until then, keep it simple. I even have a reason for why your Veela recognized me if your parents ask."
"And what might zat be?" Fleur gently rubbed her thumb across her knuckles.
"Well, I'm a time traveler of course!" Hermione beamed.
Fleur sputtered "What!?"
"Well, when I was in my third year, I used the Time Turner to attend extra classes and that did something to mess with my age." Hermione shrugged. "There is no record of anyone using a Time Turner for an extended period of time like I did, so it's not a stretch to think that it would mess with age over a year's time. Though I never tried it out in the previous timeline to confirm."
Fleur thought about that for a moment "I zink zat could work… as you said, zere ees no study of ze effects of long term use. I zink zat ees entirely realistic. Does zis mean you are actually 20? So old!"
"You're still older than me, you git!" Hermione grinned and kissed her quickly before tackling Fleur to the bed, tickling her sides.
"Non, non, non!" Fleur laughed and tried to wiggle away. Even though she was much stronger than Hermione and could have overpowered her, she allowed herself to be teased.
The pair fell away after a few more moments, both laughing and breathing hard. Hermione turned on her side, her head propped up on a fist and looked at her girlfriend, who mirrored her position, both casually reclined on the huge bed. Soft chocolate brown met cerulean blue and for a few silent moments they just stared at one another.
"Hey, Fleur?"
"Oui, ma belle?"
"Why do you hide yourself?"
Fleur paused for a moment and worried at her lip. She looked away, her gaze becoming distant, almost sad. "Because I do not want to make you uncomfortable."
"But it's a part of you and I already told you that I accept you in every way."
"I know you do and I am still amazed by zat every day…" Fleur sighed and looked back at her but kept her gaze slightly averted, focusing on her lips instead of her eyes, "per'aps eet ees more because I am not comfortable wizz eet zen. I like ze rest of my body… but when I see eet… eet just makes me feel… I understand why I 'ave eet, but eet just… exists zere, not doing anyzzing. I don't really find anyzzing good about eet."
"I can understand that. Gender identity is complicated, and I'm here if you want to talk about it. I just don't want you to feel like you have to hide around me. But I will say I am rather curious about it."
Fleur's eyes flashed up to meet hers, "You are?"
"God yes! Ever since you first showed me… well, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it once or twice…"
"Why didn't you say anyzzing?"
"Uh, because we were planning for Voldemort's return and trying not to die?" Hermione deadpanned, causing the blonde to snort loudly.
"I suppose zat ees a good reason. Well, I guess maybe eet ees time zat I start trying to accept myself fully. I can't give you my all if I am not willing to accept myself first," Fleur grimaced slightly but waved her hand and dispelled the illusion she had cast over herself.
"Take your time and don't push yourself. I'm always here for you and support you however you need. We can explore your body together, go at your pace. Maybe we just start with what we are comfortable with and see where it goes?"
"I understand, I am still scared zat you will change your mind and leave me." Icy sapphires swam with uncertainty and doubt. It broke her heart to see her usually confident girlfriend look so small.
"I'm not going anywhere. You're my mate and I love you, stubborn Veela and all." Hermione smiled encouragingly and leaned forward to give her a tender kiss.
"And I love you, mon amour." Fleur sighed happily when their lips touched, her eyes slipping shut as she melted into the kiss. She reached over and cupped the back of Hermione's neck, her fingers playing with the fine hairs at her nape, gently pulling her closer. Her Veela had been calm up until this point, but her other side was becoming impatient and demanding. Fleur held her at bay, not wanting to push either of them beyond their comfort levels. The Veela huffed and pouted in the back of her mind but didn't push it.
Hermione pulled back, sensing some hesitation "Is everything alright?"
"Oui," Fleur responded breathily, "Ze Veela ees just excited."
"Are you okay with this though?"
"Oui… zis ees perfect."
The Gryffindor nodded and leaned forward again, resuming their kiss. Her hand settled on the dip of Fleur's waist, causing the blonde to shiver and sigh against her lips. She tentatively parted her lips and flicked her tongue across Fleur's plump bottom lip.
The French witch immediately parted her lips, granting her access and she slipped her tongue inside without hesitation. She could feel the fingers at the back of her neck tug tighter in her unruly curls which only encouraged her more.
Hermione was surprised that their tongues did not immediately clash in a fight for dominance, like she was expecting. Instead they moved together like a slow dance, gentle, deliberate and controlled, yet still eager and passionate. She took a deep breath through her nose and deepened their kiss, trying to remove any distance between their mouths and Fleur hungrily responded in kind, her soft moan muffled by their kiss.
She didn't realize how much she had wanted this. All of their embraces up to this point had been rather conservative and barely scratched the surface. Even their most 'heated' kiss had still been only lips. But this kiss left them all behind. She felt like her body was on fire and Fleur was both fanning the flames and providing her with relief. She couldn't get enough.
They had been through so much and denied themselves that Hermione was willing to relinquish control and just enjoy the moment, letting her instincts take over. She couldn't deny that she had been thinking about taking the next steps with Fleur, but considering what was happening in the world, their sex life took a back seat. Now they had just a few days of freedom before they got back to work and she wanted to enjoy it for once. And judging by Fleur's reaction, the part-Veela was in solid agreement with her. This was further than she had ever gone with someone before and she was getting the impression that Fleur was just as inexperienced as she was, which made her feel slightly better. At least they were figuring this out together.
After several minutes, she slowly rolled over, laying flat on her back, pulling the Veela along but also giving her room to move away if she wasn't comfortable with the shift in position.
Fleur rolled with her, propping herself up on her knees to get situated between her legs then she leaned forward with her elbows at either side of her ribs, her arms looped under her shoulders. She hovered above her, not willing to let their bodies touch yet. Her crystal blue eyes were dark, pupils blown wide with excitement.
They gazed at each other for a moment, silently communicating with one another, their breath coming hard and erratically. Hermione nodded once and Fleur lowered her face to resume their heated kiss.
The Golden Girl reached around Fleur's shoulder with one hand and wrapped her fingers into the thick mane of silvery blonde hair, holding it out of the way and relishing in the silky smoothness. The other gently caressed her face, thumb stroking the smooth cheek while her fingers traced the curve of her jaw. The Veela purred and leaned into her hand slightly.
Fleur's fingers were tangled into her thick brunette curls, cradling her head up and providing neck support while holding their faces close. Very slowly, she lowered her hips down, sliding her knees back one at a time, now hovering just inches over her in a modified push up position. Just before their bodies touched she pulled away, once again searching for Hermione's reaction and approval.
"It's okay, Fleur… I trust you," She husked, her voice deep and breathy.
Fleur took a deep, steadying breath and lowered herself completely, starting with her chest, her weight coming to rest on top of Hermione's lithe frame.
Hermione gasped feeling Fleur's weight on her, pressing her against the mattress. It felt oddly comforting, rather than restricting, even though she would have been fairly powerless to move if she had wanted to. She trusted Fleur and knew that she would move if she asked her to.
Fleur hesitated a moment, then slowly pressed her the rest of her body down, their cores coming into contact for the first time.
Even through their clothes, Hermione was surprised to feel the bulge in the front of Fleur's jeans that was making its presence known. Curious, she carefully rocked her hips, causing the blonde to hiss out abruptly.
"I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed and immediately stopped moving, laying flat on the bed, gazing up with worried eyes.
"Eet ees fine. I wasn't expecting eet. Eet ees very, mmm, sensitive. But eet felt good, actually." the blonde admitted with a bright blush. "Would you like to continue?"
The British witch nodded slightly but made no further movements with her body, not wanting to cause her girlfriend any unexpected pain or discomfort. She waited for Fleur to initiate their kissing or whatever she felt comfortable doing.
Their next kiss started off slowly, both a little hesitant, both seemed a little shy about their awkward moment earlier, but those feelings quickly subsided and it heated up quickly.
Fleur instinctively rolled her hips forward, her cock seeking Hermione's warmth seemingly on its own accord. The friction caused the brunette witch to moan into her mouth, which in turn just excited her more. She started to rock her hips with a little more enthusiasm. Though the pressure on her member was becoming uncomfortable, she was desperate to hear the little noises coming out of her mate's mouth and determined to make sure they never stopped.
Hermione had never experienced such unbridled want before. She involuntarily whimpered periodically when Fleur hit her at a particularly good angle. Her core felt like it was on fire, desperate for the friction provided by the bulge of Fleur's cock. She felt her heart flutter wondering what it might feel like to feel her moving against her body with nothing separating them. What it might feel like to have her inside her. She shivered hard at the mere thought. She shifted her hips and rolled them in time with Fleur's movements. One of her hands found its way down to the hem of Fleur's shirt and slipped underneath, her fingertips dancing across the taut muscles of her abdomen.
Fleur groaned deep in her throat when she felt cool fingers on her stomach and sat up on her knees, grasping at her shirt to pull it off.
"Fleurrrrrrrr!" The door swung wide open, revealing a 9 year old part-Veela intruder "OH MY GODDESS PUT A LOCKING SPELL ON YOUR DOOR! You are ze Triwizard Champion! I would zink zat would be easy for you! What ze 'ell ees wrong wizz you!? Ugh!" she threw her hands in the air as she made a noise of disgust.
"Gabrielle I swear ze world 'ad better be ending for you to interrupt us!" Fleur growled, not trying to mask her frustration.
"Maman sent me to get you and to tell you to cast a silencing spell next time. She says do not be late for dinner." Gabrielle huffed and snapped the door closed with a loud bang.
"Ze child ees a menace." Fleur groaned and flopped down on her side.
Hermione wanted to sink into the mattress and die of embarrassment. Once the door was closed, she leaned up, propping herself up on her elbows, her face flushed and her hair sticking out in all directions. Fleur wasn't looking much better, though she still thought the Veela looked absolutely gorgeous, her eyes almost black from her blown pupils and her lips swollen from their intense make out session. And… oh… that was definitely bigger than she remembered it being initially. She blushed an even darker shade of red and averted her eyes for Fleur's modesty.
"W-we should get going, I don't want to make a bad first impression with your parents. More so than I apparently have already."
Fleur sighed "Probably. You may use ze bazzroom first to get ready. I zink I need to change soon or I will lose circulation."
"Right… err, I'll be right back then." Hermione quickly rolled off the bed and scuttled to the bathroom to try to put herself back together.