Hermione was biting her lip.
She was sitting beside Fleur in a carriage as they pulled up to the Delacour Mansion.
Things had moved extremely fast since their check-up with the Healer. They had stopped off for Hermione to arrange train tickets while Fleur rang her parents to organise things in France.
They'd gone their separate ways in the late afternoon. Hermione had dinner with Harry, Ron, Ginny and Luna and filled them in on her plans. The group had thankfully withheld any teasing, instead expressing concerns for Fleur, Hermione and their son.
Hermione had suffered another restless night before catching an early morning train with Fleur. Now she was a bundle of nerves as she finally let her mind appreciate the fact that she was about to meet Fleur's grandmother.
The butler, Paul, met them out front again. He took their bags and instructed them to walk around the outside of the house.
"The family are all enjoying a mid-afternoon drink on the lawn," Paul explained.
Fleur nodded and strode off, Hermione stumbling to catch up with her. Hermione was swallowing hard and paling.
Fleur shot her a sideways look.
"She is not as scary as she seems," Fleur said reassuringly, although it didn't reassure Hermione at all.
They rounded the corner and Hermione was once again struck by how much the Delacours resembled something from a set of stock photos.
Alexandre and Apolline were sitting on some lawn chairs, helping themselves to some gin and tonics. Beside Alexandre was an exceedingly handsome Hispanic looking man and another blonde woman who looked very similar to Apolline.
On the lawn in front of them were several small platinum-blonde children playing. A woman with long blonde hair was facing away from Hermione and Fleur, playing with the children.
Apolline spotted them immediately and ran forward to embrace them.
"Fleur! Hermione! I am so glad you made it, I have been worried sick since your call yesterday!" Apolline gushed, "Hermione, this is my sister and her husband—Victoire and Samuel."
She gestured at the man and woman that were sitting next to Alexandre, who inclined their heads in polite but haughty way.
"Hello," Hermione said politely, waving awkwardly at them.
"And this," Apolline stepped back, allowing them clear view of the woman with the children, "Is my mother, Cassandra."
The woman stood up, straightening her back. Hermione could feel a warm heat in the air that seemed to be radiating from the woman. Her hair, on closer inspection, was even more platinum than Fleur and Apolline's. It had more of a silvery quality to it.
She turned elegantly, her hair fanning out.
Hermione's jaw dropped. This was Fleur's grandmother?!
Cassandra looked no older than twenty-one. Her face was fresh and unlined, with high cheekbones and plump pink lips. She had shimmering blue eyes that seemed to be flecked with silver. Something about her seemed inhuman, although she resembled an incredibly attractive human woman.
"Hello, dear," Cassandra greeted. She had a strangely hypnotic way of speaking that seemed to draw Hermione in.
Hermione felt a warmth of desire, undercut by a current of danger. Distantly, she supposed that Veela were predators, which would explain the edge of danger.
"Grandmere," Fleur sighed, stepping forward and throwing her arms around Cassandra. Cassandra hugged her tightly.
"Fleur," Cassandra purred, "I have missed you. I can sense the child within you. A son?"
"Oui! I didn't know you could tell things like that!" Fleur exclaimed, stepping back and resting her hands on top of her stomach.
Hermione watched Cassandra, entirely transfixed by the Veela and her mysterious powers.
Cassandra smiled slyly.
"There are a number of things that you can do when not weighted down with human blood," Cassandra grinned.
"Easy on!" Samuel called out in jest.
Cassandra smirked, turning to stick her tongue out at Samuel playfully.
Hermione was shocked with just how young the woman seemed for a grandmother. Not just in looks but in her demeanour.
Cassandra's eyes flicked back to Hermione so quick it startled her. Her eyes seemed to shimmer silver for a moment. But then they were back to the silver-flecked blue and Hermione wondered if she had imagined it.
"Veela do not age the same way as humans," Cassandra said, almost as if she could read Hermione's mind. Hermione shivered. Probably a coincidence.
"Grandmere, I have been unable to sleep," Fleur said, interrupting, "The Healer said if it is not remedied then I will have to go to the hospital."
Cassandra smiled, observing Fleur.
"Oh, Fleur," Cassandra sighed, "You have always kept your heart locked up so tightly."
"Maman, are you going to help or speak in riddles?" Apolline huffed. Hermione suppressed a smile. Apolline reminded her so much of Fleur in that moment.
Cassandra reached forward, one hand cupping Fleur's face and the other cupping Hermione's. Her skin was so silky soft; unlike anything Hermione had ever felt. A warmth coursed through her body and she tried not to let her eyes flicker shut contentedly.
Cassandra's eyes stared deeply into Hermione's. Hermione could feel a pull, like a riptide at the beach. Dangerous and beautiful. Her eyes shone brightly. They were so pretty, but distinctly not human.
Cassandra smiled enchantingly, before her gaze moved to Fleur.
"She resists the thrall well, Fleur," Cassandra smiled, "You picked well."
"Grandmere, I am so tired, how do I fix it?" Fleur asked, her voice almost breaking with desperation. She had the manner of a petulant child as she spoke to her grandmother. Hermione smiled, it was adorable.
Cassandra smiled more broadly.
"Fleur, your solution is right here," Cassandra replied. The hand that was cupping Hermione's face playfully slapped Hermione's cheek ever so gently.
"Hermione?" Fleur asked, confused.
Cassandra released Fleur and Hermione, stepping back and observing them in the strange way she had. It reminded Hermione terribly of an animal. A predator appearing relaxed but always alert.
"The Veela blood has always bloomed so strongly within you, Fleur," Cassandra smiled, "Just like your mother. When Veela are with child, they cannot rest properly without their mate beside them. Hermione, you must be exhausted too, non?"
"Immensely," Hermione admitted, stifling a yawn.
"Well, the solution is as simple as resting together," Cassandra said simply.
Fleur seemed irritated by this.
"Grandmere! You couldn't have told me this by owl?! Or even over Papa's phone?!" Fleur snapped. Hermione stood patiently beside her, having fully expected Fleur to lose her temper at the situation eventually.
"I wanted to see you," Cassandra replied, "If you stay here for a couple of nights I can be assured things are progressing as they should."
"I have been regularly seeing a Healer," Fleur pouted, crossing her arms defensively.
"Humans can be dangerous in their assumptions," Cassandra said with barely veiled disdain, "I needed to check you myself."
"I am three-quarters human," Fleur retorted, still defensive.
Cassandra stepped forward, prodding Fleur in the chest with an index finger.
"Which makes you ignorant of the important other quarter," Cassandra said firmly, "Now get upstairs with your woman and go rest. We will talk more after you have recharged a little."
Fleur looked riled, but Hermione put a hand on her arm to still her temper. Hermione herself was a little miffed at being referred to as dismissively as "Fleur's woman," but she was hardly about to argue with the intimidating creature.
Fleur looked at Hermione, her furrowed brow relaxing slightly. She exhaled heavily, looking back at her grandmother.
"Fine," Fleur conceded.
It did not escape Hermione's notice that Apolline and Alexandre were exchanging meaningful glances again.
Fleur didn't speak again, storming inside the mansion. Hermione smiled apologetically at the others before following the temperamental blonde. She caught up with her on the stairs.
"I love my Grandmere, but Merlin, she can be as infuriating as Maman sometimes," Fleur growled.
Hermione diplomatically decided to stay silent, simply following the blonde. Her mind had turned to Cassandra's advice. Fleur and her had to rest together in order to properly sleep. A Veela must rest with their mate when with child. So she was Fleur's mate? Was that simply for the duration of Fleur carrying her child? Or was that a more permanent position?
Fleur wrenched open the bedroom door, walking in and shedding her top immediately. Hermione swallowed heavily at the prospect of climbing into bed with blonde goddess. Fleur kicked off her shoes and took off her pants, still muttering irritably about her mother and her grandmother. She walked over to the window, clad in lacy lingerie, to shut the curtains tightly.
Hermione's eyes roamed down Fleur's back, savouring the sight. She loved the little dimples at the base of Fleur's back. She loved the way Fleur's ass looked in the thong she was wearing. Fleur turned around, azure eyes catching Hermione's gaze. She smirked.
Hermione blushed, averting her eyes.
Fleur stripped off the rest of the way, gliding over to the bed and climbing in.
"What are you waiting for, Hermione?" Fleur asked, "I'm so very ready to sleep."
"Err," Hermione kept her eyes averted, blushing further.
She knew they weren't going to do anything g other than sleep, but the simple situation of a naked Fleur in bed asking her to come join her was incredibly overwhelming.
Hermione awkwardly shed her longsleeved tee. She had a singlet underneath, which was enough to keep her covered up. She took off her shoes and jeans, stripping down to her boyshort underwear.
She stepped over to the bed cautiously, embarrassed at Fleur's eyes on her.
"So, uh, I just get in?" Hermione asked.
Fleur nodded, frustrated.
"God, Hermione, it's a nap, not a marriage proposal," Fleur said restlessly.
Hermione just nodded, pulling back the covers and climbing in. She lay on her back and stared at the ceiling.
"Is this right? Is this working?" Hermione asked out loud.
Fleur shuffled restlessly in the bed beside her.
"Non," Fleur growled, "Stupid Grandmere."
Hermione tried to think of the last time they had shared a bed. They had slept for quite a while that time.
"Er, what if we… Cuddled?" Hermione suggested, blushing at the very suggestion. She half-expected Fleur to bite her head off.
But Fleur didn't reply, instead rolling over to get closer to Hermione. She pulled Hermione's arm to wrap around her shoulders and rested her head on Hermione's chest. Fleur's arm flung around Hermione's stomach, holding her tightly.
"Ah, I see," Fleur said with a big yawn, "This feels… Better…"
Hermione smiled, a relaxation spreading through her tense muscles. Her eyes began to get heavy and she let them flutter shut.
Hermione awoke blearily, registering that she was in a bed at the Delacour mansion. Her face was nestled deeply into silky soft platinum blonde hair that smelled faintly of lillies. Her arms were wrapped around Fleur, spooning her body tightly. She sighed contentedly.
Fleur murmured and shifted in her arms, pressing herself even closer to Hermione. Hermione felt a jolt of arousal at the naked woman in her hold. Fleur's curvy backside was pushed right up against her pelvis and Hermione resisted the urge to run her hands down to grab it.
She felt calm, rested and satisfied. A relaxed sleepiness fell over her again and she began to doze off, absentmindedly dipping her head to kiss Fleur's shoulder before closing her eyes.
When she awoke later, Fleur was awake and sitting up, her hand distractedly playing with Hermione's curls. Hermione sat up, startling Fleur, who withdrew her hand from Hermione's hair.
"Morning," Hermione greeted. Her voice was rough from sleep.
"Actually it is nearing lunchtime," Fleur commented.
Hermione furrowed her brow, still dozy from sleep but thoroughly confused.
"What…? We went to bed just before dinnertime," Hermione mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
"Oui," Fleur confirmed, "We slept all the way through dinner, all the way through the night and through this morning."
"Jesus," Hermione's jaw dropped, "I guess your grandmother really was right."
"I feel so much better," Fleur grinned, stretching lithely.
Hermione tried not to stare too much at the blonde's nude form.
"I feel better too," Hermione concurred. She had forgotten what it felt like to feel fully rested. In fact, she wasn't even sure she had felt this good fully rested before.
Hermione's stomach rumbled loudly and she clutched it self-consciously. Fleur smiled at her reassuringly.
"I'm starving too," Fleur admitted, "Let's get some brunch."
She got out of bed and Hermione found her eyes glued to Fleur's form again. She felt like a teenage boy, but she couldn't help it, her eyes roaming up and down Fleur's toned back and long legs before settling on her fantastic ass.
Fleur turned around unexpectedly, catching Hermione once again. She smirked.
"Hmmn, I was right about not many women comparing to me, non?" Fleur teased. Hermione blushed.
"Oh, shut up, Fleur," Hermione muttered, embarrassed.
Fleur grinned, delighted at teasing the brunette.
"I've noticed you are a bit of an ass woman," Fleur teased further, "Is that your favourite part of a woman? You certainly seem to like looking at mine."
"Stop," Hermione said, growing even more embarrassed. Fleur laughed.
"Very well," Fleur said, selecting some clothes as she almost bounced to the ensuite to get changed, "I like it though, it makes me feel attractive even with this belly."
She closed the bathroom door and Hermione sighed, leaning back on the bed. Fleur's mood seemed the best it had been in a long time. Must be a result of finally resting up.
Hermione processed the whirlwind of the past twenty-four hours, her brain working rapidly now she had finally had a decent night's sleep. It seemed like her and Fleur would need to share a bed each night during the pregnancy for the good of their own, and the baby's, health.
Hermione smiled. She really liked cuddling Fleur at night. And Fleur? She didn't seem to hate it. She cuddled up into Hermione without any prompting and had seemed content enough.
There was only one issue. Fleur's love of sleeping naked was torturous for Hermione. When she had woken in the night spooning the blonde, it had been absolutely painful having to keep her hands respectably to herself.
Hermione sighed shakily, getting up and getting ready for the day, trying to push all inappropriate thoughts out of her mind.
Hermione sat at the elegant dining table of the Delacour mansion, marvelling at the array of brunch items available to her. Fleur had already loaded up her plate and was eagerly eating crepes loaded with strawberries.
"Fleur, I don't think I've seen you eat so eagerly in your life," Apolline exclaimed. She was sitting across from Hermione and Fleur, beside her sister Victoire and her husband Samuel. Beside Samuel were two of the toddlers from the previous day, sitting in little high chairs as Samuel patiently tried to encourage them to eat.
At one head of the table was Alexandre. At the other, was Cassandra, who only had a simple glass of water in front of her.
Hermione was sitting beside Fleur. On her other side was a small child who looked around five years old. She had the characteristic platinum blonde hair of the Veela and striking blue eyes.
"Oh, hello there," Hermione greeted the child, "I'm Hermione."
"Hello. My name is Sophie," the child replied with an excited grin.
"What are you having for brunch?" Hermione asked gently.
"Hello! My name is Sophie!' the child repeated with a giggle.
Samuel shook his head, smiling across the table at Hermione.
"She only knows how to say those two things in English," Samuel explained, "It has been tricky for her learning Spanish and English at the same time."
Hermione nodded.
"Hello!" Sophie giggled, tugging at Hermione's sleeve.
"Hello," Hermione replied, grinning widely. The child was so cute.
Alexandre was watching Hermione with quiet approval, a sparkle in his eyes.
"You are a natural with children, Hermione," Alexandre commented, "Do dig in to the food though."
"Oui, it is delicious," Fleur added, encouraging Hermione.
Apolline looked at Fleur with wide eyes.
"What has you so sweet?" Apolline commented, "And so ravenous?"
A coy smile grew on Apolline's face.
"Ah, don't bother answering Fleur… A night with your mate was all you needed, non? I am the same way with your father. One night of satisfaction leaves me ravenous and happy."
"Maman!" Fleur exclaimed, pulling a face, "I'm eating!"
"Fleur," Cassandra intervened in her curious, hypnotic voice, "Sexuality is the most natural thing in the world."
"Grandmere!" Fleur said, affronted, "You are just as bad as Maman… So… So Veela!"
Cassandra clucked her tongue with disapproval.
"Fleur, you have never embraced that side of yourself," Cassandra said, shaking her head, "You may only be a quarter Veela, but you are still Veela."
"Mostly human," Fleur replied obstinately, digging into some more food.
Hermione was surprised. She didn't know that Fleur had any hang ups around her blood status.
"Enough!" Cassandra unexpectedly snapped, slamming a hand down on the dinner table, hard. The children fell silent, wide eyed. The adults all halted their movements, looking at Cassandra warily.
Cassandra's eyes were totally silver now, no whites of her eyes and no iris or pupil, just all silver. The hand on the table no longer had carefully manicured nails, but sharp talons that were scratching the polished surface of the table. Hermione could see a few stray feathers that had erupted on Cassandra's slender arm.
Fleur's temper immediately dissipated and she watched her grandmother attentively.
"Fleur Isabelle Delacour," Cassandra said slowly. Her voice was no longer soft, but raspy and harsh. "You dare be ashamed of your heritage? Veela are a highly evolved species. We are powerful. We have far more advanced senses than mere humans. You may be mostly human but you are certainly not a human. You are a human-Veela. The pregnancy as a result of lying with a human woman is evidence enough of that. The Veela blood runs so strongly within you… Don't you dare turn your back on your heritage. It is what brings you your greatest strengths."
"Oui, Grandmere," Fleur said, ducking her head in deference, "Je suis desolee,"
"It is fine, Fleur," Cassandra said, her features beginning to soften, "I know you are under pressure right now with the unexpected pregnancy and overwhelming hormones. Just do not let yourself think poorly of the Veela again. You should be proud."
Cassandra rolled her shoulders and shut her eyes. The feathers retracted back into her skin and her talons receded, shaping themselves back into a pretty manicure. She opened her eyes again, revealing the deep blue with flecked silver.
Hermione was fascinated. She had never seen a Veela transformation up close, let alone a partial transformation.
Cassandra sighed, smiling sweetly.
"I am sorry for losing my temper," she said to the table, her voice back to being velvety and having its odd hypnotic quality, "Please, do return to your meals."
The brunch continued in a more subdued manner, before the group retired outdoors to enjoy the pleasant weather.
"Hermione!" Sophie called, waving out to Hermione as she and the toddlers ran out to frolic on the lawn.
Samuel grinned at her.
"She's learnt your name!" Samuel exclaimed, "That's something."
Hermione laughed before turning to the children. She jumped towards the lawn, changing into her animagus form as she flew through the air. In cat form she had heightened hearing, and flinched a little at the loud excited squealing of the children.
The children toddled towards her, hands outstretched to pat her long and soft fur. Hermione tried not to hiss as their clumsy hands patted too hard and tugged a little at her fur.
Sophie pulled Hermione out of the hands of the twins, lifting her into her arms and squeezing her tightly. Almost too tightly, as Hermione wheezed a little.
Sophie carried her happily over to the lawn chairs where the adults sat, proudly showing her mother and father.
"Hermione!" Sophie grinned.
"Yes, that is Hermione," Samuel grinned, reaching forward and patting Hermione on the head. Victoire beamed at her daughter's glee, ruffling her daughter's hair and then scratching Hermione behind the ear.
Sophie then hoisted Hermione over to her cousin, Fleur.
Sophie asked Fleur something in French and Fleur smiled.
"Oui," Fleur replied to Sophie.
Hermione found herself being passed roughly by the five-year old to her elder cousin. Fleur held Hermione far more gently, resting her in her lap and stroking her fur gently.
Hermione found herself purring involuntarily, kneading at Fleur's lap before settling herself down to sit in a little loaf-like position on Fleur. Fleur kept patting her rhythmically.
Sophie ran over to Victoire, tugging at her skirt and chatting excitedly in rapid French. Fleur chuckled lightly.
"She is asking if she can have a cat like my one," Fleur told Hermione, amused. She kept stroking Hermione's long fur. Hermione felt like she was in heaven, purring loudly.
She took the opportunity to watch the group around her. Alexandre was pouring everyone a gin and tonic. He was looking handsome and preened in his chinos and button up shirt.
Hermione then looked at Samuel. He was a very attractive man, with a chiselled jaw and thick curly dark hair that seemed perfectly styled. He was very muscular and lean, practically bursting out of his button up shirt.
The Veela women all had exceedingly beautiful partners. Hermione felt self-conscious. Maybe that was why Fleur had been embarrassed. Hermione was nothing but a scarred, bushy haired bookworm.
She clambered down from Fleur's lap, transforming back into her regular form.
"You okay?" Fleur asked.
"Yeah," Hermione replied, trying to keep the glumness out of her voice, "I just feel like a walk around the grounds. I'll be back."
Hermione was in a low mood for the rest of the day.
She hated that she wanted someone who was so entirely out of her league. She kept quiet at dinner. Thankfully Apolline was too busy gushing to the table over her excitement of having a grandchild for anybody to notice.
After dinner, however, Alexandre approached her.
"Scotch in the study, Hermione?" Alexandre asked.
"I don't know," Hermione shrugged.
"Come, it is your last night," Alexandre insisted, "I would like to spend some time with you. Nobody else in this household would discuss international trading regulations with me."
Hermione snorted, following the reserved man into his study.
Alexandre poured them both a scotch, setting into an armchair. Hermione took the other one, sipping tentatively at her drink. It went down far better this time. Alexandre was definitely getting her used to the liquor.
"You know, you are the first one of Fleur's paramours that I have truly bonded with," Alexandre commented, sipping at his own drink.
"I'm not her… I'm not her paramour," Hermione said uncomfortably, shuffling.
"No, no, of course not," Alexandre concurred, "My Fleur does not really let many people get close to her. Of the people she has brought home because she has been seeing them, none have really got to know the real her. Perhaps that is why I never truly bond with them?"
"I wouldn't say I know the real Fleur," Hermione said guardedly, "And I certainly am not seeing her."
Alexandre watched her carefully, in the unreadable, calculating way he had.
"But you would not mind if you were," Alexandre commented.
Hermione didn't reply. She didn't want to further her own humiliation by admitting to Fleur's father that she wanted Fleur.
They sat in an amiable silence for a while, sipping at their drinks.
"She likes you, you know," Alexandre said finally.
"She said so?" Hermione asked, suspicious.
"No, of course not," Alexandre admitted, "But Apolline and I can tell from the way she interacts with you. She is not like that with anyone else. Not even her best friend."
Hermione frowned at the mention of Bill, the overheard conversation weighing on her mind again.
"She seems pretty open with Bill," Hermione said, trying to keep the sulkiness out of her voice.
Alexandre shook his head.
"She thoroughly enjoys spending time with him, oui," Alexandre said, "She loves sharing her life with him and hearing about his life, oui. They are very close! But she holds back from him. The man's flaw is that he can be judgmental. She doesn't like the feeling of being judged over anything."
Hermione snorted.
"She seems to love judging," Hermione said, quirking a smile. She remembered Fleur's displeasure at Hogwarts, as well as the numerous tantrums and disdainful comments she had made since Hermione had become reacquainted with her again.
Alexandre laughed.
"Oui, she does," Alexandre chuckled, "She can be a little princess, my Fleur. But that does not mean she is not sensitive. She despises being judged back and will go to lengths to avoid it. That is why you must tread carefully if you tease her. I am sure you are familiar with her temper."
"That I am," Hermione chuckled, "So… You think sometimes what she is saying to Bill is not what she is feeling?"
Alexandre shrugged.
"Sometimes it is, sometimes she is humouring him," Alexandre replied, "If you want to know what she really thinks about something, you should ask her. She seems far more genuine with you."
"Maybe even to a fault," Hermione said, grinning at Alexandre. Alexandre burst into laughter.
"My, you have been on the receiving end of that fiery Veela temper!" Alexandre chortled, "Tell me, has she started demanding the strange cravings yet? I thought her mother was actually going to hex me once when I didn't bring her chocolate covered pickles while she was pregnant with Gabrielle!"
Hermione cackled.
"Yes! The other night she had me come over with ice cream and hot sauce. She seemed to love it!" Hermione laughed.
Alexandre laughed too, sipping at his scotch.
"Don't give up on my daughter, Hermione," Alexandre asked, "I really do think that you two would make a good match… And I'm not just saying that because I get along with you so well."