Rambling and Dribbles
A/N: This is a story I like the premeise of, but unsure if there will be a large audiance. For now, it has been relegated to my Rambling and Dribbles while it takes a backburner so I can finish other works I have going on. Oh, if I didn't have to work then I would be able to publich more...
-oOo-
Harriette Potter: Girl of Prophesy (update 01 Oct 21)
General Idea: Harriette Potter was going to be left on the Dursley's doorstep to prevent a horrible prophesy... that was until she was saved by her Uncle Alain Delacour. Unaware of the prophesy, Harriette is raised in a loving home, away from England. She grows up as a daughter of the Delacours in Paris. She identifies herself as French.
When Voldemort comes back, he starts his search for Neville and Harriette, both children of Prophecy and linked to him. The Delacours find out about the Prophecy on Harriette's seventeenth birthday, the year she is going back for her seventh year at Beauxbatons and when the second Triwizard Tournament occurs. This brings Neville, Susan, Dean, Ernie, Draco, Ron, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott, Sue Li, Corner.
Draco and crew are on a mission to kidnap Harriette.
Champions: Neville, Hermione, (Durmstrang)
Relations: Charlus Potter married Eloise Delacour, Aunt of Alain Delacour. Alain (second cousins) looks at Harriette as his niece, and then daughter.
Pairings: This will be a story with a fem/fem pairing. Harriette/Hermione. Neville/Manon Malfoy
1) Fem Harry: Harriette Lily Potter, hair is a little longer than shoulder length, nice (not all over the place), same brilliant green eyes, acts a little more fiery, like Fleur. She has the protection of her mother's sacrifice. Voldemort went to their house first, was thwarted by Lily, who was able to get a portkey onto Harriette and get her to Hogwarts for protection. Dumbledore realized she was a child of prophesy and tried to squirrel her away.
2) Severus Prince (Snape): Was accepted into Ravenclaw. Did not get involved with the Blood Purists and remained very good friends with Lily. James and their lot accepted Snape. Snape became Harriette's godfather and is a fames Potions Master and Alchemist, living in Cherbourg with his wife and son. After Lily's death, he decided to flee the country to help protect Harriette. He took up his mother's maiden name when he left England.
3) Marauders: Same type of baseline through fifth year (1976). The 'mudblood' incident happened with a Slytherin, with James and Severus coming to her rescue. They were still competing for her affection, but Snape was willing to 'let her go' because of his feelings. Peter became Dumbledore's spy, and was sacrificed to Azkaban after the Potter's death. Being a marked death eater, Alain did nothing to follow up on what really happened. Remus was killed in the last days of the war and Sirius just disappeared. (Maybe to reappear years later as a Professor at Hogwarts or Beauxbatons? After spending years hunting down Greyback and other werewolves...)
4) Longbottoms: James had an older sister, Alice, who married Frank. Neville and Harriette are cousins, but don't get to see each other much. Unsure if Alice/Frank survived, maybe only Frank? Neville is marked and is the BWL. Having Frank and Gran, Neville grow's up more sure of him self, but his father fights Dumbledore and the Ministry to name his son the BWL, trying to ensure Neville grows up knowing what a Longbottom is, but keeping him humble as to his place in the Wizarding World
Beauxbatons: The more 'liberal arts' school of the three main ones in Europe, but with high grade and IWL standards. Must pass a minimum four IWL's with a Exceeds Exceptions (B) in year six to continue for year seven and eight. Must pass each under year with a minimum four classes of EE, and all Acceptable(C) or higher. If you fail, you will repeat the course. If you fail twice, you will be expelled.
1.a) Core classes (six years min, take IWL's in each): Transfiguration, Charms, Potions
1.b) Secondary (two years min, have to take two IWL's): Herbology, History of Magic or Magical Studies (Muggle, Being, etc.), Defense or Dueling, Arithmancy, Runes
1.c) Electives(have to take at least one IWL): Creatures, Astronomy, Divination, Technomancy, Inter-Being Studies, Ritual Magic, Beast Husbandry
-oOo-
Chapter 1
-oOo-
All dialog inside quotations and italicized is French.
November 1, 1981
Little Whinging, England
"Albus, you can't be thinking to do this," a woman in green robes said angrily.
"It is the only way. The Dursley's are her closest living relatives," the wizen old man in wire-rim glasses, long beard and purple robes with golden designs tried to soothe the woman.
"I do not agree with this. Let me take her to Frank and Alice. I can't imagine that Lily and James would not arrange for that," she replied.
She missed the slight sign of annoyance. They had been agreeing about this for a few minutes. Minerva was not willing to accept putting Harriette Potter in the safest place she could go. "That is enough, Minerva. No will has been able to be located yet and with the protections Lily left on her daughter, only blood and the love from that can strengthen that protection."
Minerva pursed her lips. "Lily has never talked about 'love' from her sister and you know that. Harriette needs to go somewhere else. She will famous..."
"And that is why she should grow up outside of our World. What do you think fame like that will do to a young person?"
"I will not agree to this, Albus," she stated. "Harriette does not belong here."
"That is not your decision," Albus snapped at her.
She gave him a nasty look. "You do this and we are done. I will remain at Hogwarts to teach, but I will never follow your lead again."
Albus sighed. "Minerva, do you have to be so dramatic? She will be safe here and she will be checked up on."
"Be it on your head. I am going to go talk with the Longbottoms," she told him icily.
Albus had his wand in his hand, ready to be used when there were several cracks behind him. He spun, a wide area stunning spell already leaving as he held the girl to his chest. She started to cry. Five people in powder blue robes were there and a six in a more muggle-style suit. Three managed to shield and they threw down some stones. Albus went to turn and found that he couldn't apparate. He was reaching for a gem on his robes when he was forced to sheild several incoming spells.
"Arrêter! Arrêter! Il la tient dans ses tenir!" the shorter man called out.
He lit his wand, illuminating a face Albus knew well. There was a small tinge of fear.
Minerva had her wand out. "What is the meaning of this!"
"We are not trying to hurt anyone, madam," one of the French Aurors said. "We are here following a blood trace. Your Ministry has given us permission." The man held out a scroll and the Minister's Seal could be seen, even in the shadows. "I am Captain Dubois. We are escorting Representative Delacour to find his niece."
Bloody Merlin! How could they find out!
"I do not know who you are looking for, Aurors, but there is no neice of Representative Delacour here," he told them. The girl was starting to wail in his arms now.
"Supreme Mugwump Dumbledore," Alain Delacour said. "I am looking for Harriette Potter. Who is that child you have in your arms?"
He had reached the gem now. "Hogwarts," he whispered. The portkey took and just as the sensation hit that he was leaving the ground, he suddenly slammed into something. He felt his face smash into the invisible barrier. The girl gave a wild scream and he was falling to the ground. "Accio!"
She was ripped from his hands and crumpled to the ground. "ALBUS!" Minerva cried out.
"I want him arrested! He just tried to kidnap my neice," Representative Delacour demanded.
Albus was still dazed when the cuffs were put on his wrists and the Aurors lifted him up.
Representative Delacour was trying to calm the screaming girl down when the door behind them opened. "What the ruddy hell is going on out here!"
"I would like to know that too," Minerva said in an angry voice.
-oOo-
July 31, 1991
Paris, France
"Harriette! Harriette!" a blonde girl happily yelled as she jumped on the bed.
The black hair girl groaned as she was bounced around her own bed. The small girl bounced closer to the head of the bed "Harriette! Wake up. It's you..."
The blonde girl screamed as Harriette suddenly rolled over tackled the girl and started to tickle her. Gabrielle screamed and started to laugh, wriggling under the relentless tickling. "Harri... no! Stop!" Gabrielle managed to get out.
"This is what you get, you little pixie," Harriette laughed to see the small blonde laughing. Harriette had been up for a little bit, but just didn't want to get out of her bed, even if it was her birthday.
"Children," an older, very beautiful older girl said, shaking her head.
"It wasn't me who was jumping on my bed," Harriette said, stopping and sitting up, trying to match the same regal pose her older sister was.
Gabrielle took advantage, and still laughing, launched herself at Harriette. "NO!" Harriette screamed. She laughed until she was able to get Gabrielle below her and squirming as she laughed.
The older girl huffed. "If you are going to do it, do it right."
Harriette's eyes widened. "Fluer! Stay back," Harriette warned as she grabbed her pillow.
Fleur had a mischievous smile as Gabrielle lay on the bed, breathing heavily and still laughing. "I think the birthday girl deserves some tickles."
"It's my birhtday! Maman says we have to treat each nice on our birthdays!"
"Come here you little bird," Fleur said as she jumped for Harriette. Harriette hit the almost fourteen year old girl with the pillow and screamed as Fleur grabbed for her. It was a tussle and Harriette fell back onto the bed laughing as she took a pillow to the face and then Fleur was tickling her.
"What is going on in here?" a woman asked. All three of them stopped, feathers floating in the air and Gabrielle bouncing a little as she stopped jumping. All three looked their maman guiltily. Fleur sat up, trying to act all prim.
"Gabrielle started it," Fleur stated.
"I did not!" Gabrielle swung the pillow and hit Fleur on the back of her head. Harriette couldn't keep her laughter in as the pillow exploded, covering Fleur in feathers.
"Gabrielle! Oh, that is it," Fleur yelled, scrambling over the bed and chasing after a screaming Gabrielle, who laughed until their maman caught her. Maman's mouth twerked before she glared at them. Fleur came to a skidding stop on the hard wood floor.
Harriette was giggling to see the feather in Fleur's hair and the way Gabrielle stuck her tongue out at Fleur.
Maman shook her head. "Maman always wanted a boy. With the mess you three make, I wouldn't have a house left."
Fleur cracked a smile before leveling her expression. "I will make sure it is clean, maman."
"You better. You are the older sister and should set a proper examples," maman chastised Fleur. "And you, little lady, I told you to wake Harriette nicely."
Gabrielle looked chastened at their maman's look. "I did. I didn't use water like she did to me last week."
Harriette caught her maman's look and shrank back a little. "I only did that when she fell asleep by the pool."
Their maman shook her head. "You hang out with your aunt Artemis and Renee to much. Fleur, repair those two pillows."
Fleur looked around. "I only see two..." The pillow in Harriette's hands was ripped out and flew into Fleur's face. Their maman laughed as an irate Fleur spun on their. Harriette's room was a disaster by the time papa came up to find all four of girls laughing and throwing feathers around.
"How many pillows do I need to replace," he asked jovially.
"All of them," she told papa. Gabrielle was kicking them up as she danced around the room with them.
Maman had a smile at her papa. "Alain, pass me that brush. Fleur doesn't like all this mess in her hair."
Papa did so and took her, spinning her like he would when he was teaching them to dance, kicking feather up again. He did the same to Gabrielle when she came over to him. "I take it we are dancing today instead of going to the zoo?"
Harriette stopped, a cloud of feather falling down from where she had just kicked some up. "The zoo? You mean Parc Zoologique de Paris!" she said, bouncing around. Gabrielle joined her.
Papa laughed. "If that is the one you want. Or we can go to the Parc Magizoolagique outside Chableroche?"
Harriette's eyes grew wide. She had been asking papa and maman to go there for a while. "Really!"
"It is your birthday. Non?"
She laughed herself as her papa, hugging him tight. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Only your papa gets a thank you?" maman asked with a laugh on her voice.
She disengaged herself and dropped to hug her maman. Papa took his wand out. "Get all there feathers out of your hair and Remi has made a special breakfast for you. We will be taking a portkey in about an hour."
"Is it just us today or will anyone else be joining us," she asked, spinning to see papa repairing the pillows. Feather flew every where and in a moment the four pillows were repaired. Gabrielle and her still had some feathers in her their hair.
"Uncle Sebastien, Aunt Artemis and Renee should join us," maman answered. "I am not sure about Aunt Athena and your cousins."
"No Uncle Severus?"
"Your godfather will be at the party tonight."
"I can take care of Harri," Fleur offered. "Over here, birthday pain."
"I am not a pain," Harriette said, sticking her nose up. Fleur laughed at her and Harriette did as told, moving to the bench of her vanity. Fleur took the brush maman as used on her and started to brush the feathers out of her hair.
"Thank you, Fleur. Happy birthday, Harriette. Come on my little golden bird," maman said to Gabrielle.
"Is there really hippogriffs there," Gabrielle asked excitedly.
Harriette looked at Fleur as she brushed her hair. Her older sister looked much like maman and Gabrielle. She was relatively tall with a slim figure, ample breasts, golden hair and a beautiful face. Her blue eyes always seemed to catch the eye of boys. "When will I grow breasts?"
Fleur chuckled. "When you are ready."
"That is what maman says," she pouted. "I am eleven today. Don't I grow up now?"
Fluer's shoulders moved in a quiet laugh. "You grow up when you are ready. You are already a little taller than the girls in your year and I saw the training bra maman got you."
"But I want to be bigger now. I want to be beautiful, like you and maman," she said in a little bit more a sad voice.
Fleur leaned down so that her face was next to hers. "You may not look like maman or I, but I promise that boys will fall for those green eyes of yours. You will grow into a beautiful woman."
"I don't feel like that," she said.
"You are too young to worry. Now put on that cute blouse you like and the blue stockings. It may be a little chill there," Fleur told her.
"Thank you," she told her older sister.
Fleur kissed her cheek. "Any time, little bird. I will be there when you need. Happy birthday."
She laughed as Fleur tickled her. "FLEUR!"
Fleur giggled as she backed away and ran out of the room.
It was a happy family of five that landed in the receiving area outside one of two magical zoos in Europe. She caught sight of Uncle Sebastien and called out as she ran to him, Gabrielle at her side. She man, a little short like her papa, laughed and pulled her into a big hug. "Ma petite merle! Happy birthday. Hello, ma petit oiseau doré"
"Where is Aunt Artemis," Gabrielle asked first
"Around her somewhere with Renee. Ah, there they are," he said, nodding to two beautiful blonde women at a stand getting a drink.
Renee and Aunt Artemis looked much like her sisters and maman. She was relatively tall with the same golden blonde hair, a slight frame and a beauty that had heads turning to look at them. Renee was older than Fleur. Harriette was pretty sure she was twenty-two now, but didn't look much older than eighteen. "My little harpies!" Renee called out.
Harriette laughed as Fleur and Gabrielle growled at their cousin. She didn't care. With how different she looked from the rest of her family, she was just happy that everyone accepted her with love and open arms. She knew about her real parents now. Maman and Papa had sat her down last year, shortly after she turned ten, when she started to ask questions why she looked so different. Even with that knowledge, maman and papa were still her maman and papa. They had taken her in. Treated her like one of their daughters. He whole family treated her as though she was a Delacour by birth and Harriette chose to be one.
Papa had told her she could always take her birth name when she got older, but she didn't want to. Harriette Delacour was a Delacour.
She hugged Renee. "Happy birthday," said Renee.
"Thank you. Is Marissa and Madison here?"
"They couldn't make it today," Aunt Artemis told her. "They should be at your dinner tonight though."
She nodded. Madison and Marissa, twins and daughter to her Aunt Athena and Uncle Pierre, were a few months older than Gabrielle. Harriette loved them, but she was sure it would not have been as enjoyable today with how prissy they were.
"Come along. The gates are opening," papa called. She ran back to her family.
It was a wonderful day. They started by taking a ride on carpet over the preserve. There was a herd of erumpants, the males kept separated in smaller pens. Then she saw serpapds. They hissed as they stalked through the razor grass. Harriette heard them talking back and fourth as they stalked the oudad that had been let into the area. The creatures needed to feed and hunt. That was the purpose of the reserve.
"What are they saying," Fleur asked as she leaned over.
"That it smells juicy. Cover Gabrielle's eyes," she responded. Gabrielle protected until they heard the death cries of the animals, and then she snuggled into Fleur's side.
"The map showed a selma. Do you think we will see it?" Harriette asked excitedly. She always liked that she could understand and talk with snakes.
"Not sure, my little blackbird."
It had been a wonderful day when they made it back and went to eat at the restaurant. Inside it has lots of cages with smaller creatures. The ashwinder was sleeping. XXXXXX lights shown over head. Some small bugs flitted around another cage as they walked in.
"Maman, I need to go to the bathroom," Harriette said.
"I can take her," Fleur said, jumping up.
"It's is just over there and don't take too long," she told them, giving then an eye as though she suspected something was up.
"What are you up to," Fleur asked as they walked towards the hallway and the bathroom.
Harriette gave her an innocent smile. "I am never up to anything," she replied sweetly.
Fleur's eyes narrowed. "You want to talk to the ashwinder, don't you?"
"I have never talked with one before. I am hoping it is just pretending to sleep," she replied.
Her sister snorted. "Maman has told you not to do that when we are around people," said Fleur, looking around the restaurant.
"I've never been caught before," Harriette admitted.
"Harriette, I don't think you should. There are a few that have been looking at us," Fleur said nervously.
Harriette frowned. She knew that maman had warned them about certain types of people that might like to get their hands on any of them. Harriette ran her hand over the scar on her shoulder. "I really want too," she said plaintively.
"Let's go to the bathroom and then see if anyone is around."
Harriette beamed at her sister.
On their way out, Harriette bounced over to the ashwinder. It was still sleeping by the fire in the back of the cage. She didn't pay attention to the door opening and closing behind her. "Fleur, is is it safe?" Harriette asked. Harriette didn't wait. Hello, little slither. The snake stirred and moved to have it's eyes on her. She liked talking to snakes, but there really weren't any in Paris and she only got to do this when they went to visit Uncle Sebastien and Aunt Artemis in the countryside. She looked around and didn't see Fleur. "Fleur?"
Harriette was sure Fleur was right behind her. She looked around. "Fleur?"
Walking back to the girls' bathroom, she opened the door. "Fleur?"
There was a sound from inside the men's toilet and then she heard a muffled scream. "Fleur!"
Harriette ran towards the door and bounced off it when she tried to push through. "PAPA! FLEUR!" she cried out. There was a cry of pain. "HELP! PAPA!" At the sound of something hitting the door Harriette felt he magic pull at her. She cried out, desperate to get in. The door burst open. Wood flew everywhere. She had a quick view of a man smashing into the wall. With tears on her eyes, she ran into the bathroom. Fleur was on fire. Literal blue fire. All her clothes had been burned off. A man was against the wall, his hands horrible burned and screamed as he looked at his hands. The one against the wall was moving, grabbing for a wand that was next to him.
"You little bitches," the man said in English. "This was supposed to be an easy job. You'll have to come to make up for the mess."
The man staggered up. Fleur was just standing there in the middle of the men's bathroom. Her sister was shocked. "PAPA! HELP!" she cried out as the man unsteadily raised his wand.
She heard someone running. She was about to scream again when something brushed her leg. She jumped, screaming at what ever it was. The man shot a spell towards her feet. It was the ashwinder. HELP!
"What the bloody..." the man started and then cast another spell as the ashwinder moved as fast as it could. Three more spells hit the floor and then the ashwinder struckout and bite the man in his leg. The man screamed out and she heard the snake say, DON"T HURT THE MISTRESS.
The man fell over and tried to get his hand on the snake again and it lashed out at his hand. The man cried and his wand fell. She suddenly realized what the snake was doing and called out, STOP!
She didn't want to kill the man. "Harriette! Fleur!" Uncle Sebastien called out. She turned to Fleur who was still on fire and some of the wood around her was starting to smoke. Uncle Sebastien ran in, wand drawn, followed by Papa. The man was starting to convulse on the floor. "Alain, we need Appoline or Artemis! Fleur, it's your Uncle Sebastien."
"Sebastien, take Harriette," Papa told her uncle. She was transferred to Uncle Sebastien's arms and she wrapped her arms around him, starting to cry.
"Fleur. My little bluebird. It's papa."
"She burned my hands! The bloody trollop burned my hands," the other man said, not screaming any more.
"Fleur! Harriete," she heard maman.
"Appoline, I need your help," Papa said quickly.
Maman rushed past Papa. "Fleur, it's maman. You need to calm down." Harriette looked to see maman moving towards Fleur.
Papa moved back and there was a hiss. NO! That's my papa!
He comes near, the snake hissed back.
It's my papa, she repeated, looking towards the snake. After a second, it backed down. The man was twitching a little. More people were coming now.
"What happened here! The ashwinder escaped!" a woman yelled out.
"NO! She was protecting us," Harriette yelled out and struggled out of Uncle Sebastien's arms to throw herself over the snake. It hissed, not liking her on it, but it didn't strike out as her.
"Alain, a cloak," said maman. Fleur was no longer on fire, but she was crying as mama held her up.
"Call the Aurors. Renee, have maman take Gabrielle home," she heard Uncle Sebastien.
"Harriette, come here," Papa said.
"They can't hurt her. She was only trying to protect me and Fleur. The man raised his wand and said he would take me too," she cried, the snake curling into her arms as she sat up. It hissed at her papa. Don't. That is my papa. He will not hurt us.
Harriette didn't think about how it sounded to hiss and spit at the snake and have it hiss back its response of, Yes, mistress. Rasha will not harm your clutch.
"Dear Merlinus. She's a parselmouth," a man said, fear clearly in his voice.
"Come here, my little blackbird," Papa said, nealing down. She jumped into his arms, the snake, Rasha, still in hers. Papa wrapped her into a hug. "If anyone tries to hurts my daughters again, they will have the full weight of the Assemblee coming down on them."
She started to cry again as he held her tight. "Alain, Fleur needs to get home."
"Go. I will keep Harriette hear long enough for the Aurors to come and give a statement. Sebastien, can you please stay?" asked Papa.
"You don't even have to ask." Uncle Sebastien put a hand through her hair. Fleur was crying and shaking as maman took her out.
"Is someone going to tell me what happened?"
"My hands," the other man moaned as others moved in, checking the men.
"I heard Fleur screaming and sounds in here. We had just come out of the girl's room. I didn't mean to blast the door down," she cried into Papa.
"It is alright, my little blackbird. Let's go sit down," Papa offered, steering her out of the room.
"He is dead," someoen said behind her.
She totally broke down, Rasha moving to curl around her shoulders. "Rasha was only protecting us."
"Shhhh. It it alright," Papa told her.
She cried into his chest as he held her. She wasn't sure how long she cried but eventually Aurors in powder blue robes appeared. She was able to tell them what happened and Papa assured they could talk to Fleur tomorrow. "They won't hurt Rasha, will they papa?" she asked when the Aurors said they would need to take the snake.
He ran his hand through her hair. "No. They understand what happened and what you did. They will take Rasha and move her to a place she cannot hurt anyone. I will talk to Director Lebrun to assure that," Papa said, looking at the Aurors. Harriette very reluctantly let them take Rasha, assuring the snake she would be safe and protected. She willingly went into a cage.
Bye, Rasha. I hope you can find a mate.
Thank you, snake speaker.
She lay her head into papa's shoulder, feeling very spent. When they got home, maman met them and told her Fleur was sleeping. "I want to go lay down too," she told maman.
"Do you want any cake? Remi has made your favorite pistashio ice cream," maman offered.
She shook her head. Maman followed her up. "Where is Gabrielle?"
"She will be here later. Let me brush out your hair and then you can lay down for a while. Are you sure you are not hungry?"
Harriette shook her head. Maman brushed out her hair and she got into a pajamas in the late afternoon. "Maman, I want to see Fleur."
"She is sleeping, and may for most of tomorrow too."
"Did she use the fire you have have talked about?"
"She did. It was the first time and she used more than is normal," her maman told her.
"What were those men doing?" she questioned.
Maman pursed her lips before kissing her forehead. "Those were not good men. There are those out there that like to steal people like me, Fleur and Gabrielle. They tried to kidnap Fleur. You saved her."
She had a few tears leak out of her eyes again. "Did Rasha kill that man?"
"Don't worry about that today, my little blackbird."
Harriette knew that was what happened. She let maman hold her for a few. "I want to go see Fleur."
"Don't bother her. She needs her rest," said Maman.
"Yes, maman."
Harriette moved down the hall, opening Fleurs door as quietly as she could. She tiptoed to the edge of Fleurs bed. Fleur was moving fittfully and whimpered. Harriette didn't hesitate. Fluer would hold her or Gabrielle when they had issues sleeping. She slipped into the bed, taking her sister's hand and Fleur calmed after a moment. She ran a hand through Fleurs hair.
She did that for a while before she must have fallen asleep. It was some time later, when it was dark, and a smaller figure was squirming between them. "Gabrielle, what are you doing?" Harriette asked sleepily.
"I want to sleep with you and Fleur tonight," she whispered back. Harriette put her arm around Gabrielle and they fell asleep, trying to give Fleur the comfort she often gave them.
-oOo-
Arrêter! Arrêter! Il la tient dans ses tenir ! = Stop! Stop! He is holding her!
Ma petite merle = my little blackbird
mon petit oiseau doré = my little golden bird
-oOo-
-oOo-
A/N: Over the next chapter or two, maybe three, it will be mostly fluff as Harriette grows. The action isn't really scheduled to start until Halloween 1994.
Chapter 2
September 1, 1991
Paris, France
It was a sunny Sunday when Harriette followed Fleur. Papa was leading as Maman followed. Gabrielle had her hand and looked rather glum. "You will going too some day," she told Gabrielle.
"I want to go now," she whined.
"You are only five, my little golden bird," maman said over her shoulder.
Fleur flinched as a group of men passed them. She caught it and moved to take Fleur's hand. She was happy their trunks were shrunk in their pockets. Fleur started again before squeezing Harriette's hand back. "I will be okay," Fleur whispered back.
Soon they entered the wizarding enclave off the Rue de Vaugirard. They lived within walking distance, so papa decided to walk, instead of taking the floo. Harriette suspected it had to do with Fleur, who was shying away from any fire at the moment.
Along the street, there were many muggle shops. Harriette knew they were mostly run by sorcières or sorciers, or those born without the gift. They had all been taught never to look down on anyone. It did not mean they had to lower their standards, just not look down or belittle them. Harriette saw Monsieur Lavigne, the boulanger that always gave them a small roll every time they went with maman. She let go of Fleur's hand long enough to waive to him. He waived back before the passed through the doors between two shops.
It was a vaulted passage and they they made it into a large open area. Hundreds of sorcières or sorciers and many school children were all about. Towards the side, a line of parents and students were making their way down a flight of stairs below the ground. Papa and maman had told them when they were younger, Beauxbatons still used the winged horse carriages, but that had stopped in the mid-seventies when muggle planes were becoming too numerous and it was getting dangerous.
Now, there was the wizarding rail services. Not all magicals like to use the floo network, and given the size of France, it was not practical to apparate everywhere. Maman had explained appartion was only good for for a 150km or so, and doing multiple jumps to a place like Lourdes was taxing on many. Beauxbatons was over 900km away. Thus, when the flying carriages were mostly grounded around France, the magical rail network came up. It could get you to most places within hours.
They had seen Fleur off the last three years, so it was no surprise to see red carriages with a white strip and the red engine. It was a boxy engine that was much smaller than the cars it pulled, but she knew it would work and get them there.
"Now, you two are to behave," Maman told them. Gabrielle was holding onto Fleur and their sister was patting her back.
Harriette noticed a few heads turning towards Fleur and their maman. "Oui, maman." Fleur wasn't her usual self still.
"I will keep an eye on Fleur," Harriette said, then smirked as Fleur scoffed at her.
"I will keep and eye on you, you troublemaker," Fleur shot back.
Papa chuckled. "Just keep an eye on each other. Remember, have fun. Behave as much as you can," he gave a significant look to Harriette, "and get good grades."
"Yes, papa," Fleur and Harriette said almost in unison.
It was a few hugs. Maman had to pry Gabrielle off her. Fleur put her chin up and Harriette copied her. Once on the train, Harriette went to go in the opposite direction. "Where are you going, Harriette?"
"I figured you would want to go with your friends. I should find my own," she answered as a few more got onto the train.
Fleur held her hand out. 'You are my sister. Sister's stay together. Come sit by me. I am sure other first years will join us."
Harriette too her hand and Fleur pulled her in and down the line of seats. They were half full with suitcases or the more traditional trunk over head. Fleur moved and helped a boy a year or two older than Harriette to put his back up. He turned, "Thank yo..." His eyes opened wide and his mouth open. "Your beautiful."
Fleur pursed her lips. "Thank you. Come along, Harriette."
She followed. Fluer took a seat along the wall at the back of the car. Harriette the set before her, only because Fleur said she should sit on her own. As more people came in, Fleur seemed to sink lower into her seat. Harriette was about to move when a girl with frizzy brown hair, came up to her. "Is anyone sitting here?"
Harriette looked up. The girl spoke perfect French, but it was not a French accent. She looked over to Fleur, how gave her an encouraging nod. "Please. Harriette Delacour," she greeted the girl with her hand out. The girl took it. "Hermione Granger. I am so excited. My parents and I visited Ilvamorny and talked with Professors at Hogwarts and Beauxbatons and thought Beauxbatons would be the best option. Especially since it in eight year school and the Advanced International Wizarding levels offered out eight year are of a higher standard than the N.E.W.T.'s back in England, but the same as what Ilvamorny offers. Are you a first year?"
Harriette couldn't keep the giggle in to see how excited the girl was. "Oui. This is my first year. My sister is returning for her fourth year. Fleur, this is Hermione Granger," she stated, looking over the seat. Fleur straightened herself and sat up. Hermione looked a little shocked for a moment before extending her hand over the seat. "Nice to meet you."
"That same. Fleur Delacour."
A girl with strawberry blonde hair and a boy with sandy coloured hair slipped into the seat next to Fleur. "Fleur, I am so sorry we were traveling," the girl said, slipping her arms around Fleur and kissing her cheek. Fleur, for the first time all day looked to relax and returned the hug. "Esme, I missed you," Fleur said before grabbing the boys shirt. "David."
David had just been over the house a few days ago.
Harriette turned back to Hermione. "Is your sister well?"
Harriette frowned. "She will be." She hoped. "Fleur, maman and Gabrielle are all veela-blood. Fleur is going through a... change," she whispered, unsure how else to describe it.
Hermione looked at her confused as the train started. They both turned to wave at the window. She saw maman, papa and Gabrielle waving back. Once they were in tunnel under Paris and heading south, Hermione gave her a questioning look. "What is a veela-blood?"
"Grandmaman was a veela. My maman and sisters share some of that blood. Do you know what a veela is?"
Hermione shook her head. "There was no mention of it in our books," Hermione answered.
Harriette blinked. "You read all the books already?"
"By mid-last week. What is a veela?"
"A magical being of immense beauty and allure. Anyone that is attracted to the female form will find it almost impossible to not like them or try to impress them for... you know," Harriette said, remembering the conversation maman had had with her this summer.
Hermione looked like she didn't know until her cheeks brightened. "Oh. Oh, I see," she replied in English.
"Yes," Harriette replied back, but her English was heavily French accented. "Maman said Fleur is going through her change and said it could be hard on her. I really don't understand everything, not being a veela-blood."
"Why not?" Hermione looked back at Fleur, who was talking with her friends.
Harriette put her chin up. "I am a Delacour, but was not born a Delacour."
Hermione seemed to get it right away. "You are adopted?"
"I am. I am a Delacour though." She took some pride in that.
Hermione nodded. "I didn't say that was a bad thing. Have you been to Beauxbaton?"
Harriette smiled and relaxed. "Last Christmas. Fleur was staying over for a deulling championship and Gabrielle and I go to stay three days with her."
Hermione eyes lit up. "Are there really dryads that serenade you?"
"Only on special occasions or if they catch the fancy," she giggled. "The upper year Herbology students tend their trees in the Dinning hall."
"I can't wait to see them," Hermione said back, clearly excited. "Have you walked the gardens?"
Harriette smiled. "Oiu. They cover the mountain around the school. Dryads, nymphs and centaur protect the school. It is part of the ancient pacts that France still acknowledges."
"What are the ancient pacts?"
"The sorcières or sorciers respect the lands and its first people. We protect them from those that would seek to harm or control them and they protect and hide the young so that we may learn. Maman would be very upset if I did not respect the ancient pacts," Harriette told her.
"Because she is a veela-blood?"
"Because our family is part of the ancient pacts. It is our duty. My sisters' and maman's blood status does not compel us. I would protect them with all I am," Harriette told Hermione with conviction.
"I would never endanger them," Hermione vowed.
"Thank you. You are English, correct?"
"Oui. I live about a hour outside of London."
Harriette cocked her head. "What do you mean by an hour outside of London?"
"Redhill, England. It takes about an hour by car to get in."
"You are a Premiere! Is it fun to ride in an automobile? Papa always says it ingenious was the non magiques do."
"A Premiere?" Hermione put to her.
"First generation magical, born to non magiques. Most call you Premiere," Harriette told her.
"Oh. That is so much nicer what the Professor called my parents when she came to visit from Hogwarts," Hermione countered.
"What did she call you?"
"Muggle. It just sounds wrong," said Hermione.
"I agree," said Harriette.
"Where are you from?" Hermione enquired.
"Paris. We live close to the Lieu de Lumiere."
"I saw all the fairies in the trees last night. Mum and dad stayed late before we went back to our hotel..." Hermione was saying.
"Oh, I love all the faeries and clamperts in the trees," she interrupted, all happy. Harriette loved almost all creatures.
"It was amazing! So you grew up with magic?"
"Oui," Harriette said, pulling out her wand.
Harriette had been concerned she would not meet a friend on the ride. Hermione could be a little bossy at times, but Harriette found she really liked her.
The train arrived int he early afternoon and let them out at a station in one of the three all-magical towns a little outside of Lourdes. All the students were carrying thier luggage or pulling thier trunks. Fleur shrank Hermione's trunk for her. Looking up at the wizarding village, it was built along the steep hills a few kilometers out of the city. The station and town was hidden to non-magiques. As thought to prove her point a freight train trundled along the track on the other side of the valley, the engineers not even looking towards them. A few hundred sorciers lived here, as did goblins. The man reason was the mines. It was a major source of gold and goblin silver.
Fleur stayed close, keeping an eye on them as they were led to carriages pulled by large Abraxans. Harriette couldn't keep from wanting to touch them. "Not yet, ma chere," Fleur said, holding her back. The Abraxan before her stamped its hoof and eyed her. She didn't look that impressed at the creature. "You can be more pleasant," she huffed as the winged horse. The horse lowered its head after a moment.
"Is she always like this," Hermione questioned.
Fleur gave a tinckling laugh. "You have no idea. Would you both like to sit with us?"
Hermione looked like Christmas had come. "Really?"
Harriette shook Fleur off and took Hermione's hand, joining Davis and Esme. Fleur got up behind them. "I know maman and papa said you were to keep an eye on me, but I can do this on my own."
"I want to see your reaction. You have not seen the grounds of the chateau from the air yet," Fleur told her.
David laughed. "You would never know you were sisters."
"Be quiet, you," Harriette huffed.
She went to turn around to pet the Abraxan wen Fluer told her, "Sit. I don't want to tell maman you fell out."
Harriette stuck her tongue out at her sister. Esme and David snickered. "This is going to be a fun year," Esme said.
Hermione was looking nervous. "Are we really going to fly?"
"Oui. It is tres magnifique," Fleur told the girl.
Hermione gave a small squeak as the carriage started. Harriette took her hand. In just a second they were flying and Hermione grabbed her hand and the seat as hard as she could. "Hermione, open your eyes," Harriette encourages. They flew over the hill and she felt as they entered the wards of the lands around Beauxbatons. The castle was far in the distance snuggled against a mountain that towered several thousand feet above it. Between them and the chateau, which really was more of a palace, were more hills, forests, glades and then the huge gardens.
Harriette's eyes went wide. She knew the lands around Beauxbatons were large, but the two times she had visited she had no idea. A heard of wild Abbraxans were grazing in a wide field. She saw something moving through the treetops. Along a stream she saw a hoglin and then she swore she saw a unicorn. "A unicorn!" she cried out. Hermione screamed as Harriette suddenly shot towards the side.
"Harriette," Fleur and a few others shouted and grabbed her.
When she sat back down, she glared at the fourth years across from her. "I wasn't going to jump out."
Fleur gave a nervous laugh. "Doesn't mean you couldn't have fallen. Now sit and stay."
Harriette stuck out her tongue again.
It was uneventful, but Harriette still looked as they flew over the trees ad hills. It must have been ten kilometers or more before they made it over the gardens and then landed a half built bridge designed for the carriages to land and take off. There was a large semi-circle drive before the gates of the original chateau, with a large wing spread out behind it. On the other end of the drive was a bridge like the one they just landed on. Carriages were taking off to pick up more students. When their carriage pulled up to the main stairs, they got out. Three towers, obviously fortifications turned into school buildings, were spread around the grounds. They were all made of marble or a white-washed stone. Anywhere there wasn't, it was white washed walls with light wood posts. Harriette was in love with the school like she had been the first time they had been here three years ago.
"It's beautiful," Hermione said from besides her as they made their way up the steps.
"Yes. We a'e 'ere for the next eight years now," Harriette said in her highly accented English.
Hermione, still looking a little green from the carriage ride, giggled. "That might give me enough time to correct your English."
Harriette stuck her tongue out at Hermione. "It gives moi enough time to make sure you don't butcher my beautiful tongue."
Hermione stuck her own tongue out. They walked into a large entry hall. Columns led to a large staircase that went up at least two levels. To their right was a large common area with a dozen chairs and sofas with a roaring fire. As they looked at it, the flames turned green and a tall boy in a powder blue, short traveling cloak, charcoal grey pants and a beret walked out.
Hermione's eyes were huge. "What is that? How did he just come out of the fire?"
"Floo travel. All those of age are allowed to take the floo instead of the train," Harriette told her. "I have to say, that was fun today."
Hermione took her hand. "It was."
"I will see you at dinner," Fleur called out as professeurs pointed out where go and older years let groups of first years to their dorms. Fleur and her friends took off up the stairs and went the opposite direction.
"I am Conseiller Résident Guillaume Termagant," an upper year with short brown hair, amazing hazel eyes and a trim physique under his uniform greeted them.
"Hermione Granger," Hermione didn't hesitate to stick her hand out. Guillaume took her hand and kissed it. Hermione's face went bright red.
"A pleasure, Mademoiselle Granger. And you are?"
Harriette just stood staring at him until Hermione elbowed her. She shook her head and gave a slight curstey. "Harriette Delacour, Monsieur."
"Also a pleasure, Mademoiselle Delacour. Any relation to Fleur Delacour?"
"Oui. She is my sister," Harriette told him.
He gave her a wink and her eleven-year-old heart skipped a beat. She had never though anyone cute before, and this boy was very handsome. "Then I look forward to see what you do. Fleur has been very impressive. Ah, more to join our group," he said, turning to see two more girls and a boy being pointed in their direction.
Hermione leaned in. "Oh, my god, Harriette. Did you see his eyes?"
"It was about all I could see," she replied. Harriette wasn't sure this wasn't some male veela she had never heard of. The other two girls were swooning over him as well. She recognized the feed of magic attracting her to him.
Guillaume was gathering a few more when a girl stepped down the stairs. "Ah, I see Guillaume is doing it again. Are you two free of his influence yet?"
Hermione shook her head, as though still dazed. Harriette looked at him "He is not veela. What is he?"
The older girl gave her a questioning look. "How do you know that?"
"My maman and sisters are part veela. He had an attraction like them."
The girl snorted. "Yes, he does. Most with nymph blood in them do. You said your sister is a part-veela? She wouldn't be Fleur Delacour?"
"Oui. I am Harriette Delacour," she said, turning to the girl. Hermione still looked slightly dazed. She nudged Hermione this time. A group of almost twenty first years, mostly girls, were not around Guillaume.
The girls nose crinkled. "I see. You two wait here and I will go get the rest of the girls."
Hermione shook her head one more time. "What was that about?"
Harriette shrugged. "I don't know."
The older girl, Teresa Mayer, showed twenty-two of them up the stairs. Beauxbatons was a large school with close to thirteen-hundred students. It was the largest and most prestigious school in France, thus she had been sent here. It accepted people from most of the continent, so they heard Dutch, Spanish and Italian, with them all at least sharing English. Teresa led them up the large staircase to the second floor. Three corridors led off from here. "The South wing houses the third through sixth years. Boys to the right, girls to the left. You and the second years shall be down the west wing. Again, boys to the right, girls to the left. It is two per room, with up to three is you request. If you do not have someone you want to room with, someone will be assigned with you."
Hermione took her hand. "Will you room with me?" she asked uncertainty.
"Oui."
"There are supposed to be about eighty girls this year, so you can put your names down on this list and a room will be assigned," Teresa showed them a book on a stand. Guillaume was coming up, talking with a group of boys.
Hermione and her were soon on the list and it showed room 242. "Down the hall and take a left at the second passage. Each block has eight room on each side, then two on each corridor. Show the door your wand. It will only open for yourselves and professeurs and Conseiller when needed. There are bathrooms at the end of each side hall. Don't leave this wing and I want you all back here by four for a tour," Teresa told them. "Also ensure you are in your dress outfits."
They took off, Hermione pulling her along. "In a rush?"
"I want to see our room and unpack," Hermione replied excitedly.
They both presented thier wands to the door. There was a pair of crossed wands in a Beauxbatons crest that uncrossed and then showed their last names on the door. "How do they fit so many rooms in here? There is barely three feet between each door," Hermione questioned.
"Expansion charms," Harriette answered simply. The door opened to reveal a room that was longer than wide. There were two twin sized bed, a desk and a tall armoire. Betweent the bed and desk was spot wide enough for a trunk. It was half the size of her room at home. A window was between the beds and looked out over the grounds and towards the forest they had flown over.
"A little cozy," Hermione said.
"It is, but we are going to be learning magic. I can put up with it," said Harriette with a huge smile. She walked over to the window as Hermione took her trunk out of her pocket. Harriette longed to go explore the woods, but Fleur had told her that wouldn't be allowed until she had done two years of Creatures Studies. Harriette didn't want to wait.
"How do I unshrink this?"
Harriette turned. "Put it on the floor."
Hermione did and Harriette tapped the trunk. "Engorgio."
The trunk grew back to its normal size. Hermione almost danced on the spot. "Oh, we can do magic now! I have only practiced a few spells, but that was not in our first year charms books."
"Maman and papa wanted to make sure I could do a few things before I came." She took her own trunk out and repeated the process.
"Teach me?" Hermione asked hungrily.
"Sure," Harriette told her, showing her how to shrink the trunk and then expand it. Within minutes Hermione already had it, though she couldn't it smaller than a half size. Harriette knew she would get it quickly with more practice. It was obvious Hermione was a natural.
When they met up with the other first years, the hallway was full. There was more than a hundred and fifty students. "We are going to give you a tour and end at the Grande Hall for dinner," someone announced over the crowd. "You are going to be split between the Conseiller Résident. There are eight on this hall. You can find them by the dark blue badge on their door."
"I know my way around and have studies the map Fleur brought home," Harriette told Hermione.
Hermione bit her lip. "We are supposed to stay with the group."
"I can show you around. We can go find my sisters room and see what they are up too," Harriette tried to convince her.
"We really should stay with the Conseillers," Hermione said.
"Do you trust moi?"
Hernione worried her lip. "You are sure we won't get in trouble?"
"Non. We don't meet with our Proffesuers until tomorrow to determine our schedules and I want to explore, not be led around," Harriette said.
Hermione looked really torn. "We better not get in trouble."
"We can just say we got lost," Harriette said with a playful smirk. She took Hermione's hand and when the group left the wing to head to the first floor, they went to the south wing. Fleur and Esme were about half-way down the hall.
Fleur shook her head to see the grinning Harriette and the fretting Hermione. "Are you getting into trouble already?"
"No, but the tour was going to be boring. Can you give us a tour?"
Fleur laughed at her sister before Esme and David gave them a tour around the castle. Transfiguration, Charms and Enchantments.
The east wing, below their rooms, were class rooms for Runes, Ancient magics, a ritual room, Arithmancy and a new Technomancy class room. That had been added about three years ago. The north wing was the DADA and Deuling rooms.
On the ground floor, the South wing housed the History, Inter-magic Studies, Divination, Headmistress and Administrative offices.
"That was part of why I chose Beauxbatons over Hogwarts. You have a large program that looks at all the magical races, sorciers and non-magiques. I found it interesting the relations between them all," Hermione told them.
Fleur laughed. "I see why Harri likes you so much. She likes all that and creatures."
"I won't see you, maman and Gabrielle treated differently," Harriette defended herself.
Fleur gave her sister an indulgent smile. "Thank you, Harriette, but that is not your concern. Now, let us get this done and we may have enough time to go down to the stables and paddocks before dinner."
"What are we waiting for?" Harriette said, dragging Hermione this time to the laughing fourth-years. Harriette didn't miss the looks her sister got. Some were friendly. Some envious. Others had a look that made her uncomfortable. It was like they were sizing Fleur up, their eyes undressing her fourteen-year-old sister. These were the people she was very nervous about, especially what had happened just a month ago. Fleur caught the looks too, and moved a little closer to her friends and Harriette.
The east wing was for Herbology and Creature Studies, with the North wing holding the Grande Hall. One of towers, just past the East wing, housed the Astronomy classes and another just outside the North wing housed the Library. The last tower was for professuers and ground keeper lodging. There was also an old Gatekeepers house that the Headmistress used.
Harriette couldn't stop from running as they approached the stables and paddocks. Two barns and a large stable were down a garden and on the side of the mountain. She couldn't keep from squealing as she saw the heard of Abraxans, some Granians... "Is that an oni? And a zouwu! Fleur, why didn't you tell me!"
She ran down the steps. A dozen students and a few people that were easily nine feet tall were handling the Abraxans and other animals. "Harriette, wait!" Hermione called out and took off after her. Harriette almost tripped in the shoes the uniform required. She stumbled and only a quick, "Moblicorpus!" kept her from landing on the ground face first.
Hermione caught up to her as she hung horizontally in the air. She scrambled to make sure no one would see her culottes. Hermione looked at her wide eyed as she was turned around to face the angry blue eyes of her sister. Fleur was taping her foot and Esme looked like she was trying not to giggle. David just shook his head. "You do not go running off towards animals you know nothing about. Neither of them were here last year. Both can be very dangerous, never wind the Abraxans."
Harriette, now up right and a foot off the ground, glared down at her sister. "I know what an oni and zouwu is. I know they are dangerous and I was going to stop before I made it to their fences."
David leaned in. "She is as fiery as you."
Fleur cast Davis a stink eye.
"Harriette, are you alright? What is an oni and zouwu? They weren't in any text I have read yet," Hermione informed her.
"Can I trust you to slow down? And to stay away until one of the Groundkeepers or a proffesseur tell you you can approach?"
Harriette huffs. "You aren't maman."
"No, but I will tell maman you are acting like a little girl. You don't have to attend this year," Fleur threatened.
Harriette's eyes widened. "You wouldn't!"
"Care to test me?"
Harriette huffs. "Fine."
"Good. Now act like you are a Delacour while you are wearing your nice robes. You can go running tomorrow," her sister ordered.
Harriette stamped her foot when she was put on the ground. Esme was laughing. Hermione looked concerned. David chuckled. "You are a harpy."
"I am not," Fleur shouted and David laughed as he shielded himself as Fleur hit him a few times.
Harriette smirked, inspite of her anger at her sister.
When they made it to the Grande Hall, Hermione looked around in wonder. It earned its name.
A half dozen archways, tens of meters across, ran down the side of the hall. Each arch held a tree. There was dogwood, cherry and apple tree in full bloom. An oak, elder, poplar, birch, fir and hedge maple made up the others. Each tree had a dryad either dancing around it or looking curiously at the students from its branches. At the far end of the hall was a large fountain with a few scantily clad water nymphs.
Looking up, large frescoes detailing the agreements between the founders of Beauxbatons and the Enchanted Woods around it could be seem. The room was scattered with a few long tables down the center and many smaller circular tables around the edges. Fleur led them to a circular table able to hold six of them. As the hall filled, many of the older students took the outer tables while the lower years were led the center tables.
"Should we go join them?" Hermione asked.
Harriette shook her head. "Non. We are not the only under years to not sit there. Besides, I am a Delacour and should sit with my sister."
Fleur nodded her head. The Delacours, like many of the others not sitting at the central tables, were part of the more elite, though papa and maman never made a big deal of it except when they had to for formal functions. Harriette wondered if that was why some gave them jealous or covetous looks.
As they sat, a girl came over. She looked to be a first-year, like them. "Hello. I am Manon Malfoy. Mon papa wanted me to introduce myself," the girl said.
Harriette recognized the name. The Malfoy's were a ally of their papa. Harriette had not meet Manon before though. She shouldn't be too surprised. The Malfoys were a large family in the Alsace region. "Good evening, Madamoiselle Malfoy. I am Fleur Delacour. This is my sister Harriette and her friend, Hermione Granger. These are my friends, Esme Dubois and David Renault."
The girl did a small curtsy. "Would you mind if I join you? Papa and my Grandpapa would like me to get to know you."
"A daughter of the alliance is always welcome," Fleur told her.
Manon gave a nod to her head and sat next to Harriette.
Hermione stuck her hand out. "Hermione Granger."
Manon looked at it for a second, as though unsure what to do, before taking Hermione's hand. "A pleasure."
"I know Representative Malfoy and Monseiur Leanard Malfoy and his children, I have not met you before," Harriette commented.
"I am the third daughter of Thomas, my grandpapa's second son," she told them.
Harriette nodded. "Harriette Delacour. What room are you in?"
"Room 235 with Bertrice Wilhelm. And you two?"
"Room 245. We are room mates," Hermione answered with a broad smile.
"Ah. I did not see you in the tours," Manon commented.
"We kind of snuck away and my sister gave us one instead," Harriette commented.
Manon regarded them for a moment. "Can I sneak away with you next time too? That tour was so dry."
Harriette giggled as Hermione made a comment, "Don't encourage her."
Manon gave a mischievous grin. "Maman said I should get all my fun out while here. It wouldn't do for a proper lady to put ink in tea when I get older."
"Oh, I already like you," Harriette commented.
"Merde," she heard Fleur whisper. "Harriette and Gabrielle were bad enough."
The hall was full now. A few of the dryads had started to sing, but were not well heard over the cacophony of almost thirteen-hundred children and young adults. At the very center long table, all the staff had gathered. There were a good three dozen or more at the table. The Headmistress was impossible to miss. Five other large people where there, but she was the largest.
The hall quieted when Madam Maxime stood up. "Is that Madam Maxime?" Hermione whispered. Harriette nodded.
"I would like to start tonight with a welcome to those that are new and those that are returning," a deep, baritone female voice could be clearly heard throughout the Grande hall.
"Thank you, Madam Maxime," most around the hall responded. The three first years at the table were slower than the others.
Madame Maxime gave a broad smile. "You have all come here to learn and learn you shall. Some may find your studies a little daunting, especially the first years who are not used to the high standard that are demanded here. As you all know when you and your parents signed the Code of Conduct, if your grades fall too low or you are caught doing anything out of the rules, you may be asked to leave. There is a waiting list to be accepted here and someone will take your spot."
Hermione muttered, "I will not fail."
"Returning years, you will find your schedules on your desks this evening. For the first years, you shall stay after breakfast tomorrow in the Grande Hall to meet your advisors and determine your schedule for the upcomming year. Per tradition, tomorrow will be a day for all to acquaint themselves with the castle and classes will start on Tuesday," said Madam Maxime.
"Before the feast is served and you go on your way to bed, I have a few announcements.
This year you will find a few new rules posted about the stables and the Enchanted Forest. We have some new guests that were rescued from a zoo. Some will be staying with us for a little while, others will be more permanent. I ask you to follow the rules and listen to our Groundkeepers and Stablehands."
The giant of a woman looked around, ensuring all understood her.
"You will also find the times for the Quidditch tryouts and dueling league posted on the community boards. Only third years and up are eligible for either. There is no exception. Those under third year can take one of the Physical Education electives in flying or Quidditch," she told them.
"I can't wait to get on a dueling run," Manon whispered.
"I can't wait to fly," Harriette replied.
"Quiet down," Madam Maxime's voice thundered in the hall. "I will excuse our new students, but when a staff member speaks, you are to be silent and listen."
Harriette felt chastened when the large woman looked at them, before looking at a few other spots around the room.
"Lastly, ensure you all read or meet with your Conseiller Résident to understand our policy here on bullying, bigotry and magical use outside of the class. We accept all those able to wield a wand or staff and treat everyone the same. There are also many that call the chateau, the surrounding gardens and forest their home. You shall show the same respect you would anyone in this hall. Is that understood?"
"Oiu, Madam Maxime," the whole hall echoed.
The tall woman nodded. After a few more word, a small selection of foods appeared on the table. A large silver platter was laden with beef, roasted chicken and ham. A tureen of marvelously smelling soup and several dishes with vetables, legumes and salad appeared. It was far less of a selection than at the long tables, but it smelled so good, Harriette didn't care.
"Why is Madam Maxime and so many others so large? Are they giants," Hermione queried in a low voice, looking like she didn't want to offend anyone.
"Half-giants, I am pretty sure," Manon answered.
"Oui. There are many here that have some heritage other than being a sorcières..."
"Or sorcier," David interrupted Fleur.
"Or sorcier,"Fleur agreed.
"Harriette said you are part veela," Hermione asked.
"Oui. And proud of it," Fleur stated.
"You are proud," David said.
"David, don't get her riled tonight. What example are you setting for the young ones," Esme said with a smirk.
"You are only three years older. Are you saying I will be an old lady at fourteen?" Harriette barbed back.
David laughed as the look on Fleur and Esme's faces. Manon giggled while Hermione looked like she couldn't decide if she wanted to laugh or nor. "Oh, you just wait, little girl," Fleur threatened Harriette, who just gave a winning smile back.
-oOo-
sorcières = witches
sorciers =wizard
culotte= knickers
Conseiller Résident = Resident Advisor
-oOo-
-oOo-
Chapter 3
September 2, 1991
Beauxbatons, France
"What did you get for classes," Hermione asked, looking over her shoulder.
"Transfiguration, level 1, with Trudeau. Charms, level 1, with Xavier. Potions, level 1, with Welkes," Harriette started to list off.
"I was put into level 2 potions on Wednesdays, not Tuesdays," Manon commented, looking over her other shoulder. "My mother is a potions master and had me tested" she answered Hermione's questioning look.
"I didn't even know I had magic until the end of last school year," Hermione complained, but she looked determined to catch up.
"Do you have Arithmancy and Runes on Thursday with Bancroft and Ziewaleier?"
"Oui. As well Muggle and magical studies on Friday. What did you choose for your language and elective?"
"Intro to Creatures," Harriette responded as though it was a given, "and gobbledegook."
"Oh, I should have done that. I chose Latin," Hermione replied.
"Well, I will be with you," Manon assured Hermione. "And Magical History."
"Well, we will have the same electives. We could change if you want, Harriette," Hermione offered. Harriette had the feeling Hermione would take everything if she could, but they were only allowed to take seven credits a year their elective and language was only a half credit.
"I did quidditch for my physical education," Manon said.
Harriette looked at her with a brightness in her eyes. "I can't wait to start that next week."
Hermione looked at them both a little green. "I will stay on the ground. I thought Fencing would be fun."
"I wonder if I could do that too," Harriette supplied.
"You already have a full schedule. You would have to drop Creatures," Manon pointed out.
Harriette screwed her face up. "I don't think so."
Hermione giggled. "I think Harriette was more in love with cat thing than she was Guillaume Perrier."
Manon looked at Harriette funnily. "Why would you not like Guillaume?"
Harriette shrugged. "I can tell Fleur is uncomfortable with how people look at her. It doesn't feel right to do the same to Guillaume," she replied.
Manon and Hermione looked to the eight-year boy, both getting a slight dreamy look to their faces. "He had such great hair though," Manon commented dreamily.
"Not to mention his teeth," Hermione added.
Harriette and Manon giggled at Hermione. "His teeth?"
"What? He has great teeth," Hermione said, trying to hide her mouth.
Harriette got it. "There is nothing wrong with your teeth, Hermione. Right, I think someone here wanted to see the library since we didn't get to it last night."
Hermione brightened and hopped in her seat. "Can we go right now?"
Manon giggled again. "Down girl. It will still be there when we get there."
Hermione glared at Manon. "I like to read."
Harriette laughed. "So do I. Let's go to the library and then wander around to make sure we know were are classes are. We aren't required back here until after lunch."
"No running to the stables this time," Hermione warned.
Manon quirked an eye. "What happened at the stables?"
"Nothing," Harriette replied quickly.
Hermione chuckled. "It was not nothing."
"You have to tell me," Manon begged.
-oOo-
November 13, 1991
Beauxbatons, France
"Harriette!" Hermione screamed and then laughed.
Their winter cloaks were over their uniforms. It was silk with a warm liner, but left her legs cold. Harriette was happy for the thick stocking she had on. They were outside practicing for their charms test next week. It was on simple levitation, light and heat spells. Hermione dodge a ball of water Harriette had just levitated her way. "Windgardium Levioasa," Hermione pointed at the fountain next to her.
That was one thing with the three major schools in Europe. They all taught the basics of Merlinus magic, meaning most spells were common everywhere.
Manon was watching the match, her eyes filled with mirth, but trying to act as though she was up to nothing as her feet swung from the railing she was sitting on. It was cold out, but Harriette didn't care. It added a challenge to avoid the floating bubbles of water and to get accurate enough to drench one of her friends.
A group of upper years passed by, smiling at their antics.
"Don't let her get away, Hermione," Manon egged them on.
The bubble of water just missed Harriette and she returned the favor, flinging her own ball as fast as she could at Hermione. Harriette went to raise another as Hermione dodge. "Harriette!" Manon yelled.
It was to late though. Harriette had swung her arm around, the ball of water swinging in and arch around her back and she heard it pop, water splashing behind herself. She spun, her wand going behind her back, standing as tall as she could, her eyes going wild to see Madam Maxime, her face dripping wet and glaring down at her.
Hermione stood ramrod straight and Manon jumped down, straightening herself out.
The headmistress just looked down. "Madamaousielle Delacour, correct?"
Harriette stood a little taller. She swallowed hard. "Oiu, Madam Maxime."
"I take it you were practicing for your exam next week?"
"Oui," she said, still scared she was in a world of trouble.
The woman took a handercheif the size of a towel out of her pocket and wiped her face. "A creative way of practicing the charm and your aim. Next time I would recommend you be more aware of your surroundings."
"Yes, ma'am. I will be."
The woman nodded and walked back towards the school. When she was out of sight behind a high hedge, they all let out a deep breath.
"I thought we were going to be expelled," said Hermione, coming up behind her.
"I was doing nothing," Manon told them. Harriette caught the motion of Manon's wand and moved just in time to have a ball of water fly past her and Manon scream as her own water ball hit her in the chest. "THAT IS COLD!"
"Serves you right," Harriette told her, her tongue chasing the comment. Manon's eyes narrowed.
"That is it!"
The three of them were very happy to have Fleur teach them the drying spell when they were found fifteen minutes later...
-oOo-
December 21, 1991
Paris, France
"PAPA!" Harriette yelled as she jumped into her papa's arms. She had enjoyed the first few months at Beauxbatons, but until she saw her family, she had not realized how much she had missed them.
Gabrielle was already being hugged by Fleur.
"We missed you, our little blackbird," Papa said, letting her down after a few minutes. She happily hugged her maman. "We missed you and Fleur so much," maman said to her.
She hugged her maman tight. When she stepped back, she looked around. Hermione was doing the same to her parents, just a few feet away, but she couldn't see Manon.
"Maman, you have to meet Hermione," she said, pulling her maman over.
Her maman laughed at her. "Where is that proper little girl I sent away?"
"She was never there to begin with," Fleur shot back. Harriette shot her a glare before stopping before Hermione.
"Hermione Granger, this is my maman, Appoline Delacour," said Harriette beaming.
"Hello, Madam Delacour. I am Jane and this is Daniel," Hermione's mother said, holding out her hand.
"It is good to meet you. I have already heard much about your Hermione. This is Harriette, if you didn't already know," maman said, putting a hand on her head. Harriette looked a little chastened for not introducing herself.
"I am sorry, maman. Monsuier and Madam Granger, I am Harriette Delacour. It is a pleasure to meet you," she said with a curtsey.
"It is very nice to meet you, Harriette. We are staying in Paris until after Christmas, and then going skiing in Cherbourge. Would you and Hermione like to get together?" Mrs. Granger offered.
"Can we?" Hermione asked excitedly.
"Where are you staying? We have an extra room and Hermione could share with Harriette," her maman offered.
"Please!" Harriette begged, joined swiftly by Hermione.
Mrs. Granger looked to her husband, who didn't seem to be following the conversation well. "Dan, we were just invited to stay at the Delacours."
The man blinked. "We can't impose like that," he replied.
"It is no imposition. We 'ave the rooms. It is obvious these two get along and the 'ouse always feels more full with lots to celebrate the 'olidays," her maman commented.
"Can we discuss it and get back to you?"
"O' course. If you want, we can meet you for dinner tonight," her maman offered.
"That might be nice,"Madam Granger answered.
Someone cleared their throats. Maman turned as papa came up to them. "Thomas, is that you?"
"Hello, Madam Delacour. It has been some time," a man with blonde hair like Manon's came up to them. Maman moved in and hugged him, kissing him on the cheeks.
"I have not seen you since you went off Greece. How is the family?"
"Well. We moved back to France about a decade ago, but I don't get involved with father's work. It would appear my youngest has made good friends with your daughter," the man said, holding Manon before him.
"So I have heard. You are Manon, sweet child?"
"Yes, Madam Delacour," Manon said, curtsying.
"I was just inviting the Grangers to dinner. Would you like to come?"
"I would love too, but Francis is expecting us back and we are going back to Greece for Christmas," the man said.
"Thomas, it is excellent to see you agian," papa said, taking the man's hand.
"You too, Monseuir Delacour."
"Baa. None of thie Monsieur. Call me Alain," said papa.
"Thank you, Alain. Manon and I must be off. Her brothers come back from Grecnobles tomorrow and Francis would like her time with Manon tonight."
"Of course. Manon and all of you are always welcome over," maman offered.
"We will keep that in mind. Monseir and Madam Granger, I am glad to meet you. Your Hermione and Harriette are always welcome when we are home. Time to go, Manon."
"Bye," the three of them said, and Harriette gave Manon a hug before Hermione did the same.