Renu-chan Happy Birthday! I'm sorry this took so long! Forgive me! XD
Green isn't your Colour
Tiny eyes were glaring their intensive gaze at the oversized doors. Unwilling to move an inch until they opened and revealed the face and person she wanted; demanded! It was her birthday and by the magical spirits themselves! She would have her favourite person there so help her!
"Aww look, she's still waiting for Fleur. So cute" the taunting voices could be heard so easily from the hallway, but she would not sway! Her stubbornness was absolute! She was a fighter! Conqueror of this pathetic world of which she lived! All shall fall to the almighty! The all-powerful…!
"Isabeau Delacour! Do not be rude and ignore your guests. It may be your birthday but you are still a hostess and you should be in there playing with them" the sound of her mother was a terrifying thing to hear from such a distance but the girl stayed strong…if a little shaky of her feet.
"Aw let the girl stay. She's perfectly 'armless there waiting for her favourite aunt to arrive" another adult spoke above her. How dare such a woman speak over her in such a way? She was Isabeau! She was in charge of this household and she may have saved her from the ignorant wrath of her mother, the tiny girl wouldn't give any thanks for the small gift.
"Aww she's pouting again"
"Don't encourage her. She'll throw another tantrum and zen we'll be in trouble for it"
"You're right. Maybe we should go help Nathalia in the kitchen" the two Veela ladies wandered off in silent footsteps leaving the three year old to her waiting; to her staring.
It seemed like hours had passed, her gaze not once straying from the doorway; accurately it had been but ten minutes before the doors magically opened themselves at the arrival of another to the household. Blue eyes lit up in excitement as the picturesque form of Fleur strolled her way inside, gift under one arm and a smile on her face.
"Isabeau! You were waiting for me?" the blonde woman kneeled down to accept the tackle of a hug from her cute little niece. Her cousin's daughter she may be but within Veela clan everyone was tighter than simple 'relations'.
"Fleur!" was all the girl repeated over and over while clinging to the elder Veela, smothering her with affection. She'd refused to let go and as such was carried back into the house and her own party which was well underway without her. The girl's mother was sitting on a lush couch, ready to stand and greet the latest arrival but Fleur waved her back down, handed off the gift and sat down beside her. Isabeau was easy to manoeuvre but clung on tightly as ever.
"It's good to know this little one hasn't changed much" Fleur giggled over the tiny Veela girl's head. Her hair was longer than the last time she visited, be it only a few months but still the little girl was growing and Fleur couldn't be prouder.
"So you are late to our little celebration. You want to share as to why my dear cousin?" blue eyes locked with those of her blood. They were the closest in the families, ignoring direct relations of course, (Gabrielle would be distraught to hear such a thing).
"I may have been preoccupied by another cute little thing before arriving…" Fleur said little else but her smirk was telling Nathalia wonders.
"Well well, someone has captured our dare Fleur's heart. Whomever must this girl be?" the other blonde Veela turned in her seat and leaned in slightly to 'intimidate'; unsuccessful but amusing.
"Did I hear correctly?" another voice came into the room soon followed by more. Fleur and by extension Isabeau were surrounded by Veela ladies.
"Fleur has someone special?"
"Oh this is something. Why are we only now hearing about this?"
"How long have you hidden this gem from us Fleur?"
"Girls, girls. She was just about to speak" Nathalia quietened them all awaiting the faithful words.
"I have found…someone. She's special and we're about to have our one year anniversary soon"
"Oh my Fleur that's amazing!" the cousin was hugged tightly by all the Veela around her
Isabeau wasn't concerned for the odd behaviour of the adults circling her or the supposed 'guests' there to help celebrate her birthday. The tiny Veela girl was more preoccupied with Fleur. Her favourite aunt, the best and more beautiful lady in the whole world. And she was all hers. The day was going to be filled with Isa taking Fleur round with her and playing and eating cake and sweets and then they'd play with her toys and outside in the sun. It was perfect!
"Go play with your friends Isabeau. We have some things to talk about with Fleur for a little while" her mother sounded from beside the girl, arms reaching out to take her. How insolent!
"NO!"
"Isabeau, we do not shout. Even if it's your birthday I will put you in the corner young lady. Now go" Nathalia said sternly while forcefully putting her child on the floor. The tiny girl's lip began to quiver when Fleur's attention turned downwards.
"Don't worry little one. I'll be there to play with you soon" a small smile was all it took to send Isa off to play with her cousins, friends and other family.
Something had changed in their air. Isabeau might've been small and immature but even she as a Veela could tell something was up. The adults were all acting weird, they were excited; energy building up to infect everyone in the household. Of course this wasn't her home, Isabeau did recognise it though. It was the main house, her favourite aunt's family home; the home of their leader. With her mother carrying her around, Isa looked over her shoulder and every which way hoping to catch even a glance of that silky blonde shimmering hair and those unbelievably pure blue eyes. After her attempts were resulting in failure, the tiny three year old was becoming agitated.
"Ok my little one. It won't be long now and then we'll all get to meet Fleur's special someone" the toddler didn't understand the words her mother was saying. She was Fleur's special someone! It was her!
"Oh my Isabeau! You've grown so much since we last saw you. Come here" the soothing voice of Apolline Delacour came over mother and child even before the radiating beauty of a woman came into view. Veela they all were but some seemed to shine brighter than the rest. The tiny toddler didn't mind getting shifted from one set of loving arms to another; it had been practically her whole life up until that point.
"She's a proud little three year old whom can't wait to meet her fav aunt's new friend" Nathalia waved around Isabeau's hand in place of the supposed excitement. The girl, while safely held in the Clan leader's arms had a looked of indifference. Those foolish adults would soon learn that Fleur was forever hers and hers alone. No other 'witch' would dare come along and take her away.
"Oh yes, the darling young witch is quite something. We met her perhaps a month ago formally; that was when Fleur told us the good news" Apolline was giving the toddler all her attention even when speaking to the other Veela.
"Good news?"
"They're here!" a call came out just before the tell-tale sounds of doors opening and multiple feet scurrying their way to the entrance; Nathalia, Apolline and tiny Isabeau were the last to arrive on the scene. And what a scene it turned out to be.
A swarm of talkative affectionate ladies all coming together on a centre couple; both of which seemed to be taking it rather well. Talking, laughing and somehow surviving anything and everything done to them. The blonde woman clearly claiming the shorter girl beside her by body language alone, but a terrifying glare was sent every which way to whomever wanted to hold onto the newcomer more than was strictly welcome.
"Fleur is protective as always" the leader said with an amused huff, handing back a now squirming toddler to her mother. "Let's leave the girls to get it out of their system. As much as Isabeau wants her now" Nathalia was left standing there holding a struggling toddler unwilling to listen.
Fleur! The beauty beyond comparison! Her favourite person; not including her mother of course. Or herself, but Isabeau knew no one would ever match up with herself. She was the most amazing, best, super person there was. Trying to reach out towards the Veela, Isa knew she'd be noticed soon. Fleur always looked at her first. She was most important one in the room…but it wasn't happening. Those shimmering blue eyes never looked up even once in her direction and the toddler was left in confusion. Nathalia placed a gentle kiss to her daughter's head.
"They'll walk over and we'll get to see them properly. I promise my love" words were whispered before another kiss was left on her cheek. But the small immature Veela girl didn't like it one bit because a body moved out of the way, giving her two piercing eyes full view of the suspected 'new person'.
Isabeau hated her already. She was short. Well comparing sizes with a three year old was pointless but to her darling Fleur, the witch was tiny! Not parable. Then there was her hair, it was wavy. Out of control like! No wouldn't do! And her eyes! They were so dark, so scary. Isabeau didn't like this girl at all. No! She wouldn't accept her anywhere near her Fleur. While deep in her tiny single focused mind, her mother slowly moved them closer to the diminishing group. Fleur was still holding her, ever proud smile while keeping like glue to her lover's side. Hermione for her part was doing well after a 'swarm'? Of Veela crowded around only seconds after entrancing.
"How are you doing? They're not too overwhelming I hope?" Nathalia said softly to the younger witch. She knew this young woman only by name; Fleur wasn't as forthcoming as many Veela were about their lovers.
"I'm doing splendidly actually, thank you for asking. I guess I've becoming accustomed to the strange and uncertain thanks to my years in school, friends and Fleur now too. A few more Veela I'm sure I can handle" Hermione replied with a smile, more than once her curious brown eyes moving to the glaring toddler in the mother's arms. "And who is this little one?"
"Ah this is darling little Isabeau, she's been waiting all day to see her favourite auntie Fleur" Nathalia replied and like clockwork, the toddler reached out her arms, wanting to be taken by the blonde Veela. Hermione could only smile at watching the two interact, Fleur still in a hype doting on the tiny girl with enthusiasm, all of which was absorbed like a sponge.
"Both of them are children"
"I think you'll fit into this family perfectly 'Ermione. Come now, we're some tea and snacks waiting"
The day carried on with a calm settling atmosphere. Hermione held herself strong when it came to introductions, greetings and the many multi-layered conversations that tended to overcome her at the best of times. Nathalia was an angel; a godsend who was sticking close to her side whenever Fleur wasn't. It came to a conclusion of the ladies having a light hearted conversation in a living space while the clan children entertained themselves on the open floor. Fleur of course was amongst them, encouraging high pitch screams and bouts of laughter. Isabeau of course, was right in the middle of it all too.
Hermione knew Fleur brought her here, not only to meet the rest of the clan but to 'distract' her also; as to where their supposed surprised engagement party was to take place, she had yet to figure out but her sharp eyes were ever watchful of the comings and goings of all the Veela. The brunette did on occasion actually get side tracked because of one darling little girl.
"She's adorable; just turned three you said?"
"Yes" Nathalia replied with a sip of her wine. Who says it was too early to drink?
"She's absolutely beautiful; other than the Veela charm of course"
"You like children 'Ermione?" the question was sly but the brunette didn't miss a beat before answering.
"I do. I haven't had much interaction but they're so cute and energetic" brown eyes watched as a duo were making extra noise as they chased each other round the room. "And before you 'conveniently' go on into that tangent. Yes"
"That is reassuring to know" the older woman said over her glass. Hermione just smirked.
"Did Fleur ask you to say that?"
"No of course not"
"Of course"
"Mama?" both adults looked down to find the tiny form of Isabeau at her mother's knee. Hand lightly placed and eyes not leaving that of Nathalia's face.
"Yes my love. What is it?"
"I'm hungry"
"Alright baby, dinner shouldn't be too far away now. Just a little longer" the Veela reached down to collect the toddler while Hermione just watched on with a soft gaze. Children were truly her weakness at the best of times. Only she couldn't allow Fleur to know that; just yet.
"But I'm hungry" the girl continued with a tone that signalled an oncoming whine. Nathalia could only sigh. Children.
"Hey little one" the brunette cut in causing both mother and daughter to look at her, with a glance towards the older Veela, Hermione continued when the air around them seemed to settle upon Nath's approval. "I'm Mione, it's nice to meet you"
"Isa, we say hello when someone introduces themselves don't we?" the girl did nothing in response which followed by her mother's soft words. Having to give in the blonde toddler tucked her head under the Veela's chin but gave a tiny wave towards Hermione.
"If you're hungry I may have a little treat for you" tiny orbs peaked out from their hiding at the mention of 'treat'. The witch immediately knew she had a winner. "Where I'm from, they're one of the best little snacks cute girls like you eat all the time…if your mom says you can…"
"Mama?" Isabeau was quick to sit up and gaze those adorably shining blue eyes at her mother hoping for a positive. She got a nod. Immediately the toddler watched as Hermione reached into her pocket and pulled a particular looking thing. It was a lollipop; the young witch carefully took off the wrapper and offered the sugary treat to the girl.
The instant the candy touched her tongue, Isabeau was overcome with tingling and flavour. Whatever this was, it was the best thing she'd ever tasted! Orbs moved back up to the young woman's face. The witch whom she thought was nothing, no beauty or magic, nothing to offer the glorious that was her! And now Isabeau was in love.
The day had finally arrived and the couple in question looked beyond dazzling, they were the centre of attention; glowing with happiness and every guest was both in awe and tinged with mild jealousy. Hermione was held firmly in the arms of her now wife as the two twirling slowly on the dance floor, both adorning shimmering white gowns. Their wedding had gone without a hitch and now she was proudly a Delacour for better or worse; more of the former in her opinion.
The entire clan were in attendance along with Grangers, school friends and even a past professor or two. The couple did their rounds of talking with everyone, receiving congratulations and well wishes. Hugs from family and in Hermione's case a lot more kisses than she'd first expected but nevertheless accepted; of course that's when the little one came in.
"Mi'ne!" Isabeau was fast on her feet and near launched herself at the young witch's legs, demanding the biggest hug she'd ever given. Everyone noticed that with the months passed, the toddler had become attached to Hermione perhaps even more than to what Isabeau felt towards Fleur. All the adults found it adorable, watching the young Veela girl interact and cling to the witch like a lifeline but of course, Fleur saw much more than that. She would watch on as her love, now wife, acted towards both a Veela child. A natural. She was soft and patient; kind but stern, willing and enjoying it all. The sight brought up feelings of such want and needs, the blonde woman had to excuse herself for a moment of two of composure. Nathalia wouldn't let Fleur live such a feat down anytime soon.
The tiny Veela was ecstatic! She was the centre of the entire party! Her witch had finally given in to her overpowering charm and collected her for the wonderful company she was; exactly as the witch should. Isabeau was of course hogging her new favourite person to her hearts content. It mattered not to the tiny girl if the day was to celebrate Hermione's marriage to Fleur, all the girl took from it was the brunette joining her family. That meant she'd spend more time with Isabeau and they'd get to play together forever and ever. For the newlywed, she was still making her rounds of the guests, chatting light-heartedly and having to wipe a few tears from the eyes of her family. Happy tears of course but if she saw others crying her make-up would smear as she too would share the emotion. Accepting her more than eager companion as a guide, the two managed to get round the large room before Fleur found them once more.
"How are my two most favourite girls doing?" The blonde swooped in to steal a kiss from her wife and place another on Isa's cheek, causing a giggle.
"After another loop of the guests we're doing pretty well; tears are still spilling and I swear my dad thinks he's losing a daughter, not gaining one" Hermione replied with a giggle, adjusting Isabeau on her hip. The girl for her part was clinging happily to the brunette round her neck; she was dressed up very cutely in a soft cream coloured sleeveless summer dress with ribbon. Her eyes glued on Fleur.
"Excellent" the blonde snuck another kiss before continuing. "Because there is another dance coming up and I want to spin my wife around the floor for everyone to grow envy of" Fleur's cocky smile turned genuine after hearing the sweet laughter come from her love. Hermione after so long couldn't take the Veela so seriously.
"For whom are they being jealous?"
"That is my point exactly" blue eyes were gazing lovingly into brown, their faces growing closer and closer when a chubby hand interrupted the moment.
"Noo!" Isabeau couldn't stand it anymore! Fleur was her favourite aunt! She was family and the most prettiest and bestest Veela there ever was! But she was getting too closer to HER Mi'ne! The girl couldn't allow it! Isabeau didn't want to share! Never!
"Isa?" Hermione questioned while taking the girl's hand off Fleur's face. The toddler in question was just a few months shy of her fourth birthday but refused to act anything but a baby when it came to wanting attention; demanded it and at that moment she refused to have her time with the witch interrupted. Even by Fleur.
"No! My Mi'ne!" the girl's arms tightened in their hold, her face squishing into the soft skin and Fleur could do nothing but watch as her tiny cousin hogged her wife so selfishly.
"I guess daddy won't be getting his dance either then?" she half joked but Hermione just shook her head.
"Do you want to dance with me Isa? We have twirl round the floor a little. It'll be fun!" Hermione managed to coax a smile and the girl from her hiding place as she did exactly as promised.
Fleur stood at the edge of the floor, watching in a content silence at the numerous twirling bodies before Apolline slid up beside her to join the admiration. The elder Veela was beyond the mere display of tears at her daughter's big day. She near smothered the happy couple with cuddles and kisses not half hour ago but now she'd calmed down tremendously.
"They look so adorable"
"Indeed"
"Do I expect my own grandchildren soon Fleur?"
"Of course"
"No hesitance?" a brow was raised and left unanswered.
"I want them. I want her. It feels right. I cannot fight it"
"I don't know how little Isabeau will appreciate having her new favourite taken from her" Apolline smirked at seeing the two interact mid dance.
"Isa loves me just as much" the eldest daughter replied with confidence.
"I hope you are right dear. Now your father is awaiting his dance. Don't stay too long" of course Fleur did exactly the opposite of what her mother suggested.
Nathalia was getting tired. Her darling little girl was turning four years old; today and the family had set up a grand feast at the behest of their leader Apolline. The Veela was more than accommodating to host it and the birthday girl was running between the dining room filled with food and the front door eagerly awaiting the yet to arrive guests. The woman was coming to her wits end trying to get Isabeau to calm down even for a split second but she was expecting this from not only a small child but a Veela child. Their energy could be near endless. At the sound of the first bell, she braced herself for the onslaught.
"There is the birthday girl!"
"Look at you all grown up!"
"Isabeau!"
"Isa!"
The young mother couldn't help but giggle at watching her little one meet and greet all the new arrivals. While they were so adored and happy to be welcomed by the guest of honour herself, Nathalia knew for many reasons as to why Isabeau was so glued to the entrance. They were not the ones she'd been waiting for and despite the serious case of déjà vu, the Veela did nothing to deter her little one.
"Mi'ne!"
"Isabeau!" the brunette was instant to collect the small Veela in her arms embrace her tightly. By mere reaction one would assume the two hadn't seen each other in many a year, not mere weeks. Fleur for her part could only watch as her wife took the toddler with her without a moment of hesitance; no grand gestures were on the list for her.
"Fleur, lovely to see you again"
"Nathalia, how are you? You seem a little tired" blue eyes were quick to notice the near non-existing signs of fatigue in her cousin. Despite placing a hand to the other woman's face the entire subject was rather brushed off.
"I'm fine. Nothing a proper night's sleep won't fix. Of course that darling wife of yours is a god send though, taking my young one off my hands like that. Once it was you spending every daylight hour with my baby till she exhausted herself but now…"
"She has clung to 'Ermione like nothing we've seen…"
"Is that…something I hear in your tone cousin?" Nathalia's brow raised at the mere thought of Fleur becoming even somewhat jealous of a child taking up all her lover's time and attention. Surely not.
"Of course it is. I was once the highlight of her day; both of their days. Now I am but a mere background character, someone used for random comedy in the drama of their lives. Something like you perhaps" Fleur jested in good humour and the cousins laughed before eventually following into the lively room.
Like any child party all the young ones were running wild food and drinks accommodated every surface and table while parents were keeping watchful eyes as the masses played games, caused small amounts of magical havoc and really enjoyed themselves to the fullest. One thing however, a shared silent notion was the duo constantly at each other's side. Hermione and Isabeau.
To the many Veela occupying the room, it was unusual to see the usually brightly active and over energetic still developing girl sit still for any amounts of time that didn't involve eating. Calmly beside the brunette witch on one of the many loveseats, the four year old was happy to be entertained with feats of magic and simple muggle games. The clan elders didn't believe it would last; they were indeed correct.
After the dining table was set, lunch well prepared and the large family sat themselves down to feast it took barely half hour before the consumed substance to take effect of the children; sugar. Apolline, the wise woman she was, opened the doors to gently coerce the bunch outside to the open space of the gardens. There was little they could break out there, well nothing unfixable. Isabeau was among them, only she refused to exit the doors without clinging to the young witch's hand.
"Come play Mi'ne!"
"I can't run around just yet. My lunch hasn't settled. I'm not as robust as you are Isa"
"What does 'roo-bus' mean?" brown eyes softened slightly as Hermione crouched to the girl's level.
"Robust, it means you're much stronger built than I am. Your body as beautiful and powerful as you are oh adorable one, can go right back to your games and having fun. I'm a boring slow adult now" she played into the part for the girl's amusement. "I have to go sit with the other adults for a little while before having the same energy as you. But I'll be watching you. Promise"
"Ok! So long as you promise!" with a small wave the girl took off, chasing her friends and cousins around the open grass. Hermione just righted herself before a pair of arms circled her waist.
"Boring adult? Well that certainly doesn't sound like you 'Ermione. Last thing I remember this morning was a rather young energetic thing that was ready to go soon as the sun came up" Fleur whispered into the witch's hairline, smirk adorning her face. "And I don't mean getting up for the day"
"Hush you. There are children about"
"They cannot hear us. As much as our adorable little Isabeau has been clinging, I've waited long enough to have you to myself"
"Jealousy isn't on your colour wheel, Fleur"
"We Veela never get jealous" was the stubborn, indifferent reply.
"Of course not" Hermione simply 'agreed' to allow the matter to settle and Fleur's mind to wander back in whatever direction it was headed. Of course no matter the blonde's intent with her for the day, the fact remained a certain small birthday girl did have priority; she just didn't tell Fleur this fact.
The two newlyweds, a title given to them as they still were too enraptured by each other the phase had yet to pass, cosy up on one of the many couches as they listen to parents talk. Little ones, children, babies; the theme was clear and frankly Hermione had little to actually put into the conversation at all; her mind was playing over the same vision since the time she admitted to Nathalia.
Hermione did want a baby. One so small and soft, rosy cheek with blonde hair and the same shimmering blue eyes of its mother…Hermione wished for it deeply. So deeply that time again she'd lose herself to the image of Fleur carrying around the tiny miracle while muttering relaxing words in French that she'd forget where she was.
"Mione?!"
"Huh? I'm sorry what?" brown eyes blinked away the glazed look to focus on the one speaking to her. Because of her delay near all eyes were now on her and the brunette felt her cheeks heat up.
"We just asked you a question and you seem to be distracted. Are you alright?"
"Leave her alone Olivia. There are too many things going on in such a magnificent brain, we simple minded creatures couldn't bear to understand it" Fleur was quick to reply in her wife's stead causing an uproar of objections from the other Veela present. Hermione snuggled herself closer in appreciation for the blonde woman wanting to be selfish and never leave her side for the remainder of the day.
It was despicable. The most horrifying realising the young mind could ever comprehend. How dare she? How DARE that woman try to take away her darling, sweet and worthy companion away from her! HER! She was the almighty! She was the all-powerful! She was Isabeau! No one stole Hermione from her! Not even Fleur! The girl wouldn't allow it and her gaze hardened into a deathly glare as she stood silently at the door. When her brunette hadn't come out like promised to play with her Isa came to investigate. And dare she find her cousin snuggled up with HER witch. It was unacceptable.
"Come on you two. Keep it to yourselves"
"Oh we are, you're the on interrupting us" the sounds of Fleur's laughter was soon joined by her mates and the two kissed once more. The tiny mind set of the Veela girl snapped.
"No!" the sound of tiny thundering feet echoed through the small space before fists were flailing and Fleur had to let go of her brunette love to protect her delicate legs. "No, no, no, no, nooo!" Hermione tried her best to retrain the very upset girl but no matter what, Isabeau just kept trying to hit her cousin.
"Isabeau! What are you doing?"
"We do not hit in this household young lady!" Nathalia's voice was raised but for once her daughter didn't react. "Stop this right now!"
"NO! Fleur leave her alone! Mi'ne mine! You can't have her! She's mine! You mean! Don't like you anymore!" the blue eyed girl continued her assault all the while tears were streaking down her face. Hermione could only look between a sighing Nathalia, her confused wife and the upset girl.
"Oh Merlin"
And there we go! Again hope you enjoy!