"Here they come."Phyllis said as she watched Apolline along with Celeste and Fleur walk into the room with a much slower Eloise trailing behind them.She didn't know how their conversation had gone but by the way Eloise was looking like a kicked puppy Phyllis didn't think it went well for the elder.That gave Phyllis hope that the discussion would continue without any more objections to Fleur giving up her title.If there was she and the rest of Hermione's family would be forced to stop negotiations and Fleur would not be allowed to date Hermione.That was something Phyllis didn't want to happen as she knew that with Fleur by her side Hermione was going to change the wizarding world.
"Let's hope they took the chance to get their heads straight."The goblin chieftain grumbled.
"Thank you for allowing us a break."Apolline said.
"It's no problem.We expected that the condition of Fleur stepping down from her role in her clan was going to cause emotions to flare."Phyllis told them.
"Regardless before we continue is Fleur still willing to give up her status as future clan elder?"Aart asked.
Fleur nodded."I will happily give up anything to be with Hermione."
"Then we can proceed."Mauve said.
"Yes, now as you know other than Hermione's biological family she has been claimed by each of the groups that are represented by each of us here today.It's because of that Fleur will have to adhere to each of their customs to get permission to begin a courtship with the intention of marriage."Phyllis was prepared for more arguments after each condition was revealed.
"I understand."Fleur was beyond scared to learn what she was going to have to do to gain that permission. She may be a magical creature but she didn't know anything about the customs of anybody but Veela.She didn't even know the proper human customs.
"Good then how about Mauve goes first."Phyllis figured they start with the most extreme request.
"My price is simple.I need a sample of your blood."Mauve told her.
"What?!"Eloise exclaimed in shock.
"I believe I spoke rather clearly.In vampire culture to earn permission from a clan elder to date a royal the suitor's blood must be tested to make sure they are worthy enough to claim a place in the clan.Although Sebastian is next in line for the throne Hermione is considered my heir.Her title is princess of the Reinhold coven."Mauve explained.
Giving her blood to a vampire wasn't something Fleur was sure she was comfortable with."And there is no other way to prove my worth?"
"I won't feed directly from you.You will just have to provide a vial."Mauve told her.
"I guess that's ok then."Fleur felt a lot better not having to let a vampire feed directly from her.
"Are we seriously going to let a vampire have a sample of Veela blood?"Eloise asked.
"It is up to Fleur to give what she wants to earn the right to court Hermione."Apolline said.
"Of course."Eloise's voice was laced with disapproval.
"You can have Hermione draw the blood for you."Phyllis figured Fleur would be more comfortable with Hermione taking the blood.
"That would be perfect."Fleur would happily have Hermione draw her blood not only because she trusted her mate but it would keep a vampire away from an open wound.
"How about the goblins go next."Phyllis suggested.
"To gain the right to court with the intention of marrying one of our own you will have to not only offer gold to the tribe but you will have to prove that you can support yourself and are not just after Hermione's money."The goblin chieftain told her.
"Is Hermione wealthy?"Fleur asked.
"Hermione is probably worth more than your entire flock put together."Nymphadora knew with the Black and Malfoy vaults alone Hermione was one of the wealthiest witches in the world.Adding on the Rosier and Carrow vaults it was unlikely anyone was even close to owning Hermione's wealth.That wasn't even considering Hermione's personal wealth and with all the patents she held probably made her own vault rival that of any pure blood house.
"Really?"Fleur wasn't sure she believed that.Hermione gave no indication that she was rich.She wore reasonably priced clothing and didn't flaunt her money.The only thing that was questionable was her watch but Fleur was of the opinion Hermione made it herself as Fleur had never seen a model like it before.
"Hermione's wealth is so great that she could fund more that one country with it."The goblin chieftain bragged."That is why it is important that you have a plan to make your own money.Hermione may choose to support you but that doesn't mean it isn't your job to add to your own wealth to prove your worth."
"What amount of gold do we need to gift you?"Apolline asked.
"Ten percent of Fleur's personal wealth."The goblin chieftain told her.
Fleur winced at the idea of giving away so much gold.She was young so she didn't have a chance to really save much and taking ten percent was going to put a huge dent in her savings.Fleur reminded herself that the money was not worth more than Hermione."I will gladly sit down with you and have you go over my accounts.I only ask that you give me time to come up with a plan for the future as I have only found out a couple hours ago that I will no longer be clan elder a job that I have preparing to do my whole life."
"That is reasonable."The goblin chieftain agreed.
"Good."Phyllis was happy that the goblins didn't request more.She had expected them to demand more gold than they had because of Eloise's numerous insults."Now Firenze what are your conditions."
"My people live in the wolf.It's because of that we have to know how to protect ourselves.To prove you are worthy of courting Hermione you will need to spend the night with her in the Forbidden Forest where you will protect her from harm."Firenze told her.
"That's really dangerous."Eloise said.
Firenze shrugged."If she can't protect her beloved then how will she be a good mate."
"I will do it."Fleur wasn't that happy about being put in that situation but if Hermione was there she would do everything she could to keep her safe.Seeing the proud smiles of many of Hermione's family members made Fleur feel a lot better knowing she had impressed them.
"Fleur you can't be serious."Eloise said.
"Once again grandmother Hermione is my mate.I would take on the darkest wizard to earn my chance to be with her."Fleur told her.
"I guess it's my turn."Aart was pleased with how Fleur was handling each request.The fact that she went against her own clan elder impressed Aart."You know our customs.That being said it is up to you to offer something you think is worthy enough of Hermione."
"Alright."Fleur searched her mind for the perfect offering.She was going to offer her feather but had feeling that Aart wouldn't think it was good enough."I honestly have nothing that would ever be worthy enough to give you for Hermione."
Aart was taken back by the answer.She figured the young Veela would try and give her many insulting offers.She was pleased that Fleur understood how valuable Hermione was and didn't try and buy her with material items.It was because of the knowledge that Aart decided that she truly believed that Fleur was a good match for Hermione."I agree nothing is worthy enough for Hermione."
"I see."Fleur was sure that she had lost her chance but before she could plead her case Aart spoke.
"However since you recognize this and have not tried to bluster and offer meaningless bobbles I have decided that you will not be required to give anything to earn my approval.With that said you officially have my permission as can elder of the Laasko flock to court my daughter Hermione Granger with intent to marry."Aart told her.
Fleur couldn't believe it.To not have to give a dowry to any flock let alone one as prestigious as the Laaskos was unheard of.Especially since Hermione was the calm elder's daughter."Thank you so much."
"You will however continue to treat Hermione well or I will be forced to step in."Aart warned.
"I will not disappoint you."Fleur promised.
"See that you don't."Aart said.
"As it seems everything has gone so well let's get Hermione and have her spend some time with us before we all are asked to leave."Phyllis didn't want to draw the meeting out as it had not turned into violence.
"I agree let's stop her from using that sword."Aart may have been speaking with the group but that didn't mean she hadn't been paying attention to Hermione and Sebastian.The Veela had almost stepped in numerous times but just when she thought Hermione was going to be hurt the girl defended herself flawlessly.Hermione's skills with the weapon made Aart realize that her own warriors would probably benefit from learning how to use them.She was going to talk to Hermione about training some of the guards that were watching over her.Aart knew her daughter liked teaching so it would be a fun thing for Hermione to do and it would further the skills of her guards which would allow them to protect the girl better.Aart made a mental note to speak to Mauve later about where she got her swords because vampires used them as their main weapon so the queen would have only the best as her personal sword.