"I am still the heir!"Fleur's attention shot to the young blond boy sitting at the Slytherin table shouting.She was waiting by herself for Hermione to join her for dinner in the great hall.Once again she cursed herself for not asking for a specific time because dinner had been going on for a half hour.Not only was she hungry but she was getting anxious looks from her flock as well.They had all been told what Fleur's grandmother had said and knew the importance of this meeting with Hermione.They needed to befriend the girl in hopes of aligning themselves with the Laasko clan.Not only that but Fleur wanted to get the chance to know her mate.
"It's almost as if Malfoy is trying to convince himself not everybody else."Hearing the name Malfoy Fleur turned her attention to the conversation between two Hogwarts students sitting at her table.
"Did you hear about his dad?"A boy asked.
"No what happened to him?"The original speaker asked.
"Apparently he was arrested this morning at the ministry.He attacked the guards protecting the Wizgamot chamber because they wouldn't let him in the room." The boy told her.
The girl laughed."So that means not only did Malfoy's dad lose his head of household title he also lost his ministry seat?"
"Yeah and I overheard Prof. Slughorn say that they are being kicked out of their home.The new head of household actually hired security guards to make sure they didn't steal anything or wreck the place."The boy said.
"I wish I could have seen it all happen."The girl replied.
"I wonder what will happen to the Weasleys."The boy mused.
"Nothing good.I heard that Molly Weasley has been on the war path.She sent letters to Ron and Ginny demanding they figure out who the new head of household is.She's convinced they are a Hogwarts student."The girl told him.
"If that's true then maybe you and I should try to find them as well.It would be very beneficial to befriend them.I mean with all that money and influence they have.Wr could get anything we want just by being associated with them."The boy said.
Fleur tuned out the rest of the conversion disgusted with the way the pair were talking.Then she felt guilt because that was exactly what she was trying to do. She had been trying to figure out who the new head of household was so she could befriend and make them an ally to the clan.Het grandmother had even mentioned in her letter how much respect and influence the Delacour clan would have if they were attached to them.Fleur knew it was just how the world of politics worked but after listening to the conversation between the boy and girl she felt kind of dirty.She just hopped that the person was actually someone she liked and would be easy to get along with.The less manipulation involved the better Fleur would feel.
"Hello"Hermione said as she took the seat across the table from Fleur.
"Oh hi!"Fleur hadn't even seen Hermione walk in.
"I hope you haven't waited long. I wasn't sure exactly what time dinner started."Hermione was glad she hadn't come later as she had originally planned.
"Do you not usually eat dinner?"Fleur asked.
"I eat dinner.I just don't ever eat in the hall."Hermione explained.
Fleur didn't know where Hermione would have her meals if not in the hall."Where do you eat?"
"I usually just eat in whatever room I'm in when I get hungry."Hermione told her.
"That makes sense."Before Fleur could say anything else a short girl with long blond hair adorned with flowers took a seat next to Hermione.
"Hello Luna."Hermione greeted.
"Hello cousin.It's good to see you following destiny's path."Luna replied.
Fleur didn't know what Luna meant but one thing stuck out."You are cousins?"
"Well no.She's my mother's sister.I call her cousin because we are so close in age."Luna explained.
"So you are her aunt?"Fleur asked Hermione.
Hermione nodded."Luna's grandmother Phyllis Debolt was who I apprenticed under when I got my masters in divination.I lived with her for 6 months while I studied.When it was time to come back to Hogwarts she officially added me to the family tree as her heir along with Pandora, Luna's mother."
"You are Phyllis Debolt's heir?"Fleur didn't know if she actually believed that.Everyone knew who Phyllis Debolt was.She was the most respected seer of her generation and many sought her out to give them a glimpse into their futures.
"Well myself and Pandora."Hermione correct.
"Do you have the sight as well?"Fleur asked Luna.
"Yes, I inherited my grandmother's gift."Luna told her.
"I see."Fleur mind swan with the implications of what this would mean for her flock. It would be very good to have Phyllis Debolt as an ally.Het granddaughter as well if she was even a fraction as talented as her grandmother.Maybe letting her own grandmother know of Hermione's relationship with the prestigious family would ease some of the pressure she put on Fleur.
"How did it go with the moon child?"Luna asked Hermione.
"The potion worked.The curse is officially gone and he is completely human again."Hermione told her.
"So you actually cured the werewolf disease?"Fleur wanted to make sure she understood what they were talking about.
"Yes after the first trial was successful I administered the potion to three others and all were cured."Hermione had been more than pleased with the results.
Fleur reached out and took Hermione's hand squeezing it in excitement."Hermione that's amazing!"
"It is no big deal."Hermione slowly extracted her hand not comfortable with being touched.
"It's a huge deal.We need to celebrate."Fleur pushed away the disappointment of Hermione releasing her hand to focus on the new task at hand.
"Oh no there is no reason to celebrate."Hermione didn't feel comfortable celebrating her achievements. She just wanted to help people not gain attention.
"We are going to throw a party in the carriage."Fleur was already in planning mode.
"That's not necessary."Hermione told her.
"Actually I think a party is great idea."Luna said.
Hermione looked at Luna in confusion."Are you sure?"
"I'm positive."Luna replied.
"Alright then a party we shall have."Hermione trusted Luna and if she said that a party was a good idea then Hermione would go along with it.
"Perfect!"Fleur was beyond excited.Not only did her mate achieve something incredible, Hermione was allowing Fleur to throw her a party.It wasn't exactly a romantic gesture but it was good start."We'll have it tomorrow since it's Saturday and we don't have any school."
"It will have to be later in the afternoon because I am busy most of the day."Hermione had been planning on examining the cup and knew it would take a while.
"What are you going to be doing?"Fleur asked.
"I'm working on a project that needs to be done tomorrow."Hermione knew she was being vague but she didn't think it was a good idea to tell anyone she would be working on the cup.
"So then we will have it tomorrow night."Fleur wanted to ask what the project was but it seemed like Hermione didn't want to talk about it so she wouldn't push.They weren't in the stage of their relationship where they told each other everythingShe just hoped they would get there soon because Fleur had dozens of questions to ask her mate.
"That will be fine."Hermione didn't have anything planned that night so she wouldn't have to rearrange her schedule.
"What kind of food do you like?"Fleur wanted to have all of Hermione's favorites.
"Food?"Hermione wasn't sure why Fleur would want to know that.
Luna took over for her cousin."Just speak to the house elves. They will be able to help you.They know all of Hermione's favorites."
"I'll do that."Fleur said.
"Speaking of good.You are here for dinner Hermione that means you need to eat."Luna reminded her.
"Oh yes of course.Eating."Hermione looked at the various foods offered and filled her plate.
Fleur was glad she did because she had been waiting for Hermione to start eating.Filling her own plate she asked."So other than the werewolf cure and the temperature charm have you invented other pieces of magic or potions?'
"A few."Hermione said.
Luna laughed."She's being modest.Hermione holds many patents in the Wizarding world and a few in the muggle world as well."
"You've created muggle inventions?"Fleur had never heard of a wizard or witch that created muggle inventions.
"Nothing that interesting.I have some experience in muggle medicine and created a few devices to help."Hermione's aunt was the one who took credit for the discoveries and Hermione gave her a percentage of the profits.
"You are involved with muggle medicine?"Fleur asked.
"I find that combining techniques from the muggle world with those from the magical world cause better results than just relying on the same old techniques."Hermione explained.
"Maybe you could speak to some of my flock's healers about that.I know they would be interested in hearing your ideas on how to better their skills."Fleur knew that learning more advanced healing would be beneficial to her flock not only in terms of better health but it would give them more respect if they were ahead of the curve.
"I will have to talk to my mother about that."Hermione wouldn't be able to offer her skills to another flock without the clan elder's permission.
Fleur held back a flinch thinking about how it would go over if Hermione asked the Laasko matriarch about it."That is something that our clan elders should talk about in person.Do you think you could set up a meeting between them?"
"A meeting will happen soon.There is no need to arrange one."Luna said with a knowing glint in her eye.
"That's good."Fleur should have been happy hearing that but the way Luna said it sounded like a warning.A warning Fleur would let her grandmother know about."Do you know when that will be so I can tell my grandmother so she has time to prepare?"
"When the champion's families come before the first task."Luna told her.
Fleur felt a sudden rush of anxiety wash over her."That's next week."
"If you aren't comfortable with my clan I can ask them not to come."Hermione knew that her mother wouldn't like it but if it made Fleur uncomfortable then she would stay away.
"No, it's fine!"Fleur quickly exclaimed. The repercussion of what would happen if Hermione asked the Laasko clan not to come because of the Delacour clan would be horrible.Fleur was positive if they stayed away and her grandmother found out why that she would be disowned and kicked out of the flock.
"If you are sure?"Hermione asked.
"Yes, it would be an honor to meet your mother."Fleur was already thinking about everything she would have to do to get ready for the meeting.Not only was it important as the future clan elder of the Delacours, it was important as Hermione's mate for her to make a good first impression.
"I'm sure she will be happy to meet you.I sent her a letter about the potion.I don't know if she has reached out to your elder though."Hermione hadn't checked her mail for the day.She probably wouldn't do so until the next morning when she met with Minerva about the cup.
Once again Fleur held back a finch.She had a feeling that her control of facial reactions would continue to come in handy as her relationship with Hermione progressed."She did reach out to my grandmother but I don't know what the letter said."
"Well if she didn't mention it I will bring it up to her again when she comes to visit."Hermione figured her mother would have to build more of a relationship with the Delacours before she allowed them the potion.
"Maybe we should let our elders worry about the potion."Fleur didn't want the Laasko elder to think that Fleur had been pressuring Hermione.
"Alright."If that was what Fleur wanted Hermione would respect her wishes.
"Actually since we are talking about your mother.How is it that you became blood adopted by the clan elder?"Fleur hoped that Hermione would be willing to answer because not only was Fleur curious her grandmother had tasked her with finding out.
"It's not really that interesting of a story."Hermione said.
"I'm sure it is."Fleur knew for Hermione to be adopted she had to do something remarkable.
"Well if you really want to know."Hermione didn't see a problem with telling her.It wasn't a secret.As a matter of fact her mother often told the story to other clans when introducing Hermione to them."I was on a trip to the Black Forest to meet up with a herd of centaur."
"Why were you going to visit a herd of centaur?"Fleur knew that centaur didn't like humans that much and wondered why Hermione would put herself in danger.
"The group that live in the Forbidden Forest asked me to contact them to set up a trade.As you know it isn't that easy for centaur to travel such long distances so they asked me if I would help them."Hermione explained.
"Of course you would be on friendly terms with centaur."Fleur wondered if Hermione would ever stop surprising her. She doubted it and found that she rather liked the idea of a lifetime of surprises from Hermione.
"If you think that's amazing ask her about her goblin grandfather."Luna told her.
"Goblin grandfather?"Fleur didn't like the bright smile Luna was giving her nor the idea of Hermione having goblins as family.
"Oh yes, Hermione's part of a goblin tribe."Luna was all to happy to tell Hermione's secrets.That of course was because she knew that Fleur was Hermione's mate and that it was unlikely Hermione would tell the Veela anything about herself without the topic being brought up.
"Ok, I want to know about that but first tell me about the Laasko clan."Fleur needed to focus on one thing at a time before they lost track of the original question and Fleur didn't have an answer for her grandmother.
"Well as I said I traveled to the Black Forest to meet with the herd of centaur that lived there."Hermione said picking her story back up."They live in a very isolated part of the forest that is hard to get to.On my hike to get there I came across a landslide where I heard the sound of a bird in pain."
"It was a Veela not a bird wasn't it?"Fleur concluded.
Hermione nodded."Yes,I carefully made my way through the landslide where I found the body of a Veela in her true form.She was badly hurt and going in and out of consciousness.It took me six hours to carefully dig her out.The entire time being careful not to trigger another landslide.When I finally got her to safety I healed her the best I could.She was delirious with fever and I nursed her for two days before she woke and could actually hold a conversation.From speaking to her I found out that she was Eline Laasko."
"You saved the Laasko heir?!"Fleur couldn't believe that of all the Veela that Hermione would come across it would be Eline.
"She was in the Forest to begin her trials but ran into a nest of acromantulas.They chased her a few miles where she got caught in the landslide where I found her. She didn't even get to begin the trials.Eline tried to offer me a reward for saving her life but I refused.It was then she insisted I meet her mother.As I had plans with the centaur I took her with me to the meeting and then we traveled to her clan territory."Hermione explained.
"Wait are you saying that you introduced the Laasko heir to a herd of centaur?"Fleur asked.
"Eline was very polite to them and they were quite taken with her.I know that the Laaskos sent an envoy to begin peace talks with the herd."Hermione had been happy that her mother had thought the centaur were worthy of their clan's friendship.
Fleur felt like her head was going to explode with all the information that Hermione just gave her.Not only did her mate save the Laasko heir, she set up peace talks between two species who had been enemies for as long as they existed.Het grandmother was not going to be pleased to hear that."So after Eline took you to meet her mother what happened?"
"When Eline told her what happened Aart claimed that I was owed a life debt.I tried to tell her that I didn't need anything for helping Eline as it was the right thing to do but she wouldn't have it.We argued for about an hour when Aart told me that the only way I wouldn't receive a reward was if I was a clan member. She then proposed that I become her daughter in a blood ceremony to prove the clans loyalty to me."Hermione told her.
"Let me get this straight, you saved the heir, refused a reward and because of that Aart Laasko clan elder adopted you in a blood ceremony as a way to repay the life debt?"Fleur wanted to make sure she really heard what Hermione just said.
"That's what Aart claims but we all know that she fell in love with Hermione the moment she set eyes on her.Eline likes to complain that if Hermione was actually a Veela then she would be the heir not her."Luna knew that Eline usually said it as joke but there was truth to the statement.Hermione was Aart's favorite no matter what she said.
"So you are friendly with the Laaskos as well?"Fleur asked Luna.
"Hermione introduced my grandmother to Aart and they bonded over their love of Hermione. They like to fight over who is the better mother.It makes for some fun family get togethers."Luna enjoyed her time with the Laasko clan and had many fond memories of spending some of her school breaks with the flock.
"So Phyllis Debolt and the clan elder of the Laaskos share an adopted daughter?"Fleur could feel a headache coming on.Her grandmother was not going to be pleased to hear any of this.The only thing that may appease the old woman was that Hermione being her mate gave the Delacour clan a connection to the pair.Maybe she could get Hermione to introduce her to the local herd of centaur.That would impress her grandmother because at this point all Fleur had for the woman was distressing news.
"I spend two weeks every summer on the Laasko compound with Phyllis and the Lovegoods visiting."Hermione was actually planning on visiting soon because she needed to talk to her mother about some things to do with her new house ministry seats.
"Maybe after school is out you could come to France and I can give you a tour of my home country."Fleur offered.Not only would it be nice to have Hermione visit France it would be a chance for Fleur to spend some private time with her mate.
"I have been meaning to travel there to search for some plants for potions."Hermione said.
"I would be happy to escort you anywhere you needed to go.We would just have to wait until I've finished the school year."Fleur wished they could go sooner but unlike Hermione she was still a student.luckily it was her final year.Her plans for after graduating were to continue her training to take over as clan elder but she would hopefully have plenty of free time to spend with her mate.Hermione was obviously very busy and Fleur doubted that Hermione would wait around in the off chance Fleur would have free time.
"That's no problem.When we finish with this tournament I am going to be busy for a while.I won't be able to get away for a few months."Hermione was going to be dealing with her new house and other projects and wouldn't have time to travel.
"Are you working on a particular project?"Fleur wondered what Hermione was working on and if it was as incredible as the werewolf cure.
"I have a few in the works but nothing I'm singularly focused on."Hermione told her.
"So Fleur what are your plans for when you graduate?"Luna knew that Hermione wasn't the best at holding a conversation.It was the whole reason she invited herself to join the pair.That and if she didn't turn the topic away from Hermione Fleur would spend all their time together asking questions never giving Hermione the chance to get to know her.
"Well as the heir I need to start more serious training for my role.I don't expect my grandmother to retire any time soon but they like for the line of succession to be ready in case something happens.Other than that I'm hoping to travel."Fleur actually was hoping to be in a courtship with her mate and planning a wedding after she graduated but that was getting ahead of herself.
"Are you planning on continuing your studies?"Hermione asked.
"I would like to get my mastery in potions but I don't know if I will have time to start right away."Fleur wondered if she could actually apprentice under Hermione to get her masters.Not only would it be exciting to learn from her mate but it would be convenient as well.
"I find potions quite interesting.What draws you to the subject?"Hermione asked.
Fleur took a minute to answer.Usually she was quite confident when speaking on the subject but the warning from her friends to not make a fool of herself was having her second guessing what she wanted to say."I like the way that each potion is its own type of puzzle.You have to try and figure out how all the pieces fit together to create the perfect result."
"I agree.It was like with the rejuvenation potion I created.I had to figure out how to de age the human body but not to much. It took many trials before I even had a base to start with but it was exciting trying to find the proper combination of ingredients."Hermione smiled thinking about how much fun it was to create a potion.
Fleur was taken aback by the bright smile on Hermione's face.She realized it was the first time she actually saw Hermione truly happy."That's exactly it.The excitement is like the greatest rush.That and knowing that some of the potions we make are used to make lives better.Every time I mix a healing potion I feel proud because I know I possibly just saved a life."
"Healing does have that effect on not only the one doing the healing but those that are being healed.I've seen not only humans but magical creatures come back from the brink of death by a potion.They may be different injuries but the gratitude is always the same."Hermione said.
"I would love to have a chance to see you heal someone."Fleur imagined Hermione would be a great healer. She hadn't thought twice about helping the flock and that was only to keep them warm.Seeing Hermione actually put her skills at use would be a special experience Fleur was sure.One Fleur wanted to be a part of.
"I'm going back to the hospital on Sunday to check in with the werewolves I have cured and maybe heal another one.You are more than welcome to go with me."Hermione didn't see a problem with Fleur going. She was actually surprised to find that she felt comfortable around the Veela and wouldn't mind her company.
"I am more than happy to go with you."Not only would Fleur get to spend time with her mate but she would get to see how the werewolf cure worked.That was definitely something she didn't want to miss.She just hoped that Madame Maxine would give let her go with Hermione.She would have to send a letter to her mother to get permission.
"Then it's a date."Luna said.
"Yes it is."Fleur easily agreed.At least she hoped it would be a date.Maybe she could take Hermione somewhere to have lunch while they were off school grounds.
"I will provide you with the time to leave tomorrow night at the party."Hermione wouldn't know her schedule until she got through with the cup.
"That's perfect."That would give Fleur plenty of time to get a letter back from her mother with her permission so she could give it to Maxine.Especially if she sent the letter to her mother after dinner to ask.
"Well then why don't we call it a night.Hermione I'll walk you to your rooms."Luna figured that the dinner had gone well and they should leave on a positive not.She didn't want Hermione to be to worn out from having to talk so much.Her cousin was getting better at interacting with people but she still had a long way to go before she could handle things on her own.
"Alright."Hermione was tired.She needed to get up early the next morning to deal with the cup if she wanted to be done in time for the party.
"Well I guess I will see you tomorrow."Fleur was upset Hermione was leaving so early but didn't object.
"Thank you for inviting me to dinner Fleur, I'll see you tomorrow."Hermione gave a small smile and made her way out of the room with Luna.
"That went well."Fleur murmured to herself as she watched the pair leave. She got her wish to know more about Hermione and was able to get answers for her grandmother.Fleur was just worried that answers she passed along would upset the matriarch.To find out that the Laasko clan not only were allied with Phyllis Debolt but had worked out a peace agreement with a herd of centaur wasn't good.Those two things alone gave the clan much more power than the Delacour clan.Not to mention Hermione teaching them advanced healing and creating the thrall potion.She knew that negotiating a courtship with Hermione was going to be very difficult.The Delacours had nothing to offer the Laaskos.If anything by claiming Hermione as her mate Fleur was taking away from the clan because Hermione would be forced to claim the Delacour flock due to Fleur being in line to be the clan elder.She doubted that the Laaskos would be very willing to give up Hermione and her accomplishments.That wasn't even taking into consideration that Hermione was the Laasko elder's favorite child.Emotions always brought out the worst in people when trying to negotiate.Sighing Fleur stood from her seat and ignoring the looks from her flock made her to the carriage.She had letters to write and a party to plan.