"I wish they wouldn't do that."Aart said as she watched Hermione and the vampire Sebastian swinging swords at each other. She hated to admit it but Hermione was showing great skill and although worried Aart was proud of her daughter for being able to keep up with Sebastian.It was also nice that Fleur and her family had the chance to see that Hermione wasn't a wilting flower and she was worthy of the many titles she had earned throughout her life.Maybe Aart would have Hermione duel with some of the guards.From what was reported Hermione really didn't get to do anything impressive when she joined Fleur for training.Seeing Hermione's talent would definitely show the Delacour that Hermione wasn't someone to be messed with.
"Leave them alone are having fun."Phyllis told her.
"I want to see if Hermione would be willing to teach me some of her moves."Nymphadora was good with a wand but as she watched Hermione and Sebastian she could see the benefit of using weapons.
"Me too."Fleur was highly impressed with Hermione.Her inner Veela was as well and Fleur was having a hard time keeping it controlled. She was worried that if it didn't calm down she would be sprouting feathers and that would be horribly embarrassing.Especially in front of Hermione's family who she was trying to impress.
"I gifted Hermione with her first sword when she was 8 after she showed an interest from watching some of our warriors train.The girl is a natural.Sebastian has commented many times that he has learned far more from Hermione than Hermione ever learned from him."Mauve told them proudly.
"Regardless let's get to the matter at hand."The goblin chieftain said.
"Of course.We need to negotiate the terms of Fleur and Hermione entering a courtship.What we will except from you is…"Eloise began but was cut off by Aart.
"I think you have the wrong idea here."Aart told her.
"What do you mean?"Eloise asked.
"As is tradition the one with lesser title in the courtship offers the dowry.In this case Fleur is the lease.Meaning it is we that are owed not you."Aart wasn't surprised by the look of outrage that over came Eloise's face.
"Fleur is second in line to be the clan elder to the Delacour flock.Hermmay have links to you but Fleur's title is much more respectable than any Hermione has."Eloise took a step back when numerous people in the group growled at her.
Phyllis quickly interjected before violence broke out."Alright everyone calm down.We have to remember that Eloise doesn't know all of Hermione's titles."
"It doesn't excuse her false belief that she a member of an inferior Veela tribe has any power in this discussion."Firenze said.
"Regardless."Phyllis cut off whatever reply Eloise had."We need to get on the same page and I think before we even begin negotiation that the issue of Fleur's heir status needs to be address first."
"You are right.Before anything is decided Fleur must give up her position as future elder of the Delacour flock."Mauve told them.
"What!She isn't giving up her title!"Eloise yelled in outrage.
"That is something we won't budge on.If Fleur wants to begin a courtship with the intention of marriage then she can no longer claim the Delacour clan."Phyllis knew this would be an issue but they couldn't allow Hermione to be swallowed up in a Veela clan like she would be if Fleur was clan elder.
"Grandmother why don't we let them explain why."Fleur knew her grandmother was upset but as this was her mate they were talking about she wanted to at least hear the reasons why she would have to give up her flock.
"The reason Fleur has to give up her status is because Hermione is to important to be exclusively linked to your tribe."Aart held up a hand to stop Eloise from interrupting."Her pedigree alone makes her the most powerful person amongst not only humans but magical creatures alike.Her future is in Britain not in France where she would be just a figure head to your flock."
"What exactly is her pedigree?"Fleur asked.
"That's none of you business."Griphook snapped.
"What Hermione's uncle means is that until you are engaged Hermione's background is off limits."Phyllis told her.
"Why is that?"Eloise asked not letting the subject go.
"If anything it's for your protection."Mauve said.
Fleur was beyond confused but as she learned when it came to the subject of Hermione it best to ask Hermione herself. She was less likely to be shut down by the curly haired girl."So I need to give my status as heir to be allowed to marry Hermione."
"Let not get ahead of ourselves.Hermione hasn't agreed to marry you yet."Aart would prefer Hermione not marry at all but knew it was not something she could stop her daughter from doing.That didn't mean Aart would allow Hermione to rush into a marriage though."But yes, if you aren't willing to denounce your title then you will not be allowed to court Hermione."
"Fleur you honestly can't be considering this are you?"Eloise asked.
"She's my mate grandmother.I would give up my life for her."Fleur told her.
Eloise growled."You would turn your back on your flock over a woman."
"Mother!"Apolline put her hand on her wife's arm to keep her from advancing on the old woman."You dare ask Fleur to give up her mate!"
"Fleur is too valuable to the clan.If she wants Hermione then Hermione needs to become a Delacour."Eloise said.
"You mean Hermione is too valuable to the clan.This has nothing to do with me."Fleur concluded.
"That's not true Fleur.You are a born leader and have already done so much for the flock."Eloise tried to sound caring but everyone could tell that she was being insincere.
"No, Hermione has done so much for the flock."Fleur corrected."As matter of fact you only started getting me involved in official flock business when you learned that Hermione had a link to the Laaskos.Since then it has been nothing but you ordering me to use Hermione for her connections to better our flock."
"That is just how politics work.As a leader you use what advantages you can to better your clan's position."Eloise explained.
Fleur looked at her grandmother sadly."I am officially stepping down as heir to the Delacour clan."
"I'll give you one chance to take it back if you don't you will find yourself without a clan."Eloise threatened.
Celeste tried advanced on Eloise again but was held back by her wife's arms around her body."You dare kick my child out of our flock because she chooses to be with her mate?!"
"It's my flock not yours and you do well to remember your place!"Eloise said.
"That's enough!"Apolline growled."You are out of line mother and if you don't control yourself I will be filing a complaint with the counsel."
"For what?"Eloise asked in outrage.
"For trying to blackmail Fleur into rejecting her mate."Apolline told her.
"You wouldn't."Eloise said.
"I would do it for any Veela in this situation not just Fleur."Apolline loosened her hold on her wife and went to Fleur's side."You may be my mother and clan elder but I will not let you control my daughter's life."
Phyllis cleared her throat breaking up the awkward tension in the group."How about we take a break.That will let everyone get a chance to gain control of their emotions before we begin negotiations."
"I think that is wise."Aart had expected there to be a fight about Fleur leaving her flock but never would she have guessed it would be like this. She was now reevaluating her opinion of girl.Fleur was a lot braver than Aart had given her credit for.
"Thank you."Apolline took Fleur and Celeste's hands and led them out of the room.Eloise followed at a much slower pace.
"Shit that was intense."Nymphadora knew it was going to be a lively discussion but this was worse than what she thought it would be.She knew Hermione was special the first time she met her but for the girl to cause so much chaos it made Nymphadora excited for her future as a member of Hermione's house.
"I agree.I new the old bag would be a problem but that to force Fleur to pick between her flock and mate was unbelievable." Mauve said.
"It doesn't change our customs.We will still need to negotiate a courtship."The goblin matriarch reminded them.
"Let's just hope the four of them take the chance to calm down before they come back."Phyllis said the other murmuring their agreement.Looking over to Hermione as she was dueling Sebastian with her sword Phyllis smiled.Hermione wasn't even aware of the lengths people would go to have her by their side.Phyllis knew that Hermione would have to deal with many people like Eloise in the future but that wouldn't be a problem though because Hermione wouldn't be alone.Not only would she have the people with her now but in future she would make many other powerful allies through her good deeds and selfless acts.Phyllis had seen parts of Hermione's future and felt honored that she was allowed to be a part of the world that Hermione would help shape.