Hope you all enjoy and thanks to everyone who is still keeping with me!

I've been really happy to see so many great reviews and that you guys/girls are loving my work. I've also seen a few pointers of your own ships ;) Do I perhaps detect some subtle (not so subtle) hints in the audience?

A Little Unexpected

"Where is Gage?!" Hermione was trying to ground herself around the fact that Diane was not only so close to her, but they were alone in the corner of the library; what was the chance someone was going to find them there?!

"I asked him to step aside. I've taken the responsibility of your safety for the remainder of the day; as you are to be with an escort whenever away from your mate…" Diane spoke in her usual calm, if somewhat monotone, voice. There was always someone to talk down to and Hermione had been on the receiving end of her speech many times before. She'd heard enough of it to realise this was no ordinary 'word'; then again, what was ordinary when it came to the sisters.

"My choice in escort is not for you to control! And you most certainly do not invite yourself into my presence if you or your sister have the chance!" Hermione was finding it hard to control her emotional outrage and with the minor shift in the blonde's stance, she flinched away with a cry. "Get away from me!"

Disbelief replaced fear as without hesitance, the older Veela did so and took more than a few steps backward. By the time the brunette had calmed, Diane was standing by the far end of the bookcase, a whole table away from where she once was. The scene was being mentally processed by the witch as she collected herself, looking almost guilty for having such an outburst. The more important question on her mind was 'why?'

"I shall repeat; I only wish for a word with you." Diane said again, hands gently clasped before her and face remarkably blank.

"…but why…?" Asking for a straight answer hadn't gotten Hermione far presently and given her already irritated state before the Veela's presence, she wasn't in the mood for circles. "Tell me, in clear understandable terms, why you have come to take over my chaperone for today."

"There is some clarifying information that I require to which only you may answer. Knowing I could not seek out this moment when in the presence of others; especially in the knowing of your mate, I took an opportunity in which she is absent to speak with you." As instructed, Diane replied with more than what anyone would normally expect. Then again, this was the more knowledgeable sister of the two; Hermione had never heard the Veela speak so much before.

Why in the world did the fourth year beg to have time in the library away from Fleur now?! If she'd only let the blonde accompany her, distracting as she may be, this wouldn't have happened! The only thing that truly bothered the girl now, ignoring the obvious, was her impulse to actually answer.

"Be that as it may, I will surely ask for what you're after soon but…" Hermione couldn't actually say the words. The issue was standing right there in her face! She had to say it!

"You are referring to your demanding instructions," There it was! A nod confirmed, Diane's words continued. "It is the same for when Fleur places instructions or as I, when dismissing Gage. There is a clear line of authority within Veela clans; your place among it has simply shifted and as such, you are now higher than what you were before…"

"I'm sure that's destroying you inside," Hermione had no issue saying that scornful line right to the Veela's face. "You and your sister both."

"Audrey and I have no say in the manner of which mates are chosen nor to whom they apply. I have come to you for a similar but only partially related manner. As you are a mate, you will have the most informative perspective on my current situation. It is this I need."

"Vat is go-een on here? Herm-ee-own-e?"

Suddenly, another announced themselves and it wasn't expected in the normally empty library on a good day. The famous Quidditch player, known for his youthful admission and latest if rather disappointing performance at the World Cup, stepped into the scene to investigate the confrontational atmosphere. His large and imposing frame caused Hermione to shrink back into the corner. The girl hadn't really taken in the 'whole' that was Viktor Krum; why would she need to? He was just another champion attending from another school. He barely had any contact in her life thus far…

"I do not believe that is your concern Monsieur Krum. I'm sorry if we disturbed you but this is a family matter." She didn't know why exactly, nor care, but Hermione didn't want this foreign young wizard involved in ANYTHING of hers. He wanted to be some knight in shining…fur? A small disagreement with Diane wasn't something she needed saving from; given by his rather rude intrusion, the brunette suspected it was the intention.

"Familee? Eet deed not sownd like eet to me." His voice was deep and partially broken; clearly his lack in practicing the language, but it did cause the realisation in the fourth year that the two ladies had been conversing the entirety of their argument in English! Why hadn't the brunette caught onto that sooner? Was her mind too focused on the issues at hand to register it, or did she just feel more at ease? What would her mother say..?

"It does not matter what you perceive to hear. We do not require your presence and ask that you leave." Diane's usual signature tone had returned immediately and was clearly showing her distaste in the close proximity the wizard created. Hermione didn't need to read much into that expression. While she was concentrated on the blonde and her sudden 'ally' in their regard to Krum, she wasn't expecting the wizard to clearly ignore that statement and move in on the fourth year. Brown eyes widened as she collided with the stone wall behind her.

"Then eef you are alrigh', I vanted to ask you sumthing." Viktor's intent was soft despite his thick accent but the teenage wizard wasn't realising just how uncomfortable the fifteen year old was becoming.

"How…can I help you?" Hermione's shaky voice along with her uncertain expression gave away every inch of displeasure she had.

"Vill you go to zee ball vith me?"

Well that was unexpected. Hermione didn't have a response, nor any reaction to the young man's question; even if the correct answer was blatantly obvious. The Yule Ball, a traditional and much loved event that accompanied the Tournament in all history, seemingly balanced out the hard dangers of adventure with the fun of social gathering and a night of dance. Or that's what the brunette had absorbed from the books she'd been reading. It was to be an evening of music, food and socializing with others on Christmas night, but it seemed there were a few pieces of information Hermione had overlooked.

Namely the manner of how one attended.

"While I appreciate…the 'offer' Monsieur Krum, it would be inappropriate for me to attend the evening with you. I must humbly decline…" In truth, Hermione had only recently heard of the Ball's confirmed appearance that year and knowing a certain blonde Veela hadn't yet made a move…it would almost be certain disaster if the girl considered going with someone else.

"Eet is because that harpy?"

"What did you just say?" Hermione's exasperated gasp was audible enough, but it didn't hinder the wizard in his advancement.

"Remove yourself from our presence at once Monsieur Krum or I shall remove you forcefully." Diane's voice was so malicious, what remnants of accent she'd been restraining came out in a snarl of words. A blink of an eye, Hermione had somehow missed the impossibly fast movement of which the Veela had placed herself between the male and…her body? During their standoff, pheromones were flooding the space with such pressure it caused the Champion to stumble back in dizziness. Hermione, while immune to the majority couldn't stop herself from reaching out and grasping desperately onto the first solid thing to keep from falling down; stable, reliable and real. That being the Veela's robes. It was like everything suddenly felt so wrong; a burning sensation that left her muscles contorting in pain and it was like her magic started to flow backwards inside her body. Whatever was happening softened the moment her hand contacted the one barrier between her and the wizard.

Hermione didn't know what followed after that. Her eardrums refused to process sound and her mind was still hazed over from the pain, she didn't release her vice like grip until well after the scene had ended and Krum was no longer in sight. Wherever he'd stumbled off to, it wasn't in the surroundings anymore and without glancing up, Hermione knew it was just her and Diane. A Veela whose dress remained grasped tightly in hand.

"You must calm yourself. Take a breath."

"Easy for you to say…" The girl's grip only tightened with her exhausted sigh. "What happened?"

"I don't know to which you refer. But if you are feeling unwell, it is likely related to the fact he disrespected your mate." Diane wasn't facing the younger girl, she'd remained as a statue while Hermione leaned on her for support. An unbelievable concept as it may be. Physical contact between a human and creature. "Veela are very protective Beings but it is also possible for the reverse to be just as powerful."

"I thought you said you'd never accept me," Hermione replied softly, the few deep intakes slowly calming the beating organ down. "Never thought I'd hear Veela secrets spill from your lips."

"There are no longer any secrets to keep," At that, the seventh year girl turned her head, eyeing what remained of the brunette over her shoulder. "You are a Veela's mate. You are to know everything that we do."

"I'll keep that in mind…" Brown eyes weren't able to remain on the focused, icy ones staring at her. Hermione may now owe a debt to the Veela cousin but there was still a harshness about her that didn't bring out any familial love. Perhaps never will.

"I should return you to the carriage. Dinner will not be served for another few hours and she is likely to come looking for you; if not already." Diane's usual calm and neutral tone seemed to bring with it a sense of normalcy; ironic as it were for the brunette to desire, she wasn't ready to let go just yet.

"I um…" again Hermione could feel those judgemental eyes on her face. Embarrassment started to fill her cheeks but before she could say anything in defence, an arm was thrust into her field of vision.

"I will take you back." It wasn't meant to be a reassuring statement; it was purely a fact that became action and yet as the younger witch wound her hands around the toned limb, a sense of relief instilled within her. Diane may have despised her most, if not all of Hermione's life, but she was never defiant of the family honour.

The walk was silent; not a word exchanged between the two and while Hermione's grip remained firm on her escort, she'd rather rely on any physical aspect than verbal. The mental ramblings didn't make sense and with what just transpired in the library, it was giving her a migraine. How or why that Bulgarian oaf thought it appropriate to ask a fifteen year old girl to a dance was far beyond Hermione's understanding! She was beside herself trying to come up with some logical reason, while her brain was also trying to piece together just what exactly Diane had come seeking from her in the first place. Last time the witch checked, she had nothing special to offer a Veela.

Their entrance to the carriage didn't go unnoticed; by the familial lot at least. The other peers didn't bat an eyelash at another arrival or two, but it may as well have come with trumpets blaring for the still touching duo. Hermione only glanced but from what she saw, three sets of eyes had darkened and feral grimaces were on display. What was nearly as shocking as one particular blonde restraining her clearly growing rage at the scene, was two particular males also glaring harshly in their direction. There was little suspicion as to how they ended up here; Hermione wasn't surprised knowing Gage likely raced back to inform Fleur of just what Diane had schemed without her knowing. It appeared there were a few loopholes within the clan hierarchy… the girl didn't have long to ponder it as the other Veela started to descend upon them.

"No." Knowing her earlier words enforced on a single Veela, Hermione wasn't taking chances this time and promptly stepped forward, detaching herself in the process. Luckily she did too as while the others halted in their tracks, the blonde leader stormed right up to get into Diane's face; or as close as Hermione's physical resistance would allow.

"What do you think you're doing?!"

"I was escorting 'Ermione back to the carriage as is my duty…" Diane's reply was cut short by Fleur's hand forcibly covering her mouth, the claw like nails pressing into her cheekbones. Blue eyes had long been replaced with an endless abyss and as a horrifying tension built up between them, Hermione couldn't bear to see anyone get hurt.

"Fleur…" a gentle squeeze on her extended arm, the softest pleas for her attention was what the room now depended on. "Let her go."

"Traitor," Fleur's voice may have been the only calm about her but even its deep rasp was unsettling to the witnesses present. Hermione especially. "She's disobeying me…"

"She protected me when no one else could. What does that make her now?" The brown eyed girl knew she was pushing the line. It was something growing up in the company of fellow mischievous characters, when the worst one could do was ruin a carpet or discolour a favourite robe. Family ultimately forgives. In that instant however, Hermione didn't know what could unfold, but knew she was walking into uncharted territory and purely on a whim. With her hand already creating the physical contact, the young witch stepped in towards Fleur and with the softest of pressure, pushed the Veela back a step.

The watching group were enthralled. Their eyes, still housing the boiling anger for Diane, widened as their strongest willingly submitted to a far lesser being. As the distance between the Veela grew, the tension faded and Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. Guess her little gamble paid off; this time. As she watched her favourite blue eyes return, Hermione lowered the limb and managed a more believable smile. She knew their heightened reactions were from Fleur's influence over them all but what the brunette didn't expect was such harshness placed onto one Veela. Simply by the fact Hermione was at the centre of it.

Veela mates were truly something…

"Diane," her voice still soft caught everyone's attention; the blonde's eyes narrowing at such a name escaping her lips but Hermione had turned so she couldn't see. "Would you send off my letter?" it was the only thing coming to mind as a logical excuse for the older girl to vanish. Diane must've caught onto this as she nodded with her usual expressionless demeanour.

"Of course." Extracting the envelope from the brunette's bag, which she was still carrying, the Veela cousin calmly left the carriage once more.

Before the latch could fix itself in place, Hermione was rudely jolted by the arm and marched back to their room. The others scattered, clearly knowing they weren't wanted at this particular moment. When she was released, the brown eyed girl found herself locked inside their private quarters with a clearly displeased Fleur blocking the only exit.

"What did she do?!"

"She didn't do anything!" Hermione subconsciously took a step back when the raging Veela advanced. Her movements were swift and controlled, from taking the girl's arm once more to physically checking over her body for injuries or other evidence. "Enough. Nothing happened to m…"

"You just admitted she protected you! From what? Who?!" Hermione groaned as her back was shoved into the nearest wall and the taller girl covered her easily. The burning rage was causing Fleur's hands to shake, pheromones to run wild and fingernails becoming talon like weapons; with one limb being so close, Hermione's eyes widened in fear. "By all the magic in this world, I'll rip them apart! Who dares to touch you 'Ermione?!"

Veela's rarely lost their composure. Their control, their poise and carefully articulated mannerisms were what made them the deadliest Beings known to the wizarding world. Their grace and beauty only a sliver of their power; for the few unlucky witnesses to ever see a transformed Veela were known to succumb to traumatic nightmares and scarred by memory. If they were lucky enough to survive the encounter, of course.

As Fleur's mind raged on every situation to which her love was possibly exposed to; the vile creatures of this school undeserving of her very presence and just witnessing her precious one in the company of her cousin…darkened orbs weren't seeing until it was too late. Tears were flooding from the brunette's eyes, face pale and scrunched in terror. The arm still captured with the claw like vice was limp and useless while her knees had all but given out at the vision that was before her. Hermione's will crumbled as her voice gave a broken sob like hiccup, hoping that it would all end quickly. It may have been the whimpering sound or the smell of salt that finally got through the clouded mind but either way, not two seconds later Fleur released her.

"'Mione, I'm so sorry." Horrified for making the girl so traumatised, the blonde immediately wrapped the poor human in her arms and tried to soothe the aftermath she caused.

For over an hour, the two sat on the floor of their room, limbs entwined as Hermione cried her eyes out at the overabundance of emotions built up over the afternoon. Through hiccups and sobbing words, she tried to explain what had conspired in the castle wing; how Krum caused a scene and Diane wasn't the bad guy, she just wanted to help. Or at least, that's all Fleur managed to make sense of while constantly consoling her love with whispers and soothing pets. From running her hands through the mass of wavy strands, to gently rubbing the girl's back, the blonde even tried easing the air with the softest of pheromones she could; though unlike her mother, it had little effect. After what she just put the girl through, Fleur wouldn't be surprised if Hermione never talked to her again.

It wasn't until the young witch exhausted herself into slumber that Fleur allowed herself to weep in silent remorse.

The upcoming Yule ball was the one thing to be talked about. The corridors of Hogwarts were echoing with girlish squeals of excitement and deep groaning. This alone wouldn't have been all that bothering to one studious student, however after the previous 'incident', Hermione didn't want to think about it.

Her interaction with the Quidditch player was practically behind her now; she didn't care for it nor him. She hadn't again thought about Diane's desire to talk either as her days were focused on classwork and Fleur; the latter being the focus of her mind more than anything else. Hermione could certainly hold a grudge and had proven to in the past. While it wasn't a factor anyone wanted, the young witch included, this particular Veela member deserved to be rightfully ignored after what she did. Only…Hermione was finding it painstakingly difficult.

As her charcoal covered fingers continued their tracing efforts over another piece of parchment, Hermione was so internally distracted she didn't realise her couch was invaded by not one but two gentlemen.

"May we join you?" Gage had spoken softly behind his still standing position but Chayce just got comfortable at the girl's side. Her mildly amused smirk was the obvious answer.

"How are you feeling today?"

"Much better" she replied while settling another finished piece aside. The artist herself wouldn't call them anything more than scribbles but at the worst of times, Hermione was known to create some very interesting pictures. Gage's eyes glanced over the growing pile of vastly varying images; a few shadowed figures of her riding partner Amaryllis, a portrait of her younger sister smiling innocently and a few other smaller sketches of bodily features; eyes being the most popular.

"So you want to share with us your current thoughts?" Chayce's voice was light, his natural charm keeping their little conversation sweet and mostly empty. Hermione all but ignored him, her focus on the lines needed to finish her latest piece and the wizards locked gaze over her head. Seemed the politeness had to be side barred.

"Not really." The quick reply certainly gave away more than expected and given her stubbornness, the male decided to change tactics. While it was clear Gage wanted to get to the bottom of this; seeing as he felt somewhat responsible, the laid back male had other plans.

"You've heard of the honeymoon phase yes?" The glaring eyes felt almost physical against his temple but Chayce leaned back as if he never realised. "There are many uses for the term in varying culture; marriage being the original and may I say the more enjoyable use to said terminology."

"Yes I am aware, thank you Chayce. Whatever dreams you may have, we don't need to hear them now."

"Ha ha! Oh you warm my heart every time dear one. But no," for almost a second, his tone of voice seemed to waver and with it came that keenly aware twitch. Hermione was paying more attention than she was letting on. "I was meaning the more relevant situation. You know, with you and Fleur."

Hermione wasn't liking where this was going and certainly wasn't appreciating getting cornered by two boys as it did. There were times she leaned on them for protection or an open ear, but to get some 'dating advice' from a self-proclaimed lady charmer? In what world did this occur?

"I think I'll take my work to my room…" she said before grabbing her pile of papers.

"'Ermione, wait; please?" Gage placed a very light hand upon her arm and it worked to stall her. That moment was all it took.

"We're talking about Fleur's behaviour. Her actions, her words; the complete picture."

"And what exactly would you know about this Chayce?" Her patience was wearing thin and it was clearly seen in her eyes but there was also a sense of wanting.

"Look, I'll be blunt. It's a phase; the attention, the neediness and soon it will be all about physical contact. Every Veela go through this when they're received by their mate and Fleur has this real hard." Chayce had moved in a little closer, so as to not speak too loudly nor make the girl anymore uncomfortable. Gage was conveniently keeping an eye on their surroundings. "Overreacting is a side effect and it's only going to get worse before it gets better. She still needs to find a way to balance it all."

"So I just have to put up with it?" Hermione replied in an exasperated tone, looking both defeated and annoyed causing the wizard to chuckle lightly.

"By no means. You have every right to challenge her, just remember that at their core, Veela are one particular kind of creature…and she'll succumb to it eventually." The look in his eye, the sneer on his lips caused the poor fifteen year old to blush relentlessly.

It was within a week of the big night and still Hermione was doing everything in her efforts to avoid all subject of said event. Even in the company of her 'Hogwarts acquaintances'. Harry was the only real friend; his fellow schoolmates weren't deserving of that entitlement just yet and for the past week, the brunette had taken every available chance to accompany the group like she were just any other Hogwarts student. With escort in tow, the young witch tried to enjoy another part of the schooling year; if only it were that easy.

Hermione in some extent, began avoiding her fellow Beauxbaton's students and that lead to a little narrative circling the carriage. When the girl eventually heard it, it only enforced her actions further. Apparently, because there was no evidence to the contrary; it was established that Fleur would take Hermione as her date to the ball. Given that the young witch was her mate, no question was needed to confirm their attendance together. That wasn't how Hermione saw it though.

No one questioned it. No one actually asked her; except for Harry who was still put out by his own incompetence in asking any female to become his date for the evening's event. The brunette pitied the boy somewhat and almost in a moment of revenge, offered herself. Fortunately, her logical side won over and they didn't need to face the bloody aftermath. That didn't halt their many afternoon conversations, meetings and study sessions though; she even offered some sound advice. It came to a point that Hermione was purposely putting more attention into the dark haired teen than her own family; much to their sadness. It did however allow for a moment of surprise, delight and enchantment to encompass her though.

Hermione sat upon the long dining table one morning, stunned, wide-eyed and agape to find a single long stemmed rose neatly placed upon her empty plate. Believing at first it was some prank, only that upon touching it, the crimson petals shrouded themselves in a new more vibrant shade of blue. Smiling in knowing, Hermione raised the flower to her nose, only to flinch back when the thing opened up to reveal a pair of beautiful diamond earrings.

"Merd…"

"That is certainly not the answer I was hoping for." The standing form of one seventh year student spoke with amusement. Fleur had seemingly come from nowhere while Hermione was still in her trance like state, too fixated on the flower and the gift.

"I was merely surprised and…" carefully, the brown eyed girl collected the jewellery before looking at the blonde. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

"Not in comparison to you." Fleur went a step further than many eyes had ever witnessed before in the Great Hall and bent a knee, lowering her gaze to the same level as her mate. "I am ashamed for not doing it sooner my love but, would you attend the Yule Ball with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask…" Hermione pressed her nose to the flora for a subtle sniff but it didn't ease the twisting feelings inside her stomach. A mix of anxiousness and trepidation circled relentlessly and while she already knew her answer, there was a nagging feeling inside her heart. Something about Fleur still wasn't right…

"I shouldn't have assumed. I just couldn't stop myself picturing such beauty on the night. Looking so lovely and on my arm…"

"Fleur," Hermione giggled while resting a calming hand on the Veela's cheek. "Yes, I'll attend the ball with you."

"Merci." Fleur's smile was just as mesmerizing but when she started to lean in for the usual show of affection, Hermione halted her by using the long stemmed gift. Confused, blue eyes looked on pitifully in question.

"I'm still upset, so you have to make up before that." Hermione's face was soft, warm but there was an edgy undertone to her voice that caused a minor twitch. Fleur had to make the night perfect. A challenge the Veela proudly accepted.

"I couldn't have imagined the day would come where it would be us; not your ladies whom help you ready yourself for a party." Chayce was a little full of himself watching the scene of said blonde adjust her clothing. Too focused on the mirror, Fleur didn't refute his words but instead ignored him for the most part. She knew where her strengths lie and knowing she would instead fair better asking for their assistance, the teenager didn't hesitate. Gentlemanly as he was, Gage offered any and all his knowledge on the matter; Chayce was having too much fun just being witness.

"They are attending to 'Ermione. I cannot prepare myself in the same room while they do so…I wouldn't be able to restrain these urges…"

"You barely can any other day as it is." Darkened eyes flashed in reflection, causing the male to be properly reprimanded and turned away as an effect. His roommate nodded for said action; there was a time and place for all jokes.

"I believe we're finished. Comfortable?"

"Yes, thank you Gage. You've been most helpful this evening. I'll be sure to return the favour soon." While Fleur showed her appreciation, the usually stoic male only waved her off with a small smile.

"This evening will be more than enough, I assure you. You are making this a most memorable night."

On the other side of the carriage, where the rooms were bustling with action and endless giggles; a poor young brunette witch was being tortured relentlessly. At least in her eyes, sitting upon a stool as the older girls moved about in some chaos infused frenzy. Hair, faces, nails, jewellery, accessories and of course, the dresses. All of it was to be precise, perfect and of course flashy. The fifteen year old know-it-all had her share of the flurry; Hermione may not be at the Veela level but even she had her sophisticated side she liked to show off on occasion and what better time than now.

The dress she picked out herself. With help from her mother and a roaring positive from the younger sibling; a periwinkle multi-layered gown was selected and sent to the carriage via owl. It was light, flowy and above all, made the brunette feel proud. It was hard to do when surrounded by the world's natural beauties but Hermione wasn't one to settle for second best. She did snag the clan heir after all…

"Look this way just a little more 'Ermione." Steph had been so patient all evening. Actions soft but articulate as no one wanted a redo when it came to make-up and having the brunette sitting there for close to an hour already was pushing it.

"I thought you'd use the silver." Emelie's voice came from over her left shoulder but Hermione didn't dare move for a glance. Steph remained silent as she carefully traced around the younger's brown orbs. "But I do like this much more. Oh 'Ermione you look spectacular."

"Just wait until Fleur sees you. In your gown and all." The two Veela started gushing over her final image; adjusting a small crease here, or uneven flow there. Her usually wild waves were tangled together atop her head with a selected strand or two descending upon her shoulders. The dress was a soft shade of blue; both girls' favourite colour and it clung to the still growing teenager in all the right places. Said places no doubt to be handled by the accompanying partner soon enough…

A double knock caught the room's attention and almost immediately the girls were hastily shoving the young witch out. Hermione didn't get much of a say before she had to take a deep, calming breath and be the first to present herself for the evening. It wasn't surprising that every male attending the Tournament year was dressed up in their finest suits or robes. Shining metal clasps on their wrists and securely fastened ties at their collar. The brunette knew nearly all of them were attending said ball with a fellow Beauxbatons girl, but after seeing the wink sent her way by the dashing Chayce himself, Hermione's dark orbs fell upon the most glamourous figure standing before her.

Adorning a deep ocean blue coat with two descending lines of buttons; the fit was revealing just how perfect her shapely form was. The trim, lapels and cuffs were all accented with an elaborate floral design, silver to match and all over an evening vest and white shirt while securely fastened at her throat was the family crest. Her eyes trailed down over her fitting dress pants and boots…a most handsome picture of a prince like character indeed, if Hermione wasn't so logically inclined to subtly compare her current outfit with that of their riding gear. Both visually pleasing and mouth-watering.

"My love," the blonde stepped forward to gently brush a strand of hair out of the witch's eyes, tracing down her cheek to her jawline. "You look beautiful."

"As do you." The brunette smiled and unknowingly blushed at just how Fleur was admiring her body after placing a kiss on her knuckles. With the dress, the hair; makeup no doubt as it was rare enough to see the know-it-all in such finery let alone all the jewellery. Subconsciously, Hermione's fingers started to play with the necklace she wore only for her brain to clink on the fact they both were wearing silver… "You planned this didn't you?" With a brow raised at the question, the seventh year champion only smirked before placing her arm around the witch. Hermione allowed her date to gently and graciously cover her shoulders with the prepared cloak all the while ignoring the soft sways of giggles behind them.

The walk from the carriage to the great hall was steady, collected, calm and organised. This did nothing for Hermione's nerves however. Internally she was a mess, externally she was a goddess; by Fleur's standards at least. Upon their entrance, as the foreign students walked into the decorated room, all eyes followed; the girl's gave Hermione a small wave goodbye but otherwise enjoyed the attention. Beauty, grace, poise; what wouldn't catch the attention of dozens of hormonal teenagers? The girl covered her giggle at how flamboyant Chayce acted but even that did little to her conflicted emotions. As the duo waited patiently for their appointed entrance with the other champions, Fleur's arm remained and Hermione took refuge in the closeness of her girlfriend.

It didn't take long for the sounds of awed whispers to come from the trailing couples hurrying past. No doubt at the sight of Fleur's current attire and the fact the Veela was such a focus to begin with, their stares were making the poor brunette's emotional turmoil tighten. While uneased, Hermione also didn't appreciate just how they were ogling her partner. Her mate. A kiss on the cheek thankfully brought the witch back before any cursing could be spelled and Fleur found the jealousy all the more endearing.

The arrival of their fellow champions ended their little moment, followed by brown orbs meeting green. Harry; the best and perhaps only Hogwarts student she actually cared about was staring at her. At them! Hermione mentally berated herself for the idiotic half assed explanation she gave the bespectacled boy in a way to drop the line of conversation. How was she to say the girl she was dating was part Being, therefore her 'mate' and girlfriend but also the eldest daughter in the family that adopted her making Fleur also her sister…a headache started forming.

"Champions, are you ready? Oh my…" Professor McGonagall appeared from nowhere and clapped her hands to gain their attention only to be captured herself at the scene before her. The young witch, so stunning and beautiful was shocked to see the awe adorning her face; it was like the woman was caught between crying with joy and trying to hide behind a smile. "Miss Delacour, Miss Granger." She waved the ladies forward as they would be the first to enter, followed by Cedric and his partner, then the remaining two couples. Eyes forward, chin up and trying to calm her breathing, Hermione knew she was turning into a nervous wreck; if not for the gentle press of lips against her cheek and the twinkling blue eyes focused solely on her face.

"Shall we?"

The history books, both enticing and very informative didn't do justice to all that was 'the Yule Ball' in Hermione's opinion. Both girls, with all their years of experiencing parties and other festive events, had never enjoyed themselves so much in the simplest ways. In the most unexpected of places. The atmosphere was light-hearted, childish and freeing; all those other events were held by adults, for adults.

This ball had no real purpose; everything was enchantingly decorated for students to just be themselves and enjoy. The winter themed apparel, with sparkling ice figures and huge Christmas trees cascaded over them as snow fell from the ceiling. All of it, enticing the inner child free from the restraints of maturity and reality of the harrowing tournament. The open floor was stunning and upon their first dance, twirling each other around and around, both Fleur and Hermione were in their own blissful little world. Little movements and extra sway in their steps caused the brunette to giggle gleefully while the blonde preened at the reaction. The not so subtle extended touches to her body made Fleur smirk knowingly before sneaking a kiss or two. For once Hermione got to enjoy her schooling age and not worry about anything.

The ever-flowing songs would be the end of Hermione. First with her partner, then with some of the other Veela girls who just couldn't sit still after seeing her move so beautifully; they each stole her in turn under Fleur's amused gaze. Chayce was the first brave soul to ask (very politely) for one chance upon the floor which was permitted only because Hermione thought him so 'charming'. Following him, Hermione even had the courage to accept a short dance with Harry; while he wasn't so talented in his steps, the two laughed through the song and ended it on a high note. For attending a foreign school in a not so foreign land, the brown eyed witch was for the first time thankful that this tournament not only brought her to England but to new faces as well. There was much to be said on friendships made in a moment but lasting for a lifetime.

Somewhere, in the time of raging band music and loud teenagers dancing away to a rather popular wizarding group, Hermione found her way out of the hall and into the fresh if slightly chilled archway entrance. Taking any chance to move outside and let her poor feet rest, the witch couldn't stop smiling despite the ache. This time however, she wasn't so oblivious to the shadow following her.

"Would you care to join me?"

"I will accept your invitation most kindly." Diane wasn't unlike the rest of her Veela clan that evening. A stunning shimmering dress draped over her body and the finery of her hair and make up only made the poor fifteen year old remember her simplicity. Hermione watched as the cousin she had long despised made herself comfortable against a stone wall, obviously aware at just how tense the blonde remained, the witch kept her gaze on what little scenery she could spot through the darkness.

"What do I owe the pleasure?."

"Another question is more accurate in speaking." Diane's reply was immediate and Hermione didn't stop the eye roll. What was with this Veela and her questions?

"I should've perceived as such. Very well. How may I help you this time Diane?" she tried to hold back her annoyance; Hermione knew there wasn't anything…heck, she didn't know if this was personal or not!

"How do you know when it happens? What signs that I must be aware of?" the urgency in the seventh year's voice really chock the witch off kilter and she looked at the Being with such an expression.

"I'm sorry Diane but I'm not sure I understand..." That's when eyes landed upon the older girl clutching something upon her chest. Taking the chance and risky movement, Hermione returned to her feet and calmly closed the distance between them. Diane watched in eerie silence but did nothing as the brunette pried her delicate fingers from the item. There, resting upon the bust of her dress was a familiar looking crimson coloured necklace.

"I find myself unaware of how…" Hermione looked between the remarkable jewel and its owner.

"You've fallen in love," perhaps she was smiling in some egotistical pride, perhaps she was just happy for the Veela girl. "The blood inside you has selected your other half in life. And yet, you are asking me on what you need to do? My, this is unexpected cousin; forgive my amusement but I hope you see the irony here. I am but a human."

"You're a Veela's mate. You know what the process is for the pair to accept the bond." Her tone marked that she wasn't so happy with the situation.

"Yes I do!" her eyes hardened slightly while staring back at the stubborn creature. "You've got to accept them for exactly what they are and not just who they are. They are made for you and you for them."

"Even if it will be the end of everything?" The softness in her desperate tone again threw Hermione for a loop. What was with this girl and her confusing questions? The witch thought back to just what the Veela held onto so strongly that finding her mate would lead to its disaster? Logically that is. A gasp sounded as her brain waves zeroed in on a single notion.

Merry Christmas to everyone of the world! And to those whom celebrate their own traditional holidays!

SO, what's your opinion on just "Who" Diane's mate is? Perhaps, if your argument is good enough I'll be persuaded to change my choice with yours...but you have to be really convincing! ;)

If you're keen to have any questions answered; PM me! I've been having plenty of chats with readers over this and other stories! It's been a blast to keep em coming! Leave a review, follow and fav!

Midmoon Kitsune out!