This Is Not Kidnap

A two month overdue update of my situation then, three months since I claimed Hannah Abbott. Forgive me but a lot has happened these past months. However in the long run it's a vital advantage, as tempers cool and time passes. The trail has become cold to anybody who may slightly expect my involvement if there was any. Well, almost anybody, which I'll get to in a moment.

The divorce of Hannah and Neville was a quick and quiet affair; no kids and very little possessions of any worth, saw to that. Who wanted a surname like Longbottom anyway, it wasn't fitting for how I perceived her.

She still resides with me at Rue Monterguille, and has rode out the worst of her emotional pain. She does still sob silently in the en suite, usually after a morning-sickness ****, but she now no longer bawls as incessantly as she did at the beginning. She's eating more, as the sickness begins to fade and the motherly instincts kick in. She still mainly gives me the silent treatment except when she needs something. But generally she's coming to terms with everything.

She vehemently refuses to label this relationship as intimate, she insists that even the word 'relationship' doesn't apply in any context. But we do cohabit quite peacefully, and I'm pleased to report that sexual relations are common. As gloating as you may think of me, the truth is that Hannah simply cannot fight her arousal every time I mention my phallus friend. She loves it as much as she hates admitting it.

Recently, there's been a lot of tension brewing between me and my sister. Starting when Gabrielle began following me. Since I got back from my 'Hogwarts trip', she's trusted me even less. Gabrielle is probably the most up-to-date person in our family on what's happening to our British friends across the channel, despite being the youngest of the Delacours and her lacklustre attempts at English.

She found out characteristically quickly about Neville and Hannah's separation. She immediately confronted me when she found out. It went like this:

Gabrielle wrestled my book out of my hand, and cut over my protest with a threatening finger. It wasn't meant to attack but the desire to definitely was there."Je sais ce que tu fais."

"Excusez-moi, I'm reading. That's what I'm doing" I replied feigning innocence.

She picked the book up and thumped me with the hard cover. "Ne prétendez pas que vous ne savez pas" she exclaimed. "Vous allez à un mariage, la mariée le ruine. Vous allez à Hogwarts, un couple marié dans une ville voisine séparée."

If you didn't get that she basically finds it very convenient that whenever there's a huge break-up, I'm somewhat in or near the vicinity.

The jokes on her though, her confrontation has only gone and made her look foolish. "Gabrielle, if you insist on spying on my daily activities, can you at least do a better job of getting your facts right. Hermione had a one-night stand with a man, and Hannah left Neville because they were only really half a couple."

Gabrielle didn't have a comeback for that, but in her stumbling stop-start approach she soon found another angle to fire at me. "Je vais découvrir ce que vous et grandmère avez prévu, et puis je dis à maman et papa."

"That is where you're so stupid Gabby, even if me and Grandmere were up to something, do you really think our parents have the power to challenge our Grandmere. Our clan leader." I was belittling my sister now, but she started it.

Just then another voice interrupted our heated discussion, a shy and anxious one clearly in search of my sister. "Gabby? Gabby, wher-Oh?"

It was a girl, British accent, curly brown hair in a loose ponytail. She had a little acne on her cheeks but other than that she was a real looker. And her body had filled out well for a sixteen year old...I know because I just realised who this girl is.

And it also explains how Gabby found out about Neville and Hannah so quickly. She was a Hogwarts student AND Gabby's mate. Her Veela mate, her chosen one, her soulmate.

"Bonjour" I greet her, perhaps too happily "you must be..."

"Oh-er, me. I...I'm...I'm Chloe. White. Chloe White." She hadn't been prepared to meet me, odd considering she was in the Delacour family manor. Unless...

"Enchantee. My name is Fleur, Gabby's sister. I'd hazard a guess that you Gabby did not get permission from Maman and Papa for Chloe to stay over." I stepped towards Chloe who didn't have the courage to back off. Gabby was glaring at me still, now suspicious of what I'm going to say about this.

"Am I right Chloe?" I say, softly gripping her ponytail in my hands and caressing it.

"Err...yeah. Are...you going to-"

"Tell? Of course not, I know how it is." I look at Gabby, asking with my eyes if Chloe knew. Gabby nodded stiffly. "You get to that stage of your relationship where you can't bear to be apart, and you make the most of your teenage rebellion by sneaking around whilst doing intimate things. I perfectly understand."

Gabby clearly wanted to verbally insult me, but Chloe was already replying with haste. "Oh no, it's nothing like that. Gabby apparated me in for a chat, and then she was going to show me around."

I smiled at Chloe encouragingly "how good is your french?"

"Atrocious. But Gabby is teaching me."

"She's teaching you French, in French. How's that going?" I was watching Gabrielle closely, and I saw her sigh in defeat. She knew exactly where I was going with this.

"No, in English. Her English is better than my French though...and she's getting better all the time." She shoots Gabby a proud smile, and she blushes. How incredibly adorable they are.

"Well" I speak up after a brief moment of silence "I will try and keep you as much of a secret as Gabby is. I'll do what I can to keep Maman and Papa away, but I give no guarantees."

Chloe smiled and I saw a lovely set of white teeth behind her pretty lips "thank you."

"Non, don't thank me, but you do owe me one." I clearly presented it as good-natured, but it was a whole lot more than that. "Je suis desolé, can I talk to my sister in private for a couple more moments. Just go to her room and she'll be along soon."

Chloe nodded and with a last look at Chloe was gone again. I turn to Gabrielle and the twinkle of mischief in my eye spoke volumes "nice girl you have there."

"Oui." Gabby replied, not liking my tone.

"You really don't deserve my help with covering for you both, I'm only doing it because of her. And you're not even going to thank me for it are you?"

"Non, ce n'était pas de la gentillesse, c'était des trucs" she accused.

"Can you blame me? If you insist on accusing me of things I'm going to resort to **** to counter it. You know the rules regarding guests in the house, and need I remind you that it's forbidden to be sexually active in this house when you're still at school. Not to mention you're underage."

Gabrielle sourly replied "nous n'avons pas eu de relations sexuelles."

"A girl is in your room right now, has been for a while from what I just learned. Our parents do not know and did not give permission for her to be here. There's enough evidence right there to contradict you."

Gabby can only glare, that's how I know I've beaten her. Tiring of this conversation I depart, but not before I said "if you're going to cross me, be careful petite soeur. Be very careful."

BACK IN THE PRESENT

My threats of **** back-fired. Gabby took the stern lecturing from Maman and Papa, meaning I had nothing to hold over her.

That was only the start.

If I was sent to the local market for groceries, Gabby would be the first person to check my purchases the moment I walked through the door. What did she expect to see in there?

I can't use the Floo to get to Rue Monterguille in case she hears me say where I'm going. I've said about my new apartment, but not what it is called. I have to apparate.

And then she actually keeps records of how long I've been at my new apartment for, asking on what things I do there that I don't do at the manor.

This is always when we're alone, the first few times was in the presence of Maman and Papa, who scolded her for it. So my objective is to constantly try and not be alone in the manor. But it doesn't stop Gabby keeping track of me.

I was at my wits end with her. Yet surprisingly she wasn't my main concern. She was back at school now, giving me some respite, but knowing my sister I know this war isn't over.

Like I said it had been three months, and Hannah was getting by. She is showing a bump and adored that bump, she's had the best care a mother-to-be can want and I've spent a hundred percent of my visits to my 'apartment' with her. Not that it's made too much difference to our interactions.

But Hermione was my biggest worry now. I was scared for her, and my unborn child too. I knew she'd survive, the baby wouldn't kill her and itself. But my absence was as good as ****. Both their well-beings mattered to me.

Her roasting letters continued a couple more times before they stopped altogether. They revealed nothing conclusive, but her insults were becoming weaker and her handwriting messier. Then as a week became two, I heard nobody had heard or seen Hermione once, the people who were still actively following her life that is.

Then it became a month and her parents were appearing to be badly unkept and sleep deprived. Her mum had to take a long time off work to stay at home and care for her.

After two months the Grangers had gone to the Weasley family to help take care of her, they were afraid for her life. Care was swiftly refused, the whole family despised the girl.

Now, three months on, I could no longer rely on waiting for her. Hermione probably could hold out for months more, the entire pregnancy was a push but this was Hermione Granger. She might actually get through this on her own.

And if she did, however unlikely, Hermione was free to do as she pleased. I would be **** to go through a custody battle, no marriage advantage, and thereby reveal all my shenanigans to the world. That was a risk I could not take, especially at this recent slower-paced approach.

I have to bite the bullet and take matters into my own hands. I have to meet the Granger's and convince them that I am her only hope of getting through this peacefully, using a twisted version of the truth to aide me.

Hannah refused to help me plan my approach, not-so-secretly hoping the plan failed and that Hermione could actually power through. But it didn't dissuade me, and it took me only two days to fully organise everything.

I don't know why I explained it all to Hannah, I think my aim was to decipher her reaction. If she showed any sign of smugness or amusement, that meant the plan was bad. If she got irritated or reacted negatively then it was a good plan. It wasn't your everyday logical idea, but feedback is important.

Hannah either had expert level training in looking neutral, or didn't care to hear of my plan.

"It might not do an ounce of difference" she told me evenly. "If Hermione refuses to go with you, then consider yourself screwed."

"She's not going to last long at this rate. She might not even survive the whole nine months, I need to bring her here to save her" I insisted.

"I know, she's the one that got away. I suppose she'll be in the room next door. Everyday you'll treat us like dolls, play happy families and we can all make love together. The Granger's aren't about to hand over their tormented daughter to a psycho are they?" Hannah was getting better at her comebacks, but she always seemed to miss the point.

"You are aware that the Granger's know me? Judging by how they're panicking and begging for help, it's safe to assume Hermione hasn't informed them of the baby's true parentage. They have no reason to think dubiously of a friend of Hermione offering a solution to their agony."

Hannah picked at a bit of thread stringing out of her sock. "Hermione's protests won't be a dead giveaway?"

I smirked. "That's why I'm meeting her parents away from the house. I've planned it to take away Hermione's control."

"In other words, you're **** her."

I flinched, that thought never crossed my mind."I am not."

"Yes you are. If you've taken away her control and her choices, then that's against her will. And that is kidnap."

I hesitated, surely she was misunderstood, I know the difference between a **** and a rescue thank you very much. "You are wrong, this is no different to the situation that brought you here."

"It's entirely different" Hannah looked directly at me, the first time that's happened in a while. "I have stated many times that this was my opportunity to leave my unstable marriage. I chose to come here with you, doesn't mean I like it. Hermione has chosen NOT to come to you, which is a choice you're planning to take away from her."

She was enjoying this now, and I'm positive this is not pretense. Putting it that way and it was hard to provide a counter-argument. But she was twisting things, surely.

It's true that Hermione didn't want to go anywhere with me, and I had a job trying to make her comply. But I wasn't going to attack her or control her mind, I would just be reducing Hermione's options to such a degree that she has no other option but to come with me. If it was for her own good, and the good of the baby, then how could it ever be kidnap.

"You're lying, you're trying to make me doubt myself."

Hannah sniffed. "Whatever. At least I'm not delusional."

Hannah goes back to picking at her sock, and I knew I wouldn't get another word out of her. I had no desire to speak to her anyway after that.

****. Ha, what a ludicrous accusation.

I turned to look out over the balcony, going over my plan one final time. I watched a brightly coloured bird ruffle its feathers as it lands on the ledge. I watched it without fully comprehending what I was seeing at first, but the longer I looked at it the more I noticed something.

The way the bird was fluttering looked peculiar, its feathers sharper than your average swallow. And what kind of swallow was black and beige?

Then I noticed the familiar colour scheme for what it was, and I recalled a certain talent my sister has with paper figurines and animation. I realised what it was here for almost simultaneously after figuring it out.

My sister was using it to spy on me.

It was looking into the room and Hannah was sitting directly on the bed in front of the balcony doors. It was already too late for Hannah to hide.

Without alerting Hannah to what was going on I stepped directly in front of the birds eyeline, staring it down knowingly. It immediately flapped its wings and took off.

It would return to Gabrielle now, and once she'd unravelled the bird back into normal parchment, it would playback what it saw with the ink. Quite ingenious magic actually, but was I worried? No chance.

I mean what had she actually seen, two girls talking in a hotel room, hardly scandalous. For all Gabrielle knew this was Hannah's hotel room and I was her guest. She had after all left her husband, surely she'd want to get away somewhere that they'll never cross paths. And as I live in France it's only logical that I'll be invited over.

It was a concern though, because Gabrielle must be quite heavily invested in my affairs to put actual time and effort into it. And eventually that paper bird would come back at a much less convenient moment. I needed a counter move, one that would wipeout Gabrielle's interference for good.

But that could wait for now.

I turned to Hannah with finality. She boredly regarded me, hoping I left just to get me out of her sight. I confidently said "right then, wish me luck".

"All bad I hope. I'll be right here, like always."

I left the hotel and got to the nearest floo connection. A few reasons to meet the Grangers away from their home is for geographical problems. Like not being there before, not knowing what it looks like and it was a muggle neighbourhood.

I contacted them two days prior and we agreed to meet in London, in a muggle setting to make them feel more comfortable. Isolated for a long time to avoid prying eyes and ears. And preferably with an atmosphere that wasn't depressing, nor fills you with negative thoughts.

Ingeniously, I selected the London Eye. And after the Grangers stopped laughing they revealed that was a good of a place as any. I'd never actually been on it, and don't particulary trust muggle structures. But there was no better place than a hundred feet off the ground in a huge soundproof pod.

And it had been standing for nearly five years so it had to be somewhat sturdier than it looked.

And so fifteen minutes after arriving out from the fireplace of the Leaky Cauldron, I was standing under the biggest wheel I've ever seen waiting for the Grangers. I was disguised of course if anybody saw me, and held a sign that spelt: GRANGERS.

I heard that's how muggles greet people they haven't met before at airports and other places. I have met them and know what they look like, but they wouldn't recognise me just like everyone else who walked by. The sign was my way of getting their attention through the massive crowds.

After two mix ups with other people called Granger, I realised that perhaps I needed to have planned this part out more. Then the correct Grangers showed up.

"Fleur?" Hermione's mother asked unsure.

"Oui. I do apologise for the unfamiliar appearance but secrecy is of the most importance. Thank you for coming Mr and Mrs Granger".

"Please Fleur, call me Charlie" Hermione's father said taking my hand kissing both my cheeks. He remembers French custom better than I do.

"And me, I don't want any friend of my girl's to be calling me Mrs Granger. Jean is fine." Jean copied her husbands actions effortlessly, they were very lovely people. Damn, there's that guilt again.

"Of course. Shall we get on then, I'm afraid I don't have the correct currency." I indicated towards the giant white structure behind me.

Charlie gave me a winning smile and reached for his wallet "then allow me."

Jean swatted his hand and muttered "prat."

Once inside a pod, Jean turned to me and asked "you mentioned secrecy before, why would this need to be secret?"

I was quick to reassure her "I don't mean illegal or anything like that, I just mean it's better for Hermione's sake. The wizarding press is as bad as your muggle press, and Hermione is much more famous in the wizarding world."

"So the wizard press know what we look like?" Charlie questioned.

"I doubt that, but they do know what I look like, and are aware of my connection with Hermione. Hence why I am disguised, but now that we are in here I can remove it." With a flick of the wrist my normal face is restored.

"Much better" Charlie commented, then winced at another of Jeans slaps. "What, she is?"

Jean ignored him. "Shall we move on to why we're here, you mentioned you had something that could help our Hermione."

"Yes Mrs-sorry Jean. Not something, but someones. You see the father of Hermione's baby did not reveal a certain detail of himself to Hermione before...you know. That crucial bit of information is what is affecting Hermione so badly."

Charlie asked in concern and a slight tone of accusation "how do you know this?"

"The father and I share something in common. Whilst I haven't actually met him, I can see the signs in Hermione's pregnancy. As you have probably figured out on your own, it's not your ordinary pregnancy."

Jean glanced back and forth between me and her husband. "Oh no, this is what I've been fearing all this time. Please, please tell me there's nothing wrong with the baby or my daughter."

"I'm afraid it could be quite serious, Hermione's condition is only going to get worse" and here's the most shameful lie of them all "they both may not survive the birth."

As Jean buried her face in her husbands chest, sobbing in despair, Charlie grimly regarded me. "What is wrong with our daughter?"

I composed myself, a lot of this was getting to me as well, especially when you consider my own emotional pain when I was told I could not bear a child. This was the most atrocious thing to say, but it was too late to stop now.

"The reason I know what Hermione is experiencing is because I've got veela blood. Has Hermione explained that to you?"

Charlie spoke for himself and Jean at this point, Jean could not bear to leave the small comfort his chest provided. "Just that you are not entirely human, and are a secretive race that live in clans."

I was disappointed Hermione had only revealed those basic details of her race, especially when I've known her for so long. But admittedly I haven't had enough influence in her life (until recently), and she wasn't exactly an expert in the matter either. Very few outsiders knew much about veela.

"Partly true, I'm mostly human whilst my grandmother is full veela. Even still, I do have certain natural traits of the veela. Veela are half-bird, half-human. They take a human form in normal situations, but can transform at will. We are a fierce and protective race. But we also share traits with a race known as the Sirens, who are heavily sexual beings."

Charlie looked disgruntled at that part, probably because it began to make sense to him why I was unhumanly attractive. He's very lucky I've reigned in all of my thrall otherwise this conversation would be harmful to their marriage.

"Right" he awkwardly said, looking warily down at his burrowing wife. "What traits do you er...share then?"

"We can use a thrall to entice male humans into...you get the picture." He blinked rapidly and could only nod in understanding. "We also have a soulmate that we are tied to and when we meet we are set for life. However as I'm only quarter veela I can love and live a glorious life without finding my mate. A full veela cannot."

Jean retracted her face out from Charlie's t-shirt, wiping her cheeks. "I'm sorry, but what has this got to do with our poor Hermione."

"Well the male version of my race are incula, who can also use a thrall to seduce women. That is what the father of Hermione's baby is. And because he's incula, the baby will have a different growth than a normal human baby."

Jean understood already the differences, she had seen them with Hermione. "But surely that doesn't mean it and Hermione will die?"

"Your right, the conditions of Hermione's pregnancy is not normal for veela babies. Obviously they happen otherwise no veelas would ever be born. But what Hermione is feeling is the natural traits of a veela birth, when the veela is not present."

Charlie became irate "that son-of-a-bitch knew this. He took advantage of our daughter, impregnated her and then ditched her. That's what this means right?"

My internal voice was saying that last point was more accurate the other way round, but obviously I replied "yes, he knew full well the impact it would have on Hermione, but he didn't care."

Charlie was restraining himself from punching a hole through the pod window. So much for a positive setting. "I want to know his name. I want to beat him to ****. I want-"

"Charles!" that clearly being his formal name "control yourself. That prick is glad he's out of Hermione's life, and I'm glad of that too. Calm down and think about what Fleur is clearly offering. Can't you see, she's got the knowledge that can save our daughter. That's why she's here isn't it?"

Wow, like mother like daughter. "That's right Jean. What Hermione really needs is the father, but any veela who can step in and connect with the child whilst it is still developing, can take on its veela parents role."

Charlie was still fuming, but I know it wasn't directed at me even though it should be. "And you're saying that veela is you?"

"Not necessarily, the baby may not connect with me and likely will not because I'm female. But if I can bring her to my clan we can find someone it can connect with, or in any case we know more of her condition than you do so we can care for her better."

I expected resistance, after all these people barely know me and I'm asking them to trust me. However they only appeared to have minor concerns. Charlie asked "this Incula isn't a member of your clan is he?"

Jean shot him a stern look, clearly thinking he was back to inflicting harm on the man responsible. I replied "absolutely not, I can account for all the members of my clan when I say we wouldn't do such despicable things. Also there are no Incula in my clan, males of the species are very rare."

Jean softly asked me, her voice hopeful. "You'll do your best for her won't you, you won't leave her side even if you don't connect with the baby?"

"Jean, I will care for Hermione with every ounce of my being" the only truth that has come out of my mouth. "I only apologize that you didn't know about this sooner, I blame myself for that."

Charlie shook his head. "No, we've got nothing to forgive you for, and everything to thank you for. I really believe you can save my daughter, and we will do anything if it means a chance of survival for Hermione."

I got them hook, line and sinker. I feel terrible doing it, but relieved it worked. There was still work to do though.

Eager to move things along (as we were only a quarter of the way around the huge wheel) I stated "let's not waste a moment then. Come, take my arm, I'll apparate us to the Ministry and we can go from there and get you home. You have apparated before yes?"

They chirped together "yes" and took my outstretched arms.

When I stepped into their lounge from the garden where we portkeyed in, and they both recovered from keeling over the grass upon landing, I was met with quite a sight.

So many dried stains of what I knew had to be vomit, even the Granger's clear attempts at cleaning them was not enough to fade the unnatural colouring to the floor and furniture.

They were worse in the kitchen. They went up the stairs too, and I wasn't even going to attempt going in the bathroom.

I knew the only place to find the victim would be the bedroom, but I needed to begin my next stage of my plan.

I sat on the sofa in their lounge, consciously avoiding the foul-smelling cushions beside me stained yellow. Jean noticed my discomfort "perhaps I can offer you a cup of tea in the kitchen instead...or maybe not."

"Don't worry before I go I'll clean the place magically, you'll have your wonderful home back to its true wonder" I could use that compliment to sweeten a cup of tea with, I needed so much trust from them for this next part of my plan.

"I'll go tell Hermione you're here, perhaps I can coax her down to see you" Charlie offered. Both Jean and I rejected strongly "no". I added "we really don't want to cause her more harm by moving about. I will go up to speak to her in a moment. Before I do I need to ask you both a favour."

"What is it?" Jean asked, ready to do whatever it was the moment I said it.

"There is no normal magic that can treat Hermione, not until I get her to my clan can we use strong veela magic treatment. However there are natural things that aren't technically medication, but do help with the symptoms."

"Like what?" Charlie asked.

"There is a certain flower that all veela are naturally soothed by" which is true but not the flower I'm suggesting "even in the womb. Do you know where we can find some sunflowers?"

Charlie yipped in victory "yes, Colin from next door grows them in his greenhouse. I'll ask him if he can spare one."

"You can't just steal your neighbour's flowers Charles" Jean admonished. "And what possible reason could we give him for needing it?"

It's rather odd that this couple look and sound like Ron and Hermione, looking at her parents it's almost literal that Hermione was made for Ron Weasley. Not anymore though.

"We could say your mother is coming to visit, and we need an emergency gift to give her" he suggested argumentatively.

"They are Colin's prized flowers, he's not going to sacrifice one of them to be given as a gift and later binned."

I quite enjoyed the bickering if I'm honest, but time is of the essence. "Please guys, the more time we waste arguing the longer this will take. Perhaps there is some muggle shop you can buy them in."

Charlie acknowledged that "there's always the garden centre. Probably a better idea in fairness."

"You don't say?" Jean sarcastically responded.

"That would be great Charlie. I will stay here and do what I can for Hermione, that's if you're ok with that of course" I tell him.

Jean replied "absolutely, I know she'll be in safe hands here with you. You'll find her bedroom easily enough I think, she's left a trail."

Ewww. This is gross, why did I not prepare myself for all this.

Charlie grabbed his car keys on the hook and they both said their short term goodbyes as I climbed the stairs.

Why did I need the sunflower? As the cover-up for why Hermione's health had improved immensely when they returned with it. It of course had no effect whatsoever on the baby, but I would have an immediate effect.

The baby can probably already sense me from this relatively short distance, and it will ease Hermione's health to the point where she'll feel completely fine.

And also the Granger's errand is giving me the opportunity to talk Hermione into giving up this silly charade. She needs me even if she hates me.

I see a door slightly ajar and can hear movement and footsteps. Hermione was sounding quite active, a clear sign that her condition has already improved.

I stopped at the door and peeked through the gap.

There was Hermione. A dishevelled girl who looked like she hadn't had a wash in days. She was paler than ever, even her pinkish tint of skin was gone. But apart from that, and the stench of her room, she looked completely fine.

She was frowning at her reflection, lightly rubbing her forehead as if knowing a pain should be there that wasn't anymore. Then the hands went to her slightly rotund belly, resting there lazily.

"Is this you little one? Do you want mummy to be better now?" she softly hummed to it.

I lightly opened the door, making Hermione jump a little and face me. "I think it's got more to do with me" I tell her sincerely.

"What the hell are you doing here?!! Get out of my house!!" Hermione demanded angrily.

"What, and leave you to suffer all over again?" I replied.

"I'll call the aurors if you don't get out of my house right now! How did you even get in here!?"

I smirked in amusement. "Do you want me to answer that first before you kick me out? Your parents invited me in."

"Well I'm telling you to leave, and if you don't I will start screaming" Hermione assured me.

"Great, let everyone know how much better you feel since I arrived."

Hermione began to call out "MUM!! DAD!!"

I made a point to pretend like I'm listening for a response. I shrugged and simply said "maybe they've popped out for something."

"What have you done to them?" Hermione accused.

"Always quick to think the worst aren't you, they've gone out to get you a sunflower" I answered.

"A sunflower?" Hermione questioned dubiously.

"Yeah, you know to soothe your pain."

"Why would a sunflow..." Hermione paused in mid-sentence as she starts to figure out what's going on. "Oh very clever aren't you"

I smile at her and step further into the room. "I have to say your parents are wonderful. I honestly mean that, they really do want what's best for you."

"What lies did you tell them?" Hermione glared at me, but was that a curious glint I see in her eyes.

"I only expanded on the lies you already told them. About the male journalist who took advantage of you then left without a trace. Apparently he's now a male veela whose absence has caused your pregnancy to be so difficult."

Hermione was still frowning but her voice was even. "What does his absence have to do it?

I myself was curious now. "What did you think the problem was?

"I don't know. I genuinely thought the baby was giving me grief because I'm not veela and it is."

I inclined my head "well that is correct. Did it not occur to you that I might be the solution to the problem?"

"No, why would I think that? How would I know that? All I cared about regarding you was that you were as far away from me as possible."

I was surprised by this, I just assumed she was staying away on purpose. "So you had no idea that the baby is connected to me?"

"What?" she sharply replied. "What do you mean connected?"

"I'm it's veela parent, the moment the baby is conceived it needs nurture from both sets of parents. In this case the veela in the child was without the nurture of its veela parent, which causes the baby's development and growth to be aggressive."

Hermione sighed heavily. "Oh you have got to be kidding me. You're telling me I'm stuck with you, or I endure the pregnancy from hell."

I shrugged. "Pretty much."

Hermione snarled at me. "I'm glad to see how smug you are! You sure do make a living out of ruining peoples relationships and lives! Word of advice though, the next time you knock-up some poor girl at her wedding to someone else, you might want to inform her of what happens WHEN A SINGLE HUMAN WOMAN HAS TO BIRTH A VEELA BABY!"

"If you had just swallowed your pride and asked me in one of your delightful letters what was going on, I would've told you and saved yourself and your parents a lot of harm and stress." I refused to take the blame for this, I was under the impression that she knew.

I suppose she did have a point, how was she meant to know what a veela pregnancy was like, and she wasn't going to flat out ask me after what I did. The letters stopped as her health declined, it made sense that she would abandon attacking me and deal with the pregnancy I lumbered her with.

But had I known of her cluelessness I would've come a lot sooner, I would've saved her from all of this happening. It's her that should feel stupid, not me.

Hermione sat on the bed heavily, she was a little out of breath and reasonably needed to digest this news. "So that's why you're here? You've known full well for three months what my short term life is going to be like, but chose to wait and make me suffer before recruiting me into your harem."

I chose to sit beside her instead of standing over her. I stomached the stench of vomit that was attacking me from all sides; none more pungent than the side Hermione sat at. "No actually, I wasn't at all intending to make you suffer. I thought you were making yourself suffer instead of coming to me for support."

"Whilst I like the idea that I was making a stand against you, it sadly was not the case. Going to you never crossed my mind, as I'm sure you know why".

At least we were talking. "Would it have made a difference if you knew?" I asked her.

"Yes. I would've researched other avenues obviously, and if that failed I would've told my parents. There is no way they're going to let you take their daughter into just a perverse arrangement you have."

"So you still would've suffered instead of come to me?"

Hermione turned her head to look at me and frown. "There is no phenomena, magical or non, that is ever going to make me join your club of pregnant women. When you didn't reply to any of the letters, I thought you had given up on me. I was free. I would raise this child no matter how difficult without you."

"And I suppose you're not changing your mind, even though you know the truth?" I questioned.

"If it kills me I'm free regardless. So no, this doesn't change a thing."

So it's as it was before I came in. If I can't convince her to change her mind then it's time to put on the squeeze.

"I think we should let the baby decide."

Before Hermione can question me, I lightly grab her wrist. It was feather light the touch, but it was more than enough. Admittedly this part was a bit of a gamble originally, but Hermione's migraines were my proof that the baby's brain was developed enough to influence hers.

Hermione felt a whoosh of intense warmth coming up from her womb, it made her hum pleasantly but other than that it had little affect as of yet. That's about to change.

"Little bébé, can you hear your maman?"

Hermione gasped as she felt a sensation travel up and into her brain, an electrical current fizzing away. I knew she was hearing the telepathic voice of the baby. "What is this? Why can I hear its voice?"

"A benefit of veela babies is that with their veela parents help they can communicate with you in the womb. What's she saying?" I asked her.

"She's just calling out for you I think. 'Please mum, may I speak to maman'."

"I hear you little bébé, maman loves you" I tell my daughter, my heart glowing gold.

Hermione pants a couple of times "she loves you too. Fleur, why are you doing this? What are you hoping to accomplish?"

"Surely you want what's best for her Hermione. She'll remember this conversation when she's alive, you don't want her first memory to be her mummy ignoring our childs wishes."

Hermione winced as the sensation continued in her head. "You are one evil cow."

Hermione cried immediately as pain struck. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Mummy didn't mean it."

I soothing coo at the baby, helping it calm down. When the pain subsided I say to Hermione "our baby doesn't like it when her parents fight." I let go ending the communication.

"You know this is going against my will, it doesn't change what I want." Hermione challenged determined not to let that break her resistance.

"But you'll deny what she wants. This is her first memory, she'll remember that conversation her entire life. All she knows so far was her parents were arguing, isn't that better than her remembering that you took her maman away from her." This was very conniving indeed, but its all the truth, the reality is that child doesn't care what's gone on between its parents. It wants both parents to be happy, a true family.

"We are not a family! You don't want a family! You got me pregnant so that I would be **** to become one of your child bearers, how is that a happy family!" Hermione protested.

"It's always been about family, I was denied a family and took an opportunity to change that. I had to sacrifice my morals to do it. It's never been just about the sex and the collection of women."

"Every word you say sickens me. You talk as if you are some sort of queen or goddess. The queen is denied an heir so she enslaves the women and breeds them with her spawn. You're sick in the head."

"I only wanted to be a mother!" I roared, reaching the end of my tether. "I would have done anything to be a mother, and I have."

"Your obsession has become you" Hermione returned. "You really are no better than Lord Voldemort. That is not what I want to be a part of."

"You already are a part of it" I spitefully tell her. "You'll survive that birth whatever happens, and when you do I will use every ounce of veela power I hold over you. No custody battle will ever allow a child with veela blood to be raised away from its kind. One way or another I will raise this child, and every one of my children that's born."

Hermione stared at me for a lengthy amount of time, resigning herself to the fight. "Then I'll see you in court."

My operation failed. The trickest part proved itself. And even threatening her didn't work.

I guess this is kidnap.

#

#

I apparate into the hotel lobby and Hermione was as still heavily under my sleeping charm. I was carrying a sunflower and I discarded it in a bin. My improvisation skills were good enough to convince Jean and Charlie that a magic-assisted sleep would be the best way to transport Hermione to France without making her even more ill.

I quickly insisted that muggle foreigners are forbidden from international magical travel of any kind, and I was lucky enough that the Grangers trusted me to leave it at that.

I promised to send a letter in a few days detailing Hermione's progress, and to let Hermione know her parents loved her. Then I levitated Hermione and we were away.

I made it to the check-in, Hermione floating behind me. The receptionist gasped "Qu'est-ce que cela veut dire?"

"Excusez-moi, this is one of my newest members of my pregnant protection group. She is in major need for a permanent room on floor seven. I booked a row of ten rooms under the name Couradel" I hurriedly but calmly explained.

"Oui, are you Isabelle Coradel?" her french accent was thick, I could've spoke to her in French but I had lost most my accent, and spoke English better than most English. I only spoke French amongst family nowadays, only to appease Grandmere and Gabby.

"Yes, I am."

Once Hermione was officially booked in I felt relief finally flood through my body, in my very blood it travelled. I couldn't get to the hotel room fast enough. Every step in which I pulled her along could've been the one in which she awakes, stuns me and makes a bolt for it. And every step that it doesn't happen, glee rises within me.

I take Hermione to the room I currently shared with Hannah, parallel to Hermione's from across the hall. Hannah drops her Motherhood Virgin guide (a book I bought for her) and jumps to her feet.

She ignores me, her eyes glued to the figure floating behind me. "You actually kidnapped her?"

I levitated Hermione onto the bed and woke her when ready. She blinked her eyes open a few times, and then bolted upright. She saw me, a still shocked Hannah and then the room. "Whatever, what Fleur wants Fleur gets."

"Welcome to your new home Hermione, you're pain is over" I congratulate her.

"More like just begun" she pivoted towards the other blonde in the room. "Hello Hannah, see you've settled in nicely." Hermione's disapproval wasn't at all subtle.

"Look, I know what you must think of me. But-"

"Do you? Tell me what I think of you then." Hermione sat up, arms folded impatiently.

Hannah hesitantly began "you think I'm weak, that I gave in too easy. Maybe you're right, but that's not the whole truth. I'm making the best out of this arrangement."

"Oh, I see. So having much stronger will power than you makes me less of a person? From the start, I should have rolled over and bowed down to a home-wrecking creep like some brainwashed sex ****?" Hermione argued heatedly.

Hannah narrowed her eyes "you were the first to cheat Hermione, don't forget that."

"Forget it!?" Hermione's thumbs in the direction of her swollen belly. "I'm reminded of it every minute of the day thanks. Taken advantage of on my wedding day, knocked up on top and now taken against my will. But forgive and forget right?"

Hannah locks eyes with me, indicating that I take notice of her sincerity. "I haven't forgiven her."

Hermione scoffed. "No, you 'made the best of a bad arrangement'. Haven't forgiven her whilst agreeing to stay with her, haven't forgiven her whilst sharing a bed together."

Hannah flicked back over to Hermione. "Don't pretend you know my situation, you know nothing."

"You both have a right to loathe me, you should feel that way. But Hannah is right, you're both victims, therefore you should be united. You don't have to do this for me, you can do this for each other." I had no idea why I said all that, or what I was hoping to achieve by it. I may as well have spoken it in Mermish, that's how much it made sense to any of us. Hermione highlighted that as she got up and strode out onto the balcony.

"Phlegm, you are the most manipulative person I've ever met. And the most delusional."

She called me a foul nickname I hadn't heard in years, not since I helped her back to health after a torturous encounter with Bellatrix Lestrange. I've ruined her that bad.

I didn't expect one, but I looked anyway at Hannah for a defensive comment in my favour. Indeed, she said nothing, in fact all she did was look me over in a manner that I couldn't recognise straight away.

Until I noticed that she was running her fingers from one hand, over the light band of skin on her ring finger on the other. All of a sudden I knew what was going on.

Hannah had not been anywhere apart from this room and on the balcony. She didn't even have to buy food as either I or the hotel provided for her. Her purpose was only to relax and produce a healthy baby.

When alone, I assume she cried and verbally attacked me without being there to hear her. She would **** herself over and over thinking about what she had done and how much she regretted it?

And my support and care just made it worse, for she likely despised having to be thankful to the person who caused so much of her heartache. But there is always a limit to how long a person can feel sorry for themselves, without an outlet to express herself to.

I wanted to be that outlet, but to her I never could be, so she played the situation. And she had convinced me ten-fold that she'd resigned to her fate.

Not only that but I now realise Hermione being here provides an outlet. Hannah wanted an outlet who understood, perhaps even an outlet who she thought could help save them both.

It was all a ruse. I should've known, because the signs were there. I can see them all now I'm really looking.

And now that Hermione is here, she thought there would be a way out.

But there wasn't. For Hermione also was trapped, unable to communicate to anyone on the outside, if there even was anyone to communicate with. Hannah had nothing more than a cellmate.

Hannah only just realised I was staring back at her. She saw the look in my eye, but didn't blink. She was defiant, uncaring that I had figured it out.

This infuriated me. I consciously tried to make this better for her, I treated her ten times better than her lacklustre ex-husband ever did. Fuck, I treated her better than any man in general. I wanted to sincerely make amends, which I told her all about.

When I leave them alone together they'll find common ground very quickly. And fueled with mutual loathing for myself, they'd quickly start scheming.

There was only one thing I could do to stop them.