The Veela Chronicles

The Veela Chronicles: Book One (5/12)

Chapter Five: And a Visit for Fleur

Fleur skipped up to her room, humming happily. Bill Weasley was her neighbor! What are the odds of that? She smiled to herself. Well, what are the odds of me walking by Bill at the bank just as he was posting fliers for a neighbor anyway? Maybe something is finally going right for me. She pulled a piece of parchment out of the desk and sat down to write her sister.

Dear Gabrielle,

I know you haven't responded to my last owl, but I couldn't wait to write again. I have such news!

I'm not sure if Mere or Pere have told you by now. I am in Egypt, on an assignment for Grandpere. It seems some of his Muggle associates are suspected of dealing with Wizards, unfairly. Pere is such a hypocrite. Oh well. I am here keeping an eye out on behalf of the family.

But you'll never guess who my neighbor is! Do you remember the Weasleys? From when you were in Britain? Ron Weasley helped pull you out of the lake all those years ago in the Tri-wizard Tournament. His older brother Bill was there watching. We actually dated for a year or so. I'm sure I told you all about him at the time. Anyway, Bill is my neighbor now! He went back to work in Egypt breaking charms for Gringotts.

When I first saw him I felt, "Mon Dieu! This is going to be so awkward. What are the odds of running into Bill here?" But maybe it's fate. I don't know Gabrielle. I broke it off with Bill. It was my decision. And it's always one I second-guessed but figured I could do nothing about. All in all, I still think I did the right thing. I wasn't enjoying Britain.

We said we would keep in touch, remain friends and all that, but we never did. I think he was upset when we broke up. Upset at me. He was perfectly nice when we ran into each other. In fact, he construed it so we would run into each other!

Maybe it's just the passage of time. I don't know. My head is reeling right now, but just looking at him brought back all the good memories - not the bad ones. I was 19 when we dated. I'm older now. I feel mostly the same, but different in little ways. I must feel differently, or the sight of him wouldn't make my heart go flip-flop.

Maybe this is a second chance. Do I even dare to think it?

Alright, I'm starting to ramble now, so I will go. But I suddenly feel like this trip won't be as boring as I first thought. I shall keep you posted.

Thinking of you always Gabrielle. Write back soon.

Love,
Fleur

Still humming Fleur folded up the parchment. She grabbed the map off the desk and tapped it with her wand.

"The nearest Owlry please."

The map started glowing, clearly showing her the easiest route to take.

"Merci," she said, tapping the map again before folding it up and placing it in her robe pocket. Forgetting to eat breakfast, she started on her way to the owlry. Once again, she was in awe of her surroundings.

The bright sun shone impressively on the distant pyramids, reflecting a golden hue onto the city of Crispus. And things just seemed to come alive in this morning light. To Fleur, it looked more magical than the morning dew.

Fleur tore her eyes away from the nearby building and looked out across the plateau. Something was running around out there. What could they be? Fleur squinted and looked harder. "Why, I think those are a pack of Sphinx!" she said.

"You would think correctly," came a voice from behind her.

Fleur jumped.

The voice chuckled. "So sorry," it said, not sounding sorry at all. "I did not mean to startle you."

The voice belonged to a man. He was dressed in expensive-looking gauzy robes, his dark hair impeccably groomed and lightly dusted with grey. It all contrasted with his watery eyes. He looked quite peculiar and not very attractive. A woman stood not far from him, staring up at him adoringly. Fleur looked at them. "I don't know what she thinks she's looking at," thought Fleur.

But all she said was, "It's quite alright. If you'll excuse me." Fleur started to walk away.

"But Mademoiselle Delacour, I would like a word with you."

Fleur stopped in her tracks. How did this man know who she was?

"Pardon me," she said, thinking that maybe he was from the bank, and that Gringott's had started sending her withdrawals all on their own, via this messenger. "Have we met?"

He smiled and outstretched a hand. "Denis-Henri Martin," he said. "An associate of your Grandfather's." His smile grew thin. He did not bother to introduce the woman.

Fleur's heart sank. "This is someone I'm supposed to be watching. Pere said not to let them know who I am. I have failed already!"

"Nice to meet you Monsieur," she stammered.

"Your Grandfather speaks of you often," Denis-Henri said. "I have the most beautiful granddaughters, he says. And so I see you on the street, looking just like his photograph. I must say hello."

"Right," thought Fleur. "Beautiful."

"I must insist we meet for dinner," he continued. "Tonight, at the Two-Headed Turtle."

"Oh, I'm sorry," said Fleur. "I already have dinner plans for this evening."

Denis-Henri roared. "Of course you do. You Veela, moving so fast." The woman next to him giggled. Fleur's face began to slowly burn and she struggled to keep her composure.

"Well, I shall see you some other time," Denis-Henri said. "Here is my card, if you would care to stop by at your convenience." He handed Fleur a small shiny note. "I shall tell your Grandfather you said hello, non?"

"Err, of course. Give my regards," replied Fleur, turning quickly and heading towards the owlry.

"Oh no," she thought, all her excitement from seeing Bill dashed. "What was that? I can't believe I blew it already!"

***

Later that afternoon, Fleur's anxiety hadn't diminished much. She had spent the afternoon at the library, trying to find out as much as she could about Denis-Henri. There wasn't much information on the man. All she discovered was that he was a registered Animagus - who changed into a dolphin of all things. "Well, at least I know he can't use that specific power in the middle of the desert," Fleur thought, a tad reassured.

When she returned to her house, she found the servants had already moved in the rest of her things. Sagira was out on her front lawn, trying to catch one of her cats. Fleur waved merrily, momentarily forgetting her problems. Sagira waved back before making a mad dash for her cat - which had just run up a tree.

Out of the corner of her eye Fleur looked at Bill's house. Most of the curtains were drawn, so she couldn't see inside.

At her own house, there were no owls waiting for Fleur, not that she had expected any so soon. But her parents hadn't even enclosed a note with the servants. But she didn't have much time to feel sorry for herself, because there was a knock at the door.

"It's Bill! Even he knock sounds familiar to me. How could I not catch that the first time?" thought Fleur. "I haven't even had time to change. Actually, perhaps I shouldn't change." She smiled to herself. "He always used to notice." She threw open the front door.

"Hey there," he said, grinning ear to ear.

Fleur smiled back. "Hello. Won't you come in?"

"Actually," said Bill. "I was going to ask you to step out."

Fleur laughed and complied.

"I know it's short notice, and that you were supposed to stop by a bit later, but the bank asked me to scope out a new tomb this evening," said Bill.

Fleur's face fell.

"And I was wondering if you'd like to come along?" he continued.

"Oh, of course I would," her face flushed, embarrassed that she had reacted so quickly.

"Great," beamed Bill. "I just gotta stop by my place for my Directional Oar."

"Your, uh, what?" asked Fleur as they walked towards his house.

"Oh," said Bill, shoving his hands deep in his pockets. "My Directional Oar. It keeps me rowing in the right direction. I usually keep it at home, instead of the office, because I don't travel the river very often for work, just for fun. But this particular tomb can only be reached by a Sun Boat."

They had reached his front door. He took his wand out and unlocked it.

"After you," he said, sweeping his arm. Fleur could see Sagira watching them. She smiled to herself and ducked inside, missing the huge thumbs up Sagira was now giving Bill.

The front room held many things that were new to Fleur. Of course, most of Bill's possessions had been kept at "Shrink 'em and Store 'em" when they were dating. But the Ever-Changing Bookcase, she remembered that! Bill didn't have a library as large as the one at the Delacour mansion, but each one of his books was fascinating and held obscure knowledge that most Wizards overlooked. Fleur used to delight in asking the bookcase for a book, just to see what it would give her. And she remembered the photographs that perched on top of it. Fleur scanned them wildly, briefly hoping to see the picture of her and Bill on holiday at Iapetus Ocean a few years back. But of course it wasn't there.

"Got it," said Bill, pulling the oar out of a closet. "The boat needs to be summoned during the last hour of sunlight, so we should get going. We could fly if you like, but the river isn't too far. I usually walk."

Fleur nodded. "Walking is fine. Lead the way," she said.

"So," Bill said as they exited the house, trying to draw attention away from Sagira's blatant smirking, "Are you allowed to tell me about this job you have to do for your family? Or is it a secret?"

Fleur gave a short, bitter laugh. "Oh, I may as well tell the world now," she said. "It was supposed to be secret from my Grandpere's associates, who my family suspects are using Wizards to gain unfair power advantages. I'm supposed to be here watching them, but one of them busted me this morning." She gave Bill a wavering grin. "That's pathetic, even for me, huh?"

Bill frowned and opened his mouth to say something, but then thought better of it. They walked in silence for a moment.

"I know. I shouldn't put myself down so much," Fleur said softly. "I just keep messing everything up so bad." She glanced at Bill meaningfully. "Everything."

She caught Bill's eye and for a moment saw a myriad of negative emotions - frustration, hurt, even pity. But they all blended away in a flash, leaving a lopsided smile on Bill's face.

"Well," he said. "Maybe everything isn't as bad as it sounds. Tell me exactly what happened and we'll work something out."

Fleur filled him in as they walked away from the city, telling him about her encounter with Denis-Henri.

"So," she finished up. "His name is right here, in the middle of this list." She gestured to the parchment she had taken out of her bag. "I spent all afternoon searching for information about him. There was no mention of him in any periodicals, but a book did have him listed as a dolphin Animagus."

Bill furred his eyebrows in confusion. "A dolphin? This is a strange place for him to be, unless he likes to hang out a bit north in the Mediterranean Sea. But Cuspis is completely lacking in salt water."

Fleur nodded. "That's what I thought."

"Strange," muttered Bill. "Did you family give you any more information on these people?"

"Non," replied Fleur. "All I have is their names and the fact that they all deal with or compete with my Grandpere is some way or another."

"May I?" Bill took the list from Fleur's outstretched hand and studied it for a moment. "Hmm. None of these names look familiar to me. They must be pretty good at keeping a low profile."

"Except when accosting me in the street," Fleur said glumly.

Bill laughed, "Yeah, that was bad luck." He stopped walking. "This looks like a good spot."

Fleur looked around. "Where are we? This isn't the Nile. It's too small."

"Nope," said Bill. "This is the Sihor River. It actually leads into the Nile after a while, underground. Muggles have heard rumors about it for years, but never seem to find it."

"So where is the boat?" asked Fleur.

"We have to summon that," said Bill. "How are you at making sand sculptures?"

Fleur smiled widely. "I am fantastic, if I do say so myself. Beauxbatons had its own private beach along the Riviera. I've never been much for swimming, so I had to occupy myself on the sand."

"All in preparation for tonight Bill Weasley," she said in mock seriousness.

He laughed again. "Touché mademoiselle. We need to make a Sun Boat out of sand."

Fleur nodded slowly. "And if I knew what one looked like, I'd be all over it," she said.

Bill fell to his knees and began scooping up sand, his eyes crinkling as he looked up at Fleur. "How about I supply the rough idea, while you provide the finesse?" he asked.

"It's a deal," she said, happily dropping beside him. She watched his hands dig through the sand until he found moisture. She folded up the sleeves of her robes as he molded a crude boat shape.

"Can you stick on some long, skinny sticks? Leaning against the boat, crossing over, then extending over each other?" Bill asked.

Fleur pondered that a moment, picturing it in her head. "Like this?"

"Exactly."

"What do these do?" she queried. "This is a strange looking boat."

"You'll see," he said, smiling. "Put some stairs on the boat, just there."

"Alright."

A peaceful quiet filled the air as they worked, then, "Ok, I think that'll do it." Bill stood up and helped Fleur to her feet. "Now we just stand back, let the sun hit the boat and…"

He didn't need to explain anymore. Fleur watched as the rough, sand Sun Boat started to quiver and shake. But instead of breaking apart, the boat grew - both in size and solidness. A few moments later, transformed before her eyes, an actual Sun Boat hovered. Bill gave it a slight nudge with his wand and the boat sailed over to the nearby river, plunking itself in. The "sticks" that Fleur made lifted themselves until they formed 12 parallel lines, vertical to either side of the mast. A sail unfurled from the mast, stretching out across the boat, attaching itself to the wooden posts.

"I never get over how neat that is," said Bill, helping Fleur onto boat before him. "This boat is the only way to access the Tombs of Noph."

"So there are tombs outside the pyramids then?" she asked.

"Oh yes," he replied, taking his Directional oar and dipping into the river at the boat's stern. "Tombs of Noph," he told it. The boat took off down the river. Fleur leaned over the side of the boat.

Bill laughed. "I know you don't get sea-sick. Are you looking for something?"

"Mmmm," said Fleur. "Just making sure there aren't any magic dolphins following the boat."

Bill laughed again. "And how does it look?"

"All clear," she said, flipping herself upright again, her hair catching and reflecting the sunset. Bill simply stared at her for a moment.

"Anyway, about that," said Bill, shaking himself out of a small trance. "I think your best bet would be to meet them head-on. Forget about spying on them from afar. Infiltrate them from within."

Fleur paused and considered this. "That's an idea," she thought. "My cover is already blown. Maybe if I pretend like I never had a cover to begin with."

"Maybe I should go to Denis-Henri and ask for a job or something…" she mused aloud.

"Yeah," said Bill excitedly. "Tell him you are in Egypt to… improve your Arabic."

"And I can say I spoke to my Grandpere and he suggested I can learn a lot from Denis-Henri," she continued.

"And working for him would be a perfect way to learn about this part of the world." Bill paused. "So, you don't know what he does, do you?"

"Non," said Fleur, her face faltering a bit. "I guess I should find that out." She dug out the card Denis-Henri gave her. "Denis-Henri Martin," she read. "And then an address. That's all it says."

She looked up at Bill. "I think I should go there tomorrow. I should do something soon anyway. It's only a matter of time before Pere finds out I blew my cover and threatens to kill me. If I can show him I've done something, I think that would help."

Bill smiled at her. "There you go," he said. "Oh, look, we're almost at the tombs."

Fleur glanced ahead, expecting to see dark, gloomy tombs looming a short distance ahead. But instead she saw lots of moving lights. As they moved closer she could hear voices. It sounded like laughter and singing.

"It sounds like a party," Fleur observed, confused.

"Oh, it's quite the party," said Bill.

"In the tombs?"

"Ghosts," said Bill.

They were close to the tombs now. Fleur could see that the moving lights were actually ghosts flying around, gently reflecting the fire from the strategically placed lanterns around them.

"Hey! It's a human! Look everyone, a human has come to serve us," the man dressed splendidly in golden regalia shouted to be heard over the joyful exclamations around him. Fleur jumped back involuntarily. She wasn't used to ghosts, and frankly found them disturbing. The ghost looked at her closely.

"Yes, I've seen this one before. He does good work. And he brought a friend with him. Two servants!" inserted another ghost. She was dressed in a high-waisted shift with shoulder straps, a wraparound kilt with starched triangular front panel, beaded belt, and apron. She also wore an elaborate headdress.

"Hello Sebekneferu," Bill addressed the woman, putting his arm protectively around Fleur. "I hate to disappoint you all, but we're here on our own work business today." He added to Fleur in a whisper, "These are all old rulers of the land. They still haven't gotten used to the idea that everyone who walks by isn't a slave or servant."

The Tombs of Noph were a central gathering place for former Pharaohs and other nobility. Once they had passed over to death, they chose a ghostly existence in hopes of using all their Earthly belongings that had been buried along with them. Of course, they soon discovered that all their belongings didn't pass along into ghost form with them, and were instead utterly useless. But, they all had drifted over to Tombs of Noph sooner or later.

There was a series of groans from the ghosts.

"Sorry," said Bill cheerfully. "Duty calls."

"Just one small favor," said Sebekneferu.

Bill gave her a wry grin, as if expecting the request. "Alright. What needs to be done this time? A small favor only, remember."

Sebekneferu zoomed in a circle around Bill and began herding him forwards. "In my business it helps to be on their good side," he said to Fleur in an undertone. "They know a lot of useful secrets, this lot does. Seb in particular. Plus she's nowhere near as bossy as some of the others. She always asks, instead of demanding, anyway."

"Oh, it's just a small thing, I swear. It's just these few lanterns here. They burned out," Seb said.

Bill pointed his wand and lit the lanterns.

"Thank you, you know we can't light them ourselves. One more small thing?"

Bill glanced at her exasperatedly. "I'll see what I can do. But I really must be getting to work."

"Well," she exchanged looks with some of the other Pharaohs. Fleur got the feeling this was going to be one heck of a favor. "It seems a poltergeist has uncovered, and nearly wrecked, one of our most secret tombs. Could you look into it?" She sniffed, as if horrified either by the poltergeist's act or the fact that she needed Bill's help to fix it.

A look of understanding flitted across Bill's face. "This tomb wouldn't happen to be located on the east side of the river, would it?" A memory came flying back to Fleur, a conversation they had years ago, in which Bill told her tombs were almost all located on the west side of the river, in symbolism with the setting sun. To have a tomb on the east side was rare, if not a mistake.

Seb pursed her lips and nodded.

"Ahh," muttered Bill. "That's where I was heading anyway. The Goblins picked up a new location with their treasure detectors, on the east side of the river. I was just going to confirm it was an actual tomb, but now…" He sighed and turned to Fleur.

"I'm so sorry, but it looks like I'll be working here throughout the night. If the Goblins think I let a poltergeist wreck the place, well…" he said.

"I remember how the Goblins work," answered Fleur. "It's alright. Really."

"I'd ask you to stay and help," Bill continued, "I sure could use it, but you need some rest before you go find Denis-Henri tomorrow."

Fleur nodded, surprised at the how depressed she felt at the idea of not spending the evening with Bill. "Well, I'll leave you to it," she said. "Do I take the boat back? How will you get back? You can't make another one until tomorrow evening."

Bill grimaced. "Yeah, and I'll probably be here that long. Once I remove the poltergeist, I should repair all the damage I can. Here, take the oar. It'll make sure you get back safely"

"Ok," said Fleur. She took the oar and climbed back onto the boat. "Tomorrow, I'll make another boat just in case. I'll come and get you if you don't turn up. I'm not letting you work more than 24 hours Monsieur!"

Bill laughed, "It's a deal." He looked like he wanted to say something more, but left it with a casual wave.

With that Fleur set the Directional Oar in the water and said, "Crispus!" The boat set sail, leaving Bill and the ghosts behind.

***

Fleur didn't feel like wasting any time the next morning. She woke up, got dressed, and apparated to the address on Denis-Henri's card.
She paused to tidy herself up before knocking on the door of the nondescript office building. The woman she had seen with Denis-Henri the day before answered it. Fleur gave her a bright smile.

"Hello! We met yesterday. I'm Fleur Delacour."

The woman looked momentarily startled. "Y… yes. The Veela girl. I am Jendayi," she said, quickly regaining her composure. "Do come in."

"I didn't realize that you worked with Denis-Henri as well," chirped Fleur. "That's amazing, I mean, I'm sure only the best people work for him. He's such an accomplished man."

Jendayi gave Fleur an appraising look as the compliment sunk in. "We do very important work here," she said. "But I suspect your family has told you all about it, our consulting work."

"Oh," said Fleur. "Of course." She glanced quickly around the office, trying to pick up on any small clue that would tell her what it was Denis-Henri did for a living. Unfortunately, the inside of the office was as plain as the outside.

"Mr. Martin is in a very important meeting right now," said Jendayi. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Well, perhaps there is." Fleur gave Jendayi her biggest smile. "You see, after graduating from Beauxbatons, top in my class, I spent some time abroad in England before returning for France to work for my family. I recently decided I wanted to live here, in Cuspis, to improve my Arabic. And I was wondering if there was any work I could do for you." Fleur said this all very graciously, as if she regarded Jendayi as one of the top people in Denis-Henri's organization.

"My," said Jendayi, taken a bit aback. "You are looking for work. I see." She regarded Fleur suspiciously. "You didn't seem very keen on Mr. Martin yesterday when he went out of his way to say hello to you."

Fleur flushed and hung her head. "I'm afraid I knew Mr. Martin by name, but not by sight. He startled me. I am alone in a new city, so I'm a little distrustful of strangers."

"As you should be!" remarked Jendayi. She flipped her dark hair over her shoulder. "You don't need to tell anyone who works for Mr. Martin that twice!" She grinned at Fleur.

"Ok, does this woman like me or not?" thought Fleur. "She is more difficult to read than disappearing ink."

"I am curious what you think you could do for us," Jendayi continued. "Do you have any experience in security?"

"I used to work for Gringott's, in Daigon Alley," said Fleur. "Aha! Denis-Henri is a security consultant then?"

Jendayi nodded approvingly. "Good," she said. "Those Goblins know what they are doing. Why don't you wait here for his meeting to end? He should be out shortly."

"Thank you," replied Fleur, settling herself in one of the chairs in the waiting area. Jendayi gave Fleur a slight grimace before retreating to an office and shutting the door.

"Now what was that expression for?" thought Fleur. She didn't have long to worry about it, for as soon as Jendayi left, another door opened and Denis-Henri came out. His back was too her, as he continued a conversation with persons unknown.

"Please, visit anytime," he was saying. "It is so wonderful to hear that our services are working out well for you. If there is anything else we can do, please, don't hesitate to ask."

"I'll do that," a voice drawled.

And Fleur's insides froze.

Denis-Henri turned around, ushering the voice out ahead of him. Fleur jumped up, trying to find a place to hide. But the office lacked even a plant. She was suddenly staring into the half-sneering face of Marko Kraljevic.

"My, my," said Marko, a look of surprise briefly interrupting his features. "Denis-Henri, you didn't tell me Mademoiselle Delacour was here to see you. Fleur -- " he addressed her, bowing politely.

"What do you expect?" asked Denis-Henri, "For us security experts to reveal all our secrets to you?" He too bowed to Fleur. "Charmed you could make it my dear."

Fleur forced a smile on her face. "Of course."

"What can we do for you?" Denis-Henri asked. Marko folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe, making no gesture to leave. At that moment Jendayi reentered the room.

"She wants a job," she said.

"I see," said Denis-Henri, slapping his hands together triumphantly. "I'm sure we can find something suitable for you. Perhaps we could use another administrative assistant to help with the filing. Jendayi?"

"Oh no no no Denis-Henri," Marko was staring hard at Fleur now. "Forgive me for interfereing but you wouldn't want to waste Ms. Delacour's talents on silly paperwork." Jendayi shot him a dirty look, but remained quiet.

"She was first in her class, and I believe she used to work for Gringott's, and we know how strict the Goblins are about security," Marko said. "But even more than that, I've had the honor of knowing her for a while now, and I can assure you she has a very sharp and suspicious mind. She also possesses many contacts across Europe," he let his gaze drop a bit, "and other assets as well."

Fleur stared back at him, appalled.

"Well then," said Denis-Henri, laughing. "Perhaps I should put her on your case then, eh?" He elbowed Marko in the ribs.

"I would be honored," said Marko. "But she just got here. My case requires extensive travel. Let her enjoy Crispus awhile."

"Yes, yes," Denis-Henri demurred. He strode over to Fleur. "Welcome aboard! Your Grandfather would be very proud. Why don't you give me a day to get something set up for you? Report for work first thing tomorrow morning, hmm?

"Yes sir," said Fleur. "Thank you sir." She nodded quickly to him, and to Jendayi, then turned to leave.

"Allow me to accompany you out," said Marko, sweeping ahead of her to get the door. Fleur merely glared at him.

Once they were outside Fleur pulled out her wand to apparate home, but Marko grabbed her arm and pulled her around the side of the building.

"Let go of me," Fleur hissed.

Marko laughed, cocked his head at her and said nothing.

"What?" said Fleur furiously. "I left Europe and I still can't get away from you, can I?"

"No," said Marko simply.

"Why not?" asked Fleur, roughly jerking her arm away. "You must have noticed that I cannot stand your company by now."

"That is very clear," he said. "But it doesn't matter."

"NO?" sputtered Fleur. "I think it matters very much. Keep away from me."

"I can't do that Fleur."

"Why don't you try?"

Marko shrugged. "It's either you or your sister."

Fleur narrowed her eyes at him. "Stay away from me, and stay away from Gabrielle. Or I will make you very sorry."

He sighed, as if he were speaking to a very small child. "I'm going to have to marry one of you, you know."

Fleur's mouth fell open. Then she reached up and smacked him hard across the face.

"How dare you?" she spat. "How dare you speak of us that way! Of Gabrielle! You are disgusting!"

Marko chuckled. "Come on Fleur, you remember what I said to you at Rusa's wedding."

She smacked him again. He grabbed her other arm. "Enough of that," he said, looking irritated.

They glared at each other a few more moments, and then he dropped her arms.

"Think about it Fleur," he said. "I'll be in touch."

He turned and walked away.

Fleur gaped after him. "He can't possible mean that. He's not out to marry Gabrielle or me. He's just trying to make me mad."

Her thoughts turned to the argument they had at the wedding, her memory replaying his words.

"Oh god, it fits though. I thought he was just being deplorable, discussing the young ages Veela can marry. The perverted creep. But no one does that anymore. At least none of the Veela in my family. And even if they did, why us? What do the Delacours have that Marko wants so bad?"

"Power, money, connections, nobility - both muggle and magical."

Fleur felt a lurch deep in her stomach. "I feel like I'm in some crazy dream. Things are going from bad to good to absolutely retched."