Well, like always I just want to thank the readers that are supporting me and this story.

Secondly to remind that English is not my motherly language so mistakes or grammar mistakes are possible for which I apologize and can only hope that I get better at avoiding them with each new chapter.

The good news is that I plan to release another chapter at the end of this week or the next if university times allow it. (So there won't be such long waiting and I should try to upload a lot since the plan is to be long and detailed story.) It does really depends on how long a chapter is and it does take me longer to come up with the right way to fraze what I type and there is always a word or two that escape me.

If you have any questions about the story or whatever it is good to ask me then make presumptions based on what you have read in previous chapter notes.=) The people with accounts I PM while for the guests I will type my answer below this chapter.

Happy reading! ^.^ ,\,,/

Chapter 27

"AH! Damn it Gabrielle, careful!" Fleur exclaimed and gritted her teeth at the pain.

"It's your own fault for scaring the healer away. I am no doctor." the younger accused as she carefully tried to pull another piece of glass from her sister's back.

Fleur scoffed and called her hands to fists, probably breaking the skin underneath with her nail by the sting she felt. Her back hurts far more for her to feel anything else right now.

"You are lucky the Auror was nice enough to leave you an ointment for the wounds."

Gabrielle really wanted to yell at her sister, to punch her even for ruining one of the best nights in her life. It was going so well with Hermione, the setting was so perfect for her to admit her feelings, to carefully explain some things about her kind. But no, something had to go wrong, of course. She always rolled her eyes at situations like this happen when reading them from books, thinking that in real life such things can't happen. Maybe they could once but continuously or constantly, never. But here she was proven wrong by an unknown source. When Hermione was involved everything would rather go upside down then straight like it should. And since the 14 years old couldn't get her hands on the force that was preventing her from being happy, she had to take it on someone else.

Unfortunately for her sister. Or maybe not cause all this mess was because of her. Why did they all have to get punished for the mistake of one or two individuals in this case? The thought of what this punishment might entitle got her angrier and the thought she would be forbidden to see Hermione made her even more so.

The yelp she heard and the glare she received for her rough handling of her injured sister made her concentrate back in the task at hand. Curse her sister and her stubbornness, rejecting help from someone that actually have studied to be a healer. She only knew basic Veela healing magic. Gabrielle could only hope that will be enough to close the cuts and gashes, to not leave scars. Veelas disliked those especially on their own bodies.

Now that the fragments were no longer imbedded in Fleur's back, Gabrielle started the slow process of the healing spell. Gabrielle was hopeful that their grandmother will show up and take her place because she was unsure if she was doing it properly. But no such luck.

"Fleur…"

"Non!" Gabrielle was cut before she could even speak.

Gabrielle knitted her eyebrows in anger. "That's you answer to everything these days."

"I'm not in the mood of explaining what happened." curtly said without turning, still staring at the cracked window from this morning.

"I was not even going to ask you about that. It was obvious what transpired between you and Krum."

Just the mention of that guy's name made Fleur grumble and the desire to end his existence painfully. She knew she had to be ashamed of the way she handled the situation with him but her pride was preventing her from feeling sorry. She was ashamed that she got overpowered by such a weakling, that because of her weakness at that moment, Hermione could have been seriously hurt or worse. She tried not to dwell on those thoughts or she might go mad.

"You reek of alcohol." Gabrielle wrinkled her nose in disgust at the constant smell of it hitting her nostrils. It surely was the main reason for this disaster. She has never seen her sister drunk, ever. What came over her to get this wasted was beyond her.

"Please don't, my everything hurts." Fleur pleaded and rubbed her temples. Just thinking caused her pain.

"I would if your actions affected only your life, which they don't."

Fleur continued to rub the places she was feeling pain and hoped that in being silent will make her sister drop her constant accusations. Something that did not go unnoticed by the young Veela.

Gabrielle decided it useless to waste her breath anymore and decided to get to the point, to something she has been considering for a long time now. "I think you should back off from Hermione."

For a second Fleur thought she just imagined hearing that till she looked at the stone face of her little sister. "Excuse me?"

Gabrielle did not repeat herself and crossed her arms to look like their mother did to intimidate or get a point across. "It will be best."

"Best?!" Fleur yelled, getting up but forced to grip the chair she was sitting on by the sudden dizziness. It took a few seconds for her to open her eyes and angrily glare at the smaller female. "For whom? For you?"

"For Hermione." Gabrielle answered calmly. In any other situation she would have been intimidated by Fleur's eyes and the force of her thrall which was raging at the moment but not tonight. They both knew that if Fleur wasn't drunk she would win if a Veela fight broke between the two. It was something that irritated Gabrielle many times, hating that she was the youngest, that no matter how much time passes, Fleur's gifts and abilities will be stronger then hers only because she was older. But at this instant, Gabrielle was the powerful one.

"You don't get to tell me what I should do or not with my mate."

"It seems you keep forgetting that in this game there are not 2 but 3 players." Gabrielle could see her sister was struggling to come up with something to say and staying upright. "Tonight made me realize what the real danger for our mate is."

Fleur grabbed the collar of the white buttoned top and pulled the smaller girl to her so forcefully that it was a miracle it didn't rip.

"Shut up!" Fleur hissed through gritted teeth. Her control tonight as thin as it can ever been. Only there family connection saved her sister from mutilation, though it won't be for long if she keeps pushing.

"Hermione was needlessly endangered because of your lack of control yet again." Gabrielle continued completely ignoring the warning signs of danger, confident she can take on anything her older sister can dish out in this state. Not that she wanted for this one sided argument to escalate to a physical confrontation or anything but maybe that way her sister will listen to the ugly truth.

"You know nothing…"

"Oh, but I do Fleur and wanna know how?" without waiting for the question that never would have come, she answered. "Hermione told me."

"You're lying." Fleur interjected, not liking to be played for a fool. She might not know Hernione as personally as Gabrielle probably does since she hadn't had the chance with all the responsibilities of being a champion but she knew that her mate was very private with her personal feelings, even to her best friends.

"Non, our mate was very confused about your strange behavior… all the time and from whom best to ask why then the one that had grown up with the said person." Gabrielle gasped when her back collided with the wooden door leading to the bathroom. The young Veela was sure that her sister was trying to throw her away from the room but her intoxication was preventing her from realizing her mistake.

Golden eyes glowed brightly in the lighted room, each pair demanding submission from the other but nether budging.

"Do you know that thanks to me Hermione decided to forgive you for lying about the first task and give you a chance to at least be friends?" Gabrielle smirked at the surprise appearing on her sister's face and tried to free herself from the grasp. "But it seems that decision of mine was wrong because yet again you blew it and what is worse, you endanger the one that you are supposed to protect with your own life. This cannot go on, I will not let you endanger her anymore."

Gabrielle was surprised when instead of more anger and painful pushing her older sister started to laugh and shake her head as if she has just said a hilarious joke. She was worried that her sister might have lost her sanity or something. That possibility dropped when for the first time her sister looked at her the way that gave her the nickname of Ice queen, as if she was nothing. "My poor, poor sister, so insecure."

"What are you on about?"

"You are trying so hard to throw the blame to me where you were also incapable of helping our mate. I might be a failure of being Hermione's knight in shining armor but so are you."

"I would at least not start fights while the one I care about is in the middle of it." Gabrielle tried do defend herself.

"But Gabby, the incident happened after you and the girls started fighting not while I was exchanging blows with Krum." There was a slight pause before Fleur continued. "I know why you want me to distance myself from our mate and it has nothing to do with tonight. It is something in Hermione's confession that has made you insecure."

"Don't be ridiculous." The youngling quickly tried to deny and unsuccessfully free herself from the pinned position.

"We both know I am not. I don't know how much has the little lioness told you about us but I am sure she has skipped the juiciest parts."

The older Veela was right, Gabrielle didn't want to hear this and her doubled efforts to free herself and get away were proof.

Fleur did not care though, she wanted to hurt her sister as she has been doing. "Did she tell you how we first met?" She tightly pressed her body to her sister, mouth to her ear, whispering. "Did she tell you how she lost her 1st kiss or second… 3ed? The time she returned my passion in one of the closets in the castle? The moment she was the one that devoured my mouth in an empty classroom while we were training for the first task?"

The memories caused Fleur to start breathing heavily, reality and fantasy blurring. What could have happened tonight on the terrace if they hadn't got interrupted was making her wild and hot. "You want me out of your way because you've never had the courage to kiss her once."

Gabrielle growled as the animal inside tried to come out, to defend its pride. She turned her head to the side and away from her sister's alcoholic breath while one hand was grabbing the handle of the door she was pinned to and another trying to get to the want that was on her waist under the costume. It was not true, nothing of it. She only look out for their mate's safety that was all, she was convincing herself.

"How about I tell you of what her cherry lips taste like for the next time you dream of her."

"Enough!" with that shout Gabrielle accidentally pressed on the handle, causing the door to open and both girls to tumble on the bathroom floor. It took her only seconds to right herself and use her legs to kick Fleur over her. Gabrielle got to her feet and stared at her now groaning sister, who also tried to do the same but now she had nothing to help her do so. She watched for a few seconds in satisfaction, remorse being further from her mind since they both played the cruel game. An idea popped in her head and she grabbed her sister's wrist forcefully shoving her under the shower head. Walking to the door, she extracted her wand and used it to start the cold water.

"OH F-FUCKING SHIT THAT'S COLD!" Fleur yelped as the spray hit her body, accidentally freezing the shower and wall as her hand touched the metal poll.

"I hope this will return some sense back to that head of yours cause you've been a giant bitch." Gabrielle said and turned to leave.

Fleur pushed to get up, ripping the frozen rod, leaving it in her hands. She threw it at the open door, missing its initial target that was no longer standing there and yelled, hoping that her little sister will hear. "I might be a bitch but at least I'm not a coward!" as a loud bang of a door closing filled the air.

Émilie heard someone knocking on the door but decided to ignore it and continue to sleep. After a few seconds a louder and lasting knocking sounded. The siren turned on her back, knowing that it was useless, whoever was disturbing there sleep knew they were here and will not leave till they get what they wanted. She turned her head toward the other bed where her lover was sleeping in hopes that maybe she could get up and deal with it but no such luck by the sounds of the faint snoring.

The witch got up and barefooted went to the door opening it.

"Gabby..." a yawn stopped her incoming question which she covered with the back of her hand. "What time is it?"

"Late." the blonde answered, head downwards. "I'm really sorry but can I stay here for the night?"

Gabrielle could have easily gone to her grandmother's room but that would mean she would have to answer questions she didn't want to. Questions to which answers she did not really have an accurate response yet. She needed time to think.

"Fleur?" Émilie didn't need an answer though she did receive a nod. This was not the first time the youngest of the Dekacours had crashed in their room. It always happened when the sister had an argument and only one could escalate this much. She moved from the door, allowing entry.

Gabrielle quickly lay on the empty bed and turned her back to the whole room, trying to fall asleep but knowing that her mind will not let her do so for quite some time.

Émilie poked the full blooded Veela to the side to steer her up knowing that anything gentler won't do.

"Uh-uh, wasn't me...Fleur did it." Amélie mumbled half asleep, slightly raising her head.

"Scoot over." the Siren whispered and without question her lover did so, lifting the covers to allow her entry.

"You know, I prefer surprise wake up sex over this poking... though if you like it so much I could show you places you can do so." Amélie joked groggily with one eye open.

Her partner placed her hand on the Veela's lips to shut her up and pointed at the other now occupied bed.

At seeing the blonde, Amélie went to get up but was stopped with a shake of the other girl's head and pulled back under the sheets. Émilie was a good judge of character or reading situations so she trusted her when she was showed it was not the time to be nosy.

Nikolai hit the table as the auror that supposedly had medical training moved his arm and shoulder to inspect the damage. Training his ass, it hurts like a bitch and he is pretty sure the woman that has to patch him up is enjoying tormenting him. He would have had that Hogwarts nurse to deal with if their headmaster didn't threaten the poor woman to heal Victor before anyone else. He wouldn't blame the old woman if she was scared for what might happen if she disobeyed, he was an intimidating figure.

That left them with the Aurors that forcefully brought them to the ship. He was surprised that most of them had basic medical training. He asked out of curiosity why is that and the woman that was now diagnosing him answered that there job required it. Now that he thinks about it, it did make sense to know how to deal with wounds that they probably get a lot when dealing with convicts and rampaging wizards or creatures.

The older and more experienced of the lot dealt with healing them while the rookies stood guard and assisted if asked.

Niko looked along the room and at his other comrades that were just as badly beaten up, if not worse. Some of them had visible bruises and bloodied gashes. He didn't see any on him which was a good thing but damn did his whole body hurts. The only one that was perfectly fine was his best mate Georgi who was casually standing to the side wall and smirking at him. One best friend he was. Him and this sadistic woman by him are probably match made in heaven. That thought made him snort and for the female Auror to give him a confused look.

"Sorry." He mumbled.

The woman nodded and pulled as his arm again, causing another hiss to come out. "You have a dislodged shoulder. Will need to pull it so it can get back into place."

"Oh joy…So you goanna count to three or… AHHH, SON OF A BITCH!" Nikolai cursed in surprise and yet again hit the wooden service of the table.

"Please refrain from hitting the table or you might hurt your fist and I am no miracle worker." The Auror calmly advised as her fingers ran to his bared shoulder to make sure that she had done it properly. Sure that everything was in order, she used a salve that the Hogwarts nurse gave them for soothing any bruises.

"You could have warned me." The boy angrily said, trying to get some feeling back to his abused limb.

"You still wouldn't have been prepared. Probably would have prolonged it. This was the best way to do it."

"They should take away your medical license." Nikolai complained and glared at his besty when told to stop bitching.

"Fuck you!" Nikolai wasn't angry at Georgi's comment or anything but the fact that stupid overconfident creature beat the crap out of him. And what was worse now that he has time to think back on it is that wasn't able to land a single hit on that beast – magical or physical. He knew that they were physically superior to any wizard or witch but that did not make them fucking invincible. By using magic both he and the Veela were on equal ground. He was confident in his dueling abilities, one of the best in his school. If he wasn't, he wouldn't have been here to participate in the tournament. And the fight did start very good with him being on the offensive and the girl looking as she was struggling. But her struggle was not dodging or using blocking spells but to find an opening for a physical confrontation which caught him completely off guard.

By what he have studied on these Veela which was something of an obsession for Karkarof for his students to be superior to all magical creatures they paid a lot of attention to their physical look, careful even during a death battle to not receive any wounds. For their kind it was something ugly, not to be proud of.

So when the tall Veela, Amelia or something of the sorts sprinted at a blinding speed for him when she got the chance, he stood like a log giving her the advantage which led to her victory and him kissing the marble floor.

It angered him more with observing the best of the best in his school all groaning in pain, every with different wound to complain about. Only Georgi's condition made him a bit happy since it meant the girl he fought against was probably crying for her mommy.

But he learned from his mistakes and next time he will be the one falling asleep with a smile on his face. The teachers and Aurors will try to not allow it but him and he is sure everyone that got a blow to their pride will find a way to have a rematch.

The room gone silent and all the boys froze when there headmaster entered and not too quietly the living room angry. Seeing them and the condition they were in did not improve his bitter mood, if possible it made it worse. This meant a really harsh punishment and all the boys knew it. By failing they have brought shame to the school and to him.

Without a word or sparring them any mind to ask how they were he went to where there rooms were. Nikolai was thankful to all the deities he was not chosen to be the champion. He didn't think he would survive to have that man over his shoulder almost 24/7. He had no idea how Krum did it or dealt with this guy. The old hoot will spit his venom at his poor friend and tomorrow will be there turn. He hates his life at the moment.

Élise did not like the decision Dumbledore and his deputy have come up with for the time being. Neither Beuaxbaton nor Durmstrang students will be allowed entry to the Hogwarts until further notice or till things 'chill' between the two parties.

The old Veela knew that something like that will not happen even if they lock them for the whole year. The seed of despise and hatred has been planted a long time ago and it only bloomed with each encounter.

The girls will keep their distance especially after she commands them but the Bulgarian boys will not. What is worse, Karkarof will encourage them to be cunning and violent. They will provoke and bully while no one was looking and get away with it thanks to their headmaster.

There was a reason why in every book of their kind it was said to stay clear if they are angry or to not do so. They are creatures of emotions and it is hard to be calmed when provoked, especially when young. And the Veelas here were at the stage of adulthood where their emotions ruled their world. The magical at this stage is overpowering the logical part in their lives which leads to last night's scuffle.

And as much as she was worried about all the participants, Fleur was her biggest concern. Not only is she hitting adulthood but also the desire to mate. And the one suited for that purpose being this close did not help her poor granddaughter. She had really hoped that Fleur could somehow miraculously overpower the urges but it was foolish to hope so. She didn't when she was her age and neither any other. The only hope lies in an older, more experienced Veela to be there and be the head. She would have to request from her mate to deliver her the repressing potions for Fleur to start taking.

Élise really disliked that thing and not because of the horrible taste. It was something especially made for her kind so they can be less dangerous at certain periods. It was something that will suppress the link between body and beast making the Veela less emotional, somehow dull. And though for Fleur that might sound wonderful it did worry her because it will also make Fleur more human, fragile. She would not be able to see or hear as further as original, will not be able to track the scent of people or her mate nor her presence before seeing her. The sense of danger will also be pretty much inexistent. All of the things they can do is thanks to their blood, their animal inside and without it they are more vulnerable than even humans. It will be uncomfortable and will be variations of dull pain depending on how strong the line between witch and beast is. The stronger the less time the potion will last and more frequently will it need to be taken. By what she have witnessed with Fleur, she would need a full closet.

Élise wanted to wait before suggesting this to her older granddaughter, till she is sure the Bulgarian situation is dealt with and no ' accidents' might occur but it was not her decision to make. She will bring it up to the girl but since she have inherited many of her traits and not her mates' just like her daughter, the old Veela is sure the warnings will pass through deaf ears.

For the time being she would tell Dumbledore and all the teacher staff to be vigilant when the kids are allowed back in and will order the Aurors to observe and intervene.

Thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed!

All the review questions and what not will be answered here. =)

Reviews:

(I feel like fleur is being an ass) - yeah, sorry about that but there is a reason for that like I have said before and more intel will be given on the next and future chapters. (It is a Veela thing and as much as you like Gabby, she will probably end the same way)

- Meah, can't be all about her though even if she wasn't present it is always about her one way or another. Someone needs to take responsibility cough cough.

- I've heared. my ears are still ringing and I probably bleeding. Here I hope you don't read the author notes and when the next chapter will be. Now I know how the Queen of Dragons spends her free time when not running a kingdom.