The Dark Lioness

Chapter 12 - Part 1

Cordelia sat facing a rather relaxed Fleur as she fidgeted in an armchair. The room had large windows that faced out towards a precisely groomed back garden. Anxious blue eyes regarded the garden in critique as she couldn't help but draw parallels between this rather English manor in comparison to the Delacour chateau in Marseilles. "You know Tante if you look at those peacocks with that glare anymore they might begin to think that you wish them dead," Fleur smirked as her aunt turned her eyes towards her. A small scoff was given in return as Cordelia began to hear voices from outside the room. A quick look to Fleur showed that she had heard them as well. Although Cordelia didn't miss the way Fleur seemed to sit up straighter and glance almost self-consciously at her outfit. 'Strange. Fleur is many things but self-conscious? Never.'

The large oak doors opened and a dar skinned witch appeared. An inviting smile appeared on her face as emerald eyes connected to Cordelia's startled blue. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Delacour. I'm Hermione McGonagall." The witch said in a warm polite voice. Cordelia was momentarily amazed that the girl seemed to have no interest in her or her niece in the usual way people did around their thrall. She was also surprised by the small smile that appeared on her face when Fleurs thrall softly wrapped around her as though to hug her. Cordelia gave a nervous smile and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well Miss McGonagall. Fleur has said many wonderful things about you." Cerulean eyes rolled as Fleur looked at her aunt. "When you have such an amazing witch as your friend you have only good things to say. Although," Fleur gave a sinful smirk, one which she seemed to have mastered or have been the founder of such a thing "it could just be because she has a very attractive body and mind. The brain is the biggest sex organ after all." Hermione merely raised an eyebrow at Fleur in response.

A blonde head appeared around the door as dreamy eyes looked at Hermione. "Sorry to interrupt but Bellatrix appears to be set on ruining Cissy's oak floor with pacing. The nargels also seem to be nesting in her head as well." A soothing Irish lilt came from the mysterious blonde that surprised Cordelia. A throaty chuckle came from Hermione as she looked fondly at the witch. "Alright, Luna you can go get them now if you want. Only if that's ok with you Mrs Delacour." With a shaky breath, Cordelia sat straight in her chair. "That is fine with me, Fleur can put up with whatever happens. But please call me Cordelia." A warm smile widened on Hermione's face, "Hermione then." With that, the door opened wider than it was before and four people walked further into the room.

Cordelia sat looking closely at the people that entered the room. She noted that the dreamy-eyed blonde from earlier, luna, she corrected as she watched her sit next to a regal looking woman. She noted with interested the two-toned hair that formed her pale face and contrasted nicely with her dress. Cordelia also noticed Fleur's eyes racking over the witches form, her gaze was on the brink of staring. Hermione also noticed this and gave a small snicker. Cordelia then noticed the young man stood near the two-toned woman. He had the same blonde hair and nose as the woman who Cordelia suspected to be the woman's son. Next, her eyes looked to the woman who sat holding hands with Hermione. Her eyes widened slightly as she was caught in a slight trance as she looked at the same coloured hair like her. She noted with interest the dark-haired witch shifting in her seat repetitively as Hermione attempted to calm her fidgeting.

"For the love of god Bella stop fidgeting! You're making people nervous."

"It's not my fault! You were the one who gave me little to no warning about this! I had plans you know!" A husky voice snarked at the umber witch who had just scolded her. A rather musical chuckle sounded as Cordelia looked at the two-toned witch. "Bella planning on having a nap does not count as plans. It counts as you needing to get a better sleep schedule." The dark-haired witch, Bella, huffed as she crossed her arms and slouched on the sofa. "I have a perfectly fine sleep schedule, you bloody icy cow."