Troubled Love║Sirius Black

Chapter 61

The next month proved incredibly difficult for Hallie. Not only was she travelling alongside Dumbledore, day in and day out, but recruiting Veela was seemingly harder than both Dumbledore and Hallie had first anticipated.

At first, the pair had succeeded in recruiting families of Veela, situated in both the UK and France to support and potentially fight within the war. However, as they widened their search to full Veela tribes across Eastern Europe, that's where the problems started to arise.

Whilst in Bulgaria, Hallie and Dumbledore had visited a large group of Veela, living close to the Balkan Mountain Range. However, upon meeting the tribe leader and Dumbledore explaining their intentions, Hallie was quick to notice the group slowly encircling the two.

Thankfully, with Hallie's recognition, the two managed to get away relatively unscathed - only leaving with a few claw marks to the body and a slight burn to Hallie's neck.

They had tried to be quick in offering a place to fight on their side of the war, only Voldermort and his followers had been quicker. As it seemed, lots of Bulgarians, both human and creatures, already believed and supported the power of you know who, which meant that their success at recruiting Veela in Bulgaria was marginal.

So, Hallie and Dumbledore had once again turned their attention back to France.

The morning sun bathed the French countryside in a warm, golden light, as it began its ascent just over the horizon. The light cast long shadows across the rolling vineyards and fields of lavender; the scent of blooming flowers mingled with the fresh, crisp air.

Hallie walked casually alongside Dumbledore, who she realised had probably never looked casual once in his life. Even on their mission, everyday he was adorned in long traveller robes that trailed along the floor at his feet.

"I believe we will see some success today Miss Brennan," Dumbledore commented. He stood tall and distinguished; his long silver beard catching the light. "This group of Veela had a nasty run in with some Death Eaters about a month back, so I'm hoping they will be easier to coerce."

"I honestly didn't realise the war was bad in countries like France too," Hallie replied, as the pair walked along the cobblestone path, leading up to a secluded estate. "I always assumed it was only where we are."

"It started off very much just within the UK," Dumbledore replied. "This year in particular however, other countries are starting to get more involved. Unfortunately Miss Brennan, the war is becoming far more of an issue."

Hallie merely nodded, as they approached the building. The estate itself was a marvel of French architecture - an elegant château nestled amidst the oak trees, covered in ivy and wisteria vines.

The large wooden doors swung open rather rapidly, revealing a group of Veela who had evidently been awaiting their arrival. Hallie looked on at the group in complete awe - their beauty utterly mesmerising. Although she was part Veela herself, Hallie couldn't help but feel slightly disconnected from her heritage.

Each Veela that stood in front of her, both full Veelas and part Veelas, radiated a luminous, ethereal glow that seemed like they could possibly rival the light from the sun. Their heads of hair were so blonde, it reflected more silvery in the light and their eyes were so hypnotic, even the kaleidoscope of blue hues seemed to hurt her own eyes.

"Albus Dumbledore," spoke one of the Veela, her voice melodic and soothing. "We have heard of your journey and the cause that brings you here."

Dumbledore inclined his head downward out of respect, causing Hallie to do the same. "Madame Aurélie, it truly is an honour to stand before you. As you have probably gathered, the wizarding world is facing dark times. Within this, we seek the aid of the Veela to help us combat this growing threat."