The Delacour family's manor, while not on par with the Volle or Malfoy estates, exuded a distinguished charm in the Parisian suburbs. Tom and his entourage were in the living room with Leonie, while Cassandra, Hermione, and Luna, led by Fleur, were touring the manor.
"Fleur, is it just you all here?" Cassandra asked, noting the absence of the Delacour sisters' parents.
"My parents are in America on business," Fleur replied casually. "But Grandma has more free time now and often takes us places."
"I see," Luna said softly.
Hermione, clutching a tourist brochure, chimed in, "Fleur, any local recommendations for sightseeing?"
Fleur paused thoughtfully. "Everything starts to look the same after a while, but I suppose I could suggest a few unique spots."
...
Upon returning to the manor, Cassandra's group encountered Tom and his party preparing to leave. Tom, bored with Leonie's awkward attempts at conversation, decided to explore. It wasn't an argument, just his desire for something more stimulating. He'd return later, of course, but the sun had just set, and the night beckoned.
Perhaps this will give Leonie some relief, Tom mused as he caught sight of the Veela waving cheerfully, calling out, "Take care!"
"Okay, Grandma, we're off!" Gabrielle called, trailing behind Tom.
Wait! Why did you come along too?! Leonie thought, scooping up Gabrielle and forcing a smile. "Why doesn't little Gabrielle stay here with Grandma and her sister?" The thought of her granddaughters alone with Tom Riddle/Voldemort was unbearable.
Apparently, she unconsciously forgot about the others.
"But Grandma, Gabrielle wants to go play too." Gabrielle then pointed, "Look, she's already gone."
Leonie looked up to meet Fleur's gaze.
"Ahem…" Fleur coughed awkwardly, sensing her grandmother's complicated expression. "Grandma, you know I must be Tom's guide. We can't neglect our guests, can we?"
Perfect! Fleur thought. It was an impeccable excuse. Faced with this, Leonie was cornered. She couldn't possibly admit to neglecting their guests, especially not in front of Tom Riddle/Voldemort. That would be a fatal mistake! Veela lives mattered, after all.
"..."
After a brief silence, Leonie, feigning resignation, exclaimed, "Go! Go on then! All of you, just leave!" She leaned dramatically against the doorframe, a picture of forlorn abandonment. "Leaving this lonely old woman all alone…" She glanced hopefully at her granddaughters, only to see them already a hundred meters away. "..."
They really left! Damn it, those unfilial granddaughters!
Despite her fury, Leonie's superhuman hearing caught her granddaughters' distant cries, "Grandma, wait for us at home!" Their faces were beaming.
They knew perfectly well that their Veela grandmother wasn't at death's door. Even at her age, she could still take down a bison with a single punch. What was with the theatrics?
"…"
Leonie remained silent, her face grim, but she was helpless. The stubborn girls refused to stay, having judged that accompanying a dangerous black-haired wizard was more exciting than watching late-night horror movies with their grandmother.
Gritting her teeth, Leonie slammed her fist on the doorframe, denting the metal.
But I can't leave Fleur and Gabrielle alone…
"Sigh."
Leonie sighed deeply, then strode after them.
…
The Seine at night was a spectacle of beauty. Moonlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the Alexander III Bridge. Boats glided on the water, their lights mingling with the buildings along the banks. The flowing, deep waters rippled like a Van Gogh painting. The Eiffel Tower shimmered with golden light, reflected in the water – art and reality fused together.
Tom and his group sat by the river, sipping coffee and chatting.
"I still want to say...chew...Muggles in architecture...chew...are really capable…" Malfoy mumbled, a loaf of bread in each hand.
Beside him, Harry, mortified, covered his face. He wanted to punch the kid and tell him to finish eating before talking, but he stopped, worried about him choking again.
---