Before Tom could say a word, Fleur leaned in and sank her teeth into his shoulder.
"Hiss—!" Tom winced, sucking in a sharp breath. Good thing he'd been quick enough to shut off his Iron Skin enchantment, or Fleur's perfect white teeth would have snapped like porcelain.
"Stop, stop! You're a Veela, not a puppy."
Out of the corner of his eye he caught Gabrielle, eyes sparkling with mischief, clearly tempted to take a bite as well. Horrified at the thought of both sisters gnawing on him like dinner, Tom shoved Fleur back gently and clamped a hand on Gabrielle's head before she could pounce.
"You didn't even warn me!" Fleur huffed, her cheeks burning crimson.
"I was only trying to distract you," Tom replied smoothly.
"Then why not just cast a Memory Charm on me?"
"…Brilliant idea. I'll do that next time."
"You—!" Fleur glared, but clamped her lips shut as a house-elf appeared with a deep bow.
"Master Tom," the elf piped, "the master, mistress, and Master Scamander are waiting for you in the parlor."
Tom nodded and led the sisters through the sprawling estate. Both girls were struck silent. The Flamel manor was nearly the size of Beauxbatons itself, dripping with artistry and alchemical marvels at every corner. Yet where Beauxbatons hosted over a thousand students, this mansion was home to only two people.
It took half an hour of winding corridors before they finally reached the parlor. Tom, who usually Apparated straight in, was patient this time—after all, this was Fleur and Gabrielle's first visit, and proper introductions mattered.
Fleur's nerves flared again at the sight of the three smiling elders, but Tom caught her hand and squeezed gently, steadying her.
Introductions done, Fleur offered polite greetings. Gabrielle, however, was quick to win hearts with her honeyed tongue:
"Grandpa Nicolas! Grandpa Newt! Grandma Perenelle!"
The three old faces softened instantly. Perenelle nearly squealed with delight as she smothered Gabrielle in sweets, piling up enough confections to drown the little Veela.
"Don't be nervous, child," Nicolas said kindly, noticing Fleur's stiff posture. "Any friend of Tom's is family here. Treat us as your elders. Just don't copy him—the other day he was already muttering about eating at my funeral and inheriting my estate."
Fleur's wide eyes shot to Tom, scandalized. The boy shook his head furiously. "He's slandering me! I'd never—he just doesn't like how much time I spend in his lab, that's all."
Perenelle gave her husband a pointed look. "You see? I told you it's you who's been corrupting him. All day locked away tinkering. What if the boy turns into a recluse?"
"That won't happen," Newt said warmly. "Tom's a remarkable lad."
"Yes, don't let this grumpy old man fool you," Perenelle agreed. "Child, make yourself at home. And one more thing—don't let Tom study more than six hours a day. If he tries, drag him away. The rest of the time, you're free to do whatever you like together."
"I understand, madam," Fleur replied with a sweet smile, relaxing at last.
The conversation turned light, and Fleur grew more comfortable. During the chatter, however, she mentioned something that made Newt's face burn scarlet:
"Papa says all the French Ministry officials have been working late these past weeks… apparently it's because of you, Mr. Scamander. The moment they learned you were in Paris, every department went into overdrive, scouring the country for dangerous magical creatures. Father's department was even reassigned to assist."
In other words—Newt's arrival had caused almost the same panic as Grindelwald's.
Nicolas roared with laughter. Tom smirked, watching Newt shrink lower in his chair, wishing for Invisibility Cloaks.
Sparing him further embarrassment, Tom smoothly changed the subject. "Master, when will your friends arrive?"
"After New Year's," Nicolas answered. "Good thing you asked. Tomorrow we'll have a formal suit tailored for you. The gathering will be a proper affair—you must take it seriously."
"I understand," Tom said with a nod.
After more talk, Perenelle grew weary, and Tom excused himself with the sisters. Their guest rooms were ready, placed right across from his.
"Show me around?" Fleur asked, offering her hand, curiosity in her eyes.
"Me too!" Gabrielle chirped, raising her little palm.
Tom chuckled, taking one in each hand, and led them off. From the grandest halls to corridors brimming with alchemical wonders, they wandered like explorers. Truth be told, even Tom hadn't seen more than a fifth of the estate—this was as much discovery for him as for them.
Half a day later, Gabrielle was dragging her feet, exhausted, and Fleur herself looked ready to collapse.
"That's enough," Fleur admitted breathlessly. "Tomorrow we'll continue. For now, I just want a long, hot bath."
The next morning, Tom had the two sisters up early. Together, they went to be fitted for their new formal attire.