Happy National Bouillabaisse Day!
It really is true that every day is a holiday, and today is no exception. December 14 is National Bouillabaisse Day in the US, a day that celebrates fish stew.
Excuse me, are you wanting ze bouillabaisse?
In honor of this national holiday, let’s take a deeper look at the Harry Potter series’s own bouillabaisse connoisseur, Fleur Delacour. Rather like how Hermione tells Ron he should give bouillabaisse a chance because it is “quite good,” under all the phlegm, Fleur is really a deep and interesting character as well. I think that we get caught up in her little annoyances and forget about her strong points, causing her to be overlooked like foreign cuisine with an unpronounceable name. Below is a list of some of Fleur’s most redeeming moments and qualities.
1. Immense magical strength and ability
In order to be chosen by the Goblet of Fire, Fleur had to possess strengths that the rest of her Beauxbatons classmates were lacking. She is certainly more than just a pretty face.
2. Being a caring big sister
Fleur was absolutely beside herself when she couldn’t get past the grindylows in the second task. The fact that Gabrielle was taken as the thing that means the most to her shows that while she may be a little haughty and caught up in appearances, the most important thing in her life is her little sister.
3. Her taste in men
Let’s face it, being able to turn on that veela charm whenever she wants could have landed Fleur anyone in the world. Yes, Bill is described as handsome, but he is not necessarily rich or movie-star-good-looking. The fact that Fleur chose a Weasley just makes her all the more fantastic.
4. The seven Potters
Even though we all laugh at the line, “Bill, look away. I’m hideous,” we somehow overlook the fact that Fleur is risking her own life along with the other members of Harry’s escort that night. While the entire escort is in danger, those who volunteer to disguise themselves as Harry are at an even greater risk since they are taking on the resemblance of Voldemort’s main target.
5. Marrying Bill anyway
Mrs. Weasley didn’t mean to say that Fleur wouldn’t want to marry Bill after his face was ripped apart by Greyback, but it came out that way. I personally loved this moment and the way Fleur reacted. Of course, Rowling inserted humor in the way Fleur proclaimed herself good-looking enough to make up for what was taken away from Bill, but I thought how Fleur defended herself against the assumption of her shallow desires was really a sweet moment.
6. Moving abroad
Fleur took a job at Gringotts to “improve her English.” As a college student who is nearing graduation and looking at job opportunities away from home, I have to give her major props for moving to another country and immersing herself in a new environment.
7. Harboring a fugitive
Fleur knew the risk she was taking when she provided a place for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to stay after the trio fled Malfoy Manor, but she hosted them at Shell Cottage anyway.
8. The Battle of Hogwarts
She wasn’t just going to stay at home and wait while everyone else did the fighting. Fleur jumped into the battle and fought, keeping her loved ones safe and helping to provide a better future world for her and Bill to raise their family in.
Really, she’s not bad at all. Rather like bouillabaisse, you just have to get over the surface appearance and get to know what’s underneath.
