Author's Note: I don't own Harry Potter this is my disclaimer. This is only for entertainment so on and so on. Ok so beside that, this is my first time writing fan fiction. I love Hermione and Fleur so I decided to write about them. Just a note about my style of writing, yes this is a love story but I don't really like to get to all the love stuff right away. I love building up to it. So you're going to have to be patient with me but believe me I will make it worth your wait. Review, don't be shy on me and don't hold back I am not scared if you tell me my story is bad. I am not expecting it to be everybody's cup of tea haha. Yes this chapter is long, sorry it's a slow starting story and I want to make sure I get setting of the story right.

A Destined Paradox

Chapter 1: Letting go and Moving On

As Hermione sat on her bed she looked around her room. She was getting a last look at it, a last feel of it.

She knew it was going to be a very long time before she would be able to return to her room. She stared at her books.

The books she had collected over the years. She sniffed and smiled, while she thought of all the solutions her books had taught her in order to help Harry, Ron, and herself. She knew very well they would not have made it far without her or her books.

Then her eyes lingered to her photographs on the wall. She had collected those over the years too, her eyes stopped on the first picture she ever took with Harry and Ron. They were so small so little, she smiled at this, who would have known that three misfits were the ones leading the war against Lord Voldemort.

Hermione certainly did not know this when this picture was taken. Although she was almost killed by a troll, saved Ron from Devil's Snare, solved a potion riddle for Harry in order for him to come face to face with Voldemort himself, and don't forget helped sneak away a dragon from Hogwarts named Norbert.

She chuckled wearily to those memories although a part of her back then knew she would never lead a normal life because of her friendship with Harry Potter, another part of her hoped somehow things would be normal.

She skimmed the rest of her photos, all from her years in Hogwarts. There was some of everything, even one of Viktor Krum and of course of the Weasley family. All her photos were moving, they were waving at her and smiling as if nothing was wrong but of course this wasn't true, not even during the time the photos were taken.

There were also the gold and red colors among her pictures. The colors that represented her bravery and loyalty so well especially in the upcoming moments, she was indeed a Gryffindor beside her very apparent Ravenclaw trait.

Then Hermione's eyes found a picture of her and her parents. That is when her eyes started to tear up. She was going to have to sacrifice them, for the time being, for the greater good.

A part of her did not want too, but she had too for their own safety and this also meant erasing their memories of her. She did not know how she would be able to live with the guilt if her parents were caught and tutored to death just because they were her parents. It's better if they didn't even know they had a daughter and safer.

Hermione was then awakened from her reminiscing by a sudden knock on her door.

"Sweetheart, tea is ready," said Mrs. Granger popping her head inside the room.

"Alright mom, I will be down in a second," said Hermione trying to hide her melancholy with a forced smile.

Mrs. Granger let the rest of herself in, "Is everything ok, sweetheart?"

Hermione nodded, "Yes, mom." Mrs. Granger tilted her head observing her daughter. She is her mother of course she knew something was wrong but she decided not to press on.

"Ok. Well your father and I are down stairs watching the news. Come down when you're ready," she smiled at her daughter and started to walk out.

"Mom, wait!" said Hermione suddenly.

"Yes?" Hermione gave her another wearily smile. "I love you mom. I love you and dad….I'll be down in a moment."

Mrs. Granger looked at Hermione strangely, "We love you too, sweetheart."

With that said Mrs. Granger closed the door behind her. Hermione took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She took one last look at her room. She then opened her small beaded purse which she had cast Undetectable Extension Charm.

Hermione checked if she had packed everything she needed. She then checked her watch. A member of The Order of Phoenix was going to meet her outside of her house in a few minutes.

She let out a long sigh and then took a deep breath. She then walked over to her desk and grabbed her wand.

"I dread doing this," she told herself dejectedly but she knew she was making the best decision for them.

She walked over to her door and put her hand on the handle and stayed frozen for a moment contemplating wither or not she should look back. She turned the knob and walked out into the hallway silently.

Hermione's parents were indeed in their living room watching the news.

"Is Hermione coming down," asked Mr. Granger.

"She said she would be down in a moment….I think something is bothering her. She just needs a moment to herself," said Mrs. Granger.

"Alright then," he said sipping on his tea keeping his eyes glued to the television which was on the news cast and covering a story on how beautiful Australia was.

Hermione swallowed hard, she pointed out her wand at her parents. "Australia seems lovely doesn't it," said Mr. Granger to his wife, "We must visit it soon."

"Obliviate," whispered Hermione.

For a moment her parents became silent and Hermione's wand looked as if something was sipping into it, which looked like a bluish mist.

Slowly the memory of Hermione they had started to slip away along with the physical memories of her they had, like photos, paintings of her childhood, anything that had her name and etc.

Hermione had made sure that her parent's names where changed and that they would have the desire to move to Australia.

With that Hermione sneaked out of her house but before leaving she silently promised her parents that she would return for them where ever they are and give them back their daughter….if she survives.

"At least if I die, you won't be heartbroken because you won't even know I exist," she whispered to them before heading out the door.

Hermione closed the door behind her. It was about to rain, so she zipped up her coat.

She walked out into the street wondering where the member of The Order of Phoenix is. When she had contacted Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley that she would be leaving her house soon, they told her they would find somebody to escort her but at the time they didn't know who because all of the members were extremely busy.

"You will be staying with whatever member comes to get you," explained Mrs. Weasley.

"It is far too dangerous right now for all of us to be untied often. We do not want the Death Eaters to figure out where we meet or when we meet. This keeps them guessing on how much we know and how much we plan. This member will let you in on everything as soon as you're untied with him or her. It is far too dangerous to explain through here," said Mrs. Weasley through the fire Hermione had created, just the way Sirius use to contact Harry.

"Alright, but why can't I just stay at the Burrow," asked Hermione.

"Your being looked for too Hermione," broke in Mr. Weasley.

"Remember you are part of the Golden Trio it is better to keep all of you separated until we make the Burrow safe enough. Shacklebolt is trying to get the Ministry to protect the Burrow; with those defenses the Death Eaters will stand back…until," but Mr. Weasley stopped as if he had said too much.

"Until what?" asked Hermione with a worried tone.

"Like I said you will be informed Hermione it's far too dangerous here," ended Mr. Weasley.

"We will be reunited soon darling," interrupted Mrs. Weasley.

"We all must have patience," Mrs. Weasley said lovingly.

"I will see you all soon then, hopefully. Please, take care and say hello to Ron for me," ended Hermione.

That was the last things Hermione was told and instructed to do before leaving her house.

Did I tell them the right date? thought Hermione as she walked out into the street looking around in front of her but she could see nobody.

"Ugh-hm," said a voice behind her. Hermione turned around quickly and tightened her grip around her wand.

"'Ermione bonjour," Fleur walked up to her holding out her hand.

Hermione couldn't hide her look of shock but she lessened the grip on her wand.

"You were not expecting me," smiled Fleur still holding out her hand for Hermione to take and shake.

Hermione finally snapped out of her shock, "No I wasn't to be honest…sorry I didn't mean to be rude."

Hermione quickly took Fleur's hand and shook it but then was caught off guard when she then leaned in and gave her a kiss on each cheek. Oh yeah she's French thought Hermione.

"You looked like you were deep in thought. I did not want to interrupt," said Fleur while she pulled away from Hermione and her hand too.

"I was wondering if the Order had forgotten that I was suppose to leave today," Hermione was scowling at her but then she realized they were still standing in front of her house.

"Can we start walking please," Hermione said while looking at her house with a gloomy look in her eyes and putting her wand inside her coat. Fleur only nodded and started walking down the street with Hermione.

"You also looked sad, seemed like you needed a moment. I was giving you space," Fleur turned to look at Hermione and she was right Hermione still had that miserable look in her eyes.

Hermione let out a sigh. She was never really close to Fleur nor had really gotten to get to know her. She only had her judgments of her which were, of course, like many other girls judgments of her, she was a snob, rich, shallow, and "somewhat" talented witch that was a quarter-Veela.

Although many girls did not admit this but she was stunningly beautiful with long sliver blonde hair and deep blue eyes with a perfect smile, great posture, and slim tall figure. Fleur also seemed to emanate a faint, silvery glow.

Hermione also thought of her as demanding and a complainer, but then she realized sometimes people thought the same about her but people thought this of them because of different aspects.

Hermione glanced over to Fleur. She realized she was going to have to get along with her since she was going to stay with her for awhile until further instructions.

"I…I had to erase my parents…memories…of…me," Hermione realized that was very hard to say and even blinked back tears.

Fleur stopped walking.

Hermione followed her lead and stopped walking too, a little further then Fleur but Hermione did not turn to look at Fleur. She hardly knew her and she did not want her to see her cry.

Fleur placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder as a mean of comfort but respecting her privacy by not asking her to turn around.

"I am sorry. That must have been very hard," and she meant it. She would be heartbroken too if she had to do the same thing.

Hermione nodded, still giving Fleur her back, "Thank you…for understanding." A silent tear ran down Hermione's face, that "thank you" had a double meaning.

"Let's stop to get tea before we go back to my house," Fleur took her hand from Hermione's shoulder not yet walking next to her in case she needed time to readjust.

"I was told they told you that you were staying with me for a time being." Fleur now walked next to Hermione and was now looking at her waiting for a response.

"Yes, I was informed," replied Hermione who had gotten her composure back from that brief moment of weakness.

"Merveilleux, now let's get that cup of tea." Fleur then turned to look around the neighborhood they needed a place to hide where they could apparate.

"Over there," Hermione read Fleur's mind and pointed to a small alley. "There is an alley where we can hide and apparate. That is what you were looking for right?"

Fleur looked at Hermione for a moment, "Err oui," Fleur was a bit shocked and could not hide the shocked look on her face.

Hermione chuckled, "I didn't expect you to know this neighborhood," this amused Hermione she couldn't help but smile at Fleur's cluelessness of the neighborhood.

It amused her but in a good way. She couldn't help but to think it was actually cute to see confident Fleur in a setting that she is not use too. Fleur smiled at Hermione.

"Sorry, as your protector,' Fleur laid her hand over her coat where she was hiding her wand, "I should have studied the neighborhood before hand. But I was extremely busy at Gringotts. The war is affecting everything these days….even the muggle world"

Hermione nodded, she knew this was very true. Even muggles were being murdered.

They had turned into the small alley. "You no longer have the trace. You can apparate by yourself non," asked Fleur. "Yes of course…but where exactly are we going? Where is your house, Fleur?"

"I live in London of course," Fleur smiled.

"I can see you kept your promise and improved on your English," Hermione could not help but tease her. Fleur use to have a very strong French accent and it was very clear that Fleur had improved her English.

"I had to improve it,' smiled Fleur "I am surrounded by the English both at work and now my social life."

Hermione smiled and nodded. Although her sadness was still apparent in her expressions for the day's events, at least she had someone to distract her from her melancholy.

She was starting to have second thoughts about Fleur. She's not that bad after all or maybe she just matured or maybe we both did wondered Hermione.

"Ugh-hm, so off to London non?" Yet again Hermione got lost in her thoughts and yet again did Fleur had to interrupt her thoughts.

"I never thought 'Ermione 'Ranger day dreamed so much," now it was Fleur's turn to tease her.

"I'm sorry it's been a long day," sighed Hermione with slight chuckle.

"Well let's go get that cup of tea non?" Hermione nodded,

"Uhhh can I just hold your hand and you apparate us? I don't know exactly where in London we're going." Fleur stared at Hermione for a quick moment then nodded and got a hold of her hand and apparated.

BANG! Fleur had apparated into a dark London alley. It was already late in the afternoon and it was also cloudily in London.

Hermione let go Fleur's hand making sure she still had her purse with her.

"Follow me, the café should not be far from here," said Fleur leading the way but then stopping as if remembering something.

"Before we go, you must put your hoodie on there are Snatchers hiding among the muggle world trying to find any wizards or witches who are hiding in this world or are more like keeping tabs."

Hermione swallowed her stomach began to tie knots. "Are you sure we should go for tea then?" asked Hermione.

Fleur smiled, "Yes I am sure. There is no reason to put your life on hold. We just need to be more cautious that is all."

Fleur then reached into her pocket and brought out a small vial. She took off the top and drank what was inside.

"What is that?" Hermione was staring at Fleur drinking from her vial.

"A potion, watch," as Fleur finished her potion Hermione watched her attentively.

Then as she watched, she noticed that Fleur began to loose some of the light she radiates. Then she noticed that Fleur's bright sliver hair was beginning to change color.

It started with the roots of her hair then before she knew it, Fleur had redish brown hair. Even without her radiate sliver blonde hair Fleur still looked breath taking.

Hermione stared at Fleur for awhile amazed at how beautiful she still was. "The Snatchers are not a big problem…but we are still hiding. We do not want to be recognized."

Hermione could only nod at the moment; she was trying to find her words. "Uhhh right, but Fleur what about your thrall," Hermione managed to ask.

"I am only a quarter-Veela. I have more control of my thrall then other Veela's, but it's also not as strong as the other Veela's. Now follow me, stay close please."

As Fleur led the way Hermione observed the people on the streets. She couldn't help but to feel suspicious of everyone.

"There are things we need to discuss but they are going to have to wait until we arrive at my house." Fleur was walking with a determination in her eyes and her posture resembled one of a body guard.

As they walked throw the crowded street rain drops started to fall.

Fleur started to walk with a faster pace and was dodging the crowd without bumping into anybody, gracefully.

This made it more difficult for Hermione to keep up with Fleur. All of sudden Fleur made a sharp turn to the right, for a moment Hermione lost sight of her but then she felt a hand on her arm.

Startled Hermione shoved her hand inside her coat ready to get her wand but then, "It's me. I lost sight of you for a moment there. The café is over here," breathed Fleur to Hermione.

"You were walking very fast. I thought I had lost you for a moment there. It was hard for me to keep pace with you." Hermione was trying to catch her breath. "Please, don't scare me like that. I thought you could have been somebody else…somebody worse."

They walked into the café. Then they seated themselves in a small round table for two people close to the window.

"Somebody worse? Are you saying I am not an appealing person 'Ermione,' Fleur teased Hermione continuing on her comment.

"No, no, no…I meant…I…didn't mean it in that way…I was just…referring to the…" Hermione's cheeks were turning red from the embarrassment.

"It's ok 'Ermione. I know you weren't expecting me and if you could choose you would not have picked me," Fleur was being blunt but they both knew she was telling the truth.

Hermione blinked lost at words, she couldn't believe Fleur was being so truthful.

"I am sorry it could not have been somebody else to have come and get you but you are staying with me for awhile. We are technically partners now," Fleur's expression became sincere.

"Look, I know when you first met me I was not exactly someone asking to be liked. I felt like I was the one tolerating people and did not realize it was also people tolerating me. I have grown and matured. I am no longer that girl. I have seen the big picture. This is why I have joined your cause and vowed to do what I can to help and while doing so I have learned so much more. (Fleur was careful with her wording) I can only hope that you do not allow that first impression of me get in the way of us getting along and working together."

Just as Fleur finished a waitress came over to take their order. "We'll take two teas," said Hermione not allowing Fleur to order, "and two sandwiches please."

Fleur raised her eyebrow at Hermione. "It's my way of apologizing. I didn't mean to be rude when you said hello to me and I hate to admit this but you were right. I would was shocked and I would have chosen somebody else. So let me order for us AND pay as way to start getting to know each other and for being impolite too," Hermione let her head down it was obvious she was embarrassed by Fleur's bluntness and her own actions.

"'Ermione it's ok, but alright I will let you so you will not feel guilty and you can look at me now. Do not feel ashamed I was guilty of this a long time ago," smiled Fleur.

Hermione looked up Fleur's eye's were actually brighter because of her new hair color. "It's hard not to hate you Fleur. You're very pretty. No wonder girls find it difficult to like you. You make them insecure," Hermione was also blunt and she just had to say it.

"You do not think you are beautiful 'Ermione? Your beauty is the best kind, the unconventional type. You do not even have to try. Your eyes do not have to be colored nor your hair some unique color. You are naturally beautiful," Fleur was looking into Hermione eyes.

Hermione was resisting blushing. "Thank you Fleur," Hermione managed to smile.

Fleur smiled back at her, "I hope you brought something formal to wear at the wedding, for Violet's and Charlie's wedding."

"Yes, I did. Mrs. Weasley reminded me last time we spoke. Violet is your cousin right?" said Hermione quickly changing the subject.

"Oui, she and I are very close. I am very excited for her. It feels like this wedding is needed," said Fleur gloomily as she rested her chin on her hand.

Hermione saw the sadness in her eyes, "I know these are hard times, it is affecting everything, and it even seems to affect the weather."

Hermione looked outside it was starting to pour rain. Hermione wanted to say more but she was lost of words.

Just then, the waitress came back with their order. "Thank you," smiled Hermione. "Merci," Fleur bowed her head slightly.

"That is probably why the wedding is perfect timing. Call it a break from these dark days," said Fleur sipping on her tea.

Hermione studied Fleur for a little bit wondering why she was sad and at the same time she found herself wishing she would help her in some way.

She wanted to comfort Fleur, it surprised Hermione how soon she was already growing attached to Fleur. She went from almost hating the girl to now worrying about her, its amazing how quickly feelings can change.

But they have both grown and perhaps to feel like she did before would be childish. Besides how can she not care Fleur was risking her life to protect her. Being around Hermione is a dangerous task.

She was being sought after by Death Eaters themselves. It was much riskier for Fleur to be around Hermione, even if she was a member of the Order, which of course had its own risks, but Fleur was putting her life in more danger by helping Hermione.

Hermione could understand Fleur in some way, wasn't she too risking everything for Harry? The only reason she was being sought out for was because she was one of Harry Potter's best friends, one who has always fought by his side. But she couldn't ignore the major difference, Harry was Hermione's best friend they have a bond and a very strong one.

She has grown and fought with him since her first year in Hogwarts along with Ron. There is no denying their closeness of their bond, but Fleur? She barely knew Fleur and she didn't even want to get to know Fleur when she had the chance because of her attitude.

Yet there was Fleur right in front her, making that risk without even having that bond to Hermione. Hermione smiled to herself she could not help but find Fleur extremely admirable.

Yes, other people would probably be willing to do the same, but they all had their reasons, it was either to protect Harry, defeat Voldemort, or just for them to end the misery being caused, but Fleur what were her reasons?

Out of the blue she joined The Order. Hermione couldn't help to wonder and she wanted to find out. Maybe that's why Fleur looks so sad at the moment, something is obviously bothering her perhaps that was her reason for joining The Order.

That sad look on her eyes could be the answer to what Hermione was looking for.