AN: I will fully admit I got the idea for this story from a country song (yes I listen to some country music. I actually listen to all genres of music to be honest). It's pretty much pure fluff, but who doesn't need that on occasion? Let me know what you think.
Hermione wasn't all that interested in partaking in school homecoming events, but she knew it would make her parents happy to have her socialize with live people rather than her books for one evening. She's not even sure what a 'school spirit bonfire' is supposed to be. The bonfire part is nice enough, but how it supposedly evokes spirit she hasn't a clue.
She spends exactly one hour hanging around the periphery of people before concluding she's put in enough time to tell her parents an effort was made. Many of the faces around her are familiar from school, but she's never really had in depth conversations with any of them. She has a few good friends in her highschool, it's not as if she's a complete outcast, it's just her group isn't exactly known for participating in school activities that aren't academically related. There is no one here she cares to stick around to talk with.
She's passing the concession stand when she bumps into someone, looking up to apologize when her voice freezes in her throat. Those eyes. Those eyes that are more blue than anyone's eyes have a right to be, are looking at her as if waiting for something.
Hermione realizes just how rude she appears and finally manages to force out a mumbled "I'm sorry." She's surprised when she sees a gentle smirk start to form on the girls face, and Hermione finds herself transfixed by it. She's transfixed by the whole girl really, because Fleur Delacour is more beautiful than anyone Hermione has ever seen, and she's spent the better part of the last two years avoiding looking at her for any prolonged period of time for just this reason.
"What was that?" Fleur asks, a bit of playfulness creeping into her tone.
Hermione breaks eye contact in an effort to regain her senses. "I said I'm sorry, for running into you." She manages to sound a bit less weak this time. Fleur is still looking at her though, and she really can't think all that well right now.
"Taking off already?" Fleur asks, looking from Hermione to the parking lot. "Aren't you afraid you'll miss all the fun?"
There's a hint of sarcasm there that has Hermione furrowing her eyebrows. Isn't this the sort of thing that Fleur Delacour, one of the most popular, and by far prettiest (in Hermione's opinion anyway) girl in school, would be in her glory at?
Hermione looks down at her feet, scuffing a toe along the ground. "Um, this isn't really my scene."
"No, I don't suppose it would be." Fleur responds, and though her tone isn't unkind it makes Hermione's cheeks warm a bit in embarrassment. It's no secret she's more the academic type, but she wishes that wasn't the thing Fleur associated her with.
"You want to get out of here, do something more worthwhile?"
The question has Hermione's head jerking back up to lock eyes with Fleur again. She takes stock of the other girl for a moment, trying to find motivation for the invite. Fleur looks casual enough, her hands in the back pockets of her skinny jeans, but her face has a look Hermione can't quite place, and that makes her nervous.
"You mean...go somewhere with you?" she asks slowly, trying to make sense of such a question.
Fleur quirks an eyebrow at her. "Yes, that was the general idea of the question."
"All right." Hermione hears herself respond before her brain can catch up. Did she really just say yes?
The small smile that comes to Fleur's mouth confirms that she did indeed accept the offer, and a look passes over her face for the briefest of moments that Hermione still can't read. She is not entirely sure what she's getting herself into, and Hermione knows she should maybe show more caution, but having a one on one conversation with Fleur seems to be hindering her judgement. Ultimately she'd rather not pass up this chance with senior year ticking away.
Fleur gives a slight jerk of her head towards the parking lot and turns to slowly start walking. It takes Hermione a moment to get her feet to move, and she has to jog for a moment to catch up.
"So where are we going?" she asks, her curiosity taking over as they make their way slowly to the parking lot.
"You'll see," Fleur responds coyly, before adding "I think you'll like it."
Hermione wonders for a moment how Fleur would have any idea what she might like, or why she would even spend a second of her time thinking about it, but the thought leaves her mind when Fleur walks up to her classic Shelby Mustang G.T. (not that Hermione has paid much attention to what kind of car Fleur drives, nor does she think it is completely sexy and badass), and opens the passenger side door for her. Hermione stands rooted to the spot, staring a little dumbly, because she's having a hard time wrapping her mind around the fact that Fleur Delacour is holding a car door open for her.
Fleur just rolls her eyes and gives a little shrug. "It's called being polite." Her tone is tinged with sarcasm, and that manages to get Hermione's feet moving again, sinking her body into the car seat, nose assaulted by a mix of smells, the most easily identifiable one being Fleur's scent.
They drive in silence for awhile, the radio playing it's mix of top 40 hits softly in the background while Fleur subtly plays steering wheel drums on occasion. Hermione realizes they're heading away from the center of town, out towards the fields where there is sparse population. She wonders not for the first time if this is lunacy, if she is in fact getting herself into an unsavory situation.
Fleur turns down an old dirt road, and Hermione knows where they are going. This is the road to what used to be an old mental institution. The building had long ago been destroyed, but the field still remains, and Hermione has heard about teenagers coming out here to party, but she doesn't think that Fleur would invite her along to that sort of thing.
They come to a stop in front of a tall chain linked fence, and when Hermione looks at Fleur with confusion she just receives a smile and eyebrow raise in return. Before numerous questions can roll off her tongue Fleur is out of the car, walking around to open the door for her again. Hermione keeps her head down as she climbs out, afraid the blush forming hotly on her cheeks will be visible.
Both of them walk slowly over to the fence, looking out at the field on the other side. Finally Hermione breaks the silence. "So...is this what you wanted to show me? A fence?"
A bemused smile crosses Fleur's face and she tilts her head up to the sky for a moment before softly sighing and looking back at Hermione. "No, I did not bring you here to show you the fence." Her smile turns wolfish and before Hermione realizes what her intention is, she's scaling the fence, her blonde ponytail swinging as she climbs.
"Fleur, it says 'no trepassing' right here on this sign. I really don't think we should be doing this." Hermione's stomach is turning a little at the thought of breaking the rules. She's never done something like this, and seriously has to wonder how she got herself in this situation. She's quickly reminded though when Fleur gracefully drops down to the ground on the other side and smiles at her.
"Are you coming?" she asks, a hint of playfulness in her voice.
Hermione lets out a sigh, as if this is all too much, and it sort of is, but never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd ever end up alone with Fleur Delacour in a situation like this, and she kind of wants to see what all of it amounts to. She manages to climb the fence without making too much of a fool of herself, although it isn't accomplished with nearly as much grace as Fleur.
When she drops down on the other side Fleur's hands are there to softly steady her. "You ok?" Fleur asks, and Hermione can only nod, wiping her sweaty palms on her pants as she steps away, too nervous to be in such close proximity.
As they walk farther into the field Hermione can't stop looking around, wondering if Fleur's friends are laying in wait to reveal this has all been some sort of prank.
"Relax Hermione, no one is here but us. Why are you so nervous?"
Hermione swallows while looking at Fleur out of the side of her eye. "I guess I'm just wondering if this is all some sort of elaborate prank. Why are you here instead of back at the bonfire with all your friends?"
Fleur shrugs casually. "I see my friends all the time, and if I felt like being at the bonfire then I'd be there, but I don't, so..." She trails off, and Hermione doesn't feel like that is any kind of explanation at all, but it is probably the best she's going to get for now.
Fleur stops suddenly, dropping down into a sitting position with her legs stretched out in front of her while resting back on her hands. She looks up at Hermione expectantly, waiting for her to sit as well. Hermione complies, mirroring Fleur's position, which earns her a soft smile that makes the butterflies start low in her stomach. Fleur looks up at the stars, silent for a few moments before speaking.
"You can really see the stars out here, there's no light pollution to get in the way." She raises a hand to point to the sky, tracing with her fingers while talking. "That constellation is Andromeda, one of the hardest to see with the naked eye. It's named after a princess from mythology. Perseus saved her from a sea monster using the head of Medusa to turn it to stone. According to the story, he fell in love with Andromeda the moment he laid on eyes on her."
Hermione can't stop staring at Fleur. Is she really talking about constellations and mythology right now?
Fleur looks over at Hermione, arching an eyebrow at the expression on Hermione's face. "What?"
"Nothing," Hermione answers quickly, looking back up to the stars, "I just didn't know you were so into the constellations and mythology."
"I would imagine there are quite a few things you don't know about me." Fleur's voice is soft, not accusatory by any means, but there is definitely something in her tone that puzzles Hermione. "My father taught me when I was younger, and now sometimes I lie out in the back yard with my younger sister and teach her."
"I didn't know you had a sister either." Hermione admits. She's starting to wonder just how much she actually knows about the girl who's been the object of her affection for so long. "Go on, show me more." She prods, hoping she hasn't ruined the moment.
Fleur talks for awhile, pointing out various constellations and telling the stories behind them. Hermione realizes that on top of everything else, she's rather smitten with listening to the gentle tones of Fleur's voice for long periods of time. There is a warmth in her chest that feels like it's spreading the longer they sit, and Hermione doesn't want it to go away anytime soon.
When Fleur remains silent for a few moments Hermione looks over to discover why and is surprised at how close their faces are. She doesn't remember their bodies being this close when they sat down. Fleur's eyes are so beautiful in the starlight, and Hermione might be crazy, but she thinks Fleur is leaning closer to her.
When blue lights start to flash from the corner of her eye Hermione frowns, looking over her shoulder to see the police car approaching. "Oh god." she breathes, standing up abruptly. "What do we do?" She asks Fleur in a panic.
"We could make a run for it." Fleur has a devilish smile on her face that Hermione finds utterly charming for a moment before remembering to be horrified by the current situation.
"That is not a sensible plan!" she hisses out, raising a hand to block the spotlight that is now shining on them.
The car pulls to a stop and the police officer emerges from the vehicle. He looks them over, and Hermione swears there is surprise on his face when he looks at Fleur. Maybe he's not used to finding two girls out here alone, or maybe he's just taken with Fleur's beauty, but Hermione really hopes that is not the case.
"What seems to be the problem officer." Fleur drawls out, sounding entirely too casual for a person addressing someone in authority.
The policeman narrows his eyes at Fleur before speaking. "You ladies aren't supposed to be here, it's trespassing."
"Oh? We didn't realize." Fleur does not sound even remotely convincing, and Hermione is really starting to panic.
"It's posted all along the perimeter ma'am, so I find that hard to believe." It appears the officer isn't buying Fleur's act one bit.
Fleur actually has the audacity to smile before speaking again. "Well I must have been too distracted to notice. You wouldn't happen to have a light would you? I could really go for a smoke right about now."
Hermione let's out a little noise that is halfway between a squeak and a groan. She can not fathom what Fleur is trying to accomplish right now. There may be a lot of things Hermione doesn't know about Fleur, but she is positive she does not smoke. She turns to mutter for Fleur to cool it, but she winds up distracted by the way the blue lights of the police car are playing along Fleur's face, making her profile more captivating than usual. Hermione snaps out of her trance when the officer speaks again.
"That's it, into the car, both of you."
Hermione can not believe this is happening. It's her senior year, she's never been in any kind of real trouble, and now it appears she's being arrested. It might all actually be worth it for the precious few moments alone with Fleur, but right now all she can think about is how very upset her parents are going to be. She immediately complies with the demand, not wanting to bring any more trouble upon herself, sliding silently into the back seat when the officer opens the door.
"Watch your head." He says before shutting the door, leaving Hermione in silence for a moment. She can see Fleur walk around to the other side of the car. Fleur and the policeman seem to be in some sort of discussion, and Hermione really hopes she isn't mouthing off to him any more than she already has. Although Hermione can't help but find it a bit attractive in a 'devil may care' way, which has her shaking her head at herself.
The door finally swings open on the other side of the vehicle, and Hermione is shocked to see the officer pulling Fleur's hands behind her back to put her in handcuffs. Fleur slides into the back seat with a huff, turning to roll her eyes at Hermione. "Some people have no sense of humor."
"What's your address?" The officer asks from the front seat, making eye contact with Hermione in the rearview mirror. Her voice sounds rusty when she gives the information, and there's a sinking sensation settling into the pit of her stomach. She is so dead.
The ride is mostly silent. Hermione has her head in her hands for a good part of it, trying to come up with any explanation to give her parents. She doesn't think they'll take too kindly to the idea that Hermione broke the law for the sake of a silly crush on a girl. Knowing them, they won't even care about the fact that their daughter crushes on other girls, they'll just be upset she showed such poor judgement.
"Is this your house here?" The officer asks, jarring Hermione from her thoughts. She gives an affirmative response and is surprised when he keeps driving down the block, pulling over well beyond sight of her own house.
"No use in involving your parents for such a small offense. Just don't let me catch you out in that field again."
Hermione blows out a relieved breath. "No sir, I promise." He nods, appeased at the answer, before exiting the car to let her out.
Hermione looks over at Fleur, slouched casually with her head resting against the backseat. She rolls her head to the side lazily to look at Hermione. "Some first date, huh?"
Hermione sputters for a moment, completely at a loss for words. She thinks Fleur must be joking, having a good laugh at her expense. Before she can think of a response the door opens behind her, and she looks over a shoulder at the officer waiting patiently for her exit.
"Hermione." Fleur calls softly, causing her to turn her head back. She lets out a little squeak when Fleur's lips press softly against hers. She stays frozen in shock for a moment before melting into the kiss, her eyes fluttering shut and her hands coming up to rest on Fleur's cheeks of their own accord.
Right around the time Hermione's tongue darts out to brush along Fleur's lips there's an awkward throat clearing from behind, and she pulls back with wide eyes, finally remembering where they are. She gives one last look at Fleur, her face breaking into a cheek splitting grin at the sight of Fleur's lazy smile and dazed eyes before she exits the vehicle.
"You have yourself a good night ma'am." The officer says while shutting the door, and Hermione could swear he has the shadow of a smile on his face.
She walks slowly back towards her house, pressing fingers to still tingling lips, unable to suppress the smile that remains on her face. She is of course mortified by her run in with the law, but if she is completely honest, it may have been well worth it.
Inside the departing police car Fleur lets out a sigh. The officer looks back at her in the rearview mirror. "You've been pining over that girl for a while, huh?"
"Yes." Fleur breathes out, looking out the window wistfully.
The officer smiles to himself before speaking again. "You know, I was mighty surprised to see it was you out there tonight."
Fleur flicks her eyes to the front. "I just wanted to show her the stars. Thanks for going along with everything once you realized it was me Remus."
He chuckles fondly. "No problem Fleur, but do not make it a habit. I won't take kindly to you breaking the law again, even if it is in the name of love. Show her the stars from your backyard next time."
She laughs, somehow knowing things would not have turned out quite so wonderful if they had just gone to her own backyard.
"Now do you want me to take you right back to your car, or do you want me to swing by the station first so you can say hi to the Captain?"
Fleur smiles warmly. "Take me to the station please, it's been far too long since I've seen my Grandfather."
AN2: I'm toying with the idea of a second chapter, because I think it might be interesting to see Hermione's reaction when she finds out who Fleur's Grandfather is, but I don't know, we'll see. Anyway, thanks for reading!
