The Cracked Door

Chapter Two

In the morning they set out from the Burrow, each carrying a slice or two of toast from Mrs. Weasley. Ron and his brothers headed the group out through the outskirts of town. In total, it was a four hour walk. They had each packed into their own rucksacks, using the handy undetectable extension charm on them to hold everything from their toothbrushes to their tents. Among the fourteen of them, they had brought four fully-equipped tents. Harry, Ron, Neville, Dean and Seamus were once again reprising their Hogwarts roommate days; Hermione, Ginny and Luna were going to share a tent, the older Weasley's were sharing a tent, and Bill and Fleur were sharing a smaller two-person tent.

Hermione hadn't spoken to Bill or Fleur since the other night, nor had she even really looked at the two of them. Every time she thought about what she had done her face grew pink with embarrassment. She still was not even sure if Fleur had caught her, either. It was unnerving.

Now it was day three of their trip. The tents were pitched. Everybody had gotten a good swim in and unpacked their things. The site was scattered with assorted odds and ends: a couple of pots and pans near a large campfire, some towels and bathing suits left to dry on a makeshift clothing line and pile of racing broomsticks lay poking out of one of the tent flaps.

It was sometime in the afternoon. The sun was still very much overhead and the warm air and water had made Hermione quite sleepy. Ron and a couple of the other guys had gone off on a hike to the other edge of the pond, and Luna and Ginny and gone off to pick some wildflowers. It was quite still in the campsite, and Hermione just wanted to grab a couple of towels and nap by the water's edge.

She had just grabbed her bag and two towels, when she bumped into someone who was coming into her tent. It was Fleur, who was staying with Bill in another tent…not this one.

Hermione faltered. 'Oh, hello Fleur.'

Fleur smiled. 'Hello, Hermione.'

'What's up?' she asked, tying to remain casual.

Fleur moved into the tent. It was obvious that she had just been swimming as her silvery hair was still wet. She stepped closer to Hermione, leaning on a wooden beam. There was a smile on her face that made Hermione slightly uncomfortable.

'Iz there anything you wish to tell me Hermione?'

Hermione flushed. 'Everyone's gone, if you're looking for Luna she's…'

'Non, non, non, mon amie. 'Zer is something else. I theenk you know.'

Fleur stepped closer.

'You see, l know zatyou were there ze other night.'

Fleur was now right in front of Hermione. The blonde's eyes took an appraising sweep over Hermione and then she smiled. 'Oui.'

Fleur leaned in and gave Hermione a light kiss on the mouth. It only lasted a couple of seconds but as she pulled back Fleur ran a hand over Hermione's waist and said, 'I've told Bill, and we want you to come over later and play with us.'

Hermione didn't say anything but stand there very pink in the face. Nonetheless, Fleur took this as an assent.

'I will be seeing you ce soir.' And with that, she left the tent.

Currently working on Chapter Three, more reviews will get it done sooner :) Hint Hint