AN: Hey all, welcome to another chapter. I hope you all enjoy! I still own nothing but my few OCs. Also, should I upload once or twice a week? Let me know and thanks for the support!
"It's just a little crush;
Not like I faint every time we touch."
Crush by Jennifer Paige
Chapter 3
The next day, classes started back up. Each of my own classes contained a few students from the other two schools. It was an interesting change of pace, hearing the accents and seeing how the foreign students usually learned, as there had been a few mishaps in a couple of the classes such as Transfiguration and Defense Against Dark Arts.
Naturally the professors did their best to accommodate the new students, and after about a week, things were running more smoothly.
McGonagall had seen me twice in that week, once to see how I was handling being in the tournament. It was still hard to accept, but I knew I didn't have a choice. I was doing better, but I still wasn't happy, fearful of accidentally revealing my secret.
The other time was to make sure I was still keeping my secret. I assured I was, and she finally released me for the weekend. I was excited because it was a Hogsmeade weekend.
The next day, I joined my trio of friends in the Great Hall for breakfast. I skipped my morning walk, knowing I would get my exercise in the nearby town.
Three heads turned to me and smiled greeting while awaiting food. "Good morning, all," I greeted happily. I was looking forward to going to Hogsmeade and getting a couple new books. I also wanted to see if the bookstore had anything on Veela, as the library had simply failed me.
"Morning, 'mione," the trio greeted, not as energetic as I was.
After a few minutes, piles of food appeared before us, and we dug in. When we finished, most of the students made their way to the entrance of the castle to sign out for the day. Once outside, we all talked excitedly, deciding where to go first.
Walking to and from stores, we stopped for lunch at The Three Broomsticks, ordering butterbeer and delicious food.
I looked around, noticing several students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. I couldn't help but wonder if Fleur was around. I saw her occasionally in the halls and of course in the Great Hall. More than once I caught her watching me as well, and I couldn't help but blush. I found myself wondering why she seemed to pay attention to me, though I knew that wasn't the case.
If it were, we would have spoken more. We hadn't gone on another walk together, which was disappointing. But she was technically competition, so maybe she had just been trying to cheer me up so I wouldn't just lose on purpose.
Either way, we made our way back out to the chilly afternoon.
"We were gonna go to the joke shop, 'mione. Did you want to join us? I know you wanted to go to the bookstore," Harry mentioned as we walked down the street. From his tone, I knew I was the only one who wanted to go to that particular store. Merlin knows it was a miracle when Ron picked up a book, and I knew Ginny wanted to stay close to Harry. I hadn't failed to pick up on her secret crush.
I smiled, "No, you guys go ahead, and I'll catch up with you later. Have fun!"
The trio nodded before taking off towards their destination. I turned and headed back the way we came. When I entered the bookstore, I breathed in deeply, loving the scent.
Mr. Romey, the owner, smiled when he spotted me. I was perhaps one of his favorite customers. He knew I respected the vast amount of knowledge that could be found here and occasionally gave me a discount for the amount of business I gave him.
"Hermione, it's so good to see you," the plump man greeted.
"Hello, sir, how are you?" I returned, smiling as well.
"Quite well, quite well. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask." I nodded and headed further into the store. I stopped at the new release section first, finding a couple of books I was interested in. Satisfied with my selection, I moved on towards the Magical Creature section. My eyes scanned the titles. I found a couple of basic books on dragons but nothing on my own creature.
I spotted a couple of other books on Veela. I decided to check on the amount of information the books had before deciding whether to buy them or not. If they were like the books at the school, there wouldn't be much for me to learn.
"Well who would 'ave zought you would be 'ere of all places."
My heart leapt at the voice, and I smiled as I looked up. Fleur was grinning, seeing me lost in a book.
"Hey, Fleur, what are you doing here?" I asked with surprise.
She chuckled. "Buying books, not unlike yourself it seems." I blushed, feeling stupid for asking such an obvious question.
Her eyes fell, scanning the books in my arms. My face heated up even more, feeling guilty as I showed her the titles. It wasn't the ones on portkeys or runes that I was embarrassed about.
When she saw I was reading a book on Veela, her face became unreadable. "Sorry, I don't mean to disrespect you or anything. I was just curious," I tried to explain.
One of her perfect brows raised as her gaze locked with mine. "You 'ave a Veela standing right in front of you, yet you look to books with limited information for knowledge. I zought you were brighter zan zat, 'ermione."
I could feel my face growing even redder, if that were possible, as I stammered and stumbled for words. "I-I didn't want to trouble you. I read that Veela were very secretive, so I just assumed it would be rude for me to prod you with questions," I finally managed. I didn't mean to upset her or cause her to hate me.
"So you've already read some about us," the blonde pressed.
I nodded shyly. "Yes, but there wasn't much at the library." I was suddenly immensely interested on a book about Graphorns as I avoided Fleur's gaze.
"'ermione, I'm not upset if zat's what you're zinking. I'm just wondering why you're so interested in my creature. I realize zat you are curious, but why?"
Thinking for a moment, I shrugged. I wasn't sure why I was so drawn to that topic recently. I knew it had to do with the girl I had learned was one, but I wasn't sure if it was the creature I was curious about or the girl. Merlin knows I couldn't confess my confusion for the girl. That would definitely scare her away. I wasn't even sure what I felt about her.
I could feel her study me for several seconds before I felt a hand on my shoulder. The contact startled me, but I also felt a slight tingle where the hand was. "I'll tell you what—I will answer your questions on Veela if you tell me your curiosity one day."
Finally meeting her eyes once more, she was smiling softly. Her eyes were full of kindness, and it made my heart melt. I knew what I could feel for the girl. I just wasn't willing or ready to admit it. After all, what little I knew made me believe this was simply a side effect of the thrall.
Still, I nodded, accepting the offer. I was eager to learn more, and if it came from the beautiful blonde before me, I was all the happier.
"So what books are you after?" I asked, changing the subject.
Her eyes left mine as she turned to the shelves beside us. "Bowtruckles," she replied shortly. "It's for an essay for my Care of Magical Creatures class."
"Oh, that's Hagrid's class!"
She raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You seem to know 'im well."
I chuckled, "You could say that. He's been friends with Harry since first year, so when I joined the group, we became close as well. He's a great person." I couldn't help but wonder how he would react if he knew about my secret. I was certain he would demand to see me transform and would try to take care of me even more. He was very protective of his creatures.
Fleur nodded thoughtfully, "Oui, 'e does seem razer fond of creatures." I looked at her in confusion. "I'm a Veela, remember?"
"Oh, Merlin, did he try to use you for one of his classes?" I would have to speak with the half-giant about putting his students in compromising situations, especially if they were our guests for the year.
Her chuckle caused my heart to speed up. "It is alright—I know 'e meant well. 'e was quite intrigued about my creature, much like you. Zough I can't 'elp but wonder if it's for ze same reason." She was studying me again, and I couldn't help but look away. I knew that made me look guilty, but there shouldn't have been anything I was guilty of.
"Hagrid has a big heart. I just have a big brain," I stated, hoping that would satisfy the blonde.
"You're more zan just brains, 'ermione. I can't 'elp but feel zere is so much more to you."
This comment surprised me. I found myself feeling bad about my initial judgment of the Beauxbatons students. I thought they were all arrogant and self-absorbed. Every time I spoke with Fleur changed that opinion. I should have known better than to judge a book by its cover.
"Would you like to get out of here?"
She raised a curious brow. "And where would we go?"
I shrugged, not having thought that far. I hadn't even thought when I asked the last question. "We can go wherever you want since you're visiting for the year." She smiled and accepted my offer. I returned the books on Veela, not wanting to upset the girl beside me as she picked up a couple of books on the wooden creature.
We paid for our purchases and put them in the bags we were carrying. I slung my beaded bag over my shoulder and turned to the blonde. "Where to?"
She looked around, her lips pressed tightly in thought. "I really don't need anyzing else. We could just go somewhere to sit and talk?"
I smiled, more than happy with the suggestion. I led the way up a nearby hill where a few benches sat looking out over the town. "People don't usually come up here. They tend to stay in town, but I love it up here. It's quiet and peaceful—the perfect spot to sit and read a good book or enjoy the day."
Fleur returned my smile as we sat next to each other. I couldn't help but notice how close she was to me; much closer than practically strangers would be.
At the same time, I wanted nothing more than for us to touch, even the slightest bit.
"It really is beautiful, zough I can't say I'm un'appy about being alone. Too many people would ruin ze atmosphere. Plus, I wouldn't 'ave you to myself, eizer," Fleur replied, and my face heated up.
"Y-You wanted to be a-alone?"
She chuckled. "Oui, after all, Veela are secretive creatures. It wouldn't do to 'ave ze entire world knowing about me now would it? Unless you want me to go telling ze boys all of my secrets?"
"No!" She blinked at how quick and loud I retorted. I winced and lowered my voice. "I mean, no, they don't all need to know. After all, I get that creatures need to protect themselves. I'd hate for you to be put in any unnecessary danger. You don't have to tell me about Veela if it would put you at risk." I couldn't tell her about my own magical creature, which upset me. McGonagall and Dumbledore would hex me into oblivion.
"It's no problem, zough I must ask you to keep everyzing to yourself. We are allowed to tell…certain people our secrets. Only zose closest to us know."
I looked at her in shock. It was apparently a true honor to be told about Veela. There was no way I would betray her trust, and I would treasure the knowledge she was offering. I was touched she was willing to reveal such personal secrets with me.
"What kinds of people are allowed to know? I mean, it's such a privilege to be told; I just don't see how I'm so special."
She seemed to think for a moment before answering. "Only ze closest of friends and mates are told."
"Mates? Like the people you seduce with your thrall?"
My comment seemed to surprise her, and I immediately regretted it. "Ah, non, zrall is different. It is a, um…a type of air about us?"
"Like an aura?"
"Oui, like an aura. It can be used to seduce people and is what attracts zem to us, but zere is nozing real about zeir feelings. Ze effects typically disappear when we leave ze room, but some can simply overcome ze zrall with willpower."
I couldn't help but get lost in the new information. As I processed it, I couldn't help but think about my own feelings for the blonde. While I found myself especially drawn to her when she was near, I also thought about her when apart. Not to mention, she often found her way into my dreams. Apparently whatever I felt wasn't due to her thrall.
"It must be hard to sort out who actually likes you," I pointed out.
She frowned. "It can be, but I never really paid attention to all of ze drooling boys. Zey tend to be ze worst—always saying odd or inappropriate zings. It's nice to be able to actually 'ave a conversation with someone and not feel like a piece of meat."
"If Ron or Harry ever says anything, please tell me. I'll knock some sense into them."
The blonde chuckled, "'arry 'as been fine so far. 'e isn't as bothered by ze zrall as Ron. 'e 'asn't said anyzing yet, but I zink 'e could use a towel or somezing to 'elp with ze drool." I rolled my eyes, having witnessed his perversion. He really was the worst. For Fleur to have noticed it, I would have to say something to him.
"Well I'm glad they aren't harassing you. I'd hate for anyone to bother you like that." I thought back to the second time Fleur came to our table for orange juice. Ron had been only too eager to assist her. Remembering the event made my jealousy spike, and I had to swallow back a growl. Why was I behaving like this?
Fleur simply shrugged. "It 'appens, but I don't let it get to me. Such is the life for a Veela. At least it's different with mates."
"How so?"
"Zey aren't as bothered by ze zrall. Not to say it doesn't affect zem, zey love us regardless." I pondered this, wondering what made them so different. I voiced my question. "Everyone 'as a soulmate somewhere in ze world; someone who completes zem, if you will. Veela 'ave ze ability to know who zeir mate is when zey meet. Zis doesn't mean ze mate always accepts ze bond with a Veela, but more zan not zey do."
"Why is that?"
Fleur paused for a moment. "Ze bond is ancient magic. It causes ze Veela and 'er mate to be drawn to each ozer. Zat is why ze zrall doesn't affect zem as much—zey are already in love with each ozer, so zere really is no need to seduce zem."
It made sense. You didn't need to work on making someone love you if they already did. "What exactly is this bond?"
"Really it is ze unification of souls between a Veela and 'er mate. By committing ze ultimate act of love, ze bond binds zem togezer for all eternity. If a mate dies after ze bond is complete, ze Veela will pass away shortly after, unable to live without 'er ozer 'alf. If ze bond is rejected, zough, ze Veela will be free to choose someone else to be with. She won't love zat person ze way she would 'er mate, zough. It's quite a depressing life being rejected, but no Veela ever blames zeir mate—it is an enormous zing to be bonded to a magical creature like zat."
I frowned. "Are you afraid of your mate rejecting you? Don't worry; they'd have to be insane to say no to you."
Fleur smiled shyly. "Merci, 'ermione. Every Veela worries about zeir mate rejecting zem. Like I said, we don't blame zem, zough. Everyzing about the relationship is up to ze mate. Ze Veela is just zere to love and protect 'er mate, being very possessive creatures."
I chuckled, feeling similar as a Dreki. It must be a magical creature thing. Not wanting to seem insulting, I stated, "It must suck to not have much of a say in anything."
She quickly shook her head. "Non, not at all. In fact, we are more zan 'appy with it, as long as our mate is 'appy. Veela feel like failures if we displease our mates, even if we zink we 'ave. We exist to make our mates 'appy, as zey complete us. For a Veela, zere is no greater zing in life zan to 'ave 'er mate."
I was amazed by the amount of dedication Veela showed for their other half. They literally gave their lives to their mates.
"Well I'm sure that whoever you fall in love with would be more than happy to accept the bond. They'll be lucky to get to love someone so incredible," I smiled softly, slightly jealous at whoever she would love.
A red flush formed on the blonde's porcelain cheeks as she looked down. "I'd like to 'ope so," she mumbled. She truly was adorable, and I couldn't help but smile wider.
We continued talking about Veela and everything else that came to mind, getting to know each other better. I felt guilty about hiding my own magical creature from the Veela, but I knew my kind was more threatened. Veela were practically worshiped from what Fleur told me, able to protect themselves with their thrall and looks. I envied her for that, but was glad she would stay safe.
As the sun began to set, we made our way back to the school, signing back in before going to our respective tables for dinner. I caught Ginny scowling after Fleur, which surprised me. I wasn't sure why she seemed to have such a problem with the blonde, but I soon forgot it as the food appeared to distract me.
I headed to the library for a bit to start reading my new books. When Madame Pince decided to close the doors, I returned to the Gryffindor common room. Ron, Harry, and Ginny were sitting on the couch chattering happily.
I made my way over and greeted them.
"Hey, Hermione, we missed you at Honeydukes," Harry said as I sat down.
"Yeah, sorry, I got caught up with something," I replied casually.
Ginny frowned. "You mean a blonde witch? Why were you hanging out with her?"
I shrugged, "Why not? She's nice."
The redheaded girl snorted. "Nice? What, is she trying to seduce you, too? Trying to get an advantage with the tournament?"
I stared at my friend in shock. Where had this come from? I had never known Ginny to blatantly hate someone for seemingly no reason. "What do you have against Fleur? She hasn't done anything wrong, and no, she's not trying to get any advantage."
The girl sneered, "What do you have for her?" I blinked, surprised by the question. I looked away, blushing slightly. I couldn't tell my friends I was dealing with accepting I had feelings for the girl. I knew now that they weren't caused from her thrall.
Luckily, Ginny didn't wait long for an answer before she continued to berate the Veela. "Honestly, Hermione, she's a sleeze. Have you even seen how many students drool at her? Bloody Ron is tripping over himself because of her! Bloody Veela doesn't actually care about anyone but herself. She can't even be that smart."
I lost it. "Shut up, Ginny! You don't know anything about Fleur, so how dare you insult her like this! I won't sit back and let you speak about her so horribly. You're no better than Draco the way you're going on. I thought you of all people would have known better, but I guess I was wrong. And it's not like she even wants everyone drooling over her—she just can't help it because she's a Veela. So if you're going to keep hating on someone when you know nothing, keep it to yourself. I won't hear it."
I stormed out of the room, feeling my rage threatening to loose my true form. Professor Flitwick spotted me as I neared the exit and tried to stop me. "Tell Professor McGonagall I'm going out. I need to cool off—she'll understand," I told the short man.
He continued to try to protest about it nearly being curfew, but I ignored him. I needed to get to the forest. It had been such a perfect day before Ginny had to open her mouth. I was completely taken back by her comments. I thought she would be the last to judge another, being friends with me and seeing how her brother treated people at times. She scolded him countless times for the insensitive things he said to me.
After I broke through the trees and made it far enough from the entrance, I listened and looked around to ensure I was alone. Taking my shirt and pants off, I felt my body begin to break as I gave myself to my draconian form.
As the pain settled, I reared back and released a wave of fire from my mouth, screaming in rage at the redhead. I ran though the forest, ever attentive of my surroundings, trying to release my pent up energy and anger. I wasn't sure how long I was out there before I returned to my clothes and changed back.
Dressing once more, I returned to the castle. Professor McGonagall greeted me at the gates.
"Is everything alright, Miss Granger?" I could see just how worried she was about my behavior tonight. She must have known I changed.
Sighing, I nodded. "Yeah, fine, it's just…Ginny. She starting saying horrible things about Fleur, and I just…kind of lost it. She shouldn't have said what she did when she doesn't even know her."
McGonagall's mouth twitched up. "Ginny, with as good a heart as she has at times, is still a Weasley. Redheads aren't known for always thinking before they speak, so when they're angry, they mess up a bit. I'm well aware of just how frequently you chide Mr. Weasley for similar behavior."
I continued to frown, "Yes, but this is different. Ron and I are friends—I know he's a prick at times. I didn't expect this from Ginny, especially about Fleur."
I felt the woman study me for a moment. "And I assumed you worked to correct her opinion on the Veela?" I nodded, proud that I had defended the blonde. The professor sighed. "Very well. I believe I understand the situation, though I must remind you to be careful. I want you to come by my office tomorrow so I know you have calmed down enough. Did anyone see you?"
"No, Professor, I was careful," I replied. No one prowled through the Forbidden Forest at night, and the magical creatures kept together as well. I had easily been able to avoid them.
"Good. Thankfully you were able to get away before letting loose. Please work on controlling your temper, though. I realize you are going to be extremely protective of Miss Delacour, but you can't simply lose control like this."
I sighed and nodded, knowing she was right. After a moment, the witch seemed to finally be satisfied with my response and led me to Gryffindor Tower, bidding me good night before heading off to continue patrolling.
Making my way to the dorms, I was happy to be the only one up. I cast a wandless cleaning spell before changing and going to bed, anxious about facing Ginny again.
Waking early, I dressed quickly and hurried out for my morning run. Luckily no one else was up, least of all Ginny. Stepping out into the brisk morning air, I inhaled deeply, working myself up for my run.
As I started to take a few steps, I heard a voice call me. "'ermione? You're up early."
My heart instantly flew as I turned to greet the Veela. "Hey, Fleur. Yeah, just up for my morning run." She was stunning, wearing a pair of skinny blue jeans, a deep blue fleece jacket with white fur around the edge of the hood and cuffs, a pearly fleece scarf wrapped loosely around her neck, and matching toboggan topping her golden hair.
I noticed her raise an amused eyebrow as she watched me, and I quickly realized I had been staring with my mouth gaping. I blushed deeply, embarrassed about being caught. "See somezing you like?" I stammered like the bumbling idiot I felt I was, causing the blonde to chuckle. "It's alright; if you enjoy my clothes so much I'd be more zan 'appy to let you borrow some."
My blush deepened, knowing it wasn't the clothes I wanted. "Thanks," I mumbled, trying to not seem ungrateful or guilty, my eyes studying the ground.
"I'll let you get to your run," Fleur stated after a moment of silence.
My eyes finally met hers. She seemed slightly sad as she turned to walk away. "Wait, Fleur," I called, stopping the girl in her tracks. "Would you like to walk with me? I really don't want to be alone right now…"
Fleur smiled, nodding as she stepped closer to me. I tried to mask my expression as I thought about why I didn't want to be alone, at least separated from her, but she seemed to see through me.
"What's wrong, 'ermione? Is everyzing alright?" I could see concern in her eyes and was touched by how she seemed to genuinely care.
Forcing a smile, I shrugged. "Yeah, I don't really want to talk about it, sorry." She accepted my request, and we started off down the familiar trail. I didn't want her to know what Ginny had said about her. I didn't want Fleur to think I shared similar sentiments with the redhead, because that couldn't be further from the truth.
We walked in relative silence, only talking when making comments about the scenery or pointing out an animal looking for breakfast. I couldn't help but feel the urge to hold the blonde's hand, something I refused to act on. Merlin knows that would probably freak her out.
"You know, I do enjoy our little walks," I said, breaking the silence with a smile.
Fleur chuckled. "Little? 'ere I zought we were walking a marathon."
I laughed, playfully shoving the girl beside me, overjoyed by the contact as it sent a jolt through my body. "No, but I really do appreciate it. I know you have better things go do than hang out with me."
"Believe it or not, 'ermione, I enjoy myself when I'm with you, too." I blushed, happy to hear the shared sentiment. It was nice to have a friend to go on walks with.
The thought about friends caused my mind to drift back to last night. How could Ginny hate Fleur so much? She was nothing but kind and intelligent and beautiful. She supported me with the tournament and had never shown any ill will about me having to participate when we spoke. Why couldn't Ginny see I trusted the blonde?
"I'll listen if you ever want to talk about it."
I was pulled from my thoughts and blinked over to Fleur. She was looking straight ahead, though her lips were set tight. She seemed worried about me.
Debating, I finally sighed. "It's nothing, really. I just had a fight with Ginny last night."
Blue eyes finally met mine. "Your girlfriend?"
I snorted, doubling over with laughter. "Merlin, no! She's my friend, if I can call her that anymore. No, I'm not even remotely attracted to her."
"Oh, sorry, I just assumed you were dating to be so distraught over a fight. One of ze boys, zen?"
My eyes narrowed. "No, I don't have a boyfriend. Why does it matter?"
Fleur shrugged casually. "It doesn't. I just figured you were dating someone, brilliant and attractive as you are." I blushed, which she luckily didn't see as her eyes were elsewhere. The girl I was crushing hard on thought I was attractive. No one had ever said that to me before, but I couldn't help but be happy it came from her.
"No, I never really had relationships. I was always too busy with learning or saving my friends."
The blonde nodded. "So what was ze fight about? It's alright if you don't want to talk about it."
I bit my lip, not wanting to push Fleur away. It would be nice though to talk about what happened and process it out loud. I just hated the topic was about her.
With a reluctant sigh, I gave in. "You, actually." This seemed to surprise Fleur, as she looked at me with wide eyes. She didn't say anything, so I continued, my eyes gazing off in the distance. "She was mad that I was hanging out with you. She…thinks rather poorly of you. I don't share those sentiments, believe me! I think she's just jealous, but it really bothered me. You've always been great to me, and I really appreciate it. I couldn't help but get mad at her."
"I appreciate you defending me, 'ermione, but I don't want to cause problems with your friends," Fleur frowned.
I shook my head. "You're not. It was my choice to argue. I just wish they could see how great you are, and not just because of your beauty and thrall. You deserve to be seen as more than just those things, because there is so much more to you."
"Not many people would say zat. Zank you," Fleur smiled.
I returned her smile. "I only say it because it's true. I'm glad you're here, Fleur. I'm glad I got to meet you."
The blonde bit her lip as if contemplating something. Shaking her head, she smiled again. "I'm 'appy to 'ave met you as well. Why don't we 'ead back now? It'll be lunchtime soon, and I'm sure you're 'ungry."
I blushed. "What makes you think that?"
"Because your stomach growled a moment ago." As if on cue, my stomach made another loud groan, begging to be filled. Fleur laughed. It was infectious, and I found myself laughing as well.
Turning around, we started back for the school. "And about Ginny, don't worry about 'er. Eizer she will come around and accept me, or she will simply never like me. I won't say anyzing to 'er, but I will continue to be as nice as possible. I do 'ope 'er opinions about me don't sway you in ze future, zough."
"No, Fleur, I don't think they could even if I wanted them to," I admitted. Perfect white teeth greeted me once more. My parents would be so jealous of her smile. I knew I wanted to explore her mouth as well.
The rest of the walk was in a companionable silence. When we entered the Great Hall, I spotted Ginny looking at us. She was frowning, which upset me. Fleur said her goodbye and headed off towards the Ravenclaw table.
Sighing, I headed towards my group of friends. As I neared, Ginny looked down. I sat next to her, not bothering to look at her the entire duration we ate.
When I finished, I rose and retrieved my books and headed to the library to get ahead on my homework. I was lost in an essay on the proper procedures for storing unused materials for potions when the seat next to me screeched back.
I looked up, hoping to see Fleur. Instead, Ginny was scooting next to me. I frowned slightly and returned to my work, not willing to be the one to speak first, let alone apologize.
We sat for several minutes before Ginny finally sighed. I didn't bother to acknowledge her until she spoke. "Look, I'm sorry for how I acted last night. It may have been a little out of place."
I snorted, "A little? Ginny, you treated her the way Draco treats me."
The redhead cringed at the comparison. "I know, and I'm sorry. I just don't see what's so special about her."
"Well for one she's a powerful witch. She has to be in order to have been chosen as a champion. And she's really kind, too. She never doubted my innocence with this whole tournament thing. She believes that I don't want to participate and has always supported me. She's brilliant, and if you gave her a chance you would see it as well."
"You're defending her an awful lot, 'mione."
I pressed my lips together. "Because she deserves it. She's not here to defend herself, so someone has to."
"Is that the only reason?"
I felt my cheeks go red against my desire. "Of course it is; what else could it be?"
The redhead studied me for a moment, and I did my best to hold her gaze and not look away. I knew she would figure me out if I did, and that wasn't something I wanted right now. I worried if Ginny knew how I felt about Fleur, she would say the Veela had seduced me like all of the other students. I knew that wasn't the case though.
Finally, she broke our eye contact and shook her head. "Alright. I'm not saying I'm still accepting her, but I'll at least give her a chance. For you."
I smiled, relieved at the change of heart my friend was having. "Thanks, Ginny, I know you'll love her, too."
An eyebrow shot up at my choice of words, and I cringed internally. "Somehow I doubt that, but whatever. Just please don't ever compare me to Malfoy again. Otherwise I might have to use his term of endearment for you, too."
I scowled at the redhead. "You wouldn't dare. I will hex you to next week."
She burst into laughter, admitting to being too scared of me to follow through. It was lucky for her, because with my increased power, I was sure that I would actually hurt her.