Chapter 4

AN: Alright, a few of you asked a couple of questions (a few that I had not even thought of) and I wanted to take the time to explain some things. This story is going to follow Hermione and Fleur most of the time. This way we can get their thoughts and insights on the situations they find themselves in. The only time I will write like this with another character is when they are introduced to either Hermione or Fleur and their insight is important to the story (like with Apolline in Ch. 2). So therefore, we are not going to see what is happening back in Hogwarts until we actually go back (which we will, don't worry). As for some of the other questions, the only thing I can say is just wait and see. Your questions may not be answered within the next few chapters, but they will eventually be addressed.

Disclaimer: Wait! ...no...nope sorry. Still don't own Harry Potter.

-xXx-

Hermione could do nothing but gawk at the girl she had run into. She knew deep down that this response was silly, but that did not cause her to stop staring. When they first ran into each other (Literally, she thought, her head still hurting from where they had collided), Hermione had looked at the other person, about ready to yell at them for not watching where they were going. That was before, of course, Hermione looked at the girl.

It had felt as if her entire being, even her magic, froze in place upon first glance at the girl. Hermione couldn't even remember where she was or what she had been doing previously, all that mattered now was her. Hermione took in the entire sight, slightly messed white-blonde hair (from being run into no doubt, her mind supplied for her), bright blue eyes that seemed to stare into her soul, fair skin that had not a single visible blemish. The girl seemed to be an angel and had fallen on Hermione when she came from Heaven. Utterly perfect.

As the girl rose to stand, the sun caught her hair and a golden glow seemed to shine around her. Hermione was unsure how she had even breathed before meeting this wonderful creature, but she felt surely she would be unable to if they were parted.

"Are you alright?"

Even her voice was perfect, Hermione thought in a daze, slowly nodding to indicate that she was, in fact, okay. The girl bent down with a small smile and offered her hand, obviously wanting to help her up. As Hermione reached out her own, their fingertips just lightly grazed each other and Hermione felt the worst sensation run through her body.

With a yelp, Hermione scooted away from the girl until she backed into a wall, holding her right hand to her chest. Keeping an eye on the girl (whom, Hermione noticed wearily, had lost her golden glow), Hermione rubbed her wrist, trying to feel for the injury that must surely be present. When their hands had touched, it had felt as if a white hot poker had wrapped itself around Hermione's wrist. It had been made worse when her magic had rushed towards the area, making the fiery hot feeling worse by its own warmth.

The girl had jumped back, both hands out in front of her in a 'calm down' fashion, and looked at Hermione terrified. She shifted forward again as if she wanted to see if Hermione was alright, but something kept her back. She seemed to be debating with herself over something and Hermione was too wary of her to say anything. Before either could decide on what to do, a voice broke through their little bubble.

"Fleur! Are you alright? What happened?"

Two older blondes, Hermione had to rub her eyes to see if she was not seeing double, came running out of the store beside them. It was only then that Hermione noticed a smaller blonde standing off to the side, tears in her eyes as she glanced back and forth between Hermione and the strange girl she had run into. The girl (Fleur, her mind supplied) waved off the older women and continued to stare at Hermione. As the other two women turned to look at her too, Hermione had had enough of their scrutiny and quickly dashed off. Whoever they are, Hermione thought to herself, I want nothing to do with it.

It wasn't until Hermione was a block away that she heard footsteps running behind her. Sparing a quick glance over her shoulder, Hermione saw the girl chasing after her, a determined look in her eyes. Feeling her own eyes widen in shock, Hermione began to use every evasive maneuver she could to try and lose the girl.

Eventually, they came upon the pier and Hermione decided to dash into her safe haven, praying that the girl did not see her 'vanish'. Luck was not on her side today it seemed. As Hermione passed through the barrier, she felt it come crashing down. "Shit", Hermione cursed under her breath and hid behind a nearby post, praying that the girl did not venture under the pier or she would surely see her. Counting to ten, Hermione chanced a quick peak around the post to see if the coast was clear. Alas, however, the girl was standing there, looking back at her.

They both stared at each other in utter shock, but before Hermione could manage to dash past her, the girl held up her hands, "Wait!"

To Hermione's shock, she felt her body still again. All of her muscles locked up and no amount of willpower seemed to make them move. Some kind of magic? Hermione thought in horror. Is she a witch?

"I know I scared you before and I am unsure how I caused you harm," here, the girl looked like she was going to cry, "I only wanted to help, but I seemed to make it worse. I wanted to say I am sorry."

Hermione swallowed noisily, the tension she felt soothing at the sound of the girls voice and her mind sending red flags because of it. "It is alright." Hermione said after sometime.

This seemed to let the girl relax as her shoulders dropped and she breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. I would like to start over if you wish. My name is Fleur."

"…Hermione..."

The girl, Fleur, beamed at Hermione, but then suddenly frowned as she looked around them. Hermione blushed at the scrutiny her home was getting and looked down in embarrassment.

"My family was about to go eat lunch. Would you like to join us?"

Hermione looked up, shocked that this perfect girl wanted her, an obvious homeless girl, to go eat with her and her perfectly normal family. Hermione was about to decline, her pride not wanting to take any more hits, when her stomach grumbled loudly. Of course you would, Hermione frowned internally, I knew I should've grabbed breakfast. With her face a bright red, Hermione nodded bashfully at Fleur who beamed back once more. Being careful not to touch her, Fleur gestured for Hermione to follow and the two began to walk back to the boardwalk.

The walk was awkward, to say the least. Hermione had no idea what to say to Fleur. She has always been shy around other people and after a few months of having no one to really talk to, whatever confidence she had built up from Hogwarts had dwindled away to nothing. Fleur also seemed to be at a loss for words. Hermione noticed that she would often glance in her direction, as if to make sure that Hermione was still there. Luckily though, for both of their sakes, Fleur's family hadn't been too far away.

"Mother, Grandmother, this is Hermione."The two older blondes smiled at Hermione who blushed in response. "Hermione, this is my mother, Apolline, my grandmother, Régine, and my little sister, Gabrielle." The littlest blonde waved shyly from behind her mother. Hermione couldn't help but smile slightly at how adorable the little girl was. "I hope you did not mind but I invited Hermione to come eat lunch with us," Fleur glanced at Hermione before turning back to her family, "as an apology for running into her."

No one spoke for a while after Fleur was done with introductions and Hermione blushed deeply at the thought of being judged by this perfect family. She was about to turn around and walk away when the eldest blonde waved her hand, "Of course we do not mind. I just hope Hermione does not mind being around us old people." Régine winked at the obviously nervous girl and Hermione smiled weakly in response.

Gabrielle took offense to this and poked her grandmother in the leg, "I am not old Grandmaman! I am only six."

Apolline gasped and put her hand over her heart, "No! Surely not. Six years old!? You are practically an old maid!" Gabrielle frowned.

"Yes Gabby," Fleur snickered at her sister (her mother and grandmother smiling warmly at her, Hermione noted) "You are going to need to find a job soon."

The little girl had enough with their teasing and turned her back to them all, her arms crossed in front of her chest with her head high in the air. The three blondes laughed at her and Hermione slowly felt herself relax around them.

Still chuckling, Régine turned to Hermione, "Where would you like to eat? You are our guest so you get to decide."

Hermione blushed once more, "I do not care. Anywhere is good."

Régine frowned suddenly, but hid it quickly with a grin. "Alright. I know the perfect place."

-oOo-

Lunch was not as bad as she thought it would be. Apolline and Régine entertained them all with stories of the two girls and how much trouble they had gotten into over the years. Fleur told Hermione about her boarding school and how she wanted to be an archeologist like her father.

"He travels all over the world," Fleur said with delight, "and explores musty old tombs to find their treasure."

"And to learn their history." Apolline stated wearily, as if she had been repeating the phrase for some time now. Fleur just waved her off, more interested in telling Hermione about her father's latest expedition.

Hermione also learned that Apolline was a doctor of some sort and Régine worked for the government. Luckily, nobody asked where Hermione's family was. The only question they asked her was how long she had been living in Nice.

"Er…a few months," Hermione blushed (Wish I would stop doing that, she thought to herself), "It is very good here." Apolline smiled lightly at her and quickly changed the subject by telling another story about Fleur's trouble making skills. Régine, however, seemed to stare at Hermione for quite some time. Blushing once again under the scrutiny, Hermione turned her entire focus to the story.

After lunch, just as Hermione was trying to figure out how to say goodbye to the kind family, Régine invited her to spend the rest of the day with them. Shrugging off Hermione's shocked look, Régine simply stated, "I enjoy spending time with you and I know the rest of my family agrees. As long as you enjoy us why not spend the day together." Not knowing how to decline the offer without seeming rude, Hermione accepted the invitation.

Once she agreed, Gabrielle seemed to take charge and took Hermione by the hand, dragging her to all the stores. Fortunately, the little girl didn't produce a searing pain like her sister did. With the constant gabber of Gabrielle, Hermione slowly felt herself fully relax around the family, even going as far as enjoying her day out. She had never felt the need to browse the stores like they were doing now and it was a very welcomed change from her daily routine. She did have to remind herself constantly that this was a family she had just met that day and would more than likely never see again. I hope I do though, Hermione thought wistfully, knowing it was more than likely impossible.

Strange things continued to occur throughout the day. One of which being that Hermione always knew when Fleur was close by. It did not matter whether Hermione was paying attention or not, anytime the blonde was close, the burning pain in her wrist came back. At one point in time, Fleur accidently touched her arm and Hermione yelped in pain. Apolline had come immediately (Motherly and doctoring instincts no doubt, Hermione thought) and asked what had happened. Briefly looking at Fleur, who was staring at the ground, Hermione quickly shook her head and tried to ignore the heat, "Nothing, Madame Delacour." Apolline frowned at her, obviously detecting the lie, but said nothing more on the matter other than reminding Hermione to call her by her name.

Another thing that happened was the constant gaze of the eldest blonde, Régine Delacour. Hermione could not figure out what the older woman was looking for in her and would often avoid her gaze at any cost. Of course, while she was avoiding her gaze, Hermione often noticed that Fleur stared at her too. There was a big difference between the two though. Régine would continue to hold her eyes if Hermione made the mistake of looking back at her. Fleur, on the other hand, would look down in embarrassment, only to glance shyly back up at Hermione, blushing like mad. This confused her to no end. Hermione did not understand why the beautiful girl acted so shy and nervous around her for some reason. I'm nothing special, she mentally frowned as she watched Fleur go bright red again in a store, something must be wrong. She shook her head quickly, getting rid of those thoughts. I'm not going to let her ruin the best day I have had in a long time.

Of course, all good things had to come to an end. By sun down, the Delacour family and Hermione were sitting along the wall, looking out at the beach, enjoying the last moments of the day. Hermione had her eyes closed, a small smile on her face as she listened to Gabrielle excitedly talk to her mother and grandmother about the amazing day they had. For the first time in a long while, Hermione felt at ease, just like any other kid in the world. There was no stress or worry, she had a home and a family awaiting her after she left the beach, all of it was perfect.

"Maman, Maman! Look! An ice cream shop! Can we get some, please?" Gabrielle practically begged her mother.

Laughing, Apolline got up and let her youngest drag her towards the store, "Come on Fleur. I am going to need some help carrying them." Hermione saw Fleur frown and open her mouth to say something when she looked towards her grandmother. Being unable to see the look the older woman gave, but knowing it was significant, Hermione watched Fleur close her mouth with an audible snap and walk quickly after her family. She began to tense up again as the gaze of Madame Delacour was once again upon her.

They stared at each other for a few more moments before Régine smiled and turned once more to the sea. "Do you believe in Fate, Hermione?"

Hermione could only stare at her in confusion, wondering where the older woman was going with this. Not bothered with not getting a response, Régine continued, "I do. I know my daughter does and it would not surprise me if my granddaughter does now too. Fate is a funny thing you know." She glanced at Hermione out of the corner of her eye. "At one point, you think you know where your life is going, but one tiny thing can change everything. I do not know how you ended up here from Britain," Hermione opened her mouth in shock, having never told them where she was from, "but I do know it was something terrible that drove you away. I think Fate brought you to us for a reason and for that I want to help you." Hermione felt tears well in her eyes, confused about how this woman, who had only known her for half a day, would want to help her or even how she could. "But for me to do that, I need you to do something for me, understand?"

Hermione hesitated a moment, thinking over her options. She wanted more than anything to believe and trust the older woman, but her time on the streets had made her wary of adults.

Curiosity finally got the better of her and she slowly nodded her head, wanting to see what Régine would say. "I want you to take me to where you are staying. We will pack up any belongings you have and you will come stay with us. I will not have you living out on the streets any longer."

Hermione's mouth fell open in shock once more and she felt the tears fall down her cheeks. Surely this must be a dream, Hermione thought dazed, there is no way this woman would offer something like this to a complete stranger. "Are you serious?" Hermione finally asked, still staring at the woman wide eyed.

Finally Régine turned to her and wiped the tears from her face, "Oui 'ermione. I am very serious. I would never forgive myself if I left you 'ere today. I want you to come 'ome wiz me, wiz my family." Hermione let out a sob of relief and crushed the older woman in a hug, crying into her chest and repeating "thank you" over and over again. Régine returned the hug, smiling down at her granddaughter's mate all the while.

-oOo-

Fleur's Veela grumbled to her the entire time as she walked after her mother and sister, angry it had to let its mate out of their sight. It had felt like a dream when she had found her mate (Hermione, Fleur thought with a grin) and she found herself needing to keep looking at her, just to make sure she was really there. Fleur felt as if she was going to wake up any minute with the stabbing pain still present in her heart and the unknown terror for her mate hovering over her.

Of course, their first meeting did not go how she expected it to. Fleur had been horrified when her very touch seemed to cause Hermione so much pain. The Veela had especially taken offence to it, claiming that there was some sort of Blocker on Hermione, causing their magic to be unable to meet. That is ridiculous, Fleur had thought at it, it does not make any sense and we do not even know if she is a witch. Of course, Hermione running away from them had not helped matters either. Fleur was ashamed to admit that she had lost control of her Veela then, who had proceeded to chase after the poor girl.

Of course, seeing where she had hidden, obviously the place where she had been staying, had nearly broken Fleur and the Veela both. They had been horrified to see the pile of filthy blankets, the small box of food, and the box of dirty clothes that her mate had. This also forced Fleur to take a better look at her Hermione; how filthy she was really was, how tired she looked, and the way her clothes seemed to hang from her body.

She had not had a chance to tell her Maman or Grandmaman about Hermione's living conditions or about how she seemed to hurt the girl whenever she was near. She was almost positive that Maman knew something was wrong when she had accidently grasped Hermione's arm in the store, but she wanted to talk to her just in case.

Fleur finally caught up with her family as they were standing in line at the shop. "Do you think she will be alright?" Fleur asked her mother worriedly.

Apolline waved her off, eyes never leaving the list of flavors, "She will be fine Fleur. Your grandmother will not allow any harm to come to her. In fact," Here she glanced out the shop to where her mother and Hermione were sitting, "she should be offering her a place to stay right now." Fleur breathed a sigh of relief, her Veela crooning in delight that their mate would come home with them and finally be safe, One less thing to worry about.

Apolline looked at her fledgling in amusement, "You did not think we would let her remain on the streets did you?"

Fleur had the decency to blush, "Truthfully, I was unsure if you knew about her living conditions."

"You have seen where she has been staying?"

"Yes, and it was terrible Maman," Fleur looked at her mother, tears filling her eyes as her Veela cried for its mate, "I saw it when we ran after her."

"She will be coming to stay with us now, right Fleur?" Gabrielle looked up at them, "Then you will be happy again and come play." Fleur smiled at her sister and nodded.

"Mother, there is something else." Apolline gazed at Fleur in apprehension, worried about the seriousness of her tone, "Every time I get near her, I seem to cause Hermione pain. It is worse if I touch her in anyway."

Apolline's eyes widened in shock, "In the store…"

"I was not thinking and grasped her arm. She screamed in pain and grabbed at her wrist." Fleur hesitated for a moment, but continued on at her Veela's urging. "The Veela believes that she has some sort of blocker on her which does not allow our magic to meet."

"Is it certain of this?"

"No…we are not even sure if she is magical at all. The Veela seems to think so, however."

Apolline frowned and looked back towards the counter as the line moved forward, "Well, there is nothing we can do now. We will have your father look for something when we get home."

Fleur nodded her agreement and felt her Veela calm down, knowing that their family was going to help look after their mate.

-oOo-

Hermione slowly led Régine to her home under the pier. She had hesitated in even bringing the woman back there, but she had made a promise and also wanted to grab her enchanted backpack. She doubted the Delacour family were magical and she wanted to keep one of her only ties to the Magical World she had briefly lived in.

When they first arrived, Hermione had looked down in shame. Her home (dwelling, she corrected bitterly) had seemed fine to her when she was alone. But to have someone else there brought to light how little she truly had. Luckily, Régine did not say a word, just sucked in a breath and pulled Hermione into a hug.

"Grab what you want to keep 'ermione. We will go shopping again tomorrow."

Hermione's eyes filled with tears once more at the kind gesture and quickly grabbed her backpack. Régine frowned at it for a moment, but then gave a secret smile and looked her in the eye. " 'ermione…do you believe in magic?"

At those words, Hermione stilled completely. No way, she thought to herself as she stared wide eyed at the older woman who kept shocking her. Giving her a wink, Régine pulled out a wand (A wand! Hermione thought with glee) and waved it around the area. Hermione looked around and saw everything had disappeared. The area looked bare, as if no one had been there for a while, as if she hadn't been living there for months.

"You're a witch." Hermione exclaimed breathlessly, hope filling her once more that she did not have to give up the Magical World at all. "How did you know I was one? What if I'd been a Muggle?"

Régine laughed at the shocked girl in front of her, glad to see more life returning to her once dull, brown eyes. "Ma chére! Your backpack, it is 'eavily enchanted. It 'as an Extention Charm on it, non?"

At her shocked nod, Régine's smile grew larger, "Zat is 'ow I was able to tell. I could sense the magic on it. No Muggle would 'ave such an object. Zis is good zough. It will be much easier coming to a magical 'ome for you. It should be familiar to you, non?"

Hermione frowned slightly, "Madame Delacour, I've never been in a magical home before. I didn't know magic even existed before last year."

" 'ow many times will I 'ave to tell you to call me Régine? And zat matters not. Zere will be some zings you must get used to, but I am sure you will manage."

Hermione once again found herself speechless at the kindness of the older woman. She had briefly encountered some Pureblooded bigots back in Hogwarts (Draco Malfoy and his gang sprang to mind) and was worried that Madame Delacour, Régine, would be the same way. Fortunately, Régine was nothing of the sort and still accepted Hermione with open arms. Finally smiling up at the kind woman (Witch, Hermione reminded herself), she shouldered her backpack and walked out from under the pier, vowing to herself to never return.

-oOo-

Hermione and Régine met back up with the rest of the Delacour girls as they were coming back with their frozen treats. Apolline smiled warmly at Hermione upon seeing the backpack she had, knowing that the girl was going home with them. Hermione blushed as Fleur beamed at her and Gabrielle squealed with joy, all of them obviously knowing that Régine was going to make the offer while they were gone. Hermione gladly accepted the ice cream cone from Fleur, wincing slightly from the pain at the nearness of the girl. Apolline made note of the pain and vowed to have her husband check it out as soon as they were home.

They all finished their ice cream quickly, anxious to get home and for Hermione to get settled. Hermione began to get nervous as she followed her new family through the city and into a dark alley. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all, she thought as they came to a secluded spot far away from the general public.

"I am going to guess that you have never even heard of Apparation, let alone traveled by it. Am I right?" Régine turned to Hermione who shook her head. "We have to do this away from the Muggles. It would not due for us to completely vanish before somebody's eyes." Apolline breathed a sigh of relief, glad to see that Hermione did not look at her mother completely crazy at the Magical terms, only curious to the spell she mentioned. Fleur's eyes lit up as she too came to the conclusion that Hermione knew of the Magical World, but young Gabrielle was the most excited. "You are a witch?!" Hermione nodded bashfully at the young girl, quickly glancing at the other members of the Delacour family, only to see excitement and joy in them all.

"You will help teach me spells, yes? Maman and Papa will not let me learn until I go to school and Fleur got mad at me last time because I blew up her room. But you will teach me, right?"

"That is enough, Gabrielle." Apolline quickly chastised the young witch, who immediately began to blush, "You know perfectly well that I forbade ANYONE from teaching you magic till you are old enough because you not only blew up Fleur's room, but the dining room and library as well!"

"I did not!"

Hermione's eyes lit up at the word 'library' and was even more anxious to see the Delacour house. It had been so long since she had read a book and she was looking forward to it immensely. Fleur came up to Hermione while her mother and sister were arguing. "You would be what? A third year? Fourth year maybe?"

Hermione quickly shook her head, "I would be a Second Year."

Fleur's eyes widened with shock, "I did not think you were that young, Hermione. Will you be alright going back to Beauxbatons?"

"Beauxbatons?"

"Yes, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. I take it you have never been there before."Hermione quickly shook her head. "It is the magical school in the South of France. It is actually a little bit east from here. What school did you go to?"

"Hogwarts."

"Oh…" Fleur seemed to think a bit before shrugging, "That explains why I do not remember you. But, you will be wanting to attend there now right?"

Hermione's eyes lit up at the idea of returning to school, "I would like that." Fleur smiled in response.

"Alright! Enough. Let us go home before you attract the attention of the Muggles." Apolline took Gabrielle and Fleur by the hand while Régine grabbed hold of Hermione. "Be warned, Hermione. This is not going to be the most pleasant experience you have ever had."

And with that, the Delacour family and Hermione popped out of Nice.

-xXx-

Thanks for reading!