A/N: After this chapter is where things are going to completely diverge from the original story I wrote, so if you read "Phase Together" expect the next chapter to be quite different. With that being said, I decided to pull down "Phase Together" from the site, even though it was my most popular story. I just like this version so much better and I want people to read this one rather than the old one.
Thank you to all who have subscribed, favored, and reviewed so far. I look forward to your reviews and they truly make my day.
It was true that on many days Hermione could be found in the library, nose firmly stuck in a book, however even she desired fresh air every now and then. Less than half a mile away from the Castle a giant lake can be found where students regularly visited. Inside the lake lives many magical creatures, most famously being a giant squid. It was here where Hermione took solace on a large tree stump that was oddly enough similarly curved in the shape of a chair. The wooden stump bowed upwards, making it the perfect spot to rest your back. It was nestled between two large bushes on either side, giving the illusion of privacy, while not hindering from the view of the lake. It was perfect.
Hermione often found herself here when she needed a change of scenery to read or practice new spells. She found comfort in the sounds of waves made by the creatures splashing about and the wind rubbing against the leaves.
It was here where her worries and troubles of the day drained away. Here she was able to clear her mind and focus not only on her work, but how she was feeling. Crammed inside the library was a good place to study, but not a good place to reflect on life. The gentle splash of the water and the rustling of the leaves was the perfect cure for her anxiousness. She took a breath and allowed the gentle noise to calm her.
On this day Nitidus joined her. He was happily chirping about, alternating between hopping around on the ground and flying to her shoulder where he nibbled on her ear. Absentmindedly rubbing the orange fathers on his chest, her shoulders finally relaxed and she loosened her grip on the quill she was using to scribble the last of her potions essay.
The first week back at Hogwarts had not been especially great for the Ravenclaw girl. Not only was her favorite class ruined by a certain blond, the other students noticed and took it upon themselves to make their anger towards her quite clear. After that one class rumors quickly spread through the school, casting Hermione as the villain. Up until now her life at Hogwarts has been fairly uneventful, filled with studying and spell casting. The other students never went out of their way to bother her, nor her with them. Since that day in transfiguration however, students would purposefully bump into her shoulder in the hallways, spilling the books from her arms, send dirty looks her way, or whisper mean words so only she could hear them.
Hermione was unsure why the students reacted in such a violent manner, but she was determined to not allow them under her skin. She needed some space away from the masses to breathe easy and recover in her favorite spot.
She never expected a hard body to slam into her side, sending her newly finished essay in the dirt, quill and books flying. Luckily Nitidus spotted the person flying their way in time and flew from her shoulder just in time and began to fly circles in the air indignantly around them.
"Bloody Hell Harry! Watch it!" the body shouted from his slumped over position on the stump. He held a broom aloft in one hand with an irritated look on his features. His red hair and pale skin emphasized the multitude of freckles covering his face and down his neck. Recognizing him immediately, Hermione cursed her luck and whatever deity put him in her path.
Ron Weasley was a Gryffindor through and through, foolishly arrogant to the point of stupidity, quick tempered, and brash. He and his hoard of siblings where somewhat famous for the sheer magnitude of their family, all red hair and freckled, they were spotted quite easily due to the fact that red hair was a rarity among wizards.
However for the life of her, Hermione did not understand how this boy was so popular with the rest of the students. His boyish face held some good qualities she supposed. His brown eyes where kind and his freckles dotted his face in an interesting pattern, however his body was awkward with arms a bit too long, not matching his torso, and gangly legs with knobby knees that he squeezed into hand me down trousers.
His surface appearance however, Hermione could have easily overlooked but his arrogance and obsessive need to outdo others overshadowed any good quality he may possess.
He began to stutter an apology before recognizing the girl he crashed into.
"Oh it's you." He breathed a half chuckle in relief as if to say he was glad it was in fact Hermione that he ran into and not anyone worth caring about.
Affronted, she picked herself off the dirt, thankful she did not take a tumble into the lake given the fact that the creatures there have a reputation for being especially vicious.
"Yes it's me. Now if you'll excuse me Ronald, if you're through being so rude as to not apologize when you knock someone down, then you could at least have the decency to get off of my stump and fly away." Huffing she patted the dirt from her robes.
It's not that much of a hardship to apologize for knocking someone over, but as Hermione stared at the shocked obtuse look on his face, she sighed in resignation, knowing that an apology wouldn't come.
Taking her wand from the holster wrapped around her forearm, she flicked it in his direction. A burst of wind flew from its tip, sending the boy still slouched over the stump stumbling backwards and he hit ground on his rear. With another wave of her wand, the books and parchment scattered across the ground reorganized themselves in a neat pile at the base of her makeshift chair.
Hermione had to hold in a laugh as the boys face turned as red as his hair. He picked himself from the ground clutching his broom tightly.
"Honestly Ronald, if you were as good of a flyer as you boast, then you would have never ran into me."
"It was an accident!" he shouted. "And really Granger you should give a man a second to recover from crashing into the ground before throwing spells at em. Besides," Hermione could tell that the boy had little practice sneering because the one he tried put on was pitiful, especially when compared to the one Malfoy always threw her way. "you're one to talk, you can't even get a broom off the ground so you're one to judge."
"I don't need to fly around on one of those." she laughed. "I actually use my brain and have no desire to damage it fooling around on it. You on the other hand…." She let the implication stand.
She was surprised to see that his face could actually get redder than it already was. Now it almost surpassed the color of his hair, his anger flaring.
They both tensed, anxious to see if the other was keen for a fight. Before either could react, Nitidus, who was still flying above their heads, sensed Hermione's concern and made a sharp beeline for the boy. He dove straight down in a beautiful streak of red and yellow to pummel the boy with his wings.
"Get off!" Ron shouted as he dropped his broom in order to raise his hands to cover his face from the onslaught of bird wings and talons.
Giving up, the boy turned and ran in the opposite direction, arms over his head, as Nitidus continued his assault.
Hermione burst into laughter as she watched the pair leave. Confident in her feathery friend's abilities, she sat back down on her stump and continued to enjoy the rest of the evening.
It was almost completely dark outside when Hermione opened her eyes and glanced around confused as to where she was. Finally she realized that she must have fallen asleep. After the argument with Ron she decided to open a book and read ahead for the next history lesson, however even someone as studious as her found the subject dreadfully dull and it lured her to sleep under the setting sun.
By the time she gathered her things and pulled a few twigs and leaves from her hair that became stuck during her nap, the sun had completely set, darkness quickly spreading. In a moment of quiet tranquility, Hermione decided to take a moment to appreciate the way the moons reflection bounced off of the lake's surface, casting a silvery glow across the water.
Hermione never was one to fear getting caught out past curfew because she always had the favor of the professors. If on the off chance she was caught, the professor would smile and ask what assignment kept her up late. Even Snape, who was known for his callous teaching method, would let her go with a roll of his eyes and a wave of the hand.
The cool night air was crisp and Hermione took a big lung full when she spotted a strange glow in the distance. Along the edge of the forest sat a cluster of trees and in the darkness Hermione could see a faint flickering light shining through the bramble.
Curiously getting the better of her, Hermione walked along the edge of the forbidden forest to the source of the odd light. As she approached she noticed that it was light coming from multiple small sources and as she stepped over a fallen log, she gasped. In front of her was the most astonishing garden she's ever seen.
What was more astonishing was the beautiful girl kneeling in the dirt among the plants. The combination of the brightness that shone from the moon and the light given off by the plants, gave her otherworldly Glow. It was almost a sin to see someone so beautiful willingly dirty themselves. Her fingers were forever graceful as she swiftly plucked unwanted weeds from the ground, pulling the pests from their roots and tossing them aside.
Her beauty was not dimmed, if that was even possible, but it made apparent that she was flawed like everyone else. As much as Hermione would loath to admit, she doubted her beauty could be diminished by anything, let alone some dirt. Although the dirt did not make her less beautiful, rather it made her seem more human, which was for some reason sad.
Hermione's heart beat rapidly inside of her chest. She had to take large lungs full of air because for a moment she stopped breathing. Without realizing, she crept closer so now she was better able to see the dirt caught underneath long nails and the spot of dirt ignored above an arched brow. She supposed she shouldn't have been surprised, with this being the forest, when she took a step back her foot landed on a twig and it snapped in half with a loud crack. She wasn't exactly hiding, but she didn't want to be spotted either.
The girl turned at the sound, her eyes widened slightly as she saw Hermione standing nervously in the distance. Just as before, when their eyes met they both held each other's gaze longer than socially acceptable.
As if realizing the state she was in, she brushed her hands along the apron she wore; the only protection from the dirt she bothered to put on.
"Out of curiosity," she said, perhaps not unkindly, but also not joyfully, "'Ave you no fear for getting found out of bed so late?"
Hermione blinked in confusion before shrugging. "I could ask the same of you."
"Touché" she replied, bowing her head slightly towards Hermione.
There was a moment of silence between the two, not uncomfortably so, where they took a moment to take stock of the other. Fleur's features were passive as ever, silently judging and waiting, and while Hermione tried to mimic the stone face of the other girl, she would forever wear her heart on her sleeve.
It took one look for Fleur to understand the anxiousness and nerves that rattled the young witch standing before her. The slight quiver of her lip and eyes just a bit too wide gave more away than Hermione realized.
Taking pity on the poor girl, Fleur took a step back and was the first to break the gaze they still held.
"'Ow is it zat you found zis place?"
"I followed the light." She gestured to the violet bowl-shaped flowers that emitted a soft glow in the moonlight.
"Ah I see. And why is it zat you've come 'ere?"
Hermione shrugged once more and put her hands in the pockets of her robes, attempting to give off an aloof impression.
"I'm not sure really. I followed the light and it led me here."
Fleur turned once more to look at Hermione. "You followed zee light." She repeated softly.
Not sure if the Slytherin girl was asking her a question, Hermione decided to simply nod her head.
After a long moment Fleur looked away. Hermione let out a sigh of relief, surprising herself with the fact that she was holding her breath.
In the corner of her eye a twinkling light caught her attention. When she turned to look she saw that the luminescent flower shaped like a bowl folded itself closed, trapping a small bug in its center. Fascinated, Hermione stepped closer and knelt to get a better look.
"What kind of plant is this?" she asked, raising a hand with the desire to touch it, but thought better as she saw the small bug stop struggling and start sliding closer to the center of the flower about to be devoured.
"I 'ave no idea."
She turned to look at Fleur with a haughty disbelief. "You don't know the name of the plant in your garden?"
"Who ever said zis is my garden?" Fleur raised an eyebrow slightly in challenge.
"Touché" she repeated back to her.
A charming half smile slid on her face for a moment in amusement before becoming stoic once again.
It was enough to make Hermione's heart flutter and her returning grin was both mischievous and playful.
"So whose garden is this then if it isn't yours?"
"A friends" she replied simply.
"Just a friends?"
"Oui"
Still crouched over the odd flower, she stood, raised an eyebrow doubtfully, and crossed her arms over her chest. "So you where helping a friend tend to their garden at night?...alone?"
"Who said I was alone?"
Tired of the girl's roundabout answers, she flipped her hair in annoyance. "Oh would you stop that? Now you're just being mysterious for the sake of being mysterious. Would you just come out and answer the question directly."
Fleur paused for a moment and her eyes fluttered closed. To Hermione it looked as if she was taking a moment to calm down. Taking in a deep breath she turned her head to look at the stars briefly before turning back to Hermione. "Right now zere is one person in zis world who I answer to. One person who I could never lie to. And zat person is not you. I do not mind answering your questions, 'owever you are not entitled to zem. In zee future see to it zat you do not forget."
Hermione stepped back in shock; the impassioned speech she gave was such a stark contrast to the blank look on her face, it was enough to take her aback.
Before she could recover Fleur continued, "Zis is not my garden. I am merely 'elping out a friend who could not be 'ere today.
Her shock quickly turned to anger and she ground her teeth as the annoying blond pointed at the small shovel and watering can left on the ground. The aloof look Fleur always wore was normally only mildly annoying; however at that moment it caused Hermione's blood to boil. The girl always had the same look on her face, indifferent and superior. Even though she did not actively look down her nose to others like Malfoy, it was obvious to her now why those two where so close. They both had the same 'holier than thou' attitude.
"That's hard to believe. I doubt Malfoy has the capacity to care for anything other than himself, let alone tend to a garden."
Tilting her head to the side slightly in confusion Fleur replied, "Malfoy? What does he 'ave to do wiz zee garden?"
"He's your only friend." Hermione said with a haughty smirk, doing her best 'arrogant' impression. "You only ever hang out with him, pure bloods stick together and all that."
Realization dawning in her eyes, Fleur took a moment to debate the wisdom of telling Hermione about her heritage. She already told Dahlia, and the news will get out anyway she decided.
"Many people zink zat those in Slytherin are pure bloods, but I am not. I am in fact a Veela."
Hermione's mind was searching its depths frantically for information about Veela. From her time researching house elves rights, she also stumbled upon other creatures that have little equality as well. Veela are almost inhumanly beautiful, she remembered; they are classified as a near-human creature with little laws to help them. They live together in a colony called a flock and are exclusively female. They use something called a thrall to lure men into doing their bidding.
Seeing the wheels in Hermione's head turn, she decided to cut off her train of thought. "My grandmere is full Veela, making me merely one quarter."
"That makes sense" Hermione said softly, more to herself than to Fleur, as past memories began clicking into place. Every time she saw Fleur walk by, people stopped mid sentence either to stare outright with slacked jaws or attempted to follow after her. The pointed glares from Malfoy, who was always at her side, scared off most would-be suitors however, those around her where still affected. It was because she was a Veela.
"What makes sense?" Fleur replied after a moment when Hermione didn't elaborate.
"The boys," she clarified, "and girls too I suppose. They ogle you whoever you go. It's because of your thrall."
Fleur raised a brow slightly. "Zat is part of it yes. I would like to zink it was because of my natural charm and good looks."
"Did you just make a joke?" Hermione breathed a short laugh. Up until now she would have doubted the stony Veela could joke.
"Oui! I am quite hilarious." Fleur said so seriously, it caused Hermione burst into laughter.
Still grinning, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. Finally she had the reason why. All of her life was spent learning why things happen the way they do. Forever studious, when she found a 'why' she dove into the subject with vigor.
It all made sense. The fluttering heart, the lack of breath, the blushing; it all makes sense. It was a side effect of the thrall Fleur used on her.
After a brief thought, Hermione became conflicted. On the one hand she was relieved that her emotions were not true feelings, being a result of the thrall she exuded rather than stemming from Hermione herself. On the other...Fleur was using her thrall and not just on her, but the entire school.
Her lips quirked down in a small frown and when she looked up she saw the blond patiently waiting; eyes inquisitive and firmly on Hermione. No matter the jokes, Fleur should not use her thrall on others. It takes away their self control. It renders them powerless.
A she looked into Fleur's blue eyes she felt a rush of heat travel through her body. Her cheeks flushed and she cursed Fleur and her damn thrall for making her feel this way.
"Could you please stop that?" She ground out through gritted teeth.
Fleur's eyebrow twitched upward for a moment in what Hermione recognized as confusion. "Stop doing what?"
"Using your thrall." Hermione said obviously.
Annoyance flashed through her eyes momentarily before becoming stone hard. "I cannot. You see as a part Veela I 'ave little control over my thrall, 'owever I did not know I was using it now."
"You can't control your thrall?" She blanched. The implications of that sent her head reeling. To have every one you meet react to you with desire must be both empowering and terribly sad. Every experience you had with people would be a positive one. They would do anything for you and only want you to adore them as much as they do you.
However, even with that comes the knowledge that there is no way to know how a person truly feels about you. No one is ever themselves around you.
She felt a pang of sympathy for the Veela girl in front of her. It must be a truly lonely existence and if anyone knew how that felt, it was Hermione.
"Is that why you stay away from others? The reason why Malfoy is your only friend?"
"Maybe I was not clear before. Draco is not my only friend. Zis garden was created by anozer friend of mine." She looked at the ground a moment in contemplation. "Alzough, I do not zink of Draco as a friend. Merely a way to survive at 'Ogwarts. He is quite persistent."
"Just don't abuse your thrall to make friends." She said softly, but still sternly. "Or to get what you want."
Fleur looked back at Hermione, eyes hard "I use it not for my personal gain Ms. Granger." Hermione winced slightly at the bite Fleur put on her name. "I ignore zose around me who fall at my feet. I ignore zose who throw favors and gifts my way. It 'as taken many years of training to act like I do not care about 'ow ozers act towards me."
With a bang the watering can next to them suddenly burst, showering them with water. They both jumped back in fright.
In the next moment they saw Ron Weasly's read hair come around a corner of a hedge carrying a large sack over his shoulder.
Ignorant to the scare the girls just had, he confidently walked over to Fleur and set the bag at her feet. Like a puppy dog looking for a reward, he grinned broadly and puffed out his chest. "Here's the bag of fertilizer you asked for."
"What?" Hermione choked. "What did you just say?"
Ron turned and widened his eyes, noticing her for the first time. "It's none of your business Granger," he scoffed, "but I just carried this bag all the way from Sprout's shed." He turned his back towards her, blatantly to say he was finished with the bushy-headed girl. "Do you need anything else Fleur?"
Hermione turned and ran from the garden. She felt like a fool. How could she be so blind to trust anything a Slytherin would say, let alone Fleur, who was obviously a master manipulator.
She ran as fast as she could, trailing tears behind her.
A/N: It was really hard for me to write the scene with Ron and Hermione and I'm not sure if I liked how it came out. I'll leave it for now, but I might go back and tweak it later. I'm still not sure exactly how I want to depict him and honestly I hate writing scenes with him in it. In the future I may just cut the ones with him in it altogether.
Anyway, things at work have been busier than usual for me lately and I almost was not able to post this in time. Expect the next chapter two weeks from now instead of one. That should give me time to catch up with things and get back on track.
As always please let me know your thoughts on the story so far. :-)