AN: Alright, before you all kill me just know I have been wanting to post more for this chapter since my last post. I've just been so insanely busy with work, my band, and the beach. Hopefully there are still people who care enough to follow this story. I could push stuff out quicker, but I would much rather give you guys a quality chapter instead of some shitty filler I pushed out for the sake of having another chapter. I'm so sorry this has taken forever and if you are following my Sailor Moon fic I am working on the chapter for that too. I've just been so effin stuck on that one and can't seem to finish the newest chapter no matter how many times I try. Anyways, this new chapter is partly inspired by the song Earth Angel (obviously) cover by Nicholas Wells. I highly suggest giving it a listen :) Now, on to the reviews.
Aaron Leach: Thank you :)
crazytroublemaker: Thank you for the amazing review. Broken Hermione was fun to write, but alas I had to fix her otherwise she wouldn't be the sharp tongued girl we know and love. I'm glad you are liking the character progression! I'm trying to make it as natural as possible which isn't always easy. I plan on more positive aspects of Fleur being shown in the future and all your questions about the war are absolutely going to be answered. There's no way I could do an AU without explaining what happened before. That was actually what I struggled with for a while, but now that I have it down I'm excited to share what happened and for you guys to see Hermione vulnerable. It will happen, but we all know Hermione is stubborn as hell and doesn't show that side often. Anyways, I really hope you like the new chapter :)
omaribacache316: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and I'm sure you're going to really like this one :D
veelabyte: Haha I thought it was smooth as fuck myself XD Hopefully you like the moves in this chapter :X
Ayexev: I'm so happy you had faith in me when some didn't ;-; I was like hell nah! I can't leave my girl Hermione broken! lol I'm going to make some more honest interactions soon. The one in the last chapter was difficult to write, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out :)
Ivy: Glad you liked the last chapter! Hope you like the new one :)
Pam C: I'm very sorry I made you wait so long for this new chapter. Hopefully you didn't have to yell at your screen too much in my absence lol I hope the new chapter is worth the wait and I promise to try to be better at updating :) I always do so enjoy your awesome reviews so hopefully I haven't lost a dope reader .
LS505956: I'm glad you liked their first honest interaction :) And you're right, Cruel Intentions would be a horrible title if Fleur just gave up right away and suddenly became good out of nowhere. I plan to make her character progression natural, but damn it is hard sometimes haha anyways, hope you enjoy the new chapter. There will be plenty of bitchiness to go around XD
Rose: I'm so glad you're enjoying the story and the characters. I'm trying to stay as true to them as possible while having my own twist. Hopefully you enjoy the new chapter :)
JustAnoth3rFan: I'm glad you're enjoying my twist on Fleurmione. I myself grew tired of reading the same three story lines over and over again lol But whenever I find a good fic I too find myself staying up all night to read it all. This shit can get addicting haha hopefully the new chapter tickles your fancy :)
Sad Francisco: I'm stoked you like the characters and the progression. It's been the most difficult part of this writing process. There was no way I could have them instantly fall for each other. I purposely left out the whole mate thing cause I felt like it would be so redundant. Hopefully you like the progression in this new chapter :)
chaosrin: A lot of the past is going to be revealed in later chapters about Fleur and Veroniques relationship and I'm definitely going to go into how the dark lord was defeated and the battle. I super swear it will all make sense in the end :)
ToriBlackwood: The history of everyone is totally going to be revealed soonish. That is what took me the longest when I was developing this story so I don't worry, it's not going to be skipped over or anything. There will be plenty of explanations :) Hopefully you like the newest chappie :D
supesaiyan: Ahhh, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to update. I feel so horrible ;-; I pink swear I will try to get better at this and try to prioritize updating because I really love this story. Hopefully you like the newest addition :)
Guest: Since there was multiple guest reviews I'm unable to reply to you individually, but I'm super appreciative of your reviews and all your words of encouragement :)
'French'
'thoughts'
Chapter 7: Earth Angel
It had been a couple days since Hermione and Fleur's last encounter and the brunette had yet to see much of the young champion. She sat there waiting for defense against the dark arts to start, impatiently tapping her quill on the table as she reflected on everything that had happened with the mysterious blonde. She looked down to her hand, expecting to see the flower still there, but found immaculately clean flesh instead. She let out a dreamy sigh as she thought back to that day by the lake and found herself smiling when she recalled how Fleur looked up at her behind blonde bangs while she used her hand as her canvas and smiled a genuine smile at the young Gryffindor.
A chair scraping next to her made her jump and drop her quill, rudely shaking her from her daydream. She looked to her right to see the same woman plaguing her thoughts picking up her quill from the floor with a delicate hand and holding it out to her almost as if she was presenting her with flowers.
Hermione looked completely dumbstruck to see Fleur in the flesh once more. The veela hadn't been to any of their classes the last couple of days; she assumed it was because she was busy preparing for the first task that was fast approaching.
"I believe zis belongs to you." Fleur smiled the most charming smile she could muster.
"Oh." Hermione snapped out of her stupor and grabbed the quill from Fleur's waiting hand. "Yeah, thanks."
"Eez everything okay?" Fleur raised an eyebrow at the spacey girl to her left. "You seem a bit . . . out of eet."
A blush slowly crept onto Hermione's cheeks at being caught getting lost in her own thoughts. "Oh, no. I'm fine." Hermione adjusted her tie a little as she turned her attention back to the front of the class. "Just a bit tired."
Fleur observed the girl for a moment more, a small smile creeping onto her face when she noticed Hermione fussing with her tie and fiddling with her quill in her hand. "Eef you say so."
Hermione had to resist glaring at the smirking girl to her right who was obviously amused by her flustered state. She didn't much care to get caught up in the blonde's little game of cat and mouse. Her reaction to the veela was perfectly normal given her looks. Right?
"Alright class. Pull out your books and turn to page 102." Hermione heard practically the entire class groan when they realized that they would be taking notes today instead of dueling. "Today we will be going over defensive magical theory."
Hermione just rolled her eyes at how childish her classmates were as she pulled out her book and promptly turned to the appropriate page. She heard Fleur shuffling around in her bookbag for a moment before the blonde let out a huff and looked over to the girl who was trying desperately to not pay any attention to her.
"I seem to 'ave forgotten my book. Would you mind sharing yours Mademoiselle Granger?"
Hermione eyed the sheepish looking blonde warily before she let out a sigh. "Sure." She grumbled as she pushed the book to the center of their desk. She had to look away when Fleur's smile lit up the whole room and scooted closer to her. 'Does she have to get so bloody close to me to see the text?' Hermione inwardly grumbled to herself when the smell of Fleur's expensive perfume invaded her senses and she realized their skin was just an inch away from touching.
"What 'ave I missed?" Fleur spoke quietly while Sirius began his lecture.
"A lot." Hermione tore her gaze from her notes to glare over at Fleur who was watching her with bright blue eyes. "And you're going to miss a lot more if you don't pay attention." The brunette hissed softly before turning her attention back to her parchment, trying to ignore the amused smile that slid onto Fleur's flawless face.
Hermione was grateful that Fleur kept her perfect mouth shut after that and dutifully took notes along with her. As Sirius continued on with his lecture she reached to turn the page, but it seemed Fleur had the same idea and their hands brushed for the briefest of moments before Hermione yanked her hand back so fast you would thing Fleur burned her.
"Pardon." Fleur whispered in her velvety French accent, but the sly smile creeping onto Fleur's face had Hermione thinking she did it on purpose.
"It's fine." Hermione mumbled, pretending to be completely unbothered by the incident as she went back to scribbling.
A light blush started to spread across Hermione's cheeks once more when Fleur scooted her chair closer so that the legs of the chairs were touching and the French girl was beyond invading her personal space.
"Must you be so close?" Hermione growled, making Fleur's smile widen.
"Ees ze proximity bozering you?" Fleur practically breathed down her neck, making shivers run down Hermione's spine.
"Everything alright 'Mione?" Sirius asked, stopping in the middle of his lecture, giving the brunette and blonde a pointed look.
"E-everything's fine." Hermione's blush deepened at the stares she received. "Sorry Professor."
Sirius simply nodded his head as he went back to his lecture and Fleur had to refrain from laughing at the adorable grimace that was now adorning Hermione's face.
Hermione went back to her notes once more, trying to find her focus when she felt Fleur's leg creeping over to hers, pushing her foot against her own. 'Is she seriously trying to play footsies with me right now?' Hermione bit her tongue so she wouldn't lash out and simply pushed the blonde's foot away with her own, making a soft laugh slip from Fleur's lips.
Hermione let out a huff at Fleur's obvious amusement and when she felt the blonde's foot make its way back over to her own again she finally snapped. In one swift moment she lifted her foot and stomped the heel of her shoe down onto the Fleur's toes, effectively wiping the smile off of the foreigner's lips.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Fleur's face redden and it looked as if the cocky girl was holding her breath to stop herself from letting out any sounds of pain or discomfort.
'Serves her right.' Hermione thought to herself with a smirk as Fleur bit her lip, looking down at her paper in an attempt to forget the pain shooting up her leg, originating at her toes.
There were a couple moments of silence before Hermione heard the sound of scribbling, paper tearing, and then the text on her book was blocked by a note written in neat cursive. She had to refrain from laughing when she read the words written by her French partner.
'That hurt!'
'Good.' Was Hermione's simple reply as she grinned and passed the note back.
She felt a laugh bubbling up in her chest when she saw Fleur's jaw drop and arctic eyes look at her with feigned hurt and betrayal. "Wow." Fleur mouthed at the young Gryffindor who just smiled and shrugged in response.
"And that does it for today class." Sirius' voice interrupted the two girls staring contest.
Hermione quickly grabbed her book and made a beeline for the door before Fleur could try to talk to her anymore, but the blonde was faster than she anticipated.
"'Ermione!" Fleur called out as she ran with a slight limp after the retreating bookworm.
Hermione let out a sigh as she paused in her steps. "Yes?" She raised an eyebrow as she turned and faced the still red faced Beauxbatons student.
"I 'ave missed a lot of classes, because of zis tournament. . ."
"I'm well aware of that." Hermione looked bored as she shifted to her other foot with her book held tightly to her chest.
"Oh?" Fleur seemed to perk up for reasons Hermione was unsure of. "Did you miss me?"
Hermione rolled her eyes as that insufferable confident gleam popped into Fleur's bright eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. It was just an observation."
"Of course." Fleur smiled knowingly before she waved off the subject. "Anyways, I was wondering eef you would let me borrow your notes."
"And why would I do that?" Hermione huffed. "Especially after that little stunt you pulled in there."
"Je suis désolé 'Ermione." Fleur had the decency to at least look like she felt bad for what she had done. "I was just playing around wiz you. I did not mean anyzing by eet."
"Well I didn't find it very amusing." Hermione put her nose up in the air. "You're already on very thin ice."
"Oui, I know." Fleur held up her hands as if to show she meant no harm. "I won't do eet again. I promise."
Hermione eyed the other girl warily for a moment before she let out a sigh and caved in to those pleading eyes. "Alright, fine, but I want my notes back by tomorrow."
"Or course." Fleur looked giddy as a smile lit up her face once more. "Please, let me walk you to lunch to make up for my 'orrible be'avior."
"Don't push it." Hermione glared at the blonde half-heartedly as she brushed past her.
"Fine. I will just awkwardly walk five paces behind you." Fleur let out a soft chuckle as she followed after the fiery Gryffindor. "I 'ave ze best view in all of 'Ogwarts back here anyways." She shrugged as she let her eyes wander down to Hermione's legs and perfectly sculpted butt. She couldn't stop her grin from widening when Hermione looked over her shoulder at her in horror and slowed down her pace so Fleur was walking next to her.
"You're worse than Ginny." Hermione mumbled darkly as they made their way down the corridor.
"'Ermione Granger, you wound me." Fleur held her hand to her chest in mock pain.
"I can wound you more if you like." Hermione put on her fake sugary smile sending terrified chills running down Fleur's back. Her throbbing toes reminded her that Hermione Granger could definitely inflict pain on her if she so wished it. "Yeah, I didn't think so." Hermione grinned at how pale Fleur had become.
As they walked down the halls Hermione couldn't help but notice all of the stares they received as they passed, how quickly people would move out of the way for them, and when she observed someone staring a little too intently at her one sharp look from Fleur had them scurrying away. 'I suppose walking with Fleur does have some perks.'
"Après vous." Fleur smiled as she opened the door to the dining hall.
"Thanks." Hermione murmured as she walked in and almost immediately noticed all eyes were on her and Fleur.
"'Ermione." Fleur said softly, pulling the blushing brunette's attention away from their prying audience. "Can I get zose notes after dinner?"
"Yeah, sure." Hermione rubbed the back of her head to hide her nerves. She really did detest being put under a microscrope.
"Great. I will see you zen." Fleur beamed at the golden girl before strutting to her table while Hermione did the same.
"What in the bloody hell was that!?" Ginny jumped down Hermione's throat the second she sat down next to her.
"What was what?" Hermione played stupid as she put some food on her plate.
"What was . . ." For once in her life Ginny seemed to be at a loss for words as she gaped at the brunette nonchalantly loading up her plate. "You just walked in with Fleur Delacour . . . the enemy!" She cried out.
"And?" Hermione looked at Ginny with innocent eyes as she bit into her toast.
Ginny just continued to gawk at the unperturbed prefect with her mouth hanging wide open before she finally snapped. "Did you have a stroke or something!?"
"I assure you Ginny, I'm fine." Hermoine rolled her eyes at how dramatic her friend could be.
"Did she bewitch you?" Ginny continued her inquisition without skipping a beat.
"Ginny!" Hermione finally put down her food to glare at the red head. "She just asked if she could borrow my notes while we went to lunch. Don't make a big deal out of it."
"And I'm sure she'll ask for a 'study session' next." Ginny glared at the blonde over her shoulder and vibrant blue locked onto dark green as Fleur licked the yogurt from the back of her spoon slowly before she winked in her direction. "She's taunting me 'Mione!" Ginny cried out, turning back to Hermione paying her no attention.
"You do know I'm not really your girlfriend right?" Hermione raised an eyebrow at the flustered chaser.
"Of course I know that!" Ginny huffed, crossing her arms. "It's the principal of the matter! That girl has no respect." Ginny put her nose up in the air.
"Well, I hate to break it to you, but the jig is up." Hermione grinned at the surprised look on Ginny's face. "She knows it's a hoax and I'm sure everyone else does as well."
"What!?" Ginny abruptly stood up from her seat. "I loved you Hermione Granger and gave you everything while you ran around town with whatever pretty boy or girl caught your fancy!"
"Ginerva Weasley, what in the bloody Hell are you doing?" Hermione hissed through her teeth, her face turning a bright red when she noticed all eyes on them.
"Getting even." There was a subtle smirk on Ginny's face as she grabbed her pumpkin juice.
"Ginny . . ." Hermione started in a threatening tone, but her warning fell on deaf ears.
The dining hall was silent as a crypt as Ginny held her cup over Hermione's head and tipped her glass, completely dousing the golden girl's head in juice. "You should be ashamed of yourself Hermione Granger." Ginny threw her cup at the girl sitting there with her mouth hanging wide open in disbelief before storming out.
"Would you like a napkin?" Came Luna's dreamy voice as she held out her own cloth to Hermione.
Luna's question seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back as Hermione stood up. "I'm going to kill her this time. I mean it." Hermione growled as she went running after the hysterically laughing red head down the hall.
"It looks like the scales are starting to tip in you favor." Veronique spoke in an aloof voice, even though she felt anything but that.
"It would seem so." Fleur replied with a smirk.
/
Later that evening Fleur found herself intently watching the brunette from across the room once more, making sure she didn't miss her opportunity to talk to the prefect and get the notes she had already received from Veronique. She felt her Veela humming with excitement at the prospect of making another, hopefully more successful move, on its prey tonight. She had to hide the amused chuckle from bubbling out of her throat when she saw Ginny sit down next to Hermione who proceeded to scowl and stand up when the red head tried to talk to her.
"Come on 'Mione, don't be like that." Ginny pouted at the irritated girl packing up her things. "I was just playing around."
"You're luck she didn't hex you into next week." Ron laughed at his sister.
"Do you have any idea how long it took to get that pumpkin juice out of my hair?" Hermione finally broke her silence and glared at her friend who was trying to contain her laughter. "It was sticky and disgusting!"
"I'm sorry 'Mione." Ginny put on her best puppy dog face. "I was a right prat for doing that . . ." Ginny looked down and mumbled. "Even if it was hilarious."
"What was that?" Hermione gritted her teeth, gripping her book tightly.
"N-nothing."
"Thought so." Hermione huffed before she exited the hall with a certain blonde hot on her heels.
"I 'ope you did not forget about zose notes Mademoiselle Granger." Came a soft voice behind the irritated Gryffidnor as she headed up the stairway.
"Bloody Hell." Hermione stopped in her steps, turning to face the veela a few stairs below her. "I forgot them in my room."
"Zat is no problem." Fleur put on that insufferable smile Hermione had grown accustomed to. "I shall accompany you to your chambers eef you don't mind."
Hermione took a moment to regard the blonde before she shrugged. "Sure."
"S'il vous plaît." Fleur grabbed Hermione's book from her arms. "Let me carry zat."
Hermione had a flash of déjà vu at the Veela's gesture and had to refrain from rolling her eyes. "I am perfectly capable of carrying my own books."
"I don't doubt zat." Fleur smirked as she walked next to the bookworm. "It's ze least I can do zough for you letting me borrow your notes."
"How chivalrous." Hermione scoffed as they ascended the steps of the moving staircase.
"Still testy after ze events at lunch?" Fleur smirked as Hermione whirled around to glare at her.
"I am not testy." She growled.
"Non." Fleur's smirk widened into a delighted smile. "Of course not."
Hermione just turned back around with her trademark scowl firmly in place as she headed towards the fat lady portrait, mumbling something along the lines of "Ungrateful."
"Password?" The fat lady raised an eyebrow at the unlikely pair.
"Caput Draconis." Hermione replied and the portrait swung open.
Fleur took in the warm common room filled with giggling students whose eyes shifted in their direction the second they entered. She went to follow Hermione up the stairs, but was stopped dead in her tracks when Hermione turned around and promptly took her book out of her hands.
"You stay here." Hermione pointed her finger right in front of Fleur's nose, almost making the foreigner go cross eyed.
"As you wish." Fleur smiled innocently as Hermione turned back around to stomp up the steps.
Fleur watched the witch for a moment before she herself turned around, leaned against the wall and crossed her arms, looking as disinterested and cold as possible as she discreetly looked around the room, taking in the architecture. The Gryffindor room wasn't nearly as elegant as anything at her academy, but there was a certain 'homey' feeling to the atmosphere. She decided in that moment she liked it and could see herself lounging on the couch while Hermione read a book by the fire. 'What a silly notion.' Fleur inwardly scolded herself for getting even slightly sentimental.
"Here you go." Hermione's voice cut through her thoughts as she roughly shoved the papers into her hands.
"Merci Mademoiselle." Fleur smiled once more to show how unaffected she was by the Gryffindor's sour mood. In fact, Fleur found it quite endearing.
"It's fine." Hermione waved her off as she started to head back up to her room.
"Eet ees still early." Fleur spoke up before Hermione was out of sight, making the young prodigey stop and regard her. "Per'aps you could show me around ze castle. I 'ave yet to be given a proper tour."
Hermione was quiet for a moment, reading the other girl down the stairs from her. The exchange student was obviously up to something and Hermione knew this spelled trouble, however they didn't call her the brightest witch of her age for nothing. "Sure." A smile formed on Hermoine's face as she walked back down the steps, thoroughly surprising Fleur; she had expected some resistance from her prey, but it seemed Hermione was warming up to her.
"Great." Fleur hid her surprise and strolled with Hermione out of the common room.
"As you already know, these are the changing staircases." Hermione commented as they walked higher and higher, zig zagging from staircase to staircase. "Hogwarts is famous for it. They say they have it like this in case there is ever an attack the intruders would get lost and we would have advantage."
"Intéressant." Fleur mumbled as they almost reached the top of one of the highest staircases. She turned to regard Hermione, but found her sliding down the rail of the stairs as they changed. She jumped off right before the last bit of it detached from the ground, leaving Fleur confused and alone. "'Ermoine Granger!" Fleur cried out as the staircase moved her further away from the laughing Gryiffindor. There was obviously a reason why her and Ginny were friends. "Where ees zis staircase taking me!?" She couldn't help but laugh as well at the predicament she had been put in. She should have known better, but couldn't resist an opportunity to get the prefect alone.
Hermione cupped her hands around her mouth so the Veela could hear her as she shouted back. "I haven't the foggiest!"
Fleur just laughed and rolled her eyes as she stepped off the steps as Hermione's laughter faded until she was gone. 'Now 'ow do I get back.' Fleur tapped her chin in thought as she looked at the door in front of her, then back to the staircase changing direction once more. 'Perhaps finding a staircase that doesn't move behind one of zese doors ees a safer bet.'
Fleur opened the door in front of her, stepping into the dark quiet room, but the quiet was broken by a low growl to her left. The young champion gulped as she turned and came face to face with a giant black dog with three heads, breathing right in her face, baring its sharp teeth.
"Pardon. I must 'ave entered ze wrong room by mistake." She held her hands up as she slowly backed towards the door behind her. "I will just . . ." She started, but the giant dog lunged at her, all three heads snapping at her as she jumped out the door and slammed it closed in its snarling face.
With her heart pounding in her chest and her breathing ragged Fleur pressed her back to the door with wide blue eyes. "Zat girl ees going to be ze deaz of me."
/
The next day marked the first official visit to Hogsmeade since the foreigners had arrived and the halls were buzzing with excitement. The students were beyond thrilled to get out of the dreary castle, take a break from their studies, and get to see a little bit of the outside world. Everyone except Hermione Granger.
"Come on 'Mione!" Ginny stomped her foot as Hermione lay on her bed with her nose stuck in a book. "It will be fun!"
"I've been to Hogsmeade a million times Ginny and I would much rather get ahead of my studies." Hermione replied without looking up.
"If you go . . . I'll . . . I'll buy you a new book." Ginny grinned when Hermione's eyes finally peaked over the pages and looked at her. "And . . ." Ginny bit her lip, trying to sweaten the pot even more.
"I'm listening." Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"All the butterbeer you want!"
"Fine." Hermione snapped the book shut and stood up. "But I'm still mad at you."
"If it will make you feel better you can dump a whole pitcher of butterbeer over my head." Ginny's grin widened when Hermione laughed.
"Careful Ginverva Weasley." Hermione smiled. "I might just take you up on that offer."
/
Fleur stood outside of Gladrags Wizardwear, casually leaning against the cold stone in her dark skinny jeans, white v-neck and tight black leather jacket with her arms crossed. She usually enjoyed shopping with Odette and Veronique, but she found her tastes lied elsewhere these days. Behind dark black ray bans she discreetly scouted the area, looking for familiar brown locks, but much to her chagrin the golden girl was nowhere to be found.
"I need your opinion on a dress." Came Veronique's voice as she popped her head out of the shop door.
"Ask Odette." Fleur replied cooly as she kept her eyes peeled.
"I did, but I want a second opinion on it." Veronique huffed.
"Ask one of the employees."
"What is wrong with you?" Veronique growled as she stepped outside and invaded Fleur's vision. "You usually love shopping with us! This is the closest thing we've had to fun since we arrived in this horrible place."
"I'll meet up with you in ten minutes 'Mione." Came Ginny's voice from across the way. "I'm just going to grab some supplies for my broom real quick."
A small smile formed on Fleur's face when she looked over Veronique's shoulder and saw Hermione entering the book shop across the way. 'Perfect.' Fleur pushed off the wall and walked past her fuming friend to stalk after the prefect.
"Seriously Fleur!?" Veronique yelled after the blonde, but Fleur just ignored her and entered the shop.
She took off her glasses and looked around to see Hermione going into the magical creatures section. Her smile widened as she followed, briefly taking note of the soft 50's song being played in the store.
Earth Angel,
Earth Angel,
Will you be mine?
My darling dear,
Love you all the time.
I'm just a fool,
A fool in love with you.
With careful footsteps Fleur followed the young prodigy and when she reached the bookshelf she peaked around the corner. She bit her lower lip as her eyes raked up Hermione's long toned tan legs to the tight jean shorts hugging her hips to the black spaghetti strap top that clung to her perfect curves. 'Ow can she look so beautiful in somezing so simple?' Fleur sighed to herself as she ducked over to the isle to the right of magical creatures.
She promptly pulled out a random book and pretended to be enthralled as she glanced at Hermione out of the corner of her eye.
Earth Angel,
Earth Angel,
The one I adore,
Love you forever
And evermore.
I'm just a fool,
A fool in love with you.
Hermione was completely oblivious to Fleur's presence, but as she ran her fingertips over the spines of books, she chanced a look to the right only to see Fleur seemingly lost in a book.
When Fleur finally looked up arctic blue met with bright amber. Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes or hide the small smile that formed on her lips at the contagious grin that spread across the veela's flawless face.
I fell for you
And I knew
The vision of your love, loveliness.
I hope and I pray
That someday
I'll be the vision of your hap, happiness.
Realizing that she was smiling back at the veela Hermione quickly put her face back to neutral as she turned and continued to browse through titles, desperately trying to ignore the persistent girl.
Her eyes scanned various titles, but once again blue eyes caught her attention on the opposite side of the shelf in between the rows. She grabbed a book off the shelf and Fleur pulled one off the opposite side so they could see each other clearly. There was a twinkle in those icy eyes that screamed mischief, but Hermione was not going to play the champions games.
Oh, Earth Angel,
Earth Angel,
Please be mine?
My darling dear,
Love you all the time.
I'm just a fool,
A fool in love with you.
With a huff she shoved the book back into its place and was met by a soft laugh on the opposite side and the sound of the other book being put back. She continued down the row while Fleur kept the same stride so they were consistently walking next to each other. When they finally reached the end she was greeted by the sight of Fleur leaning her shoulder against the shelf with her arms crossed.
"Looking for more books on veelas?" Fleur smirked and Hermione's face reddened at being caught looking into the creatures.
"You know, just because I'm being civil with you, it doesn't mean you can stalk me." Hermione put her nose in the air.
"Who said I was?" Fleur raised an eyebrow at the huffy Gryffindor. "I need to find a book on ze tournament and you just so 'appened to be 'ere."
"Right." Hermione scoffed as she walked down another isle with Fleur hot on her heels.
"Eef you 'ave any questions about veelas you can just ask me 'Ermione." Fleur smiled as Hermione picked up another book, trying to ignore her. "I am sure I could be more useful zen some out dated book."
"I have no interest in veelas." Hermione grumbled as she opened up the book.
"Of course not." Fleur smiled knowingly as she grabbed a book and absentmindedly flipped through the pages. "You know . . . you almost got me killed ze ozer day."
"Oh really?" Hermione scoffed as she ran her finger down the page. "How?"
"A zree 'eaded dog tried to eat me."
"Fluffy?" Hermione laughed as she snapped her book shut and looked at the pouting blonde.
"Eet 'as a name!?" Fleur looked incredulously at the laughing bookworm.
"Yes. Harry, Ron, and I had a little run in with him our first year. He's harmless once you put him to sleep."
"You encountered zat zing when you were eleven?" Fleur's eyebrows rose high up on her head.
"Yeah." Hermione shrugged as if it was nothing which in retrospect it was compared to everything she and the boys had been through.
"Color me impressed Mademoiselle Granger." Fleur grinned. "My question zough eez what kind of school 'as creatures like zat hiding on ze grounds in ze first place?"
"Hogwarts." Hermione chuckled. "And believe me, there are worse things than Fluffy lurking on the grounds."
"Great." Fleur sighed. "I guess you will 'ave to give me a real tour next time so I can avoid zose zings."
"And where would the fun be in that?" Hermione smiled cheekily at the veela.
"You are too cruel 'Ermione Granger." Fleur shook her head with a soft laugh.
"Hey 'Mione! Where are you!?" Came Ginny's loud voice. "Are you done nerding out yet . . . hey, what are you doing with Delacour?" Ginny glared at the blonde as she rounded the corner.
"Mademoiselle Granger was just 'elping me find a book." Fleur looked at her nails in a bored manor.
"Oh yeah? Where's the book?" Ginny redirected her glare to Hermione who was nervously shifting from foot to foot.
"Eet was not 'ere." Fleur shrugged.
"Right." Ginny rolled her eyes. "Well anyways, Harry and Ron are waiting at the three broomsticks for us. Let's go 'Mione." Ginny growled as she grabbed Hermione's elbow and practically dragged the prefect outside.
"That was completely unnecessary Ginny." Hermione yanked her arm out of her friend's grasp as they headed into the three broomsticks. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"Well, it sure didn't look like it." Ginny scoffed.
"Are you two having a row again?" Ron frowned when he saw the scowl on both of the girls faces.
"Your sister is just being a prat." Hermione huffed as she and Ginny sat down.
"And Hermione is being an idiot." Ginny shot back making both the boys raise their brows.
"I don't think Hermione is capable of being an . . . idiot." Harry was the first to speak up, feeling nervous for the young chaser.
"Well she was." Ginny glared over at the seething brunette. "She was hanging out with Fleur Delacour."
"One, I was not 'hanging out' with her." Hermione spoke through gritted teeth. "Two, even if I was I don't see how it's any of your business."
"You're like a sister to me 'Mione." Ginny frowned. "And I don't trust that girl."
"I don't fully trust her either, but she's not as bad as that letter made her out to be." Hermione sighed.
"She seems alright to me." Harry shrugged.
"Yeah and not to mention she's bloody gorgeous." Ron's eyes glossed over as Fleur and her posse entered the pub.
"Speak of the devil and she shall arrive." Ginny rolled her eyes as the girls took a seat at the bar.
"We should invite them over." Ron smiled dreamily.
"Absolutely not." Ginny and Hermione said at the same time. They paused for a moment, looked at each other, and then proceeded to burst into a fit of laughter.
"I'm sorry 'Mione." Ginny sighed as she rubbed the back of her neck. "I just don't want her messing with you."
"It's okay Ginny. I know you're just looking out for my best interest, but you have to trust that I know what I'm doing."
"I know, I know." Ginny sighed.
"On that note, I'll go get us the first round." Harry smiled as he started to stand up.
"Don't be silly Harry. I'll get it." Hermione stood up and headed to the bar to place their order. "A pitcher of butterbeer please." Hermione leaned over the bar, unknowingly giving anyone looking a nice view. A couple Beuxbatons girls noticed and a brunette got up to talk to her, but one stern look from Fleur sent the girl cowering back to her seat.
"Possessive are we?" Veronique raised an eyebrow at the scowl on Fleur's face.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Fleur flipped her hair as she headed over to Hermione and placed her hand on the small of her back while Hermione was getting ready to pay the bartender. "S'il vous plaît, allow me to take care of zis."
"I got it. Don't worry." Hermione grumbled as she removed Fleur's hand from her back.
"I insist. Eet eez ze least I can do since you let me borrow your notes or you can consider eet a peace offering." Fleur smiled.
"Fine." Hermione sighed as she put away her money and grabbed the pitcher. "Thanks Fleur." She gave the blonde a small smile before she went back to her friends who were watching with wide eyes.
"This should cover zeir bill non?" Fleur asked the bartender as she pulled out more than enough money to cover ten pitchers of butterbeer.
"Y-yeah." The man blushed as he took the money.
"See what I'm talking about!?" Ginny hissed to the boys. "She is all over 'Mione!"
"I mean, I don't see why you're turning her down." Ron looked to the brunette. "She looks like a Goddess, pays for your things, and for some reason is crazy about you."
"I'm just going to gloss over your back handed compliment and say it takes more than that to get me interested." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"If you're so interested in her mate, you should go ask her out." Harry grinned at how red Ron's face became.
"No way. She's way out of my league."
"Mademoiselle Granger!" Came a soft voice and in popped a younger looking Fleur. "I was 'oping to run into you. Do you zink I could have a word in private?"
"Uh . . . sure." Hermione looked at her equally confused friends as she put down her drink and walked to a quiet corner with the young blonde whose sisters eyes were locked onto the pair.
"This does not look good." Odette spoke quietly to her fuming alpha.
"For ze brightest witch of your age you sure don't know 'ow to listen to good advice when eet eez given." Gabrielle immediately went in on the baffled Gryffindor.
"Good advice?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, I don't even know who you are."
"I am Fleur's little sister and also ze one who gave you zat note." Gabrielle huffed.
A look of shock crossed Hermione's face. "You? You're the one who wrote me that note warning me about Fleur?"
"Oui. I zought you would be able to figure zat out for yourself, but eet seems I 'ave overestimated you."
"Why did you write that note to me? I don't understand." Hermione frowned at how brash the young student was being. "Fleur doesn't seem to be nearly as bad as you described her."
"You do not really know 'er." Gabrielle snapped. "She eez disgracing our family acting ze way she does. You 'ave no idea 'ow many broken people she 'as left in 'er wake."
"Well maybe she has changed." Hermione jumped to the blonde's defense for reasons she was unsure of.
"You don't 'onestly believe zat do you?" Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "You're smarter zan zat."
"I . . ." Hermione stopped midsentence; she was at a complete loss for words.
"I will warn you one more time Mademoiselle Granger." Gabrielle spoke in a cold tone. "Do not trust 'er. Eef you choose to ignore my advice zen my conscience ees clear."
With those last words Gabrielle turned sharply on her heal and exited the pub leaving a completely perplexed Gryffindor in her wake.
AN: Well, there it is folks! I hope this chapter was worth the wait :) Microsoft word was being really weird while writing this chapter so I'm sorry for any errors in it. I did the best I could with the cards I was dealt. Anyways, hopefully some of you still follow this story and will want to leave your thoughts on the newest chapter. I truly adore reading everything you guys have to say :)
