Hey everyone, this is chapter 7. I hope you have not give up on me
I have big plans with this, and I'm doing my best to write as fast as I can.
I would like to thank once more to Aquarella for reviewing continuously.
And I would not be able to write without my best friend and beta reader Lois.
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*The Exhausting War*
*Thoughts*
She provokes something new on me. Something I can't explain. As much as sometimes I want it to stop, I reckon I would be empty without it.
Fleur's POV
Even those dark and dirty corridors can't affect the burning feeling that stimulates me completely. I have never imagined that a single person could cause so much unrest in me. And now that I think about it, it's offensive to call the splendid Hermione a 'single person'.
She's perfectly incredible, with her constant concern for my health. Her eager eyes that stared at me shook silently my whole body. Her gentle touch caused amazing chills to my skin. The precise attention she devoted to each of my injuries was impressive and delusional. I've been at several hospitals with numerous doctors, however none had given that much care to my wounds. It was as if each mark was an unexplored island, which needed to be carefully conquered.
Still cannot believe I lightly stroked her palm. It was pure instinct. When I realized, my restless fingers gently explored her soft hand. And as her hand being smaller than mine, I felt the urge to wrap it completely, and identify every precious piece of that fascinating plume.
However, unfortunately the signs she sends me are extremely confusing, causing profound turmoil in my neurons. Sometimes her eyes seem simply concerned that despite being extraordinary, does not necessarily mean she has deepest intentions. And at other times, her impeccable brownish eyes involved me in full attentiveness and desire. I would never forgive myself if I made a potentially indelible error of behavior based on an uncertain interpretation of this delicate and exceptional goddess.
While riding in the murky corridors of Hogwarts, I spot the irritating Weasley in front of her classroom talking to someone unknown. This girl has an incredible power to always surprise me, because any time I think I got rid of her, she appears again, asking idiocies and disturbing my thoughts. It was thanks to the immature child that two important moments I had with the beautiful Hermione were ruined. I wished I had the chance to punish her, but she is a close friend of the delusional Gryffindor prefect.
Being focused on annoying Ginny I didn't perceive Kathryn coming from behind:
"I hope you know that she is our best catcher, one of the best in school, future student of the camp, Daniel's favorite player and has protection from her three older brothers" Now that I look carefully at this girl in front of me, away from the large group that usually surrounds me on the table, I realize her incredible beauty. She has a nice courageous expression and long brown hair tied on an elegant ponytail. Despite the apparent strong personality, she has a fine and delicate feature, similar to a porcelain doll. She uses a red NIKE bag, shoes with closed pliers, small earrings and no necklace. Akin to a professional player who is also a model.
"How does this information relate to me?"
"You need to be an autistic person to not realize your dislike for her," Her amazing sarcastic tone is somehow funny, making impossible not to laugh slightly.
"The girl is clearly annoying, at least to me. You have witnessed one of her many worshiping moments."
"I understand, but try to be less obvious. It's just a matter of time until the whole school knows. Believe me, everyone notices. "This girl has a gallant stance for someone apparently younger than me.
"You also do not like her?"
"No. Last year we were assigned to a potions project together and she just did not cooperate. Since then we don't speak to each other very often."
"She has the propensity to be pushy."
We are interrupted by the announcement of the end of lunch break and beginning of the afternoon classes'. Kathryn says goodbye and walks hurriedly through the halls, as I wonder having no idea in which room is my next class. Finally I give up and decide to ask the first person who passes by:
"Excuse me, where is the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom?" - I manage to stop a young Ravenclaw, probably from 3rd year, who is apparently nervous about my presence.
"The Defense Against the Dark Arts room?" - He repeats nervously, gazing uneasily at me.
"Hey brat, keep walking." Suddenly, one of the closest friends of Victoria, Dominique, apparently aware of my current problem, stops the apprehensive boy. And he really disappears instantly.
"The classroom you're looking for is on the second floor. My next class is there too, follow me."
As we walked toward the classroom, I realize that many students were looking shocked to my constant choice of company.
"Where were you? Victoria said you would meet us in the central courtyard."
"I just took more time than I thought to heal."
"She commented on your opposition on going to the infirmary. What's wrong? Are you afraid of needles?" - The audacious brunette asked mockingly.
"No, I simply refuse to let an older woman treat me like a fragile child because of some pathetic injuries. If I were you, I would check my sources better next time." She really believes that she can mock me and leave unscathed? She seemed troubled by my sudden and somewhat rude response.
"Don't get hassled, it was just a harmless joke." - She spoke apologetically.
"I recommend you know your limits."
We finally arrive to the classroom, and only half were present. Dominique chose two seats at the back, and was introducing me to some of the Slytherin students that were already there. Everyone seemed simply foolish.
Unexpectedly, Hermione entered the room accompanied by Ron and Harry, having some kind of conversation with them. My body reacts strangely with her sudden presence, as if remembering her gentle touch, and wishing it again. Her calm walk is stunning. And as she finally chooses the seat closer to the teacher, she becomes the so elegant prefect that I never get tired to behold, with her legs crossed, hands gently rested on her lap, her chin lifted and permanent and complete attention to the teacher. I envy those presenting this class by having costly unwavering attention of such a graceful student for so long. I had the fortune of holding such concentration, however during an insufficient amount of time, although I cannot imagine how much time would be entirely satisfactory.
I make an effort to divert my eyes from the charming prefect, before anyone notices my obvious fascination.
The class ends before I know it, and as I rise to leave, I notice a glance in my direction. And when I look more appropriately, I spot Hermione analyzing the Slytherin students around me and finally indignantly staring at me. I launch a puzzled look, however I receive no response as she leaves the room.
When I turn my attention to those around me, no one had noticed the scene; the stupid boys were disturbing a Hufflepuff boy and Dominique was flirting by the corner with an ugly stranger. She gets up and accompanies me to the next class.
Classes started quickly and when I realized the sun had vanished and it was time for dinner.
Faced with this giant table full of food, I spend my minutes talking trivialities with my housemates. Again many strangers approached to ask enthusiastically how my first day was. This has become quite tiring after the tenth irrelevant question.
Suddenly, a little note comes flying rapidly in my hand:
"Get rid of these sycophants, we're going to the duels saloon. We'll be waiting for you in front of the great hall. Victoria"
I think quickly on my options and realize that the night can be much more interesting in the presence of the three girls than answering stupid questions at the dinner table.
I say farewell to the group and walk towards the exit. Looking for a sight of Hermione before leaving, I notice again the enraged look on her face. She switches her furious sight between me and the three Slytherin girls who are going along with me on the other side, as if trying to explain the reason for her discontent.
When I start to reduce my pace to speak more properly with Hermione, I receive another note:
"The whole room is watching. Do you really wish to waste your time with it now? Victoria."
Looking at where the note came from, I realize that Victoria, Julianne and Dominique have an amazing dynamic. None drawing more attention than the other, since they are three different beauties: the noble and intimidating blonde, the dark curled intellectual villain and the aggressive and stylish brunette.
And analyzing the room, most students had really focused their eyes to the four girls who turned to exit. I confess that I was missing this kind of attention.
I decide to continue my path, setting my eyes in front of me and nowhere else. It is the only way not to lose concentration.
Being finally in front of the exit corridor next to them, Victoria has one last request before we continue the course:
"Take off your tie." She speaks so gently that seems more like a favor than an order.
"Why?"
"I do not want to be reminded of the stupid mistake that the sorting hat made."
Understanding the dimension of her disgust for Gryffindor, I effortlessly remove my tie and stack in my blue purse. This rivalry is irrelevant to me.
Arriving in front of the duels salon, Victoria opens the huge doors with a spell and locks them as we are all inside. It's a huge room with six tables lined up in the two vast sides, high glass windows, and many torches on the wall. The light from the fire provides a gorgeous reddish color in all of us.
"Welcome to my duels salon." Pride was present in each letter pronounced by Victoria.
"You do know it's not YOUR duels salon." The constant audacity of Dominique emerges.
"Of course it is MINE, I have won it by merit." The imposing countess claims.
"Just because you have prevailed against the other students, it does not make you the true owner of the salon." Dominique answered calmly.
"Technically the room will always be of Hogwarts, which currently means Dumbledore. Nevertheless one can say that Victoria has a relevant influence over the room, since she's the only student allowed to come here without supervision." Julianne apparently tried to mediate the discussion.
"She does have a point."- I decide to enter this intriguing debate.
"Who?" - Victoria and Dominique asked abruptly in union.
"Neither of you two. I agree with Julianne." - I answer calmly.
"But she didn't consented completely with none of us." - analyzes Victoria.
"Exactly." - I gallantly conclude. Upon hearing my response, the French blonde fixed a provocative grin, while a breathtaking smile appears on her distinguished face.
With a spell, Julianne folds four rugs that are on the tables so each one of us can seat comfortably on the ground. Being accommodated, Dominique lights a cigarette and hands it to Victoria.
"You want one?" Dominique offered.
"No thanks. I have stopped smoking."
"Why? Smoking helps you forget all the mud bloods that goes to this school, and makes you lose weight." She continued.
"The cigarette was hindering my performance in Quidditch. I remember being very difficult for me to stop, since Gregory has always smoked and every time we kissed I felt the urge for a cigarette."
"Was he your boyfriend?" Julianne asked.
"Yes, for three years."
"What happened?" Now was the time for Victoria to enter the conversation.
"I simply transferred here. I didn't want a long length relationship."
"I agree. In such cases, the betrayal is certain. Better alone than badly accompanied." Dominique said. Not that I need to be away from him to betray, but she isn't without reason. In our three years of dating, I cheated Gregory several times, except that it was always with girls and he strangely didn't care much. But when a boy started to glance suspiciously, he became fuming.
"It was a good thing. Breaking up before something bad happened. We are best friends now."
"Yeah, better end everything while there is a chance of friendship and maybe that person becomes your best friend." Victoria said looking warmly at Dominique.
"Did you two ...?"
"Yes, I put out with this countess for five months in my 4th year." said Dominique lightheartedly.
"If you have forgotten, YOU were the one who came on to me." - With her gentle but determined voice, elegantly defended Victoria.
"Yeah, nonetheless it was YOU who asked ME to be your girlfriend." The self-righteous Dominique said.
"Get used to it, they are constantly arguing..." The intellectual Julianne exasperated.
"And you Julianne? Are you ... "
"No, I'm in love with William as I was with other boyfriends before him."
"And you Fleur? Have you never been curious?" Victoria, as always elegant and certain, questioned.
My indecision growing every second, because I'm not sure I can trust them with so valuable information. Everybody in the academy knew that although I loved Gregory, I also liked girls, however here at Hogwarts can be different; the mentality of these students can be quite dissimilar from those from the academy.
"I've had curiosity, but never did anything." A vague answer can be better, although untrue.
"And why this curiosity has never materialized?" The provocative grin Victoria has is as always remarkable.
"I reckon I haven't until now been curious about someone truly interesting." A strong and demanding look comes into view.
"Until now? Does this mean that you have met someone actually worthy noticing?" - Her teasing tone increasing on every word spoken.
"I'm not sure that the person that instigates curiosity is in fact fascinating." I declare daringly.
"I understand. And I believe you have to discover for yourself." - Her powerful expression now becoming gentle.
"If that person proves to be exciting, it will save me a lot of work."
"What is life without trouble?" Her gallant look emerging.
"You do have a point."
"Great, everyone agrees. Shifting the subject, there are things more important to discuss. For example, today in class Ed came on to me and he returned from the summer pretty good, is it worth?" - Interrupts Dominique abruptly.
"It will be a mistake. You know that he's not pretty enough for you and his father is a base salary worker." claims Victoria.
"And he has the nasty habit of eating with his hands, so be prepared for dirty and greasy hands all over you." said Julianne.
"I do not know him. However if you're talking about that guy you were flirting in Defense Against the Dark Arts class, then Victoria is right. He is too ugly for you. "
"You were flirting with him?" Julianne seemed annoyed.
"I was just having fun. Besides he's in my hand now, I simply need to decide if he's worth it." Dominique explained.
The debate went on for minutes that turned into hours. Once I really needed the toilet, I excused myself for a moment. While leaving the bathroom a new note comes back in my hands:
"An old and annoying problem forced us to go back sooner to our dorms. Be careful so you do not come across it too. Tomorrow we'll speak properly. Good night, Victoria."
"PS. If someone asks why you were wandering in the corridors so late, simply say you were looking for the library and got lost. The library is on the third corridor of the fourth floor, being the major cause of the disappearance of new students. Julianne."
What a strange note. What could be the problem? Why don't they just resolve it?
I walk back to the common room thoughtful for what could be the problem. These corridors are already dark during daylight and at night they become frightening. The lights of the torches that once gave a stunning reddish color at this moment send me an intense fear while walking around these empty halls.
And now I remember that I have no idea how to get back to the dorm, since I always walked accompanied. I really need to get a map to pace in this huge maze.
"You should already be in your bedroom." What seems to be a prefect of Ravenclaw authoritatively warned me.
"This school is a maze if you haven't noticed." I replied angrily.
I apparently was far from my dorm, since we went down two floors, and we were bending the third corridor. Luckily, I spot Hermione apparently also searching the school after lost students. She notices my presence accompanied by the prefect and approaches curiously.
"Did something happen?" Her question was directed more to the prefect than me.
"I found her wandering through th..."
"I was looking for the library and I ended up getting lost." I interrupt before the rude Ravenclaw continues to tell a false version of the story, despite mine not being quite true.
"Thanks Jake, I'll take her from now on." She politely dismisses him.
We started walking side by side and a silently tension consumes me again. She paces with her impeccable stance that highlights her dazzling intellectual side.
"I reckon that with all your royal past, you would be at least honest."
"What are you talking about?"
"You weren't searching for the library, you were with Victoria and her despicable friends, weren't you?" - Her tone becoming bothered.
"Yes, I was with them. But if I said that to that arrogant prefect, he would have been much worse." I replied angrily.
"I know him, and he isn't arrogant and rude. This is Victoria's influence. She believes that no one but her friends is actually worth it."
"I do not need to spend time with Victoria to recognize faults on people."
"Why then don't you recognize yourself? YOU are rude and arrogant."
"I can be arrogant, however I'm only rude to who deserves, unlike your beloved prefect."
"You rudely interrupted Jake a few minutes ago!"
"Who's Jake?"
"He is the prefect that was escorting you! - Hermione was breathless with so much irritation. - And since when you have problems with arrogance? Your despicable new friendships are extremely immodest."
"The girls that you hate so much treat me exceptionally well. Unlike many students of this unclean school that are always adulating me or hating me without ever having spoken to me, as your adored Jake." I can no longer keep restraining myself.
"You're an idiot for actually believing that they are being nice to you only as gentleness." She just exceeded a limit.
"And you have to stop interfering in other people lives. It's not your business." Her expression of anger intensified considerably since my last speech.
"If they are so enjoyable and so reliable, why did they leave you alone in the hallways?"
"I was in the bathroom when something happened that forced them to go back to the dorms without waiting for me. For your information, they sent me a note explaining everything."
"They were in that room without permission and out of the allowed time, and they were smoking"
"So what? Couldn't you let them enjoy themselves? They weren't disrupting anything or anybody."
"I can't believe you're on their side!"
"I can't believe you're doing such a mess about it!"
"The Slytherins cannot be trusted when in the company of a Gryffindor. Specially those three girls!"
"Why do you care so much about it?"
My question really caught her off guard. Her surprise look was weird. It was a mixture of anger with astonishment. At least all these chaos of confusing emotions calmed her down. Refusing to answer, she began walking angrily.
As we were walking in complete silence, I manage to calm down. She was apparently still irritated since a scorn had taken over her stunning features.
Now that I can actually put together the discussion we had, I realize another confusing signal she sent me. She sounded as if she really cared that I was with Victoria. But I can't presume it was jealousy, since she hated Victoria before I even came to Hogwarts. However she seemed determined to keep me away from her, and I don't notice her doing this to every person that approaches Victoria. But then again, she has every reason to loathe the French blonde and I can assume she doesn't want a countess friend as a roommate. Why this has to be so complicated?! I missed the days when my life was much simpler.
As we were on the steps towards the door of our room, all of the sudden Hermione turns looking seriously.
"Are you healthier? Don't you feel any more pain?" Her exquisite concern expression came into view though I still sense a hint of irritation.
"Yes, I'm better now. The medicine took a few minutes to actually work, but then I was well." It's really hard to keep my uneasiness from emerging with her sudden change of subject.
"Are you sure? You don't need to spread it over once more?" Her constant worry forms a small smile on my lips. Her alluring brown eyes completely focused on my answer.
"The remedy is needed only once. When that isn't enough, it means it's time for new medicines."
"You truly have gotten used to it."
"Unfortunately nothing is perfect. You just have to decide what you prefer: the pain of doing or having something you truly love or the pain of the emptiness." Hearing my reply she became thoughtful, as if she was evaluating important points of her life. My uneasiness is too strong for me to be in silence.
"This is the second time I lose myself in the castle. I'm starting to feel like a child who cannot walk alone." I use humor in an attempt to steal a smile from her.
"Well, you have an aversion to hospitals, you're stubborn enough to play a game that hurts constantly, and got lost in the castle twice in one day. Does any of these facts tell you something?" She jokes.
If it were anyone else, I don't reckon I would have allowed the joke, however listening these words in the sound of the gently voice of Hermione, I merely respond with a simple smile and she laughed when realized my answer. How such soft laugh can be so delightful? But what catches my attention, is her expression of happiness while laughing. Her eyelids slightly closing as to protect the precious chocolate contents and her lips stretching continuously as if it was never enough to express all the joy she felt.
"And why are you a prefect? Do you like to make fun with the kids who get lost in the castle?" I try to keep the fantastic smile that lights her face.
"No..." She beautifully laughs. "I wanted to be a prefect because of the privileges it offers. I'm respected, I can supervise students and punish them if necessary." She takes a quickly pause and smiles. "And I advise the lost kids." She ends with a jokingly expression.
"In short, you enjoy the title because it gives you the power to boss people around." Please note my gentleness, it wasn't an affront.
"I didn't say that." She apparently didn't realize my tone.
"There is nothing wrong with that. You're smarter enough to run this school. I believe that many would rely on you without hesitation."
Upon hearing my answer, she stops on her tracks on the stairs to the door of our room, and a charming smile was formed on her gorgeous face and her eyes sparkled marvelously. I had never seen her so stunning, with her graceful stance, gentle smile, exquisite and attentive look. Her skin slightly red in contact with the light from the fireplace produces a divine air in this beautiful goddess who is in front of me.
A breathtaking expression of tenderness arises with her response. "Thanks." My body struggles not to show my uneasiness that increases in every second I spent contemplating this Gryffindor girl.
"You're welcome." It's all I manage to utter as I violently have to restrain the burning that blazes in her presence.
We went up the stairs and entered the room. Ginny and Sarah were already asleep when we arrived. She picked up her pajamas and indicated silently that she would go into the bathroom. I put my chemise and lay down to sleep. A few minutes later, the lights from the opened bathroom door forces my eyes to slightly open and what a vision: Hermione carefully stepping out of the bathroom, wearing only a red Gryffindor shirt and a little short to sleep. Her smooth legs on display, the shirt tighten in the best places and her wonderfully messy hair falling on her shoulders.
Why do I have so much apprehension in contemplating this angelic creature? In other situations, I would have already revealed my intense interest, but there is something on her that causes me strong tension and insecurity. Her presence robs my tranquility and thoughts completely. My mind is tired of having to contain my body that becomes disobedient in her presence. It feels like every part of me longed deeply for the delicate touch of her hands.
Strangely, my mind doesn't allow my mouth to pronounce the words that my body craves to say. It's akin to a constant ally's battle; they have the same purpose but different methods.
In past battles, they have always worked in perfect harmony. However, since Hermione crossed my path, it feels like an exhausting war, with me being the main victim of the attacks.
This was chapter seven, and I got really excited while writing, everyday a new idea came for the dialogs. I must have changed it at least 3 times.
Please tell me what you think and review!
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