A/N: Like the little teaser yesterday? ) Here's a meaty one for you all. Send some luv if you want!

Any Smashing Pumpkins fans might appreciate the title of Part II! Oh! And be sure to check out Kings of Convenience, they're an awesome mellow group (as well as The Whitest Boy Alive...for any of my fellow obscure Indie Rock fans)

A/N 2: Remember this is stictly AU! Any Q's be sure to shoot 'em my way!


A friend is not a means

You utilize to get somewhere

Somehow I didn't notice

Friendship is an end

What do you know?

It happened again.

How come no one told me,

All throughout history

The loneliest people

Were the ones who always spoke the truth?

The ones who made a difference.

By withstanding the indifference.

I guess it's up to me now,

Should I take that risk or just smile?

What do you know?

It happened again.

What do you know?

-"Misread" by Kings of Convenience


PART II: The Beginning is the end is the beginning.

Hermione stood alone upon the platform at Kings Cross station a good distance away from the other students. Fleur could not accompany her as the French witch needed to report back to Gringott's for work. Hermione did nothing to conceal her disheveled appearance as she was wearing a simple black tank top and a pair of distressed jeans; her long wavy locks piled high on top of her head in a slipshod bun. On her trunk rested her robes as she found it to be rather itchy today, and beyond that, felt no desire to wear the thing at all. All around her the other students, especially the first years, were exceedingly excited and cheerful; their jovial nature was infectious. However Hermione, who was completely and utterly hung-over, did not feel an ounce of joyfulness flowing anywhere within her blood. Dread was all that she could feel; dread for the year to come.

Hangovers, she had come to discover, were downright dreadful things. Her bloodshot eyes had the sensation of sand being rubbed under their lids every time she blinked, her head throbbed painfully and her mouth felt like it had been stuffed full of cotton, only to have it hastily ripped out. Stumbling out of bed this morning Hermione nearly forgot that she had a train to catch. Fleur, being equally as disoriented, tried her best to help the brunette gather her school supplies but kept stridently complaining of a headache. When all of her personal effects were finally gathered, their parting had truly been nothing out of the ordinary. No theatrical goodbyes or intense soliloquies had been passed between the two witches. That's how Hermione wanted it for she wasn't going to allow Hogwarts, or it's students, to be an obstacle for her and Fleur's blossoming relationship. In fact she even nonchalantly asked Fleur out on a date that very Friday to which the blonde witch responded with a smoldering kiss.

They had chosen to meet at the Three Broomsticks on that Friday night, and just see where the night took them from there. Fleur then gave Hermione the address to her apartment, which was situated a floor above Gladrags Wizardwear. A few fleeting kisses and hugs were exchanged before Hermione apparated with her trunk to Kings Cross, mentally steeling herself for the months that were to come.

The familiar scarlet steam engine rumbled slowly into the station setting off a chain reaction of goodbyes around her. Students and their parents were bustling about, checking and rechecking their trunks, exchanging scores of hugs and kisses. Despite all of this cheerfulness however, harsh reminders of the war were ubiquitous.

Warning leaflets and wanted posters littered the walls, nearly every one containing a portrait of another death eater. The poster closest to her was for Bellatrix Lestrange, who in her wanted photo, was smiling coyly and playfully twirling a strand of her long black hair, as if to say 'Come and get me…I dare you'. Hermione found herself almost envying the dark witch; despite having nearly the entire world against her, Bellatrix carried her manic self without giving a damn about the consequences. Her thoughts were interrupted when the Bellatrix in the photo suddenly began to grimace, and Hermione could see why. Molly Weasley had just walked across the platform, followed closely by Ron, Ginny and Harry. When the Weasley matriarch's eyes finally rested upon Hermione standing alone, her face right away warped into a sneer, her head shaking from side to side in a censorious manner. Her two children also wore a similar expression. Unbeknownst to them, Harry gave her his trademark lopsided smile and quietly mouthed the words "We have to talk later…"

Hermione only nodded in acknowledgement and silently boarded the car in front of the one Ron, Harry and Ginny got on. She wished to be as far away from them as she could manage.

The Hogwarts Express slowly lurched away from the station with a jerk as Hermione quietly made her way through the congested cabin hoping to find an abandoned compartment, but unfortunately there were none. Thanks to Dumbledore's assassination last term and the myriad of death eater attacks, she half-expected Hogwarts to be almost vacant, but she soon came to realize that even with the war near it's breaking point, Hogwarts might still be the last safe haven in England. Several of her old friends from Gryffindor were happily chatting away in a few of the compartments, and much to her dismay Ron must've already been hard at work destroying her reputation among them as none would pay her any mind, or offer her a seat. They would go completely silent as she walked by. Rolling her eyes she continued her search for a seat.

At long last she came across a compartment with two young first years, a girl and a boy no older than 11, both dressed in their brand new robes sitting on one bench happily sharing a box of some Bertie Bott's beans. Hermione softly tapped on the glass with her knuckle getting their attention, and she gestured toward the empty seat across from them. They both nodded.

Sliding the door open she greeted them with a soft hello and placed her trunk upon the overhead rack. Laying her long lithe body across the bench she pulled a small paper back from her satchel and then used the bag as a makeshift headrest. Opening her book with a flutter of pages, she found her place and began to silently read, though she could see the two first years eyeing her fixedly through the corner of her vision. After a few unnerving minutes she turned her attention to them. "Yes?"

"S-sorry to bother you, we were just wondering what year you are in." Said the boy with a shaky voice.

Hermione turned to face him. "I am in my 7th year."

The boy turned to his friend and both exclaiming a collective "Whoa!"

"So you must be really old right? Asked the girl eagerly.

Hermione gave a smirk at this. "Well, I'll be 19 in two weeks."

"Oh! It will be your birthday soon? How wonderful!" Exclaimed the boy cheerfully, making Hermione laugh lightly. "Do you have any plans for a party with your friends?"

Hermione was now absently gazing at the English countryside rapidly passing by outside the window. The sight soothed her. She sighed deeply. "No I don't…to be perfectly honest, I don't have many friends at Hogwarts. There's really only one person I care about in this whole world…and I plan to spend my birthday with them."

"Oh how romantic! You have a boyfriend! Lucky!" The girl cried clapping her hands together.

"Something like that you could say…" Hermione murmured absently with a trace of melancholy in her voice as the girls question unintentionally sparked images of Fleur in her mind. Her heart painfully longed for the blonde witch.

"What is your name?" Asked the girl.

"My name is Hermione…Hermione Granger."

"The Hermione Granger! The best friend of Harry Potter?" The boy's eyes were so wide with excitement Hermione expected his eyes to fall out of his skull. Hermione nodded with a smile. "Wicked! I can't believe we're sharing a cabin with one of the golden trio! We've seen you in the Prophet! But…where is Harry Potter? And Ron Weasley?"

"They…are in another car. I was late to Kings Cross and couldn't find them in time…I suppose I'll just see them when we arrive at Hogwarts." Hermione could feel the anger churn inside at the mention of the red headed wizard and she quickly wished to change the subject. "Well…what are your names?"

"My name is Gertie and this is my twin brother Trevor. We're so excited to finally start Hogwarts and learn to be wizards! I am most excited to learn about potions and charms!"

"I hope to see some dragons!" Trevor shouted proudly.

The high-pitched sound of the young boy's voice hurled itself against Hermione's already throbbing eardrums. Her hangover showed no sign of waning and these two overly inquisitive children were certainly not helping. She shut her eyes tightly hoping to drown out the eager voices of Gertie and Trevor.

"Is headmistress McGonagall nice?" Inquired Gertie.

Hermione placed a hand upon her forehead and sighed. "For the most part…though she can be a bit strict…best to be on your best behavior when you're around her…I'm sure you'll see her at the welcome feast and sorting hat ceremony tonight."

"Gertie here wants to be a Hufflepuff, and I want to be a Gryffindor like you!"

"Well I can only hope that the sorting hat is in both of your favors tonight…not to be rude but I am not feeling very well and would love a chance to get in a nap before we arrive. Is that alright?"

The two children nodded and resumed their hushed chatter of excitement over Hogwarts.

Hermione settled back and tried to assume a comfortable sleeping position. Gertie and Trevor had reminded her so much of herself, Harry and Ron on their fateful first ride upon the Hogwarts express. It felt like a distant memory now. Those days were long gone.

All that mattered to her now was Fleur Delacour.


The cavernous walls of Great Hall had made Hermione feel rather claustrophobic tonight. A mere fifteen feet from the great doors, she sat alone at the furthest end of the Gryffindor table. Her hangover had nearly subsided, but the cacophony that was the voices of the students still managed to make her head sting. She absently picked at a roll from one of the pre-feast breadbaskets lined across the massive tables, as Minerva McGonagall, the new headmistress, had announced that the sorting ceremony had ended. Gertie and Trevor, her two traveling companions had both been sorted into Ravenclaw, which made Hermione snicker to herself. From a distance she could see Ron and Harry, each with an arm around their respective girlfriends. It didn't seem like anything had changed as all four of them were chatting happily. Her lip curled in disgust as she watched Ron sloppily kiss Lavender on the mouth without any regard for public decency. Lavender's high-pitched titter of a laugh made her very skin crawl.

"Attention…may I have your attention please?" Came a loud Scottish voice as McGonagall took to the podium to speak. Everyone at once fell silent.

"Greetings to you all…" She began. Hermione spied something odd resting upon her Professor's chest. Upon the realization as to what it was, she frowned severely. A phylactery. Not even the Headmistress of Hogwarts was immune to the reaches of the Ministry. And the revered Professor did nothing to conceal it.

McGonagall cleared her throat before continuing. "It is refreshing in these times of great darkness to see that so many of you have decided to return to these hallowed walls. I will not try to sugar coat anything; things are very different now than they have been in the past. As most of you know this goes without saying; we are here in a time of war between the forces of good and evil. The Hogwarts community is still recovering from the heartrending loss of our beloved headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Honor his memory with your actions and choices. Stay true to yourselves and trust not the temptation of the darkness that is slowly trying to engulf us all. Difficult times lie ahead and all of you must be on your guard. Aurors from the Ministry will be on constant watch and please see to it that you do not disrupt their work." McGonagall paused for a moment to gaze out at the crowd. Nearly everyone wore somber features, deathly hushed at McGonagall's words of admonition. "Arm yourselves against the forces of darkness with the knowledge that you will gain within these walls, and hold on to the hope that one day this war will come to an end, and we can finally usher in a new era of peace. For now, however, let us enjoy this magnificent feast laid out before us, and revel in the comfort and support of our friends. Both old and new." She raised a goblet and gave a weakened smile.

Uproarious applause erupted from the four houses as the massive feast suddenly materialized before them. And Hermione, after pocketing another roll in her robes, slipped out of the double doors like a whisper, but not before making fleeting eye contact with Harry, who nodded in understanding. And with that she made her way toward the Gryffindor common room.


Sitting in front of the fire with the roll in her hand, Hermione absently ate and watched the dancing flames. Drowning herself in the deep visage that was Fleur Delacour, she allowed her mind to wander back into the French witch's embrace. She shuddered at the phantom contact, a chill running up her spine. Her reverie was broken with by arrival of Harry who immediately fell to his knees beside her and gathered her in his arms in a strong hug.

"I've missed you." He murmured, burying his face into her hair.

Tears threatened to roll down her cheeks as she whimpered back. "Me too Harry…me too…"

"I know you're a good person 'Mione. I don't believe for once that you've done what Ron and Gin accuse you of. Please, please tell me that I'm right…I—I think the world of you…you're a selfless person. You wouldn't do this for the wrong intentions."

Hermione swallowed hard, debating the situation at hand. She could not betray Bill's secret, but at the same time felt an overwhelming need to mend Fleur's tarnished image…she also desired to tell Harry exactly how Fleur was making her feel…she couldn't bear to hold in these wonderful feelings…how she was slowly but surely falling hopelessly in love with the fair-haired witch.

"I…I can't tell you the whole story…but what I will tell you is that Fleur and Bill's marriage is one of convenience. That is to say, they each agreed to the marriage to help one another."

"Why would they do such a thing?" Harry looked perplexed.

"For reasons that are purely financial." Hermione lied.

"Really?"

"They met while working at Gringott's and became good friends. Bill really had wanted to be out of the Burrow and Fleur was down on her luck trying to make a life for herself in England…Bill knew that if they married, they could collect a sizable dowry, and the deed to Shell Cottage. With few options left, Fleur agreed, and they eloped shortly thereafter. They encourage each other to seek out lovers as they further their careers. Fleur and I grew close; as she single-handedly kept me sane throughout those weeks we spent at Shell Cottage. With Ron's ever mounting ill will against me, she was always there to give me a shoulder to lean upon. We grew close and well…I suppose I came to find that I fancied her more than just a friend. To my delight she did too." The last admission came with a blushing smile from the brunette.

"Where was Bill during all of this?"

"Oh he knows about us…if that is what you're asking. In fact none of this may have happened if it weren't for him. How ironic isn't it? He has a girlfriend of his own living in London…I wouldn't be surprised if he were there with her now."

Harry smiled wide. "Well…you and Fleur are radiant together. I saw how happy she makes you, even before you became…ummm girlfriends." Hermione chuckled as he stumbled on his words. "I have to tell Ron and Ginny! Make them realize this was all a big understanding! They'll listen to Bill! We can go back to how things were!"

Hermione took Harry by surprise, as she shouted "No!"

"No? Hermione I can't bear to not have you with us…Lavender is a nice girl and all but she gets a little insufferable at times. I just miss your company so much. Why wouldn't you want to try and fix what we had?"

"Honestly Harry do you really think they're going to believe you?" He thought for a moment and shook his head no. "Ron's true colors have been shown to me and well…I think his actions has set our relationship, or lack thereof, in stone. Ginny…she surprised me, I'll admit. But to tell you the truth Harry, after the way they have treated me, I don't want their friendship. Especially Ron's. Ever again."

Harry swallowed hard. "You know that people are already saying terrible things about you. When people ask us why you are not hanging out with us, Ron has spared no details in telling nearly everyone that you have taken it upon yourself to break up his brother's marriage and that you are a…"

"Lesbian." She deadpanned.

"Right. That. I guess I never knew how badly people took to that. Not once have I had a problem with it. I even had my suspicions about Dumbledore whenever he spoke of Gellert Grindenwald…For that you both are very brave." He shook his head in anger. "Gods Hermione I want to stop these vicious rumors about you!"

"So stop them." Hermione sighed.

"But…but…I-I can't believe that you don't care!" He stammered, avoiding Hermione's previous statement. This did not go unnoticed to Hermione, whose patience for The Boy who Lived was slowly beginning to wear thin.

"Harry if there is anything that I've learned over these past few weeks it is that I don't give a damn about what people think of me. I'm done caring. You hear me? Done." Hermione said biliously. "As long as I have you and Fleur…that's enough to keep me going through this year. Come what may. Lord Voldemort, the war, the death eaters…when things get tough, you know that I'll be here for you. Any help, any leads don't hesitate to ask me. You and Fleur are the only family I have left...and you know that I would take a killing curse to the heart for both of you…"

Harry hugged her tighter, sniffling back tears of his own. "I'll…keep what you've told me a secret then. I promise. I only hope that you and Fleur find happiness together…Merlin knows you both deserve it." He let go of the brunette and slowly got to his feet. "I should return to the feast, the others will wonder where I ran off to. Are you sure you don't want to come with me?"

"That's alright Harry. I nicked a roll before I left. And I'm almost certain that my mere presence in the Great Hall would sully the already lively decorum of our classmates. I'm going to get my books ready for tomorrow's classes and probably just go to bed."

"I love you Hermione. I always will…never forget that." He gave her his lopsided grin, though she could see the sadness in his azure eyes.

"I love you too Harry." She smiled as she stood, leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm sure I'll see you in class tomorrow." He started to leave before she called out to him once more. "Might I borrow Hedwig? I'd like to send Fleur a message if that's alright."

"Of course Hermione." With that he nodded and exited the common room. Hermione made her way to the girl's dormitory where she sat upon her bed and pulled out a quill and roll of parchment, quickly penning a message to Fleur.

Hello Baby.

Miss me already?

I've only been at Hogwarts a matter of hours and already I want to leave. Ron has apparently been hard at work tarnishing my reputation and it looks like Harry is the only friend I have left here. However, even he still runs back to Ron and Ginny's side. I suppose I cannot blame him' I know it is in his very nature to keep everyone happy…no matter how fruitless. But that's all right, as I have you both to hold on to.

Oh Fleur. My bed feels so empty without you in it, and I'd give anything to hold you in my arms again. Sorry for the use of such blatant clichés, but my dear, my heart, it ACHES for you! The pain, it renders my tongue numb and I must rely on such blasé phrases to express how I feel! My grasp of the English language, it falters without you near. Rescue me!

I am counting down the hours until I see you again this Friday. I hope I am able to contain that excitement and focus in all of my classes tomorrow!

Stay safe my darling and I will see you in my sweetest of dreams and of course, this weekend.

xoxo,

Hermione


The rest of the week was tense for Hermione, and the weekend couldn't come fast enough. Each night she would toss and turn. She found it difficult to eat or sleep…and worst of all she couldn't dream. But that did not stop feelings of intense longing for the French witch from invading her thoughts throughout the day.

Much to the surprise of her Professors, Hermione had elected to sit in the rear of her classes, occasionally raising her hand, but not nearly as often as she had done in the past. At lunch she opted to take her meager meals in the dormitories or outside in the courtyards. Anything to avoid the judgmental eyes of her peers.

When Friday finally did arrive, her classes seemed to drag at a snail's pace. The trip to Hogsmeade was due to leave at five o'clock, under the escort of the Aurors of course. Currently she sat in the rear of her Defense Against the Dark Arts class, watching Severus Snape pace slowly back and forth, explaining something with a low drawl. "Turn to page 600 please…"

The resulting orchestral rustling of pages interspersed the apprehensive atmosphere of the classroom.

Hermione's eyes nearly fell from their very sockets as she read the title of the chapter they had turned to.

TELEKINESIS: The Dark Art of Mind Movement

She looked up to gape at the greasy haired Professor who pursed his lips to ask a question of the class. "Who can explain exactly what the art of telekinesis is?" As if on cue Hermione's arm shot ramrod straight in the air.

He rolled his eyes. "Yes Miss Granger."

"The power to bend and manipulate physical matter with the use of only one's mind. Put bluntly, the ability to perform magic that is both wandless and nonverbal."

Snape turned toward the class. "Imagine if you will, the immense power to strike at your enemies before they can even register that you are a threat? The ability to set the world a flame by merely thinking about it…telekinesis is a dark and powerful ability that very few possess."

"But Sir," called out Seamus Finnegan from somewhere to the side of the classroom. "Professor Flitwick had taught us nonverbal and wandless magic!"

Snape's lip curled into a sneer. "Interrupt me again and it shall be you who is wandless Mister Finnegan." His head snapped forward to face the class as a whole.

"Yes, many witches and wizards can perform very straightforward telekinetic spells, this is true, but often the power of spell craft must pass through a focused conduit; be it your wand or the very tips of your fingers." He rolled his fingers into a fist.

"A truly telekinetic witch or wizard need only think about what spell they so wish to perform. No matter how great, or how terrible their intentions may be…they can do it without moving a single muscle." Nervous eyes flitted from left to right as the students became visibly distressed by the information.

"Many of the most notorious wizards and witches in our history were gifted with this ability. For example..." He turned on the decrepit projector in the middle of the room and a picture of an elegant woman of obvious royalty came into focus. "…the infamous sorceress Countess Elizabeth Bathory of Hungary would levitate and mutilate her victims while casually lounging in a bathtub, waiting to bathe in their blood…believing it would help retain her youthful beauty…" All of a sudden Hermione felt tremendously nauseous, and her gut churned painfully inside of her. Others around her made retching noises as a rather gruesome painting of the countess in a blood filled bathtub came up on the screen. "She was never convicted of the murders as none of the witnesses on the muggle court ever saw her using a wand or uttering an incantation. As you can clearly see…this is a dangerously powerful ability to possess."

"However," Snape continued. "…very few truly telekinetic wizards are still extant as the skill is hereditary through some of the oldest magical bloodlines. Many of which are nearly extinct. And beyond that, a telekinetic spell is tremendously strenuous on the human body, many finding themselves on the brink of death from exhaustion after attempting to cast a single spell."

Hermione's heart plunged into her the pit of her stomach at the words. She looked down into her open palms, deeply conflicted about what she was hearing. Her hands suddenly became clammy, and sweat poured down her back. It never once occurred to her the deep ramifications of her newly discovered ability. Instantly thousands of questions and doubts flooded her mind. She could recall the look of terror on Ron's face as she had repelled his attack on her back at Shell Cottage with only the power of her mind. Though he currently sat a few rows ahead of her, his stiff position did nothing to tell her of his own thoughts on learning about this art.

Mentally she noted that she must owl her parents later…clearly there was something they weren't telling her.


Hermione scoured the crowded tavern for any sign of the blonde haired witch. The tables were awash with the vibrant colors of the four Hogwarts houses. Wandering eyes all over the pub fell upon Hermione as she made nearly two laps around the dining floor. A sharp pain in her shoulder nearly made her fall forward as she collided with Lavender, who was balancing four frothing mugs of Butterbeer…two of which had spilled on Hermione's crisply ironed blue oxford.

"Hey are you alri—oh it's you." Said Lavender with a sneer. "Look what you made me do you clumsy oaf!"

Hermione rolled her eyes and groaned. "Blaming me for your own lack of coordination are we? How unbecoming; I do so hope that ickle Ronniekins didn't see." She snapped at the wide-eyed girl, her upper lip curled into a snarl.

"What're you doing here anyway? Can't you tell when you're not welcome?"

Hermione gazed around the once boisterous room once more; it was now practically silent, with nearly every young patron there staring at the scene unfolding between the two young witches. Hermione swallowed hard.

"Oi Lav, you ok? What's taking so long?" Someone shouted from the far end of the tavern. Tensing instantly Hermione recognized Ron's voice. A chair slid loudly across the floor as Ron stood and made his way toward Lavender. He and Hermione locked stares and he stopped mid-stride, lips curled up in disgust. "You stay away from her, you hear me?" He snapped at her. "I don't care what kind of demon you are but keep your hands off of Lav."

Angrily Hermione tore off her sticky wet oxford, and threw it at Ron. He swatted it away wildly midair as if he were trapped in a writhing swarm of bees. She had on a black tank top underneath, and the now bared muscles of her arms were tensed. "Where is she?" The words slid through tightly gritted teeth.

"Who? Phlegm? She left ten minutes ago! Turned and ran once she saw us here."

With that Hermione tore out of the restaurant and ran as fast as she could through the small village. Narrowly avoiding twisting her ankle on the cobble stone street, she snaked her way through the throngs of people walking past the shops. Finally she had reached the clothier's, and soon noticed that one of the small bay windows on the second floor was slightly open; she called out Fleur's name. The quarter-Veela materialized in the window seconds after, her raw tear stained face erupting into a broad smile. "Oh 'Ermione!" She cried as Hermione burst through the front door of the building and raced up the stairs three at a time until she swung open the door to the small flat. Closing the space between herself and her girlfriend was achieved in three long strides and her lips claimed Fleur's, kissing her deeply. The force of the kiss caused them both to tumble onto the nearby daybed; Fleur straddling Hermione. "I missed you…" Fleur moaned into the brunette's ravenous mouth.

"Mmm…me too…" They finally pulled apart after a few more minutes of heated kisses and touches. "I looked for you at the Three Broomsticks darling…I started to believe you stood me up!"

"Non, non! I was 'zere for about five minutes before Ron and 'zat girl Lavender arrived. 'Zey did not speak to me, but I could clearly see 'zem at 'zere booth which was so close to my own. 'Eet made me feel so uncomfortable, so I left. I suppose I should've waited for you to arrive…"

"Hey now…it's alright…I'm here now baby, that's all that matters to me." She kissed Fleur softly in reassurance.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, softly touching one another and exchanging the occasional kiss. The stress of the week had suddenly lifted from Hermione's shoulders as she lost herself in Fleur's piercing blue eyes.

Fleur broke the silence first. "So 'ow did your first week go?"

Hermione shrugged. "Everyone in the castle is preoccupied with the impending war…they have Aurors stationed everywhere. The death eaters have been quiet lately, but McGonagall isn't taking any chances. As for my classes, they're exceptionally boring this year I'm afraid. I'll have to bring more novels with me to prevent me from dying of ennui. Oh and nearly all of Gryffindor looks at me like an outsider…no thanks to Ron and Ginny I'm sure…"

"Surely 'zere must be somezing good 'zat came out of 'zis week."

Hermione paused for a moment. "There is one thing I find rather peculiar…"

"And what 'eez 'zat?"

"Well Professor Snape suddenly has me doubting everything I once believed about my past. I really need to talk to my parents."

"Oh, I remember Monsieur Snape! What a 'orrible man 'e 'ees! What did 'e say to you?"

"That's just it, he didn't insult me at all…we covered an interesting topic for our first defense class…telekinesis." Hermione paused a moment. "Remember when Ron attempted to stupefy me outside of the cottage and I was without my wand?" Fleur nodded, and Hermione continued with added enthusiasm and gesticulations. "Well something incredible happened in those fleeting moments…my entire body became tense, and as if time itself slowed to a crawl, I suddenly was aware of everything around me. I could see the spell itself coming at me and knew of what I must do to stop it…so in a moment of intense focus upon the protego incantation…I repelled it! To the point where it turned upon Ron nearly hitting him!"

"Oui…I remember…'eet was a little frightening I'll admit…" Fleur sighed, holding onto Hermione tighter. "But what does 'zis 'ave to do wiz your parents?"

All of the enthusiasm from before had been drained from Hermione's now sobered tone. "This ability…it's hereditary."

"Maybe 'eet was a, how you say, fluke! A moment of intense anger gave you 'zee power to do 'eet!"

Hermione's eyes narrowed as she concentrated her gaze upon Fleur's half empty wine glass on the far coffee table. Her mind became clear once more as she mustered the desire to levitate the glass, repeating the incantation over and over in her brain. Her heart rate became slower and more pronounced, the blood flowing slow and steady through her now dilated veins. Wingardium…Leviosa… Her entire mind strongly focused on the two words. The glass began to rattle and steadily float in the air. She remained statue-still and her eyelids clamped shut. Fleur sat completely mesmerized…watching as the glass now floated effortlessly toward her hands, the wine within it barely moving. She grasped at its stem gently and let out a loud gasp.

Hermione's eyes fluttered open and she started to heave ragged breaths, feeling as if she had just run a mile...or seven. She then collapsed against the blonde witch, who began to curse loudly in rapid-fire French.


The rich smell of coffee brought her back to her senses. Carefully, Hermione propped herself up on her elbows, and groaned loudly through the entire process. Fleur came running at the sound, and practically jumped upon the couch behind the brown haired witch, offering a supporting hand behind her back.

"Ugh…I feel like I just got run over by the Knight Bus…twice…" She sighed, bringing up a hand to rub at her throbbing head.

Fleur, who had taken out her wand, pointed its tip at Hermione's temple and muttered under her breath in French. Seconds later Hermione's pain subsided and she returned a gracious smile toward her partner.

"You were out cold for at least an 'our…promise me you won't try to do 'zat again…please…I was so scared, I wasn't sure what to do!"

Snape's words of warning echoed through the younger witch's mind and she suddenly blanched.

"At least did you see what I was trying to show you! Why do I have this ability? If what Professor Snape taught us is true, I shouldn't be able to do this!"

Fleur thought for a moment and shrugged. "'Zen perhaps you are not 'zee muggle-born witch you believe yourself to be…"

Hermione's eyes widened. "I need to owl my parents…they're hiding something from me. I just know it. I…I shouldn't possess this skill if I am truly muggle-born!" Fleur nodded in agreement.

"Oui, and while I also 'zink you should, for now you need to relax. You have just woken up; any more excitement might put you out even longer ma belle!" She kissed Hermione softly. "I shall get you a piece of parchment in due time, but can we just cuddle for now? I 'ad a long day at work today, and 'ave wanted nuzzing more than to be 'eld by you."

Hermione grinned. "I think I can handle that request sweetheart…" and she gathered the French woman into her arms, gently stroking her flaxen hair. Fleur sighed contentedly as she snuggled into Hermione's embrace.

Hermione, however, was miles elsewhere, brimming with ire.


A/N 3: Just realized I had anonymous reviews disabled and I turned that stuff back on! So to you my dearest Anon, I am deeply sorry, and please feel free to leave some luv!

til next time...ttfn tata for now!