Author's note: As always, thank you all so very much for the long reviews. They truly make my day. It's always so interesting to read your theories on what you all think will happen! Apolline isn't anyone's favorite right now and I can only say you'll hate her more soon. Can't wait to see what you think of this one!

ONE STEP AT A TIME

CHAPTER 8: TOGETHER AGAIN

"Fleur," Hermione whispered as their arms wrapped tightly around each other. "It feels so good to finally be able to hold you again."

"Mon tresor, I 'ave missed you so," Fleur whispered back. "It's been 'orrible without you."

Hermione stepped back and they were both smiling brilliantly, their eyes shining brightly with unshed tears. "I'm here now, darling. I think I counted the seconds until we saw each other again."

"Me, too. I was 'oping I'd be alone to greet you, but my family insisted on waiting with me."

"I don't mind, Fleur."

"Well, I do! I've been dying to kiss you again and now I 'ave to wait," she pouted.

Hermione blushed prettily. "I can't wait to feel your mouth on mine again, either. I'm sure we'll find time for that soon enough."

Fleur moaned softly at the admission. "I 'ope you're right, ma belle, otherwise I will 'ave to kidnap you and take you up to my room!"

"Oh, that sounds lovely, actually," Hermione joked back. "I'm actually a little apprehensive about meeting your family. I really want them to accept me, baby."

"And if they don't? Will you go away and forget me?" Fleur asked in a small voice while breaking eye contact and looking away.

Hermione cupped her chin with two fingers and their eyes connected again. She leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to the blonde's lips, forgetting about the four pairs of eyes watching intently from the terrace. "I'm not going anywhere, Fleur. I'm here for as long as you want me to be."

Fleur swallowed hard. "Even if I want you 'ere forever?"

"That would suit me just fine, my darling," Hermione said, finally accepting that she cared more for Fleur than she let on.

The blonde exhaled and smiled brilliantly. "Then we 'ave nothing to worry about. Come meet my anxious family, ma belle. Some of them are actually really looking forward to your visit. Don't mind ma mere. She's being difficult."

Hermione swallowed nervously but smiled when Fleur took her hand, laced their fingers together, and started walking towards the terrace. She offered a little squeeze of reassurance for good measure and Hermione put on her best smile.

Somehow, I will win them all over. I won't lose Fleur, she promised herself.

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Apolline watched intently as Hermione and Fleur hugged and talked quietly. She had to grudgingly admit that they looked good together and their hug had been sincere. From her vantage point, she could see their brilliant smiles and the way they kept touching each other. They did it with a familiarity that was usually seen in couples that had been together a long time. She didn't want to make either of them suffer, but she just had to make sure that the next time Fleur gave herself to someone, it was the right mate.

"Apolline, tell me they don't look like two people in love," her mother challenged. "Doctor Granger looks to me like she is a fine young woman. Look at how well dressed she is and how careful she is with our Fleur."

"She might be an angel, but is she isn't Fleur's mate, I will keep them apart," Apolline promised.

"Must I remind you again that when we fell in love no one accepted it at first either?" Gustave asked her.

"It wasn't the same. I knew in my heart you were the one for me, Gustave. I could feel it with every fiber of my being."

"That is the same thing Fleur said about Hermione," Gabrielle reminded her softly.

"Yes, but she said the same thing about Bill," she responded with a serious face. She didn't like that her family seemed so supportive of the pair because it would make her job that much more difficult.

"No, she didn't, Apolline. Fleur thought she was in love with Bill, but she never once mentioned he was the one," Juliette said.

"It doesn't matter. Nothing will make me accept their union unless it can be proven that Hermione Granger is Fleur's mate."

"And just how do you plan on doing that?" Gustave asked. "Young Dr. Granger is our guest and I expect you to treat her as such. We are going to be polite to her and we will go out of our way to make her feel welcome while she is with us. I would really hate to see you make a fool of yourself, Apolline."

"Give me some credit, Gustave," she snapped. "I know how to treat the guest of this house. Mademoiselle Granger won't be any different."

"Apolline, listen to me," her mother pleaded. "Don't do anything rash for now. Let them be and time will tell. Fleur is with child now and we should not upset her."

"Will all of you just relax? I'm not planning on doing anything bad. I have a way of proving whether Hermione is Fleur's mate or not."

"Mother, please leave Fleur be," Gabrielle tried. "She is happy now."

Nothing else was said since Fleur and Hermione were walking their way. Apolline arranged a polite smile on her face and waited for the introductions. She would not tell anyone about her secret weapon, but before the weekend was over and Hermione Granger went back to London, she would have her answers.

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After introductions were made and Hermione shook everyone's hands, they went back inside the house. A tray with finger foods and refreshments had been set in the living room and everyone sat around talking for a bit. Fleur sat next to Hermione on the love seat, holding her hand proudly and beaming at her as she answered the many questions her family kept asking about her practice, her potions, her studies and her family.

At first, Hermione had been nervous and a little hesitant, but once Fleur gave her hand a gentle squeeze, she managed to calm down and seemed completely at ease. She could see admiration in her father's face, curiosity in her grandmother's and awe in Gabrielle's. Her mother's calculating look, however, made her uneasy. Apolline was dead set on proving Hermione was not her rightful mate no matter how many times Fleur told her differently. She just had to hope her mother would not do anything to embarrass her or made Hermione feel unwelcomed in their home. Fleur would not hesitate to leave if she did.

"Fleur, why don't you show 'Ermione where she will be sleeping? I am sure she would like to rest for a bit before dinner," her grandmother suggested.

Fleur nodded and got up, pulling Hermione with her. "Just let us know when dinner is ready and we'll be back down."

"Fleur, you should let Mademoiselle Granger rest for a bit by 'erself. She must be tired from 'er trip," Apolline tried.

Fleur frowned at her mother but before she could respond, Hermione spoke.

"Thank you for your concern, Madame Delacour, but I feel just fine. In fact, I will take the time before dinner is served to check Fleur's progress and ask her some questions about the pregnancy so far. I've brought her some books as well that I think she should read to prepare for the baby's arrival."

"When I was younger and 'ad 'er, I did not 'ave to read any books. I did it naturally."

"Dr. Granger, please ignore my wife. I'm speaking for ze rest of us when I say zank you and mean it. I'm glad Fleur 'as such a brilliant doctor taking care of 'er and 'er bébé."

Put in her place by her husband, Apolline had no choice but to fume silently as Fleur led Hermione away.

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"She hates me," Hermione said as they walked up the stairs.

"She doesn't, ma belle. She is just overprotective and silly at times."

"Your mother is going to try her damnedest to keep us apart."

"She can certainly try, amour, but she won't succeed. I meant it when I said I need you and want you in my life, 'Ermione."

Hermione just nodded and kept walking. There was no use upsetting Fleur with her doubts. Apolline could try, but she wasn't about to give in so easily, either. She was beginning to accept she was falling in love with the beautiful Veela and the thought of having a family with her filled her heart with joy. This meant that no matter what happened over the weekend, she would fight for Fleur and the baby. Apolline didn't know how stubborn and crafty she could be. If it was a fight she wanted, Hermione would give her the fight of her life. And at the end, she planned on coming on top as the victor.

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"Was that really necessary, Apolline?" Gustave asked in disgust.

"What did I do?" she asked innocently as she studies her nails.

"You know exactly what you did!" her mother exclaimed. "I'm warning you, Apolline, let Fleur be or we're going to lose her."

"What are you talking about?"

"Mother, do you honestly think Fleur won't leave if you keep harassing Hermione? She already told me her visit here would be temporary if things worked out with her. From what I saw today, they love each other. If you push Fleur too much she will push back and none of us will like the results."

"Juliette and Gabrielle are right. You need to leave this in Fleur's capable hands and trust that she will make the right decision. She's been through so much already in the past few months that I'm surprised you're acting like this. Leave our daughter alone, Apolline, or we're going to have problems."

"I can't believe this! My entire family is turning against me over someone we barely know! Fleur is my daughter and I know her best. She cannot make the right decisions under the stress she's been under. I already told you that if Hermione is her true mate, I will welcome her into our folds without any issues. If she's not, then I will make sure she stays away from Fleur," she finished haughtily.

"If I lose Fleur or my great-grandchild because of you, Apolline Delacour, there will be hell to pay," Juliette warned before she walked regally out of the room, followed by Gabrielle.

"I'm going to side with your mother on that. I don't care that Bill is the father of the bébé, or if we know whether Hermione is the one or not. As long as Fleur and the bébé are happy, I'll support them."

Gustave also walked out of the room and left Apolline steaming by herself. She took a careful sip of her tea and made a face when the cold liquid touched her lips. She put it back down and sighed.

Everyone seemed to think she wanted to ruin Fleur's happiness and no one understood the agony she had felt as Fleur had told them everything Bill had put her through. As her mother, she couldn't stand to see Fleur hurting and all she wanted was to protect her and to make sure she was happy for the rest of her life. Maybe she was going about it wrong. Maybe she should try to get to know the young doctor better before making decisions. She seemed like a woman that was in charge of her life and knew where she was headed. She had made more progress in her short age than many of the people she knew. The way she looked at Fleur, with such adoration and care, made Apolline think there was something there.

But what if there wasn't? What if they loved each other and it ended badly? It wasn't just Fleur anymore. There was a child to consider now and Apolline wanted to make sure the bébé's future wasn't tainted by a broken relationship.

Apolline got up from the sofa and headed for the library. Mean or not, she had to find out for sure.

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Fleur opened the door to the room Hermione would be staying in and let her enter first. Once she had, she closed the door behind her and murmured a locking charm. Turning back around she smiled at the brunette.

"Alone at last," she said as she walked closer to her.

"Does that mean I'll finally get a kiss hello?"

"Oh, yes," Fleur said before closing the distance between them and lowering her head.

Hermione wrapped her arms around Fleur's waist and moved even closer as they kissed softly. Fleur brushed the tip of her tongue over her bottom lip before nibbling on it tenderly. Hermione was unable to stop the small moan that escaped her. At hearing it, Fleur cupped her face.

"Open your mouth for me and let me taste you," she murmured against her lips.

Hermione complied happily and parted her lips for Fleur. At the first touch of Fleur's tongue on her own, Hermione's knees actually buckled and she had to lock them in place. Tilting her head to the side a bit, she rubbed her tongue against Fleur's and felt the other woman shudder. It had been so long since their first kiss that this one felt like heaven.

Fleur had wondered if what she felt during that first kiss had been real or if she had just been imagining things. Now she knew for sure that what she had felt the first time wasn't part of her overactive imagination. This time the pull was stronger, the desire deeper.

Several kisses later they found themselves out of breath. Fleur finally lifted her head and leaned her forehead against Hermione's. She licked her bottom lip and then ran her teeth over it, loving that Hermione's taste still lingered there.

"I need to sit down, mon amour."

Hermione's medical instinct kicked it. "Are you not feeling well?"

"I don't remember the last time I felt this 'appy. I'm just weak in the knees right now and if I don't sit down, I'm going to embarrass myself."

"Then that makes two of us. Come lay down. I want to look you over anyways."

"Can't it wait? You just got 'ere," Fleur protested as Hermione led her to the bed by the hand.

"Are you mad? I wouldn't miss the opportunity to touch you for anything!"

"Oh, well, in that case," Fleur said as she lay down and lifted her shirt.

Hermione laughed softly as she sat next to Fleur on the bed.

"You're beginning to show now," Hermione said as she ran her hand tenderly over the small bump on Fleur's stomach and then leaned down and pressed her lips to her skin. "It looks nice on you."

"Thank you, ma chérie. I 'ope my little bump is the only one that you kiss like that."

"Of course, darling. I would never dream of kissing anyone else while I have you in my life."

"That's good to know."

Hermione chuckled as she kept running her hands over Fleur's stomach. "Are you jealous?"

"Oui! 'Ave you seen yourself in the mirror lately? You're absolutely gorgeous and all of these 'ormonal women are coming to see you on a daily basis when I'm all the way over 'ere."

"Baby, I can't even look at another woman when I have you. It would be silly of me and they all pale in comparison," Hermione was quick to reassure her blonde.

"You promise?"

"I promise, sweetheart. Where are all these doubts coming from?"

"I don't know. I just miss you when we're not together. I'm afraid someone better will come along and you'll realize you're wasting your time with me and all the baggage I bring into this."

"What! Fleur, my heart is set on you and no one else can even come close. You have to believe me when I tell you I want to be with you."

Fleur smiled at her words of comfort. "I believe you. I guess I'm being 'ormonal myself!"

Hermione smiled back and bent down to kiss Fleur's little bump again. She leaned her head softly over it, while her fingers caressed the soft skin.

"Hello, little one," she whispered. "It's so good to see that you're growing little by little and before we know it you're going to be here with us. You mummy and I can't wait to meet you and take care of you. You're going to be loved beyond reason and we're going to make sure you are happy and secure in that love."

Fleur's eyes filled with tears as she listened to her girl speak to their baby. Many would think it silly of her because the baby was so little still, but it melted Fleur's heart once again. She talked to the baby for a little while and Fleur took the time to run her fingers through her chocolate tresses.

It seemed almost surreal that they had not really established what they were relationship wise, and yet they talked about the baby as theirs. Fleur would have to ask about it because she was ready to take that extra step in the right direction. The month they had spent apart had only confirmed that she wanted Hermione in her life permanently and she wanted to somehow make it official.

"Do you know just 'ow very sweet you are?" Fleur asked when Hermione finally lifted her head and looked at her.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because it's the truth. You're an incredible woman and I want nothing more than to call you my own."

Hermione smiled softly. "I am yours."

"Then be my girlfriend. Let's not wait to make it official. We don't 'ave to tell anyone outside of our families and 'Arry and Luna, but I want to know you're mine and mine only," Fleur pleaded as she sat up.

"You want me to be your girlfriend?"

"Oui. I want to be able to call you my girl and mean it. 'Ermione, this month apart 'as given me plenty of time to think and what I want is you in my life for as long as you'll 'ave me. I 'ave no doubts about my feelings for you and I know it might seem like we're rushing, but to me it feels like forever."

Hermione's eyes filled with tears as she closed the distance between them and kissed Fleur's lips tenderly. "I'd love to be your girl, Belle. Nothing would make me happier right now."

"It's simply impossible not to adore you," Fleur said and kissed her.

It didn't take long for the kiss to deepen and they spent the next few minutes lost in each other's arms.

It was a little later when Hermione pulled back and smiled at Fleur.

"If we keep that up we'll never make it down to dinner and then your mum will really have a reason to hate me."

Fleur laughed. "I guess you're right. Tell me, then, is everything with the baby alright?"

"It's perfect. Do you want to know the sex of the baby? I can do a quick spell to find out."

"Do you want to know?"

"It would be nice to, yes. That way we can decide on a theme for the nursery and I can get Harry and Luna to help me put it together so it's done by the time you come back home."

Fleur smiled because she couldn't help herself. It thrilled her that Hermione thought of her flat as their home and wanted to have it ready for her return with their baby. "Then let's do it. Let's find out what we're going to 'ave."

Hermione nodded and placed her hands over Fleur's belly again. After reciting a few words in Latin, a pinkish hue glowed on the skin and Hermione smiled bigger.

"We're having a little girl, Fleur!" she exclaimed happily.

Fleur's eyes filled with happy tears and she covered Hermione's hands with her own and squeezed. "Une petite fille! I can't believe it."

Hermione gathered her close and hugged her. "Do you want to tell your family?"

"We will soon. In the meantime, I want to enjoy the news with just you for a little bit."

"What would you like her room to be like?"

"This is going to sound silly, but Doris sent me several Muggle books with these fantastic stories about princesses and knights that save them. I want the nursery to 'ave castles in the sky and unicorns and faeries and clouds painted on the walls! I want it to look like the room of a princess!"

Hermione couldn't help but smile at Fleur's enthusiasm. She was delighted that the blonde was happy about the baby and making plans. It meant she had accepted it and no longer regretted what had happened.

"If you show me the books, I'll get our friends to help and we'll start putting it together. I have a cousin that is an amazing artist and I can have her come over and start working on the murals."

They talked some more about what they wanted to do with the room before Hermione remembered something.

"I brought you a lotion you have to apply daily on your skin so the stretch marks will go away once the baby arrives. It won't erase them completely, but you will hardly notice them."

"An invention of yours?"

"Well, no, but I made some improvements to it, so it works better than the store bought ones."

"Will you put it on for me while you're 'ere?"

"Yes. We'll do so tonight before we go to sleep." Hermione looked around the room and then back at Fleur. "Am I going to be able to sleep with you while I'm here?" she asked shyly.

"Oui. Once we're done talking I'll show you what Gabrielle and I did. There is no way I finally 'ave you 'ere with me and we'll sleep in separate rooms."

"Good. I really did miss you, Fleur. More than I've ever missed anyone in my entire life. My flat seems empty without you in it. My bed is so lonely at night."

"I've missed you, too, 'Ermione. You 'ave no idea 'ow difficult it was for me to fall asleep the first few nights I was 'ere. I missed your warmth and your body lying next to mine. I don't know 'ow I've made it so long without you."

"Then I guess I'm going to have to rearrange my schedule so I can come more than once a month. It's going to be terrible to be with you this weekend and then go back to London alone."

"I wish you could stay 'ere with me."

"I know, love, but I have to keep working. I want to make sure I can provide for you and the baby properly. Gods, Fleur, you never told me just how rich your family was. No matter what I do, I can't give you this kind of life," Hermione finished softly and looked away.

"Look at me, mon amour." When Hermione did, Fleur covered her hand with her own. "What you 'ave given me for the past couple of months cannot be measured in pounds or gold. I don't expect you to take care of me financially. I 'ave plenty of money of my own and I plan to work. We're going to 'ave a wonderful life together. I love your flat and we'll be more than comfortable there. If we need anything bigger later on, we'll decide then. Right now, all I really want and need is you."

"Oh, Fleur, do you really mean that?"

"With all my 'eart, ma chérie. I want to be with you and only you. I can wait for you to learn 'ow to love me for as long as is needed. As long as you're at my side, I'm 'appy."

Tears filled Hermione's eyes. "You won't have to wait long, my love. I'm more than halfway there."

Fleur's smile was radiant as Hermione leaned over her and kissed her. The kiss was full of promise and as it deepened both felt the certainty that it was meant to be and nothing and no one would be able to pull them apart.

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A/N: I hope you're happy with this one since then next couple of chapters will be drama packed. By the way, I'd love it if you guys suggested some baby names for their little girl.