Okay so here it is! well I hope it lives up to expectations then :S


Chapter Nine:

It was half an hour later when they finally emerged from the bushes, straightening their clothes and hair. After promising to meet tomorrow, they parted ways with a kiss. Fleur went to celebrate with her fellow Beauxbatons while Hermione went off in search of her friends.

She caught up to them on their way to the Gryffindor tower, Harry clutching the golden egg with Ron and Ginny on either side of him, behind them marched a large group of Gryffindors all shouting his praise. 'Some people are so fickle.' Hermione thought as she raced up to them.

"Hey Hermione where've you been?" Ron asked as she filed in next to him.

"Oh I was just congratulating Fleur," Hermione replied, "Oh and well done Harry you were brilliant! I knew you'd be able to master the summoning charm."

Harry smiled "Thanks Hermione I couldn't have done it without your help though." Ginny looked behind them to check they were a safe distance form Harry's supporters, before nodding at Harry to continue. "So I take it you and Fleur had a great time last night?" he said winking.

"No it wasn't like that, we didn't... you know, and besides how did you know to send the invisibility cloak?" Hermione asked blushing.

"Neville." Harry said simply. "He told me before we went to bed last night, that he'd just let Fleur in and you were out of it. I just put two and two together."

"Well like I said we didn't do 'it'. She just slept next to me that's all, I swear." Hermione said, ignoring the grin on Ginny's face.

They walked in silence until Ron spoke up as they neared the common room, "Don't you find it slightly ironic-"

"Big word for you there Ron isn't it?" Ginny cut in making Hermione giggle.

Ron just ignored them "-that the shyest person in our group, Ginny included, was the first person to get laid?"

"Yeah true I suppose." Harry agreed much to the infuriation of Hermione.

"Like I said before, we didn't have sex." Hermione said through gritted teeth.

"Oh c'mon Hermione you might as well admit it," Ginny giggled, "I mean we all know so it's not exactly a big secret is it?"

Hermione was about to argue when a stroke of ingenious hit her "So what, you don't have sex with your boyfriend then?" Ginny looked like she's been slapped, Hermione couldn't help but smirk. "It's not exactly a big secret is it I mean we all- oh yeah that's right you forgot to mention that you have a boyfriend to Harry and Ron didn't you?"

Ron just went red, "You've got a boyfriend? Who is he?" he demanded.

"Ron I am not going out with anyone I swear." Ginny replied actually looking fearful, Ron just rounded on Hermione, who just shrugged as they stepped through the portrait hole. Ron was forced to abandon his interrogation as the roar of Gryffindors cheering Harry on deafened them as they entered the common room. Hermione was in no mood to party with the rest of them so bade them good night and went up to her dormitory. She quickly changed into her pyjamas, before writing Fleur a note;

To my darling champion,

I'm writing this as I never really got to congratulate you today because well we didn't do much talking, So I'd just like to say how proud I am to not only have met you but to be with you.

Always yours

Your Hermione xxx

She charmed it closed before sending it out of the window. She quickly climbed into bed and fell asleep almost instantly.


Hermione woke with a huge smile plastered on her face. The result of last night's dream; she and Fleur were happily married and they had a husky that they'd taken to King's Cross station as they were seeing their daughter off on her first year. Hermione had promised their daughter that no matter what house she was sorted into her mother's would always be proud of her. Looking back Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the dream, as she had met Harry and his wife, Ginny on the platform along with their children.

She flittered around combing her hair and putting on her underwear. She quickly moved onto her uniform straightening it out before skipping down to the common room. Ginny and Ron were again bickering as she came down the steps.

"Hey you two, god you're worse than the first years." Hermione giggled, Ron coughed quickly shoving something that Hermione couldn't see into his school bag.

"Err... yeah hey Hermione." Ron said fidgeting awkwardly on his chair, Ginny just raised a hand in acknowledgement.

"I don't even want to know what you to were arguing about this time, where's Harry?"

"Oh he went for an early breakfast, Neville went with him." Ginny said.

"Oh right well I think I'll join them, see you." Hermione cheerfully waved them goodbye as she floated out of the portrait hole.

Hermione was in such a good mood she failed to notice the whispering and stares directed at her as she made her way to the great hall. She spotted Harry and Neville sat at the Gryffindor table and made her way over to them. She sat down next to Neville scanning the room for any sign of Fleur as Harry quickly moved the Daily Prophet, under the table.

"Hiya, Harry, Neville." Hermione grinned, still failing to notice the looks coming her way.

"Hey Hermione" They both greeted scanning the hall, "Where's Fleur?" asked Neville.

"Oh she probably partied too much last night and is still asleep or something." Hermione giggled at the thought.

"Err... Yeah that'll be it." Harry reluctantly agreed.

"I noticed, you moved the Prophet, can I read it? Because you've obviously finished with it." Hermione asked.

"Err... sorry no I said I'd save it for Ron." Harry said.

"C'mon Harry I'm not exactly going to Ruin it am I? Ron won't be down for breakfast for another twenty minutes or so, c'mon just give us it." Hermione said affronted.

"After a quick glance around the hall, and then at Neville who just nodded, he spoke, "Look Hermione we're sorry, but we're with you."

"What are you talking about? God it's just the morning paper." Hermione said, snatching it out of Harry's hands , She looked at the front page's picture, "I mean what is the main article about? Two girls kissing in some bus-" the penny dropped. She clapped her hand to her mouth "Oh god, how? How did they find out?" Hermione whispered.

"Just read it Hermione." Neville said.

She focused on the article and began to read;

Controversy at the Cup

Rita Skeeter, reports on an unprecedented event that has rocked the Triwizard Tournament. It has emerged that the champion for Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, none other than Fleur Delacour, sixteen, is having an illicit relationship with Hogwarts own Hermione Granger, fifteen. This paper would like to go on the record and condone this monstrosity. Turn to page 3 for more information.

Hermione shook her head unable to read anymore, a single tear dripped onto the page as she looked up back at Harry and Neville, "Well Harry look at the good news; at least the bitch is not writing lies about your life anymore and is instead writing something that's the truth for once."

"Yeah I guess, but Hermione we're with you, alright? The amount of times the wizarding world has turned against me, I know what it feels like." Harry comforted.

"Yeah but unlike you, saving the wizarding world from the darkest wizard the world has ever known still won't get people to agree with our relationship, but thanks for the support." Hermione countered as she walked out the hall, Neville quick on her tail.

She strode into the entrance hall tears rolling down her cheeks, when she heard the laughter of the Slytherins.

"Oi, Dyke, is it true then?" Malfoy smirked, to the laughter of his fellow Slytherins; Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle and Baize and even a couple of other students. Hermione ignored them continuing towards the staircase.

"Shut the hell up Malfoy!" Neville shouted shocking everyone, in the vicinity.

"What are you going to do Longbottom? There's five of us and one of you, so come on what you going to do?" Malfoy chuckled; Crabbe and Goyle just cracked their knuckles behind him.

"I'll- I'll" Neville hesitated, losing his nerve, Hermione rushed back and tried dragging him with her but he wouldn't budge. "No Hermione I'm not having some piece of shit like Malfoy, talk to one of my friends like that."

"Neville it's not worth it come on let's just go." Hermione pleaded tugging on his arm, he resisted with surprising strength.

The Slytherins giggled. "Well done Longbottom, it's seems you've finally grown a pair of balls." Pansy smirked.

"Fuck you, pug face." Neville insulted, making people giggle at his remark.

"You take that back, blood traitor; don't speak to Parkinson like that" Malfoy Shouted.

"No I don't think I will, I mean look at her; she looks like pig, I'd have thought you'd have more standards than that Malfoy, but I guess the Malfoy's never had much standards anyway." Neville argued, the Slytherins were speechless pansy looked like she wanted to cry. A couple of students cheered for Neville as he started walking with Hermione.

Malfoy turned bright red, before pulling out his wand. "Don't you fucking walk away from me; you'll regret you ever opened your gob." He aimed his wand at Neville, who was still walking up the steps when a wand tip was pressed to Malfoy's throat.

"Touch 'im and life will get very unpleasant for you, understand?" Fleur threatened, Malfoy just nodded dumbly. "Good, now be on your way."

He quickly made his way into the great hall with the rest of the Slytherins not looking back towards Fleur, Who was catching up with Neville and Hermione.

By the time they were at the second floor Fleur had caught up to them, and after checking no one was around surprised Hermione with a hug from behind and a kiss on her cheek, Hermione melted into the embrace.

"Oh Fleur it's so good to see you, they know, everyone knows. I don't know how but they know." Hermione sniffled turning round and crying into her neck.

"Shh mon amour eet will be okay, we will get zrough zis, zey can never drive us apart." Fleur whispered kissing Hermione on her forehead. Neville coughed awkwardly.

"There's people coming, we need to go."

"Oui, zank you Neville, I owe you a debt." Fleur smiled at him.

Neville blushed, "it was nothing, just standing up for a friend. I'm sure you'd do the same."

Luckily they didn't see anyone on their way to the Gryffindor tower. Ron and Ginny were still sat on the sofa when they walked in, to the nearly deserted common room.

"So you know then?" Ginny asked Fleur as she and Hermione sat on the sofa.

"Oui, Monique told me."Fleur spat.

"Who's Monique?" Ginny Asked giving Fleur a quizzical look.

"Monique Moreau, 'er father eez ze French minister's right 'and man, she zinks she owns everyone." Fleur scoffed.

"Sounds a bit like Malfoy then." Ron commented.

"Eef zis Malfoy eez a pureblood elitist who looks down 'is nose, on anyone worse off zan 'e eez? zen oui 'e eez exactly like, Monique."

"Malfoy was the boy you threatened, Fleur, just so you know." Neville said, with a small smile.

"You threatened Malfoy?" Ron asked amazed.

"Oui ze stupid leetle boy zought 'e could insult 'Ermione. Eet eez Neville who deserves ze credit zough, 'e stood up for my 'Ermione een front of 'alf of ze school."Fleur praised Neville whose ears turned pink.

"Well done Neville." Ginny said patting him on the arm.

"Well someone needs to stand up for you two, and that's what friends are for." Neville said.

"Thanks." Hermione sniffed. "Fleur we need to talk."

"What about ma chérie?" Fleur asked following Hermione away from the others.

"I can't do this... I'm sorry." Hermione whispered.

"...but... 'Ermione eet's been less zan one week, eet's been ze 'appiest week of my life." Fleur responded, as tears began to form in her eyes.

Hermione sighed deeply, her voice breaking a little around the edges. "It has for me too but... I can't handle this. I can't cope! People staring at me, whispering, judging me... I just... I can't do it."

"mais mon amour... eet doesn't matter, eef we 'ave each other..." Fleur retorted, almost begged. Ginny, Neville and Ron just sat awkwardly not looking at either of therm.

She gulped back the tears "What if it isn't enough? I can't live like a leper. The bullying... it will get worse. So much worse and it's not just me... my friends, my family, anyone who comes into contact with us will be shunned! How could i do that to them? Harry has enough on his plate as it is. It would ruin his life just being associated with me!"

Fleur had fresh fat tears rolling down her cheeks. Her eyes looked so hurt.

"I'm so sorry. I think it is best if we just leave this... before it does any more harm."

Fleur turned and walked away her heart breaking into a thousand pieces as she left the common room, everyone heard the sobs that escaped her before the portrait had even closed.

Ginny placed an arm on Hermione's shoulder but she shook it off. The only person who could offer her any solace was the one person she could not have. "I'm sorry Gin, I'd just like to be alone right now." Neville and Ron made to leave but Ginny stayed where she was.

"I think you've just made the biggest mistake of your entire life." Ginny replied.

"Don't even go there, I've got enough to deal with right now, without you adding to it." Hermione sobbed.

"No I will go there," Ginny said coldly. "Not only have you just broken Fleur's heart as well as your own, and for what? Nothing, that's what, you think because you're not going out with her anymore that everything will be just fine, all hunky-dory? I'm sorry Hermione but we magic folk, especially the purebloods, can be a little stubborn, more so than you, and when we get an idea we stick with it."

"Well..." Hermione faltered, more tears glistening the corners of her eyes.

"Well what? You're still going to get shunned whether you're with Fleur or not. But think about this..." Ginny argued.

"Ginny stop please." Hermione screeched causing Neville and Ron, who had been about to leave, to look over in their direction.

"No. No I won't fucking stop. Don't be so selfish Hermione." Ginny replied standing up.

"How... how am I being selfish?" Hermione screeched, her sobs filled the near silent common room.

"Isn't it obvious? Apart from us you were the only friend that Fleur had! Now that you've cruelly ripped that from her she's on her own, she can't hang around with us as you'll be there. At least you've got fucking friends, who has she got? No one that's who! She's a champion of a school that by culture and tradition, hates her. She's a veela to top it all off." Ginny shouted.

"What do you mean by that? 'she's a veela to top it all off'?" Ron asked earning him an elbow in the ribs from Neville.

"Oh Hermione you're going to love this. She's told me all about her veela heritage." Ginny said almost with a smirk.

"She's told me about it too you know." Hermione sobbed.

"Has she told you everything about it though? Like every single little detail?" Ginny replied.

"Not every detail no..." Hermione whispered.

"Oh so then she won't have told you about the veela's broken heart then?" Ginny asked.

"Well she told me a little bit about it, but she didn't go into much detail..." Hermione trailed off.

"So has she told you that, when a veela find their mate, and then they spend long periods with them, like you've done, so that they become the one, like you, that if they're no longer with them, they die?" Ginny said scathingly.

Hermione couldn't even respond as she broke down in a fresh wave of tears, Ginny looked like she was going to press on but Neville stopped her by putting his arm on her shoulder.

"Look I'm sorry," Ginny faltered. "I just think you should go after her." Neville nodded, Ron murmured his agreements.

"I... think I should." Hermione sniffled wiping her face with the back of her hand.

"Well what are you waiting for then?" Neville urged, Hermione snapped out of her daze and rushed out of the common room nearly knocking a small first year out of the way as he walked in.

Thankfully being Harry's friend for three years had left Hermione with an intimate knowledge of Hogwarts' secret passage ways, meaning she caught up to Fleur as she ran down the steps near the entrance hall.

"Fleur, Fleur wait up!" Hermione shouted as she rushed after her, causing many students to jump out of her way, Fleur briefly turned around but then carried on walking down the steps.

Hermione grabbed her arm, forcing Fleur to look at her. Her face was stained with fresh tears like Hermione's had been not five minutes ago.

"Fleur I'm sorry." Hermione whispered, feeling a fresh wave of tears coming along.

"'Ermione you broke my 'eart. Zere eez absolutely nothing more to say, so please let me go!" Fleur screeched, yanking her arm out of Hermione's grasp.

"Fleur can we do this somewhere else?" Hermione whispered stepping in front of Fleur before she walked off again.

The sea of students coming out of the great hall after breakfast had increased, and many had noticed the pair and started to crowd around watching waiting to see what would happen, a couple of first years even pointed clutching the daily prophet in their hands.

"Non, 'Ermione." Fleur said simply, "Eef all you are worried about eez your image zen go I'm not stopping you. I really don't care about my image. I never 'ave. Zey can talk about me all zey like eet will not change ze fact zat I love you so much but you 'ave broken my 'eart. My 'eart eez not a toy, 'Ermione, so quit playing with eet." Fleur made to go again but Hermione pushed her back. "Why do you do zis? Why can't you just leave me alone?" She sobbed.

"Fleur-"Hermione began but was cut off by Fleur screaming.

"What do you want with me 'Ermione?"

"Isn't it obvious? I want you! Fleur I made a really stupid mistake just then and I intend to put it right by asking if you'll forgive me and take me back?" Hermione said stepping forward and pulling Fleur in for a kiss, not caring about the shocked faces from the students who surrounded them or the shouts of the teachers as they came to investigate what was happening. Nothing mattered now except for the love she felt for Fleur Delacour.


Well, there it was :) hope you liked it, please review, I like reviews it gives me a sense of purpose :)