Summary – "Hermione should have thought up a better plan that day. Now she is hiding what happened from Harry, Ron, Ginny, the rest of The Weasley Family, and half of Hogwarts. Also on top of that other secrets are coming out and she is learning new things about herself that she never knew. Along with the troubles of two Veela, but especially one Fleur Delacour and her family."
Rating - Older Teen to Mature (For later chapters)
By- WolfDragonGod and Asher Henry
Beta -Lash_Larue
"Talking"
'Thinking'
To Hate is To Love -Chapter Ten
When Hermione rolled over to wake up two days later she didn't even want to get out of the bed. Her heart and head ached and she had kissed a girl she didn't even like so many times that she was starting to not even put up a fight. Was this a punishment of sorts? She curled further into the blankets and pulled Crookshanks closer, along with her un-hatched egg. Crookshanks, sensing his mistress's distress purred and rubbed his head against her stomach before curling up on her and offering as much comfort as he could.
Hermione laid there in her bed so long that she heard a soft pop, then a soft voice asking, "Mistress are you ill, normally you have left for classes by now." She knew it was Muir the second he started speaking. Shaking her head beneath the covers she spoke
"Not really, at least I don't think so Muir. I am not quite sure how I would even begin to explain what is wrong with me." Muir walked closer and sat on the edge of the bed listening to his mistress talk.
"How about you tell Muir anyway and maybe he can help you?" Muir spoke softly and patted his young charge's leg and waited for her to answer. Hermione thought it over before sitting up and looking at her house elf. Crookshanks quickly readjusted to lie in Hermione's lap; Hermione watched the cat for a second before placing her egg between herself and Crookshanks to help keep the egg warm.
Sighing, she softly patted the egg before petting Crookshanks and speaking. "Well, it all began at the end of last semester…" Hermione began her tale, she told Muir of her werewolf problem along with meeting Fleur for the first time, coming to learn a little more about Fleur and saving her sister, and what had happened recently before ending her story on a sour note when she talked about Aurora.
Muir nodded and moved to sit beside Hermione drawing her in for a hug he patted her back and said "It sounds like love to me, my dear."
Hermione drew back and said "Are you insane? That pig headed bitch has lost her mind trying to use my secret against me, there's no way in hell I love her!"
Muir chuckled before shaking his head. "Not her young one, the other one, Fleur, wasn't it?" Hermione paused and looked at the house elf.
Muir nodded to himself. "It sounds to me like you don't understand your wolf side very much."
Hermione lifted an eyebrow in question before asking, "What do you mean?"
Muir got up and went over to the bookshelf nearest the bed and began to pull some books off the shelf before going through them. She watched him put all but one back, Muir began to flip through the book, and then he stopped on a page and read it aloud. "You will know as soon as it happens, your mind may not agree right away but your heart will know that it has found its one true mate, your inner animal will actively seek to begin consummation with the one it has chosen as its soulmate. You can fight against it all you want, but it will only bring pain to both you and those around you." Hermione stared at the house elf in shock before a blush welled up onto her cheeks.
Hermione thought back to her encounters with Fleur, how her heart began to race when she saw the blonde witch's smile flash through her mind's eye. Hermione thought of Fleur's gentle voice that was so soothing to her ears even when she was angry at the blond. She thought of Fleur's touch, and how it set her body afire in such a haze of pleasure she was sure one of these days she wouldn't be able to stop herself from taking the blond no matter where they were. The thought of sex and Fleur in her mind brought up all the dreams she had been having as of late. Hermione blushed and quickly grabbed a pillow to hide her lower body.
Muir just chuckled and closed the book. "I take it no more needs to be said." Hermione shook her head and Muir spoke again "Well then, gather your family's courage and wisdom and challenge this harlot that has you locked in this deal and then go and be with the one you truly love, my lady."
Hermione nodded and quickly made her way to the bathroom to get ready for classes. She hoped McGonagall wouldn't be too displeased with her. She walked out of the bathroom dressed, with her toothbrush still in her mouth. Hugging Muir, she slurred out "thanks," before rushing back and tossing her toothbrush into the sink. She made a quick dash out the door, grabbing her satchel on the way out.
Muir watched her go with a chuckle before turning to the bed, seeing the cat he smiled and gently picked up the pet and set it down on the floor, shooing it over to the cat bed in the corner of the room. Crookshanks meowed and rubbed up against Muir before making his way to his new bed. Muir was humming and making the bed when he paused, picking up the egg that sat on the bed he was startled when he heard a soft pecking sound. Lifting the egg closer to his ear, he listened again before grinning with delight. "You are going to come into the world today, aren't you little one? Oh Mistress will be so pleased."
Moving to a window that had sunlight coming though it he put the egg in a small nest made from a couch pillow and blanket by Hermione when she had first read that the egg needed heat constantly. Muir patted the egg gently before going about his work and cleaning the room, he would get his Mistress when he knew the egg was ready to hatch all the way, until then he would let her do what needed to be done.
BREAK BREAK BREAK
Hermione made it to class a little late, and so McGonagall took away five points from her house. Hermione earned them all back by answering questions and performing a perfect transfiguration on a cup, turning it into a apple and then back into a cup. When class was over she stayed back and walked up to McGonagall. "Uh, Professor…" Hermione said to gain her attention.
"Yes Miss Granger, is there something I can help you with?"
Hermione took a deep breath and said "I think you might want to tell Professor Dumbledore to be ready to expel me after today," and with that Hermione took off, leaving a stunned McGonagall sitting in her classroom.
Standing quickly Minerva had a look of panic on her face, shouting out after Hermione only to realize the girl was already long gone. Shifting into her cat form she took off as fast as her four legs would carry her to Albus' office.
Bursting into the office mid-transformation she took no notice of the two people sitting inside the office. "Albus, something is going to happen, Hermione came to me just a few minutes ago and said something about expulsion and then took off."
Hearing a snort behind her she turned to glare at Madame Maxime. "Zee girl deserves watever 'appens to 'er after wat she put my Fleur through. While I am 'appy that Aurora found someone, there was no reason for your student to lure my Fleur along when she was only going to break 'er 'eart in the end."
McGonagall let out a small hiss and moved to grab her wand when a soft, broken, voice said, "Stop, just please can we get on wit zee meeting." Fleur was sitting beside Madame Maxime.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, "Well let's see if we can't find Miss Granger first. After all, you wish to change your plans for the full moon, and you desire to not be around her anymore, so she should be here for this meeting." With that he rose from his seat and moved over to a large mirror and waved his hand over it. An image began to unfold on it.
BREAK BREAK BREAK
Hermione ran through the halls pushing past students, following that sickly sweet scent she had come to know meant Aurora was nearby. Rounding the corner she saw the girl was with a group of Beauxbatons students and she seemed to be arguing with them. Walking up to the girl with a purpose she saw the other girls look at her with angry glares before signaling to Aurora that she was approaching.
Aurora was growing tired of this argument with these girls, so what if she stole Fleur's mate? The girl hadn't even told Hermione yet. She had won the battle and they needed to get over it, and stop arguing for Aurora to release Hermione back to Fleur. She was about to say something to send them all away when she noticed they all had stopped glaring at her and were now glaring over her shoulder at someone else. She heard one of them say, "Here comes your unwilling slave, you harlot," before she pointed to Hermione. Aurora turned around with a smirk and was about to speak when a rough hand wrapped around her arm and shoved her back into the wall with a thud.
Gasping a little she glared at Hermione and yelled "What do you think you're doing?"
Hermione watched the other girls just stare at her before she growled and looked into those ink black pools and said, "Game over, I don't care anymore if you tell my secret."
Aurora felt her stomach turn and sweat beginning to build in her hands, nervously she spoke in an overly sweet voice, "Come now Hermione, you can't mean that. After all, I will tell everyone, and I mean everyone."
Hermione dropped Aurora and said, "Go ahead and tell them. I don't care anymore, I will not let you keep me away from my mate." Aurora glared and turned to the girls that were watching them, she moved over to a student that was close behind them, leaning into his ear she whispered something and then she smirked and watched as he began to spread the words like wildfire through the school.
She stopped smirking when she heard giggling, and turning she saw Hermione bent over at the waist laughing. "What the hell is your problem, Granger? Now everyone will know you're a freak!"
Hermione laughed some more, she had heard what Aurora had whispered and felt some relief at what she had heard. Giggling some more she spoke, "So you told the whole school I am intersexed, saves me the trouble of telling them. I can't believe I was worried about that! My secret you knew, turns out I shouldn't have been worried at all." Straightening up she walked away, not even acknowledging the looks coming her way. Aurora felt her anger boiling and screamed before taking off back to the carriage to hide her shame at losing to not only her prey, but to a younger girl than her.
BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK
Dumbledore smiled and waved his hand once more before turning to Fleur. "Well, Miss Delacour, I do believe someone is out searching for you. If you have changed your mind that is." Fleur was smiling so brightly after having just watched the whole scene unfold in front of her and the others in the room. Hermione had called Fleur her mate and had left Aurora. Hermione was being blackmailed, that's why she had done what she had. She was worried that Aurora knew her secret. Fleur didn't need to guess which secret Hermione feared people knowing about, and getting up she ran out of the office and went in search of her mate.
Madame Maxime frowned and said, "It seems like your student was worried about Aurora telling everyone about her being a werewolf. If you'll excuse me, I believe Aurora and I need to have a talk."
BREAK BREAK BREAK
Hermione ran through the castle in search of Fleur. She didn't know where to start looking but her feet carried her away. She trusted her instincts and followed their lead heading towards Dumbledore's office. She was so focused on finding her mate that she didn't even acknowledge the whispers that erupted as she passed by her fellow Hogwarts students. The reactions varied from house to house and she knew she would have to face them sooner or later, but right now she didn't care. She needed to find Fleur and that's all that mattered.
Rounding a corner that lead to the entrance hall she stopped. Gabrielle was standing by the doors leading to the great hall. The little blonde had been alternating between ignoring Hermione completely and shooting daggers at her. If anyone knew where Fleur was it would be her. Steeling herself she walked over to the girl, a faint scent of jasmine and sandalwood clung to her.
"Gabrielle?"
The young Veela turned to Hermione and tensed before settling on a heated gaze.
"What?" she hissed at the older girl. Hermione accepted the tone she knew she deserved.
"Do you know where Fleur is?"
Gabrielle looked incensed. "Why, so you can break 'er 'eart again?" Before Hermione could respond someone walked through the front entrance.
"Sorry, I know I'm late" Ginny apologized. Hermione watched Gabrielle's eyes light up at the sound of the redhead's voice, but she never moved her gaze away. Ginny walked up to her putting a book in her bag before pulling the small blonde into a hug and kissing her lightly on the cheek. When there was no response Ginny asked her, "what's wrong?"
Gabrielle nodded her head towards Hermione. Ginny followed her gaze to her friend and tensed a little. She thought she and Hermione would always be friends, but given the way the older girl had been acting as of late and the way she had treated Fleur, she wasn't so sure. Ginny decided to stay neutral and acknowledged the older girl with a stiff nod. Hermione returned it and asked again.
"Gabrielle, do you know where Fleur is?"
Ginny gave her a look like she was insane. After the past few days and the way she treated Fleur was she seriously asking for the girl? Gabrielle was about to unleash a string of very un-lady like words when the sound of running footsteps echoed from down the hall behind them.
Hermione wasted no time; she knew who it was running towards them. Her heart told her so. She bolted past the two girls in front of her and up the stairs. Gabrielle knew that was where Fleur had disappeared to and quickly gave chase, followed by Ginny. The two stood no chance of catching Hermione. The girl moved with a speed that was unmatched by any normal human. This faintly registered to Ginny as she tried to place where she had seen it before.
The hall was filled with the scent of Fleur, and Hermione felt her heart warm at it. The cold tendrils that had gripped it melted away at its appearance. Hermione paused to soak it all in. She opened her eyes when the echoes stopped. At the end of the hall, bathed in light, stood Fleur. Hermione felt like she was looking at an angel. In the blink of an eye they had closed the space between them. Hermione felt Fleur wrap her hands around her neck. She felt the soft silk of the Beauxbatons uniform under her hands as she pulled Fleur closer to her. She felt right,. standing there with her arms wrapped around the petite blonde, their bodies pressed together. This was meant to be.
Drawing Fleur's head back she pressed her lips lightly to those of her mate and let the strong feelings wash her away.
"I love you."
The words were spoken so softly that no one other than Fleur had heard them. The Veela felt her heart swell at their utterance. She pulled Hermione's lips to her and returned the sentiment by showing her feelings.
"Je t'aime."
The two held each other close, exchanging light kisses until someone cleared their throat.
"While I am 'appy for you both…" The two girls snapped their heads in the direction of Madame Maxime, "I do need to use the hallway." The two girls blushed and moved out of her way, never breaking their embrace. The large woman passed them by and stopped to look over her shoulder. "Do not worry about Mademoiselle Durante. I am on my way to 'ave a little chat wit 'er." With that the headmistress walked away. Hermione looked at Fleur a little confused. The blonde cupped her faced and answered her confusion.
"Aurora." At the girl's name Hermione pulled Fleur closer to her as both a way to calm herself and apologize. "'Er last name is Durante." Hermione nodded her head and then put it down in shame. "Wat is it amour?"
"I shouldn't have let her do that to me. I should have ignored her, but I was scared." Lifting her head Fleur saw she had tears in her eyes. "I should have known you were my mate as soon as I saw you."
Fleur pulled Hermione to her and kissed away a stray tear that made it past her eye.
"You know now, and I forgive you." The two held each other close.
"Qu'est-ce que c'est? Do all 'Ogwarts students make out in zee 'alls!" Madame Maxime's voice echoed down the hall. Fleur and Hermione laughed as they heard Gabrielle and Ginny quickly apologizing to the woman.
"Mistress," the squeaky voice of Muir called out. Hermione hadn't even heard him pop into the hall.
"Yes Muir what is it?" she asked with Fleur still wrapped in her arms.
"Your egg is hatching." With that he popped out of the hall.
It was Fleur's turn to look at Hermione confused. The taller girl beamed down at her.
"Come on, we must hurry." Hermione picked Fleur up and ran with her down the hall and towards her room. They passed a still blushing Ginny and Gabrielle on the way and Fleur managed to give her sister a stern look that lost all meaning as she was being carried to her mate's private quarters.
When they arrived at Hermione's room they found Muir standing by the wiggling egg set by the window. She put Fleur down and made her way over to the egg.
"How long?"
"Since Mistress left this morning. Muir waited until it was nearly time before calling you."
Fleur walked up and eyed the strange item moving around.
"'Ermione, wat is that?"
"It was part of my inheritance. A griffin egg." She said looking over to her mate, pride in her eyes.
"'Zere is a griffon in 'ere!" Fleur exclaimed.
"Ah, just in time" the voice of a man said. Hermione and Fleur turned to see Godric in his painting along with the griffin that normally guarded her door. A cracking sound drew everyone's attention back to the egg. It had a large split in it. Muir took a step back and allowed Hermione to sit next to it. Fleur walked up and took a place to Hermione's left. It took two more minutes of trying before the shell cracked again and they saw a bit of its beak. Hermione felt excitement swell in her chest as she watched, her hand entangled in Fleur's. Three more tries saw the shell crack again and the egg tip to the side. Hermione tried to help but Fleur stayed her hand and told her let the creature do this on its own. Hermione looked over to Godric who nodded in agreement with the blonde girl. Not long after a swift kick sent bits of shell across the room. Hermione and Fleur watched in awe as the creature emerged.
It was magnificent. The griffin was already the size of Crooks. True to form the animal lifted its eagle head and searched for its mother. Its golden eyes settled on Hermione and Fleur. The girls watched as it struggled to its feet and took its first step. The griffin stumbled and swayed over to them and settled between the two girls. It looked up at them and let out a cross between a squawk and purr and nested into their warmth.
The two girls stared down at the creature between them. Its white head and yellow beak rested on Hermione's left leg while its lion's tail curled around Fleur's right wrist.
"It's beautiful mon amour."
"Not as beautiful as you, love."
Fleur blushed a little a placed a gentle kiss on Hermione's cheek.
"What shall Mistress name it?" Muir asked.
A gruff voice answered, "I vote for Godric."
Hermione looked over at her ancestor. The man had a smirk on his face and the griffin at his side was looking at him like he was crazy. Hermione laughed and turned to Fleur who had begun petting griffin nestled between them.
"What do you think?"
"Godric would be a funny name for a girl."
Hermione tilted her head little to get a different angle on the griffin and turned back to Godric.
"Sorry ancestor, but she has a point."
"What about Juliet?" Fleur asked. "I have always loved zee name and asked maman to name Gabrielle Juliet instead, but she declined," she added.
"Okay then, Juliet it is."
Fleur beamed at Hermione and pulled her in for a kiss, which Hermione gladly returned.
Crookshanks sat on his bed the whole time watching the events unfold. He decided it was time to go and check out this newcomer. Taking a few tentative steps towards the new beast he sniffed the air.
"It's alright Crooks, come on" Hermione called to him.
The old kneazle walked over to them and nudged the griffin with his nose. The creature opened its eyes and eyed the cat. The two stared at each other for a few seconds before Crookshanks lost interest and made his way to Hermione's bed. Not entirely done with their interaction yet, Juliet got up and followed her new friend. Hermione and Fleur watched as she tried several times to jump on the bed as Crooks had done. Hermione was about to levitate the Juliet onto the bed when the newly hatched griffin jumped up and spread her wings. She batted them furiously, finally making it up onto the bed. The effort took all of her energy out of her and she collapsed on Hermione's pillows lightly purring. Hermione stood up and held out her hand to Fleur. The Veela took the offered hand and was led over to one of the couches in the room.
"Would Mistress like something to eat?" Muir offered with a small smile.
"Certainly, and if you could bring some cream for Crooks and fish for Juliet, please."
"Of course, Mistress." With that the humble elf popped out of the room.
"Well," Godric said from his painting, "Now that that is over I must be off."
Hermione and Fleur waved goodbye to the man and his griffin. Muir returned a short while later with their tea and some sandwiches. After having their fill of both, Hermione leaned back onto the couch. Fleur snuggled up at her side and the two just sat for a while and enjoyed being together.
"Fleur?" Hermione said after a moment.
"Yes my love?"
"Why didn't you tell me I was your mate?"
Fleur sat up and looked at Hermione. She was afraid she would see anger in the other girl's eyes, instead she found curiosity.
"I thought you were dating Ginevra."
"I told you Ginny is just a friend."
"Yes, but by zat time I 'ad already done and said so much to 'urt you."
"Is that why you offered to be friends? To try and make up for it?"
"Yes."
Hermione nodded and said "I thought as much, I am sorry it took so long for me to come to realize what you meant to me"
Fleur moved closer to Hermione and nuzzled into her shoulder whispering, "It's okay, you're with me now and that's all that matters"
Hermione purred and hugged the girl closer to her body; Fleur was right, all that mattered now was that they were finally together and no one would ever stop them or come between them again.