Going back to the ministry was a dull affair for Hermione. Although the work itself was incredibly interesting and important, she ached to see Fleur again. She wasn't planning to see the other woman for another few days, she was busy and often worked late. Today was Monday, and it would be Thursday until they had time to be together again.
They had planned to go to cinema, with Hermione as Fleur's guide. Although the other woman had a cursory knowledge of the attractions of muggle London, like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, she had a very basic understanding of anything non-magical beyond that. Fleur was ¾ pureblood, ¼ magical creature, and it showed. She was keen to learn however, something which Hermione was very appreciative of. While magic was exciting and she was keen to learn everything she could, she was also attached to her muggle heritage, something her friends often couldn't understand.
Hermione was behind others on the latest technologies but was now finally becoming competent on her computer and mobile phone. They were incredible inventions, and she often thought that the magical world could be so much more advanced if they had thought to embrace technologies beyond the radio. It was particularly apparent in communication, which meant that she was forced to communicate with Fleur via owl. While it had its charm, it certainly wasn't quick. Magical transport was almost instantaneous though, it was just a shame that they were so early in their relationship and wanted to take things slowly. If she could, she'd definitely want to apparate each day to give the other woman a quick kiss before she went to bed, though she doubted that's all they'd end up doing, and she really did need her sleep.
Going to the cinema was a stereotypical date in the muggle world, one Hermione was really looking forward to. Ron had been reluctant to leave magical London at all when he'd been visiting her, and she hadn't had many opportunities to date other than him. Fleur had been a welcome surprise, she certainly hadn't gone looking for a relationship, one had found her. She'd therefore never been able to experience a lot of the stereotypical experiences she'd been aware of growing up, and was excited to start trying them, with an enthusiastic Fleur. The other woman was as dedicated to learning as she was and was thrilled to be able to learn about muggle technologies from someone so well informed. Plus, it didn't hurt that they might be able to snog in the back row, something which Fleur was eagerly anticipating once she'd heard about the custom.
There were two major films out, Shrek, and 'The Mummy Returns'. Although they hadn't seen the first Mummy film, it was an easy winner, and she'd looked up the synopsis of the first film so they both had an idea of what the sequel about. Fleur found the concept of Ancient Egyptian curses as seen from a muggle perspective particularly amusing, given that she was a curse breaker and knew how they actually worked. Gods indeed. Hermione had punched her gently on the arm when the blonde woman started to drool over Evelyn O'Connell, though in truth, Hermione secretly agreed.
Sighing, she picked up another folder, to scan through it to make sure there were no inaccuracies. The legislation demanded precision, any errors might set it back months. In a magical creatures case, this could mean that the petition wasn't heard at all by the court. It wasn't exactly top priority for the Wizengamot. Her office would have to make a convincing argument, and any suggestion of incompetence would see it fail. It was stressful work, and although it was of great importance, it was beginning to take its toll.
Thursday really couldn't come soon enough.
…
'That was incredible Fleur, but did you really have to knock the popcorn over?' Hermione asked, laughing, as they exited the theatre hand in hand.
'It was disgusting, 'e 'ad no skin on 'is face!' Fleur exclaimed, aghast at reliving the moment once again.
'Fleur, you not only regularly work in real Pyramids, but you've also fought Voldemort.' Hermione pointed out, amused at the Frenchwoman's squeamishness. Perhaps her knowledge of the realities of pyramids and their curses meant that her fear was legitimate? It certainly warranted further discussion, though now was not the time.
'Per'aps the mummy was better looking than 'im. It was still unexpected 'owever.' Fleur responded. Voldemort had been ugly, she'd been amazed when she'd been shown pictures of the man in his youth, he really was quite beautiful. Clearly, he was too evil for it not to be reflected on the outside too. She'd experienced an adrenaline rush when the character had suddenly appeared, she had nearly reached for her wand. Moody had taught her that a lack of vigilance cost lives, and it took her a moment to remember that she was enjoying a film with her girlfriend, the war long since over.
'I suppose you wouldn't be used to jump scares. Did you like it overall?' Hermione asked, steering the conversation away. Hermione had also been startled by the moment, but had done a better job of not reacting, she'd seen films with scary moments in them before after all.
'I adored it, thank you for taking me 'ere. I particularly liked 'er, she was good with a sword non?' Fleur asked, grateful for the reprieve. She had enjoyed the woman on screen immensely, she was quick witted and confident for a woman of the time, very self-assured and unflinching in her duty to her family and her research. She saw a lot of similarities between the character and Hermione, which made her appreciate the film even more.
'Are you sure that's all you liked about her Fleur? I think your eyes were glued to the screen, particularly in the parts where she was wearing fewer clothes.' Hermione laughed. She didn't blame her, Rachel Weisz really was very pretty.
'What do you expect, I 'ave needs. Besides, she is nothing on you. And you were looking too.' Fleur responded playfully.
'Flatterer. I was looking though, it's amazing how ever since I met you, I've become aware of women in a way that I really wasn't before. It took being around you, and you sharing with me that you're not exactly straight, to make me realise that I'd overlooked quite a few things myself.' She responded, thoughtful. It was amazing how her newfound knowledge painted many of her interactions in a different light.
'Not exactly straight is somewhat of an understatement 'ermione, but I take your point.' Fleur stated, feigning a sour mood, in a way that Hermione could clearly detect.
'Don't be jealous Fleur, I may notice people more, but I certainly wouldn't choose to be with any woman but you, even if it was Evie.' Hermione grinned. Fleur Delacour was ten times as brave as any movie heroine she'd ever seen. One of a handful of foreign nationals taking up the fight against the dark. In fact, she was one of relatively few witches and wizards in the UK who had decided to fight for their liberty. Hermione didn't resent those who chose not to take part in The Order, or the battle itself, but she often wondered if they would have lost fewer good people had more risked their lives for the cause.
'Do you 'ave time to come back to my place? I could make us something, even if you 'ave to 'ead off afterwards.' Fleur asked, hopeful. They'd reached the alley in which they were to disapparate to their respective homes, but Fleur wasn't ready to call it a night yet. Neither of them had eaten, and she desperately wanted the opportunity to spend more time with Hermione in privacy. Although she'd made good on her promise to kiss the woman in the cinema, there was only so much intimacy that that space provided. She wanted to do simple things like hold her and talk about their weeks, she just wanted to be with her.
'Do you really think that's a good idea Fleur? You know I'm very likely to want to stay over. I haven't got anything with me for work tomorrow.' Hermione asked, torn. She too wanted time together, but she was trying to be realistic, and she didn't think it was the best idea if they wanted to keep things at the pace they were moving at.
'Borrow my things. Or apparate 'ome to collect yours, then join me. I insist. I would prefer to 'ave your company.' Fleur implored.
'Are you sure? It's very early on. I wouldn't want things to be too intense, I know you wanted to take things slow.' Hermione questioned, confused. She wanted to be with Fleur, as the other woman could clearly tell, but she didn't want to become an annoyance so early on.
'Oui, in bed 'ermione, not in the rest of our relationship. Per'aps I should 'ave been clearer, we could 'ave seen each other more this week. We know each other so well already that I would not mind if you wanted to live 'ere! I wanted to go slowly with the kink things, so we do nothing you are not ready for. I certainly would not mind you staying over a few nights a week if you wanted to see me. You could even 'ave a closet for your things.' Fleur rambled. She had a feeling that Hermione had decided her words on slowness had meant that their who relationship had to move at a glacial pace, which was simply not the case. She knew that they both wanted more time, she would simply have to try and get through to Hermione on the subject. She knew how stubborn the other woman could be, especially when she thought she might be taking advantage of another's hospitality.
'Are you sure?' Hermione repeated. She felt somewhat reassured but wanted to be certain that she wasn't going to encroach on Fleur's routines too much. Hermione certainly had her own, but she was willing to modify them if it meant being in her girlfriend's company more often.
'Oui. I didn't want to tell you so soon, but I am beginning to love you. I 'ate being apart. I cannot concentrate at work, I miss you all the time. It is stupid because it 'as been such a short time, but I 'ave felt something for you for a long time. And now that we are together, it is better than I could 'ave imagined.' Fleur replied quietly. She felt lighter as she admitted her feelings, it had been on her mind since before they had reconnected, and her affection for Hermione had only increased in intensity since the pair had shared their mutual attraction.
'Let's go to your place Fleur. While I cannot say for certain that I love you yet, this is so incredibly new for me after all, I can admit that I've missed you terribly over the last few days. If you're comfortable with me staying over, then I'd relish any opportunity to wake up with you.' Hermione smiled gently, taking Fleur's hands. She'd never felt so strongly for another person, and she was certain that before long, Fleur's feelings would be returned.
'And go to bed with me?' Fleur asked winking at Hermione, smiling beatifically at her words.
'Feed me first, I imagine we're going to need some energy.' Hermione laughed, before letting go of Fleur, and disapparating to the flat, with Fleur following soon after.