"You loved the many faults you found
You kept what was worth keeping around
When I am yours
When we are home"
- Hold, Vera Blue (2015)
The fiendfyre arched out of Dennis' wand, looped up in the air and as Fleur watched in horror, he deliberately started to loop the flame towards himself.
"Expelliarmus!" Hermione shouted, disarming Dennis before the fiendfyre could touch the wizard. Snapping back to reality Fleur did some quick wandwork to contain and extinguish the flames. Meanwhile Hermione with two more flicks of her wrist had put Dennis in a full body bind and summoned the wand from where it had landed.
Fleur, despite her slower reaction was glad they'd be able to stop Dennis hurting himself. He made her feel sick. He'd been brutalized and terrorised, but that gave him no excuse to execute the same on others in return. He was going to link her sister's name forever with his infamy. Even with all that she still didn't want him to die.
She stepped towards Dennis and grabbed his magically paralysed arm, gruffly saying "Don't move or you might splinch." Before calling out to Hermione, "I'll see you at the office."
The sun had risen by the time Fleur and Hermione had finished the necessary procedures that went alongside arresting a wanted person, extracting memories, recording written statements, informing two different national governments and giving an old friend her promised scoop.
A hurried hallway conversation during the early hours of the night had determined that they'd return to Fleur's when they finished up. So, Fleur wasn't surprised to see the Hermione sized bump asleep in her bed when she got home. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Fleur slipped off her clothes and got into bed. Hermione stirred briefly, then closed the gap between them, spooning Fleur before they both fell into an exhausted sleep.
Fleur woke with a heavy warm feeling on one side. She decided not to open her eyes just yet, she still didn't trust that it wasn't all a dream. Then her stomach loudly rumbled. She tried to remember when she had last eaten but couldn't.
She decided to make them breakfast. Which meant waking up, so when she opened her eyes and saw the reality that was Hermione, she almost changed her mind. Hermione's head was laying on Fleur's chest, her arm cuddling Fleur's torso and her beautiful dark curly hair trailing over Fleur's arm. Her tummy was not on team stay and cuddle though, protesting via another loud grumble to demand food.
It was just as Fleur was flipping the last of the crepes, she heard Hermione pad over. She felt Hermione wrap around her from behind and lips glanced her neck. As Hermione held her tight, she leaned back into the weight, wordlessly enjoying the pure joy of just being with her soul mate. She only broke the hold, with a big sigh to register her discontent, to plate up the last crepe.
"Breakfast is ready, mon amour" Fleur said turning around for the first time and almost dropping the plates when she took in Hermione. While Fleur had put on sweatpants and an old worn t-shirt, Hermione had opted for the just t-shirt and underpants look. From the smirk that crossed her face at Fleur's reaction, it was quite obvious Hermione had noticed her reaction.
"I need to apologize Hermione. Last night at the gravesite, when Dennis pulled out his wand I froze for a second. When it comes to you, the thought of you being in danger, I can't help but freeze up. It happened to me in the swimming task at the Triwizard Tournament and again last night." Fleur blurted out between mouthfuls of crepe with lemon and sugar.
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Babe, I've been fighting my own battles since I was a teenager. I can take care of myself." It was impossible for Fleur to contain her surprised laugh, both at the new affectionate nickname and the confidence of her girlfriend. Of course, Hermione was right. She was no damsel in distress, she had survived the fiercest battle of a war as a teenager.
Although Fleur didn't think they were expected at either Ministry that day, she anxious to know what was happening with Dennis. As if reading her mind, Hermione gently suggested that they could go to the French ministry. Although smart girlfriend very cleverly suggested that they arrive separately so as not to rouse suspicion.
The French Ministry was a hive of activity when she arrived. Prosecutors had taken over the case and were working with her staff to get evidence and finalize charges. She was being thoroughly questioned in her office by one of the prosecutors when Hermione announced her arrival at the Ministry by gently knocking on the door and entering.
Hermione occupied the attention of the prosecutor for only a second before he turned back to Fleur. In that split second of inattention Hermione had the audacity to wink at her. Fleur felt a blush rise up her cheeks, especially as she realised Hermione was wearing her clothes. It was only after clarifying to the prosecutor that this was Hermione Granger of co-investigating and making the arrest fame that she was able to share the attention.
After too many hours of questioning Hermione and Fleur were finally alone in her office. Her frustratingly glass walled office. Fleur looked Hermione over and sighed, being near Hermione like this gave her a happy buzz through her nerves. Still, she had an obligation. Talking quickly Fleur announced, "This evening, before Cho prints the full scoop you gave her. I need to talk to my family and tell them how Gabby died. Who Dennis was and what he meant to her. I want you to come, but I think that would complicate things right now."
"I agree, having your case partner there for such an important moment would seem strange and will invite so many questions. I wish I could be there for you. Can we meet after?" Hermione asked hopefully, surreptitiously looking around before she quickly squeezed Fleur's hand.
Fleur nodded, "I'll come to your apartment. Earlier today I asked for the rest of the week off. If it's ok can I stay for a little? It would be nice to be away from France when the connection to my sister drops in the media."
The tentative query made Hermione smile, "Of course!"
A period of prolonged eye contact followed. Fleur and Hermione were both simmering with the tension of things they wanted to say, or do, but couldn't right now. "Damn these glass walls. I love you Hermione. I'll see you later."
Fleur had miraculously been able to gather her parents, aunts and cousins together that evening. She combined the history of Dennis Hermione had given her, her knowledge acquired while working the case and his own confession to weave together the narrative. The muggle born boy whose life had been scarred by war had ended up bringing more tragedy into his life, losing Gabby in his search for justice.
The family cried together. They talked openly about the betrayal, anger and guilt they felt, that Gabby had kept them in the dark. Blaming themselves for not knowing Gabby had been involved with Dennis. Some measure of closure felt good to Fleur. It didn't go unnoticed to her that this was the most time they'd spent together as a family honestly talking since before they'd lost Gabby.
That night, after packing a bag, Fleur apparated near Hermione's house. She knocked gently on the door, trying to remember the politest etiquette for her Muggle born love. Hermione opened the door smiling unconsciously at Fleur. Fleur noticed the concern into Hermione's eyes and knew her own eyes were still red rimmed after her emotional family reunion. Hermione took her bag and closed the door, asking "What can I do?"
"Hold me." Fleur whispered. Hermione dropped the bag to comply immediately. Being in Hermione's arms was to be home. Fleur sobbed into Hermione's shoulder, the emotional hangover catching up to her and overwhelming her. It was only here, in Hermione's arms that she was truly able to let her guard down.
Hermione hurried to silence her hooting phone, however out of the corner of her eye she saw Fleur stirring and she silently cursed Ginny. She hoped to let Fleur sleep in, the night had been an emotional one as Fleur processed a new wave of grief over her sister's murder.
"What is it Arthur?" Hermione whispered as she tip-toed out of the bedroom.
Arthur didn't comment on why Hermione was whispering. One thing Hermione loved about him is that having raised a slew of mischievous children, he had good sense on when to leave things well alone, "Since the Quibbler's exclusive last night Percy has been on a warpath. I heard that there will be a meeting between the Minister, as well as the heads and deputy heads of the Department of International Magical Cooperation and the Department of Magic Law Enforcement. I had a feeling though maybe you hadn't received the message?"
"Good instincts Arthur. When and where?" Hermione asked. As Arthur relayed the details of the meeting a plan formulated in Hermione's mind.
In the elevator Hermione was momentarily distracted, again. She'd been finding herself losing concentration all morning whenever Fleur was too near. When Fleur had emerged from the bedroom that morning, wearing a form fitting sleeveless blue dress, Hermione had almost fallen off her chair. Fleur had smiled appreciatively before muttering something about bringing mostly date clothes and throwing one of Hermione's blazers on. The ding of the door opening broke Hermione's thoughts.
When Hermione and Fleur entered the conference room, she noted the wide eyes of Percy and quick whispers of the Department of International Magical Cooperation delegation. She confidently sat down, Fleur nonchalantly sliding into the seat next to her. She watched Percy's face redden, however any potential outburst was cut off as Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt entered the room.
"Great, everyone is here. Plus, Fleur Delacour the Head Auror from the French Ministry for those needing an introduction. Fabulous! Your insight will be helpful to this meeting. For those who aren't aware Fleur and Hermione worked this case together. Now the question we've all gathered here for, what is the most appropriate way to handle this case from the perspective of our own Law Enforcement and an International Cooperation perspective. I have a meeting with the French Minister later and want to be prepared."
After the robust discussion of the meeting had wrapped up, Shacklebolt requested that Hermione and Fleur come to his office.
The mood was a little steely as Shacklebolt sat down and invited the women to sit. "I thought I was promised regular updates, hm?"
Hermione opened her mouth to respond when the Minister chuckled. "I'm teasing. From all accounts, including the very detailed one gracing the Quibbler, things escalated quickly. I want to personally thank you both and also inform you Hermione from this point forward you are off the case. I think, perhaps, you are too close to this. I have formed an investigative squad of top up and coming aurors with the remaining evidence gathering and investigation tasks. Given they did not even start at Hogwarts until after the war, we can minimize any allegations of impartiality."
"Thank you Minister." Hermione replied, barely able to contain a smile. Things could have been much worse for them.
Shacklebolt smiled, "I do wish you had taken the Head of Magical Law Enforcement job when I offered it. Although, I think taking the deputy head role so you could work with the non-magical community was the right choice. I'm only planning to contest one more election for Minister for Magic before I retire, then I will be endorsing you should you chose to run."
Hermione felt overwhelmed. She had known that Kinglsey liked her, however, to receive such a high commendation had rendered her speechless.
"And Ms Delacour, I wanted to express my condolences to you and your family. If, for any reason, you should need to find employment across the channel you will find here in my Ministry of Magic we readily hire multilingual Triwizard champions that have a decade of top tier education and experience. "
Hermione and Fleur exchanged furtive glances at that last part. It seemed that the British Minister at least knew something was up.
The New Scotland Yard supervisors on the other hand, seemed to have a less is more attitude about the whole affair. All they wanted was the minimum amount of details to be satisfied that the threat was now handled. Hermione worked quickly with the PR team to draft a non-magical publication friendly statement about explaining how the half of a corpse had ended up in the Prime Minister's office was related to a dispute between two individuals, known to each other, that had escalated due to a falling out over political views. The remaining acts of terrorism Dennis inflicted occurred solely in the magic world, so it had turned out not to be such a sensational case in the Muggle world.
As she worked with the team Fleur sat nearby, content to watch Hermione work. It was a treat to see Hermione in her element, leading at the intersection of the magical and non-magical worlds.
Hermione felt the kind of freedom she used to feel at the start of the summer holidays when they headed home from New Scotland Yard. She had asked for and been given a week off from both of her roles. The only plan she had for the next week was Fleur.
Her enthusiasm was catching, and Fleur laughed at the giddy way she'd linked hands and practically skipped when they exited the tube into the evening air. "This whole week is ours!" Hermione announced brightly.
"Can I take you out for dinner?" Fleur asked, suddenly feeling shy. "Wherever you want to go."
Hermione stopped and turned around, drawing Fleur's body close with their joined hand and reaching up to pull her face closer with the other. Fleur readily met her in the kiss, which quickly started to get a little too heated for a public spot, especially when Hermione let out a small moan.
Blushing, Hermione stepped back, "Yeah, I know a place not too far from here."
Still dressed in their work attire Hermione instinctively chose something upscale enough that they wouldn't be conspicuous. The old firehouse that had been transformed into a hotel and restaurant worked perfectly. They were lucky enough to be led to a plush red leather booth, giving them relative privacy.
It was while they were waiting for dessert, holding hands under the table, that Fleur finally worked up the courage to ask Hermione if it was ok for them to think about telling people they were girlfriends. Once again Hermione kissed her enthusiastically in place of a verbal answer.
The tension between them was palpable when they entered Hermione's apartment. As Hermione turned back to lock the door they had just entered through Fleur stepped in close behind Hermione. Taking advantage of their privacy to wrap her arms around her girlfriend's waist and gently kiss down her neck. She stopped at the base of Hermione's neck to deepen the contact, knowing she would potentially be leaving a mark.
Hermione whipped around, wrapping one hand around Fluer's hip and pulling her closer while the other rested on the nape of her neck. Fleur looked into Hermione's shining brown eyes, searching for conformation this was what Hermione wanted.
Hermione's hungry gaze told her what she needed to know. Closing the space between them Fleur kissed Hermione, gently biting the brunette's lower lip before running her tongue across it. As Hermione kissed her back Fleur could feel her control slipping.
Realizing they were still in the entry hall Fleur held her hand out and led Hermione to the bedroom. She was feeling a little timid even as she removed Hermione's suit jacket then slid her hands under Hermione's blouse. She relished in the feeling of the smooth skin under her hands.
Fleur took a step back abruptly withdrawing the contact. She wanted their first time to be special, they had all the time in the world so there was no need to rush. Holding onto Hermione's hand Fleur led her to the bed. Sitting down next to her soul mate she exhaled and said hesitantly, "I just want to make sure…."
"Fleur, I promise you I'm ready." Hermione said, talking over her. Any further concerns Fleur may have had were silenced with a kiss.
Fleur again ran her hands under Hermione's blouse, this time grasping the hem and pulling it upward slightly. Hermione understood lifting her hands and helping Fleur remove the clothing. After Fleur flung the item to the floor, she returned to kissing Hermione, pushing her back onto the bed. She straddled her waist as best she could in a tight dress. Leaning down she pressed kisses along Hermione's neck and over the tops of her breasts.
Hermione arched her back under Fleur's thighs, trying to get more contact. Fleur sat back, teasing Hermione with the sudden absence. Hermione sat up and pulled off Fleur's blazer and groaned in frustration at the dress, Fleur complied and helped Hermioneunzip. Fleur ended up in Hermione's lap as the brunette sat up lightly tracing Fleur's collarbones, following with her lips as her fingers moved down to Fleur's bra.
Fleur could feel the reverence in the way Hermione was touching her. The other girls languid pace made her feel loved. She pulled Hermione's head up and kissed her hard, wanting to communicate what she was feeling with her lips and tongue. Reaching behind Hermione's back Fleur unhooked her bra and broke apart from kissing her to remove it.
Her hands quickly travelled to Hermione's sides tentatively, grazing her breasts as they came to rest on her shoulders. Gently pushing Hermione back down Fleur started moving down worshipping the girl she loved with her lips and fingers. One of Fleur's legs was between Hermione's and as gently nipped at the brunette's nipple she felt her hips grind down on her leg. Smirking Fleur redoubled her efforts, sucking, licking and occasionally nipping while her hand worked the other side. After being rewarded with several satisfying moans and an increase in the frequency and ferocity of the grinding Fleur sat back up.
"I think these need to come off." Fleur remarked, hooking her fingers into the waistband of Hermione's pants.
"I know this does." Hermione replied, reaching towards Fleur's bra.
Instead of replying Fleur reached behind her back, unhooked her bra and threw it off. Smirking at Hermione who was clearly enjoying the view Fleur said, "Your turn."
Hermione quickly shucked off her pants in response. Fleur moved her leg back against Hermione's core and could feel, even through her underwear, how aroused the other girl was. Starting back at Hermione's neck and moving down her body Fleur felt the desperation as Hermione ground her hips against anything she could reach.
Fleur's lips trailed lower, reaching the edge of Hermione's ribcage. Her fingers trailed down to her hip bones where she held on to Hermione, urging her still. She could tell the slow progress of her lips and tongue were teasing the other girl, but she wanted to savour every inch of her.
Reaching the top of Hermione's underwear she smirked against the soft skin. Planting a quick peck before removing her lips she moved on to the girl's thigh. She resumed her ministrations of the other girl, travelling towards her center. When her cheek brushed against silk underwear she heard Hermione gasp. Briefly tempted to hurry things, Fleur instead withdrew for a moment before giving the other thigh the same treatment. This time when Fleur reached the center she didn't stop, laying her lips over the silk and hearing Hermione moan. Gently grabbing the panties by the edge Fleur worked them down the other girl's thighs, assisted by Hermione who seemed very eager to have them off.
Running her hands back up Fleur found her self-control was starting to wane, she needed to taste Hermione and to be inside her urgently. Running her tongue through the other girl's folds first she worked towards her sensitive clit, starting out gentle but increasing in pace as she responded to Hermione's moans and hip thrusts. She could feel the other girl's thighs quivering on either side of her head as she reached up and entered her with two fingers. Her fingers pace matching her tongue working at Hermione's clit. It wasn't very long before she felt Hermione's walls clenching around her and heard the other girl's moans increase in volume.
Crawling back up she kissed Hermione, a slow languid kiss. Looking into the other girl's amber eyes Fleur gently told Hermione how much she loved her. When Hermione had recovered enough breath to speak, she insisted that it was her turn now.
Although Fleur had experienced physically orgasms in the past that night, with Hermione's mouth on her and her fingers inside her, was the first (and later second) time she actually felt one. The feeling swelled in her soul, overwhelming her mind and all senses. Lying there, her naked limbs twisted with Hermione's, she experienced the euphoria of her first afterglow as they drifted off to a nightmare free sleep together.
"Dad tells me you've taken some days off work voluntarily! I'm calling to check if you're under an imperious curse!" Ginny exclaimed down the phone loudly enough that Fleur overheard and laughed.
"She's there isn't she! You've called off work for SEX!" Ginny gleefully cackled. "We should meet this lady that's made you more fun. I'll ring around and see if we can get mum or Bill and Alicia to mind the kids tonight. We're going to a pub; you're going to come as a surprise then introduce us, and you'll all have a lovely round of beers and I'll have a juice or something on account of my pregnancy. I'll text you the details."
Without waiting for a response from Hermione Ginny hung up the phone. A whirlwind as usual. Hermione smiled at Fleur, "This is your fault for laughing you know." Fleur's only response was to dive across the bed and tickle Hermione, until the laughing and tickling turned into the very activity Ginny had accused her into calling off work for.
Hermione had called Ron later that morning, letting him know privately. The conversation had gone well and Ron promised he'd be there to meet Fleur properly.
Fleur was nervous. Although she'd met all of Hermione's friends a long time before and some more recently this time, she was meeting them officially as Hermione's girlfriend. As they walked towards the table where Harry, Ginny, Ron and Luna were gathered, Hermione took Fleur's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
It turned out her nerves were for nothing; she was welcomed in group like a family member. She hadn't seen Luna in person for some time and Ginny, had taken great delight in telling her stories about Hermione. Ginny was just telling a story involving a laptop incident when Hermione interrupted to insist, they should dance.
She'd been on her best behaviour around Hermione's friends but on the crowded dancefloor Fleur's hands roamed to hold the small of Hermione's back to pull her in closer for a stolen kiss. Ginny noisily cut in, then proceeded to inform Fleur she'd never seen Hermione happier however wouldn't hesitate to curse Fleur into oblivion should she hurt Hermione.
After their case had ended both witches were assigned to cases within their own countries' borders. Hermione and Fleur were navigating the new physical distance in their relationship, settling into a pattern of spending every weekend together and even a few weeknights once they connected their homes via a Floo network.
A month or so into their relationship they heard that Dennis had pled guilty to all charges. He had been shown some leniency in sentencing to acknowledge the impact the war had on him and placed into a long-term residential rehabilitation program that combined medi-wizard and muggle psychology. His lawyer had read a brief statement, asserting that Dennis was truly sorry and taking responsibility for his all his actions and felt he had let down the Colin's legacy.
It was Hermione's parents who found out about their relationship first. It was a birthday, or more specifically Hermione's birthday that signalled one of their semi-annual visits. Hermione had been unwilling to spend a moment apart from Fleur on her big day and didn't see any reason not to take her girlfriend with her to their standard birthday roast lunch.
The Grangers had warmly greeted Fleur when Hermione introduced her. They had never known Hermione to bring home a date before, as they had been mind wiped while she was with Ron. A couple of years prior she had told them she was not heterosexual when the UK parliament was debating then passing the same sex marriage legislation. So, Fleur being a woman wasn't a shock to them.
The day was unseasonably warm. So, what had been a shock to them was when, without thinking, Hermione had taken off her cardigan revealing her scarred arm. Hermione cursed internally as she saw their faces and hurriedly covered up. She'd become so comfortable around Fleur she barely thought about her scar anymore and she'd messed up. She pulled her scarred arm tight against her body and turned into Fleur's shoulder, wanting to block her parents' reactions.
"Hermione my dear, you know every time you smile you remind me of my own mother. And that face you make when you're pausing to be sure you've got the exact right words before you come out with your opinion, your father makes that exact expression. For years we've been trying to get a bond back, maybe badly at times, and have felt like you've got a barrier up that's keeping you from us." Hermione's mother said softly as tears ran down her face.
She took a deep breath before continuing "I know when we first came back, we may have seemed dismissive at times. For me the anger at what you'd done was there for a while before the love for you came through from my memories. I'm truly sorry for that and hope I haven't ruined our relationship."
"Sweetie, I'm sorry too. And if you tell me who did that to your arm, I'll gladly fucking kill them." Hermione's mild mannered, dentist father who she had never heard curse in her life replied. Hermione turned to face her parents as a hybrid sob laugh came out.
"With all due respect Mr Granger, if the perpetrator was still alive, you'd have to get in line behind me because I have first dibs on murder." Fleur replied sweetly.
Although the birthday evening wasn't the sexy date with Fleur she'd imagined, it had been Hermione's best birthday in decades. Like a dam wall had broken Hermione had been able to tell them things she'd held in. Fleur had supported her in fielding questions about the magical world, inadvertently outing herself as a witch to Hermione's parents in the process.
For the first time Hermione felt hope that maybe it wasn't impossible that one day she'd be able to have the same relationship with her parents as she'd had before.
"You've met them all before." Fleur complained as Hermione changed outfits for the fourth time into a button-down dress. Although Fleur's house in France was small, Hermione had moved about half her clothes over when they'd been dating about two months. Facilitating this frantic style session.
"I seem to remember someone changing six times before she met my parents" Hermione called back, before stepping out of the magically expanded closet with a smile on her face.
Fleur shrugged, "You'd be beautiful in a trash bag mon amour."
Hermione stepped closer, "This is different though. We're telling your parents that we're soulmates and you've been in love with me for like fourteen years and now I'm in love with you. That is a lot more permanent then meet my work colleague or my girlfriend. What if they don't like me?"
Fleur gently held her girlfriends' shoulders, directly looking into her eyes as she said, "Deputy Head of Magical Law Enforcement Hermione Jean Granger, esquire, order of merlin first class. They already met you and liked you. Don't you remember them not so subtly hoping it was you."
It turned out that Hermione and Fleur weren't the only detectives in the family. Her Maman had spied Fleur holding hands at the Bonaccord estate the day Fleur had taken Hermione there to tell her about Gabby before the attack on Azkaban even occurred. She'd been paying attention to what her friends at the Ministry told her and had suspected Fleur had found her soul mate in Hermione.
Although she suspected, she had waited. Until Fleur opened the door of the Bonaccord manor that was, "I knew it everyone! It is Hermione!" Apolline shouted back through the house.
The evening was a joyous one. Hermione felt at home with Fleur's family. They toasted to Grand-mere Zora, their matriarch. Her cousin Nessa cheekily toasted, "Yes! Let's thank for guiding Fleur's head from up in the clouds and back into Hermione's life. About time Zora!"
On another future occasion, Fleur would take the time to confide the rationale for denying her feelings to her mother, aunt and cousins. The group would bond and cry, imagining the conflict Fleur had felt meeting her soul mate so young and knowing Gabby had the same fate.
That night however, when they had escaped back home a little tipsy from the many toasts, Fleur was glad Hermione had decided on that fourth outfit. Undoing the buttons on the dress slowly while Hermione begged her to go faster was undeniably sexy.
It was surprising to Hermione when a parchment scroll with a very official looking silver seal was delivered to her by owl, she had been invited to the International Confederation of Wizards Goldstein awards. Frowning at the letter as she read through it a second time she set off towards the elevators.
"Fourth floor, Department of Magical Creatures and Beings" the elevator chimed. Hermione grinned. It had been a few weeks now since the legislation to overhaul the department was passed and she was still delighted every time the new department name reminded her of that.
She walked through the corridors until she reached the right door, 'Head of the Department of Magical Creatures and Beings' was engraved into the wood and below it in smaller print was 'Fleur Delacour'.
Hermione knocked once before opening the door and walking in, "Hi babe. Did you get one of these?"
Fleur raised an eyebrow, the house elf she was talking to giggled. "Oh sorry!" Hermione insisted looking at her watch, "I can come back. I thought it was your lunch hour."
Fleur smiled, "It is! I was just chatting with Carley." Carley smiled at Hermione before replying, "I can read a room. We can discuss our vision for a school for Elves another time."
Fleur, oblivious to the scroll in Hermione's hand, carried on the thought after the elf had left the room, "Sorry, Carley and I just get carried away. She just has such a clear vision and so much drive to empower the Elvish. I invited her over for dinner this weekend. Her mum was at Hogwarts and was one of the second wave to obtain a salary and rights. She had known Dobby…"
Fleur trailed off when she realised Hermione was grinning at her. She knew that smile, Hermione was really turned on. Fleur chuckled. That had been happening more often recently. Who knew Fleur fighting for the rights of magical being and creatures would do it?
After they'd been dating near on six months, Fleur could no longer tolerate spending even one night apart from Hermione. After checking that Hermione felt the same way she'd approached Kingsley Shacklebolt and pitched him on a role she envisioned. She knew about Hermione's unsuccessful attempts to integrate the horrendously named, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magic Creatures. Fleur was bold and proposed he shut down multiple divisions the department and put her in charge of a re-branded department. As part magical being she was better placed to approach delegations of beings and could re-hire a truly diverse department. Beings could regulate themselves working alongside the ministry. Those departments that worked with beasts would also be staffed with a variety of magical beings, not just wizards. Luckily for her, Shacklebolt had supported the idea and with enough campaigning they'd been able to pass the sweeping legislation.
"Fleur? I know just what you're thinking, but stop it, I need to know if you got one of these?" Hermione asked holding up the letter with a smile that told Fleur to only pause her thoughts for now.
"Oh yeah. Earlier today, so I guess you'll be my date huh?" Fleur smiled adoringly at her girlfriend.
They'd both been able to invite their parents to the awards. After Hermione had patiently explained to her parents it was like the Nobel Prize for Wizards, they were much more excited for her. It would be the first time that Fleur's parents and Hermione's parents had met.
After several styles of long-sleeved ball gown, jackets that matched ball gowns and even a few suits it was with Fleur's gentle encouragement Hermione settled on her gown. The burgundy sleeveless gown with enough of a plunging neckline to make her feel sophisticated was the dress that she'd loved the most when she tried it on and the dress she should have if she wanted. In the last few months she'd made some real breakthroughs with her muggle psychologist, she had started to think at least neutrally of her scar. On her best days she'd even thought if it as a mark of survival.
The Goldstein awards were a glamourous affair, being hosted at a beautiful Spanish castle. The stairs leading to castle entrance were lined with enchanted fireflies and Hermione thought just maybe Fleur had never looked so beautiful as she did tonight. Although she was excited Hermione felt a little exposed, with her scar on display and that the Wizarding worlds media covered the event, she would be coming out very publicly.
She felt Fleur squeeze her hand encouragingly and together they stepped forward, Fleur's silver dress shining in the light of the flash bulbs. They posed modestly for the cameras, standing side by side with their hands intertwined. Although some questions including queries as to how long they had been dating, were called out the pair ignored them and moved inside to join their parents at their assigned table.
Although receiving a Peace award jointly for their work in capturing a terrorist with Fleur was nice. It was seeing their parents standing and clapping, the Muggle, Veela and wizard faces alike in radiating pride that was the highlight of Hermione's night.
The cover of the Quibbler the next day showed a picture of Hermione and Fleur accepting the award. In the ten minutes of so Hermione had watched the picture she'd seen herself hold the trophy up, her scarred arm visible to the world and kiss Fleur excitedly, but thankfully briefly, on the lips a few times. The accompanying article had noted that sourced confirmed the pair had been romantically linked for several months. Hermione chuckled at 'sources', remembering to tease Cho next time they went over to her house for game night.
She had expected some kind of negative outcome, a flood of angry owls or career reprisals, however none came. The only significant correspondence she received was when Cho sent her a framed copy of the image with a sweet note. She was so proud she'd even shown her muggle therapist the picture, unfortunately she'd had to wipe the session from his mind, she'd forgotten muggle pictures don't move in her excitement.
She'd never given an anniversary present before (she'd never had one actually now Fleur thought about it) so Fleur's heart started racing, she suddenly wished she could take it back. It seemed a bit rude though, grabbing the gift out of Hermione's hands as she opened it.
Hermione opened the present and pulled out a small, worn notebook and "Your giving me your discman?" she asked incredulously.
"To borrow, indefinitely. Look inside though." Fleur replied, her nerves making her voice a little tight.
Hermione popped the lid on the ancient machine, inside was a burned at home CD with 'Us – see notes' written on it in black marker. Hermione opened the notebook; the first page had a quote in Fleur's handwriting with the song name underneath. "What is this?"
Filled with doubt Fleur couldn't properly meet Hermione's eyes. It had been a long time since Hermione had seen Fleur so bashful. "A CD, and a lyric book."
"Hey, Fleur, you're being awfully cute" Hermione said softly, smiling as she bent down next to Fleur, getting in the way of her view of the floor.
Fleur looked at her, "It's a silly gift, I'll get you something better"
"Fleur! I know this is your writing, I've seen you carrying around this book forever. Please explain it to me properly?" Hermione asked gently.
Fleur sighed, "I can't look at you when I say this, it's too embarrassing, come here" holding out her arms for Hermione to sit in her lap.
"You know how much music means to me, for years I've been in the habit of jotting down song lyrics. And whatever I experienced or stories we shared, would remind me of parts of a song. So, I made you a CD, to show you how you made me feel, while I was falling in love with you."
Hermione flipped through the book, noticing the quotes sometimes had a date or a couple of words to denote an event below them. "Fleur, I love this.", Hermione said as she flipped through the meticulously prepared notebook.
Together, one earbud each they listened to the twenty-three songs and tracked the course of the past that had led them together, as well as the moments that had made them what they were.
"Close your eyes, I got you a present too." Hermione teased. Fleur obeyed and felt Hermione get off her lap.
"Now," Hermione said and when Fleur opened her eyes her girlfriend was kneeling in front of her holding a beautiful traditional Veela pearl soul mate ring. "Will you marry me?"
Fleur's enthusiastic kiss was taken as the yes it was intended to be.
Author's Note:
Firstly, a shout out to all trans and non-binary readers. I hope you're all having lovely days. Fuck JK and any other transphobes.
Secondly, I'm unable to edit chapters easily on this site, so there are typos throughout the story. The story is also posted a03 for a version that has benefited from correcting any of those errors I've found later.
I started this story in 2015, a late bloomer baby gay in her twenties who hadn't quite figured out if love was a lie or heteronormativity was the lie. This fiction gave me a place to pour feelings and thoughts.
Over the course of the five years it has taken me to write this I have moved countries, changed jobs, finished a bachelor's degree, added a new puppy to my family and started a master's degree. Due to how long this took I also had to search and re-read my whole fiction a million times for key words because it turns out trying to keep plot holes out requires a lot of work and I'm sorry if I didn't catch them all.
I have also been lucky enough to meet my future wife about a year into writing this and can say that in fact for me it is heteronormativity that is the lie.
I'm not sure if I'll write another story, I'm extraordinarily slow at writing, but thank you all for reading. The pleasure has truly been all mine.