The wait has been long. It has been hard. But here it is. Note at the end. Enjoy.
Into the Depths
"So… it's a wizard." Hermione's voice was unnervingly calm with an air of finalization that uneased Diane. "I understand now. Marriage to a man results in the Veela bloodline diluting through offspring and the further this repeats, the less…"
"Do not patronize me 'Ermione. I do not fear a half-blood lineage."
"That wasn't my intent Diane. This I assure you." Dark orbs held a hardened gaze to enforce the heavy words. "It's a thought worth considering however, just not what you believe. What person or man wouldn't be cautious near Veela?"
"As they should be. If they have any sense of all, wizards need to be wary; they must learn to respect who is stronger. They must accept Veela for the powerful Beings we are." Diane replied in a self-centered tone, one normally absent from her persona; pride swirling with emotion in her bright orbs. The younger witch didn't flinch a second time; instead Hermione stood there merely observant.
"Well he's certainly going to feel loved." The young woman said sarcastically as her hand traced over the stone wall in distraction. After grounding herself and thinking back to every emotion that led her to where Hermione stood that day, she spoke out. "Learning to love wasn't the hardest part of accepting my position as a mate. I was raised by Veela; I live with them every day and I saw things that…" The trail of thought was quickly redirected. "What I had to learn; above all else, the most frightening thing was just 'how' I needed to love Fleur." The two hadn't moved and remained as uncomfortably stiff as statues on opposite sides of the small space.
"I… do not understand." Diane became perturbed.
"Powerful, fierce, seductive Beings and I'm sure many more adjectives to describe everything else but…" Hermione's brows furrowed before she continued. "They're all 'you'. Self-preserving; self-isolated. Proud, vain and drowning in their own ideals. That's what will drive someone away." The witch wanted to put up a defensive wall; cross her arms or stand straighter but Hermione knew it wouldn't help the situation. She was pushing buttons as it was. She had to encourage some sense to dawn upon this woman.
"What person would want to place themselves in a submissive position? To be judged and ridiculed for just living as they are and have no way of changing? I cannot and would never change being human any more than you can or would change being a Veela." Her pause had the flaxen haired teenager contemplating deeply. Face drawn into a frown but Hermione felt no hatred towards herself in the moment of insult. "Like many creatures are treated by the wizarding brethren."
"Continue; you are very informative."
"He may be mystified with you; enthralled by your beauty or overbearing charm." Diane almost smirked at such a remark but thankfully, she refrained from doing so.
"I am an amazing specimen after all; I wouldn't be surprised."
"Only for that arrogance to shatter the facade." The harsh words caused a reaction Hermione had never seen before. "I've never heard of a mate being rejected but… I'm sure at some point in history there has been someone who…"
"There has been a recording or two." The Veela spoke softly while she avoided eye contact. "It was not specific in the circumstances…" Diane needed a moment to herself. A haphazard turn in her spot before she took a breath and lifted her gaze. "However that does not mean we Veela can't find another. It may cause an immense amount of pain and ridicule from the clan. The manner of which we find our mates is delicate…"
"It also means you could be alone forever." Hermione retaliated bluntly. "And I know, neither of us want to play with fate." A dubious expression crossed Diane's face for a moment.
"You? Feel the same way? I highly doubt that. Your opinion does not matter anyway; I'll make it work somehow." Hermione was cut deep but really, she was hurt more for the accusation than insinuation.
"Like it or not Diane," The brunette never liked raising her voice or to speak so heatedly with either sister. They seemed to bring out a darkness Hermione thought she'd rid herself of long ago. "We are family. Maybe not by blood, as you so highly praise, but by marriage." The young witch raised a hand to silence the Veela from speaking again; Hermione wasn't in the mood and truly she wanted to return to her festive night before it ended. And she wanted it to end positively. "I am a mate; a partner, lover, companion. However you want to word it I'm here to stay! And it's not just to anyone but I am Fleur's mate! One day she will lead our clan and I'll be right there by her side whether either of us are ready for it or not. So I've had it with your repetitive words that slander me or my species. Fleur is everything to me and I am all to her."
The witch walked right up to the slightly taller teenager and for unknown reasons, got right in her face. Diane held firm in her posture but Hermione's intense look was intimidating.
"Despite your flaws, I won't let you suffer in self-pity; claiming you can't accept the fact that your 'mate to be' is a human. A male human, who has every chance to love you as I do. You are family. We are family. And I don't let my family suffer needlessly. When you're ready to face that wizard with a clear mind and open heart and if I can assist you, then I will. " With that, the fourth year turned around and left.
After checking her attire, Hermione headed back inside the ball and returned to her place at the blonde champion's side. At the sudden pressure caused by the embrace, Fleur's expression was of bewildered intrigue that swiftly became adoration.
"Where were you hiding my love?"
"Just around the entrance a little. It got 'overheated' in here with everyone so… enthusiastic," Hermione giggled at the thoughtful look that crossed Fleur's face. She enjoyed the moment but brushed off the inquisitive look to focus back on the partying students. "Come. I want to dance a little more. Let us show these 'English' students how the prestigious Beauxbatons Academy truly outshines them. Ladies?"
With an offer of another group dance, the fashionably dressed girls were more than happy to disperse from their crowded table and quickly followed the glamourous duo onto the dance floor. Hermione wasn't oblivious; many sets of eyes were on them as a few daring Veela stepped away to almost kidnap a new dance partner. The wizards did well to compose themselves mere moments before the song began anew. In the end, they were literally swept away in the arms of breath-taking creatures high on endorphins. Giggling under her breath at the scene, the witch opted instead to focus her eyes and attention on her own glorious blonde for the remainder of the evening.
A final bell tolled late that night and as the early hours approached, Hermione was bundled under a heavy cloak. The group hastily crossed the frozen grounds, to what was without a doubt an overly heated cabin. The Veela girls intended to ride their high for as long as possible; the Headmistress had retired to her room and the accompanying students were more than happy to have a 'continuous' party inside the common area. Hermione however was already winding down for bedtime; her companion seemed almost as content.
Behind closed doors and under the music that flowed and bounced between walls, the two girls found themselves in a moment of impulse. The witch pressed up against the wall as she groaned softly into the lustful kiss Fleur was devouring her with. Hands had worked effectively to remove the Veela's outer coat only to then grasp onto the cloth underneath desperately. Fairing little better than her obsession, the blonde's attention was caught between savouring the taste and venturing further under the thinly designed dress. With so many openings, Fleur could easily exploit it if the desire ran deep enough.
Despite the growing need for more, eventually the older student managed to pry her lustful self off her girlfriend and finish their nightly routine.
As morning broke, Hermione dressed in an impressively quick manner and then allowed for a moment to reminisce. Last night was so exhilarating; raw, lustful and empowering. She didn't just feel loved, she felt appreciated and needed; if in a slightly unusual way. The hormonal girl blushed heavily thinking about those wandering hands and hot tongue…
"Are you alright 'Mione?" An unexpected breath licked at a delicate ear, which sent the brunette for a whirl before she had come face to face with her blonde Veela. Blue eyes looked both curious and concerned. "I said good morning."
"Oh, morning Fleur." Hermione cooly replied as she tried to appear like the beauty hadn't made her hot in an entirely different way altogether. While the older girl looked bewildered, Hermione took the chance to fix herself and mentally prepare for the day ahead. It would be like any other day; school, friends, family and… plenty of alone time with Fleur. Perfect!
The group headed to the Great Hall en masse for breakfast, only that morning there were less crowds and more of a lazy holiday spirit in the air. The fourth year enjoyed routine, even if she didn't see her Hogwarts acquaintances till later and instead spent time with her fellow Beauxbatons students.
The remainder of the Christmas holidays were much the same; free time, relaxed afternoons and she made a few friends with the students adorned in black but to Hermione it was somewhat boring. She liked her classes! A point she forever was ridiculed by friends and fellows as being 'cute'. Fleur wasn't much help in this regard as the older girl rather enjoyed continuing her comments in soft French all the while she smothered the brunette in cuddles; no matter the company they kept. Hermione had come to depend on the affection as time passed. She found herself often too caught up on internal monologue whenever left to her own devices.
The encounter with Diane remained at the forefront and while the witch had mentally decided not to inform Fleur of the discovery, a part of Hermione felt guilty. Was she betraying her mate this way? No. It wasn't her secret to tell. Diane was a Veela and in time she couldn't go about hiding it; who could? That brightly adorning jewel could be its own light source given the process…
As the New Year followed, Hermione was among the celebratory crowd. She had even joined Harry and his friends at one point. Be it pure chance or just her feeling rather gracious with time, Hermione allowed the Gryffindor students to intrude upon their study sessions. Not that Harry required it; with the first task over his ease was predominant, but habit was hard to break. The two had found a few interesting discussion topics along the way too. Plus Hermione enjoyed the green eyed boy's company; she heavily missed two predominant personalities back home and it was nice to have someone her age. One certain redhead boy's presence aggravated her... the various stares, the random mutterings, and he fidgeted too much to concentrate on homework. The witch didn't know what bothered her more, his distracting habits, or his lack of care for education!
When the term resumed, Hermione was both relieved and nostalgic. Compared to past years at the beautiful Beauxbatons Academy, Hogwarts didn't bring with it the buzz of new activities, excited students or anything glamourous. The brunette found herself quite often between classes and away from a comforting embrace, thinking about her beloved riding companion. Amaryllis was left back on the school grounds for a year without her… the thought didn't last more than a few seconds luckily. Hermione giggled to herself knowing the stubborn steed would no doubt be reigning supreme over the wildlands. That unicorn wouldn't know what hit her when the brunette did get back to school.
Before long, the topic returned full circle; the Tournament's second task.
"Please… not again." Hermione desperately pleaded, her hands covered her ears with the knowledge that anymore cries would cause unparalleled agony. The first time she had heard it, the poor witch was left keeled over and with her head spinning. What did surprise Hermione was the fact that each Veela seemed to flinch back in curiosity. Besides that, nothing else; not even a cringe of discomfort. Didn't they know screaming when they heard it?
"I have to 'Mione. We didn't catch each word the first time it opened. Perhaps it may be best if you are not here for this…" Discomfort was written across the blonde's face knowing her actions were causing her love distress but there was little to be done about it. Fleur needed to know what the second task entailed. No matter the cost.
"No!" Hermione was adamant. "The first one was hard enough and that didn't come with a clue! I'm staying for this! I could help…" grabbing the Veela's hands, brown eyes pleaded with blue. "…just, a little warning?" releasing a sigh, the blonde pulled Hermione into a tight embrace.
"Very well."
What followed had the entourage of Beauxbatons students keeled over on the carpeted floor; all but the stubborn Veela. While the young men had been exuberant in their initial willingness to participate, the piercing sound sent convulsive waves into their skulls and everyone was left incapable of thought, much less action. Hermione's cringing features were tightening by the second as her brain felt like it was going to split apart from the inside! The sounds pounded into the deepest parts of her subconscious and a darkness was starting to overcome her; if this continued, Hermione knew she was going to black out.
Almost as if Merlin and Morgana themselves took pity on the French contingent, the wailing finally ceased. Like puppets with abruptly cut strings, the bodies of the various unintentional victims fell onto the floor in staggering form. Hermione clung onto the nearest standing body, she was ever thankful her girlfriend was as observant and strong as she was.
"I can't take any more of this." One of the wizards mumbled as he tried to stand on wobbly legs. Hermione gave them all looks of sympathy as they represented exactly how she felt too. Unstable and with clouded minds.
"Please tell me you deciphered the clue this time girls. Anymore and we'll be asking you to use the public baths." What an odd thing to say; nonetheless Fleur nodded her head.
"We did. Or at least, I have come to a reasonable conclusion of what is being spoken. Emelie? Did you perhaps pick up anything more?"
"A moment, please?" Hermione interjected, gaining her footing but still within the blonde's grasp. "You mean that was a language to you? What kind of creature makes that sound?" The fourth year didn't appreciate the slight gleam that passed between the older students' eyes; even the wizards grinned slyly. "Yes; the youngest, less educated student is asking her most all-knowing seniors to assist her in knowledge. Now can someone please explain?!"
Hermione's jaw was cradled and turned slightly as her blue eyed partner mere inches away tried to ensure that no one was laughing at the younger girl personally.
"Veela are able to understand a variety of creature languages; albeit this one is rather complicated, we have concluded the species at least and natural research does the rest."
"That doesn't explain what creatures use it, Fleur." Her grumble was met with a cheeky grin. Gage spoke up from his seated position.
"Mermaids, 'Ermione."
The unexpected response had caught the young witch off guard but then the facts had begun to methodically piece together in her mind.. Hermione would've easily followed their line of thinking given a few additional years in school and with the proper lessons focused on said creatures but she held pride in at least knowing a fair deal already. Instead the brunette could only blush slightly at being caught unaware and buried herself further into Fleur's protective embrace; much to the amusement of the seventh years who witnessed it.
"Merfolk? In the Black Lake; well that certainly explains it. I presume not many activities can take place in the depths of a mysteries body of w…" What started as a mumble turned into a ramble and by the end, Hermione was staring into the eyes of her rather astonished girlfriend. "What?" Looking about she noticed the various eyes of intrigue to her own conclusion. "I admit that I couldn't figure out the first part, but the rest is pretty logical."
A round of laughter filled the carriage as Fleur smothered affection onto Hermione while the brunette pleaded for mercy.
"Have you been sitting in on a few advanced lessons now 'Mione?" Chayce loved to tease and he knew in the given situation there would be no retaliation and that made it even more enjoyable. Hermione's predicament was the foundation for many hours of amusement for the rest of the Beauxbatons contingent . The girl's embarrassment started with that but soon morphed as Fleur was getting a little adventurous. Hands wandering to places neither girl would advertise in public and while she enjoyed the attention given to her neck, Hermione was not one to reciprocate with an audience.
After the second clue was figured out, the following weeks passed quickly. Hermione remained firm in her school work schedule; classes were simplistic in terms of material but having to tolerate Harry's 'friends' put a new strain onto her focus. If they weren't appearing in the hallways, then the brunette foreigner would find herself cornered any time she was conversing with Harry in a moment of private. The redheaded ones especially had become tiring of late.
Hermione's remaining energy was spent on Fleur. Her Veela girlfriend had become high strung over the last few months and since the Yule Ball, it was almost like there was something to prove for the blonde haired teenager. Physical contact, passionate kisses, snuggling all evening, and borderline inappropriate behavior inside the corridors. For a fifteen year old know-it-all, the witch thought she was well prepared for it but in truth Hermione was scared.
Self research never did truly give her all the details and with a family so secretive as the species were known to be, Hermione doubted any information she had encountered. Veela were such odd Beings. Having one as a lover was incredibly daunting! The overly sexual behaviour was logical; that she could accept and for someone like herself, Hermione knew she could handle Fleur just fine but the more thought went into it, the harder it became. Was being a Veela mate meant to be this… terrifying?
"'Mione? Are you alright?" A gentle hand grazed her hairline and effectively disrupted the daydreaming young witch. Fleur was trying to visually decipher a cause but found none; Hermione figured the momentary silence was enough for concern. Outdoor sparring sessions for the Beauxbatons lot tended to mean they were more focused and filled with a serious sort of tension, all for the sake of educational purposes. In comparison to her earlier images and mentality, the girl wondered just how the Veela would react to any direct inquiries...
"Hey Fleur…" She began in a light hearted tone. As it wasn't their turn for another round of spellcasting, the duo had placed themselves some ways away from the larger group. A thick blanket protected them from the cold hard ground.
"Yes?" As attention was on fixing a loose part of Hermione's braid, she didn't expect the following question.
"Do you… ever think about sexual intercourse?" Through the initial thought process, Hermione had not imagined it would hurt to ask. She knew Fleur and most of the older girls had done...many things with other students back in Beauxbatons. It was only natural. Sexual beings were after all, sexual. "You know; with me..?" By the time brown orbs finally locked onto the older girl's face, it was a beacon of bright, blushing mastery. Mouth aghast and hand suspended midair, Fleur was caught off guard. "You do?!"
"Well… I; yes. I have." Stumped in a shocked expression, Hermione's brain had to rewire itself to function again. Slow blinking from the brunette caused Fleur to avoid all eye contact.
A Veela could become embarrassed? Embarrassed?! Hermione was mortified that after everything the teenager put her through; the public displays and almost scandalizing situations all over the place, SHE was blushing over a question? Fleur?! Furrowed brows quickly came down as the girl readied her growl.
"Seriously?! How are you red faced about this? Aren't you a Veela?! You're supposed to be this lustful, seductive Being that everyone drools over! Not a blushing pre-teen with a crush?!" Hermione was miffed; not quite angry, only justifiably agitated. Fleur didn't respond immediately, allowing her cheeks to lose their heat gradually.
"As a Veela, I take pride in my heritage and… ways." She did sound like a defensive pre-teen. "But that doesn't make me a scandalous woman of irrefutable worth! I'm hurt you'd think…"
"I've seen you." Hermione's blunt tone caught Fleur unawares for a second time and the duo sat silently for a moment. Suspended between them was an air of unknown tension.
"With other girls. You looked to be… enjoying the entertainment." Hermione hadn't expected to feel the pain until it was said; jealousy wasn't the most prominent emotion eating away at her either. It was gut-wrenching, endless echoing of self pity.
"They were nothing." The blonde waved the idea off like a strand of hair from her face. "In fact, yes; they were mere entertainment to keep my Veela blood in check. I was losing myself rapidly. It wasn't about enjoyment."
"It wasn't?" That put a blunder on Hermione's initial thought; from what she knew, Veela conquered others for the pleasure of it. If Fleur didn't… "Why then?"
"Because… you were too young and we weren't… I needed something to keep me distracted from taking you."
"Oh." Head in hand, the know-it-all was left to simmer on the puzzle that had only just now pieced itself together. So the Veela played around with girls in hopes she'd keep her dirty, lustfilled paws off an underaged mate? It sounded like a terrible but modernized tragedy plot. After exhaling heavily, Hermione looked towards her girlfriend and found curious if hesitant eyes peering back. "I guess… that's alright then."
"I am forgiven?" Fleur smiled ever so slightly. "It wasn't anything special."
"Let's just drop it. No more discussion." The witch stated firmly and effectively changed her visual focus to something else; namely Chayce getting beaten miserably. "It's in the past." In a moment of weakness, Hermione felt toned arms encompass her torso and she didn't have the energy to fight back. Fleur leaned into her mate and gave a sigh in content.
"Thank you 'Ermione."
"Mmm."
There was only so much mental power that the girl could exude; sooner or later Hermione knew she'd fizzle out and that would be it. Veela were too complicated. Give a little and they take everything; not enough and they're insulted. Anyone would know such an ending… It was impossible, especially for a fifteen year old to deal with.
As a controlled hand brushed against the canvas, colours collided in a vicious contrast as Hermione's gaze switched between the painting and her muse. The water's reflection wasn't coming out as she wanted; a distasteful glance at her pallet had the brunette questioning her options. It wasn't like her other creative products and certainly didn't bring out any rewarding feeling. The Black Lake seemed so… muggy. Like a fog obscured her vision.
"Hey 'Mione! What are you doing down here?" A call came from her back and the witch frowned at such rogue-like manners. As Hermione twisted in her seat to get a better look, dark eyes found a gathering of students that were in the process of making it down the hillside towards her. Harry wore his usual smirk; the redheaded siblings continued to squabble like every other day, the towering boy as nervous looking as ever… A scene that appeared so natural as the witch placed her tools aside.
It felt familiar. Like every day for the past three years Hermione had looked upon their faces… No. She had seen them; every second of every day. At the grounds, the castle, the lake and everyone wandering around... The witch immediately turned back; all her paints, canvas and easel were gone. The hobby she spent years perfecting was suddenly non existent. Her hands were clean, idle and gloved by dark woolen cloth. Silk robes of soft blue were replaced with thick, multilayers of Hogwarts black and grey. An outer cloak draped over her shoulders housed the insignia of a vibrant red and gold lion…
"This isn't... No!" Hermione frantically looked around, searching; pleading with the universe that it wasn't real. As the atmosphere caved in on her, an encirclement of blurred faces and echoing laughter began to suffocate the witch. It wasn't right! This whole thing wasn't right, it wasn't Hermione's life! She didn't want it!
As she blinked away the haze that had overtaken her eyes, the girl found herself inside a warmly lit hallway. It was homey; small but comfortable, there was a slim staircase on the left, a carpet that flowed through to a sitting room perhaps? Sounds of pots and pans carried in with an incredible smell of chicken, vegetables and gravy…
The girl looked around at the pictures all over the walls and various types of artwork. A realisation dawned on Hermione and she quickly retraced her steps. Wall hangings, portraits, photos… they were all frozen in time. Still and vividly detailed with her face, from an age as young as maybe three or four years old; Hermione's eyes followed the timeline of what seemed to be a decade of life.
Birthday parties, family vacations, Christmas morning and school?
The faces surrounding her didn't appear… clearly enough for the witch to discern who was who but two bodies kept repeating in nearly all the photos. A male and female. Were these her parents?
"Hermione?! Is that you?"
"Ah...yes?" She called back, bewildered at her own tone of voice. What was that accent just now?
"Just in time! Dinner is almost ready!" The voice sounded joyful as it called to the teenage girl. Every step forward felt lighter and Hermione didn't need to know the woman standing behind the doorway. The unconditional love radiating off her just like a mother…
"No!" Hermione instinctively wrenched herself away; eyes clenched shut and her hands full of hair. This wasn't her home! She didn't have a muggle life where magic didn't exist; where friendships were fickle and family so far from each other. As the scene fell away and Hermione floated into the void, the witch kept repeating the same words over and over.
Home. Family.
Sound of a name being called, Hermione blinked through the tears to find a concerned faced Apolline staring down at her. The softness of the woman's hands as they cradled her face caused the poor girl to waver; was this the right one? With smells of fresh roses from the garden, rushed footsteps of running children through the corridors and the familiar feeling of thrall tracing her skin, the brunette knew it wasn't a dream. For a second, Hermione thought she saw the shadow of Gabrielle race by the room, an abundance of laughter left in her wake.
Caught up in the moment of confusion; Hermione was blindsided by the mother of three placing a kiss on her forehead before she walked off to places unknown. In her immobile state as the scene played around her, Hermione witnessed her father pass by with the same knowing smirk that often adorned his features. Nathanael and Tristan suddenly appeared behind her, conversing over some alchemical component. She wasn't ready for the gleam to the latter's eye as their gazes met hers for a split second before they too left her behind. The multitude of voices flowed through the rooms like they were hyped for the festive season.
The witch turned around and found her many cousins as they played together; the twins had thrown about a wave of gushing water, fireballs soared overhead and every member of the clan was so at ease. Hermione's smile widened at the entrance of the glowing brilliance that was the beloved blonde haired Veela. Fleur flung her arms around the younger witch so eagerly, Hermione melted into the warmth; nuzzling into the familiar neck before her.
"How's my little sister today?" Brown eyes snapped open as though she had violently been punched in the gut, and Hermione recoiled in agony. Winded from the proverbial strike, she could do nothing as the now adult looking blonde walked to their grandmother's side proudly. A place especially created for the heir to be...
Further and further away.
"No! Wait! Please!" Her cries faded into the silence between them as the people; the family she loved and cherished disappeared into the inky darkness. "Fleur..!" A sickening cold started closing in around Hermione. Breath vapored before her face as her fingers stiffened, muscles cramped and brown orbs dulled…
"'Ermione!" She forgot how to breathe for a second as her lungs burned and the gag reflex had Hermione coughing up mouthfuls of water she didn't know she had swallowed. She sputtered for air as heavy limbs started to flail about, and almost attacked the two bodies close by. "'Ermione. It's ok." Fleur was right there to grab her; though her panicked mind barely registered the voice and Hermione's bleary gaze fell onto the familiar features.
Fleur was pale, droplets trailing down her skin and her hair a shade darker from the water saturation. They were floating on the lake's surface; with little sense on her positioning, Hermione had all but clung to her girlfriend's body.
"What? Where are..?" A few yards away stood three towers, each with three levels and platforms just above the water. Packed with students and professors, all of which were staring in their direction. As her breath calmed and the freezing temperatures settled in, Hermione finally recognized the frazzled faces of Harry and the redheaded boy as they made their way to the docks. Hermione's jaw was shivering when Fleur's hand gently refocused her attention.
"I've got you. You're alright, I promise 'Mione." With a shaky nod, the witch could only cling for her life as the Veela brought them in.
Instantly, the witch was pulled from the lake; layers upon layers of blankets, towels and warming charms were placed upon her body. Hermione didn't know who was yelling out orders but she was just trying to not shake herself silly from the cold. Whose idea was it to go swimming in barely post winter conditions anyway?
"Judges, with me now!" Dumbledore's voice carried over the crowd and with just enough power to make the brunette look at her surroundings, only to find all the faces watching her. Students, strangers, friends, family; a strong feeling of insecurity started to crawl up her spine and Hermione quickly looked away. She scrambled forward, ditching her layers to hide in Fleur's arms.
"It's over 'Mione. You're safe now. The Task is done."
The Second Task… the lake! Hermione's eyes widened as white knuckles strained. That's how she'd seen all those visions; the weird dream-like fantasies that she had never lived through. Images of what it would be like if she had attended Hogwarts and became a Gryffindor student. Perhaps a home life if Hermione wasn't a witch… but the last one was more of a vile nightmare.
Despite her frozen state, the brainiac figured it was some magic induced coma like state perhaps or a potion they'd been drugged with; Hermione didn't know for sure. The slow working charms used to fight the cold hadn't softened the girl's growing disdain for the organizers. How dare they… how dare someone do this to her!
"Attention! ATTENTION!" All attendees cowered at the bellowing sound enhanced by the spell. Dumbledore, newly returned from a small council with the other judges, continued strongly. "The winner is… Cedric Diggory!" Hogwarts students went into a roaring cheer at their champion's placement and the looks of disdain from her fellow comrades from Beauxbatons didn't escape Hermione's eye. She'd be alongside them if that didn't mean she'd have to give up her warm spot.
They were visibly outraged.
"With an excellent use of the Bubblehead charm!" Undeterred by the noise, Dumbledore's voice carried on. Hermione tried to concentrate on the scoring but with a worried clan surrounding her, the girl had to use what little energy she had left to stay upright. Most of the effort was left in her girlfriend's capable hands while bodies succumbed to the warming charms and extra dry blankets.
"Otherwise, placements would've been challenged if not for Mister Potter and Miss Delacour who were concerned over not just their own treasures but the others as well. A Grindylow swarm had amassed upon the scene and they had remained to ensure a safe retreat for all champions. Therefore we've agreed to give them both second place!"
Hermione's glazed, wide-eyed expression turned to Fleur in a moment of awe. Not only had the blonde haired Veela stayed behind to ensure her safety, but she assisted Harry in his task too? If they weren't the centre of attention, Hermione would've kissed her girlfriend relentlessly. The gleam in the blue orbs told the brunette that the message was nonetheless received.
After the crowds again encompassed them in a deafening noise, Hermione found herself gently wrapped up and hoisted to her feet. The Beauxbatons group made their way to the longboats and as swiftly as possible, left the docking towers and the Black lake behind them. Shivers began to overcome the fourth year; what charms and blankets lacked, Hermione cursed her body for succumbing to the rapid change of temperatures. The more she shook, the closer she clung to her saviour.
After a long, bone thawing hot bath and a brief respite of entertainment from an overly talkative Chayce as she waited for Fleur to get back, Hermione relayed what little she 'remembered' during her enchanted sleep. She didn't share her disorientated dreams. Those were too close to home for the brunette to do anything but meditate on. But with the usually charming young man at her side, Hermione wordlessly commended his efforts. When the older blonde retrieved her not ten minutes later, the witch gave Chayce a delicate smile in thanks before she followed Fleur to their room.
Hermione sat in silence. Eyes trailed after her Veela counterpart as she went about sorting their clothes, turning the sheets down and performing no doubt more warming charms. Despite how drained she felt and the cold that still lingering in her limbs, Hermione stood and walked to the beautiful creature before her. In a moment of bravery, Hermione grasped the sides of Fleur's face and pulled her into a deep kiss. Tongues were slow to venture but quickly it became a battle of dominance as lustful thoughts took over innocent actions. Fleur's hands gripped the nightshirt of her partner enough that she could tear it away at any second while Hermione's hands had moved from the blonde's hair downward. As the two came up for air and Fleur took advantage of the dazed look on her girlfriend's face to push them back towards the bed, she wasn't expecting the sudden touch of cold digits on her skin.
Hermione had been desperate and all but wrenched Fleur's collar open to get at the heated flesh beneath. She wouldn't be deterred by fear or trepidation; for once she'd take what she wanted.
I'd first like to apologize to all my amazingly loyal readers! You guys/girls are awesome and through the hardship that is life, we got here. Living the French Life will never be abandoned. Thank you to all those who kept reviewing this fic and messaging me throughout this year asking about it. And HUGE thanks to my awesome buddy and beta WISP! I couldn't get this done without her.
Just one more thing; Question! Their 'first time' yay or nay? I can write it into the next chapter or keep it out. As always; Fav, Follow and Review.
Midmoon Kitsune out!
