Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters and this story is just a figment of my imagination.
Chapter Five
Fleur Delacour
The time was nine pm and the party is still boring since I arrived an hour ago, I shouldn't have said yes to attend this party but my Mother can't make it and she needs a proxy.
"At least one of the Delacours must be seen in these parties, Fleur." Was what my Mother always said whenever my sister and I would take our parents place in any parties that they were invited to and can't attend.
I hate politics, but my parents seem to embrace it fully. My Father is one of the French Minister's advisors while my Mother is the Supreme Mugwump. I don't have any plans in following on my parents footsteps but I can't say the same thing for Gabrielle. My sister is currently taking law in one of the Muggle universities, but I never heard her say either that she wants to follow any of our parents on their career path.
Pierre and Apolline Delacour may have chosen their careers that involve politics but they gave us the freedom to choose our own. But in exchange, Gabrielle and I will be their proxy in case that they can't attend events such as this party. Gabrielle was supposed to attend with me but she cancelled on the last minute, saying that there was an emergency with her group debate. But knowing Gabrielle, I'm pretty sure that her excuse was a bogus just to escape boring parties as this one.
My silent rumbling was interrupted when I saw her, Hermione Jean Granger. The wizarding world's Golden Girl, a war hero who helped in defeating Voldemort.
During the war, I was just starting my work as a curse breaker and I was sent to Egypt for my first assignment. I wanted to stay in France with my family, in case the war that was happening in England would reach my country. I would be there to help them but my parents were adamant that I leave for my own safety. Gabrielle was also sent to another country and she's not allowed to come home until it was safe.
After the demise of Voldemort, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger's faces were all over the newspapers and the stories on how they defeated Voldemort. The papers were all praises for the pair, but I saw that they went through a lot based on their gaunt postures and the dead looks on their eyes. But it seems that, it was being ignored by the world. What matters was the fact that Voldemort was dead. What they went through to accomplish such ordeal doesn't matter. From then on, I always grab a copy of any papers where Hermione's name was mentioned and Gabrielle always teases me that I was obsess with the Golden Girl. Until one day, I was given the chance to see her in person. It was another party that my parents were supposed to attend but can't. So, Gabrielle and I attended the party as their proxies. But that night though, I had no idea that I will see Hermione Granger in person.
I was talking to one of the guests when there was a sudden silence around the room and everyone was looking in one direction. I turned to see what was happening and I felt myself stop breathing for awhile when I saw her entered the room with Harry Potter on her side. Silent murmurs can be heard around as the pair smiled at the people greeting them, until they were met by the Ministers of Magic of England and France.
I've only seen Hermione Granger in papers, but that night. The face of the young girl that I first saw in the newspaper was gone. The girl was now a full grown woman; I could say that her images in those papers didn't do her justice. The woman was beautiful in her off shoulders silver evening gown, her wavy chestnut colored hair was loose, even her makeup was light but it suits her well. I watched her from the distance throughout the party, following her discreetly around the room until Gabrielle caught me.
"Why don't you just go to her and introduce yourself?"
I remember my sister asking me at the time but I just shook my head. I was happy that I had the chance to see the woman I admire for so long. After that party, I saw her in other parties too but I never approach her. I was content in watching and following her around discreetly. But tonight, fate seems had enough with me hiding.
For the first time, since I arrived in this party. I finally saw her….
Hermione Granger in her dark blue evening gown was standing in the corner alone and looking bored. I had no idea that she's here tonight. For the past hour, I didn't see her; she was probably hiding earlier…? But it doesn't matter. Maybe this time, I should try and approach her. Meet her properly and finally introduce myself…?
I was about to approach the woman when a voice interrupted me from behind. "It's so great to see you again, Fleur." It sounded familiar so I turned around and I was met with the handsome face, tall stature and red hair of William Wesley. The eldest son of the Wesleys, he's also my counterpart as a curse breaker in Gringotts – England.
"Hello, William. I didn't expect to see you here." I gave him a tight smile and look away to check on Hermione. In case the woman disappears somewhere because it seems that she's looking for someone. Come to think of it, I don't see Harry Potter anywhere.
"I'm here as my Father's proxy." William said and stood closer to me and about to put his arm around my waist when I saw brown eyes looking at us, I swatted his arm away. I don't want Hermione Granger to misunderstand my relationship with William, especially when I'm about to introduce myself to her.
William is a good man; a reliable colleague and he'd been vocal about liking me. In fact, he's a good choice if I want to date a man, but…. He's not my type or any men for that matter. My type has a soft body; chestnut hair and a brilliant mind behind that beautiful face. And right now, that person is standing not far from me.
Looking at me…
I have to send William away fast and discreet.
"Can you get me a glass of bourbon from the bar?" I asked William sweetly, when he turned around to leave. I made my way towards Hermione Granger. I grab two glasses of champagne from one of the servers and handed one of the glasses to the surprise woman.
"Here on a date?" I asked as I slowly sip my drink.
"I'm here with my friend but he disappeared somewhere."
"I hope you don't mind me accompanying you while he's gone, right?" I asked and step closer until our arms are touching, for some reason or maybe it's the alcohol that I've consumed that was making me bolder than usual.
I can see the hesitation in her eyes. "But what about your date…" she said gesturing at William's direction.
Ah the misunderstanding that I don't want….
"He's just a friend."
She looked at me in disbelief. "I don't think that he sees you as a friend though."
"He doesn't but I don't swing his way." I told her and look her up and down appreciatively. "I'm more inclined into women." I added and winked at her. I saw her blush and she sips her drink, almost draining the whole glass. I stop her and took the glass away from her grasp. "Why don't we take some fresh air in the balcony?" I suggested, she nodded and followed me. I put down our glasses on the nearby tables that we pass by and held her hand. I stop and looked down at our hands, the touch was making my heart beat faster and it's not because I'm feeling nervous but rather. I feel happy…
When we reached the balcony, it was void of any party goers. I lead her into the corner which was dark enough to give us some privacy. My plan was just to introduce myself but when I looked at her face; there was this persistent pull towards her that I can't resist or is it the alcohol talking or my admiration for her? I really don't know, but there's one thing I want to do now.
I want to kiss her…
Before I can change my mind, I took a step closer and kiss her on the lips. I was expecting for her to slap me for my indiscretion and was actually waiting for it when she raises one of her hands, but it wasn't a slap I got. Hermione Granger kissed me back and instead of pushing me away, she pulled me closer to her and deepens the kiss.
It was like a dream come true. Me kissing the woman, I admire for so long. If this is just a dream then I don't want to wake up from this. I press my body close to her and trailed small kisses around her face, before moving down to her jaw and neck. I can smell the mixed scent of sweat and perfume and it intoxicates me more and the way her body is responding to my touch is driving me crazy.
If someone asks me now if what was happening to me, I would say. I'm lost… I'm losing my body and mind with Hermione Granger at the moment. I kneeled in front of her, ready to take things further. Consequences be damned, but I have to admit that this chance with this woman doesn't come often. Maybe fate had enough with my pining and letting me have a taste of the person I've been longing for, for so long.
Maybe after this… things will change for us…?
But I highly doubt that…
It doesn't matter… If I can have Hermione Granger even just for one night, then so be it.
