Fleur didn't see Hermione, she spotted Harry and his red head friend, his date still by his side. She cut right to the chase. "Where is Hermione?"
Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to be the messenger in this case. Ron's eyes had turned glazy as he made a few incoherent sounds.
"What is going on?" They were interrupted by a deep voice. Fleur turned to see a frowning Bulgarian.
Viktor had seen Fleur pass by, drinks in hands but she seemed troubled. He had excused himself from his date for a short moment. He couldn't see Hermione anywhere, but the blonde seemed distressed and like she was starting to get annoyed.
"Something happened to Hermione and I want to know where she is." Stated the blonde. She didn't like Krum, but if he could help in any way regarding Hermione, she'd take it. She was annoyed at her thrall, most boys turned into bumbling fools and girls just glared. It could get difficult to get things done. The champions exchanged a look, she then stepped to the side. Krum crossed his arms and glared at the three, still sitting, younger students. "Where is Hermione?"
Harry and Ron simultaneously raised their hands, pointing in the same direction their fellow Gryffindor had disappeared in. Padma let out a weird giggle.
Fleur didn't wait to see anything else she just went in pursue of her mate. She followed their direction, it led her to the Entrance Hall. She walked out slowly, her eyes getting used to the low light. She followed a pull, she let her Veela lead her until she found Hermione. She was whimpering, sitting on a white stone bench out of the way, surrounded by the rose bushes.
Fleur froze, even if she was crying, she was beautiful under the moon, with all the small lights surrounding her. She put her mind back on track as she sat next to her girlfriend. She didn't even need to speak Hermione shifted towards her and threw her arms around her shoulders. The blonde held on tight while Hermione cried, her forehead resting the Beauxbaton's champion's collarbone.
They remained like that for a moment, not speaking until Hermione's sobs started to abate. "What can I do?" Finally asked Fleur.
"You already make me feel better just by being here." Mumbled the Gryffindor against her chest.
"Do you want me to try and say something to make you feel better?"
"You can try." Was the muffled response.
"You've been in my arms for quite some time now, I'm not sure you've realized how close your mouth is to my breasts, even more so with my décolleté." Taunted the French girl. She had felt Hermione tense in her arms as soon as she mentioned body parts.
The brunette tensed, she rolled her head, her forehead still in contact with skin but she could easily look down. That was true, she was pretty much on top of her girlfriend's boobs, she could see the perfect skin move with each breath the other witch took. The taunting curve. The silver-grey satin of her dress and the pale skin had like a strange mystic glow. Her mouth felt very dry all of a sudden. She licked her lips but didn't realize how close she was to Fleur's skin until her tongue touched it. She immediately pulled back, raising her head to look into blue eyes.
"I…" Hermione's words got stuck in her throat as she took in how full of love Fleur's gaze was. Fleur kept one arm around the smaller girl, but lowered her right hand to softly wipe her tears. "I made you feel better, did I not?"
Hermione smiled as she nodded. "Thank you."
"Do you want to tell me what that was about?" Asked Fleur, even if she was pretty sure it had something to do with the babbling drooling Weasley who obviously had some unsettled feelings towards Hermione.
"I'm getting tired of fighting with Ron. This time he pretty much insinuated that I was a whore and that I'd leave you the moment someone better came along."
Fleur scoffed "Like there is anyone better than me for you."
"Say the person who is very insecure when it comes to Viktor." Couldn't help but argue Hermione.
"My fear come from the fact that you might fall in love with someone else, not that said someone would be better than I am. You are my mate, you are perfect to me, for me. I just hope you feel the same way, or might someday." Fleur pushed a curl back behind Hermione's ear as she finished.
The Gryffindor didn't reply, she surged forward and kissed the girl.
Fleur gasped at the unexpected move and Hermione seized that opportunity to caress her tongue with her own. Fleur's hand on Hermione's back moved down to her hips and she put some pressure there, urging the smaller girl to move closer. Hermione barely thought about it, it felt so natural as she moved until she was straddling the blonde.
They alternated between deep kisses and soft touches, sometimes lips barely touching while they shared gasps.
Hermione pulled back, breathing fast, she needed a few deep breaths and her mind stopped at the sight. Fleur was breathing heavily too, she was slightly disheveled, her hair not as perfect as it used to be. Her lips were slightly parted and somewhat swollen, even in the low light she could see her pupils were bigger and her blue irises brighter. There were roses around her, and many little lights in the bushes making the scene seem supernatural.
Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she felt slender finger draw patterns on her knees, slowly move up, slipping under the hem of her dress. She shivered as her thighs tightened around Fleur's. She felt a need, a need she couldn't quite word, but she had to be closer to Fleur. She kissed her again, this time their mouths parted, Fleur opened her lips to receive Hermione's once more but the brunette kissed the corner of her mouth, then her jawline.
It was Fleur's turn to shiver as she felt her mate's breath on the delicate skin around her ear. Hermione knew this was a sensitive spot for her girlfriend, so she took a stop here, with her lips and her tongue, before she kept on moving downward. She made Fleur feel her teeth slowly go down her throat, here she stopped at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. She softly kissed the area, but needed more. She looked up in Fleur's eyes as she slowly lowered her the strap of her dress, she wanted to be sure she was allowed to. At the same time Fleur moved her hands higher on her thighs, until they rested just under her cheeks, at the edge of her underwear.
Hermione lowered her mouth to the soft skin, and soon after a few opened kisses, and small nips she realized that, spending that much time on the same spot could leave a mark, no, it would leave a mark. She sucked harder on the skin and this was when she felt it, a vibration. Fleur was purring, her Veela was ecstatic, her mate was claiming her for all to see.
Hermione got curious, she sucked harder and the purring got louder. When she felt she was almost done she slightly bit before removing her lips, she laid a small kiss on the brand-new hickey. She moved slightly away, with a very satisfied smile on her lips.
They looked into each other eyes, just enjoying the moment for a minute.
Hemione's eyes got back to what she had just done and could see that the dress strap had kept on lowering until it would seem the upper left part of the dress remained in place because of a hard nipple. The brunette could see the pointy shape under the fabric, just an inch away from cold air. She felt hypnotized by its every move, by Fleur's every breath. "Fleur?"
One of the blonde's hands left its snugly place, to grab Hermione's and bring it to her shoulder, on what was still covering it. Hermione glanced up into her eyes as she reverently lowered it. She felt like her eyes were not enough to take in everything. She wanted to remember every detail.
Hermione's fingertips brushed soft skin as she pushed, her eyes glued to the dress as it slipped, then to the pointy shape slightly resisting the move, the fabric was briefly taut until the little nub of flesh was free.
"Breathe Hermione."
The Gryffindor blushed hard as she realized it was true. She breathed in as she looked up into Fleur's eyes. "Are you okay?" Asked the blonde.
"Perfect. You are perfect." Was Hermione's answer. She kissed Fleur softly on the lips, a peck then another. Fleur had her hand on Hermione's still pulled back hair as they made out. The blonde kept it that way as she shifted so she could lean back until she was lying flat on the bench.
Hermione sat up for a second, the view had changed and she enjoyed it too. Fleur's breast's shape had changed, going slightly more to the side. Brown eyes alternated between Fleur's chest and her eyes as she raised her hand. Fleur's look was encouraging with a small smile on her lips.
Hermione's fingertips finally came in contact with the softest skin, they slowly travelled on the side of the small round form, once her hand was bellow it she put her hand flat on Fleur's ribs before moving up, taking the breast in her hand her thumb got up until it reached the nipple.
Fleur' smile remained on her face as she watched Hermione, she had rarely seen her so focused, her mouth was slightly opened as she got familiar with her boobs, when she felt tentative fingers touch her nipple, she couldn't help but laugh as she watched Hermione's jaw drop a little more.
Hermione recoiled as if she had been burned and started to babble. "I…I'm so, so sorry, I didn't…"
Fleur raised her shoulder off the surface she was on as she grabbed Hermione's hand midair. "I wasn't…you did nothing wrong; it was perfect. I couldn't help myself, you looked so cute. I'm sorry if my laugh made you feel uncomfortable."
"It took me by surprise. I didn't think people laughed during…"
"If you are at ease you can make all kind of noise." Fleur leaned back, let go of her mate's hand before she lowered her own hand so it would go back under Hermione's dress, she was careful not to touch skin until she reached her destination, right under the Gryffindor's behind. As soon as their skin touched Hermione squealed. "Your hand is freezing!"
Fleur smirk turned into a laugh when Hermione giggled then the brunette bent and they were kissing all over again.
When they parted Fleur added. "Do whatever feels right Hermione."
"What if you don't like it?"
"I doubt I won't like it, although I promise you if there are things I prefer, I'll let you know." Fleur smiled.
"Fleur…I…"
The Beauxbaton's champion got a bit worried as Hermione had suddenly grew serious. She waited for Hermione to finish. "I love you."
Fleur's mouth dropped open in a pretty silent gasp, she felt tears in her eyes as she felt something shift in her chest. It was a strange feeling like a part of her was lying down in bliss, looking up at Hermione. Was her inner Veela high?
Fleur gave Hermione a quick hard kiss bore saying it again. "I love you too."
After that they just looked at each other for a moment, smiling. Then Hermione's eyes left Fleur's to look back down. "Do whatever feels natural." Encouraged the blonde once more.
Hermione lowered her head and encased that little nipple into her mouth.
Fleur moaned, her chest slightly rose as her back arched, she was feeling the cold British winter a second and Hermione's mouth felt like it lit her on fire instantly. She was disappointed when suddenly her mate pulled back and looked around. "Did you hear that?!"
Fleur looked around; she was otherwise preoccupied but was pretty sure she didn't hear anything special. "No. Relax Hermione."
Hermione went back to her price but couldn't help but feel that something was off. She used the flat of her tongue on Fleur's tiny peak when she heard it again. The blonde groaned.
"I'm sure I heard something Fleur. It's like…a high pitch giggle." Whispered the Gryffindor.
"Oh that. It's just the fairies." Explained Fleur. Hermione looked around and remembered that all the lights were actually fairies, and she was pretty sure there weren't that many lights in their little corner when they arrived. "Is it just me or are they regrouped around us more than before?"
"They are fairies Hermione; they are most likely just enjoying the show."
"What?!" Hermione seemed offended, if not a bit horrified.
"Just think of it like…as if it was your cat. We're snogging in front of your cat."
Hermione made a face, she wasn't sure she'd be at ease doing that kind of thing in front of Crookshanks, he could have these weird penetrating looks. Sometimes she wondered if he was actually judging her.
"Okay. Not your cat then." Fleur sighed, she had to admit she was very turned on and she was getting frustrated. "They are minxy little fireflies." Fleur just hoped she didn't offend any of them.
"Minxy?" Repeated Hermione.
"Yep." With her mate's eyes back on her, Fleur smiled as her thumbs toyed with the edge of Hermione's underwear for an instant before slipping under it. "Is that okay?"
Hermione bit her lip before nodding, so Fleur kept going until her hands were covering the brunette's behind. Hermione's feathered kissed Fleur's neck before going back to her breast. She wrapped her lips around the nipple, sucked gently before taking it between her teeth.
"Hermione!"
The witch in question let it go with a small pop. Fleur was cursing in French.
"Harry!" Both Gryffindors were horrified. Hermione's brain caught up and she sat up, bringing Fleur along with her so no one unwanted could see some boob. The blonde's hands leaved their warm dwelling to cover herself properly, putting the upper part of her dress back on.
"Quick hide or get up?! Look decent!" Said Harry as he looked back over his shoulder. Ron appeared as both witches got up.
"Why are all the fairies here?" Asked Ron before he realized who else was there. "Hermione."
"Ron." Was the brunette's curt reply. She turned to Harry. "What are you doing here?"
"Escaping Percy's presence." Ron rolled his eyes. Hermione ignored him, she didn't forgive him yet, but she'd do her best and be mature about it for Harry. That, and even if they had been interrupted, she didn't want anything to taint the moment she had just shared with Fleur.
"We've seen something… suspicious from Snape and Karkaroff too." Added Harry, they all knew they'd talk about it later.
It was Hermione who rolled her eyes this time, Harry and his paranoia concerning their potion master. It was when they heard another voice, Hagrid's voice, with…Madame Maxime?
Harry and Hermione exchanged a look. They knew this was a private conversation from the few words they had already heard and they definitely didn't want to listen to this. Hagrid would hate to be overheard in a situation like this.
"We should leave." Stated Hermione and Harry nodded immediately. They turned towards the other two who didn't have to same qualms about eavesdropping.
"Fleur." Hermione called for her girlfriend's attention.
"What?"
"We need to leave?"
"Don't you want to know just a little bit more?"
"This is not our place. We are leaving." Hermione's voice had dropped in the end, intending for her statement to be irrefutable.
"Fine. But the only way out is that way, towards the voices." Said Fleur.
"Can't we just sneak off between some rose bushes?" Asked Harry.
"I'm very fond of this dress, I'd rather not get it torn. Although, for some of us it wouldn't be a loss at all." Fleur eyed Ron's robes. "And I know for a fact that Madame Maxime wouldn't take kindly if she caught us listening in."
The four of them walked as silently as they could until they reached a large stone reindeer, over which they could see the sparkling jets of a tall fountain. The shadowy outlines of two enormous people were visible on a stone bench, watching the water in the moonlight.
There was no way they could cross discreetly. They ended up hiding as deep as they could into the shadows behind the reindeer.
"How dare You!" Shrieked Madame Maxime. Her voice exploded through the peaceful night air like a foghorn; around them a few lights went out, most likely a few fairies got scared and were hiding in the darkness as well. "I have never been more insulted in my life! Half-giant?! Moi? I have … I have big bones!"
She stormed away; great multi-colored swarms of still shinning fairies rose into the air as she passed, angrily pushing aside bushes. Hagrid was still sitting on the bench, staring after her. It was much too dark to make out his expression. Then, after about a minute, he stood up and strode away, not back to the castle, but off out into the dark grounds in the direction of his cabin.
"Come on" Said Harry, very quietly. "Let's go…"
But Ron didn't move.
"What's up?" Asked Harry, looking at him.
Ron looked around at Harry and Hermione, his expression very serious indeed. "Did you know?" He whispered. "About Hagrid being half giant?"
Harry shrugged as he looked at them. "So what if he is?"
"Well, giants…they're…they're…" It wasn't easy saying what he had to say with the girls giving him some kind of exasperated look. "Not very nice." Finished Ron lamely.
"There is nothing wrong with Hagrid!" Defended Harry.
"No there isn't." Concurred Hermione. "Well, I always thought he must be." She shrugged. "I knew he couldn't be pure giant, because they're about twenty feet tall. But honestly, all this hysteria about giants. They can't all be horrible…it's the same sort of prejudice that people have towards werewolves…it's just bigotry, isn't it?"
Ron looked as though he would like to reply scathingly, perhaps he didn't want another row, because he contented himself with shaking his head disbelievingly while Hermione wasn't looking.
Fleur felt like the golden trio were about to start a discussion she didn't want to take part in. "Hermione, I think I should go. Madame Maxime is obviously upset; I don't think I should get back to the carriage passed my curfew."
"Of course." Said Hermione, then they both leaned it for soft kiss. Harry looked away and Ron glared. When they parted Hermione had a small smile on her face as she watched her girlfriend for a second before turning back to the boys. Ron was still glaring, she glared back.
Harry cleared his throat. "Maybe we should head back too?"
They made their way back to the castle and spent the short amount of time left of the ball discussing in a corner. The Weird Sisters finished playing at midnight, everyone gave them a last, loud round of applause, and started to wend their way into the Entrance Hall. Many people were expressing their wish that the ball could have gone on longer, including two familiar girls.
Out in the Entrance Hall, the three of them saw Laetitia and Ginny giggling together as they were obviously saying goodnight. Ron made them wait a second to be sure his little sister was going back to their tower before they followed, but halfway up the marble staircase, Harry was called by Cedric Diggory.
"Yeah?" Said Harry coldly. The other Hogwarts champion ran up the stairs towards them. He looked as though he didn't want to say whatever it was in front of anyone else but Harry.
Ron shrugged before leave alongside Hermione, a very tense silence between them.
Everybody got up late on Boxing Day. The Gryffindor common room was much quieter than it had been lately, many yawns punctuating the lazy conversations. Hermione's hair was bushy again.
Ron and Hermione had reached an unspoken agreement not to discuss their argument. They were being quite friendly to each other, though oddly formal.
They went down for breakfast, though at that time it was more a brunch.
Fleur was already there, looking perfect as ever, Hermione felt in awe and a little jealous, but most of all she was just incredibly happy to see her, even if they had parted just a few hours ago. Laetitia was sitting in front of her, next to Ginny.
Hermione went on one side with Harry, as she got closer, she could see that Ginny was holding something tightly under the table, she peaked discreetly and saw that it was the Quidditch gloves the red head had received for Christmas. She chose not to ask, instead the brunette leaned down for a peck on Fleur's lips as a greeting. "Morning." She said to the others. She took her place next to Fleur, and Harry next to her.
Ron was across them, next to his sister.
Laetitia greeted the brightest witch of her age with a teasing smirk. "So, I hear Fleur found a pretty efficient way to cheer you up."
"You told her?!" Exclaimed Hermione as a she felt heat rush to her cheeks.
"She is my best friend. We share."
"Everything?" Hermione needed it to be clarified.
"Of course not everything." Explained Fleur.
"I just know that you're a boob girl." Laetitia smirk got wider.
Both Weasley next to her had a strong reaction, Ginny spit out and Ron chocked.
Unexpectedly Hermione didn't just blush. "Take one to know one, do I need to remind you about a snowwoman incident?"
Laetitia raised her index finger. "A, it was not an incident but a tactical move. And B, I like breasts but I'm definitely not a boob girl, even if they can cheer me up too."
"Why did Hermione need to be cheered up yesterday anyway? Didn't she have a good time with Fleur? "Asked Ginny, as she tried to make them talk about something else.
"She went at it with your brother again." Explained Laetitia to the younger girl, while a smirk of her own appeared on Fleur's face. "For your information, Hermione, Laetitia is a butt kind of girl, that and quidditch uniforms. One of the first reason she got interested by the game. What was it that you said? There is nothing better looking than a great ass in a quidditch uniform to make it pop. Right?"
Laetitia's mouth had dropped open, she couldn't believe her best friend had just said that. She couldn't move, nor look at the girl by her side. Ginny had straightened up and was as red as her hair.
Harry as discreetly slipped away from them on the bench, he was losing his appetite.
"Fleur! What are you doing?!" Laetitia had slipped back to their native language.
"You tease my mate first thing in the morning, I can tease yours." Fleur chose to omit that it was pretty much eleven.
"That's different. She's not…not my…we are just friends." Opposed the raven-haired girl.
"Right." Drawled the blonde. "And you were borderline kink shaming Hermione. I wouldn't go down that path if I were you." Fleur gave her a look as she finished.
"Fine." Conceded the lycan. She cleared her throat before speaking again. "Hermione, I'm sorry for calling you on something private and natural, Fleur does have great breasts."
Fleur groaned; she was surprised when her mate seemed fine with it. "Apology accepted, I guess."
"So, am I the only one who avoided my homework during this first week of our holidays? Hermione you'll help me, right?" Ginny wanted once more to talk about something else.
The brunette had of course already finished her homework. She was looking to spending as much time with her girlfriend as she could, before Christmas break was over and she had to go to detentions everyday for two months, just a little after the second task. Hermione' smile was sour on the edge as she told her. "Sure Gin."
"You don't have to." Said Ginny as she saw her friend react.
"No. No. You know I'm always happy to help you when you need it."
"You just…you're usually more enthusiastic when it comes to studying." Argued Ginny.
"Ginny." Cut in Seamus as he got up from next to Ron. "Hermione probably wants to spend as much time as she can snogging her girlfriend. I know I would." He winked at the younger girl before walking away from the table. Laetitia was glaring at his back, upper lip slightly raised. Ginny had blushed.
The raven-haired girl took a deep breath and closed, reminding herself that it was not her place. She looked up to see her concerned best friend. She nodded to tell her she was okay.
"Maybe Laetitia could help you." Offered Fleur.
Ginny glance at the girl next to her. "I don't know… Hermione is really smart."
Laetitia's mouth dropped open, ignoring Ron's snicker. He didn't need to add anything. Fleur bit her lip as so she wouldn't burst out laughing.
"I mean…" Ginny knew it came out wrong. "She…explains it in a way that make it so easy understand."
"I've spent some time with her studying in her library and although she can digress, a lot, I'm sure she is more than capable of helping you. If, that's what you want." Hermione smiled at the girl in front or her.
"I'm sorry, I never meant to imply…" Ginny trailed off, still not looking at the French girl by her side.
"That's fine."
"No, it's not. I'd be more than happy if you could help me study" Smile Ginny.
Laetitia cleared her throat. "I don't want you to feel like you have to…"
"I don't!" Cut off the red head.
There was an awkward silence until Laetitia nodded. That was settled.