Chapter 24: What Of Our Future?

Harry and Ginny couldn't stop pouting at their loss to Beauxbatons. Hermione wasn't actually complaining though. In fact, she was absolutely happy Beauxbatons won, not that she would say that to her best friends. The reason? Well, it seemed that winning had… uhh… quite an effect on her blonde… best described as… aphrodisiac. She blushed as she remembered what happened in the locker rooms after she had gone down there to give a tongue lashing to the blonde about her stupid dangerous stunts. Hermione was the one who got a tongue-lashing instead after everyone else shuffled out. Yep, definitely not complaining...

She had finished her Head Girl duties and spent time with her two best friends listening to them lamenting about their loss and was on her way to the lake to see Fleur. The two of them had decided to skip dinner in the Hall and have it at their usual spot instead. She found the blonde easily, sitting on a blanket with a basket surrounded by jar lights.

"Mon amour," greeted Fleur as she watched the brunette approach.

Hermione slipped next to her girlfriend and kissed her gently, "Hi," she whispered against the Veela's lips.

"'Ungry?"

"Not yet," Hermione replied, burying her nose in the crook of Fleur's neck to smell the jasmine, "Fleur?"

"Hmm?"

"I experienced the first Veela change while at the match," informed Hermione.

Fleur looked at the brunette incredulously, "Really? Already?"

Hermione frowned, "I could hear the Snitch buzzing. My hearing is a lot more sensitive. I've managed to get a hang of it, it seems though. It's less irritating now. Was it not supposed to happen this fast?"

Fleur looked pensive for a second, "I'm not sure, I've never 'eard of it 'appening so fast before."

"Do I need to be worried?" asked Hermione hesitantly.

Fleur shook her head, "I don't think so. Ze changes to a mate 'as always been a good thing. I'll ask grand-mère, just in case."

Hermione nodded, snuggling deeper into the blonde's arms.

"I 'ad a chat wiz Madame Maxime and it seems zhat we are not leaving as soon as ze Third Task iz over. We are going to 'ave our exams 'ere."

"Really?" asked Hermione, perking up. She loved studying with the blonde and was actually dreading the exam period with the added stress of not having the blonde around. This was excellent news!

"Oui, you get to 'ave me for a bit longer. Our graduation will be 'eld at Beauxbatons zhough."

"I understand," replied Hermione, smiling, "I'm just happy I get more time with you and that we can study together."

"What makes you think, mon amour, zhat I will be using zhis extra time wiz you to study?" Fleur smirked lecherously.

Hermione whacked her on the head, "I will not let you sully my perfect record, Fleur Delacour! I'm first in my class and I intend to graduate as such!" she shrieked, aghast.

Fleur just laughed at her before pressing a quick kiss to the bookworm's lips to calm her down.

Hermione took a deep breath before looking at the blonde seriously, "what are your plans after graduating, Fleur?"

Fleur looked at the serious brunette and replied, "My plan has always been the same, chosen for me from birth. I am to go back to France and resume my training wiz my muzzer and granmuzzer to get ready to take my place as Chief."

Hermione nodded, she had guessed that much.

Fleur frowned at the brunette's silence, "iz everything okay, 'Ermione?" she asked hesitantly.

Hermione looked up at the worried blonde and brought her hand up to flatten the creases on the Veela's forehead. "Yes, everything is fine, love. I applied for a handful of jobs in France and got a few positive responses. Of course, the final verdict will depend on my exam results but things look optimistic."

Fleur looked at her lioness in shock. Sure, she had expected for them to be together at some point but never thought the brunette would want to follow her to France right away.

"What?" asked Hermione at the blonde's shocked face, "you thought we would be separated? There's no way I'm living without you with me," She said before suddenly feeling nervous, "unless… you don't want me there with you… which I totally understand… I mean this is all new. You probably need your space… you will be busy, becoming Chief and all- hmmpf!"

Fleur captured the brunette's mouth into a searing kiss in order to stop her rambling. She laid her down on the blanket and kissed her with all her might.

After a few minutes, Hermione pulled away, gasping for breath after the blonde thoroughly ravaged her mouth and stole her breath. "Wha... what… was… that for?!" she panted.

"I'm so 'appy! Of course, I want you wiz me, mon amour! You are my light, ze love of my life, my mate. I was so worried about ze distance when I was going to 'ave to go back to France. 'Ow do I live without you? I will never need space from you, mon trésor. In fact, if I could, I'd crawl into your body and never leave!" said Fleur passionately.

Hermione laughed, tears prickling her eyes. She grabbed the blonde's collar and pulled her back in for a ravaging kiss, dinner can wait. She'd follow her love to the end of the world if needed to, so France was a no-brainer.

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Hermione woke up and stretched, the sheets slipping off her naked back. It was really early morning based on Fleur's clock on the wall. She lifted her head to see that they had moved during the night and she had been sleeping, face resting on the blonde's back. Fleur was still sleeping soundly. That was a first. Usually, she woke up after the Veela. She took the time to observe her girlfriend, sleeping in a bed instead of the Infirmary, face clear of any discomfort or pain, just relaxed. Her silvery hair splayed over the blue pillow, brow free of creases, pouty lips slightly parted as she breathed. She could see the little flutters of her eyelashes as she dreamt. The sight took Hermione's breath away and she wondered what she had ever done to deserve the French Veela.

It seems like a dream sometimes and she worried that one day, she'd wake up to an empty bed, all by her lonesome... which is why every time she opened her eyes to Fleur wrapped around her, she felt blessed and really, really lucky. Now that they had spoken about their future, she felt more relaxed and super excited. She really couldn't wait to graduate and start her life with her blonde. She had never thought it would be like this. She always had a few ideas of what she would do after school… maybe get a job in the Ministry or even try getting a Mastery in Transfiguration or even Charms but never had she thought, she would do it in a different country because of her partner. The word made her feel giddy. It was also lucky that France wasn't far away so she wouldn't be far from her friends and family.

She gently pulled away the curtain of blonde hair splayed on Fleur's back and pressed a tender kiss against the blonde's nape, trailing down her back, watching as goosebumps spread over the delicate skin and Fleur mumbled incoherently. She was sure she heard a whispered mione and her heart fluttered at the fact that the blonde still thought of just her even in her sleep.

Clacking against her window made her look up and she found the owl she had sent to her parents with the letter about Fleur perched on the sill. Gently getting out from under the sheets so as to not rouse her love, she put on a robe and quickly padded on the carpeted floor and opened the window to retrieve the letter. A sugar cube later, something she now had lying around for Artemis, the owl fluttered away to the Owlery. Robe off, Hermione slipped back under the covers, suddenly feeling the need to be close to Fleur again as she stared at the letter nervously. It seemed that Fleur felt her discomfort as the blonde started to wake up, looking blearily for her.

"'Ermione?" said Fleur as she blinked a few times to clear her blurry vision.

"I'm here…" said Hermione, shuffling closer to the blonde and pecking her on the lips, "Good morning."

"Bonjour," replied Fleur, looking at the brunette suspiciously, "are you okay? I felt…" she tried to explain the emotions but couldn't.

Hermione nodded, before lifting her hand to show the envelope in it, "I wrote to my parents about you… and they replied."

The hesitation in the brunette's voice made Fleur's brows furrow, "are you worried about their reply?"

Hermione nodded, "It is a lot to take, me being a lesbian, me being in a relationship that means forever, you being Veela… but I knew it was best to put it all out there. I've always been honest to my parents."

Fleur nodded, "Do you want me to 'old you as you read it?"

"Please," a small whisper floated into the air and Fleur wasted no time in settling herself against the headboard and pulling the Gryffindor against her chest.

Hermione sighed as she felt herself relax. There was something about being in Fleur's arms and the skin to skin contact that centred her every time. She felt a kiss of encouragement against the crown of her head and breathed in, opening the envelope and pulling out the letter, recognising her mother's handwriting.

Our dear Hermione,

Ever since you were born, we knew you were special. As you grew up, you started reading and talking a lot earlier than other children your age. Then, mysterious things would happen and we later found out, you were not just special but magical as well. It was a revelation to us, having never heard of such magic before but it was who you were and still are. It was hard to let you go to Hogwarts, to not see you for most of the year. We never expected you to leave us so early. We thought we would have you till it was time for you to go to university. We missed a lot... As your mother, I missed a lot… I didn't get the chance to pack a few more lunches, help you with your school uniform, brush your hair as you tried to eat breakfast quickly to avoid being late for the school bus. I missed you growing up… and this is what this is, you have grown up.

One thing I never have had to worry about with you, is you making uninformed decisions. No, not you. You would always look at things from every angle before doing anything and I know you did the same with your decision to be with your Fleur. I am surprised, not having expected you to be in a forever relationship at this age but I trust you. Anyone having caught your eye must be exceptional and your dad and I can't wait to meet and get to know her.

We love you and miss you lots,

Mum and Dad

Hermione didn't realise she had tears streaming down her face until a pale hand cupped her chin, urging her to turn around. She followed and found herself looking at deep blue eyes as gentle fingers wiped her tears.

"I knew behind such an extraordinary woman like you, stood extraordinary parents," Fleur whispered, taking the brunette's lips into a slow tender kiss.

Hermione sobbed slightly as she wrapped her arms around the Veela, holding her tightly. She felt such a relief at her parents accepting everything again with unwavering support for her and felt a bit silly for having doubted them. She really missed them. If there was one thing the magical world lacked for her, it was her family.

Fleur pulled away as she felt the profound sadness and longing settle on her mate. She tucked an unruly lock of hair behind Hermione's ears. "Why are you sad, mon amour?"

Hermione sighed and dipped her head, resting her forehead against the blonde's chest, shaking her head. "I just miss them, Fleur," she whispered, not really wanting to talk about it.

Fleur looked at her mate worriedly and just tightened her arms around the brunette, hoping her presence was enough to provide some comfort to the girl.

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The next day went pretty fast for the couple with classes and all. They were happy to retreat back to the carriage after dinner where they joined the flock in one of the large living rooms. The group were sitting on armchairs, sofas and on the ground as they sang songs to each other. Hermione was pleasantly surprised to see a few playing instruments, especially Gabrielle sitting there, playing the trumpet.

"I didn't know Veela were so musically inclined," observed Hermione as she turned to Fleur.

Fleur smiled and pulled her deeper into the room, sinking into an empty armchair and pulling the brunette on her lap. Hermione blushed but settled herself on Fleur's lap. "We very much love music. Our language itself has a musical tone to it."

Hermione turned back to the singing group and listened as they sang a variety of English, French, Spanish? and Veela songs. The diversity was amazing. They all seemed to love dancing with the way a part of the group was going through some moves all synchronised like they have done this countless times before.

Gabrielle finished her song and spied the pair and decided to take a break from her trumpeting. She walked over.

"Hello Gabrielle," greeted Hermione with a smile as she saw the smaller blonde slip into the seat in front of them, "I'm quite impressed with your trumpet playing. You are really good! What made you pick the trumpet as an instrument?"

"Merci 'Ermione," replied Gabrielle happily, "I wanted to be loud and heard over all the other instruments!"

Fleur chuckled at the statement, it was the truth. Her little sister played a couple of instruments, all of them loud ones.

Hermione laughed outright. It did fit the younger blonde's personality. A thought hit her and she turned to her girlfriend, "do you play an instrument?"

Fleur's eyes gleamed mischievously and she replied with a short "oui", not giving anything away.

Hermione's brows furrowed as she tried to figure out the blonde, "Hmm, I'm sure it's something that matches your personality, "the piano?"

Fleur smiled, "I play it but it's not my main instrument," she replied.

"The violin? Or another string instrument?"

Gabrielle laughed and shook her head.

Hermione thought hard as she saw the challenge in the blonde's eyes. She was determined to figure this out.

"The flute?"

Fleur grinned and just replied "nope."

"The harp?"

"Non plus."

Hermione huffed, "I don't know then. I literally have no clue."

Gabrielle grinned at the pouting brunette, and patted her on the arm, "you will find out someday," before turning around and rejoining her group of musicians for another song.

Fleur watched as the brunette looked at her sister walk away with a fond smile on her face. "You like my sister."

Hermione was shocked and turned to look at the blonde, "Of course, she's your sister."

Fleur pulled the affronted brunette tighter into her arms, "I meant nothing by it, mon amour. It was just an observation but I'm curious, do you like her this much because you never had a sibling or she is a little brat and bébé?"

Hermione thought about it before replying "Both? Being the only child can be lonely but I also love children. The neighbour that used to live next to us had a little baby and they would let me play with it sometimes," she smiled at the fond memories.

Fleur's imagination immediately went to the vision of Hermione, married to her, carrying her bébés. "How do you feel about having babies?" She asked before she could even stop herself.

Hermione's brows furrowed and Fleur thought the worst until the brunette smiled at her, "I want kids, not now but in the future."

Fleur's heart bloomed under her chest and she pulled the Gryffindor into a scorching kiss. Pulling away after getting Hermione breathless, she got up and pulled the disoriented brunette with her until they were back in their room.

"Fleur?" Hermione asked quizzically and shivered when heavy-lidded blue eyes locked onto hers.

"'Ermione," Fleur murmured, French accent a lot thicker as she ran her fingers over the Gryffindor's arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps, "I know you said you don't want kids now…" She leaned until her lips were just hovering over Hermione's pink ear, "but that doesn't mean we cannot practice for when the time comes," she quipped, taking a nip at the reddened shell.

"Hmmph," Hermione buried her face in the crook of Fleur's neck, feeling the heat travelling from the tip of her toes up to her face, "God, I'm so hot for you right now," she whispered, blushing when she realised what she had just said. She didn't even realise Fleur had moved until she found herself being thrown onto the bed with a predatory Veela hovering above her. She gasped as her back hit the soft bed.

"You cannot say such things to me 'Ermione and expect me to not do anything about it," Fleur growled, leaning down to attach her lips to Hermione's slender neck.

"Maybe I want you to do something about it," groaned Hermione, face buried into the bedsheets.

Fleur's centre clenched as the words sent such a wave of pleasure through her. She felt herself getting wetter and sank her teeth into Hermione's neck, sucking to bruise and mark.

Hermione moaned loudly. Fuck, she is so hot! She loved feeling and hearing Fleur so wanton for her. She gripped the blonde's shoulders hard and pulled her closer as Fleur attacked her neck with wild abandon.

Sensing her mate's need, Fleur quickly sat up and divested both of their clothing with the flick of her hand. She settled herself on top of a very naked Hermione and relished the feeling of their skin touching. She could see the goosebumps rising on Hermione's neck and ran her tongue on every inch she could find.

Hermione's hips bucked involuntarily. She had no control over her body, She clawed at Fleur's back, wanting, needing more desperately but unable to voice it.

"Tell me where you need me, my 'Ermione," Fleur ordered against the heated flesh. She trailed down Hermione's collarbone, even lower and nipped at the brunette's nipple.

Hermione hissed at the sensation and buried her hands in Fleur's blonde locks, "inside…" she croaked, "I need you inside!" She surprised herself by the lack of embarrassment to her words as her need overtook everything else.

Fleur didn't need to be told twice. She gathered the brunette's wetness on her fingers and slowly buried two inside her mate's hot centre.

Hermione cried out at the feeling of Fleur filling her so completely. She mewled as her Veela started pumping inside of her, hard and fast.

Fleur felt the need to consume Hermione and did just that, pumping into her without abandon, ears locked on the sounds coming from her mate. She wanted to be careful and not finish her too fast, wanting to bring Hermione to a new high. She sucked every inch of skin she could find, revelling in the red marks she left behind. Hermione was hers and the marks proved it.

Hermione groaned, feeling so close already but Fleur seemed to hold her over the precipice, refusing her the freefall. She growled and wrapped her arms around the blonde's torso, using it to anchor herself as she pushed herself harder on Fleur's digits, willing to look for the elusive release herself.

Fleur growled at the brunette's audacity and flipped her onto her stomach, loving the little squeak of surprise from her. Settling heavily on Hermione's back to hold her in place, she started her pistoning motions again.

Hermione whined as she was denied the release she so badly wanted but this new position was doing things inside of her that she barely had any breath left. She gasped as Fleur's fingers pressed deeper into her, mewling as her thighs quivered. "Fleur please! Fleur!" She pleaded to the blonde, begging for some relief.

Taking pity on the Gryffindor, Fleur curled her fingers, watching like a hawk as Hermione came undone underneath her and arched back into her with a cry. She could feel the brunette's core tightening and clenching around her fingers, trying to suck her in and she moaned against Hermione's sweaty nape.

"Once… once I catch my breath," Hermione panted, "you're next."

Fleur grinned against the brunette's neck. She wouldn't have it any other way.

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"Quiet!" barked Professor Moody as he barged into the classroom, his fake eyes whirling around to take in everyone. The class went silent immediately.

Hermione pulled her attention away from where her girlfriend was playing with her fingers and looked at the Professor. He wasn't so bad… just quite forceful and eccentric.

"The Third Task is coming soon," Professor Moody continued, one eye on Harry and another on Fleur, "and we want it to be a good one, don't we? Performances have left to be desired recently so I'm gonna whip you all in shape! Come with me!" And walked out of the room, his wooden leg clanging noisily against the stone floor. Students quickly shuffled out to follow him.

With a few turns in the hallway, the group found themselves in the Duelling room, larger than Hermione had ever seen it. She deduced that Moody must have extended it.

"You are already paired up! Spread out! Find a spot! Wands at ready! We are duelling!" Moody shouted at everyone, glaring as they all scrambled to take a spot. "The rules are no maiming spell, otherwise there are no other rules," he said grinning maniacally.

Hermione was surprised and turned to look at Fleur, who was looking at her with a glint of a challenge in her blue eyes. If Hermione knew the Veela, she knew she never backed down from a challenge. Well, the French girl was in luck! She never backed down either.

"Ready chéri?" asked Fleur, twirling her wand in her hand.

"When you are, love," Hermione taunted back, grinning at the arousal that flashed in Fleur's eyes before the blonde threw a curse at her. Hermione quickly conjured a Protego, blocking the attack before sending a counter curse, "Petrificus Totalus!"

Fleur dodged, casting a quick Expelliarmus which Hermione dodged easily. A smile bloomed on her face. Her mate was an incredible witch.

They traded spells for a while, even turning to non-verbal spells to get an advantage over each other but nothing worked, they were at a stalemate... though, from the grin widening on Fleur's face, Hermione wasn't so sure and was wary. She threw a quick Incendio at the blonde which was quickly absorbed by a Protego shield.

Fleur could see the brunette's brow furrow as she tried to get a read of her. It was cute! They were evenly matched but Fleur had an ace up her sleeve. Throwing one of her own Veela spells, a silent Nos Retardo, she watched as Hermione's eyes widened when the air around them got thick and her movement was reduced to slow motion. She fought against it, seeing that it did reduce the effects but not enough as Fleur walked her and gently plucked her wand out of her hand before pressing a quick kiss to her static lips, grinning as she walked back to her spot and cancelled the spell.

Hermione gasped as she reverted back to normal speed and looked at the blonde petulantly, "that was cheating, you using your Veela powers!"

Fleur laughed, "there are no rules, mon amour. The Professor said so."

Hermione grumbled half-heartedly, seeing as her lips were still tingling from the blonde's kiss. "Fine! But I declare a ban on all Veela spells for our next round. Give me back my wand!"

Fleur gave the Gryffindor her wand back, quickly pressing another kiss to a pink cheek before she got herself ready for the next round.

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As class ended and everyone started shuffling out, Hermione was grinning over the fact that while most of their rounds have ended up in stalemates, she had managed to get the blonde a couple of times. The Veela spell, while powerful, was very draining and had left the blonde at a disadvantage for the rest of the duels which Hermione took thorough advantage of.

Fleur was chuckling at her mate's gleeful face when the booming voice of Moody called out, "Delacour! A word please!"

Hermione looked worriedly at the Professor before turning to the blonde, "I'll wait for you outside."

Fleur nodded and walked to the man, "Yes Professor?" The way his fake eye was now fully still and focused on her was unnerving.

"Things have been going a bit haywire lately… with all the Krum nonsense." Fleur was surprised at the topic but didn't let it show, "I'd be careful if I were you. Maybe this is not just a stupid matter of hearts," he tsked, "the Bulgarian does have an ex-Death Eater as a Headmaster and if you want my word," he said, eyes boring into Fleur, "there is no such thing as ex-Death Eaters!" and with that, he swivelled around and limped out the door.

It took a few seconds for his words to filter through her brain and Fleur frowned at the implications of what Moody had said. Was there any inkling of truth in that? She wasn't so sure. Exiting the room, she found a worried Hermione waiting for her.

"What was that about?" The Head Girl asked, peering worriedly into Fleur's face.

Fleur shrugged, "I'm not sure… Let's talk about it later in the carriage." She didn't want anyone to mistakenly overhear them.

Hermione frowned but nodded. She took the blonde's hand, giving a gentle squeeze of reassurance and pulled them to their next class. Whatever it is, it'll have to wait till after dinner.

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To say Hermione was alarmed when Fleur recounted her conversation with Moody, would be an understatement. She wondered what it meant as she snuggled into the blonde as they settled for bed. Death Eaters… She had only heard of them in the context of Voldemort. She shuddered at the thought. Voldemort always meant something to do with Harry though. What was the connection to the blonde? Or was it just that Karkaroff was being nasty and trying to get Krum an advantage to win the Tournament? But it made no sense! The Bulgarian Headmaster had been pretty angry at his Champion after the Second Tas… but maybe it was for show? A show because Krum had gotten caught…

"Mon amour," Fleur whispered, pressing a kiss against her brunette's bushy hair, "I can 'ear you thinking. Don't worry and go to sleep."

Hermione sighed and pressed a kiss against the blonde's throat. She'll figure it out later. For now, she would just enjoy Fleur's embrace and get some rest.

RESPONSE TO REVIEWERS:

pclauink: Hermione telling her parents is an important part of the story. I want her to have a close relationship with her parents. As for Krum, we'll have to see if he does anything ;)

E Elliot: Haha, happy you enjoyed it.

Unknown: It's a cool idea! Ginny would be very much interested to see if she can best Veelas like that! Brooms against Wings! Maybe I'll get them to have a friendly match after school ends ;)

MMax: Unsure what you mean by taking revenge on Neville here?

wkgreen: I don't know. I felt like Hermione has a better dynamic with her parents, with the fact that they are muggles and let her go to Magic school. I have seen lots of fics where they have a distant relationship and I didn't want that here, which is why I let her be completely truthful from the start. In addition to the reply to her letter in this chapter, we will see more parental interactions, hopefully later.

Arial Wolf: Thank you! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Himemaya: I am right here! :D Sorry, work has been really crazy so I didn't have much time to write and edit.

Guest: Not dropping this, don't worry but it's a bit hard to keep writing with all the stuff happening in life, work and all. I hope you enjoy this chapter.