Fleur woke up still holding Hermione, her face buried in the lioness mane and her scent clouding her not fully awaken mind. She heard some steps in the room and it made her get completely aware of her surroundings. Narcissa. Her Veela recognized her. She noticed Hermione's breathing pattern change and noticed her stirring. She moved from the bed carefully after placing a soft kiss on Hermione's forehead.

"I'm sorry I woke you up. It wasn't my intention…" Narcissa said softly and smiled at her. She shook her head smiling back.

"Good morning, Narcissa."

"Good morning… I'll let them know you are awake so you can have breakfast." Narcissa started to the door. "Then I'll run some tests to make sure Hermione can be discharged."

"I definitely could do with some coffee. And a discharge would be great too." The lioness' voice was still thick with sleep. Fleur kissed her cheek, laughing. A low pop resounded in the room before the elder Black could make her leave.

"Jilpy?" Fleur looked at the house-elf baffled.

"Hello, miss Fleur, miss Hermione…" She looked a little frightened when she saw Narcissa at the door, but greeted her anyway. "Dobby said you were here and I asked the elves here to let me know when you were awake…" She explained a little embarrassed. The couple nodded and the healer seemed shocked by the presence of the elf.

"Uh…"

"Narcissa, I rescued Jilpy from one of zee properties confiscated from arrested Death Eaters."

"Right, I should have figured." The witch nodded and smiled at the elf.

The elf popped away, then back carrying a medium-sized paper bag and two take-out cups. "Jilpy made sure to have your usual ready for you when you woke up…"

"Thank you, Jilpy. You shouldn't-"

"It's ok."

"Well, since your breakfast has been already solved, I'll leave you to eat. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call." Narcissa left, nodding to the trio.

"She and her son were the only that treated Jilpy better…" The elf smiled. "Dobby sends you his best wishes. Jilpy has to go to work now. Good day misses." Then she popped away.

Hermione sat with Fleur's help, her back leaning on a pile of pillows, and watched the blonde check the cups. "I zink Dobby sent word of your recently acquired liking for coffee." She smiled and handed her one of the cups and then opened the paper bag giving Hermione one of the croissants it held.

In less than half an hour later, Narcissa was back. Fleur began to get ready to leave while the older witch ran the tests she needed to release the lioness. "I just want to check your arm and then you are free to go, Hermione." She informed, smiling, and vanished the wrappings around the previous wound with a flick of her wand. "Uh, I've been hoping that it wouldn't scar, to be completely honest. But I guess we will have to grateful that we were able to get rid of all the dark magic."

"I don't mind the scar," Hermione said softly. Fleur startled and so did Narcissa.

"What do you mean, min couer? Why don't you-"

"It reminds me that I'm strong and that I'm able to overcome hard times. Even with the awful word, it lends me strength." The lioness explained.

"If you say so..." Narcissa nodded, her finger sliding her finger across the scar. "You are free to go. I do recommend that you don't exert yourself today but nothing else."

"Thank you, Cissy." Hermione smiled at her.

"Zanks, Narcissa."

"Oh, and Draco asked me to say that if he hears anything about Lucius he will send word to you immediately." The healer added right before opening the door, Fleur nodded.

The lioness climbed out of the bed and hugged Fleur from her behind, while the blonde looked into the purse Ginny had brought to them. They were still in their pyjamas so the veela was looking for a fresh change of clothes for both of them. Fleur smiled into the embrace caressing her previously injured arm. She took the fresh clothes out still holding her forearm. Her finger tracing the scar.

"What I said is true. It does give me strength..." Hermione offered.

"I know, Cheri. I'm just sad you 'ad to go zrough eet."

"It's in the past, Fleur. If I hadn't gone through it, I wouldn't be who I am now." Hermione said softly into the back of her shoulder. "Now, I'd like to get out of here and spend some time with you." She kissed the nape of Fleur's neck. The blonde sighed smiling and gave the lioness her clothes, waiting for her to come back from the bathroom to change.

They were at Fleur's in less than a couple of hours. Hermione was clearly a bit tired, so Fleur made her take a nap while she cooked lunch for them. The blonde smiled all the while she was in the kitchen. Sometimes she found it hard to believe that she had found her mate and how they were able to connect so deeply as they did. She didn't have to wake her up because she walked into the kitchen as she gave the last touches to the food.

"It smells heavenly, babe." The lioness said sleepily after giving her a peck on the cheek. "I'm glad I'm able to leave Hogwarts for the weekend or I would have to make Dobby come to fetch some of your food for me..."

"I would gladly cook eet for you, ma Reine" she answered brushing her lips lightly against Hermione's. "And you are just in time. Eet's ready." They ate in silence, enjoying each other's presence.

"I think I need a shower..." The brunette said after they finished eating.

"I could fill zee tub for you, a bath might be more relaxing..."

"I think I'd like that, but-"

"I'll get eet ready, you can come to zee bathroom in fifteen." Fleur smiled brightly and Hermione nodded.

The blonde moved to the bathroom and immediately began to fill the tub and then sort through the bath salts she had trying to figure out which of the lioness would like better. She decided on a honey and vanilla bath bomb. With a flick of her wand, she got a clean robe from the cabinet and accioed the shampoo and conditioner flasks.

"Thank you, love." Hermione entered the room smiling.

"I chose zis bath bomb, but eef you want another you can-"

"I'm sure it's perfect." Hermione made Fleur return the ball to its place near the tub and pulled her into a kiss. When they broke the kiss they were both panting.

"I'll wait in zee bedroom..."

"Or you could just get in with me." Fleur heard the tease in Hermione's voice wrapped with obvious lust. They both usually avoided being completely naked in front of the other as they both were aware of how they affected each other. The blonde beamed and shook her head, kissing the brunette softly. It was a promise, they both knew. Both wanted the other but judged that it wasn't the right time. Hermione laughed as Fleur left the bathroom flushing slightly after picturing what she could do with her girlfriend in the tub. "Thank you, Fleur," she said again, still laughing.

"Eef you need anything..."

"Sure. Go. The water will get cold."

"Nope. Eet will stay zee same, mon Coeur. We are witches after all" she teased as she went through the door and closed it.

Hermione got into the tub and sighed, the hot water easing all the tense muscles she had on her body. They were probably because of the hospital bed, she wasn't as tense as she would usually be during the school term. She let the scent involve her but resumed getting clean only leaning back to enjoy the bath again when her hair was up in a bun with conditioner.

She startled with a knock on the door. And it opened slightly.

"'ermione?"

"Yes, love? How long have I been here? I lost track of time..."

"About an 'our and a 'alf..."

"I'll get out in a minute! I'm sorry..."

"It's ok, mon Ange. I just wanted to see eef you needed anything."

"Oh no, dear. It was everything perfect. Thank you, babe!"

Hermione rinsed her hair and carefully left the tub. Wrapping herself in the bathrobe Fleur left for her, she walked out of the bathroom. The lioness heard Fleur's breath hitch and looked at her, smiling.

"I'm sorry, I fell asleep..." She said, reaching out to hug the Veela.

The blonde smiled and shook her head, "I'm glad you enjoyed zee bath, mon Coeur. Now, eef you don't mind, I need to take a shower..."

Hermione nodded, kissed her softly, and let her go. As the blonde walked past her, she slapped her butt lightly. The lioness didn't really mind to get real clothes so she grabbed one of her knickers and some comfort clothes (Fleur's, obviously) and laid on the bed to read. It didn't take long for the blonde to get back to the room, fully clothed. She walked directly to the brunette and stole a kiss.

"I love 'ow you look in my clothes" she stated in a low voice as she kissed Hermione's neck, effectively distracting her.

"Uhm, and how do I look?"

"Mine." The blonde answered bluntly.

Hermione looked away from the book and locked eyes with the blonde. The raspiness of her voice made her shiver and gave enough away to make her aware that she would look into orange eyes before she looked up. She closed the book, cautiously placing it on the bedside table, and sneaked a hand to hold Fleur's neck in order to pull her into a kiss. The veela moved so she could get comfortable and ended up straddling the brunette. Hermione gasped as she felt the blonde's weight settle on top of her, allowing Fleur to deepen the kiss. The unspoken agreement of waiting for the right (and perfect) moment to truly forge their bonding made them both keep the kisses rather modest. Mostly they were loving and caring, when they got too hot, they parted and breathed a little. After some time simply enjoying their kisses, they held each other tenderly and basked in each other presence.

"You know, I never thought I'd have this..." Hermione said quietly after being quiet for some time.

"Zis?"

"Yes, I never thought I'd be able to feel so safe and so complete in someone's arms."

"You deserve zis, you know? After everything you went zrough." While speaking, Fleur caressed her left arm just over the scar. Hermione knew that if it was anyone else, she would flinch. But it's Fleur. She smiled instead and snuggled closer to her girlfriend. No other word was needed. "I've always dreamed of 'aving eet. I never zought eet would become reality, only 'oped. Eets uncommon for a veela to find zeir mates." The blonde said after a moment. They spoke as if they were on holy ground. Quietly, as if afraid of disrupting the tranquillity of the moment by speaking any louder. Hermione lifted her head just enough to make eye contact with the veela and reached her cheek with her free hand, softly stroking it.

"You deserve it too, love." She, then, kissed Fleur purring everything she felt for her in it.

"Do you really want to change your job?" Fleur asked after they had settled into holding each other again.

"Yeah, I guess..."

"Why?" the blonde looked at her curiously.

"Well, firstly I feel like I can help more with all those Death Eaters at loose." Hermione began listing the reasons she had been thinking since the idea of changing departments came into her mind. "Then there's the fact that I really want to help put that disgusting git in jail. And I really miss the action, honestly..." Fleur nodded at her motives, as she seemed to be preparing to talk, Hermione spoke again: "And well, there's that super awesome auror that currently trains the newbies and I'd like to spend some time with her..." She grinned.

The blonde laughed. "Ees zat so?"

"Oui. Oh, I forgot to mention that she's French, her accent is quite cute." Hermione added giggling.

"Umm..."

"I guess I might have to confess that I get worried sick when she has to go to the field... I can't help it." She said solemnly and seriously.

"Oh, 'ermione, I am very careful when I'm out. But I understand, I zank every possible God and Goddess zat we found each other after zee war."

"Me too."

"We might make a great team."

"We already do, love."

"Indeed. So I'll make an appointment with Tonks to discuss zee early training, zen I believe you should talk to your current boss..."

"I'll make an appointment with her on Tuesday. And try to make one tomorrow with Professor McGonagall..."

They heard a knock on the front door and startled. Hermione quickly looked at the time and sighed.

"We are coming in!" Harry's voice came from the front door.

"We'll be out in a sec!" Hermione answered before Fleur had the chance to say anything. "I guess it's dinner time..." She pulled the blonde for a light kiss and got out of bed.

"Oui. I 'ad forgotten about it, 'onestly."

"Me too."

They got to the living room to find their three friends sat on the couch, Luna in the middle, patiently waiting for them.

"You forgot, haven't you?" Luna asked smiling.

"Completely," Hermione admitted despite knowing that she wouldn't hear the end of it.

"Well, I was almost sure it would happen and made us a reservation for us at the Japanese nearby." Harry grinned while making some effort to keep Ginny quiet (by placing a hand over her mouth). "Sorry, dear." He added to Luna as he had to lean on her to get to Ginny. The Claw simply smiled and kissed his cheek.

"I could cook something... I zink eet wouldn't take long."

"No, Fleur. I insist. Besides, we have been dying to try this restaurant. Do you like Japanese? Sorry, I should have asked first." Harry shook his head still keeping Ginny from talking. The redhead was already rolling her head.

"I might 'ave a small passion for Japanese food..." Fleur relented smiling.

"I got it right then." Harry grinned then flashed a disgusted face. "Ginny, love, it was quite not hygienic from your part as we have spent the afternoon out and I didn't wash my hands yet." the disgusted face that the redhead flashed made everyone (aside from herself) laugh loudly.

"Ew, Harry why did you do it anyway?" Ginny said as she swatted his hand from her face. Harry shrugged and looked at the clock.

"We should get going."

"Is there time for us to change?" Hermione asked, suddenly aware of her clothes.

"Sure... We can wait here or at the restaurant..."

"No way in hell we are leaving without them!" Ginny intervened, "They will take forever if we leave now."

It was Hermione's time to roll her eyes. "It will take just a minute."

"You know were everything ees, feel welcome to get something to drink. Zere ees a bottle of wine open in zee wine cooler, eef you want."

"It's the one with the white label. The one we usually have."

"The other is designed specifically for the two of you," Luna added, smiling.

"How did you-, never mind. Yes..." Hermione was slightly shocked but then she realized it was Luna who she was talking to.

"We won't be long," Fleur said, walking back to the bedroom.

"No funny business!" Ginny shouted before the couple closed the door.

As promised, the couple was back in the living room in less than half an hour. Fleur wearing a flowing black dress (that only did good to her figure, Hermione decided after almost jumping on her) and the lioness had decided to wear skinny jeans and a black button-up (she looked quite dapper and Fleur made sure to tell her that). As Hermione took time to notice her friends' clothes she noticed she and Ginny had some similar clothes on, except for the pullover the ginger was wearing. Harry was similarly formal and Luna had decided to go with a red dress, not too flowy nor too tight. They were all having some wine. The group left the building talking animatedly, it didn't take long for them to reach the restaurant nor to be taken to their table.

"It's really good to be on muggle London. No stares, no one hunting us down for autographs..." Harry sighed as they got comfortable and asked for drinks.

"The stares are really annoying..." Hermione agreed. "All that autograph thing is getting completely out of hand! And we have been at Hogwarts most of the time..."

"Zere are people disturbing you at school?"

"Mostly not, but there are some students that try to follow us…" Harry answered. "Most of them are discouraged by the prefects but a few are rather bold."

"Uhm…"

Their drinks arrived then and they changed the subject to a more pleasant one. After eating, they went back to Fleur's.

"We should go soon…" Hermione said.

"Oui…" Fleur looked a bit sad. "Oh, I've been meaning to ask… You really want to begin training to be aurors?" Aside from Hermione, they all nodded.

"It's not my main wish for a career but it would be nice to be prepared…" Ginny said, grinning.

"I'm sure you are going to be scouted, Gin." Hermione offered.

"Yeah, let's hope so…" Ginny smiled.

"I'm sure you will." Fleur agreed. "I'll talk to Tonks tomorrow zen. I'm sure she will allow zee training eef Minerva does too."

Fleur was aware of how early it was. If she was to be honest to herself, she was also aware as to why she was awake at such an ungodly hour, nervousness. Unfounded one but still there. As she walked through the corridors of the Ministry (that was almost desert), she was able to picture working with Hermione and Harry. She got to her and Bill's office, flicked her wand to make some coffee for her while looking through the stack of paper she had on her desk. She sent her boss a memo as soon as she finished going through the papers. Now she simply had to wait, either for Bill to show up or Tonks to answer her.

"You wanted to talk to me, Delacour?" The law enforcement head knocked on the open door while walking in. Fleur had been checking and signing the paperwork she had left.

"Oui… But I zought you'd call me to your office…"

"Yeah, I've been there since yesterday. Thought a bit of a change of environment would be good for my sanity…"

"You spent zee night 'ere?" Fleur couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at it.

"Yes," the metamorphmagus sighed. "I just realized I had an awful lot of paperwork to go through… Rem understands and has been taking care of Teddy." She grinned at the thought of her husband and son. "What did you want to talk about, Fleur?"

"Oh, zee girls and Harry asked eef eet ees possible for zem to get an early training…"

"Brilliant! I'm sure we can make something work. I just need to talk to Kingsley and Minerva… I doubt it will take much convincing…" Tonks talked excitedly, "Though I thought Ginny was focusing on Quidditch…"

"She 'as been thinking of a second career choice…"

"I see…"

"'ermione still 'as to talk to 'er boss…"

"Yes, I'll wait for that memo before I begin my moves to make it work."

Fleur nodded. "I'll let 'er know. I believe she was zinking of coming tomorrow to talk to Lufkins."

"Ok. Oh, and Delacour?"

"Oui?"

"I hope working with your girl won't affect your efficiency."

"Tonks, if anything it will affect it for the better." Bill joked as he entered the room, having heard part of the conversation. "We are talking about Hermione after all. And Fleur."

"I can only hope." The head left the office laughing. "Don't disappoint me, Delacour!"

"Je ne vais pas!" Fleur shouted back, smiling. Not everyone was able to have a friend as their boss.


A/N: Hello my dear readers! It's me, your friendly neighbour Celtic!

So... that one was kind of a filler right? But what do you think? I really like writing them in a (mostly) normal routine... Well you probably didn't notice (I only did when I was getting everything in order) but that night in the hospital was actually the Halloween eve... Yep, they never really get a normal one right? (that was accidental I swear!)...

Please review, I'm always pleased to learn what you think!

;3

See Yah!

Oh, right, Fleur says "I'm not going to" in that last line...

PS: Scorpio: Thanks for reading!

Guest: Yep! I had kind of a hard time thinking about the healing... (sign in so I can refer to you by name...) :)

InsertWankyNameHere: Thank you, dear!

Tori: Missed u, sweets! I'm fine, tnx! Congrats, at least your ghost still likes my stories! More veela info while in France probably... Although I don't watch Adventure Time, I'm happy for the representation (something we all need)... Was it cancelled? Well, a good week and I hope you enjoyed the chapter...

PPS: If you feel like sending me requests suggestions or prompts, feel free to reach me by PM or email me: celticdaughterfics (gmail)