One heads up: NSFW (it's quite a small part, but still is)
PLEASE READ END A/N!
They returned to London by the end of January 2nd. Apolline hosted a parting lunch, full of their favourite dishes. They left along with their British family, Hermione's heart ached as she had grown to love Fleur's family like her own. Dinner was held at the Granger's house, despite the number of guests (the house had to be enlarged to fit everyone after they promised her parents they would make it go back to normal before leaving).
She was thrilled her families were at a first name basis and considered each other family. She felt her heart soar as she heard Molly and Arthur arrange a dinner date with her parents. Just like when Apolline invited both couples to spend some time in France with the Delacours.
The next day she woke up to Fleur kissing her face.
"All your favourites for breakfast, ma Belle."
'Thanks, love'
They stayed in bed languidly as Hermione didn't have to take the train to get back to Hogwarts. Around noon, an owl tapped on the window.
"'arry?"
"No, that's Minerva's." Hermione stated as she let the owl in. "It's weird to say her first name," she snickered. As she opened the envelope. "She's asking if we fancy a cup of tea before the train gets there. Says she wishes to discuss a few things with us."
"Sure... We leave after lunch?"
"Yeah, I'll let the girls and Har know we aren't going with them."
A couple of minutes later, two owls left the loft. Hermione's returning only ten minutes later with a small note in Harry's scribble. She let out a laugh as she read the two words note.
"He wishes us luck."
Fleur chuckled from the kitchen. Hermione was partly relaxed, just like she usually was around Fleur and partly beginning to freak out as the exams were getting closer. She lost herself in her mind while she observed Fleur make them lunch and begun planning how she would study.
"Lunch's ready." The Blonde's voice brought her back to the present. After eating, Hermione grabbed her trunk, and they left the flat by floo. She smiled at the smell of their common room, it curiously smelt like home. The smile faltered as soon as she remembered that those next few months would actually be the last ones she would spend there as a student. The castle felt like home to her ever since she made friends with Harry and Ron.
"Eet will always feel like 'ome, mon amour. Beauxbatons still makes me feel warm and at home. I guess eet's because we live 'ere for seven years."
"I guess..."
"Alas, I'm certain Minerva is holding a position for you here when you want it."
Hermione laughed, shaking her head. "I'm not sure I'm fit to being a professor."
"Well, many 'ere would say different."
They heard a low crack, and Dobby came into view. "Headmistress McGonagall has asked Dobby to greet you and inform you she expects you after you settle."
"Thank you, Dobby! How were your holidays?"
"Great, thank you! Oh, congratulations." Hermione looked at him unknowingly.
"Zank you, Dobby!" Fleur smiled warmly. "We'll get everytzing to zee room and 'ead to zee 'eadmisstress office..."
"Yes. Thank you, Dobby!"
"Creatures usually can see bounds, especially zee ones zat 'ave zeir lives linked to zem."
"Right..."
They knocked at Minerva's office half an hour later, though the door was open and inviting them to enter. It actually took them longer to get there than to settle.
"Good afternoon, professor."
"Hello, Hermione. Fleur." Minerva smiled at them. "You had a good break, I assume?" They nodded quietly. "And I believe congratulations are in order too. I've been wanting to apologise for not being able to be at the ball."
"Thank you, Minerva. It's quite alright. I assume you had a lot of responsibilities..."
Minerva only nodded and smiled tightly. "Well, I wanted to ask you two how will your living arrangements work from now on. Madam Delacour informs me that you two are as good as married to the Veela tradition, I personally have no qualms as to treat you just like that. It is uncommon at school as it is, after all, a very young age, but it's not unheard of."
"We haven't discussed this yet, Headmistress..." Hermione felt a bit anxious.
"Hermione, I'm only about to expose your options." Minerva interrupted. "Actually, it is entirely up to you two. Your dorm is already private and I doubt you have any problem with sharing the living room with Mr Potter. I just wanted to say Fleur has permission to use the Flu whenever, just like you. No need to keep me informed."
"I-" Hermione was shocked, she didn't think it would be so simple. "Thank you, p-headmistress."
"Miss Granger-Black, I have one more matter to discuss with you."
"Yes?"
"While I'm aware, you've already started a career at the ministry, I also know that being an auror wasn't in your plans. It was Potter's dream career, but not yours." Minerva paused, waiting for her confirmation, which she gives with a quiet nod. "I understand you may have a brilliant career at the ministry no matter what you choose to work with. But I would like to offer you another option. I can't offer you a teaching position just yet as you would need to pursue a master's degree to do so, but I'd be happy to assist you in doing just that at any subject you'd prefer."
"Professor, I-"
"Now, miss Granger-Black, you don't have to answer right away. I like to think that I know you enough to understand your reasons behind joining the auror forces. Just know you owe nothing to anyone. You never did. You and the boy have already done too much. I believe it's time for us to do something for you."
"Thanks, professor. I'll think about it."
"Now, we should head down. The express should be arriving soon." Minerva stood up and opened the door to allow their passage, following right after. "Any luck with the searches, Fleur?"
"Well, I 'ave obviously been on holiday but since we 'aven't 'eard anyzing, I believe not."
"I don't think we're going to hear of him so soon. After Ron's screw up he's probably laying low."
"People like Lucius Malfoy don't lay low. They don't know how to. He'll come out." Minerva said with finality.
On their way down, they met Harry, the girls and a few other students that had stayed for Christmas making their way to the great hall. After dinner, they went up to the common room, the Gryffindor's for once, and talked, Hermione catching them up on what McGonagall wanted to discuss.
"What do you think?" Ginny asked what Hermione guessed was in everyone's mind.
"I don't really know yet. It's tempting, but I've no idea of what I'd want to study or teach. I don't even know if I'm fit to teach."
"Oh, come on! That one is easy, if it wasn't for you, Ron and I would probably still be trying to leave first year."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear. You are an excellent teacher, Hermione." Moire smiled timidly. "Happy new year, by the way. I hope you had a great time. My parents sent you a gift. But it's in my trunk, I was planning to give it to you tomorrow..."
"Oh? They didn't have to..."
"They said it's because you are taking care of me here. Are you going to stay here? I can go get it to you..."
"Sure. We'll probably be here for a while."
"Okay!"
"That's so fucking cute!" Ginny exclaimed as soon as the girl was out of earshot.
"Language."
"Sorry, professor!" the redhead rolled her eyes.
"Ginny!"
"What? It's not like you are going to become a teacher right now. I just can see it coming. And people are going to be f-" she earned a harsh stare from Hermione. "freaking proud of being your students. What? I didn't say it, ok? Which subject are you considering, anyway?"
"Well, transfiguration, Ancient Runes and muggle studies."
"I bet I know what McG is rooting for. Why MS?"
"Well, first because its curriculum needs an urgent review... But probably because I'd like to understand the way the Wizarding World sees them. Prejudices apart."
"First, I'm sure the board would be willing to take your suggestions under consideration even if you're not the teacher," Harry answered with a smile.
"A fact. You should indeed, it doesn't even touch tech basis." Luna added dreamily.
"Secondly, you can study all zat on zee side. Knowing you, ma Belle, you won't be even able to keep yourself at one subject."
"The ultimate truth!" Ginny exclaimed just as Moire got back.
"Here. I didn't really know what to suggest to them, but I thought you'd like this." Moore extended a neatly packed rectangular gift.
"Thank you, Moire. You are too sweet."
Hermione carefully unwrapped it and was pleased to discover a beautiful handmade binding notebook along with a fountain pen and a couple of fancy ballpoints.
"They are beautiful, Moire! Thank you!" She gasped as she saw her name stamped on the inside of the notebook and felt her eyes wet. "That's sweet."
"The store card is in there, in case you want to refill the notebook. They can bind the used pages for you..."
Hermione smiled widely at Moire and hugged her.
"Oh, Moire is already working on getting to the future professor good side." Ginny laughed at the indignant squeal that followed her comment coming from the two hugging.
"You are the one that needs it, Ginevra." Hermione scolded. "And you don't know if I'd finish the whole program to teach her."
"Yes, you will." Harry managed to stop laughing to answer her. "The masters' length depends solely on you. If it was for your efforts, you'd have graduated three years early. The only reason I wasn't too preoccupied while we were camping was that I knew you probably knew more than a graduate."
Hermione felt her face get hot.
"I should go. I still have to plan my schedule..." Moire was a bit flustered.
"And the snitch was caught! And that's how you earn a place in Hermione's heart! Unless you're Fleur, of course."
"Shut up, Ginny. Ignore her, Moire. If you need any help, just ask, okay, Moire?" Hermione pinched her nose, exasperated. After the girl left, she glared at Ginny and then Fleur, as she was giggling. In fact, she glared at all of them as they were all poorly trying to conceal their laughter. "I'm going to bed." She got up and left before any of them could say anything.
She was a little annoyed at them but mostly she stormed to her room because Moire's words made her realize one thing: she hadn't even thought about her study schedule and she hadn't been as occupied as she was now since her third year. And this time she didn't have a time-turner to aid her.
"Fuck!"
"As much as I love to 'ear you say zat, ma Reine, I prefer when I'm much closer to you." Fleur said, smoothly as she entered the room. Hermione couldn't help but chuckle. "What's zee matter, mon amour? I know you weren't as annoyed as you made zem believe."
"Well... I have N.E.W.T.s this year."
"Oui, zat's basically what you came 'ere to do." Fleur nodded, clearly not knowing where Hermione was going.
"I've got to go through seven years of learning. I haven't even touched anything school-related this Holliday apart from my homework. I usually have a plan at this time of the year!"
"I see. I love 'ow committed you are, ma Belle." Fleur smiled at her. "I can 'elp you if you want."
"Would you?"
"Of course. What you need me to do?"
"I don't know if I need it now... But I'll probably need you later, helping me to review?"
"Sure, ma Belle. If you need me, I'm here." The blonde began changing into the pajamas before sitting on the bed than retrieved the book she had been reading.
"I might need something." Hermione smiled at her and earned a questioning look.
"Oui?"
"A kiss. You know, to calm me down..." She smiled sweetly as Fleur got up after carefully putting her book on the bedside table and sauntered to Hermione, sitting on her lap.
"Ma Belle, I do believe you need to concentrate."
"Hard thing to do with you like that."
"But I 'aven't done anyzing." Fleur pouted.
"Even harder if you keep pouting. You are stunningly beautiful, love." She kissed under Fleur's jaw softly, enticing a low moan from her. After a few (a lot, honestly) kisses, Fleur got up and back to the bed. Hermione forced herself to concentrate and arrange her schedule. When she was satisfied, she joined her mate in bed.
"Are you done?" the blonde had been engrossed by the book ever since she got back to bed.
"Yes. I was only organizing everything, so I knew what to study and when."
"Uhm..." Fleur closed her book and turned to her. "I love you. And I love how serious you take your studies."
"I love you too, Fleur."
They slept that night, Hermione's almost-panicking stole quite a lot of energy from her. She fell asleep almost as soon as Fleur wrapped her in her arms.
Less than a week later, Hermione found herself freaking out. She was slightly behind schedule since Harry had asked her to help him with planning his study sessions.
"Ma Belle, come to bed. You need to rest." Fleur sounded and felt annoyed, Hermione knew that. But she had to catch up and studying for a few more minutes would be essential.
"I'm going, love. Just let me finish this..."
"Hermione Jane Granger-Black! If you don't come to bed right now-"
"Okay, okay, no need to use the full name." She said as she got up.
"Good. Now, I'd like to bathe with you, ma Belle. You need to relax a bit."
"Yes, yes. I'd love to."
"Good." When they were in the bathtub, Fleur began massaging her shoulders, making Hermione sigh. "Are you going to be like zat for zee rest of zee semester?"
"Probably."
"Uhm, eet's good zat I'm 'ere zen." Fleur began to kiss her nape. One particular nibble where her neck met her shoulder made her moan.
"It doesn't feel like resting or sleeping."
"Eet could 'elp you relax. But eef you razer sleep, whatever ees best for you, ma Belle."
"Don't you dare stop." With that, Fleur resumed her kisses, and small love bites. "Merlin, I love you, I love your touch."
Fleur began to caress her waist and Hermione felt goosebumps from wherever she touched her skin.
"And I love feeling you under my fingers."
Hermione sighed as Fleur reached her left breast just as the blonde moved to press herself against her back. Her mate knew exactly what each touch caused her. Feeling Fleur's body against her back and her hand cupping her breast transformed the fire in her stomach into molten lava, she conceded more access to Fleur moving her neck back, and a couple of moments later silently asked for a kiss which was answered deeply. She felt Fleur's hand travel down and caress her inner thigh, then she felt a soft stroke on her clit, making her quiver and moan.
"Fuck."
"Je t'aime." Fleur whispered into her ear as she picked the pace up.
Hermione felt her orgasm reach her and made sure Fleur was feeling what she was through their bond. Hearing the blonde moan her name made it to her, and she climaxed, screaming her mate's name.
Thanks to Fleur, Hermione went through the rest of the year without freaking out too much. Every time she was on the verge of a breakdown, Fleur made sure to calm her down and help her with whatever she needed. Hermione was sure she saw her mate chuckle when she voiced her concerns about not being able to achieve the grades she wanted, but the blonde calmed her nerves and help her study.
"It's uncommon to see Hermione this much at the end of the term." Ginny teased as they all enjoyed the break Fleur had forced them to do.
"Well, I rarely allow myself to relax much this far along. I just forget myself in my studies."
"Good zing you 'ave me now, zen."
"Not the only perk, love. You are amazing. Thank you."
"You want to go back to your books, right?" The French woman beamed at her.
"… Yes." Hermione felt herself blush. They laughed at this, Hermione blushing even deeper.
"Go a 'ead, lionne." the blonde smiled.
"I only have two more days to study, then I'll start-"
"Zen you'll rest. So you can take your tests with a fresh mind. You already know more zen most."
Hermione rolled her eyes but acquiesced, knowing the veela would have it her way no matter what she said. Three days later and anyone could find Hermione first in line to the first N.E.W.T. She was more than obviously going through everything in her head. Two weeks later the brunette and her favourite blonde could be found at The Three Broomsticks sharing a table with her brother and his girlfriends and celebrating the end of the exams.
"Oh, well, thank Merlin It's over. I was beginning to lose my mind!" Ginny exclaimed after taking a sip from her third glass of butterbeer. Its foam formed a mustache on her, which got all of them chuckling.
"Here, here!" Harry exclaimed, raising his glass. "I'd like to propose a toast. To family, to friendship, to studying our asses off."
"To having our dream jobs!" Ginny added.
"To living each moment in eet's uniqueness." Fleur smiled at them.
"To sharing each of these moments with those we love." Hermione felt her heart soar as she looked at them. They were it. They were her family, her people.
"To love." Luna completed. They clinked their cups and drank some more.
"Now what?" Ginny was for more serious than two seconds ago.
"Now we train. And catch zat salaud (bastard)." Hermione noticed Fleur had fire in her eyes, her will to bring Lucius to justice wasn't only based upon the anger she felt towards the men that allowed her to be tortured in his house, but also upon her high sense of justice, one that from what she learned while she was in France came with being a Veela, being part of a flock.
"Oh, no! Hermione has those eyes again!" Ginny whisper-yelled to Harry, who only laughed and nodded as Hermione came back from her reverie.
A/N: Hey, my dear readers! It's I, your friendly neighbour Celtic! I hope you liked this one! A few new ideas of a job for our beloved bookworm. And no, I haven't abandoned you! So, I've been thinking: I'm starting to professionally write, though I don't have muuuch time with my other (very) important job (owning a Design atelier), and that's why I don't get to update much, honestly. I've been considering putting up a page for me, so I feel a bit more propelled to write to you (not that I'm not, but it would help me to be able to spend more time writing. So, would you contribute? If so, what benefits would you like?
Please review (and answer me...), I'm always pleased to learn what you think!
;3
See Yah!
PS: Pappa: Yep, I do like this name!
Drumergirl: Thank you!
Guest: Maybe... I'm beginning to wrap the story... But if it's not here it would probably be in a one-shot...
JenDamn: I'm not sure you read everything, but thanks for the corrections, I might get to them after finishing the story.
PPS: If you feel like sending me requests suggestions or prompts, feel free to reach me by PM or email me: celticdaughterfics (gmail)
