Hermione was a ball of nerves. The Yule Ball was in two short weeks and she had so much to get done to prepare. To make matters worse, her professors were heaping on extra homework assignments and quizzes in preparation for the end of term exams. While she knew all of the content, it still took her valuable time to finish. Time she could be worrying about her upcoming date. Not a date. Maybe a date? It was all rather confusing.
No! She couldn't allow herself to get distracted from her mission. She had read every book in the library on ancient languages, runes, symbols and pretty much anything else she could find that she thought was useful and she was no closer to deciphering the Time Turner mystery. It was beyond aggravating.
They had about 6 months before the final task but that still wasn't a lot of time. But maybe a break was just what she needed? Maybe she could let loose for a night. So she stopped worrying about the poly of unsolved mysteries on her plate and started worrying about something she could handle. Preparing for the Yule Ball.
She sent in an order for hair styling products and also for new dress robes. Somehow the pink dress with frilly sleeves that she had originally brought pre-time jump just didn't seem to fit the situation. It had worked for her back when she was actually 15, but she was older now and wanted to look more sophisticated. She was determined to look her absolute best for Fleur.
As the Ball approached, she was finding it increasingly difficult to focus. Her moods kept waffling back and forth between waves of giddy excitement and gnawing doubt. It seemed that everything around her reminded her of Fleur or the Ball.
She no longer dreaded seeing Fleur around the halls. Before their date-not-date was confirmed, she had been quietly worrying that maybe Fleur would accept a date with someone else. She hadn't realized how much the uncertainty had been weighing on her. It had been selfish of her, especially since she hadn't even planned on attending the Ball in the first place. The thought of Fleur showing up with Roger Davies again made her stomach churn unpleasantly. Not this time. This time it would be her on Fleur's arm. Her dancing with her through the night. She smiled at the thought, her head suddenly floating on clouds.
But there was still the issue of Ron. Being the 6th son, she knew that Ron had issues with feeling inadequate and overshadowed. Unfortunately he chose to deflect blame on others rather than admit he had done something wrong. Or he would try to twist the situation to make himself the victim so people would overlook his faults and pity him. Either way, when with the temper that ran in the Weasley family, it was a volatile mix waiting to explode. So trying to figure out a way to tell him about her and Fleur was going to be a very delicate situation.
When she had come out to them while on the Horcrux hunt, Harry had taken it well. Ron… not so much. She knew from previous experience that he had a secret crush on her back in school but had never acted on it. Of course, he picked the middle of the woods during a war to admit his love for her. But when she told him she was gay and didn't think of him the same way, he took her coming out as a personal rejection of his feelings. And it led to a fight of epic proportions.
In fact he was so mad he left them for a few months. Harry, being more open minded and rational, chose to stay with her, for which she would be forever grateful. It seemed that this time around, Harry was catching on earlier but so far was being the kind and supportive brother she remembered and needed.
Hermione kept trying to find ways to ease him into the conversation about Fleur without setting off his temper but he wasn't giving her the chance. He was too busy being shocked by the idea that she actually had a date to listen to her, constantly railroading the conversation back to trying to find out who it was. Just like last time. Immature git.
But this uncertainty about Ron was bleeding into other aspects of her life, filling her with more doubts. After she had gotten over her initial shock, she realized that she was ecstatic that Fleur had actually accepted her accidental invitation. Confused but still ecstatic. And despite what she kept telling herself, she really wanted to believe what Harry had said was true, that Fleur actually wanted to go with her as an actual date. But the logical side of her quickly banished the thought.
Fleur probably just accepted because she trusted Hermione. They were friends, after all. It just made too much sense. Why else would she want to go with her? Sure they spent a lot of time hanging out together, but at the library, or passing notes in class, or running around the Lake. Nothing about their activities was particularly romantic. Aside from a few flirty remarks here and there, Fleur hadn't really shown any interest in being "more than friends." No. They were just friends, she kept telling herself. But the more she said it, the more it hurt.
In that moment Hermione not only realized but accepted the fact that she had a massive crush on the blonde Veela. Oh, sweet Morgana that wasn't supposed to happen…
She huffed and tossed her quill on the desk, splattering ink all over her transfiguration essay. "Damn it." She hissed under her breath and quickly used her hand to siphon the mess off of her roll of parchment. It was the one wandless spell she had mastered. Mostly out of necessity. Luckily, the Gryffindor Common Room was empty for a change, so there were no witnesses to her outburst or display of power. Everyone was outside having a massive snowball fight that the Weasley Twins had started, taking advantage of the fresh powder that had been falling all day.
Seeing that it was a lost cause to try to finish her essay, she packed up her homework and headed down to the Great Hall for dinner. Maybe a little break was what she needed.
Hermione was midway through her plate of bangers and mash when Harry, Ginny and Ron came in, their cheeks flushed bright red from the cold, bits of snow and ice stuck in their hair. They were all grinning and joking around.
"Hey Hermione!" Ginny plopped down next to her "Missed you at the snowball fight."
"I had things to get done. Unlike you three, some of us want to get our homework done in advance so we can enjoy the break…"
"Likely story, 'Mione…" Ron started shoving food from the serving plate directly into his mouth without it even touching his plate. The boy had the worst table manners of anyone. "You were probably snogging your mystery beau."
"I was not!" Hermione huffed indignantly, holding up her hand to show the ink stains.
"Come on, why won't you tell us? Are you embarrassed or something?" Ginny grinned and nudged her with her shoulder.
"Shove off you two. This is precisely why I don't want to tell you, you nosy prats!" Hermione stabbed her food angrily.
"Blimey, she just looks more beautiful every time I see her…" Ron interrupted, staring off, his eyes glassy and distant. Hermione turned to follow his line of sight and her heart skipped a beat or two.
Fleur had just entered with Evangeline, Gabrielle, and a handful of other Beauxbatons students. They were all chattering excitedly and Hermione noticed that Fleur's cheeks were also flushed and there was a bit of snow on her powder blue cloak. She had to agree with Ron, she looked like a snow angel. Had she been a part of the impromptu snowball fight, too? If she had known that, she definitely would have put aside her homework to play.
But as much as she liked spending time with Fleur, she thought it was equally important that they still did some things independently. In her experience, she had seen too many people lose themselves in their relationship, their lives becoming so intertwined that they became totally different people. She refused to let that happen to her.
"I just can't believe someone like that exists…" Ron continued to ramble nonsensically.
Harry just rolled his eyes as he scooped peas and carrots onto his plate. "Yeah, mate… just keep dreaming. You've got about a snowball's chance in hell with that one." He subtly winked at Hermione.
Ron, however, seemed to misunderstand Harry's comment entirely and seemed to take it as confirmation that he did have a chance. With a broad grin, he jumped up from his seat. "Right you are, Harry! I do have a chance and I'm man enough to take it!" Apparently he had not gotten the memo that Fleur was no longer available.
"Ron? What are you doing, mate?" Harry watched his friend with wide eyes "RON! Stop!"
Even Ginny seemed to grasp the dire nature of this situation and she reached over to grab Ron's robes to stop him but he wiggled free of her grasp. "Bloody hell… this… this isn't good, is it?" The other two just shook their heads.
But the bullheaded redhead wasn't listening to reason and was already marching his way across the Great Hall. His sister and best friends were watching, completely shocked and horrified as he came to a stop behind Fleur and cleared his throat loudly to get her attention. It sounded like a purple-backed horned toad had launched itself in his throat. How charming.
Hermione could only watch, her mouth agape as Ron made the biggest ass of himself for pretty much the entire school to see. She couldn't hear what was being said, but the look in Fleur's eye spoke volumes. If looks could kill, the glare she was giving Ron would have been more effective than the Killing Curse.
"Monsieur Weasley…" Fleur got to her feet and stared him down. Even with his recent growth spurts, she was several inches taller than him in her heels. "Zat ees no way to speak to any woman and I am appalled zat you would zink zat was een any way appropriate. Now zat I know zat is 'ow you view ze female species, eet ees no surprise to me as to why you are still looking for a date. I wish you well een your endeavors but I 'umbly request zat you leave me and my friends in peace."
Ron was beet red and mumbled something under his breath as he turned away to make his escape.
"'Ow dare you say zat!" Fleur spat, she looked absolutely livid. "Eet ees none of your bizness who I spend my time wizz. As for ze rest, you've got nozzing to offer zat would remotely interest me… and I guarantee zat 'ave a bigger dick zan your own pazzetic excuse for a man'ood, little boy.."
Evangeline spewed her drink all over and fell out of her seat, half laughing, half choking.
The entire Hall erupted in laughter while Ron turned and ran, Ginny hot on his heels.
Hermione really didn't feel all that bad. She knew that Fleur had a sharp tongue but only used it when someone overstepped their bounds and really deserved it. And judging by what she had heard, Ron must have done a swan dive off the cliff and into a flaming pile of shit.
Harry looked over at her with wide eyes and sighed softly, looking wistfully at his plate of food. "I guess we should go deal with that, huh?"
Hermione really didn't want to but she nodded and stood up to follow the black-haired boy out of the Hall, but not before she shot Fleur a shy, apologetic smile.
They found Ron sitting with Ginny in the Common Room. Ginny was rubbing his back and making comments to try to make her brother feel better, mostly at Fleur's expense.
Hermione bristled when she caught bits of what the girl was saying, "tramp," "not worth his time" and "doesn't know what she's missing out on." She wanted to yell at them both for being complete asshats, but knowing the Weasley temper, she figured it was definitely not the time. Unless she wanted to start the War several years early.
Ron looked up at Harry and Hermione as they entered and instantly turned on them. As expected, he started lashing out in an effort to make himself feel better.
"What are you two smiling about? Come to make fun of me, too? At least I tried. Stupid bitch didn't need to come at me like that. And for the record, my dick is plenty big enough. She doesn't know what she's talking about."
Ginny looked between Harry and Hermione "He's all yours." She got up and went up the stairs toward her room.
Hermione fought back the urge to slap him outright. She knew that Ron could be an arse, but he was reaching an all new level of low. She was not going to allow him to talk about Fleur like that. And she let him know her thoughts on the matter. "You are such an arse, Ronald Weasley! Just because she turned you down doesn't mean you have any right to say that about her." She huffed as she dropped into a poofy armchair.
"Whatever, Hermione. At least I have the balls to ask someone out." Ron looked as if a lightbulb clicked on in his brain. "Hey… you're a girl…"
Hermione shook her head, realizing where this conversation was going but couldn't refrain from shooting him a sarcastic remark "Well, that's well spotted."
"Why don't we go together then?"
"You have got to be joking. I've been telling you for days that I already have a date."
"Yeah, yeah… some mystery bloke… So who is it?"
"Ron… if Hermione says she has a date, maybe you should just let it go, mate…" Harry chimed in trying to smooth the situation before it escalated. Unfortunately Ron and Hermione both ignored him, continuing to glare at one another. Harry went back to sitting rigidly in his seat, waiting for the inevitable.
"Why is it so important to you?" Hermione's voice was raising in both pitch and volume as she got increasingly annoyed.
"Well why are you being so secretive?"
"Because some of us value privacy! You'll find out at the Ball!"
"Pfft… I don't believe you. I think you made this up so you have an excuse when you show up alone. I mean it's one thing for a bloke to show up alone, but for a girl it's just sad." Ron shrugged "I mean, don't come crying to me when no one else asked you."
Hermione glared at the insufferable redhead "oh that's rich, coming from the person who doesn't actually have a date."
Ron bristled, his already fragile masculinity cracking "I just asked you and you declined."
"First, you asked me as a last resort, which for the record is really shitty to do, even for you. Second, I do not know how many times I have to tell you this to get it through that ridiculously thick skull of yours… I. HAVE. A. DATE!"
"Wow… no need to blow up there." Ron looked at her with wide eyes and then turned to Harry, who was sitting quietly, unsure of what to do at this moment. "Must be a girl thing. You know how they get all emotional this time of the month."
"EUGH!" Hermione exclaimed, throwing her hands up in frustration. She jumped to her feet "I don't know why I ever bother with you. You are such a colossal fuckwit! I can't stand to be around you right now. I'm going to the library. Don't bother talking to me again until you're ready to apologize."
"A-Apologize?!" Ron stammered, looking like Hermione had just slapped him "You're joking, right? For what?" He looked to Harry for support, "She's joking, right?"
Hermione was already out the portrait but she could still hear Ron trying to process what she had said "She can't be serious, right?"
Hermione did not go to the library. She went up to the Astronomy Tower for a quiet place to get away and think. She was seething, steam was practically jetting out of her ears. Angry tears flowed from her eyes. She hated that Ron had gotten to her like this and the more she thought about it, the angrier she got. It was a compounding issue.
"'Ermione?"
Hermione turned in the direction of the voice, quickly trying to rub her tears away. Fleur was standing at the doorway, looking rather concerned, unsure if she should come in or not. "May I join you or do you need some time alone?"
Hermione nodded "I'm sorry… I didn't want for you to see me like this…"
"What's wrong, mon ami?" Fleur cautiously approached Hermione, standing quietly as she gazed out over the school grounds.
"It's… Ron was just being an arse."
Fleur stiffened, her pale fingers gripped the ledge so tightly that her knuckles turned white in seconds "He made you feel like this? What did he say to you? I will tear him apart for hurting you!"
Hermione shook her head "No, it's fine. I appreciate it but I don't need you to fight my battles. He was just mad about what happened at dinner and decided to take it out on me a bit."
Fleur softened immediately and pulled Hermione into a deep hug, her arms wrapped around the petite brunette, holding her impossibly close. She pulled her long blue cloak around the younger girl's shoulders, realizing that Hermione wasn't dressed appropriately for the cold.
Hermione melted into the embrace, subconsciously nuzzling against the blue silk dress. Her head came to rest on Fleur's chest, right above her heart. If she weren't so worked up, she probably would have been freaking out by the fact that she was so close to Fleur's breast. Alas, that was the last thing on her mind at the moment.
She could hear the steady, rhythmic beating. It was strong, consistent. She focused on that as she stood quietly, taking deep breaths as she calmed down. Fleur's intoxicating scent filled her nostrils and made her head feel light. She was glad that Fleur wasn't pushing her to talk, just letting her be at peace for a moment. She felt Fleur's chin come to rest on the top of her head and she sighed happily. She could hear her speaking, possibly singing, softly in French. She didn't understand it but found it soothing nonetheless. Despite the previous events that evening, everything about this moment just felt right.
"I am sorry, 'Ermione. I should not have torn him down like that. But the things he said… I assure you, it was not unfounded." Fleur finally spoke after several minutes once Hermione has calmed down.
"No, don't apologize for his bad behavior. I don't blame you, I'm sure whatever he said was ignorant and horrible, and frankly, I'm glad you put him in his place. He needs to learn that he can't get away with being an arse without consequences. He speaks first and thinks never. I'm not excusing his behavior at all…"
"Let's not dwell on him. He is not worth our time."
"That's true… so, are you looking forward to the Ball?"
"Very much. I think it shall be a night to remember."
Hermione smiled, her heart filled with warmth "Me, too. I don't care about Ron but just wish that Harry could find a date. The girl he wanted to go with was already spoken for."
"Harry does not have a date yet? I know someone if he is still looking."
"Oh?"
"Evangeline. Do you think he would be interested in going with her?"
"I think that would be great. We could all hang out together after."
"Oui, I think that would be lovely."
Hermione looked up when the bells rang, warning that curfew was in 15 minutes. "Well, I guess I should get going. Thank you for everything. How did you find me, by the way?"
"I saw you leave dinner looking rather sad and wanted to check on you before I went back to the carriage. I ran into Harry and he told me you were here."
Hermione nodded slowly. Right, Harry probably saw her on the Map. She was reluctant to move away from Fleur's warmth but she managed to extract herself from the blonde, who seemed equally reluctant to let go.
"May I accompany you back to your dorm?" Fleur's eyes were full and hopeful, shifting slightly with uncertainty as she looked down at the brunette witch.
"Won't you get in trouble?"
"No, we do not have your same curfew. You maybe in 7th year class but not in age."
"That would be lovely then."
They walked quietly back to Gryffindor Tower, their conversation light and superficial, but it seemed to be just what they needed. Hermione's face burned hot when she felt Fleur's hand brush against hers occasionally. She wanted to reach out and hold that hand. But she didn't.
She turned to face Fleur when they got to the entrance portrait. "Right, this is me. Thank you for walking me back… well, I guess I'll see you later?"
"See you later, 'Ermione." Fleur smiled softly, taking Hermione's hand in her own, pulling it up as she leaned down and planted a kiss along her knuckles, causing the Golden Girl to blush furiously. "Fais de beaux rêves…"
"Sweet dreams." Hermione smiled and whispered the password in the Fat Lady's ear. The portrait swung open and she headed in, watching Fleur walk away down the hallway as the portrait closed behind her.
Fleur was practically floating through the next few days. She and Hermione were starting to form the foundations of a real friendship and she cherished her time with the bookworm. She was still trying to keep it completely platonic, but she couldn't help but notice the increase in blatant flirting between them. Innocently touching fingers if they reached for something in Potions class. Catching each other staring from across the Great Hall. Witty comments and subtle innuendos. She couldn't help it. This Hermione was nothing like the 15 year old she remembered from her past, she seemed so much older, more mature. She felt disappointed in herself, but she couldn't deny that she had developed feelings. But she was firm in her decision that she would never act on them.
She woke early Christmas morning. It was the day of the Yule Ball! But she had several things to take care of before then. The first of which came in the form of her sister, who was currently jumping on her bed to wake her up.
«Fleur! Fleurrrrrr! Wake up, it's Christmas!» Gabrielle giggled as Fleur blindly reached up and pulled her down to the soft mattress, snuggling her close.
«Mmmm… just five more minutes, little monster. Let me sleep!»
«Non! It's time for presents!» the young girl wriggled free and leapt off the bed.
Fleur slowly opened her eyes and rolled out of bed, grabbing her silk robe. There was simply no dissuading Gabrielle once the tiny menace set her mind to something.
«Fine. But first I need coffee.»
On cue, a coffee tray appeared out of thin air on her desk. She hurried over to doctor her morning caffeine to her liking, a splash of milk and two sugars. She sat in a chair and sipped her drink, grinning as she watched her sister sitting on the floor next to a large stack of presents, already tearing into one.
«Make a list of who sent you gifts so that you can write thank you notes. We must always be appreciative of the gifts we are given.»
Gabrielle pouted but nodded «Yes, sister.» In a great show of restraint, the young child set down the partially unwrapped gift and got a piece of parchment and quill from Fleur's desk. She eagerly went back to opening her gifts, bringing a few over to Fleur when she came across them.
The sisters enjoyed a peaceful morning together before heading up to the Great Hall for a proper breakfast.
«Did you get anything for Brainy?»
«I did.»
«Ooooh, what is it?»
«I'm not telling you»
«What? Why?!»
«Because it is special and I want it to be a surprise. Besides, you'll just tell her. You're terrible at keeping secrets, you know?»
«That's...» Gabrielle huffed indignantly «Yeah, that's actually fair.»
Fleur was actually impressed by the overnight transformation of the Great Hall. She hadn't seen the Hall before the Yule Ball last time, taking her meals in the Carriage so she could get ready.
There were a half-dozen pine trees, each at least 15 feet tall. Candles, tinsel, and ribbons covered the evergreen boughs. Ice columns cascaded down from the ceiling and several moving ice sculptures had been erected by the staff table. Snowflakes fluttered down between the floating candles. For lack of a better term, it looked magical. Like stepping into a winter wonderland.
Fleur and Gabrielle joined Hermione and Harry at the Gryffindor table. She was grateful that there was an absence of redheads in the vicinity.
"Joyeux Noël" Fleur chirped happily and greeted Hermione with her customary double cheek kiss.
"Hiya Fleur, Gabrielle! Happy Christmas!" Harry grinned, pouring the youngest a mug of hot chocolate. He was wearing a knitted maroon sweater with a large gold H on the chest.
The group sat together and ate, chattering about anything and everything. Everyone was in exceptionally high spirits.
After they ate, Fleur pulled out a small bag from her cloak's inner pocket, reaching in to grab several wrapped gifts.
"Wow, is that an Undetectable Extension Charm?" Hermione watched her with interest. It was an extremely tricky charm, especially for a 7th year.
"Oui…" Fleur smirked and slid a long box across the table to Hermione "For you, mon ami." She reached in again and grabbed a package that she gave to Harry.
"Fleur! You didn't have to get me anything…" Hermione gasped when she took the long, narrow box.
"I know, but I wanted to."
"Well, since we're exchanging gifts." Hermione smirked and grabbed two boxes from the seat next to her.
Gabrielle wiggled in excitement when she saw a tag with her name on it and got to work.
"Blimey, Fleur, this is great, thanks!" Harry beamed as he unwrapped his professional broom care kit. "Do you guys mind if I go put this to work?"
"Not at all, 'Arry, eet ees for you to use as you see fit."
"Can I come wizz you? I've always wanted to see a Firebolt up close!" Gabrielle looked up from the little music box that Hermione had given her.
"Sure, if it's alright with your sister, of course."
Gabrielle pulled out her classic puppy eyes and pouted up at the older Veela.
"Fine… But before you go, what do you 'ave to say to 'Ermione?"
"Merci, 'Ermione! I love eet. Eet sounds so beautiful!" Gabrielle gave the brunette a hug and scampered after Harry.
Fleur watched the two leave the Great Hall before turning back to Hermione "He is too kind to her."
Hermione chuckled "He's an all around good guy." She pulled out another box from a hidden pocket and handed it over to Fleur. "I'm glad they left, I wanted to give this one to you in private."
"Oh? A secret, scandalous gift perhaps?" Fleur grinned and pulled out another box from her bag. "Well I happen to have something extra for you as well. But you have not opened your first gift yet."
"Well, neither have you…"
"We can alternate. I would like to watch you open your gifts."
Hermione nodded "Seems fair." She pulled the silver wrapping paper off of the first box to reveal a sleek mahogany box. She carefully lifted the lid and gasped. Inside was a white velvet cushion with a new quill. Royal blue with a silver tip and an elaborate writing nib at the other end. She recognized the feather. "Wait… isn't this the feather you gave me?"
"Oui, I hope you don't mind that I took the liberty of transforming it into something more useful than a decoration. It is enchanted to replenish its ink. As endearing as it is to see your hands covered in ink, this quill will not bleed ink onto you."
"I… it's so beautiful… it's a piece of you." Hermione stammered, overwhelmed by Fleur's thoughtfulness. "Thank you. How did you get the feather out of my room?"
"Gabrielle seems to have befriended a house elf that knows of you… Dibby I think?"
"Oh, Dobby!" Hermione wrote a few squiggles on the wrapping paper to test her new quill. True enough, ink flowed even without an inkwell. She set the quill carefully back in its box. "Your turn next. Open the big one first"
Fleur did exactly that, pulling off the red wrapping paper. "Is this… my own Underarmour?"
Hermione laughed "Thought you could use a set to keep you warm when you run."
"I shall use it every day!" Fleur rubbed her hand on the stretchy black fabric, holding it up against her chest "It looks very official. I love it, I can't wait to try it on later. Thank you. Your turn now!" She set the box of clothing aside and leaned forward. She rested her elbows on the table, her hands resting on her fists, eager to watch Hermione open the next one.
Hermione picked up the long black velvet box and slid off the red satin ribbon. Inside was a delicate silver chain with three golden rings on it. "Oh wow, it's beautiful, Fleur..." she exclaimed.
"The rings are special. Each one has been enchanted."
"Enchanted how?"
"Each one represents a golden truth. You may ask me any question and I shall answer it completely truthfully. I want you to know me more. But there are some things I cannot share, but I can answer if you were to ask me."
"That's both generous and cruel. You know I can't ask just three questions!" Hermione laughed softly as she leaned her neck forward so Fleur could put the necklace on her. She shivered involuntarily when she felt Fleur's fingers on her neck.
"Oui, so you had better make them damn good questions then. Take your time, there is no expiration date on them."
"Oh, I shall…" Hermione beamed and touched the gold rings resting against her collarbone. "How do I look?"
"Absolutely wonderful." Fleur grinned and reached for the last gift. It was a small box, wrapped in blue paper with a silver bow, since Fleur was an honorary Ravenclaw. She carefully unwrapped the gift and pulled off the lid of the small box. Inside there were two royal blue marbles sitting on a velvet pillow.
"You gave me… blue balls?"
Hermione snorted "First, never say that…"
"Does it mean something inappropriate?"
Hermione blushed, not wanting to have to explain the phrase "Uh… kind of… but that's definitely not what they represent."
Fleur furrowed her brow and picked on up, she recognized it as one of the marbles from the day she and Hermione dueled. "A reminder of the day we agreed not to kill one another?"
Hermione laughed "Well, I hadn't thought about it that way, but now that you mention it…"
"Oh stop your teasing, you insufferable witch." Fleur chided teasingly.
"Well, they are from that day. They just reminded me of you for some reason. Then I saw your Veela form and they seemed perfect. But I enchanted them. If you want to find me, all you have to do is activate the charm and the marbles will be drawn to one another. There's another charm that allows you to speak into your marble and I will hear it. I got the idea from a Muggle phone. When you activate the charm, my marble will heat up, alerting me that you wish to speak to me. They go both ways so I can call for you as well.."
Fleur's eyes widened and she looked at the marbles with more reverence rather than confusion. "That is very impressive magic, Mademoiselle 'Ermione." She picked up one of the marbles and handed it over to the Gryffindor. "You are truly amazing, ma belle."
"So are you…" Hermione blushed.
They sat together for a little longer. Hermione taught her the charms and they spent time testing them out. Of course they worked flawlessly, Fleur thought. Hermione really was the brightest witch of her age.
Eventually they went their separate ways to start getting ready for the evening's festivities.