«Well, someone is chipper today.» Evangeline grinned as she placed another pin in the blonde's thick locks. The brunette already had her hair completely wrapped up in tight curlers and was waiting for the curl to set. Like Fleur, she was not a full-Veela. Her mother had married a Muggle man, so she grew up straddling the magical, Veela, and Muggle worlds. She preferred to do some things the Muggle way, plus she rarely got the opportunity to play with Fleur's near waist-length silvery blonde hair.
A Veela, even a part-Veela, was very particular about who she allowed to touch her hair, even in a non-intimate way. It showed a significant trust between them, allowing oneself to be vulnerable to another.
«Why wouldn't I be? Hermione loved her gifts. And later I'm going to have the most beautiful date to the Ball!» Fleur beamed up at her friend, looking at her through the reflection in the mirror. «I wonder what she will ask me.»
«How many truths did you give her?»
«Three. She joked that she had far more than three but I told her to choose well.»
«She is an inquisitive little thing. Well, she's smart, I'm sure she will think of something good.» Evangeline hesitated, «By the way, she asked me some things about the Veela after the First Task… about why I burned your feathers and your transition back. I hope you do not mind. I forgot to tell you.»
«No, that's fine. I would have answered those questions, too. As long as you did not divulge any Clan secrets. I trust that Hermione understands the significance of our secrecy and she will protect our information. She is a believer in knowledge and knows that it is a powerful tool and an even more powerful weapon in the wrong hands.»
«Do you think she is your one? I mean, I know she's young but I can't help but notice the way you are around her.» Evangeline worried at her lip, wondering if she might have gone too far.
Fleur paused a moment then looked away quickly so her friend didn't see her eyes. Evangeline would know that she was lying. She couldn't tell Evangeline the truth, even though they were in the same Clan. If she said that she knew that Hermione was her mate, it would raise more questions. «I won't deny that I feel a connection with her, but if that is a mating bond or just deep friendship is yet to be seen. You know as well as I that I won't be certain until she is of age. She is too young to know for sure.»
«Yeah, but she really doesn't seem that young to me. I mean, when she talks and even the way she holds herself... She just, I don't know, seems older somehow? That sounds crazy. Forget I said anything.»
Fleur shrugged «Perhaps. But until then, I am content being her friend.»
«Just friend?» Evangeline smirked but then quickly backpedaled when she saw Fleur's glare. «Alright, alright, I won't tease… So, tell me how you want your hair.»
The two French women finished getting ready, giggling and gossiping the entire time. Fleur had forgotten how nice it felt to have a close girl friend again and let herself get caught up in the moment. She was enjoying feeling young again and not like she was carrying the future of the world on her shoulders.
After her graduation, she moved to London and started working at Gringotts as a curse-breaker. It was a cover so she could join the Order of the Phoenix without raising suspicions about her presence and gave her access to intel the Order needed. She had been so focused on working with the resistance to let herself make friends.
One of her co-workers, Bill Weasley, had shown interest in her. He had even asked her out a few times, but she knew he wasn't her one. Thanks to the fact that her Veela was an alpha, the next to lead the Clan, she had developed an anatomical feature more commonly associated with males when she was a teenager. It was possible for her to still be an alpha and keep her female reproductive organs, which would have let her know that her future mate was a male. However, her development let her know that her mate was a female. So she hadn't bothered pursuing a relationship with the eldest Weasley. She didn't want to lead him on when she knew full well that she couldn't give him her whole heart.
At 6:15, they were finally ready for the evening. Fleur was wearing a simple yet elegant silver evening gown. The bodice was a textured lace with a moderately plunging neckline and an open back. The floor length silk skirt hung off her body perfectly to accentuate her curves and shimmered like flowing water when she moved. She wore elbow-length silver gloves. Hermione had told her that she would be wearing dark blue, so she accessorized with a diamond necklace with a large sapphire pendant. She also wore a jeweled sapphire comb in her hair, tucked into her elaborate updo masterpiece that Evangeline created. Her make-up was light and natural but was enough to accentuate her soft features.
Evangeline was wearing a more modest dress, a floor length red crushed velvet with long sleeves that hugged her body like a glove. Her hair was also up in an elaborate woven knot. She had sent Harry a red rose boutonniere to tie their looks together, since he already had his dress robes and didn't have time to alter them before the Ball.
Gabrielle snapped several pictures of the older girls and sent them on their way.
The youngest Veela was going to the 'Junior Ball' for all of the younger Hogwarts students to keep them out of trouble so the older students could enjoy their evening. Fleur felt bad for the professors in charge of chaperoning that party.
Fleur walked arm in arm with Evangeline up to the castle, using her friend as an anchor to prevent her from running up the hill to the castle. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest, eager to see her mate.
The usually open courtyard had been cleared of all snow and transfigured into a sort of hedge maze made out of roses, a warming spell cast over the area. The rose petals were covered in a delicate icy frost but they showed no sign of wilting. Two-seat benches were placed along the outer edge (and presumably within). Fairy lights hung between the living walls. It was a very romantic and private setting.
The Entrance Hall had also undergone changes in the few hours since she had last been here with Hermione. The space had been decorated in the same style as the Great Hall. Large icy columns, heavily decorated trees, floating candles and silver orbs, drapes of garlands.
It was a chaotic sea of colors and textures as students tried to find their dates in the crowd or mingled with their friends. Professors were ushering in students into the Great Hall for the Champion Procession.
Fleur stayed close to Evangeline as she looked around the area, searching for Hermione.
"Hiya, Fleur! Hi Evangeline!" Harry shouted over the crowd, waving his hand to get their attention. He was dressed in fine black dress robes with a white collared shirt, the red rose accessory was pinned to his front pocket. He had even managed to tame his hair down, though it was still rather messy. "You two look lovely this evening."
"Merci, 'Arry." Fleur greeted him and released her hold on her friend's arm so Evangeline could enjoy her date.
Harry offered the brunette his arm in a very chivalrous and gentlemanly fashion, earning him a smile and kiss on the cheek.
"'Ave you seen 'Ermione yet?" Fleur fiddled nervously with her gloves.
"No, she should be here soon, she's never late." He reassured her. "Don't worry, Fleur, she won't leave you waiting."
Fleur nodded, slightly unconvinced. She felt Evangeline poke her shoulder and gesture up the stairs.
"I zink I 'ave found 'er."
Fleur turned to look and felt her heart stop as she took in the sight approaching her.
Hermione was loath to leave Fleur that afternoon after having such a wonderful start to the day but she really did need to get ready. She was so pleased that Fleur liked her gifts and she was extremely touched by Fleur's gifts. She looked in the mirror for a while, admiring her new necklace. Three questions… She felt like Aladdin receiving his magical lamp. She knew that it was Fleur's way of offering her a loophole into Veela secrecy, so didn't want to waste the questions with something insignificant.
She flitted around her room, dressed only in her robe, waiting for her hair product to set into her brown curls. She didn't know how she got so lucky, but Parvati and Lavender had decided to get ready in Padma's room in Ravenclaw Tower, so she had the space to herself. Crookshanks was watching her with a confused expression, probably wondering why she looked so happy.
While she waited for her hair, she got her dress out of the box and hung it up using her bedpost so she could steam out any wrinkles. It was perfect, exactly how she had described it to Madame Malkins. It was a full length navy blue silk gown with a tulle outer layer and shallow V-neck. The bodice hugged her curves tight, supported by thin straps. Sequined lace appliques gave extra texture to the top part of the dress and faded down the floor. The skirt flared out past the waistline and the appliques transitioned from blue into silver, making the bottom half look like stars in the night sky.
She tested her hair again. It seemed like the curls were finally tamed into something she could work with and she quickly got to work, using her magic to create an elegant updo, showing off the open back of her dress. Once her hair was done, she slipped into her dress and checked her light makeup.
She wore no jewelry other than the necklace Fleur had given her.
With a final look in the mirror, she felt satisfied with her look and headed down to the Great Hall to meet Fleur.
By the time she made it to the staircase leading to the entrance hall, her stomach was full of butterflies. This was it. She took a deep breath and stepped out from around the corner and started carefully descending the stairs, holding onto the railing. She did not trust herself in heels, even though they were only a modest kitten heel.
It felt like she had stepped onto a Muggle movie set, everything seemed to move in slow motion. She saw Fleur standing with Evangeline and Harry, laughing and talking. And when the blonde turned her head to look in her direction, her heart threatened to leap right out of her chest.
When their eyes met it felt like the world had stopped, chocolate brown gazed into deep sapphire pools. They stared at each other for a few moments, both drinking in the view of the other. Fleur was looking at her like she was the only thing that mattered in the world, her smile was so bright that it would make the sun jealous. It made her feel special, wanted, in a way she had never felt before. All doubts she had went floating right out of the metaphorical window. This was their night.
She felt like she was in a trance as she descended the remaining stairs and came to a stop in front of the Veela, who looked like a Roman goddess. She felt a sudden wave of shyness overtake her as she gazed up at her beautiful date. "Hi, Fleur…"
"Bon soir, 'Ermione. You look positively enchanting, ma belle." Fleur grinned broadly as she took her hand and kissed her knuckles softly.
Hermione blushed bright "I was about to say the same to you…"
"You two love birds are so gross." Evangeline grinned, playfully socking Fleur in the shoulder.
"You clean up nice, Harry." Hermione smirked at her friend, who gave her a one-fingered gesture to go along with his "so do you" response. The four fell into light chatter, everyone smiling ear to ear.
"Oh, good, Miss Granger! You're here!" McGonagall came bustling over, giving her an approving smile. She raised her voice so all of the eight people remaining in the entrance hall could hear her. "Champions, please gather here and line up for the opening procession…"
Fleur held her arm out, elbow bent at a 90-degree angle and Hermione set hers in position so that her forearm was on top of Fleur's, her palm resting on the top of Fleur's hand. "How chivalrous." She quipped and grinned at the older witch.
"What can I say? I'm French." Fleur grinned back as they took their place at the front of the line, followed by Harry and Evangeline, then Cedric and Cho and finally Viktor and a Ravenclaw girl that Hermione didn't remember.
Hermione gave Fleur one last glance for reassurance before the huge double doors swung open. She felt like she was floating as she walked, her feet didn't seem to touch the ground. She heard whispers and even some shocked gasps, but she held her head high, drawing strength from Fleur, whose confidence was infectious. Fleur was proud to be with her and made her feel like she could take on the world, so she held her head high and walked. Fleur led the way to the Champion's table and held her chair out for her before taking her own seat.
Once the four Champions and their dates were seated, the rest of the students made their way to the hundreds of round tables that had replaced the four House tables.
Dinner itself was rather quiet. Hermione ordered pork chops, while Fleur had picked a traditional French dish from the menu. Hermione offered a few bites of her plate in exchange for a taste of Fleur's meal, which turned out to be a braised chicken. Coq au vin, the Frenchwoman explained.
The table fell into casual conversation as they all ate. Hermione was pleasantly surprised that no one else at the table seemed bothered by the fact that two witches came together. She had been a little concerned to see how Viktor took it, though this time around he didn't seem to have the same interest in her that he had before. He smiled at them pleasantly and offered his congratulations, complimenting them on their dresses. Cho made a comment that Hermione's Gryffindor courage was showing and that not many would be comfortable being so open, then offered her an encouraging smile.
"Zis ees very good, but I would love to cook eet for you my way. Per'aps you could visit me een France one day?" Fleur offered as she pushed her empty bowl away and dabbed her lips with her napkin.
"I… errr. I'd like that. I didn't know you cooked." Hermione blushed at the thought of seeing Fleur's home.
"But of course. I am French!" Fleur laughed merrily.
"So you've mentioned. Repeatedly." Hermione scoffed and nudged the blonde with her shoulder.
When dinner came to a close, Dumbledore stood and clapped his hands once. The dirty dishes all vanished along with most of the round tables. The only tables that remained were the ones on the very edges of the room, which would be there for people to sit at if they needed a break from dancing later. Several tables appeared at the back of the room, covered in sweets and refreshments. Another table held beverages, several large bowls of punch and even butterbeer and wine for the older students. Hermione remembered that by the end of the night all drinks would be alcoholic, courtesy of the Weasley Twins, who spiked the punch with fire whisky.
"May I 'ave zis dance, Mademoiselle Granger?" Fleur bowed at the waist and offered her hand.
Hermione was beside herself, she felt every bit like a princess, as ridiculous as that sounded. She grinned and accepted Fleur's hand "It would be an honor, Mademoiselle Delacour."
The four Champions all took up their places on the dance floor for the opening dance and started to move in time with the music that played. Fleur led them in a slow waltz with skill and confidence. Hermione was glad that she and Harry had practiced the steps together, but she found that it was rather easy to follow Fleur's lead. Just like everything else, the blonde's movements were graceful and fluid as she spun the brunette around then dipped her low at the end of the song.
After a few minutes, some of the professors joined them on the dance floor, Dumbledore and McGonagall sweeping along in surprisingly elegant movements. Some brave student pairs also took the plunge and before long, the floor was full of dancing.
After a few traditional songs, the staff table was removed and the Weird Sisters took the stage to provide live music. Hermione was having a grand time dancing with Fleur, Evangeline and Harry. For once in her life, she wasn't worried about anything other than having fun with friends. The quartet goofed off, jumping about and waving their arms around to the eclectic beat of the music. After a while they headed off the dance floor to rest and get some refreshments. Hermione sat with Harry while the Beauxbatons women went to get drinks. They were older and could get the good stuff anyway.
"I never thought I would be having so much fun!" Hermione puffed, out of breath.
Harry nodded, sweeping his dark bangs out of his face "I know right? Thanks for helping set me up with Evangeline. She's really funny and smart."
"Ooooh, are you in love, Harry James Potter?"
"Shove off, it's not like that."
"I'm just teasing you. You're my brother and therefore it's my duty to give you shit." Hermione laughed and socked him in the shoulder.
Their playful moment was interrupted by a furious redhead that came stomping over in a huff. Ron stood there, arms across his chest, his face contorted in anger
"Havin' fun are we? Well, carry on with your jokes. Don't let me interrupt you" He glowered, continuing when he saw them look up at him "Yeah, I'm still here… Guess you two were too busy with those sluts to realize you were down a friend, huh? Glad to know I'm so easily replaced…"
"How dare you say that about them!?" Hermione jumped to her feet, staring him down.
"Yeah, what's your problem, Ron?" Harry followed suit.
"Problem? Oh, there's no problem, not according to you two at least…" Ron glared, making a point to look only at Harry, ignoring Hermione's presence.
"Look if you've got an issue, just spit it out." Harry challenged.
"Fine… since apparently you can't see the obvious… Have you forgotten something? They're Veela! None of this is real! I can't believe you would be so stupid to believe otherwise." Ron finally looked at Hermione, pointing an accusatory finger at her "And you… I thought you were smarter than this."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione shot back.
"She's using you to figure out that egg! She's gonna take what she wants from you and kick you to the curb. It's what they do! And what's worse is that you brought Harry into this mess!" Ron was visibly shaking now, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.
"How dare you! How dare you speak about Fleur like that. Suggesting she have and dishonorable intentions. We've never discussed the tournament! Just because you're jealous doesn't mean you have to be a complete arse about it!" Hermione seethed.
"Jealous? You think I'm jealous? Of what? You? Clearly Fleur only agreed because she felt bad for you. I mean you don't actually think that Fleur would want to go with you when there were plenty of good blokes to go around. It's just a sympathy date because you couldn't get a real date for yourself." Ron was just inches from Hermione's face by now.
"Ron. You should stop this now." Harry squared up and put his hand on Ron's chest, pushing him back a few paces.
"Whatever, you both are fraternizing with the enemy and now everyone knows it!" Ron glared between the two.
"You're such a fucking hypocrite Ronald Weasley. Who was it that was tripping over themselves trying to get her attention earlier this year? You!" Hermione growled.
"It was different. I'm a bloke. I was under her Veela spells. I couldn't help it." Ron shrugged "You on the other hand have no excuse! How could you betray me like this? I thought we were friends! I can't believe you'd choose some bird over me! I guess I should actually be thanking you, though."
Hermione folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow "Oh, how so?"
"Well, you saved me from wasting my time with you. At least now I know you're just a fucking dyke and so is she. I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole."
Unbidden tears welled up in the corners of Hermione's eyes. That stung worse than Malfoy calling her a Mudblood and cut deeper than Bellatrix's cursed dagger. "I never took you for such an ignorant small minded prat! Why can't you just accept that we're happy?"
"Because it's disgusting! Witches with witches! It's sick and perverted. It makes me sick to think about. I can't even look at you right now!"
Hermione turned and ran. She couldn't deal with this and she was certain she would do something that she would regret later if she stayed. She had survived a year on the run and hours of endless torment by Bellatrix, but this cut her deeper than anything before. She entered the rose garden and found a secluded alcove before bursting into tears.