Fleur and Evangeline were making their way back to the table where they had left Harry and Hermione earlier. It had taken longer to get drinks than they expected, but they returned victorious, each carrying a glass of wine and a butterbeer.
Fleur's smile immediately dropped when she got back to the table to find Harry shouting at Ron and no Hermione. "What ees going on 'ere? Where ees 'Ermione?"
Harry turned and opened his mouth to speak but Ron cut him off.
"This is none of your concern…" Ron glared at her, his face turning purple but not because of the thrall.
She set down the goblets on the table and turned to face Ron "Did you say somezzing to 'er?"
"Maybe… what's it to you?" Ron puffed himself up, trying to act tough and nonchalant, though Fleur saw his knees starting to shake under her heated stare.
"You said some downright horrible things to Hermione! If I hadn't heard it for myself I don't think I would believe it!" Harry spat angrily. "I thought you were her friend! Friends don't treat friends like that! How can you just turn your back on her like that? She's saved your arse, several times. If not for her, you'd have been plant food three years ago!"
"Yeah, yeah, I get it… You're just trying to look tough in front of your new girlfriend so you might get lucky tonight…" Ron rolled his eyes at the black-haired boy, brushing off what Harry had said.
Evangeline stepped in and put her arm around Harry and whispered in his ear that this was something Fleur needed to deal with and not to get involved further. The Boy Who Lived huffed but stood down, albeit reluctantly.
"What. Did. You. Say. To 'Er?" Fleur punctuated each word to get her point across, her eyes starting to flash a dangerous red.
"I told her what I thought of her. And you for that matter!"
"Please… Be more specific."
Ron's lips twisted into a cruel smile, as if he was glad to have the opportunity to speak his mind, not realizing the hot water he was in. "I think that you messed with her mind somehow with your Veela ways! You did something and got her all confused, turned her into a dyke like you! We were meant to be, me and her. She would have chosen me, I know it! She was supposed to be mine. Then you came along and ruined everything!"
"How dare you?!" Fleur screeched angrily "You talk about 'Ermione as eef she ees somezzing to own! She belongs to no one but 'erself! And you are a fool for zinking ozzerwise. You do not deserve 'er eef zat ees 'ow you would treat 'er. 'Ermione ees a bright, independent and talented witch who can make 'er own free choices! I am 'onored and privileged zat she sees me worzzy of 'er friendship and I would never take zat for granted."
"Whatever…" Ron scoffed "Once you're gone she'll forget about you and come back to me. You're just a phase. Mark my words."
"Non, Monsieur Weasley. You mark my words. I do not know why she tolerates your bullsheet or what she sees in you… but some'ow she zinks of you as a friend, so I will give you a warning zis time. Eef I see 'er shed one more tear because of somezzing you said to 'er... I will not be as gentle next time."
"Is that a threat?" Ron straightened up, making himself as tall as possible, and folded his arms across his chest, glaring defiantly.
Fleur had finally had enough of his false bravado. In one swift movement she reached forward and grabbed Ron by the frilly white collar of his ancient dress robes. In a surprising display of strength, she lifted him up off the ground until his toes barely touched.
"Non, zat was not a zreat. You will know if I ever decided to zreaten you. You are not worzz my time or energy." She threw him backwards away from her, not caring that he tripped over his ill-fitting robes and landed on his ass. She glared down at him as if he was the most disgusting thing on earth. And right now he was pretty close in her opinion.
She spun on her heel and turned to Harry and Evangeline. "I must find 'Ermione. 'Arry, did you see where she went?"
Harry was staring, wide eyed and open mouthed "She ran outside I think. I didn't really get a chance to see."
"Zank you. You will tell me eef ze idiot puts one toe out of line, yes?"
"Oh, believe me, you'll have to get in line after me." Harry grinned, glad that Hermione had someone good in her corner for once. "Don't worry, Fleur, we both care about her. I won't let anything happen to her when you're not around."
Fleur smiled at him, satisfied with his answer, and spun on her heel and strode off.
Ron stumbled up to his feet and pointed a finger at Fleur's back "Did you see that? Bloody creature just threatened me!" He looked around at the group of students now curiously watching the altercation unfold, trying to gain some support. Feeling emboldened by the audience, he shouted after the seething blonde "What are they thinking, allowing something like that to wander around in school?! She's dangerous! She should be locked up in…"
He didn't get to finish what he was going to say because Viktor Krum decked him square in the jaw, sending him flying again.
"That is enough out of your vretched mouth. She is a rightful Champion and a good person who deserves respect, not this!" Viktor growled and gestured in a sweeping motion at Ron. "If anything it is you who should be shunned for your ignorance. Save the rest of us from having to listen to your idiocy!"
Ron stumbled to his feet, clutching his mouth and staring wide-eyed at his Quidditch idol. "But… how can you side with her? She's your competition in more ways than one! She's a dy…"
"Say one more negative comment about Fleur or Hermy-oh-ninny and I vill hit you again." Viktor interrupted, glaring at the redhead.
Ron looked around, finally noticing that the looks he had been getting were mostly disapproving rather than supportive and he turned and ran away with his tail tucked between his legs.
Fleur hurried outside, not sure where Hermione might have gone. The school grounds were huge and there were lots of places the brunette might have gone to hide. She thought about using her marble but she didn't want to waste time going back to the carriage and she didn't know if Hermione was carrying hers. Instead she turned her thoughts inward to her Veela.
«Our mate needs us. Find her, please.»
Hermione was pacing in her secluded part of the rose maze. She had gotten over her initial shock and hurt from Ron's words and now she was more annoyed at herself for letting him get to her like that. It wasn't like she hadn't been expecting Ron to make some sort of scene, but his words were felt more hurtful this time around. Just because she had survived a war didn't make her impervious to having her feelings hurt. Battle readiness and having an arsenal of spells didn't make it any easier to hear someone personally attack her like that for being who she was. Especially someone she trusted.
She wondered why she had tolerated Ron's bullshit as long as she had. Probably because she knew how it would affect Harry and she didn't want to come between him and his best friend. Though she thought that the sooner Harry realized that Ron wasn't a healthy influence in his life the better off he would be in the long run. The redhead really contributed little else other than negativity in the future, both in school and during their year searching for Horcruxes. Honestly he spent more time hindering their progress more than helping it, complaining or distracting Harry from the task at hand. Regardless of what Harry did, she had a completely valid excuse to cut Ron out of her life. At least until he came around, if he ever did.
"Good riddance…" she huffed and took a deep breath to calm herself down. She felt guilty for running off like she had, Fleur was probably wondering where she had gone.
She was making her way back through the maze when she found Fleur picking her way through the hedges toward her. She found it a little ironic, given the Third Task setting.
"Hey, Fleur… sorry I ran off like that. I just needed to cool down a bit."
"It is no issue, 'Ermione. I apologize for not coming to find you right away. Monsieur Weasley and I had a little chat first. He shouldn't be a problem."
"Fleur." Hermione sighed. She appreciated that Fleur was trying to protect her, but she really didn't need it, she could handle herself. "What did you say to him?"
"I merely said that I was watching and if he said anything else to anger or sadden you, he has me to answer to."
Hermione chuckled "Well, I hate to disappoint you, Miss Delacour, but you'll need to get in line after me."
"After you and Harry, apparently." Fleur grinned "You Gryffindors…"
"Yeah... us Gryffindors." Hermione worried at her lip a moment before speaking again "Hey, I have a question for you."
"Oh? Using your Christmas gift already?" Fleur quirked an eyebrow, a small smirk playing at her lips.
"No, not one of those questions, just something I noticed. You don't call me Hermione when it's clear that you can."
"Well… I noticed that you seem to like the way I was saying it. Would you prefer for me to call you Hermione?"
"Eww, no, the other way was much better!" Hermione laughed. It felt strange how such a simple adjustment changed everything. Hearing Fleur say 'Hermione' like that didn't give her fluttering butterflies in her stomach.
"Good, then I shall continue to say 'Ermione." Fleur smiled softly. "Perhaps we could finish our dance here, since we were so rudely interrupted before?"
"I would like that." Hermione nodded.
"Bon, one moment." Fleur took her wand out of its hiding place in her silk glove and waved it around. "Just some wards to make sure we are not interrupted. I saw a number of amorous pairs on my way in here and I do not feel like sharing my time with you." Once the spells were in place, she put her wand back and held her hand out to Hermione.
Hermione grinned and accepted Fleur's hand, placing her other hand on Fleur's shoulder, leaning her head against the other.
Without music, Fleur hummed a song and slowly turned them around. It wasn't a particular dance style, they just stood close and swayed together in small circles. It could have been minutes, it could have been hours. Hermione didn't care. Everything felt perfect, like they were tucked away in their own little world. The smell of roses and twinkling of fairy lights above. Listening to Fleur's soft voice and the steady pounding of her heart. Hermione felt her heart swell.
They stayed together a few moments once the 'song' ended, both witches seemed content to just hold one another close. Then the bells chimed, a warning that the Ball was drawing to a close.
Fleur pulled back first, tilting her head back so she could look down at Hermione. "Thank you for such a lovely evening. Aside from the brief interruption, I must say this was a wonderful day. I should get you back before Monsieur Potter has my head for keeping you out late."
Hermione reluctantly pulled away as well, lifting her chin to meet Fleur's gaze. She stared deep into those icy blue pools, noting the way Fleur was looking at her. It felt different, more intense and meaningful, like something had changed. In that moment she was feeling as if she was simultaneously drowning and floating in their depths. Her eyes flicked down to Fleur's soft pink lips, wondering what they might feel like against her own. The Frenchwoman had kissed her cheeks, but it wasn't the same.
Her breath hitched when she saw Fleur's pupils dilate. Subconsciously, her tongue darted out, wetting her lips. Oh God, I'm about to kiss Fleur Delacour! She thought. She slowly leaned in, her eyes slipping closed. She was not expecting to feel a soft finger against her lips.
"'Ermione… wait."
Hermione's eyes flashed open and she was overcome by a wave of embarrassment. She had misread the signs. Fleur didn't want to kiss her.
"I-I'm sorry…" she stammered, trying not to react to the sting of rejection, getting ready to make a hasty retreat.
"Wait, please listen to me. Let me explain."
Hermione blinked and looked up at the night sky, trying to prevent tears building at the corners of her eyes. God, rejection sucked.
"I did not realize you felt this strongly for me. But this is difficult for someone like me, it is not just a kiss for me. It means something more. For you. For me."
Hermione listened, feeling confused and relieved. Another piece of the Fleur puzzle fell into place. "Is it a Veela thing?"
Fleur just nodded solemnly.
"What does it mean?"
"It would create a very powerful bond between us, one that I don't think either of us is ready for. You are young, you have so much life to experience. I am very nearly an adult and you are still in school. It would be inappropriate on so many levels."
Hermione wanted to scream. She wanted to tell Fleur the truth but she couldn't reveal herself. Instead she bit her tongue until she tasted blood and let Fleur continue.
"I do not mean to disappoint you… But now that I know your feelings have grown into something more, I cannot allow this to continue toward anything romantic. I will not take away your choice and future. Maybe if you still feel the same about me in three years, we will find our way back to one another."
Hermione grit her teeth. It hurt but she appreciated Fleur's honesty and bluntness. She wanted to be mad and yell at Fleur for not telling her sooner. At the same time she knew that Fleur wasn't a mind reader. They had never discussed a relationship or anything beyond friends. This was actually the first time she had made it known that she wanted anything more than just friendship. Aside from a few little flirty comments and going to the Ball together, nothing about their activities implied anything beyond friendship. In fact, most of the things they did she could see herself doing with Ginny, too… running around the Lake, passing notes, bantering and joking, reading and doing homework. She had put more meaning into it and clearly Fleur did not reciprocate.
And as much as she hated to admit it, she had to admit that she understood Fleur's logic. In her mind, Fleur probably thought she was doing the honorable thing by not allowing the relationship to grow further.
"I value your friendship more than I can explain. I'd like to remain friends but I understand if you need to be away from me."
"Yeah… maybe it's for the best we cut our losses then. Thank you for being honest with me" Hermione sighed and reached up to remove her necklace but was stopped by a cool hand on her.
"It was a gift. Please keep it. You never know when you might have a question you need answered."
"Thank you…" Hermione looked away "I think it might be best if we stayed apart for a while. I've got a lot to think about."
"I understand. If you change your mind, you know where to find me. And I meant what I said, I'll always be there for you if you need me, if you ever need my help or support. That hasn't changed "
Hermione smiled sadly and left the maze without looking back. Damn you for being so fucking noble, Fleur Delacour!